FO Friday: Chemo Caps and Craziness

Well today I am running around like a mad women.

Tomorrow we are hosting a big Graduation BBQ for my Darling Son.  The laundry basket is filling up with all the odds and ends for a big party. I also have physiotherapy and a Doctors appointment today. The boyz are cleaning the giant BBQ we borrowed, then we go grocery shopping. No knitting for me today. Tomorrow morning, set up at the hall… Bedlam.

What I got done earlier this week!

 Chemo Do-Rag (AKA Scarf) done and delivered.

With a Little Help for My Friend Chemo Cap

7″ X 19″
80% Bamboo, 20% Wool

A friend is going through Chemotherapy, which inspired this pattern. Some years ago I was in a similar situation and appreciated the many kindnesses of my friends. Please feel free to use this pattern and pass it along. We all need to feel cared for in times of trouble.

Edge detail

And here’s a little Teazer for Wednesday can you guess what it is?

Tune in Wednesday for a Hint ;0)

Current WIP List (13)

1. Teazer
2. Chemo Hat for a Friend
3. Chemo Do-Rag (AKA Scarf) 
4. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done 
5. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 50% Carry along Kal forum
6. Camellia shawlette -  5%
7. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
8. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
9. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
10. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
11. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
12. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
13. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
14. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
15. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 66 + 2 = 68

+ 77 Squares & Hexes

WIPS 2013 = 15 – 2 = 13

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 = 54 + 2 = 56

Books 2013 = 18

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Celebrations and Convocations!

Yesterday was an exciting day, my DS (Darling Son) the University Graduate had his Convocation.  He now has his Bachelor of Arts Honours in English Literature Degree.

This was an outdoor event. It was very cold and overcast,  fortunately the rain held off until we were on our way home.  It was wonderful anyway!  

My awesome son!

He was also selected to be published!  “The Machine Among the Trees: Essays on Contemporary Canadian Poetry” for Advanced Studies in Canadian Literature. We are very proud!

Well I am as ready as I will ever be for the craft sale tomorrow. We are setting up today and open tomorrow at 11:00 am.

Cable Braided Necklace for my Kal group

17 eyelets, I made this reversible by adding a button on both sides.

XL Coffee Cup Sweater

(6) tea toters

Quick and easy, made from leftovers and buttons from the jar :0)

and 11 Drip Stoppers

These are actually much more colourful. Great stashbuster!

Current WIP List (14)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
2. tea toters last minute for the craft sale
3. Cable Braided Necklace  for my Kal group
4. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 40% Carry along Kal forum
5. Camellia shawlette -  5%
6. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
7. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
8. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
9. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
10. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
11. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
12. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
13. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
14. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 =  47 + 19 = 66

+ 77 Squares & Hexes

WIPS 2013 = 14 + 2 = 12

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 =  50 + 4 = 54

Books 2013 = 18

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Next week :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: A Very Happy Anniversary :0)

DH and I bought a Dwarf Korean Lilac for our 29th anniversary. DS planted it for our gift. Neighbour saw him getting his picture taken and said “We’re having steak for dinner, I see your having ham” lol Lilac smells divine!

My DH declared his name is Leopold, my DS agreed… shrug?

Close-up, wish you could smell this too!

They took me out to dinner too! Boy am I spoiled!

My Brother made a special appearance from Wisconsin! So my Anniversary was perfect.

Back to knitting for charity! Time is getting short, only 3 days left.

Cable Braided Necklace for my Kal group

XL Coffee Cup

(5) tea toters

Making 6 of these.

Piles Of Smiles Socks for my Carry along Kal forum on Rav

Current WIP List (14)

1. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project 25% done  
2. tea toters last minute for the craft sale
3. Cable Braided Necklace  for my Kal group
4. Piles of Smiles socks a new pattern I am working on 40% Carry along Kal forum
5. Camellia shawlette -  5%
6. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
7. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
8. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
9. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
10. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
11. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
12. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
13. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
14. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 =  72

WIPS 2013 = 12 + 2 = 14

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 =  50

Books 2013 = 18

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

Happy Mothers Day everyone!

Off to Church this morning, saw my Mother there <Hugz>

Phoned MiL wished her Happy MiL Mothers Day.

Hanging basket of Geraniums for both.

DH and DS took me out to a Dreamers Cafe in Port Hope for lunch and to listen to BiL perform. A duo called “Gingersnaps”. 

Was great, now they are making me a roast for dinner.

WIP Weds: Zonked!

On friday I told you about all the firsts I would be involved in last weekend…

My friend Bonnie and I went into Toronto for the DKC Knit Frolic!

2013 DKC knit frolic – Bonnie and I high on fibre fumes :0)

Lots of people and potential treasures

Some friends from home

The Girls!

 and hi Debbie D! (wish I took your picture too)

Treasures that came home with me :0)

I will highlight my purchases on Friday, so you can get a better look.

 First Communion of my Cousins little girl.

First Birthday of their little boy.

1st Birthday Party

and I actually learned to Crochet a strip of Mile a minute afghan 

Dk weight yarn

well more like a foot in and hour… Cool, my only crochet accomplishment has been granny squares to this point!

Really good video instruction!

Background for this success story: Crochet has never really appealed to me, I had a brush with brain tumors, a few years ago. Stuck in bed with mobility issues, and knitting being a little too much to wrap my head around, my darling mother brought me a crochet hook and a Ball (a round ball) of yarn, and a book… needless to say the book and hook went into beside table drawer and ball is still on vacation with the dust bunnies somewhere! Totally frustrated…who wants to crochet anyway (this was probably a really bad time to start a new skill) DH brought me a spindle and a hand full of fibre, tranquility was restored :0)

and the Scrap Jar for April

Oh and Jack is famous, he’s in the Guardian Uk news 

And after all this I am Zonked!

Current WIP List (13)

I am starting to note how close to done my WIP’s are.

1. Sssydney and friends two more to do
2. Mile a minute afghan 1st crochet project
3. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf 45% Done
4. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
5. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
6. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
7. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
8. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
9. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
10. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
11. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
12. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 36

WIPS 2013 = 13

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 = 34

Books 2013 = 14

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Looking forward to a weekend of Firsts!

TGNP (Thank God No Physio) today!

Saturday promises to be a lot of fun.

Bonnie and I are heading into Toronto for the DKC Knitters Frolic!

This is a first, because I have never been on a road trip with my friend Bonnie! I will report on this Wednesday…

First Communion of my Cousins little girl. Here is her gift.

Handmade Catholic Rosary.

First Birthday of her little brother. Here is his gift.

Size 2 for 1st Birthday :0)

and  there will be a large family party on Sunday.

Finished a few friends for Sssydney!

Sssydney’s friends

and an XL Coffee Cup Sweater 

Doing these for the Craft sale in June.

Both Sssydney and XL Coffee Cup Sweater are my freebies on Ravelry.

The usual installment of found on Ravelry: Milly by Vanessa Ewing  would look rather nice over a tank top.

and I came across this rather good Crochet Tutorial for Mile a Minute Afghans. I am going to start linking anything I find that might interest you… Look under Techniques and Video Tutorials :0)

Current Book: Badger’s Moon by Peter Tremayne

The Sister Fidelma stories are set in the middle of the 7th century, mainly in Ireland. She is a Celtic religieuse, a legally recognized lawyer and sometimes Judge. So far I am really enjoying it. There is an interesting and informative introduction which explains the Celtic legal codes of the time.

Current WIP List (12)

I am starting to note how close to done my WIP’s are.

1. Sssydney and friends six done a few more to do
2. From Dawn Till Dusk shawlette / scarf  45% Done
3. Camellia shawlette - A wedding gift (due May 25) 5%
4. Sea of Dreams Blanket 60%
5. Top Down Swing Pullover – Both sleeves done 80%
6. Beryl Blanket – Long term project  (60 hexs)
7. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project  (17 squares)
8. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost 90%
9. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry 80%
10. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest 60%
11. Cozy Winter Shawl 85%
12. Pine Forest Baby Blanket 75%

FO’s 2013 = 30 + 6 = 36

WIPS 2013 = 13

Used of 37 purchased patterns from Rav = 8 (29 to go)

Stash Used 2013 =  33 + 1 = 34

Books 2013 = 12 + 2 = 14

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday :0)

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Cast on mania, Cast offs week 2

Hope you all had a Happy Valentines Day!

I have been beavering away on wk1 and wk2 finished everything to date.

Week 2 of Cast on Mania ends!

(here’s the to do list for the month)

2/7/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!

Box #14

 2/8/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard

Hex #56

 2/9/13 Toddler Tootsies #1My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.

Sock #1

 2/10/13 Toddler Tootsies #2My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.

2/11/13  Knitted short Row Heart – made for both my fellas for Valentines

 2/12/13 Footies For my Kal group

These are warm, comfortable and quick to make! Highly recommend this pattern!

 2/13/13 Footies For my Kal group

I have to admit I am totally surprised that it’s week 2, and I am still up to date. I know life will intervene at some point…

Well I was right life has intervened, I am at a Funeral today. The last of my Mothers siblings has died. Mom has not said much, but I can imagine. I will miss Aunt “Honey” very much, my thoughts and prayers go out to Alan and Crystal.

Current WIP List (13)

1. Top Down Swing Pullover – One sleeve done
2. Toddler Tootsies #4 My stashbusting design
3. Knitted Short Row Heart - For my DH for Valentines :0)
4. Footies For my Kal group
5. My Spring Socks – My design
6. Beryl Blanket – Long term project (1 hex for Cast on Mania)
7. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project (1 Box for Cast on Mania)
8. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost
9. Kelp Forest Shawlette - very close to done
10. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry
11. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest
12. Cozy Winter Shawl
13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket

FO’s 2013 = 10 + 4 = 14

WIPS 2013 = 13  – 3 = 10

Used of purchased patterns from Rav = 34 – 7 = 27

Stash Used 2013 = 6 + 3 = 9

Books 2013 = 9

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

How to Celebrate Christmas…NOT!

My mother painted this porcelain Nativity set many years ago. I sits on the mantle every Christmas season

I just got over the sniffles, yay!

After of 28 years of marriage, I have spent 21 (now 22yrs) being sick or damaged at Christmas.

I was feeling good, and a little sassy. Nasty cold behind me.

• house clean and tidy, check
• the tree was trimmed, check,
• the food was purchased for the Christmas eve feast, check,
• Dessert purchased for Christmas day Supper, check
• Gifts made and purchased, check
• parcels wrapped, check,
• stocking stuffers stuffed, check.
• Good nights sleep, check

Get up in the morning, shower, dress, looking good, feeling better.

Proceed down the stairs…

Fall down the stairs!

Emergency trip to clinic, wait, wait, wait,

(did I say I had people coming for dinner?)

Trip to Hospital, X-rays, wait, wait, wait, wait

(did I say I had people coming for dinner??)

Emergency dept to see another Doctor, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

(did I say I had people coming for dinner??? panic was setting in!)

Finally Doctor, the place was really busy, and boy did I have pain!

Loads of soft tissue damage to Right shoulder Rotator cuff and Right knee.

Upside nothing broken,

Downside feel like I fell downstairs, and got run over by a bus!

This is what happens when you step around a sleeping Cat!

DH was wonderful, finished up all the little things that needed doing, cooked roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, which was wonderful, and cleaned up.

Then we all went off to midnight Communion at Church. Somehow I felt a little better celebrating Christmas by going to Church. Not my best idea, but this is the part of Christmas that means the most to me, my family all together at church Christmas eve.  The evening was magical, as we left Church the snowflakes were sparkling in the lamp light, dancing in the air. It had begun to snow.

In the morning we had our own little family Christmas, DS, DH, myself and the furry children. Willow and Jack really enjoyed their “Marinated Mice” (toy mice in a container of catnip)

Then packed up parcels and headed over to my families for lunch.

The Tree at Mom and Dad’s

Everyone else arrived for dinner. Lovely visit with everyone!  My brother and his family were sorely missed, as my nephew was not fit to travel from the states after his knee surgery. Maybe next year…

This year everyone received a knitted something, scarves, socks, and washcloths. This was last years New Years resolution! Everyone was very happy with their gifts :0)

DH and DS gave me some lovely knitting related gifts

and some patterns

I intend to knit both of these this year!

and

BiL gave me a knitting book (well $ to purchase one)

received bunch of dvd’s, (Casablanca, Gone with the wind, Singin in the rain, A streetcar named desire, Dr Zhivago, Showboat, Anne get your Gun, Kiss me Kate and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) the family knows I have a thing for old movies. :0)

MiL gave me a Koboglow, not sure how it works yet.

and a set of new everyday dishes, from Mom and Dad. Our original set is looking a little dog-eared, what is left of it.

Well it is Boxing Day, and the guys dragged me into every Electronic store and I nodded and smiled, about gigs and ram and rpg, then they took me to lunch, so fun was had by all.

I am healing up but still pretty uncomfortable.

I want to thank everyone for making this Christmas a merry one in spite of everything.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Next Year

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Twas the Last post before Christmas

I have to admit I am hopeless about sending Christmas Cards!

So this year I am going virtual.

This will likely be the last post before New Years.

Happy news! MiL is no longer stoned (as my DH pronounced to his mother, always the good and thoughtful son that he is :0)

The ERCP procedure worked a dream, 3rd times the charm. She is free and clear of Gallbladder, stones and all for the first time since last January. Now she can actually enjoy Christmas dinner.                              The best Christmas gift for us all!

I have a sweet treat for you.

Here is a fast and super easy recipe for Mincemeat Squares

an old Christmas favourite from my mother’s family.

2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs

1 1/2 cups Mincemeat

15 oz can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk

Mix ingredients together, Bake in well-greased 9″x 12″ pan

on 350F for 30 mins. Cool then Cut.

chop candied cherry and decorate top with a small piece.

I finish the Picot edged baby blanket

It was a good fast and practical baby blanket to knit. I recommend this pattern. This basic blanket was lovely and warm on my legs as I knit it and will be a good stroller or car seat blanket. I used 2 balls of Northern Worsted, knitting the first ball expanding to the 1/2 way point and finished the 2nd ball reducing to the end.

During my travels Christmas Shopping, I hit the Dollar Store (a chain of stores in Canada, that has most items in the $1 – $2 dollar range, think up scale five & dime) to get some Christmas wrap and stocking stuffers. I lucked out!

Totally cat proof bags, till they learn to open zippers!          Look all you wanta guys, Wahahaha!

This weeks Christmas audio book: A christmas treat my Dad used to read to my Brother and I.

Twas the Night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

More favourite Christmas Carols:

Coventry Carol by  Loreena McKennitt

And Amid the Winters Snow by Kings College Cambridge Choir

For other music links and other Audiobook links

FO’s 2012 =  76 + 1 = 77

Patterns from my own Library = 6 + 1 = 7

WIP’s 2012 = 4 – 1 = 3 (plan to start the year at 0)

Stash used 2012 = 85 + 2 = 87 (stunned by this total!)

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 48

Books = 45 + 1 = 46

All that remains to be said is,

I wish you all a Joyous and Merry Christmas,

and to you and ours a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Next Year

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: If it’s not one thing it’s another!

Well, this week has been a total disaster! Missed Craft goup, Knittin club, Physiotherapy, and looks like I will not be going to the St. Georges craft sale or church on Sunday. Since I married 28yrs ago, I have been sick 21 times at Christmas :0(

If you have an opportunity, stop by The St. Georges Craft Sale in on Mill st. in Newcastle Ontario Canada. It will be on from 10 – 2:00.  

So this is all I got done this week sniff!

Favorite Scarf Ever

Great pattern highly recommend it! 6″ x 50″

Ruffle Scarf #4

Ruffle Scarf #5

This weeks Audio book: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

One of my favourites, written in 1855, along with “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, this would be a must have on a desert island.

Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,

13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,

25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,

36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,

46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 (of 52)

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!

FO’s 2012 = 73 + 3 = 76

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 5 - 3 = 2

Stash used 2012 = 81 + 3 = 84

Beryl Blanket Hexes = 48

Books = 41 + 1 = 42

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next Friday.

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)