An explaination and Here are some of my FO's

I thought I would explain a little bit about my health issues so those friends of mine from out of town that read my blog don't freak out and think the worst. I was recently diagnosed as being bipolar and have been undergoing medication trials to see which one works best for me. A lot of times I am not able to blog due to the fact I can't keep my thoughts straight enough to blog. But knitting helps me focus so I've been working on stuff. All the pictures tonight are FO's for DH's cousin's baby except for the last one. Here is a baby blanket I just finished. Its a blanket based on the diagonal dishcloth design. The first picture is a close up of the stitch pattern:






I also made a pair of Mary Jane booties for the same baby. http://home.howstuffworks.com/free-baby-bootie-knitting-patterns2.htm




I also made this really cute bunny buddy. http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/50722.html I made it with cotton so it could be used in the bath tub and I stuffed the head with the extra yarn instead of filler.

The last picture for tonight is of Drew (my ham) holding the yarn that I spun Wednesday night at our local SnB. I think I'm addicted. Our SnB group is going to Morengo Illinois to The Fold http://www.thefoldatmc.net/ for her Annual January 1st sale.

Ok I'm back

Having some issues with my health that has kept me from posting. But I'm back now. I have been very busy with knitting...it helps me focus. I will have pictures soon. Tonight at our weekly SnB I learned how to spin...I'm addicted as if I need such and expensive hobby...lol. Oh well. I will try and post once a week at least if not more...but no promises.

project runway

I made a design of my own let me know what you think of it. http://www.bravotv.com/PR4DEV/games/design_challenge/index.php?design=15719

Contest

Here is a contest you might want to check out. Jane is haveing a contest for here 300th post. http://janevdoviak.blogspot.com/

Long time no blog

Hey all,


Sorry I have been remiss in posting lately. Lots of stuff going on that I would rather not talk about but lets just say S-T-R-E-S-S. But I do have some pics to share. First I knit another pair of socks for Sock Wars 2. The one on the left I finished from the heel to the toe and the one on the right I completely knit myself... They will be going out in the morning. This will be my second kill..Still waiting on the socks that are supposed to kill me....Only 16 of 164 of us left.





Then Monday was my 8 year Anniversary...and we each picked out the most appropriate cards...take a peek . We are going to celebrate on Saturday. Texas Roadhouse her I come. Yummy.

My boys had a long day today.... Drew only had half a day due to teacher inservices within the district...




My younger brother and his fiance Sandy got married today....unfortunately I was unable to make it. But her is a pic of them the night he proposed.

What kind of knitter are you???

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Adventurer. You are through those knitting growing pains and feeling more adventurous. You can follow a standard pattern if it's not too complicated and know where to go to get help. Maybe you've started to experiment with different fibers and you might be eyeing a book with a cool technique you've never tried. Perhaps you prefer to stick to other people's patterns but you are trying to challenge yourself more. Regardless of your preference, you are continually trying to grow as a knitter, and as well you should since your non-knitting friends are probably dropping some serious hints, these days.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!








Quizilla
Join

Fall into Autumn last question

How was your experience in the exchange? Did you enjoy the folks you met? Did you just love the cloth and goodies you received? Please share any thoughts, criticism, and things you loved!

Everything went fine. I appreciated what I received. I really enjoyed buying for my partner and spoiling her. And I love the cloak and dagger aspect.

Swappy goodness

Here is the stuff I am sending my Fall into Autumn Spoilee!!!! I hope she likes everything...I usually make 2 cloths but we've had some stuff going on so I did good to get one done.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK:

Now that it is getting cooler here, it makes me think of apple picking and hay rides. Are you the type that likes to go to participate in all the fall festivities like apple picking, pumpkins, decorating for the fall, hay rides, baking fall goodies, etc. or do you just sit and count the days till Thanksgiving/Christmas/Hanukkah?

Drew and I do love to go to the apple orchards for fresh apple cider and hot apple donuts. We also enjoy cooking cookies and soups and a lot more casseroles during the fall and winter seasons.

Slacking

Hello



Sorry I haven't been on lately but I had a good reason. Wanna see????

Yeah My second pair of socks ever. I joined sock wars II and have been busily knitting to get these out before my assassin kills me. I even made a poor man's sock blocker with a coat hanger. The only problem with these socks is that the skeins of yarn I used were wound opposite and I didn't notice until I was half way down the leg. OOPS Oh well. These socks will be going out in the morning mail.

Well I will write more later. I have a house that has been put on hold since Friday so now I must clean.

Special day contest

Over at Laurie's http://www.xanga.com/laurk she is having a contest. So go over there and let her know what is your special day or most rememberable day.

LYS contest

I was over on Anne's blog and she is having a contest. She got the idea from http://lysguide.blogspot.com/. So If you'd like to participate too just go over and check it out at http://yarnfamily.com/blog1/2007/10/08/anne-october-contest/


Shop Name The Yarn Sellar
Shop Address (Brick and Mortar) 6128 East Riverside Blvd Loves Park, Illinois 61111
Shop Address (Web) http://www.theyarnsellar.com/
Need to Knows - Store Hours:Tues, Wed & Thur 11 - 6Fri & Sat 11 - 4Sun 12 - 3 Mon Closed. There is a fabric store next door so you can kill 2 birds with one stone. They have classes such as: Introduction to Knit Sessions, Introduction to Crochet Sessions (both of these free), Magic Loop, Victorian Lace Scarf, Intermediate Knitting, Beginning Knitting, Toe-Up Socks with Afterthought Heel, The Wonderful Wallaby Sweater, Felted Cookie Cutter Ornaments (all between $10-$35)
Review -I love this store they are always friendly and put up with my son when I have to bring him in. Dawn and Ron own the store and Beverly my SnB friend works there. They also have a Red Bag club that gives you 10% off when you bring it with you. They also have Triple Punch Tuesdays. Gotta love those. Just recently they offered a yarn dyeing class which I loved.
Did they have patterns? Great selection of sock yarns? They have loads of patterns and quite a selection of sock yarns. Great selection of needles and all types of fibers.
Your name and blog address Lexie http://mommieofdrew.blogspot.com/

I will post pics after I go to the store tomorrow for Triple Punch Tuesday.

Cool Ink

I just saw the coolest tattoo at a site that I frequent for sock knitting help. Go here to check it out. http://www.cometosilver.com/write

My new addiction

Guess what I did today!!! I learned how to hand paint yarn. My LYS was hosting a dye day with one of my internet buddies as the instructor. For $20 we got to dye 2 skeins of sock yarn.I used 3 different blues and 2 different yellows. But before I remembered to take pictures I wound it on my new ball winder.

I also did another skein with 3 pinks and 2 purples in a more tye dye look. But it isn't dry enought to wind and I don't have a swift so I have to be very careful while winding.

Then I came home with an extra skein of naked yarn. Drew and I went to the store and bought Koolaid and vinegar to dye the yarn. Drew wanted a rainbow so here is a pic of it drying in my shower. So we used Red(fruit punch), Orange , Yellow(lemonaid), Green(lemon lime), Blue (berry blue) and Purple(grape).

My baby boy

Today the nurse at Drew's school decided he needs to have a visit with the Occ. therapist at his school. Because he is biting his finger and toe nails til they bleed and/or get infected and they think it could be anxiety. Plus he chews on the sleeves and collars of his shirts. I want him to get help but I don't want him labeled either. In the last 6 months we've had a lot of deaths in our family and he's trying to adjust to all day kindergarten too.

Yarn for sale or trade

I have 10 skeins of the Ophelia color that I would like to either trade or sell here is a link to a picture and description of the yarn. http://www.berroco.com/shade_cards/lullaby_sh.html

Fall into Autumn Week 4 Question

Are there any recipes you especially enjoy having in the Fall? Any foods that are seasonal that you especially enjoy? Feel free to share recipes with us too!

When the weather gets colder I start drinking hot tea with honey instead of iced teas or sodas. We also eat a lot more casseroles and things cooked in the oven.

Guess what came in the mail today!!!!!

My Fall into Autumn package or should I say packages. Two to be exact.
From the top left clockwise: A package of tissues made in Germany, A ball band dishcloth, the rest of the skein of yarn the pattern forth dishcloth and another pattern, a lime green skein of cotton, a stationary set, the paper that came in the package announcing what it was for, a orange scrubbie, and a package of soap from Island Bath and Body. Thanks so much Betty. And it was mailed from Hawaii cool stuff.

Fall into Autumn Week 3 Question

Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? Why?

I love watching the leaves change here in Wisconsin....I love the reds and oranges and yellows.

When one door shuts another door opens...you just may have to open it yourself.

Hey guys and gals. I just received insurance from my job and also received my first check with the premium taken out...ouch!!! I had to tell my husband that after bills were paid we wouldn't get spending every check....yeah ouch again. And he wasn't upset he was just worried about paying a bill that he normally pays out of his spending. Well yesterday I was called by my second job or summer job wondering if I wanted to work for them during the school year. I thought OK. But they wanted me to work 1 hour 3 days a week...at $9 and hour. My husband's hours have changed so he has to work 2ND shift now because they no longer are running a 3rd shift. So I had to turn the job down. Well today my supervisor asks if I would mind working and extra hour a day at $11.08 an hour...heck yeah. So I will get to the point. This means one of 2 things either my insurance premiums will be going from $324 a month to around $115 a month or I will get paid hourly for those hours....either way I will be getting more money on my checks....happy happy joy joy.

In other news I am now sick...I've been living on hot tea and soup for 3 days and working...fun fun.

Catching up

Well Friday night I went to Milwaukee Wisconsin for a Bridal Shower for my best friend. And took with me the bikini, boa and purse. She loved them but wasn't sure if she would wear them. But that's OK. Now I'm working on making them dishcloths and a bath mat along with the back washer I already have finished. Drew is still sick poor thing. Some days he's fine then the next he's running a fever. He also had an infected finger from a hang nail. So I had to poke it and remove all the pus and make my boy cry...I felt so bad but he needed to have it cleaned out. So then he wouldn't eat. I even tried to bribe him with McDonald's but that didn't work either. So I was up half the night with him. I also found out due to insurance premium that we may have to go without spending money. My DH isn't happy about it but he dropped our insurance 3 years ago because the premiums were too high. So we've been without insurance for almost 3 years. And insurance through my work is $162 a paycheck/biweekly. And I had to fight to get insurance from them in the first place so I'm not giving it up now.

Check out my pirate name...

My pirate name is:

Mad Bess Rackham

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

I got an invitation...na na na nana boo boo...lol

I got my invite tonight. Right before I checked my mail I checked Ravelry and it said there was 145 people in front of me but when I checked my mail there was my invite.

Edit: My name is mommieofdrew...I know how creative.

Topic of the Week

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

When you knit or crochet dishcloths, washcloths or face clothes, what do you use? What size needle or hook? Wood? what type? Metal? Plastic? A specific Brand? Why do you love that needle or hook so much? Is there one you are dying to try? Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for clothes? What is so special about it?

I use dishcloths mostly. I usually use 6 or 7's and prefer bamboo knitting needles over metal..but will use metal in a pinch. Metal is OK for somethings due to it having a pointier tip but bamboo is good at keeping stitches on the needles. I'd love to try the rosewood and ebony ones or even the new knit picks wooden ones. Most the time I use acrylic or cotton due to the durability of the fabrics with a 5 year old boy. Nothing special just cost effective.

On or off the Needles and things on hold edited

Just thought I'd update everyone on what I have been working on and what I've finished.

Bra and Thong with removable fun fur for Best friend's bridal shower...done

Boa with the bra and pantie set for Best Friend's bridal shower....done

Mandy Candy bag for Best Friend's Bridal shower...done do you see the nose????

Baby blanket for other Friend's baby born in March...still working on..maybe half way done

Dishcloth for Fall into Autumn Swap...Haven't even picked out the yarn yet

Dishcloth Towel set for Best Friend's Wedding Present....not started yet but wedding is Sept. 21 so I better get cracking decided to change it to a bath set. It's more blue than the pic shows.

Victorian Ripple Afghan for a friend's wedding present....crocheted 1/4 of the way done...they've been married 3 years ...oops..but its tedious and crocheted No pic its packed away

Drew wants a sweater...gotta start on it need to find yarn for it but I did find the pattern

i want a pair of socks...mommy always comes last.... haven't decided on which yarn to go with


i have yarn for 2 purses ....not even started yet

This is a pic of my very nosy cat that you saw nosing his way into the pic earlier...


Edits: pics and anything in black

Sick child...

Drew woke up Fri morning with a seal like bark and soar throat. then at like 245am this morning while DH and i were having "alone time"...drew barges in and sounded horrible and had a temp of 104 so i gave him Tylenol and his cold meds. we think he may have and upper respiratory infection...what fun. then i was up every hour or so checking his temp. Today he sounds a little better but we will see if he feels better in the am.

Upstream and downstream pals

Hey I received my Fall into Autumn downstream and upstream partner. I'm so excited now I have shopping to do and stuff.

Fall into Autumn Topic of the Week

Topic: Now that in some geographic locations the weather is starting to turn cooler, do you change the type of yarn(s) you knit/crochet with? If so, what do you now knit/crochet with instead and why? If not, why do you not switch and what do you knit/crochet with?

I tend to switch to acrylics and heavier yarns along with heavier and larger projects. Because here in Wisconsin it's nice to have the warmth in the winter especially if you have a cheapskate of hubby like I do who instead of turning the heat up tells us to put on more clothes or grab a blanket...lol

SOCK WARS II

I just signed up for Sock Wars II. If you are competitive and like to knit socks this might be the swap for you. Here is the addy. http://yarnivation.blogspot.com/

Sad News

I may be MIA for the rest of the week due to my last living grandmother dieing unexpectedly this morning. So please don't be offended if I don't comment on your comments or respond to your emails right away.

Itty bitty bikini top

I may add removable fun fur to this to make kinda kinky or gag gift but still usable if she wanted to... I'm also knitting a thong to go with it in the same color. Question would you wear it??? or is it too crafty to wear??? BTW I tried to get DH to model it for the picture but he wouldn't

Ravelry position

Found you!
You signed up on July 9, 2007
You are #15231 on the list.
4350 people are ahead of you in line.
14657 people are behind you in line.
36% of the list has been invited so far

1st Day back to work

Well I went back to work. As some of you know I am a Para educator or teachers assistant. I knew that I would be at the same school but wasn't sure what grade level. To my dismay and all the teachers I worked with last year I am not in the same position....I am now a 1 on 1 with a child with special need and also will be doing program support. I had to kinda walk away and decompress the information and then went back with a better attitude and felt much better....and the extra 75 cents and hour won't hurt either.

Drew will also start school on Sept. 4th and the principal at my school is allowing me to come in 15 min late so I can take him his first day of Kindergarten....my baby is not a baby anymore... but working in the same school district I will get the same days off and be home in the evenings to help him with homework. And get insurance now that I am considered a permanent staff member

Fall into Autumn Dishcloth Exchange

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been doing it? I knit and crochet but prefer to knit. Ive been knitting almost a year.

2. Have you made dishcloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both? Yes and both

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ? I like all cottons...no favorites that I know of.

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles? I'm trying to switch over to circulars so am now buying only circulars. I prefer wooden now, don't mind metal but hate plastic.

5. What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much? I like pinks and purples...not browns or oranges

6. What do you like best about Autumn? The beautiful changing colors of the leaves.

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks! All of them

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day? Couldn't wait...so bad couldn't sleep at night and when I did dreamt about being late on the 1st day.

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the time frame of the swap) No I don't celebrate any holidays. but I don't mind fall seasonal stuff. like pumpkins with no faces, scarecrows just not scary. I'm pretty open so if you have any doubts or questions just ask.

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose? Almond Joy candy bars, Doritos, Nutty bars and diet Dr Pepper to drink.

11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;)We have 3 cats a dog, a 5 year old and a husband.

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why? Homespun...I am totally a mom and love home and family.

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths? Neither I use them as decoration.

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays) Since I don't celebrate,,,,I always enjoyed raking the leaves up and jumping in them. Love hot apple cider in the fall.

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about? Allergic to penicillin so as long as they aren't sending mold samples I'll be good.

Presents and more presents

When I finally woke up the day after we got home I found 3 packages waiting for me to open. One from Anne...I thought I already received my package from her but hey I'm not complaining.I received a magnetic notepad a skein of Sugar and Cream cotton and the a skein of Katia Jamaica cotton




Then I received my contest winnings from Donna. 2 skeins of knit picks, the Just Gifts book, 2 book marks, a little sweater and a cell phone holder. Then Drew took off with the Baa Choo book.

Then I received my Dog days of Summer Package from Holly in Alabama. I received a candle, a little dish, 2 soaps with sea creatures in them, a skein of cotton yarn, a skein of bamboo yarn, size 7 bamboo straight needles, 2 dishcloths along with 2 patterns, the letter A sticky notes, a set of blank note cards and envelopes,bath salts, a handmade soap with wood dish that she had Sharon make for me, and Chocolate.. my favorite Hershey's with almonds and Crunch sticks.


And here is the stuff she sent Drew. A bag of gummi worms, a thing of bubbles with Buzz Lightyear and a Spirograph


My thanks goes out to all of you!!!!

Contest

Go over here. http://schrodinger212.blogspot.com If you leave a comment you get added into the drawing for 3 too cute bags to carry sock projects. And if you mention that I sent you I get an extra chance in the drawing.

Tales of Traveling with a 5 year old

Hi everyone... sorry took me so long but trying to unpack and wash all the smokey smelling clothes from the trip and read all 40000 emails I received while on Vacation. Well Drew and I left on the 13Th. We left our house at 4am to take a bus to Chicago...which Drew slept through. Then we sat in the airport for2 hours waiting for our flight. Drew enjoyed the take off and landing. My grandparents picked us up in Dallas.





We had a blast...I knitted so much that a cousin asked if I ever put the needles and thread down(every time he came I was knitting...like there was something wrong with knitting) oh and I corrected him that it was yarn not thread.

I made #4 of the Mandy Candy bags.

I also made Drew a pair of sock. Here he is wearing them.


I also made my boy cousin an arm cuff instead of a purse. It has 2 pockets one for his wallet and the other for his cell.


I also made my grandma 2 dishcloths and 2 pot holders but only took pics of the 2 dishcloths and 1 pot holder.



Drew swam everyday in my grandparents pool. We went out to Ci Ci's pizza one night. Texas Roadhouse one Night and Sonics one night. The other nights we just hung out around the house. I did get out a couple times to Hobby Lobby and Walmart. I watched a lot of the Ranger games...especially the double header where they scored 30 to 3.

On the 23rd we were supposed to come home but due to severe storms in Chicago our flight was cancelled so my grandparent came back and picked us up. I stayed up with my grandparents and watched a funny movie called "FOLKS". Grandpa and I laughed so hard that grandma said she'd never take either of us to the theatre to see a comedy and never both of us at the same time.lol
So we were re booked on a flight for the 24th with a connection in Indianapolis and wouldn't you know it but after we landed, there were delays due to electrical storms in Indianapolis. But finally at 9:45pm (Indiana time)...and hour and a half after our scheduled departure and almost 3 hours after we arrived in Indianapolis, we left Indianapolis and arrived in Chicago at 10:00pm(Chicago time). And of course we missed the 10pm bus by 5 min so we had to wait for the shuttle to Wisconsin until 11pm...We finally arrived home around 1 am. Later I learned that 1300 flights were cancelled into Chicago that day so I feel very fortunate that they didn't cancel our flight from Indianapolis too.

Fall into Autumn Swap

Registration for the "Fall Into Autumn" exchange will open on September 1st and close September 8th at Midnight, EDT. Go over and sign up...http://dishclothexchange.blogspot.com

We have arrived

Hey guys and gals,
Via a Flight Cancelation, rebooking with connection with delay Drew and I have arrived home. Once I can I will blog more about our trip. Right now I'm too tired.

Leaving on A south bound plane

Hey all you lurkers and commenters. Monday at 4:55 Drew and I will be leaving on vacation for 10 days. when we get back I will post pics and news. See ya in 10 days or maybe 11 depending on the jet lag.

Pay it forward exchange.

OK I heard about this over at http://www.bassetknitter.blogspot.com while being a snoop and trying to figure out who has me...lol

I will send a handmade gift to 3 random people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do if you like, is in return pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.


I will choose once I get back from Texas.

By the way the movie with the same name is AWESOME too.

POST OFFICE OF DOOM

Drew and I made the trek to the post office of doom. They are sooo slow. But we got the post office guy that gives out the free receipts....oooo can hardly contain the excitement. Wow I'm Snarky (Did I just make this word up??) tonight. But any who the DDoS package has gone out along with the KVVS package. One is going to North Carolina and the other is going to California. Fun. My KVVS spoilee wanted to go to California I believe....news flash Wisconsin is no where near California...lol. So I hope she isn't too disappointed.
But I'm getting really excited....4 days until Drew and I fly to Texas...Scary but Exciting. I've never flown before. yikes.
Oh yeah Wednesday I went to this meetup for the second time in Illinois and have met some great ladies to knit with....yeah mommie time for me....plus I met a lady who works in a yarn store...that Drew and I visited on Tuesday. Where of course I bought what else yarn and needles oh and a cool pattern that is a kinda larger version of the Mandy Candy Bag that I've been making by the boat load. So Drew picked out blue variegated sock yarn...so I will be making socks.

PS Go check out Cass's blog (link on the sidebar)...she has a contest going on. Pretty cool swag too...but I'm not entering because I've won swag 2 times in the last 2 months so I will let others win...Its only fair.

Yes another mandy bag

Here is bag number 3. 3 Down 1 more to go.

I had to chase the Mailman down today!

Look what came today!!! I went to Florida. While there I got a dishcloth with Florida knit in it. Some pictures that can double as postcards. Some orange slice candies. A mickey mouse magnet. a knit one felt too book along with some yummy hanks of yarn. Drew of course ran off with half my loot...some bugs, a mickey mouse patch, a flamingo cup (he used to call them go gos I miss those days) and the orange slices. oh and a pen....Lynn was from Florida where I hope one day to take Drew to Disney World.

I have finished my package for DDoS dishcloth swap!!!

Here is the picture of the swag being sent to my spoilee. I didn't want to put the unwrapped picture on here just in case my spoilee is a lurker on my blog. If you'd like to see a pic of the swag comment and I'll show you.