January WIPocalypse

Hopefully, this will be a pretty fast post, because it's happening during my free time at school. I've been spending my time at home getting a couple of things accomplished. Of course, in my life, there are always a great number of things on my to-do list, but I've been able to scratch off a couple of items.


As my first WIP finish for the year (hooray!), here are a few looks at Jeffrey's Stocking by Shepherd's Bush.

So sorry about the kooky lighting in this picture. I rushed to get home to catch some natural light, and I could only get direct sun right before it dropped behind the mountains.

Isn't this a great green glass leaf?

And look at the little snowman button! How do they do that face? OK, I know you're saying, "She spends way too much time with little kids." In my defense, their enthusiasm for wondering is contagious. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.  Anyway, as soon as I get this back from the finisher (no way am I sewing it together myself, incompetently), little Blake will have a stocking.


One more finish to add to my list, unofficially, was a pair of socks for a friend.

Tada! They're knitted from bamboo yarn, so they're very soft and they'll wear well. I'm thrilled with the brown and blue tones of the yarn.


I haven't decided which WIP will bite the dust next. I'm leaning toward something smaller, since I feel like I'm on a roll. I'm also suffering from a little stitchy ADD, and it's hard to stick to anything. We'll see what strikes me. 


That's it for now. Update completed. My long weekend starts at 3:30 ... woo hoo! Make some fun.

2012, How I Love Thee!

Look! My blog finally got a facelift! It's about time, huh? I know it's not much, but it's something. Maybe at some future date I'll grow some courage and really branch out.

New Year's Day is one of my favorite holidays. Unless you're having a party, there's not much to prepare. All that's required most of the time is that you've made appropriate plans, or no plans at all, and have enough celebratory beverages on hand. We visited my swain's brother and sister-in-law on New Year's Eve, left there early, and then relaxed. It was good. Then on New Year's Day, we went to see friends for black-eyed peas and collard greens, and then watched the Broncos lose. Ugh, what a season. Now we have to watch post-season; a heart-stopping proposition. If we make it past one game, we'll be stunned.

For Christmas we took a 2200 mile road trip to visit the swain's son and family in Santa Monica. It was interesting and fun. The highlight, besides meeting his California grandchildren, was seeing a friend I hadn't seen for 16 years. I saw sweet Estrella as a mom for the first time and met her young daughter. What can compare with getting to know a new three-and-a-half-year-old new best friend while having lunch and sitting on the beach? We went on some killer walks, enjoyed fabulous weather, saw the tar pits (yes, I'm a big, fat geek), we stopped in Nevada for golf (a great course that was the source of much poor-golfing hilarity), and had a wonderful time together. It's what we do, thank goodness.

Does it sound awful that I deserted my daughter and grandsons for Christmas? Don't worry ... we had a fun-filled evening before we left and a great visiting day after returning, so I got to see my boys during my break from school. I honestly can't imagine leaving them during another Christmas vacation for a long time. Keagan's new mission is to help his mom with everything possible, including Blake's diaper changes. He thinks he's 12 and can do anything on his own. His newest words are football, high chair and Grandpa (for my dad). Blake is growing big and pudgy and trying to roll over. What a pair at four and 21 months!

Well, kids, I'm not much for planning and goal-setting when it comes to stitching. I wrote that as if you don't already know what a bird-hopper I am! This year could be different, because I've signed up for Measi's WIPocalypse. If you'll glance at the sidebar, you'll see my list of WIPs that I'm carrying over into 2012. The list is long (she whined pitifully), and I'd love to whittle that WIP list to a mere fraction of its present size so I can stitch more things. Here's what I'm up against:



Holy cow! Yep, I piled them on the bed (and a few are missing) just to get a look at the size of my mission. If you look carefully, you'll see a little hooked piece that's begging to be finished. There are also some ancient (as in 1980's) pieces and some unidentified objects. I'm hoping for great changes to the pile, since I have only a couple of gifty things to stitch this year (uh huh, we've heard that before).

One project that won't be in the mix is my swain's stocking, which is Bertie's Stocking from Shepherd's Bush. Here are a few pics ...

 I love the little froggy in the vegies. This stocking goes with mine (Tina's Stocking), so gardening is the theme.

My newest WIP to join the pile is Jeffrey's Stocking for Blake. I just couldn't quite get it finished with all the Christmas and trip preparations, but I've been working at it. Here's where I am ...

Isn't it looking good? So far, he hasn't noticed that he didn't have a stocking this year. It's been a fun stitch, and the colors are dreamy for someone who loves purple. Maybe by next week it can be my first WIPocalypse finish! Cross your fingers for me, because I still haven't taken down my Christmas tree (about 400 ornaments, OMG), and my little house needs a good cleaning.

I'm off to get something accomplished and maybe stitch a little. I'll do my best to get back next week (always the same story, huh?) for an update. Almost all of my students returned to school this week with colds, so think germ-killing thoughts for me. And make some fun!

Oops!

And I thought I'd be right back! Honestly, what happens to the days/weeks/months? They just keep flying by, and there's so, so much to do. But I'm here now with some pictures to share.

Like many of you bloggy girls, I start projects and then set them down in favor of working on (usually starting) something else. I've never been very disciplined in my stitching endeavors, maybe because life requires us to be disciplined in other ways, and I need stitching to be fun. Whatever the reasons, here are some of the projects I've put aside to make room for new projects. First up is my Shepherd's Bush Neck Roll Pillow. No, the lace isn't sewn on yet, and this is where I left it last spring ...

... when I picked up the Yellow House Sampler again. It's an old Sheepish Designs piece from long, long ago. Isn't it pretty? I was feeling so great about my progress during the summer ...

... when this came along. I just couldn't resist starting (and foolishly thinking I'd finish) the Ann Wheatley 1829 Sampler, Attic Needlework's summer SAL led by Margaret. It's a NeedleWorkPress beauty stitched on the recommended 40-count Vintage Pearled Barley with Belle Soie silks. She's been a dream to stitch, and stitching with Belle Soie for the first time has made this project truly wonderful. I'm looking at this picture, and I could've sworn that I was farther along. No surprise there, huh?

Sadly, I set her down (sniff) when I figured out that I had not one, but two Shepherd's Bush stockings to stitch for some favorite menfolk this year. I'll show them to you next time. I know, don't any of you hold your breath!

One of the many chores that have kept me busy over the last few months is pictured below. Last summer, I had more wood flooring put into my little townhouse, and then painted the upstairs hallway and stairwell. The latest (and last until next summer) painting project was to update my two-story living room during the week I had off at Thanksgiving. In order to accomplish such a lofty (literally!) goal, it was necessary to rent scaffolding and put it together. Putting it together, with the help of my swain (the man in my life - thanks, Anna, for the suggestions to rename him), was a two-hour Laurel and Hardy film. Luckily, all we have are a few stills. The picture below shows the new color, a brownish taupe against the whitish ceiling and the top of the 12-foot scaffolding.

The most unexpected aspect of the scaffolding was the constant sway, which made me seasick on the first day. The height wasn't difficult to get used to, and we were able to do a great job, if I do say so myself. And my swain? He worked above and beyond the call! What a wonderful man! Not a cross word was exchanged during the exhausting two-day process, but there were many laughs. As we were taking apart the scaffolding (think of very heavy, six-foot, metal pieces), we forgot to hold onto the end pieces. To our horror, they fell away from us, making a perfectly circular hole in one freshly-painted wall, and taking out a chunk of newly-painted mantel. Oh, the naughty, naughty words that were shouted! But then we had to laugh at our own stupidity and get out the spackling. It could've been, should've been, so much worse!

I'm leaving you with my favorite picture of the season. Yep, it's 20-month-old Keagan and three-month-old Blake, Santa's helpers. The only safe way Nikki can get a picture of them side-by-side is to have them lie on the floor. It works pretty well, doesn't it? Although Nikki's are simple pictures, her method reminds me of that woman who puts her baby on the floor and creates incredible scenes around her while she sleeps. Check out her blog. 

That's Keagan's smile-for-the-camera face. What a little ham we've created! He loves his little brother, constantly offering hugs and kisses. The most wonderful part of my week is walking into their house. Keagan yells HI, runs to me, waits while I set down whatever I'm carrying and take off my coat, then holds up his arms for hugs. Together we find Blake and give him some kisses. Is there a better reward? No way!

I'll be back as soon as I can drag myself back down here to the computer (brrrr, the basement is cold) with pictures of stockings and my plans for WIPocalypse. I know, I just had to sign up for it. Doris, the undisciplined, attempts to pare the project pile.  We'll see what shenanigans follow a stitchy commitment. 'Til later, make some big fun.





An Update? Really?

Are you surprised yet? I hope someone is, because I am! It's been so long since I updated pictures on my computer that I had forgotten how to do it. Where have all the brain cells gone (sung to the tune of "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?")? I used to have some, right up until I went to college ... never mind. Anyway, I was successful at figuring out what I knew a while back, and here are some pics.

Keagan was the recipient of my first baby sweater. Do I have a picture of him wearing it? NO! Nikki has it somewhere, but she's a little too busy to bother right now. All I have is this knitting-complete-but-not-really-finished picture. You'll have to trust that it was finished and Keagan wore it and looked terribly cute (of course). I was amazed at how easy it was to knit. No kidding! I even knitted little button holes that worked. I feel smart every time I look at it!

Socks have been a big item for me since I started knitting, so I have to show you the few pair that I've completed. This first pair are top-down socks made of wool.

By the way, the pair I had started when I left you a year ago (the post before last) were finished and have been worn by the man in my life (there has to be something better to call him) for a year. He wears them and tells everyone that I knitted them. I think that's a good thing.


Next up are some toe-up socks. My first pair of this type worked out pretty well. The yarn is wool and a little bamboo, so they're very soft. They're mine ... heh, heh, heh ... and I'm very happy with them.

The lovely camo socks below were also toe-up using the same pattern as the pretty purple ones, but I had an issue. I knitted them for the man in my life (really ... new name needed), but they won't fit over his heel! The only way I know to fix this problem is to pull the bind-off out and bind off more loosely. Or should I pull out the ribbed part, add some stitches and re-bind off loosely? Staci, queen of knitting, if you're reading this, please give me a hint. I thought about screaming and ripping them to shreds just tossing them in a drawer, but they're a wonderful blend of wool and cashmere, so they're stupidly expensive incredibly soft and cozy. The color ... eh, not so great for me, but someone loves them. Suggestions about how to handle the too-small bind-off would be appreciated. I suppose I could take them to the LYS where I've spent a crapload of little money on yarn and ask for some help.

Finally we've arrived at some stitching. I finished the Ewe & Eye & Friends Small Sampler #6 and personalized it for a happy anniversary. I used the recommended DMC threads and 40-count Sandstone, and it turned out great. Oh wait ... I used an overdyed floss for the alphabet. It's hard to tell in my bad picture, but I satin-stitched the insides of the leaves and put my own stuff in the cartouche, including a queen-stitched heart. I used to think these pictures were all clickable to make them bigger, but that hasn't worked lately. Figuring it out doesn't fit into my plans for the evening. ***Edited: The clicking does work! Holy cow! As usual, I'm in the dark.***

That's enough stuff for now. I've got some stitching to do! Next time I'll show you what I've been working on but haven't finished (evidence of ADD).

Tomorrow would've been my mom's 75th birthday. The special day reminded me that a few of you have asked about my dad. He's doing rather well, despite the case of Shingles he has. If, like me, you've had them, you know that isn't a happy way to spend your time. He's been dating, which is fine but weird. I could tell you stories, but you'll have to wait for my book to be published (don't tempt me). Life changes often, and we adjust in whatever ways we can, right? For those of you who have asked about him, thank you. That was extremely kind of you to remember him.

TGIF tomorrow! Is it just me, or do these short weeks seem long? Enjoy your weekend and make some fun.

Wonders Never Cease

That's one of my favorite quotes.  The first, but not most important, wonder is that I'm posting (holy cow)!  I know you thought you were rid of me, but I've returned from real life to blogland.  I've been hanging around here and there when I have time, commenting on a few blogs, but until today, I haven't felt the urge to get back to writing with the community.  My excuse?  I don't have one.  Life here is busy, just as it is for all of you.  Maybe the urge just wasn't strong enough to drag me back.

The next wonder, which is far more fascinating, is a new grandson.  Blake Michael introduced himself at 4:27 pm on August 18.  He's another little precious for this grandma to spoil rotten, and I'm getting started right away.

Below is big brother Keagan (today's wonder #3) pictured with his mom a couple of months ago (a while back as toddlers go, but it's one of my favorites).  He's now a big 17-month-old wild child, as he should be.  Since Blake came home to join him, he's been the sweetest big brother anyone could ask for.  Contrary to what you might be thinking, Nikki does know where babies come from.  We're not the type of family to shy away from a gift.  Considering that Nikki spends her days (and nights) with a newborn and a toddler, she's very cool, calm and collected.  Their dad works long hours and comes home ready to hold whoever needs it. 

So, yeah, life's busy.  I've been back to school for three weeks, so there's much less time to spend with Keags and Blake than I'd like.  That lottery win still hasn't materialized!

It's been so long since I've posted that I don't know where to start on the stitching and knitting front.  I thought about starting with what I'm working on now, but I've been very lazy about taking pictures of the few (remember ... I'm the world's slowest stitcher) things I've done.  So I'll leave you with a pic of Keagan's stocking, completed in November 2010.  It's a Shepherd's Bush, of course, to match the others.  This one is Brett's Stocking.

I'll give you a few more looks in my next post.  Hopefully it'll be less than a year away!  Make some fun.

Places Being Seen, Things Being Done

Thank you for all of your kind and welcoming comments!  Returning to blogging after a long absence is kind of like going back to school after having been sick for several days.  It's scary in some weird way.  I appreciate your help in coming back.

How about some pictures of what I've been doing?  Below is The Yellow House Sampler from Sheepish Designs.  I love working on it and looking at it when I'm not working on it.

The fabric is 40-count Iced Cappuccino ... the lightest IC I've ever seen, in fact, and I'm using one DMC thread over two.  It's been such a long time since I've worked with regular old DMC that I'd forgotten how much I like it.  A little voice in my head is telling me to dunk it in come coffee when I finish.  We'll see.

Below is the new pair of socks I'm working on.  As you can see, hopefully, the second sock isn't gonna match up exactly with the first.  I know the idea is to make them look the same, but I couldn't help myself.  I wanted to see how it turns out.

I love the colors so far, but they aren't for me.  They're for a special birthday gift in September.  Someone gave me a pattern for toe-up socks, but it'll take me a little time on the internet to figure out how to start them.  The pattern makes beginning sound extremely complicated, so I'll be searching for a video (the internet is a wonderful thing) to help me.

I've been gone for several days.  We decided to take a little trip to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore (I love it there) again and play some golf.  We had some very exciting weather, so there wasn't much golf, but it was a great getaway.

Earlier this month we took a trip to Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon.  Even though I've lived out west all my life, I'd never been to either place.  Finally, I've seen what "awesome" means.  The Grand Canyon is incredible.  You've seen a million pictures of it, I know, so I won't bore you with mine.  We took two days to visit the South and North Rims, and the drive between is worth your time.  On the way to the North Rim, you can stop at Navajo Bridge, which is 700 feet above the Colorado River.  Here are some rafters who waved and told us to jump (I'm sure they meant it in the nicest way).

First you see them close-up, and now here's a view as we saw them from the bridge.  Pretty cool, huh?  I'm pretty sure I need a raft ride.

  Mesa Verde was also amazing.  I loved it there, so I'm forcing you to look at one picture.

Thinking of how long these dwellings have been there makes looking at them even better.  We got to climb down into a kiva with the other kids (really, there were one or two other adults).  On our way home, we went on a crazy road called the Moki Dugway, which was a blast.  The pictures taken by other people are much better than mine, and you'll get a great idea of what it was like if you click on the link.  If you're ever in that area, do it!

I think that's about it for now.  I have one more full week and a day of summer vacation (gasp! sob!!), which has been reduced by almost three full days because of meetings (yawn) that my new principal and the big bosses think I need to attend.  Meetings aren't my thing, and I'll be doing my best to learn something, but I'll take my knitting just in case my brain needs some help.  I'm naughty, huh?  Make some fun.

Where, Oh, Where ...

... have I been for almost four months?  Well, life took me by the hand, sat me down and said, "Get organized."  So I did.  Chaos of work and real life was making me a crazy person, so I worked on changing a few things.

Regarding work, after making some big changes to our school, our principal resigned to return to a high school classroom.  Interesting, huh?  Then, because he and the IB program left (short version of a long story), the woman who got my job left.  With some help from a few supporters at my school and at the administrative level, I got my job back!  I know!  How exciting!  So, instead of being in a first grade classroom, I'll continue to work with kindergarten through second grade during mornings, and I'll be coaching (yes, you're reading it correctly) other teachers in the afternoons.  I'm not certain I'm mature enough to handle the afternoon part of my job, but other people think I am (golly, they've been fooled), so I'll do my best.  We have a new principal who seems to be level-headed and has a plan, so we'll see what happens next.  I'm hesitantly optimistic about school, which is such a change for me!

During our summer vacation, I've been spending loads of time with this little cutie.

Hasn't he become a tub?  Mother's milk has made Keagan a very big boy.  He'll be four months old tomorrow and he's weighing in at over 14 pounds.  All he wants to do is eat.  That's his job until crawling begins ... if he can lift himself.  Right now he's working on sitting up by himself.  Other than feeling like a milk truck, Nikki is doing well.  Her husband, Grady, has taken a better-paying job so she can stay home with Keags.  I can't get enough of his smiles and giggles.

On the therapeutic activities front, I finally finished stitching Sarah Esh, so here's her not-so-great picture.  How sad that my photography skills haven't improved during my absence.  Oh well.  She's not framed yet, but she's ready to join other A&E samplers when I get something else stitched.  Right now, thanks to a bloggy friend (you know who you are and I love you even though I've neglected you), I'm working on The Yellow House Sampler by Sheepish Designs.

A skill I have acquired while absent is sock knitting.  I know!  I knit socks!  Looky here ...

Shocking, isn't it?  Or should I say socking?  That's my first pair of socks, and I'm at work on a second pair.  In fact, the first sock is finished and I've started the second.  I'll show you a picture in another post.  This summer I've learned that knitting is much easier to manage than stitching is while traveling.  Well, for me it is.  So there's been more knitting than stitching going on.  I've also completed a felted bag for a friend in Maine and a felted bowl.  Wanna see?

As you can see, I haven't lost my obsession for felting.  Hey, it keeps me off the streets and out of the bars.  Sorry to say, I'm just as slow at knitting as I am at stitching!

So much has happened since I've spent more than a few moments in blogland.  Poor Merlin, my old man cat, had to be put down a day after my last post.  All of you pet lovers know how that is.  Dad's been doing ok, by the way.  He struggles, like we all do, but he's working at finding his way through the world without Mom.  During some of my chaos removal, I left the man I hung around with behind. That was hard, but it brought along an opportunity to meet a cool, calm, collected and extremely kind man. My mom always used to tell me that thing about one door closing and another one opening. I really hadn't believed it until now. So we'll see. It's nice to have someone to spend time with besides family.  And he puts up with my hideous golf game!

I hope that those of you who've read here before will start to read here again.  I'll be catching up with what you've been doing and I hope to comment here and there.  I've missed you all more than you know.  The Sisterhood of the Rose is alive and about to move on.  I'll explain where we are with that in my next post.  With any luck, four months won't pass before you hear from me again.

Whatever you do, make some fun!