tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17410582721710402322024-03-13T09:42:44.807-06:00Adventures of A String-SlingerThe adventures, and sometimes mis-adventures, of a Minnesota knitter...Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-89718158234639576102018-11-21T11:15:00.000-06:002018-12-17T12:10:27.284-06:00Noodles Cowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlBaBf9qsbfsjvHZOWSc_BVsR4bJeAq3WSYA5OeNpaiN03cl3UUUUPQdHuKgXALiboeDvkLgKqKWmcAlmsREjX-w88lPJz0q8ntKvsUzmnwVHTRfB_S1unFD99dZiQijfkIdLyF2aSr4/s1600/upload_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlBaBf9qsbfsjvHZOWSc_BVsR4bJeAq3WSYA5OeNpaiN03cl3UUUUPQdHuKgXALiboeDvkLgKqKWmcAlmsREjX-w88lPJz0q8ntKvsUzmnwVHTRfB_S1unFD99dZiQijfkIdLyF2aSr4/s400/upload_small2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><b>Noodles Cowl
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/dls/karen-hoyle-designs/502345?filename=Noodles_Cowl.pdf">download now</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Gauge: This pattern is very flexible gauge wise. You can use any yarn, and
any amount of stitches. Since this cowl is knit flat (like a scarf) and the ends
are grafted, you can make it as wide and as long as you like. The picture
on this pattern is worsted weight, size 7 needles, with a cast on of 36
stitches. How ever wide your cast on is, will be the measurement of your
cowl from top to bottom. And how ever long you knit it, will be the
circumference of your cowl.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">This cowl is knit in garter stitch with extra stitches cast on then immediately
bound off to create “noodles” along the edges. Very little effort for lots of
effect! Cute pattern done in solids, hand painted, or patterned yarns. Can
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">be knit any size with any yarn. The pattern is written for worsted, but is
easily adjusted for other weights.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">CO 36 stitches using waste yarn. Knit 1 row.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br />
Switch to your yarn. Knit 1 row. Start Noodles Pattern.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Noodles Pattern:<br />
Row 1: Cast on 6 stitches at the beg of the row. Bind off those 6 stitches.
Knit across remaining stitches<br />
Row 2: Repeat row 1<br />
Row 3 & 4: Knit
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Work rows 1-4 until desired length, ending after row 2.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Graft ends together or do a 3-needle bind off. The 3-needle bind off hardly
shows in garter stitch, so if you’re not a fan of grafting use that!
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Note: You can cast on the 6 stitches using any method you like. I do a
knitted cast on, but a simple backward loop works just as well. For longer "noodles" just cast on more stitches!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">©Karen Hoyle 2008
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-30225257014367124392018-11-21T10:26:00.002-06:002018-12-17T12:11:54.752-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygTmx7zI2BYAhA7rjEBV7PGjHdnW8cMuw4flf4I8wJAlnWEScXk4WcXLSTJILnDunOea4oCQnHEOh68V21zyh-tmDKPTBz0L1JT_gZPJdP5rgDp2fWcV7s-9Bk1LLx7TN77vBjRaRNFQ/s1600/upload_small2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygTmx7zI2BYAhA7rjEBV7PGjHdnW8cMuw4flf4I8wJAlnWEScXk4WcXLSTJILnDunOea4oCQnHEOh68V21zyh-tmDKPTBz0L1JT_gZPJdP5rgDp2fWcV7s-9Bk1LLx7TN77vBjRaRNFQ/s400/upload_small2-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sort'a Plaid Cowl</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/dls/karen-hoyle-designs/502349?filename=Sort_a_Plaid_Cowl.pdf">download now</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">This is a small neckwarmer/cowl, with approximately a 20”
circumference. It can be made wider by adding multiples
of </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";">7 stitches. It can also be knit in different weight yarns to
yield different sizes. You will have to experiment since I
have only knit this with sport weight yarn. It looks best in
solid or hand dyed colors. The pattern tends to disappear
in busy colored yarns.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Size 6 16” or 20” circular needles<br />
170 yds. sport weight yarn (more will be needed for a
wider or longer cowl)<br />
1 marker
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Plaid Pattern (7 stitch repeat): </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Rnd 1: *P2, K5* around<br />
Rnd 2: knit<br />
Rnd 3: *P2, K5* around
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Rnd 4: knit<br />
Rnd 5: *P5, K2* around </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Rnd 6: knit<br />
Rnd 7: *P5, K2* around </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Rnd 8: knit<br />
Rnd 9: *P5, K2* around </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Rnd 10: knit
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">CO 105 stitches. Place marker and join, being careful not
to twist stitches.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Work 4 rounds for Edging: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">rnd 1: purl<br />
rnd 2: knit<br />
rnd 3: purl
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">rnd 4: knit
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">Start Plaid Pattern and repeat five times, ending after
round 4 on last repeat.<br />Work 4 rounds for Edging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">
Bind off loosely. Done. Block and enjoy.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";">©Karen Hoyle 2018
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-4570069910468565292018-11-21T09:27:00.002-06:002018-12-17T12:13:07.882-06:00Cubitz Cowl <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fFVjWmRqBdYfo8QNpfHLEwkIRv77x1H-Ss09SLgL8tL-Uh6DUV5K97ilTjeINGGRdtGbHDv8dXObCHDdFc7pacRnbylXeHjzi5Z2AQ7JEtGFpx1F8OmYw5srg4_wmQsrWNlc40CiGrU/s1600/upload_small2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fFVjWmRqBdYfo8QNpfHLEwkIRv77x1H-Ss09SLgL8tL-Uh6DUV5K97ilTjeINGGRdtGbHDv8dXObCHDdFc7pacRnbylXeHjzi5Z2AQ7JEtGFpx1F8OmYw5srg4_wmQsrWNlc40CiGrU/s400/upload_small2-1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9keD4TU8Se1FksOLoIpsV_TaAoCZcsWgEIJFJw4-eoqNDKU7sCnDTj3xCyGKYtM30ntq-Sao9VtC2un8ya6LHU8rVLELCd8p9PNdHDaJDiNsz9KMLa5pMQ-x0dEd3fujjO-cHbYch_0/s1600/upload_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9keD4TU8Se1FksOLoIpsV_TaAoCZcsWgEIJFJw4-eoqNDKU7sCnDTj3xCyGKYtM30ntq-Sao9VtC2un8ya6LHU8rVLELCd8p9PNdHDaJDiNsz9KMLa5pMQ-x0dEd3fujjO-cHbYch_0/s400/upload_small2.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700;">Cubitz Cowl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 24px;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/dls/karen-hoyle-designs/502305?filename=Cubitz_Cowl.pdf">download now</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">16” or 20” circular needles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">sport: size 6<br />
worsted: size 8<br />
Chunky: size 10
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">1 marker</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Sport weight yarn: 200 yds </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Worsted weight yarn: 160 yds </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Chunky weight yarn: 120 yds
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">All yardage is approximate and depends on how wide you knit your cowl, and if you decide to
add more stitches for a looser cowl. This cowl fits loosely around the neck,
but does not hang or drape in front. It is appropriate for men, women or
children. To make your cowl so it will drape more, add stitches in quantities
of 3. This pattern is pretty forgiving, so it can easily be made longer and
wider. Experiment...have fun.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Ribbing pattern:
*P1, K2* around
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Cubitz pattern (3 stitch repeat): </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Rnds 1 & 2: knit<br />
Rnds 3 & 4: *K1, P2* around
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">*Pattern is written with sport weight counts first, then worsted and chunky in
( ).
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">CO 132 (102, 72) sts onto circular needles. Join being careful not to twist
stitches. Place marker at join. This is beginning of round.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">
Work 8 (6, 4) rounds of ribbing pattern.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Purl one round.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br />
Switch to Cubitz pattern and work for approximately 7”-8”. End after round 2.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Purl one round. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Work 8 (6, 4) rounds of ribbing pattern.
Bind of loosely. Block and enjoy!
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">©Karen Hoyle 2018
</span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-64182786872482981712018-11-21T09:15:00.000-06:002018-12-17T13:11:31.636-06:00Comfy Gusset Mittens Pattern <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxq6p1GR4atdVT6ZK_H035BbH2nUqqHZstmdowDSHcHdxaKcIbfQr9QqghJ9pM-PGqQwmhK9I5r2iEXnL9RUB_nO5IIaS9BAAFLEM9GS_Bniy06sDrFjUamFyuk4kOIKYmfOCByMNjZQ/s1600/upload_small.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxq6p1GR4atdVT6ZK_H035BbH2nUqqHZstmdowDSHcHdxaKcIbfQr9QqghJ9pM-PGqQwmhK9I5r2iEXnL9RUB_nO5IIaS9BAAFLEM9GS_Bniy06sDrFjUamFyuk4kOIKYmfOCByMNjZQ/s400/upload_small.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4GkRzUv7cFvmJeVMI0YTGDPTUEhQtH7Hq4TWoqLRH2OdVf8LrZRlBK7up7Y_LJRuRTU56gUNYvMmu3u2yXclU-ZXjRkO2alCgTMb1fjnGbdTxW-bsqtOFl8al_TVa5-n3kP4QLyBTV8/s1600/FD18F13D-0482-42E1-B3C9-F44B7F769C0B_small.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4GkRzUv7cFvmJeVMI0YTGDPTUEhQtH7Hq4TWoqLRH2OdVf8LrZRlBK7up7Y_LJRuRTU56gUNYvMmu3u2yXclU-ZXjRkO2alCgTMb1fjnGbdTxW-bsqtOFl8al_TVa5-n3kP4QLyBTV8/s400/FD18F13D-0482-42E1-B3C9-F44B7F769C0B_small.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/dls/karen-hoyle-designs/502358?filename="><b><span style="font-size: large;">download now</span></b></a><br />
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Comfy Gusset Mittens (with a wide gusset for great ease of fit)
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">These mittens can easily be knitted using the magic loop technique, or on 2
circulars (half the sts on each ndl), or equally divided unto 4 dpns.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Yarn: 1 skein Cascade 220 or any worsted weight yarn. Approx. 120-180
yds depending on size of mittens.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Needles: US #5 or #6, to get gauge.<br />
Gauge: 5.5 sts/inch<br />
Sizes are approx, adult: small (32 sts), medium (40 sts), large (48 sts) </span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: 700;">Abbreviations</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14pt;">:</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">
st/sts = stitch/stitches<br />
pm = place marker<br />
sm = slip marker from one needle to the other<br />
k2tog = knit two stitches together<br />
kf&b = knit into front and back of the same stitch (increase 1)
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">rnd: round, working one complete round of all stitches<br />
ktbl: knit the stitch through the back loop<br />
</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Directions</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">:<br />
</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-style: oblique; font-weight: 700;">Both mittens are knitted the same way. There is no right or left. </span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Cast on 32 (40, 48) sts
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Knit 8 rnds in stockinette stitch (only do this if you want a rolled edge).
Knit 16 rnds in 1</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">×</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">1 twisted rib *k1tbl, p1*.<br />
Knit 4 rounds plain.<br />
</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Gusset:
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Set up for gusset on next round:<br />
k10 (12,14) pm, k12 (16, 20) pm, k10 (12, 14).
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Rnd 1: knit to 1 st before marker, kf&b, sm, knit to second marker, sm, kf&b
in next st, knit to end.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Rnd 2: knit all sts.<br />
Repeat rnds 1-2 until you have 44 (56, 68) sts total on your needles.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">On the next rnd, knit to first marker, remove marker, place the 12 (16, 20)
sts between the markers (remove second marker also) onto scrap yarn,
you are now back to 32, 40, 48 sts.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Close the gap.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Continue knitting in the round until work measures, 3/4 inch from desired
finished length.
</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Decrease rounds for top:
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Note**Start the 32 and 48 stitch count mittens with rnd 1 of the top
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">directions, and the 40 stitch count mitten with rnd 3 of top directions. </span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Rnd 1: *k4, k2tog* to end of rnd<br />
Rnd 2: knit<br />
Rnd 3: *k3, k2tog* to end of rnd
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Rnd 4: knit<br />
Rnd 5: *k2, k2tog* to end of rnd<br />
Rnd 6: knit<br />
Rnd 7: *k1, k2tog* to end of rnd<br />
Rnd 8: knit<br />
Rnd 9: k2tog around<br />
Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts, weave in ends. </span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Thumbs</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">:
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Divide the 12 (16, 20) sts from scrap yarn onto your needles. Pick up 4 sts
over gusset gap. Knit the 4 picked up sts as *k2tog* twice on next rnd, you
now have 14 (18, 22) sts for the thumb.
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Knit in the round until your thumb is no longer visible when the mitten is
tried on.
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Decrease by *knit 2 together around* twice.
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends. Knit another
mitten!
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">Notes</span><span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">:<br />
A ribbing may be used for the cuff instead of a rolled top, or a rolled top
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">with no ribbing. Do your own thing, have fun! You can easily use this
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<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">pattern </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14pt;">for fingerless mitts, just stop knitting and do a bit of ribbing. Try different
weight yarns with the different stitch counts. A bulky yarn at 48 stitches will
produce a LARGE </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14pt;">mitten, where as 32 stitches with sport yarn would fit a child. This is a
forgiving pattern that makes awesome, good-ole plain vanilla mittens! Have
fun and experiment!</span><br />
<span style="color: rgb(20.000000% , 20.000000% , 20.000000%); font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 14.000000pt;">© Karen Hoyle 2018
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-71997842373445054162018-11-21T09:00:00.003-06:002018-11-24T08:43:19.190-06:00Mittens! Lots of Mittens!I was into knitting mittens last winter and went a bit crazy! I knit a couple dozen. Some were gifted, more were used by me, and most were put in a box for donation. It really does get cold here in Minnesota, so we actually wear mittens for protection and warmth against the biting cold winter. They aren't just a fashion statement, but a real necessity. I knitted lots of patterns from Ravelry (man, I 💜 that place!) that had all different styles of thumb gussets. After test knitting and trying on (that's the real test, how they fit) I decided to write a simple mitten pattern of my favorite thumb style. I do NOT take any credit for designing or inventing this thumb. I am sure there are many other mitten patterns that incorporate this style. What I like so much about it is...the comfy fit! Hence, I will call this pattern, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/KnitterKaren/monkey-man-mittens">Comfy Gusset Mittens</a>. The thumb gusset starts almost directly after the wrist ribbing is complete. This makes a wider gusset at the widest part of the hand. Makes sense right? There is one drawback about the comfy gusset. It incorporates stitches from the back of the hand, so there isn't a lot of real estate for cables, patterns, etc. But you certainly can have fun with the ribbing or top of the mitten. Tiny cable ribbing, rolled top, fancy patterned ribbing, the choices are endless! This pattern is a plain vanilla pattern perfect for men, women, and children. Happy Knitting!<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-4824175631935636622018-11-15T08:33:00.002-06:002018-11-22T18:10:00.725-06:00Hello again!! I see that the last time I posted was 2012...over 6 years ago. Wow, a lot has happened since then! I really am not going to get back into the full swing of blogging again, but I do need a place to post my knitting patterns for free. And this seems to be the best alternative. I tried to figure out how to post them on Ravelry, but it was a real hassle. I love Ravelry! I use it daily. It's one of the most, if not the most, excellent knitting apps online! Period. So here goes, I'm gonna upload a couple free patterns and hope they work :)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-24872444281828692072012-03-20T10:14:00.009-06:002018-11-21T17:21:57.488-06:00Gonna Try This Again!<div style="text-align: left;">
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Hello! Long time, no blogging. My life has taken a few crazy turns in the last few years, and I had given up on blogging due to time restraints. But now I seem to be able to squeeze out some bogging time. I think it will be good for me to continue this...sort of like therapy :)</div>
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Anyway...here's a quick rundown of the last few years</div>
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2008...all was well except I decided I really needed to cut the husband free, I'm sure his girlfriend was very happy about that! But, I hate to admit, we are still not legally divorced. Here's why.</div>
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2009...my sweet little granddaughter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Shyla</span> Rose was born in Sept. She is a true blessing and the cutest kid around! Tried like crazy to sell our houses so we could move forward financially and separately without having any communal property. Didn't work as expected...read on.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">2010...the worst year of the last 4. In June I had to put down my 14 year old greyhound, Summer. She was my dog and I loved her. Thankfully, my daughter and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grandkids</span> were visiting for a few weeks over the summer (they live in Florida and she's a teacher with the summers off) so she was there as support. In July my husband (will someday be my ex) moved in with his girlfriend. I'm sure they are very happy :) Here's the worst...August 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> at 4 am my house burned down and I lost everything I owned. My son and I ran out of a burning house, and we are blessed to be alive and unharmed. I may have lost all material possessions, but I got out my son and our new dog...Cricket. More about her later :)</span></div>
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2011...now living with my mom in a small twin-home that I have purchased from her. She is 86 and in poor health. She will live with me until I can no longer care for her and then she will be moved to a nursing home. She is sometimes difficult to be around, and I wouldn't have chosen this in my life right now, but, if I don't do it, no one will. Meaning my 2 brothers! They figure I don't have a marriage anymore, my kids are grown, and I have lost my house and everything in it...so it's a good thing for me. Wrong! On the good side of life...my middle son Tyler married his high school sweetheart. Wonderful girl...love her!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">2012...Plugging along. Still work <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">fulltime</span> and then come home and care for my mom. She is very <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">OCD</span> and doesn't like me to leave her alone. I go out occasionally, but most of my time is spent at work or at home caring for her. This is not where I thought I would be at this time in my life (I will be 60 in June!). I was hoping I would be planning my retirement with my husband and looking forward to my future. Oh well, God must have other plans for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Today, and looking forward! Oldest son Brody got engaged on Valentines Day! Doing the happy dance since we all love his fiance! I am so lucky to have a wonderful son-in-law and daughters-in law. I don't know when the actual wedding will take place, but there is a diamond ring involved and they are a little older and will do things the way they want. I am happy to welcome Kathy to our family and hope she feels the same. They have been together for a few years and it is just right. She was so helpful after the fire and really took care of a lot of the issues we faced the first few days. Such as no cars, no clothing, no shoes, nothing! She took us shopping so we had the basics and was so thoughtful and kind. I will never forget that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">I am going to ease back into blogging so I think I will sign off for today. Still have lots of news...such as a new granddaughter coming in April by way of China! My Mom is hungry and wants lunch. Until later...it's good to be back!</span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-67636972255512877462008-03-05T09:19:00.007-06:002008-03-05T10:19:14.934-06:00Busy, Busy, Busy...I haven't updated my blog in quite some time and I have no good excuse other than I've been very busy. The realtor called me last Thursday and said that she had gotten all the info into the newspaper for the Sunday Open House. What Open House I ask!? We had agreed to postpone it until the following Sunday...at least that's what I thought we had discussed. I guess not. The contractor was still working on the bathroom, the house was a mess, and I had to work all weekend. The contractor finally finished at 7:<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">oopm</span> on Friday night. I came home from work Saturday and cleaned until 9:30 that night. I really love a clean house, I just hate cleaning it! :o) I went to bed, got up at 3:30am, went to work, left 2 hours early, cleaned another 2 hours, grabbed the dog and went over to our other house and slept. The realtor called and said that 7 couples went through the Open House and we have an interested couple. Problem being...it's a contingent sale. They have to sell their house first. So I guess we are basically at the same point we were at before the Open House. What a freaking pain in the a** this whole selling thing is.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0QzP5z82muIPAKe1uJmNviTg5LeJ8DnFQ9ciiUmJIEXD58_SThPFab5wCEz9eFBFp9aozmKXkl3F6ARZyNMl431qOfX857lDy7kMy1MWmy4hYn1nNmTQfqLP06XwmfmBQELg5dyVeDg/s1600-h/Mia.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0QzP5z82muIPAKe1uJmNviTg5LeJ8DnFQ9ciiUmJIEXD58_SThPFab5wCEz9eFBFp9aozmKXkl3F6ARZyNMl431qOfX857lDy7kMy1MWmy4hYn1nNmTQfqLP06XwmfmBQELg5dyVeDg/s320/Mia.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174280503355812930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSJByowkGUtiMbGmEfuN7SHMqFhYodReHpI-ZG2qb8MIrHzk9Auoyi5MxXDr8Hj1BlWvtfSx8M1Y_qHs9rN0g3HJUszabNcLpgP1gKMInhtSapGpna3Azp2nYmyLNQmERoX7zMRCAKFg/s1600-h/Logan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSJByowkGUtiMbGmEfuN7SHMqFhYodReHpI-ZG2qb8MIrHzk9Auoyi5MxXDr8Hj1BlWvtfSx8M1Y_qHs9rN0g3HJUszabNcLpgP1gKMInhtSapGpna3Azp2nYmyLNQmERoX7zMRCAKFg/s320/Logan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174280082449017890" border="0" /></a><br />Baby Logan is doing great! Stacey says he is sweet, smiley, and always happy. An all round good baby! I am thinking of going to visit them the beginning of April. I really want to see my Mia Belle and meet my new grandson. Are they cute, or what? A trip to a warmer climate sounds pretty good about now. We are still getting snow here in Minnesota, which is to be expected since it's March...typically the snowiest month of the year. When I walked the greyhound this morning it was beautiful out. Warm (about 28 degrees), calm, and snowing lightly. A perfect morning to walk. I like winter, I like snow, but this year I am looking forward to warmer temps and some sunshine. This winter seemed to be so dark and dreary. I want to hear the birds singing and see some green on the ground instead of white!<br /><br />I did a bad thing. I started knitting <span style="font-style: italic;">another</span> pair of socks. BUT...I will not have any SSS with these since I am knitting them at the same time. By same time I mean, I knit the cuff on one, then knit the cuff on the second one. They are on separate circular needles. I am using Marguerite's pattern called <a href="http://stitchesofviolet.blogspot.com/2004/12/old-shale-two-yarn-sock-pattern.html">Old Shale Two Yarn Socks</a>. I am doing mine the opposite of Marguerite's since my cuff is in a solid color and the sock is variegated. The pattern is well written and very enjoyable. I also found another sock pattern while cruising around the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">internet</span> knitting sites. This is one gorgeous sock, but I definitely won't be starting them until the Old Shale Socks are <span style="font-style: italic;">done</span>! They are called <a href="http://www.knitzi.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nutkin</span></a> and look like a fun knit that is sort of similar in style to the ever popular <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey Socks</a>. The free pattern is at their site along with the beautiful handmade wooden holders that they sell.<br /><br />A friend and I went and saw the movie "Vantage Point". I liked it. It is a bit different since you see the same half hour over and over but from different characters points of view. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. I like Dennis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Quaid</span> and Matthew Fox so that made it all the more enjoyable! I am waiting for "10,000 BC" to start this Friday. The special effects look awesome, and after seeing the previews at the theater, the story looks like it is very good also.<br /><br />Well, I think I will go and relax. My house is spotless so I can watch a movie, or knit, or read without having that nagging guilt I feel when I know I should be cleaning! I have mailed off the prize package to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ikkanlala</span>. I hope she enjoys it! Later...<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-82651524410896421412008-02-23T15:21:00.003-06:002008-02-23T15:32:00.204-06:00And the Winner Is...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6afRojt6x1M5EzQ0CGNbhig_IcVK_sWxGBjuR6u3ilzJ083oaRuvGfiSuPKRRRu-ne1voCHsnP05RqcEtWUaOMeIB_sqoMoiEPBpOos0hv_D2RezB61LbCFg0FfokE4U_OXRNDq9FVRo/s1600-h/winner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6afRojt6x1M5EzQ0CGNbhig_IcVK_sWxGBjuR6u3ilzJ083oaRuvGfiSuPKRRRu-ne1voCHsnP05RqcEtWUaOMeIB_sqoMoiEPBpOos0hv_D2RezB61LbCFg0FfokE4U_OXRNDq9FVRo/s320/winner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5170291396530166546" border="0" /></a><br />ikkinlala! Now all I need is for you to check your Yahoo email acct where I sent you a note. Then you can send me your address and I'll mail off your prize. I ended up having 10 names to put in the hat. Not too bad.<br /><br />I would love to sit and chat for awhile, but I just got home from work and need to get some things done around the house. Have a great weekend.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-80535883772856874612008-02-21T11:56:00.008-06:002008-02-23T15:33:06.464-06:00Contest Ends Tomorrow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY_gHl3zs470Vr7Z5ijWvPQWe1mWVHR7YDVNsDmWGYWHASw9nhBN3sAdXQzXqZqikvIjtNYuUWG_9_Uv1X8tZGpsOKq8HMaHgRrzu06QBfdyyVFKQUiAFCZfHWxBXTrn3fqDQzTIqGeY/s1600-h/IMG_3634.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY_gHl3zs470Vr7Z5ijWvPQWe1mWVHR7YDVNsDmWGYWHASw9nhBN3sAdXQzXqZqikvIjtNYuUWG_9_Uv1X8tZGpsOKq8HMaHgRrzu06QBfdyyVFKQUiAFCZfHWxBXTrn3fqDQzTIqGeY/s320/IMG_3634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169503068167887602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HBl6JFGw03MAV9jTksRqxQhrK_0_LakLvRkt7vf96fje1QbvWS0M-sZSDPBzy9zdpeGRhAwNrfw9kz9zQvptCcxi90vClYKRGi08Ysqas6mBdLO6nNN0RHC0wYuff6QA03B-Pan8TiE/s1600-h/IMG_3631.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HBl6JFGw03MAV9jTksRqxQhrK_0_LakLvRkt7vf96fje1QbvWS0M-sZSDPBzy9zdpeGRhAwNrfw9kz9zQvptCcxi90vClYKRGi08Ysqas6mBdLO6nNN0RHC0wYuff6QA03B-Pan8TiE/s320/IMG_3631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169502947908803298" border="0" /></a><br />That's right folks...the contest will end tomorrow, February 22<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span>, this blogs one year anniversary. So far I only have 9 names to put in the drawing and that disappoints me! I was hoping for a lot more. Like I've said in earlier posts, I'm not sure I will keep blogging since I have such a small amount of readers. It's fun, but it's also time consuming, and I always think there are more important things I could be doing with my time. I have enjoyed blogging this last year, but let's get real...if no one's reading it, what's the incentive to continue?<br /><br />Stacey and Baby Logan made it home just fine. They are settling in and getting to know him. He is a very good little guy, sweet personality. Stacey said he wakes up with a smile and rarely cries. Mia has been really good with him. She's gentle and kind, but there are times she chooses to ignore him rather than play with him. I guess that's the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">prerogative</span> of a big sister. I am thinking of flying down to visit them sometime in March. They will be coming to Minnesota for Stacey's 20 year class reunion this June, but I can't wait that long to meet my new grandson and see my little Miss Mia.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MU_qMWA2ckXHJ_38IQcwMBN9FYTheJyZIOQx_TjCfE0zFstiu87hviXO0gKtuAVdqYdHUlgM9s8djUCsGTAl0ITCBBMVk2AYm9LIKxdFLiTURoh6KCNDdPlCJkCd3M5vVdgjBukyT9s/s1600-h/graycardie.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MU_qMWA2ckXHJ_38IQcwMBN9FYTheJyZIOQx_TjCfE0zFstiu87hviXO0gKtuAVdqYdHUlgM9s8djUCsGTAl0ITCBBMVk2AYm9LIKxdFLiTURoh6KCNDdPlCJkCd3M5vVdgjBukyT9s/s320/graycardie.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169505666623101698" border="0" /></a><br />I have been lurking around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ravelry</span> but find it to be a bigger time sucker than blogging. Plus, it's pretty much just for reading and looking. Not much interaction unless you use the forums which are very clogged and hard to navigate. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ravelry</span> is fun, I admit it, but it's not what I thought it was going to be. I thought there would be more interaction between members. Oh well, it's probably better that I find it boring or I'd be sitting at the computer even longer than usual! I did find a <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> pretty sock pattern <a href="http://www.knitstricken.blogspot.com/">here</a>. It's on the right sidebar and called "Dream Twister". It's not for the faint of heart, but it sure is beautiful. I think I may cast it on in my coveted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Koigu</span>...that yarn deserves an elegant pattern like Dream Twister! I also found this beautiful cardigan pattern I love (pictured above)! Big problem...it's written in Russian! Anyone out there know how to translate into Russian? I didn't think so.<br /><br />Hubby and I are finally going to see "Jumper" this afternoon. He got called into work last week so we never got to go. We will have a quick dinner after and then home to watch the vote-off on American Idol, and then Lost. A.I. is pretty good this year, I think the men are actually better than the women. It will be interesting to see who makes it and who gets the boot!<br /><br />I need comments! Lots of comments! I want to draw my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">blogiversary</span> winner from a bunch of names! I will draw tomorrow afternoon and put the winning name on this blog! Good Luck!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-89422827311991386162008-02-14T11:09:00.002-06:002008-02-14T11:30:29.766-06:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKECoZO5SUkuq0SqDVqBz1VTgDkKCB2X2jGxu53apHoQW8H_8eN1u9u9IdywH9oHqRLGb_w97KVNJ9giA73hVbi8ox8HKuVtgSO-dETJX3_yyNiyL3m1x5zqNlgc9X7PL_jrpl6VmHPys/s1600-h/Val37.GIF"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKECoZO5SUkuq0SqDVqBz1VTgDkKCB2X2jGxu53apHoQW8H_8eN1u9u9IdywH9oHqRLGb_w97KVNJ9giA73hVbi8ox8HKuVtgSO-dETJX3_yyNiyL3m1x5zqNlgc9X7PL_jrpl6VmHPys/s320/Val37.GIF" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166884439492418226" border="0" /></a><br />The big day of romance. I guess. Although I have to tell ya, Steve is taking me out to dinner and a movie. Of course it's a movie <span style="font-style: italic;">he </span>wants to see..."Jumper". I guess it could be good, the previews look a little exciting, and I do like a good adventure movie. I'll let you know what I think after I've seen it.<br /><br />Stacey and Baby Logan are home safe and sound! I wish I could have been a mouse in the corner at their house yesterday. I would love to have seen Little Logan's home-coming. I am thinking of taking a week off (I have 4 weeks of vacation to use) and flying down there for a gramma fix. I haven't seen Stacey, Jon, and the kids since last summer. I sure wish they lived closer.<br /><br />Remember to leave a comment to be entered in the contest! I will draw a name on Feb. 22nd so be sure to check back here for the winner.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-59396699879962606182008-02-13T10:20:00.007-06:002008-02-13T21:40:34.930-06:00It's Official!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwECBUIadizyFtTZoGmy1n-Fpj-9JRBKIS2WACB5cPP5FaSICE15bz3g4LveKFSiw-M8-LGRxIHe6B1VZWHWxTmYwWfIJXeB4AkKN5fztnWGeAiuPqElydtWStlxnfOvY7cE6mh01j7CP/s1600-h/IMG_3552.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwECBUIadizyFtTZoGmy1n-Fpj-9JRBKIS2WACB5cPP5FaSICE15bz3g4LveKFSiw-M8-LGRxIHe6B1VZWHWxTmYwWfIJXeB4AkKN5fztnWGeAiuPqElydtWStlxnfOvY7cE6mh01j7CP/s320/IMG_3552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165783168639349154" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc98ozLYKdSclQ-T4JtCJHINQkZ92PXxkVKnX_f1PXgVrgpHZbM0ullaYiLk0gnHLKkhBwF2c6e7EiU4u14B7XyJQlgO9aVSW9fAiO17JeobDat4aFpCad7-yeteTs583cw1QPFIPAtX1/s1600-h/IMG_3569.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtc98ozLYKdSclQ-T4JtCJHINQkZ92PXxkVKnX_f1PXgVrgpHZbM0ullaYiLk0gnHLKkhBwF2c6e7EiU4u14B7XyJQlgO9aVSW9fAiO17JeobDat4aFpCad7-yeteTs583cw1QPFIPAtX1/s320/IMG_3569.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166103405695906258" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaYvfekModDCkyoBw7ouZpWMIODosdYIjC1dbJw40A1214CW9F4TlK2uiJohURoiAe3YtsNxdSPOrz4LNbxrF6Zyz3ZnMeLm4hC6RykRdHPwUc3JYzWQF1FUpNjP986-5Y9QHyUlaVXIS/s1600-h/IMG_3582.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaYvfekModDCkyoBw7ouZpWMIODosdYIjC1dbJw40A1214CW9F4TlK2uiJohURoiAe3YtsNxdSPOrz4LNbxrF6Zyz3ZnMeLm4hC6RykRdHPwUc3JYzWQF1FUpNjP986-5Y9QHyUlaVXIS/s320/IMG_3582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166105471575175666" border="0" /></a><br />He's ours! Talk about a cutie, he's one handsome little guy. He and his new mom, my daughter, are landing right about now in Miami, returning home from Guatemala, Logan's birth place. Stacey had to go alone to pick Logan up since Mia had gotten very sick with a high temp and strep. Jon stayed home in Florida to tend to Mia, and Stacey went to Guatemala to pick up their new son Logan. She said she was having a great time, but missing her family that she left behind. Luckily, she only had to be gone for 4 days. She called me while she was there and said that Logan is a real sweetie and so good. She also said she felt a slight pang of guilt since she was having a good time and enjoying Guatemala. I'm sure she is excited to get home and see her hubby and daughter Mia. Life will be changing for them today...they are officially a family of 4! I'm so happy for them. Welcome Home Little Logan...and Welcome to the Family!<br /><br />I finally got the go ahead from the insurance appraiser today to start the re-construction in the family room and bathroom. It's been over 2 1/2 weeks since the pipe broke and I was getting a little peeved that it was taking them so long to approve things. But, not to worry, he called today and said the check was mailed on Monday and we should tell our contractor to get going. Yippee! Then we can get the house back on the market and get this baby sold! Where will I move to? Maybe back to my old house, maybe a new townhouse, who knows?? I have to think of this whole situation as an adventure or else I get a bit freaked.<br /><br />Have I been knitting? Do I have something new and exciting on my needles? Have I actually finished anything? The answer to all those questions is a definite...NO. I <span style="font-style: italic;">have</span> started an adorable dishcloth to give to my mom for Valentine's Day. Yes, she loves hand knit dishcloths. I'll also give her some flowers and candy. She's a sweet ole dame, and since I'm sure my brothers won't even acknowledge her on Valentine's Day...it's up to me! the pattern can be found <a href="http://wishingiwasknitting.blogspot.com/2008/02/two-hearts-as-one-dishcloth.html">here</a>. And be sure to check out the <a href="http://krisknits.blogspot.com/">cloths</a> this young gal has designed. Awesome. Be sure to scroll down, she has a very cute Santa cloth and a cottage cloth also. So, that is all I've been knitting. I am a knitting slacker. I cannot seem to get going on anything BIG. I guess I am destined to knit socks, cloths, and mittens forever. Maybe I should stay away from this freaking computer for awhile and I'd actually get something done...like housework, laundry, cooking, and knitting! :o) And if reading knitting blogs all day isn't bad enough...that darn Ravelry is sucking my time also.<br /><br />LET'S HAVE A CONTEST!!<br />I am coming up on my one year blog anniversary. Wow, doesn't seem that long. I think I will try and generate some comments by having a....CONTEST! Yes, the slacker knitter is having an anniversary contest! Leave a comment between today and my blogs one year anniversary, February 22nd, and I will draw a name on my anniversary and the winner will get some knitterly stuff. That gives you 10 days to leave a comment. Of course you can comment every day, but your name will only go in the hat once...that's only fair. Tell your friends, alert the press, spread the news through blogdom, and be sure to comment!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-68254389287443465462008-02-05T23:00:00.001-06:002008-02-06T14:19:31.467-06:00Gruesome Stuff!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0XnbnoY70hvqg52OPJs06P2y-L3pOgWDuFFDpOCfKo8KqNNVwZjuReyMlQjrpcr7YuHjGllJnX_JQ4MP75AVA2tvU6CPk446v9JJhw0vpou3B0MEH88EowIboyyYqXHP2mNPa528fS4/s1600-h/untraceable_galleryposter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0XnbnoY70hvqg52OPJs06P2y-L3pOgWDuFFDpOCfKo8KqNNVwZjuReyMlQjrpcr7YuHjGllJnX_JQ4MP75AVA2tvU6CPk446v9JJhw0vpou3B0MEH88EowIboyyYqXHP2mNPa528fS4/s320/untraceable_galleryposter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163727859974496978" border="0" /></a>Tonight hubby and I went out to dinner, and the movie "Untraceable". Sounds like a nice evening, right? The dinner was good, as Famous Dave's always is. The movie...S-C-A-R-Y! Scary and very gruesome. I don't like scary movies, and I really don't like gruesome movies. This was both. Diane Lane does an awesome job as Jennifer Marsh, an FBI agent. But I have to admit...I'd much rather see her remodeling houses in Tuscany! Untraceable is not for the faint of heart. I had to close my eyes a few times, and there was a couple scenes where everyone in the theater seemed to squirm a bit. All in all it was a good movie. Suspenceful, but like I said...a little too much gore for this lady.<br /><br />I have been busy with my swift and ballwinder getting all those hanks of Auracania ready to become a top-down cardigan with a few cables thrown in for interest. I have decided to make it the way I want since every pattern I find is either the wrong gauge, or too small. Since when is a finished bust measurement of 42 considered XL? Ha! That sure wound't fit around my ladies! Yup, I'll knit a top down and then I can try it on and decide just how I want the fit. I also like top down sweaters because they are knit without seams. Sometimes it seems a bit daunting to have all those stitches to work every round, but hey, you'll be Working them whether you knit it in one piece or 5. Hopefully this sweater will be more successful than the purple cardigan was. But let's not even go there.<br /><br />We have a bid ready on the repair for the flooded family room. I will fax it to the insurance appraiser tomorrow and keep my fingers crossed that it is okay. I would really like to get the downstairs back in working order and the house back on the market. What a freaking hassle...<br /><br />Only 5 more days until baby Logan is in the arms of his new parents, and I am officially a Gramma for the second time. Stacey and Jon (Mia too!) are getting ready to leave on Sunday. Lots of preparing, packing, and excitement. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers for the 4 days they are in Guatemala and you can follow their adventure at their <a href="http://www.milchman.blogspot.com/">blog</a>.<br /><br />I am off to bed. Since tomorrow is Wednesday...I am off work. I love Wednesdays and Thursdays...my weekend! I am tired, probably from being so tense during that dang movie. I will post tomorrow or Thursday and hopefully I will have made some progress on the cardigan. Good night!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-37147783990414939812008-01-30T08:34:00.000-06:002008-01-30T10:25:06.439-06:00Good News :o) Bad News :o(<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhuki2ZTQwiptY8gb-ebrKt9y96kzSOSHiD4FS_LnoYP9elKZx3HcaQR48XLt603Bny3bR5R9hAh22WUCDxLZ-Fwu-GSkMv9-BHjxoUbEdRnNDar31-7iGyiPY_0KQRIXvBxugXFwu78/s1600-h/blo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhuki2ZTQwiptY8gb-ebrKt9y96kzSOSHiD4FS_LnoYP9elKZx3HcaQR48XLt603Bny3bR5R9hAh22WUCDxLZ-Fwu-GSkMv9-BHjxoUbEdRnNDar31-7iGyiPY_0KQRIXvBxugXFwu78/s320/blo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161282503164650178" border="0" /></a><br />Let's start with the good news first. Stacey and Jon leave for Guatemala on Feb. 10th to pick up baby Logan and bring him home! We are all so excited! It seems like this adoption went so fast compared to Mia's. They started looking for an agency in June, found Logan's referral in July, and now they are picking him up in Feb. I told my daughter it only took 9 months, just like a pregnancy! She is a bit stressed since she thought they had another 2-4 weeks to get ready. She is still waiting for his crib and dresser to be delivered, she wanted to paint a mural (she's doing his bedroom in a pirate theme!) on his wall, and she still needs to hire a substitute teacher for her class. Other than that, the family is thrilled to be going to get him. Adoption in Guatemala is becoming less and less popular with the government, and the programs there may be shut down this year. The country is not yet Hague Treaty compliant and that will stop many from being able to adopt from there. We just feel so blessed that Logan's adoption went so smoothly and that the birth certificate now states Jon and Stacey as his parents. They will only be in Guatemala from Sunday, Feb 10th thru Wed, Feb 13th. Be sure to follow their journey to Baby Lo (Mia's name for Logan) at their <a href="http://www.milchman.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. And of course, Gramma (me!) will have many new pictures in the future!<br /><br />Now for the bad news. As many of you know, I have my house on the market. This month is was really being shown a lot. Weekly. I was hopeful that finally, things were gonna happen! And did they ever! I woke up Saturday morning to get ready for work as usual. While in my bathroom putting on my make-up I kept hearing a strange noise downstairs. Strange like...running water! When I went to investigate I was appalled to turn on a light and find the family room full of water, and the bedroom, and the bathroom. There was at least 2 inches of standing water. If this wasn't bad enough...I could still hear water running and it sounded like a freaking waterfalls! I couldn't see where it was coming from, but I could hear it in the wall behind the bathroom. I called Steve and by the time he got to my house the basement (lowest level) had now taken on about an inch of water also. He found the main shut-off valve and stopped the water works. We called our insurance agent that afternoon, but never heard from him until Monday...I'm sort of mad about that. Considering we were without water for 2 days and it would have been nice to have the clean up people here on Saturday instead of having to wait until Monday. Anyway, they sent out a company called Puroclean to start the clean up. I have to tell you...I am impressed with this company. The 2 young men who showed up were friendly, yet professional. They had this HUGE machine that sucked up all the water. They basically ripped out the bathroom, all that's left in there is the toilet. They are going to try and save the carpet since it was just laid in November and is brand, spanking new! We will recarpet if there is any indication of mold or mildew. They have hung plastic curtains to contain the area (half of the family room, a bedroom, and a bathroom) and they have special machines running that have been going since Monday afternoon. It looks like I've had a hazardous waste accident, not just a broken water pipe! Oh, and the best thing...they capped off the burst pipe so I got my water back on. Being 2 days without <span style="font-style: italic;">any</span> water is terrible. Unbelievably difficult. We had bottled water for drinking, but think about it...no cooking, no washing of hands, no bathroom...toilet or shower! We were going to Steve's or my mom's to shower, and we ate our meals out or had take out. It was a real pain in the ass. We have had to pull the house temporarily off the market, but will leave the listing active. I guess the only fairly good thing is that we will get a totally new bathroom out of it. Big deal.<br /><br />So Sunday I am off of work at 1:00pm and I am hungry...remember, my water has been off since early Saturday morning! So I stop at the local Wendy's and get an Asian chicken salad to go. I am going to go home and get the wet laundry off the basement floor, take it to Steve's (our other house) and wash it. Steve is working all day so I will take my knitting with and wash clothes, knit, and watch t.v. Sounds relaxing after all the hassle. So I pay for my salad and realize that the young lady has given me $20 extra in change. I honk my car horn so she'll open up the window, and show her that she's given my too much change. She looks at me like I'm a lunatic for giving it back, and thanks me with this quizzical look on her face. I believe in "what goes around, comes around" others call it Karma, or as the Bible says...do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. That was not my money, it was Wendy's. I would be stealing by keeping it. It makes me feel good to do the right thing. So I'm driving home with my salad and feeling good. Karma, I did good, good will happen to me in return. I pull in my driveway and hit the garage door opener...the door rises about 5 inches and drops back down. I hit the opener again, same result. I try once more, but this time a cable drops down in front of the door. Karma...whatever. The garage door repair man will be here this afternoon.<br /><br />Isn't life interesting? My daughter has a very calm demeanor. I've rarely seen her angry, or truly upset. She is funny, kind, and very lovable. She always sees the silver lining in any gray cloud. When I was whining, I mean, telling her about the broken water pipe, the mess, the hassle, the dang garage door, the need to find a contractor, carpet layer, plumber, yada yada yada. Know what she says to me?? "It could be worse Mom. You are safe, healthy, your families okay, no one was hurt, and it will be fixed good as new. It's only some stupid carpet, and it's only a house. The things that are really important are okay, and that's what matters." Okay...reality check time. She's right. It's water that ruined some things in the house. It will be fixed, the insurance (minus the $1000.00 deductible) will pay for it, things <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> be fine.<br /><br />It is cold here...no, I mean it, really cold! This morning it is -12 air temp with -32 wind chill. That is cold, Minnesota winter cold. The kind of cold where your nose hairs freeze when you breath, and your clothes feel stiff because they are frozen. You have trouble seeing because the moisture in your eyes gets so cold that they tear up and water. Yup, good ole Minnesota winter. When I walked the greyhound this morning she was content to do her business quickly and get back home. I plan on staying in today, making a pot of chili and some cornbread, knitting a bit, reading some blogs and playing at Ravelry!! Yes, I am an official member of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>! I am having a bit of trouble figuring out just how to navigate the site, but I am having fun. It's not exactly what I thought it would be. I thought it was more of a forum with a lot more interaction between members. Maybe I just need to nosey around a little more and see what all is going on! Anyway, I am KnitterKaren on Ravelry, but I really haven't done anything yet so don't bother to look :o) It is fun to look at the finished projects of all the other members, especially the patterns I would like to knit. There are many members that call themselves designers that are willing to share patterns, and lots of people who post links to their patterns and blogs. You cannot put patterns on Ravelry...only a link to them. I think. Maybe it's time to go over there now and figure this all out. Have a great day, and if you're a fellow mid-westerner...keep warm!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-44504880378421256702008-01-23T11:51:00.000-06:002008-01-23T14:04:13.023-06:00January Slump<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY5qLaLAyBBYDLvQjnhxyLVbdFQGI4Asb2RHbdwfA1DOM-fohXA9pRjjpLS5y3ikhHCGi6s1EFGaXVOffAaKzX3BEJaM2Ze2IPLJGLXBJlxR9zzoP5LdNTe7cov5lWEniW2Msz_BYaAw/s1600-h/BBtop"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY5qLaLAyBBYDLvQjnhxyLVbdFQGI4Asb2RHbdwfA1DOM-fohXA9pRjjpLS5y3ikhHCGi6s1EFGaXVOffAaKzX3BEJaM2Ze2IPLJGLXBJlxR9zzoP5LdNTe7cov5lWEniW2Msz_BYaAw/s320/BBtop" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158719124948476594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9_mWDo98cf1qvh4XrtZkUCwrXANsK2IzKovqvvGP5VvvFbc92u6KJPAYfRVas0ZTy3AfY_KYs3fp94zkGMHPBB1LKiCLgdkqwk4UU7x32hpoSp9dq17TnuVGSBV27h-SmdcaGHuAwwY/s1600-h/BBSock"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9_mWDo98cf1qvh4XrtZkUCwrXANsK2IzKovqvvGP5VvvFbc92u6KJPAYfRVas0ZTy3AfY_KYs3fp94zkGMHPBB1LKiCLgdkqwk4UU7x32hpoSp9dq17TnuVGSBV27h-SmdcaGHuAwwY/s320/BBSock" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158718974624621218" border="0" /></a><br />I have been knitting on my socks that I started in July 2007. I finished one and immediately cast on the second one so I could keep the momentum going! They are the Baby Breath socks from <a href="http://www.justmejeanie.blogspot.com/">Jean Townsend</a> and they are turning out very cute. I think that they will be given to my mom who has been looking for blue socks that "aren't navy blue but not light blue". The whims of an 81 year old! I noticed that when I knit my socks on 2 circular needles, as opposed to 4 dpn's, I get those funky "lines" where the needles meet. No, these are not ladders since the stitches are just as tight as their neighbor! I think it is the yarn fuzzing from being handled and manipulated onto the needle. Anyone else have this problem? Maybe it's just the yarn I used...KnitPicks washable sock yarn. It's a mystery to me!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p-Zp3ofPcGdCxVfrPypvS55EzdJOZhVCB9Bv9m96yRXzSgA86bnA03tkeqELj6Xerjkf4iAgepVZWdzx_9COnydo_haxV3FKfYHH5FqYzQ0qdxPyznP_q9XVN21usz2nTZHGrnre_fk/s1600-h/SA-044-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p-Zp3ofPcGdCxVfrPypvS55EzdJOZhVCB9Bv9m96yRXzSgA86bnA03tkeqELj6Xerjkf4iAgepVZWdzx_9COnydo_haxV3FKfYHH5FqYzQ0qdxPyznP_q9XVN21usz2nTZHGrnre_fk/s320/SA-044-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158703005936214674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt34zMsKZGMVUqMBe095XgKZYZjFsFVIW1HkwTyxidKAz3Bw7KaotnNNJiihiXotywVqEjtlkPRFi_9sDSgrEVyN2kq86iWidISCUvZoB0mAiJaaZkeMJs1hIciuAt0xLoP_BkUBQ414/s1600-h/R-505-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt34zMsKZGMVUqMBe095XgKZYZjFsFVIW1HkwTyxidKAz3Bw7KaotnNNJiihiXotywVqEjtlkPRFi_9sDSgrEVyN2kq86iWidISCUvZoB0mAiJaaZkeMJs1hIciuAt0xLoP_BkUBQ414/s320/R-505-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158702898562032258" border="0" /></a><br />I have been browsing the <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/kategori_oversikt.php">GarnStudio</a> site and fell in love with a couple of their Spring/Summer sweater patterns. If you aren't familiar with this site I recommend you link on over there and check out their patterns. They are all FREE, yes FREE! They have been translated into English from their original Norwegian. There are 2465 patterns in English and many of them are awesome. Be sure to check out the "accessories" and "felted" links. Heck...check out the whole dang site! Their Norwegian sweaters are beautiful, real stunners. Maybe someday I will knit one of them. Maybe. Above are the 2 patterns that I will knit for sure. They haven't been translated yet, but should be soon. They are both from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection (link is on the lower left at their site). The white sweater I will knit in rose colored Auracania wool and I will lengthen the sleeves. The cabled cardigan, which I really love, will be done in denim colored wool and I will lengthen the sleeves on this one also. Cute, aren't they?<br /><br />No one looked at either of our houses that are for sale the whole month of December. Not so this month! The house I live in has been shown 4 times, and the house hubby lives in has been shown twice and had 1 Open House. So far...no offers on either. :o( But, spring is just around the corner, okay, it's a few months off, but hopefully the market will change for the better by then! I am still so torn as to which house I want to sell, and which one I want to keep. I guess it all depends on the one that gets the best offer and sells first!<br /><br />Since today is my day off I will bake. I love to bake. I will bake cookies and maybe some bread. After I bake I will start my new book. My older brother (I am the only girl in our family, sandwiched between 2 brothers who are always referred to as my "older" or "younger" bro) Randy is an avid reader. He goes through at least 8 books a month! Lucky me...I get all of them when he's done! Lately I've noticed that he's been reading a lot of books by Stephen White. I haven't read any by him, but Randy said they are good, very good, so today I will start the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20onblur=%22try%20%7Bparent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully%28%29;%7D%20catch%28e%29%20%7B%7D%22%20href=%22https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p-Zp3ofPcGdCxVfrPypvS55EzdJOZhVCB9Bv9m96yRXzSgA86bnA03tkeqELj6Xerjkf4iAgepVZWdzx_9COnydo_haxV3FKfYHH5FqYzQ0qdxPyznP_q9XVN21usz2nTZHGrnre_fk/s1600-h/SA-044-1.jpg%22%3E%3Cimg%20style=%22margin:%200px%20auto%2010px;%20display:%20block;%20text-align:%20center;%20cursor:%20pointer;%22%20src=%22https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p-Zp3ofPcGdCxVfrPypvS55EzdJOZhVCB9Bv9m96yRXzSgA86bnA03tkeqELj6Xerjkf4iAgepVZWdzx_9COnydo_haxV3FKfYHH5FqYzQ0qdxPyznP_q9XVN21usz2nTZHGrnre_fk/s320/SA-044-1.jpg%22%20alt=%22%22%20id=%22BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158703005936214674%22%20border=%220%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E">Stephen White book "Kill Me"</a>. Sounds uplifting doesn't it! I will let you know what I think of it. I'll read just about anything except science fiction or fantasy.<br /><br />I have heard of a malady called "blog fade" and I think I make be contracting it! I have such a hard time writing in this here blog! I keep thinking...what should I write about, and who really reads it and gives a hoot anyway!? I know I have my regular readers (thanks Janet and Janice!) but I am wondering if I should chuck this whole blogging thing and wait for my invite to Ravelry. Whenever that will be! I noticed that next month will be my blogs one year anniversary. Maybe a contest is in the works. Goodness knows, I have some awesome sock yarn that could use a new home. Stayed tuned for The String-Slingers Anniversary Contest...details coming soon. Pass it on!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-32998075060558035322008-01-09T14:12:00.000-06:002008-01-09T15:04:01.493-06:00Proof Positive!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e_vBjUaq5C9crCvpV3FVNa2cT6YIJlA4ELNysUD9C3P1hqoNokNm4fcMAaki8fT9CpeUc2lW8u06ExdD6d2Aj8YummnSvc_onszGipSYi12Ze3LeVc9N5cwf7dqHErrrviSD6y715x0/s1600-h/P1010071.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e_vBjUaq5C9crCvpV3FVNa2cT6YIJlA4ELNysUD9C3P1hqoNokNm4fcMAaki8fT9CpeUc2lW8u06ExdD6d2Aj8YummnSvc_onszGipSYi12Ze3LeVc9N5cwf7dqHErrrviSD6y715x0/s320/P1010071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153572805701967266" border="0" /></a>Started in 2007...finished in 2008...finally! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mariah's</span> Christmas/New Year's mittens. Knit in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Galway</span> (worsted wt) on size 5 Crystal Palace <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dpn's</span>. With <a href="http://www.maggiesrags.com/heartmittens.htm">this pattern</a> in the largest size, which is still small for an adult. But, like I've already said...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mariah</span> is very petite and they will fit her small hands perfectly. She adores pink and her winter jacket is black so they should look fine with it. Now all I have to do <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">is</span> finish all those second socks...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nahh</span>, I'm gonna knit me a sweater! I've got it narrowed down to the Celtic Cardigan (see last post), <a href="http://www.cabinfever.ca/P402.html">The Braids Cardigan</a>, or <a href="http://www.cabinfever.ca/P301.html">this pullover</a>. Which one? Decisions, decisions. Now, do I need new yarn or do I raid the stash and use that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Araucania</span> that's been aging for the past 2 years. I'm thinking the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Braids</span> Cardigan in the rose colored <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Araucania</span> and new denim blue yarn for the Celtic! I do have some Christmas money to spend! I think it's harder to pick a pattern and yarn than to knit the darn thing!<br /><br />Dinner last night was tasty. Steve and I went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Applebee's</span> (called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Crapplebee's</span> by my children!). I had steak and he had shrimp. They have a new menu...sort of different. Lot's of multiple choice type dinners. Pick one from this list, two from this list, etc. I liked the menu, hubby not so much. Then we went and saw the movie National Treasure. We both liked it. But what is the deal with Nicolas Cage's teeth?! They look, BIG! Big and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"></span> really white...most likely veneers. He's still a cutie even with the gleaming chompers and his funky little ears! Good movie, lots of unrealistic things happening, but fun, lots of fun!<br /><br />I have a small vent I need to get off my chest. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ravelry</span>! Yes, I have been waiting a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">longggg</span> time to get my email telling me I am one of the elite, and have finally been accepted into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ravelry</span> cult. Here's my gripe...why does everyone who knits, and has a knitting blog <span style="font-style: italic;">assume</span> that you are on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ravelry</span>?! I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to check out a pattern or see a photo and where is it...on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Ravelry</span> of course. And can I view it? Nope. So please remember that many, many of us are not members of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ravelry</span>.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-42456813326358098112008-01-08T16:22:00.000-06:002008-01-09T13:57:11.855-06:00Baby Logan Is Coming Home!<div style="text-align: left;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBpVMJWWzzX4iu-NMSo_nv2ngZR_MZ9GUtbJ2mzieqHELOjgxqbM6vymsg-CRx8Tikdtd93E7uAZk43vtyLOxDKBfzD2hch5YQqevyrjL4dtJSY-rvabYY7H9TrVGakNs0Yd5D6mMkDc/s1600-h/Dec+13+2007+030.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBpVMJWWzzX4iu-NMSo_nv2ngZR_MZ9GUtbJ2mzieqHELOjgxqbM6vymsg-CRx8Tikdtd93E7uAZk43vtyLOxDKBfzD2hch5YQqevyrjL4dtJSY-rvabYY7H9TrVGakNs0Yd5D6mMkDc/s320/Dec+13+2007+030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153240104650317202" border="0" /></a>Logan with his foster mother in Guatemala<br /></div><br />Yippee! My daughter and son in law just got the news that their petition for adoption has cleared the Guatemalan courts, the last step in adoption, and Logan is officially theirs! Stacey (DD) will be traveling to Guatemala to pick him up within the next few weeks. I have a feeling that her mother or father in law will go with her. She is a seasoned world traveler and is fine going alone for 3 days since Jon has clients lined up from now until the end of summer and can't travel with her! They really don't want to take Mia out of school again and they are worried about getting sick. So, the easiest route is to leave hubby and daughter home and travel alone. I used to worry about her when she did things like this, but after worrying for 5 years as she traveled all over the world (some countries that you really <span style="font-style: italic;">don't</span> want to be in these days!) I guess I'm used to it. She's been in countries that most of us would have no desire to visit, such as, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc. She's also been all over Africa, Europe, The Middle East, China, many Asian countries, just to name a few. I'm very proud of her and all she's done. I'm also very glad that she's now married and settled down! The priority now is to get Logan home! I guess I will be going to visit soon unless she decides to come to Minnesota for awhile. I know her Gramma (my mom) would love to see her and the kids!<br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zjksZY0QtIfrQtGLXay835KFecDnEiAsqqx6MNjK37TZurtb-AdjtI1o61qqL_rYEVkuXYOlpP6kmdvZ3Z2poeInc0YpkmFBlE7U-_1aDM0UfKsscFEiYQ-EHNSnUg4Hp3aEalf5pxo/s1600-h/403Celtic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zjksZY0QtIfrQtGLXay835KFecDnEiAsqqx6MNjK37TZurtb-AdjtI1o61qqL_rYEVkuXYOlpP6kmdvZ3Z2poeInc0YpkmFBlE7U-_1aDM0UfKsscFEiYQ-EHNSnUg4Hp3aEalf5pxo/s320/403Celtic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153239748168031618" border="0" /></a>Celtic Cardigan by Oat Couture<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I finished Mariah's second mitten, and as soon as she picks them up I plan on taking a photo of her wearing them...if for no other reason than to prove I actually finished a project! I am so wanting to start a sweater. I have had the Celtic Cardigan pattern for a couple years and I think that will be the winner! I am going to order some denim blue worsted weight yarn from KnitPicks or <a href="http://www.beaverslide.com/">Beaverslide</a> and start that sucker! The <a href="http://stringslinger.blogspot.com/2007/03/can-i-start-knittingplease.html">purple cardigan</a> still has left a bed taste in my mouth and I have decided that I will wait until next (2008) fall to start that one. Or, maybe I will just use that beautiful purple yarn for something all together different!<br /><br />Hubby and I are going out to dinner tonight and going to see the movie National Treasure. Tomorrow is my day off and I will be waiting around for the Maytag repairman to show up and fix my dishwasher. I had forgotten what a drudgery washing dishes by hand is! I can't wait to see that repairman at my doorstep! Gotta bolt, my date (hubby) is ready to go!<br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-10866983645646729392008-01-02T10:46:00.000-06:002008-01-02T11:59:12.472-06:002008...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP8pJKgTutOT3afNKGRs_o94aXFlrerx4OGtBNm6dqk8bFT-pmckozQpufDK-QS-9SG7-whA86AWRsA1TwqQTVGnERHOBaptCaCaITy-71V9mqrv-Vl9qsgXXbpiDLVP8eOmuNFVCEc0/s1600-h/banner10.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP8pJKgTutOT3afNKGRs_o94aXFlrerx4OGtBNm6dqk8bFT-pmckozQpufDK-QS-9SG7-whA86AWRsA1TwqQTVGnERHOBaptCaCaITy-71V9mqrv-Vl9qsgXXbpiDLVP8eOmuNFVCEc0/s320/banner10.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150938418791488882" border="0" /></a><br />Happy New Year! Nothing too exciting happened here on New Years Eve other than I went to bed at 9:00pm since I had to be at work at 6:00am New Years day. My good friend Kathi, who was vacationing in Texas, decided to call me at 12:50 thinking that it was 11:50 in Minnesota. She was sounding pretty happy and said she wanted to be the first to wish me a Happy New Year. Then she yells....What are you doing? <span style="font-style: italic;">I'm in bed.</span> With who? <span style="font-style: italic;">Myself, I was sleeping.</span> Sleeping? <span style="font-style: italic;">Yes, sleeping, I have to get up at 4:30 for work tomorrow.</span> Oh, well Happy New Year and go back to sleep! click<br /><br />My friend Janet also stopped by, at a normal time, and brought me my Christmas present.<br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr><td align="center" width="115"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Vogue-Knitting-Magazine-Techniques/dp/1933027169/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199294575&sr=1-3"> <img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21Dgpi-cnML._AA115_.jpg" class="" alt="The Best of Vogue Knitting Magazine: 25 Years of Articles, Techniques, and Expert Advice" border="0" height="115" width="115" /> </a> </td><td width="8"><br /></td></tr></tbody> </table> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Vogue-Knitting-Magazine-Techniques/dp/1933027169/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199294575&sr=1-3"><span class="srTitle">The Best of Vogue Knitting Magazine: 25 Years of Articles, Techniques, and Expert Advice</span></a><br />This is an awesome book for any knitter. I have had such a great time reading through it. It is a techniques book, but also a history book. It is full of knitting tips and written by many different knitters. Many of the chapters are by Elizabeth <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Zimmermann</span> or her daughter Meg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Swansen</span>. Highly recommended reading for any knitter.<br /><br />Oh, I also found a really <a href="http://www.islandofmisfitpatterns.com/">fun site</a> that lists free patterns. Be sure to check out the beautiful dishcloth under "Fripperies" and the lovely blankets. Cool site.<br /><br />I wish that I could tell you all about the numerous and wonderful items I knitted in 2007...but there aren't many! In fact, I think there was a couple dishcloths, maybe a sock or two, and part of a couple sweaters. I have been in a knitting slump for over a year. I <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to knit, my fingers are itching to knit, but I just can't seem to find the time to sit and enjoy a couple hours of knitting relaxation. I am always worried about the house, is it clean, could the realtor show it today without me being embarrassed by the dog hair, or dirty dishes?? I really wish one of the houses would sell. I want to be settled in where I know I'm going to be staying. I guess that's just a lame excuse for not knitting. In the summer I always say it's too hot to knit, in the fall I always have big plans for knitting, then the holidays hit and I'm too busy with work and home. Now that we're heading into the winter slump (January and February) maybe I can knit a bit. I still haven't finished <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mariah's</span> second Christmas mitten...I am so bad! I am going to work on it today, I swear!<br /><br />Tomorrow my friend Joyce and I are going to go see "Atonement". This is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">definitely</span> a chick flick that the hubby would never go see. We did see "I Am Legend" and I loved it even though it scared the crap out of me. I had no idea it was a scary movie, I thought it was like "Castaway". Boy, was I wrong! It is a great story and Will Smith is wonderful. I won't say anymore since I recommend you see it yourself.<br /><br />My DD Stacey and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">SIL</span> Jon are home and have recuperated from their illness. Jon called it the Guatemala Diet...lose 10 pounds in 3 days! They were both so sick. But they are home now and feeling better, although they wish they could have brought Logan home with them. Thankfully, Miss Mia didn't get sick and is still her funny, perky, little self. I plan on going to visit for a week once they bring Logan home, hopefully sometime in the spring. I miss them and wish they lived closer.<br /><br />I am off to clean my house so that I can knit guilt-free all afternoon! It is cold here (-2) so maybe I will pop in a movie, make some tea, get under a quilt on the sofa and knit that second mitten. Happy New Year to all.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-78809317227504299602007-12-27T20:48:00.000-06:002007-12-27T20:59:58.624-06:00Guatemalan Cutie!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBoc3iJmyBozIfYC-_JSIXi3ckuu7v5b3UbekDMkRApuvj95y0XaHGT8oTkA4ae7WWeTgxIKIyEGYndUlru7dtVF29mUreAcNZokvLdIhvcxxTXbXIMEex5LRVOM7GvQLHRqNkFiwsQs/s1600-h/BLo1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBoc3iJmyBozIfYC-_JSIXi3ckuu7v5b3UbekDMkRApuvj95y0XaHGT8oTkA4ae7WWeTgxIKIyEGYndUlru7dtVF29mUreAcNZokvLdIhvcxxTXbXIMEex5LRVOM7GvQLHRqNkFiwsQs/s320/BLo1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148850733973151042" border="0" /></a><br />For those of you that are not following my daughter and her hubby's trip to Guatemala to visit their soon-to-be-adopted son...I will post a picture of the little cutie. He is Logan Michael and about the cutest little man south of Miami! They are visiting him for a week with their other little cutie...Mia, their daughter adopted from China. If you would like to keep up with their escapades you can find their blog <a href="http://www.milchman.blogspot.com/">here</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh437grcrSnUZKKcsysIxXeMrUjnZ48IDCtWaH43_AyQ1sM9eNPhKQaODH9tkTgxDDym67YF6MmUz2E_shCI33oVNeRsRi3hSuEc1q4l-z15uSyRXeLSe-qn96yiIV5A4WchIK09XeU8/s1600-h/mia.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh437grcrSnUZKKcsysIxXeMrUjnZ48IDCtWaH43_AyQ1sM9eNPhKQaODH9tkTgxDDym67YF6MmUz2E_shCI33oVNeRsRi3hSuEc1q4l-z15uSyRXeLSe-qn96yiIV5A4WchIK09XeU8/s320/mia.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148851996693536082" border="0" /></a>Other than all the excitement about the new grandson, things here are winding down after the holidays. I am soooo tired. I don't know if it's my diabetes or just the after Christmas blahs. I feel like I could sleep for a week. I'm not a napper so I never get any extra sleep. I get up at 4:30am so I'm guessing I just need to get to bed earlier...starting tonight. Good night...Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-71376973744783435432007-12-25T15:44:00.000-06:002007-12-25T19:30:42.726-06:00Blessed Christmas To All!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVwWsVP9BZfcbu3MpgKoli4Uj1vGXQnsfFT8XVsupEf12DACy8IwIBrV5UAKbqtT-dok1mupXK4GOopDKHNOdYFP7TXoDISdG1jPd_trqN29xjNCHjSUGanNnhxAbTWLJ-ju1XHA7ZVw/s1600-h/twasthenightcard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVwWsVP9BZfcbu3MpgKoli4Uj1vGXQnsfFT8XVsupEf12DACy8IwIBrV5UAKbqtT-dok1mupXK4GOopDKHNOdYFP7TXoDISdG1jPd_trqN29xjNCHjSUGanNnhxAbTWLJ-ju1XHA7ZVw/s320/twasthenightcard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148071171639123234" border="0" /></a>Merry Christmas to all! We had a wonderful Christmas Eve night last night at my brothers and today we stayed home and celebrated with our children and my mom. I made an egg and sausage bake for breakfast with the ever popular caramel rolls. You know, the ones made with Rhodes frozen bread dough and vanilla pudding mix. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yumm</span>! We opened presents while the brunch baked and then feasted. This is the first time I've ever made an egg bake and it was a success...loved by all. Sort of reminded me of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">crustless</span> quiche. It was big, made in a 9x13 cake pan and we ate it all! That's what happens when you have 3 sons! We also managed to devour the caramel rolls. I guess it's diet time when the new year rolls in. I used a recipe found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">here</a> for the egg bake. This site is a great recipe site, one that I refer to often.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw29vI3mEi7knk1PAVWRkRV2m5gpJurLO6r1_9XOiFecN4-X7DwRIOS7_pLcsCWhEGTgo8GquaLjv8U_8ZttP7kDbsVAqd2qtpUqDGc-YYFC01-9SxwdJN5ff0fM5QE0XjH7d2IDB-NBE/s1600-h/P1010066.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw29vI3mEi7knk1PAVWRkRV2m5gpJurLO6r1_9XOiFecN4-X7DwRIOS7_pLcsCWhEGTgo8GquaLjv8U_8ZttP7kDbsVAqd2qtpUqDGc-YYFC01-9SxwdJN5ff0fM5QE0XjH7d2IDB-NBE/s320/P1010066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148032787516398850" border="0" /></a><br />We are getting snow...lots of snow! It sure looks like Christmas out there. I took a picture out our sliding door looking into our backyard. Snowy wonderland, but that's okay, I love snow! It's so peaceful and quiet when it snows, I like that. It will be a bugger to drive to work tomorrow but thankfully I only have to drive 2 miles! Lucky me, I live close to where I work.<br /><br />My daughter, son in law, and granddaughter are in Guatemala! They just arrived there! They flew out of Miami and landed about 10 minutes ago in Guatemala City. They get baby Logan tonight! What a Christmas present that is! Stacey, my DD, decided to start a blog so anyone who desires can follow their trip. You can follow their week with Logan <a href="http://www.milchman.blogspot.com/">here</a>. They were so excited! I can't wait to hear all about my little grandson.<br /><br />I have a confession to make that I am not very proud of. I never finished <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mariah's</span> second mitten. No real excuses other than I was about half way done with the second one and realized that I had knit another left handed one! Big DUH! I wasn't paying very close attention while knitting at our monthly group and that is what happens! I did give her one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mitten</span> and promised the second one within a week. She's so sweet that she was only disappointed she couldn't wear them because she thought they were so cute. I love that little gal! Another person, or should I say canine, who enjoyed their gift was the greyhound Summer. She loves squeaky toys...and I mean LOVES them! She opened this one all by herself and has carried it around ever since.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yiUjwDTH53mWl2AukiyFPt5Tj0qaSFHtPG8-egLNPycha66Nhc971FAPv7CJ_8fTyjhXu738GKpNVAWKhP3IETF6qKHbUb0AUi-Q3AM7_23BTU-8S4rfp9k2IUpiX0EFQSOxT40lY98/s1600-h/P1010068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yiUjwDTH53mWl2AukiyFPt5Tj0qaSFHtPG8-egLNPycha66Nhc971FAPv7CJ_8fTyjhXu738GKpNVAWKhP3IETF6qKHbUb0AUi-Q3AM7_23BTU-8S4rfp9k2IUpiX0EFQSOxT40lY98/s320/P1010068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148073572525841714" border="0" /></a><br />Well, another Christmas is almost gone. I love this time of year so it makes me a little sad to think that it's all over until 2008. Everyone liked their gifts and I got some good stuff! I think the reason I like Christmas so much is that my family is all together and we are all blessed with wonderful children and our health. The Lord has been good to me and mine, and I thank Him for another year. Hope all your holiday's were filled with love and family.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwNuw_ZnysY5enX2N92AherKeQbFZxjlC55U3AhvT9Ixl8XMhtZyMNph1P2SbTdNRHDzggP-XzMVuZxPwpefA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />I leave you with an adorable performance by my 3 year old grand daughter Mia Belle. She is not only cute but talented also. Enjoy!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-2737486447794610072007-12-13T12:03:00.000-06:002007-12-13T14:30:04.979-06:00Jack Frost Visits Minnesota<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENgUGOLw3vTjCJntZPGb8jJrdF1Dkp0sc4ZBug32aO-HZLtONnM-iRDyaoVXGs__PiAgDvDyI7A0wEpvKFtkDl6x2cIJsAkSoyQhVVvU8ETtM7Te5H9XL07GNjP16l8aGPtjUmpjrdM8/s1600-h/P1010063.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENgUGOLw3vTjCJntZPGb8jJrdF1Dkp0sc4ZBug32aO-HZLtONnM-iRDyaoVXGs__PiAgDvDyI7A0wEpvKFtkDl6x2cIJsAkSoyQhVVvU8ETtM7Te5H9XL07GNjP16l8aGPtjUmpjrdM8/s320/P1010063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143524507991345266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz3WPHq36KPVcoNKJ55KfsSH9S1GekuwEXNefxK8GU5mQljp0-CTf5r0dj25CnsrFu-W4loVXicPQW5u7-WeuFyTvrjxb3h7eo1zLT1ThIZVKgcxfMqPhB2X_Lsin4jmXL-XE9uBjg-o/s1600-h/P1010060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz3WPHq36KPVcoNKJ55KfsSH9S1GekuwEXNefxK8GU5mQljp0-CTf5r0dj25CnsrFu-W4loVXicPQW5u7-WeuFyTvrjxb3h7eo1zLT1ThIZVKgcxfMqPhB2X_Lsin4jmXL-XE9uBjg-o/s320/P1010060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143524220228536418" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday morning I awoke to the most beautiful sight! Everything outside was covered with a heavy layer of white, sparkly, frost. In the cold weather this happens when there is excessive moisture in the air and it causes frost to form. All the trees were covered with white, it looked like they had been sprinkled with glitter. I took pictures as I walked the greyhound but the pictures don't do the frost justice. I guess you'd have to live in a cold climate to realize the beauty, I am one of those fools that like winter...what can I say?<br /><br />I dragged the hubby shopping yesterday much to his chagrin. I have to admit, he was better than usual. He actually liked shopping at Home Goods (T.J. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Maxx</span>) and even bought a couple presents for co-workers and ME! I think he bought me the wine glasses I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">oogling</span>. They are awesome! Blue hand blown glass that fades to clear with tiny flowers right in the glass. I'm hoping that's what he was paying for when I wasn't supposed to be watching! I managed to pick up a few things at the mall but still can't find one <a href="http://www.kuhnrikon.com/products/tools/tools.php3?id=140">kitchen item</a> I want. I guess I'll have to order online and hope it arrives in time. I got hubby the new Dean Koontz book. He's read everything that man has written. I've read quite a few and really enjoyed them...recently I've read, The Husband, The Good Guy, and Intensity. Like a dummy, I read the first few pages of this new book and now I'm wondering if I should read it before I give it to Steve for Christmas! Would that make it a "used" book? I also bought Paula <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Deen's</span> biography "It Ain't All About the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cookin</span>'" for a friend at work. She loves Paula and I thought she might like to read about how she got started in her cooking career. There aren't enough hours in the day for me to read and knit all that I want!<br /><br />With Christmas just around the corner I am starting to bake (I really should finish shopping, clean the house, finish <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mariah's</span> mitten!, wrap the presents I do have, and put up the tree!). Last night I made the ever popular Saltine Toffee. I know that everyone in the world has heard of this recipe and made it...but for those of you who aren't fortunate enough to know this recipe...here it is!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2398cUN6jqg-IIBUruLJCTQRuyA6DZIG2X761_CneqgEmnrJ5oCuFIf4rtYJ4Bis0vyKlf7DbOO7MOkC3b9P6x5Jrf74i4Z0_M8uB6gMJDJtfu_qp5KzPigc2L_ujZgInJQRo-FW8rFY/s1600-h/P1010065.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2398cUN6jqg-IIBUruLJCTQRuyA6DZIG2X761_CneqgEmnrJ5oCuFIf4rtYJ4Bis0vyKlf7DbOO7MOkC3b9P6x5Jrf74i4Z0_M8uB6gMJDJtfu_qp5KzPigc2L_ujZgInJQRo-FW8rFY/s320/P1010065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143551055184201858" border="0" /></a><br />1 cup (2 sticks) butter (NO substitutions!)<br />1 cup packed brown sugar (light OR dark, doesn't matter)<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />1 tube (1/4 pkg of 16oz box) saltine crackers<br />1 12 oz bag choc chips (I use milk choc)<br />1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds, optional<br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil and lightly spray with non stick coating, like Pam. Lay the saltines in pan in single layer covering the bottom. Bring butter and brown sugar to rapid boil and start timing...boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Slowly pour over the saltines and spread to cover all the crackers. If the crackers get out of line just move them back into a single layer using a fork. Bake for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with choc chips. Wait 5 minutes and spread melted chips to cover, sprinkle nuts on top if desired. Cool in frig until hard and break into pieces. Wonderful, tastes like a Heath candy bar. I have read that a lot of people use the saltines without salt on top, and that some use unsalted butter. Either way, these are a favorite around here!<br /><br />I have decided that I want to knit the <a href="http://shop.interweave.com/store/Central-Park-Hoodie-P204C0.aspx?src=KE121207">Central Park <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hoodie</span></a>, which I understand is all the rage on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">internet</span> now. Interweave Knits has made the pattern available for download for $5.50 and people are freaking out! They feel that the price is way excessive since this pattern was offered in one of their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Knitscene</span> magazines. I guess it is a bit high since it is a download. No paper, ink, or postage involved. Anyway...I think I will plop down my hard earned $5.50 and buy the pattern. I am a little bit concerned about the yardage requirements. I thought there was a type-o since the largest size requires 3660 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">yds</span> of yarn!! I want to knit the 52" bust that requires almost 3000 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">yds</span> at 17 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">spi</span>! This is so weird. I've never seen a sweater, even with a hood, that requires that much yarn! I emailed Interweave and they said it's correct. Now my problem is...I don't have enough of any one yarn in my stash to knit this since the yardage is so high. I almost don't believe them and want to try and knit it with what I have, but I'm afraid I'd run out right in the middle of the dang hood! Anyone out there knit this beast yet and have any pointers?!<br /><br />I haven't blogged for so long that I feel a bit chatty! I got my hair cut a couple weeks ago. I told the cutter I wanted it shorter in back than the sides. It felt like she was shaving my hair in back up to the center of my head! I was a little nervous but it turned out pretty cute...or as cute as my hair can get. Since menopause my hair has started to thin and this makes me nervous. Not so much as to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">noticeable</span> to anyone but me...but still, I have this image of myself, years down the road, as an old lady with blue, thin, hair and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">shiny</span> scalp showing through! Let's hope that I'm wrong, wrong, wrong. So, after I got the crazy cut I came home and colored my hair, which I do every 6 weeks. I used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Loreal</span> this time instead of my usual Clairol and I think I like the color better. I am hoping that it doesn't fade as badly as Clairol does. After 6 weeks with the Clairol dye my hair is a completely different color than I started with. Oh the joys of being 55!<br /><br />Well, fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">bloggers</span>, time to get that tree decorated. The kids call it a Charlie Brown tree, and not in a nice way! I bought this tree 3 years ago when I moved into this house. I wanted a narrow tree that looked real and was "rustic" looking. I like my little tree. It's cute, and old fashioned looking, and yes...a bit Charlie Brownish. When I get it decorated I will take a pic and let you decide if it truly deserves to be called a Charlie Brown tree.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-8934816013106750272007-11-29T10:43:00.000-06:002007-11-29T11:03:13.210-06:00Cheating Is Fun!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NZb68Yhyphenhyphense9HMD2fTbczoKVxKbKjOdMH0nosfqaYojR09mF4WsUmHq5XDjIK0qqlLqUYa3y_33rvelzo9H5ctbJx4cDh7DXU7g7SRHk16c5WHlDKfjgbJao5VlJXPToN9oaErcSexw8/s1600-h/Legare2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NZb68Yhyphenhyphense9HMD2fTbczoKVxKbKjOdMH0nosfqaYojR09mF4WsUmHq5XDjIK0qqlLqUYa3y_33rvelzo9H5ctbJx4cDh7DXU7g7SRHk16c5WHlDKfjgbJao5VlJXPToN9oaErcSexw8/s320/Legare2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138305014083039762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Not</span> cheating on your spouse, or cheating on a school exam...I'm talking about cheating on your knitting! I have decided to drag my Legare Circular Sock Knitting Machines out of the closet and into use once again! I am going to crank out a couple pair of socks for my sons for Christmas. When you consider the time factor, using a CSM (circular sock machine) is an unbelievable time saver. I can knit a PAIR of socks in about 2 hours from start to finish. Yes, they are plain stockinette stitch but that's what the boys like. Above is one of my CSM's. I have 2 so that I can keep them set up at different tensions for differing yarn weights. One will knit fingering and the other sport weight yarns. I bought mine when they were reasonably priced. Now I see that "refurbished" machines are $2000.00. That is craziness! One of mine is from eBay and I paid $150.00 for it, and took it apart and painted and cleaned it myself. It was fun to work on, and I have to admit, I was amazed that it worked after I reassembled it! I still prefer to hand knit my socks, but when time is crunched, and I need gifts for the guys...my CSM comes to the rescue. Below are some socks I've knit on my machines. They are very basic with a short-row heel (not my favorite) and a mock ribbed leg. Easy, fast, very basic...but they keep your feet warm and that's what matters! Two of my sons work outdoors year round so they need toasty feet. In Minnesota that means wool socks and lots of them!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZtjZa9RNj1KqIjab3KIYMI2tD5UQLhyi_fZddKyIuhInybgOK7njfnbHmUs2aKdKgcNfVQa7Xboq2e9g3ti5oFTVumE4WYZ-iE0MOG98oLuHAATGOY8r5zFYDSqdL6M1LO_02gtoT4c/s1600-h/3+CSM+socks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZtjZa9RNj1KqIjab3KIYMI2tD5UQLhyi_fZddKyIuhInybgOK7njfnbHmUs2aKdKgcNfVQa7Xboq2e9g3ti5oFTVumE4WYZ-iE0MOG98oLuHAATGOY8r5zFYDSqdL6M1LO_02gtoT4c/s320/3+CSM+socks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138306311163163170" border="0" /></a>It is getting WAY cold here in the Minneapolis area. When I walked the greyhound this morning I was cold! By the time we had walked our mile my legs were stinging and burning from the wind blowing right through my jeans. I was so happy to get home and have a nice hot cup of Constant Comment tea. Supposedly this weekend we are getting snow...up to 6 inches. Snow's fine, it's the bitter cold I don't like. Winter is here for at least the next 4 months...it is the best knitting months of the year!<br /><br />I am going to get my CSM's out now and set them up so I can start cranking. I will post any socks that I make. Have a great weekend and stay warm!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-65391293717442991322007-11-20T20:03:00.000-06:002007-11-21T14:38:02.627-06:00One Down, One To Go!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR9DM4kgK1T2orE1xwAghH1TjfpzcRuNeexuqJgEE-M5_3ao53wzZtB3FdXT2Ld8qqnGOEQgWtpeSq5amvyl5b3BcoRKfe4MhXX-gcfO4_4CTnwW6xzUu4ARCmaSDLIIUmcviCa9bvqc/s1600-h/heartmitten"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR9DM4kgK1T2orE1xwAghH1TjfpzcRuNeexuqJgEE-M5_3ao53wzZtB3FdXT2Ld8qqnGOEQgWtpeSq5amvyl5b3BcoRKfe4MhXX-gcfO4_4CTnwW6xzUu4ARCmaSDLIIUmcviCa9bvqc/s320/heartmitten" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135108759550898674" border="0" /></a>I have finished one of Mariah's mittens! This is a cute pattern but written only up to an adult size small. I don't quite get that?? Why not a medium and large size also? Anyway, it was a quick and fun knit and I've already started the second one so they will be ready for Christmas giving. Now I need to get the last 2 inches of my moms sock knit. I am giving her one of my many socks that have languished for years with a half-finished mate. I have been working on finishing the mate for a complete pair. My mom loves hand knit socks! She has to wear special shoes for a foot problem and the hand knit socks are so much more comfortable. If I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> ambitious I may try and finish another pair for my elderly aunt.<br /><br />We have had an offer on our little Victorian house. I have such mixed feelings about that. I raised my 4 kids there and lived there for more than half my life. The people haven't made an "official" offer yet but our realtor seems to think that they will. Life can be complicated some times.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aHfsDyp2giZlKwHyo2hDKeB0b0NBgFSKYuegQleO9JFIOW3hr3-0MbG_EIVVSeyD0tT2BdGrQXlJSICQJjQa-NAQX32MsFRAEt1vfmSGkTi9LGNMQ8_AM8E3W5r5qlTiskiczIJa4AI/s1600-h/turkey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aHfsDyp2giZlKwHyo2hDKeB0b0NBgFSKYuegQleO9JFIOW3hr3-0MbG_EIVVSeyD0tT2BdGrQXlJSICQJjQa-NAQX32MsFRAEt1vfmSGkTi9LGNMQ8_AM8E3W5r5qlTiskiczIJa4AI/s320/turkey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135390711268979202" border="0" /></a><br />Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! One of my favorite holidays surpassed only by Christmas. We will be celebrating at my nephews. I have to bring candied yams and have been searching the internet for a recipe. Some are very basic and some are what I would call "gourmet". I love the recipe site <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/">Recipezaar</a>. It is one of the best recipe and food sites I have found. Check it out...you can find a recipe for about anything you want. I like that they give the nutritional info for all their recipes since I am diabetic. There is also a newsletter you can request and some fun communities to join. Bon Appetit!<br /><br />Baby it's cold outside! It is starting to feel like winter here in Minnesota. Still no snow but the temps are getting into the brrrr range. I don't mind the cold but I wish we could have a little more sunshine. It's been dreary and dark since the beginning of October. I need a little sun to take the blues away.<br /><br />I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, food, and fun! Count your blessings and all the things you are thankful for.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-28030402080967096862007-11-14T08:56:00.000-06:002007-11-15T09:48:13.741-06:00Logan, Mittens, and Houses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBJYb-V7_b2SzonNUUgU98Ik-XFkCeiv-7o2ZAT0E7TJSxSFLYRonjiKnoKWCItV4ey76jfwgi7EnSrZ2ZGa0mIPRbSJfL9238Lhq47O54EnO7ChymPSvjFJdCiN1qpfyppJpsaZy2J0/s1600-h/Logan4months"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBJYb-V7_b2SzonNUUgU98Ik-XFkCeiv-7o2ZAT0E7TJSxSFLYRonjiKnoKWCItV4ey76jfwgi7EnSrZ2ZGa0mIPRbSJfL9238Lhq47O54EnO7ChymPSvjFJdCiN1qpfyppJpsaZy2J0/s320/Logan4months" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132713054728685682" border="0" /></a><br />My daughter and son in law Jon just got an update on the cutie from Guatemala! This picture was taken at Logan's 4 month check-up. He weighed in at 14 lbs 8oz. I guess they don't need to worry about him not getting enough to eat! Looks like he's lost most of his hair but he still has those adorable lips and big brown eyes. I can't wait to get my hands on this little guy. Stacey, Jon, and Mia will be leaving for Guatemala on Christmas day for a week with the little bugger. They are so excited. I think they will have a difficult time leaving him behind when they come home, but hopefully they will get him in February or March and then he's theirs forever! Fortunately, the elections were successful in Guatemala a couple weeks ago and the new president is pro-adoption.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObeIz5xjzvyvj3rQbbh3fDphRRYeuIJB1ElIdijMaRs3UfqHNGcuuYzdE32e8bZYc8kjYpE3CDV2qvkvWUtl049pWecVnfafsOrSeksxyaaHvvRXkxX7WodD7eciLCUz_72g1S5LGqoQ/s1600-h/P1010054.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObeIz5xjzvyvj3rQbbh3fDphRRYeuIJB1ElIdijMaRs3UfqHNGcuuYzdE32e8bZYc8kjYpE3CDV2qvkvWUtl049pWecVnfafsOrSeksxyaaHvvRXkxX7WodD7eciLCUz_72g1S5LGqoQ/s320/P1010054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133091718354645442" border="0" /></a><br />I have been knitting! I am working on a pair of mittens for Mariah for Christmas. Mariah is my son Tyler's girlfriend and she LOVES the color pink. So I bought some pretty pink Galway and am knitting her a pair of <a href="http://www.maggiesrags.com/heartmittens.htm">Maggie's Rags</a> cable heart mittens. They are turning out so cute. The pattern is fun, but not that well written. Mariah wears a black jacket so I think that pink mittens will look nice with it. If I was <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> ambitious I'd knit her a matching scarf. It will depend on time, working full time really cuts into the knitting time. My goal this year was to have all my Christmas shopping done by Dec. 15th so I could relax the week before Christmas. I am shopping today with my Mom but she wants to go to Kmart and that is one of my least favorite stores. I am going to look at sheets, big deal...<br /><br />We are having Open Houses on both the houses, one every other weekend. It is a real pain in the behind to have to make sure that your house is spotless every second of the day. It's not me that's the problem...I blame any messiness on Walker or Summer the greyhound. She sheds, not a lot, but enough. Walker has a tendency to leave dirty clothes wherever. He even had a little pile next to his dresser that I found <span style="font-style: italic;">after</span> the Open House last weekend! Oh well, we do live here and people can't expect it to look like a model home. I am still so undecided as to which house I want to sell. I have set my mind to the fact that whatever house sells, that's the way it's meant to be. I will be happy in either.<br /><br />Tomorrow night is our monthly knitting group, we meet the third Thursday of every month. We are a fun crowd (Deb S. you should join us!) I was thinking that next month it would be fun to have a stash exchange for Christmas, or maybe a gift exchange. We usually have a little Christmas party with cookies and cider. Most years Janet makes us make an ornament...one year we made little needles out of toothpicks and knit a tiny little square and glued this to a tiny little ball of yarn. It was cute! We used left over sock yarn, the needles were round toothpicks with a seed bead glued to the end. It gave me a new appreciation about knitting on "small" needles! This knitting group is a fun group, if you live in the Minneapolis area and would like to join us please email me for directions.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lhs4VqjNWvI42SqTkqROssMsb5TKDYydXYHo5F_Zo1QNVK0IYMDApY_6lAjjFDe5uszSxAxJq3FuirxjE8QPafxJBJbY8ROI06AipP6BPAOIEJJpZUOSaTotgGVQT60FnzC4bS_unJU/s1600-h/P1010055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lhs4VqjNWvI42SqTkqROssMsb5TKDYydXYHo5F_Zo1QNVK0IYMDApY_6lAjjFDe5uszSxAxJq3FuirxjE8QPafxJBJbY8ROI06AipP6BPAOIEJJpZUOSaTotgGVQT60FnzC4bS_unJU/s320/P1010055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133092100606734802" border="0" /></a><br />We had our family room (picture above, white lines by sofa are sunshine!) and the bedroom next to it recarpeted last week, just in time for the Open House. I have to tell ya...I am impressed with Lowe's. They were very nice to work with, quick, friendly, and best of all...they did a great job. Every time I've tried to get something done by Home Depot it takes HOURS of waiting and filling out papers and they never have enough people to help. Not so with Lowe's. We were helped quickly, she was knowledgeable, and we bought our carpet, set up the install date and left the store all within 20 minutes! That makes me happy! And the family room looks great! Now all I need to do is go to the fabric store for fabric, and make those valances for the windows. I've been going to do that for the last 3 years! Now I'll get it done and the house will sell and I won't even be able to enjoy that room. The things we do for love...Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1741058272171040232.post-50167135563348722492007-11-07T10:31:00.000-06:002007-11-07T10:56:58.381-06:00Lot's Happening!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiledeO-5xK8Abx4gdrbag2pZDtZ6gaoiaAPLvPLRgLzU9QlQI2kF3T58b6-mHfMLRX0ZEIKFXRmL7I48sDMb02GSU4a-bgC2_XmpCo4wrou4JoZcbDFH0cWjXVljJfcReH88VqAQGA-uU/s1600-h/exchouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiledeO-5xK8Abx4gdrbag2pZDtZ6gaoiaAPLvPLRgLzU9QlQI2kF3T58b6-mHfMLRX0ZEIKFXRmL7I48sDMb02GSU4a-bgC2_XmpCo4wrou4JoZcbDFH0cWjXVljJfcReH88VqAQGA-uU/s320/exchouse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130139935156005474" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, I am still alive and well, just a bit stressed out! My estranged husband, Steve, and I have decided to give it another try! We have put both our houses up for sale and are just waiting for one of them to sell. We will live in whichever one doesn't sell until we decide where we want to move. I would prefer to stay in either of the houses but Steve thinks it would be nice to start fresh in a different house. The house he lives in is the one we raised our family in, so I have a lot of attachment issues with that house. Mine is newer and more modern, a 4 level split. The old family house is a little Queen Anne victorian, photo above is a bit blurry. I like them both so I guess it doesn't matter where we end up. I feel like my family is whole again and we belong together. He's been my sweetheart since I was 18. I am happy.<br /><br />I haven't been knitting much since all I do is clean this dang house! Have to have it ready to show at any moment. What a pain in the behind. I did find <a href="http://www.yarnissima.com/">this pattern</a> that I would like to try. You will need to click on the far right pair of socks to get the free pattern. It is for socks knit from the toe up that have a funky sort of gusset. They are very cute and look like an interesting project. Anyone out there knit these yet? I have some pretty pastel yarn that would be perfect for these. Just what I need, another sock project to go unfinished for decades!<br /><br />Well, I just needed to check in quickly to let the 3 people who read this blog that I am still among the living. I do need to go mop floors now and then rip out the carpet in my family room since it is being re-carpeted this Friday. Work, work, work....sucks!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09577281088917398070noreply@blogger.com6