This is Harder Than I Thought...

To keep up with blogging, that is. 

I really have had the best of intentions to keep up to date on my blogs (yes, I have 2...and the scary thing is that this one is more up-to-date than the other one!!). 

So, what keeps me so busy these days?  Life!!  The Diva is now in Kindergarten, and that keeps me hopping.  She has been getting weekly homework assignments, as well as extra reading assignments.  The assignments aren't difficult, just time consuming, and too much for her to do on her own.  Her regular homework assignments have been posters that she needs to fill in answers and decorate.  Simple enough.  Then, because she is so advanced in reading, the reading specialist is now sending home extra books and projects for her to do.  The objective is to keep her mind busy, and keeping school interesting and challenging for her.  The projects are fun, but because they are geared towards older kids (she is at a 3-4th grade reading level), they require some crafting assistance from you know who.

On top of school "stuff", the Diva has started Ringette.  Originally, the plan was for her to play initiation level/U6.  Perfect...one practice a week, no actual games, and fun with other 5 & 6 year olds.  WRONG!!  After going to one of the "Come Try It" events, she was picked out by the League President to try playing on the U8 Bunny Team.  That means, games and practices every weekend, as well as now playing with 7, 8 and 9 year olds!!  Did I mention that she's 5?!?!  I never imagined that we'd be Rink Parents this early on, but it looks like I know where we're spending our winter!!

As for crafting/baking/gardening, I've been busy.  Despite being gone for 3 weeks of the growing season, we did get a decent crop of potatoes, beets and onions.  Last weekend, I pulled out the last of my summer plants to prepare for winter.  i miss the color already, so I'm sure I'll be going mum shopping before too long. 

Recently we bought a new oven and I love it!!!  It has one door, but can be separated into two cooking spaces.  I've used that feature a few times and I love it.  I'm also getting more used to convection baking.

As for crafting, I have been knitting a sweater for Hannah.  She picked out some beautiful wool (girl has good taste) this summer, and though it is taking me much longer than planned, she'll have a sweater before too long.  I feel awful that I am not getting this one done in the two days it took me to make a similar one last year, but I have been having a lot of problems with my hands and I cannot knit as fast anymore.  At a recent doctor's appointment, I was told that I tested positive on one of the rheumatoid arthritis factors and I'm not surprised at all.  I'm getting re-tested in December, and considering that the Alberta winters do my joints no favors, I'll likely test even higher.  So, I take my time with knitting, and figure that my projects will get done eventually.

So, that's what I've been up to.  I'll do my best to post whenever I can, but please be patient with me. 

Thanks for reading!

Cheers!
Sharon

Lots to catch up on...

Hello All-

I just wanted to let you know that I have been going through photos from this summer and I have LOTS to post about!!!  So, starting tomorrow, you'll be seeing quite a few new posts showing up on here.  Please leave lots of comments to keep me in the blogging mood.  I am hoping now that the Diva is in pre-k four days a week, I can put aside some scheduled blogging time!!

Enjoy!!
Sharon

Garden Update...Green Green Everywhere!!

Hello All-

Despite the recent snow we've had, my seedlings are doing great in their warm, sunny, south-facing windows.  I did lose my second batch of parsley seeds...I have no idea why they won't grow for me.  Oh well, I can get established plants easy enough at the garden center.  I'm starting to wonder if it is the seeds that are the problem, but I'm sick of planting and failing, so I'll just buy them instead.

First up, my broccoli, violas and Canterbury bells.  They are all doing quite well.  I had one broccoli not sprout, but the other one is doing great.  I am still on the fence if I should plant a few more seeds to see what happens.  As for the flowers, they are doing just fine, and I cannot wait to get them in the ground and in pots!!

My tea garden is sprouting quite nicely.  The middle row of green is chamomile, and the back row is lemon balm.  You can't see the sprouts in this photo, but I do have some spearmint that is starting to pop up too.  I am so anxious to make my own tea!  I had to get a jump start and buy an established plant to keep my momentum going.  So, I purchased a peppermint plant.  It is doing great and soon I'll be crushing leaves into my teacup!!

When I purchased the peppermint, I also decided to get some herbs for my kitchen.  I have always had herbs in my outdoor garden, but I tend to forget about them and they either get leggy or die off.  To combat against this, I decided to keep my herbs indoors.  I plan to have some outside as well, but I think this pretty pink pot will be a kitchen fixture. 

In the mix I have basil, sweet marjoram, thyme, oregano, and chives.  This past weekend hubby roasted a chicken and used some of the thyme and oregano.  It felt so great to know that the herbs in the meal were from our garden!!  I have already found myself looking for recipes that call for fresh herbs.

I planted a few seeds before our trip to Edmonton, and they are also sprouting quite well.  In the front, there are lettuce seedlings, the middle are jalapenos and in the back green pot is a sunflower plant.  All seem to be quite happy in their pots and are growing nicely.

Yesterday I also planted some cucumbers, summer squash and bell pepper seeds.  I didn't take photos of them since right now all you will see is dirt, but hopefully in my next update I'll have some green to show off!!

Finally, I wanted to show off my little bonsai tree.  I mentioned it a few posts back, as I "saved" it from the Lowe's Clearance rack.  At that point, it was very thirsty and needed a bit of TLC.  Since then, all of the leaves have returned and it is growing quite quickly. 

I don't know if you can see them in this photo (they were hard to focus in on), but we recently got buds and little white flowers on the tree!!!  I wish I knew what kind of tree it is so I could care for it even better, but I think the flowers are a clear sign that it is happy living with us.

So, that's where my garden stands at the moment.  As soon as my raised bed thaws out a bit more, I am going to plant my peas and other cold weather seeds.  I told hubby that I was going to pour boiling water over the garden to thaw it out...either that or I'll bring out a blanket to keep it warm.  If the sun can't thaw it soon, I may cover it in black plastic to see if that speeds things up a bit.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!!

Happy Planting!!

Sharon

Stay Tuned...

Hello All!!

Sorry for the delay in posts.  We've been out of the country for the last 2 weeks.  We are back and working on getting back into the swing of things.  I promise I'll be posting shortly with photos of sunny Florida, a post about painting pottery with the Diva, posts about what we ate on vacation, new knitting projects, and a review of my new ravioli maker!!

So stay tuned folks...there's lots of fun headed your way!!

Cheers!
Sharon

Photos of my Baby Doll

Hello All!!

So, I know that I have already shown a few photos of the baby doll I knit up for my cousin's new baby, but I was finally able to get some outdoor photos in the sun and I thought I'd share them too.

Here she is in all of her glory...the pattern is part of the Baby Doll Set from Susan Anderson.  I made a few mods since the yarn I was using didn't match up 100% to the pattern.  I used some wool I bought at Walmart that is SUPER soft, and the dress and bloomers are made of Bernat Cotton.  I won't lie, this was one of my harder projects, due to all of the different pieces and seaming, but I think it was totally worth it!  My favorite part is the hair...the little curls are so cute!!!  The technique looks difficult, but it was one of the easier parts of the doll.

If you have ever wanted to knit toys, I highly suggest Susan's Itty Bitty books!  The patterns are well written and very detailed.  I also love how so many of her toys start out with the same pattern of stitches as their foundation.   I always feel like her patterns challenge me a little bit each time I try one, and the end results are AWESOME!!!

Here are a few more photos of the end result.  The dress and bloomers are removable and washable.  The doll itself is spot clean only. 

So, what else have I been up to???  Well, I am 2/3 of the way done a blanket I am making for a friend of mine who is due next month with a baby boy.  I won't show any photos yet, but I assure you that it is coming along nicely.  I just hope I finish it in time!!!  I have been working on it non-stop (hence my lack of posts on here), and the end is in sight!!!  I seamed one row of 3 squares this morning, and I am going to seam two stripes together tonight...then I just have one more stripe to go.  The whole blanket is 9 squares (3 x 3) and it is based on my friend's love of UGA!!  Wish me luck on getting it done!!

I still promise that I'll do a garden post soon...our weather has been very rainy, so I haven't gotten any good photos of the progress.  Doesn't Mother Nature know that I have been promising you all a blog post?!?!

Until next time...

Cheers!

Sharon

PS...I'm linking my doll up with... "Look What I Made! Day" at Creations by Kara...I tried to use her button, but it won't work for some reason...so click on the link above to see the rest of the cool creations on her site!

Some of the stuff I've been up to...

Hey everyone!!

I am so sorry that I haven't been posting.  We're still trying to get back into a routine with the Diva.  It seems like we are always running to follow-up appointments and bloodwork!!  I promise to post more about these items, but I wanted to show you all a few of the finished items I have been working on.

I showed you all the Purple Princess Sweater a bit ago, but here it is with the ribbon in it.  This one was shipped off to a good friend in PA...it will be a while before Susan's Little Lady will wear it (she hasn't been born yet!!), but I know she will look adorable!!

 This was one of my favorite knits to date...super simple, but a beautiful finished product.  I'm really proud of this one!!!

While in the hospital with the Diva, I wanted to make something special for her.  So, before we headed to Edmonton, we took a ride to Michaels.  The Diva picked out the pink and purple, and I suggested the white yarn.  So, as she was having her third open heart surgery, I cast on this blanket.  Three colors for the three surgeries.  I finished it this past weekend, and as you can see by the second photo, she is a fan!!!

I also started a scarf while we were in Edmonton, using some beautiful yarn a wonderful friend gave me.  I have enough of it done to wear it, but I am going to keep going until the skein is all gone.  It should be done shortly, so photos to come on that one.

Finally, I decided two days ago to start another baby sweater.  I was having a terrible time trying to make gauge, and it shows.  I was aiming for a 6 month size, and it is closer to 18-24 months.  No worries.  I always have little ones to make stuff for!!

I had been wanting to use this pattern for a while, and I loved it so much, I am going to retry making it in a smaller size.  I plan to make a few modifications to it though.  As suggested by other knitters, I am going to add a garter border to the front sides, and instead of doing a picot edge, I am going to do extra rows of garter stitch.  I think that will balance out the other edging, and prevent curling. 

Here are photos of take one...

So, that's what I've been up to...when I'm not carting the Diva to appointments, playing pharmacist, and trying to get back into the groove of things.

Stay tuned for a photo update on the garden...once the rain decides to stop!!

Cheers!

Sharon

I Haven't Forgotten You!!!

Hello All!!


To any of you who are still reading my blog, I haven’t forgotten you!!! As you probably read in previous posts, my daughter had open heart surgery on May 11th. We just got back to town this weekend and we’re still working on getting back into our routine. Please bear with me and soon I’ll be back to posting. I was knitting the whole time we were in the hospital, so I have lots to share with you.

Thanks!

Sharon

I'm Going to be a bit MIA...

Hello All-


I have lots of projects on the needles, including a sweater for a friend that I am really proud of. I will try to post photos as soon as I can.

In the meantime, I will be a bit MIA from the blogging world. I’ve mentioned it a few times before, but my daughter, aka The Diva, will be having her third open heart surgery on May 11th. Needless to say, I will have my hands full caring for her.

Once things slow down a bit during the healing process, I will play catch up and show you all my projects…I plan to knit as much as I can to make the surgery and hospital stay fly by.

I hope you all have a wonderful spring, and I’ll talk to you soon!!

Cheers!

Sharon

An update on the Diva...

Hello All!


Thank you so much for all of your messages in my last post. I appreciate all of your support. I just wanted to give you all a quick update. Hannah was supposed to have surgery next Tuesday…yup, I said supposed to have. I caught a nasty cold and hubby started showing signs of it too. Hannah has been symptom free so far (knock on wood), but it is too risky to do the surgery with both hubby and I sick. So, they have penciled us in for March 30th, and I have to give them an update on Monday regarding our health. They’ll evaluate then if we need to be bumped further into April.

Thanks again for all of your support, and please think healthy thoughts! We could really use them right now!!

Thanks,

Sharon

Beyond the Crafts and Projects

Hello All-


I just wanted to give you all a head’s up that for the next few weeks, I won’t be posting much. As some of you may know, my little Diva has a severe heart condition, and she will be having her third (and hopefully final) open heart surgery next week. I have set up a few automatic posts, and I am hoping to get a few more squared away, but you won’t see a lot of new projects, etc.

While in the hospital, I am hoping to work on Hannah’s spring sweater, and I am working quickly to finish my B is for Boy blanket before we go. Hopefully I’ll be able to post some new photos shortly.

Thanks for sticking with me while I am absent, and I hope to get back to posting soon.

Cheers!

Sharon

My Wish List...Updated

Hello All-

Quite a while ago, I posted my knitting wish list. Well, now that the holidays are over, I thought I'd update it a bit...

Here we go...

Buttons
any size, color or shape

Update: Hannah and I have started buying "Bags 'o' Buttons at Walmart and Zellers...I now have more buttons than I know what to do with!!! Hannah loves playing with them, and I love all of the beautiful shapes and colors...mission accomplished!

Acrylic yarn
Nobody seems to like this stuff for personal projects, but it is what I use for charity knitting (as requested by the hospitals). I'll take any color!

Update: I'm still happy to take any acrylic that is sitting around in your stash and looking for a new home! I promise to put it to good use!!!

Cotton yarn
I am going to attempt to follow in my Memere's footsteps and make my own dishcloths

Update: I bought some cotton, but the dishcloths haven't happened yet. The cotton sucks any moisture that I have in my hands right out! I used some to make my Mom an angel for Christmas, but other than that, it is just sitting in my stash.

Knitting books
I love to check out new patterns...or old ones...who doesn't love retro patterns??

Update: Wow...I did very well with this one!! I have LOTS of new books!!! hubby got me 3 for Christmas that I am in love with...projects coming soon!!!

A New Tape Measure
Mine is all stretched out, and I have to start at 10" in order to get a true measurement

Update: So, I had a very generous person donate some yarn and include a tape measure back a while ago...and then hubby broke it!! I found a new one at the dollar store, and it is working perfectly!!

A Ball Winder
I spent several hours tonight trying to wind a knotted ball of yarn...if only I weren't so cheap as to buy my own winder.

Update: My In-laws bought me an electric winder for Christmas...woohoo!!!

Any other knitting related "stuff"

Update: Yeah, my craft closet is full now...

So, what items am I adding to my list?? Let's see...

I am pondering the idea of learning how to spin. So, I guess maybe some spinning related items? This is TBD.

I keep hearing from my friends that I HAVE to learn how to crochet. So, I guess I am looking for some time and patience to learn this new skill.

Eventually I'd like to upgrade my interchangeable knitting needles. I love my Denises, but they don't work well on fine weight yarn.

If I end up spinning or finally buying nice yarn that comes in hanks and needs to be wound, a swift might be nice.

I think that's about it for now. We'll revisit this in a while to see how things are going.

Cheers!

Sharon

To All My Adoring Fans...Haha!!!

I haven't forgotten about you...I promise!!!! Sorry I haven't written much lately. First, my computer crashed and I didn't have it for two weeks...then my in-laws were in town...so, needless to say, I haven't had much blogging time. I have kept up with my knitting, don't worry!!!

First, I was fortunate enough to start a WCOBB blanket!!! This one is called Pooh and Friends, and I started it off with a Piglet inspired stripe. The pattern was meant to resemble Piglet's striped tummy...and it was called Ham's Tweed...does it get any better than that?? I love irony!!!

Next, I have been working on some baby gifts. I have several friends who are expecting this fall (all with boys...more irony!!!)...the only problem is that at least one of them "may" read this blog, so I don't dare post any photos. So, here's a hint on what I have been up to...lots of blue yarn...that's it, your only hint!!! I put a project in my Ravelry project list, but you'll have to wait and see if it is a decoy or not!!!

Other than that, I haven't done much. The auction was a success (thank you to all who checked it out!!!), and we have a bunch of blankets in circulation right now...check out the WCOBBS blog for some photos!!!!

Cheers!!!
Sharon