5 YEARS NOW!!!!!!!!!

 And I thought 2 years was a long time!!!!! Well now it's been 5 years since I posted!!!! I've lost loved ones, Time goes so amazingly fast!Since then I have lost loved ones, family and friends. I have helped guide my oldest grandson through high school sports and other activities and finally graduation and the beginning of his college years. Thank God his college is only 4 hours away albeit one way. i have put nearly 3,000 miles on my car for orientations, dorm move-in dates (2 so far), one family weekend so far, etc., and other visits. The local Hampton Inn staff knows my name and always accommodates my request for a particular room. I am spoiled suffice it to say. Prior to this I managed to get a first time cherished trip in to the Rhinebeck Wool and Sheep Festival!!!! Knitting has increasingly become the lifesaver this now empty nester holds on to as if my life depended on it. Oh oh oh!!!! Another joyous event happened almost 3 years ago. A new grandchild who is a couple of months away from his 3rd birthday!!!! I LOVE all my grandkids but it's something special about my new grandkid that makes me feel the exact same way as I felt about my first grandkid, his brother who is the college student now!!!!! It's something really special about this new little fellow. After all that gushing, bouncing back to reality, there is still a certain amount of joy that he and his other 3 siblings who are still teens and at home with my daughter. are 2 hours away (lololol)! Uhhhhh no granny nanny here!!!!!

Two Years?

Yes, 2 years. Two things I know for sure, time doesn't wait for anyone and it flies. So, that it has been 2 years since I posted anything here, I am not nonplussed as I might have been in the past!

Much has happened in the past 2 years, happenings that add to the memories, good, bad, or otherwise. My dear Mother died October 12, 2015. It goes without saying that while continuing to be an integral part of grandchildrens's lives, caregiving also added to the time that I could no longer call mine. But, I would change nothing. Many of you know of my "standing in the gap" while my daughter got herself together. Although I did not provide the same challenges to my Mother, she nevertheless was always there for me--there were times she did not need the stress of going above and beyond. I am thankful to have been able to draw on that example to "always be there" for my daughter. I on occasion did things slightly different with/for/to my daughter than Mom a few times--as in the bark and bite being a lot more pronounced (lol). But, BUT, she daughter is a CNA now and has her own place with her man, a family in training if you will. I am proud of her efforts. I have 3 people under my roof (Khalil and Aiden still stay with me), down from 7 in a 3-bedroom apartment. If you know me, even if I lived alone, this apartment is not big enough for me (lol)!!!! Because I love my grandkids so so much, it is obviously easy for me to be taken advantage of but, BUT I am finding and including more ME time to do things with friends, etc.

In these past 2 years I found an old friend--gotta love that Facebook!!!!! It's been 40 years since I have seen him. I will see him the first part of December when he stops in Chicago during business travels to see his Mother and other family. I can't wait for the bear hugs from him!

I am taking care of an old friend. My husband is very ill, receiving comfort care in a 5-star Nursing & Rehabilitation facility. We have not been together for 13 years but are still legally married. He is the father of my children, my grandchildren's grandfather! I care about him and stopping short of another full time caregiving role am doing for him. I have to be able to sleep at night, look myself in the mirror and do what is pleasing to my God. Hubby trusts me enough that I have Durable Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney. Sadly no one else is stepping up to the plate so I do what I can. Keep him in prayer. We don't know God's will but hubby will not get better according to doctors.

And sadly, I lost a new friend. 

As the song goes, And the Beat Goes On.....

Not Too Far Into the New Year ~ 2014!

Happy New Year!!!! So what if it is 18 days into the new year (laugh). Better late than never right?

Each new year starts with so many hopes and promises to self. Then it all sort of fizzles out until I once again find myself gaining steam toward the same new promises to self at the end of the soon-to-be old year! Well this year, because it hit me like a ton of bricks just how I was NOT putting myself in the equation where I am also taking better care of myself, I simply took a deep breath and INCLUDED myself! That simple. Words! What about action(s)? I am surprised at how excited I am about doing so, having a calendar full of doctor appointments for what should have been the norm, not the exception. Thus far I have had the diabetic eye exam (my 10-year-old diabetic eyes are just fine, thank you). I have a foot doctor's appointment coming up (I will marry a podiatrist in my next life.) On a more sobering note, I had a thyroid biopsy done and that too came out okay! I will join a health club. Just a click of a button away on the computer. My new doctors have put me on another insulin regimen and just in the few short weeks my numbers are so improved. I was already 98% compliant with taking care of myself so I've had no real problems with my diabetes. And the coup de grace (or is it coup de gras? or does it matter?), when I get my dental work done, Denzel Washington's wife will just have to give him up. But then wait. As fine as he is, he did just turn 59. Nawwww, I don't want anyone as old as me.

So now! I feel a lot better about including myself in the equation. That can only help me take better care of the family that I am blessed with. I just saw a Facebook posting that goes something like this..."If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. If Grandma ain't happy...RUN!" Kind of sums things up here.

How does one find the time.....

June, July, August, September, October, November???? Yes (and I'm really saying this to myself) it's been that long since I've posted. Sometimes you have to acknowledge things in other ways than just thinking it or thinking about it. I had to actually type these words. Put them before my eyes in this manner.

Those months have been a blur of activity. Obligations. Family duties and responsibilities. Not surprising since I am a member of that Sandwich Generation I read about many years ago in a Social Psychology class. The reality of such a role so not on my radar at that time. Those months have been a blur of care-giving duties taking Mom back and forth for chemo treatments and doctor visits, getting grand kids anchored into the new school year, planning meals and cooking, laundry. Oh and did I mention housecleaning? Makes a knitter want to pull her hair out. Especially when you realize the knitting time you looked forward to at the end of the day is not going to happen unless you make extensive use of lifelines, tinking or ripping back. Have you ever proceeded with a chart row.....wait for it.....below or above the one you were supposed to be on. Yet, as Maya Angelou (or Dr. Angelou...come on...it's an honorary degree) says Still I rise. Actually in my case it's Still I manage to finish a knit project or even a KAL on time. But believe me, it's not the norm!

So it's not so much a case of how does one find the time. It's more a case of making the time, even if it means only knitting 2 rows or pushing through a tiredness or knitting with grand kids around your feet. So more about what I've been up to knitting-wise next post.

The Obvious

I wasn't going to, but I will state the obvious. Time flies!!! That's why it's been almost 5 months since my last post (sheepishly I admit). It is an understatement to say life is hectic; I've been busy. Not rocket science to figure that out since I am of the Sandwich Generation. I am digging myself out little by little and starting to find (though it takes tremendous planning) time to do some things just for me. I will come back and update with words and pictures!

Nothing special, just a quiet Sunday

It's Sunday. Quiet. Peaceful. In large part because all four of the Grandkids are out with their Mother at the pool. A rarity. My only demand is that she bring them all back the way they left, breathing! I've put up with the noise that comes with four young ones waking up, eating bowl after bowl of cereal; helping Mom to get her day started, which is no small feat as her caregiving needs are great. But that's okay. She had a lovely breakfast thanks to Chef Me. I have spent (and am still spending time) time on the computer, Ravelry, knitting, etc. As I helped Mom get from her bedroom to her wheelchair in the living room so she could sit by the open window enjoying the breeze and looking out it hit me once again how far she's come given her health issues since November of 2012. She is still receiving treatment and recuperating but on a different road than one I thought given what she's gone through. She's a tough old lady!!!!

But before I continue on about Mom and her being the inspiration for this post I have to tell you I got sidetracked as I pulled up the Internet to add the photos I just took of Mom to my Flickr account. News items pop up on my homepage. Several caught my eye but the one news story that pulled me in was the article about the wing walker who was just killed in the horrific crash the other day at the Dayton Air Show. I wasn't content with just the written article. I went to Youtube and viewed several videos of the crash as well as the interview with the young woman prior to her performance. I don't know if it's a curse or a blessing to have the ability to have such news in it's fullest at our fingertips these days. But the fact remains that it is there and I won't debate what draws us to it, but we are drawn.

At any rate, I thought what would this young woman be doing this beautiful day had things gone differently. She has two teenage children. Does she have any pets or hobbies? What would she be planning for dinner? Would she be on the phone with her parents or friends or siblings? Life is short. It doesn't have to be a stunt-plane wing-walking crash to take us out. It could be anything. There's no rhyme or reason for my including these wonderings in this post or for latching on to Jane Wicker's story and untimely (in our human understanding) and tragic death (these were her choices). It is just one of many possible stories that could make me appreciate the simplicity and blessings of this day as I focus on my 94-year-old Mother still being here, in my/our lives given the odds that say she shouldn't and Jane Wicker should be.

June 2013

November 2012

This, that, and the other . . . catching up!

Catching up after some weeks is better than doing so after months or even years. Easier to get to the point or points without agonizing on what has occurred.

MOM UPDATE!
Mom begin gentle (if there's such a thing) chemo treatments. She's had about 3 weeks with a week off. Her labs (blood work) have been excellent. She has a wonderful oncologist, Dr. Haddad, who specializes in cancer in the elderly. A change in the home aid that provides services to Mom has been a blessing to put it mildly. The first aid was just too young at age 19 and did not have the experience to deal with an elderly person--not the skills or life experiences. She did not have the ability to anticipate a client's needs nor engage in meaningful conversation because of the huge gap in generational age. Mom looks forward to the arrival of Ann, our current aid and is more than willing to follow the aids suggestions, directives, etc.

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY!
We had a birthday celebration on June 8. We actually celebrated two birthdays--Khalil turned 10 on June 9th, and Aiden turned 6 on May 22nd. I splurged on a cake for each of them ($25.00 a piece). Not until they couldn't blow out the candles did I realize in my haste I had bought trick candles! Duh me! We had a barbecue. Grandpa came over and manned the grill. The boys racked up with money and toys. I told the parents the 6:00 pm end time was not written in stone since it was such a perfect day (no rain, just right temps with no humidity) to play play play. Man kids can eat!!! There was no such thing as too much chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, juice, etc., etc. The boys both said it was the best birthday ever. I told them, just wait until next year! If it is God's will. They ain't seen nothing yet.

SAY WHAAAAAAA???
Finally, though my life seems busier, I am finding more time to knit!!!!! My latest effort involves 2-stranded color knitting AND STEEKING thanks to designer Deborah Tomasello. I voluntarily involved myself in a MAL (mystery knit-along--you don't know what you're making until the end or near the end). The pattern is given a clue at a time! Clues are usually imbedded in Debi's various projects that she directs you to. This is the first time I've attempted color knitting (Faire Isle), let alone steeking (enables you to cut your knitting at some point and it doesn't ravel. I really appreciate Debi's unique approach to teaching (not saying this is her only way). I'm the one who needs to be in a class with a teacher at elbow. I had a few missteps and start-overs (I could not stand the thought of incorporating the mistakes whether anyone else knew they were there or not--I would know). I've done a pretty good job if I must say so myself. It's nice that I've gotten a compliment or two from my teacher.

Before I show you my handiwork, here are a few links to Debi!

Debi's website:
http://www.PatchworksByDebi.com

The link below highlights her gallery on the Croton Council on the Arts:
http://www.crotonarts.org/gallery/v/tomasD

You don't have to be a member of Ravelry to view this group.
www.ravelry.com/groups/colorworksbydebi-deborah-tomasello-designs
TaDaaahhhhh!!!

That is all!

Can this be real?

What an unbelievably peaceful Sunday. At least for me. It doesn't take much these days. The weather is beautiful, hovering somewhere around 60 degrees, a bit over cast with a forecast of possible rain showers. Two of the grandchildren are sleep. The other two are outside. I hear a bouncing ball. The yard is enclosed and with windows open on both sides, the front and back of my apartment, I can hear most all that is going on. Yet I will still get up for a visual periodically. I've just eaten a late...wow!...didn't know this late, breakfast of blueberry (frozen) waffles and an all beef hot dog. My eating habits have been honed by years of feeding kids. If you are honest with yourself, you know Mac & Cheese and Chicken nuggets are the bomb

Bottom photo by Khalil Blakes

   I got up with the thought of getting eagle-eye focused when it comes to my crafts, knitting in particular. Motivated by the fact that I will collect my first social security check in September. That means more money (that I don't have to worry about where it's coming from) to spend on yarn, yarn, yarn, kits, knit classes, conventions, etc. So that means clearing out the old for the anticipated new stuff. There are WIPs and OTNs (works in progress and on the needle for you non knitters/crafters) to be completed. Thank goodness I take meticulous notes so that I can pick up where I left off, usually months (maybe years) ago! Case in point, the pink baby blanket pictured here, well the LYS (local yarn store/shop) has been closed for almost two years now. I bought the yarn a good 2+ years before it closed! The stash yarn (these are not no longer identifiable skeins) will now go for practice, making doll clothes for my Granddaughter's dolls, toys, etc. So, signing off and going back to my knitting now. That is really the cherry on top of the 'peaceful day.'

A day late, but that's okay!

Yesterday was such a 'Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' (a sun-shine filled day with near perfect temperatures). A day befitting the 6th birthday of my 2nd Grandson, Aiden.

I've always said I can't see/use the word job in the same sentence with the word child/children. Epiphany (favorite word thanks to 25 years of Oprah)! I can, however, see the word fight, or more appropriately 'fight for' in the same sentence with the word child/children. And no one should fight more fiercely than a mother, or WILL, than a grandmother! I am fighting now for my Aiden's right to graduate from Kindergarten. Yes, Kindergarten! It is a grade level that is not even mandated in the State of Illinois though some politico is trying to change that law. This post would be way too long if I spelled out the details and reasons I am fighting...so I will just include a few links that highlight the lack of merit in retention at any grade level. A child who enters school for the first time at age 6 or 7 and/or 1st grade is at the same advantage/disadvantage of a child who does not graduate Kindergarten. Clearly with the spate of PreK/daycare facilities a child who does enter school for the first time until the age of 6 or 7 is probably at a disadvantage. But that's okay, because it just forces the teacher to do what they've been trained for.....to teach and to teach to the different ability levels, barring any real or significant need for special education intervention.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-jim-taylor/failing-kindergarteners-y_b_806550.html
http://www.cdl.org/resource-library/articles/grade_retention.php
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1520-6807(198710)24:4%3C346::AID-PITS2310240409%3E3.0.CO;2-7/abstract

In spite of this little glitch which will not be allowed to be earth-shattering for Aiden if it does not work out the way I want it to, nothing, NOTHING could have made yesterday any less a 'Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!'

Tired, but . . .

If you wait until you are rested to get things done, nothing will ever get done!

As my 94-year-old Mom's only caregiver, life is even busier these days. But with a first-time ever home health aid things should get easier--once I have refined schedules, tasks, and timeframes for what needs to be done. Mom gets 20 hours a week, I get 9 hours but what is done for one can not overlap what is done for the other! Now I will have some one to do some of the housework, run errands, do laundry, etc.

Though it doesn't seem like it, I have had some time freed up to spend on line with my favorite knitting community. I have had time to get some knitting done.

This is Super-Natural Stripes, a cute little top-down baby cardi that I am working on for a friend's 1st Grandchild who is a boy.  http://fpea.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-fridays-super-natural.html

I plan to make a pink one but I won't be using the eyelash yarn in the garment.

\
So, as I said, I am tired, but . . . finding some me time. It's imperative!

What's really free?

It is said The Best Things in Life Are Free (you know how the rest of the song goes but I'm ignoring that part). The best things in life are free, I truly believe this. As a Facebook post going around says, they are:

• hugs
• smiles
• friends
• kisses
• family
• sleep
• love
• laughter
• good memories

From occurrences this morning I will add:

• Watching my youngest grandson show me the fingernails he's painted blue . . . when I asked him to show me his toenails when prompted by his mother.
• Watching Mom, who is in recuperation mode, eat ALL of her breakfast that I prepared for her (Jimmy Dean sausage, raisin toast w/margarine, buttery & sugary oats with hot milk added, orange juice, and eggs--and she's finicky about her eggs)!
• Kibitzing with the guys behind the counter at the corner gas station where I go get my morning cup of coffee when I don't have any at home.

What are the "free" things in your life that bring you simple pleasures? Sometimes you have to just notice a little harder. They are there!

Start where you are...the present

Trying not to fall back into neglecting my blog this early in my new start! I don't know what my posting goals are or will become, yet. I think part of what gets me bogged down when I come back to my blog is wanting to fill in the missing. That can be a lot when it's been months since I've blogged. Then it hit me, start where you are. Of course the past is important and there are memories to learn from as well as cherish. I can weave things that have happened in the past in with future blog posts to highlight, accentuate, and underscore them!

Don't let yesterday take up too much of today.

Our eyes are placed in front because it is more important to look ahead than to look back.

Remember the past, plan for the future, but live for today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.

Soooooo, not going to worry about the past or setting specific blogging goals. I know I don't want to let months go by, and they won't. Life is so interesting and spontaneous (whether our choice or not; whether to a larger audience or just to oneself) until you can not encapsulate it in a schedule as you can/would the daily news.

Finding my way back to my blog . . .

So, because of my care giving duties to my dear Mother which have me more or less home bound until resources and homemakers kick in, I have more time to knit and focus on things that had gotten placed on the back burner....like my blog! I actually became excited about jump starting my blog again. So I knew immediately I wanted to merge my blogs into one. I managed that. Even generated some excitement among friends/fellow knitters one of whom said I must post. Uh oh, I started slacking already I realized as I just jumped up to compose this post. I'd jotted down a preliminary note or two. I'll get to that in a moment. I've renamed my blog, merged the older one (Look Gran'ma) with what was TheKnit HitsTheFan, and can't wait to make my blog as pretty and creative as those of the ones I follow. I think in my months of inactivity adding bells and whistles have gotten easier. I'd wanted to name my blog Life, simply . . . as well as change my URL address to the same but unfortunately all configurations of that name were just not available. Soooooooooo, I've settled for A Grandma's Hand . . . Simply my life! Grandma's Hand is the name of the Ravelry (you knitters know what I'm talking about) group I started for us Grandmothers and I used it at the urging of my friend Sue S. (thank you). I have so much to catch up on. I can't wait!

Now, for that preliminary note...my enlightening epiphany!

The thought hit me that life can not be nutshelled. As long as someone has an opinion or question, life can not be nutshelled . . . in a few sentences, paragraphs, photos, or posts. Blogs are just the crack in that nutshell. This nut welcomes you to peep into that crack.

Catching up, once again . . .

Spring break is up for my two grandsons. Yaaaaaayyyyyyy!!!! Back to more me time. Decided to clean up my list of blogs I follow--some rhyme and reason to that. Some were eliminated because even after I looked at them there was no memory who it belonged to and/or whatever interested me to start with was no longer there. Some were eliminated because there'd been no entries for 2+ years. But some I kept, inspite of the lack of entries, just because of the person!

I'm still trying to figure out how to merge all that I want to focus on in one blog. There are several that I follow that have done that so well. I only have two, but knowing myself I could easily have 5 or 6 or more. When and if I can figure out how to merge (if that's possible) the two I have, I will.

Since I'm on this one, let me talk knitting a bit and bring things up to speed. I was so excited about the opportunity to teach knitting (and crochet--bad idea) at Michaels as a CYCA instructor. Foolishly I thought I could do that at more than one store. Not wise since I had to ferry between stores using public transportation. Not wise if I wanted to offer day and evening classes. Not wise since many of the in-store promotions and demos, held at the same time on the same day, required me to be there. There were no other instructors available to cover those events. I could never build up a class above two students. Michaels is devoted to many crafts so no one craft got more attention than the other. And often knitting was like the bald-headed step child of crafts. I'm sure some stores are more supportive than others. Good experience though.

I finally have my copy of the revised book, The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt. I ordered it online from Barnes and Noble at half the cost of the price I would have paid walking into the actual bookstore. I got a free offer of business cards and a tool to print out whatever I wanted printed out--I chose my name and address! If you are not careful you will add more stuff. I didn't. So only paid for the cost of shipping, at a standard delivery! I ordered really cute cards to hand out if anyone ever considers wanting a handknit item. In addition to my contact info, I borrowed a line from June Hemmons Hiatt  -  Even the simplest hand-knit garment is a luxury to include on my card. I treated myself to a new digital camera, a Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS. So when I get some more time I will take photos of that card and some WIPs and post them.

Traveling Woman Revisited

I am too pleased with myself! I was desperately trying to find a scarf pattern, then finish it to gift my oldest grandson's 3rd grade teacher. I found a beautiful skein of yarn in my stash that I'd planned for a one-skein hat that never happened. Long ago lost the label so didn't know what I was working with. I found a cute Ribs&Ruffled scarf pattern that called for size 13 needles and Misty Baby Alpaca yarn. I wasn't paying $27.00 for a handpainted yarn. Didn't want to pay the cost of one that wasn't handpainted or even the suitable substitute that had been suggested by my favorite LYS. So finally brainstormed and came up with another needle size (10) and the right amount of stitches to make the pattern work (see there is something to be said for learning to recognize patterns that is taught in kindergarten and 1st grade). And, success of all successes, I was able to use the beautiful yarn I found in my stash. Well after the time it took to get to that point, and preparing for the Christmas Pageant at the boys school, I just ran out of time. Oh what to do as I'd already let the teacher know she was going to receive a hand-knitted item from me!!!! Well I regifted a beautiful plaque that I'd received from my days as a 1st grade teacher; bought a pretty little red, apple-pie scented candle (symbolic of the apple you give to a teacher); and, AND came up with the genius idea of including the Traveling Woman shawlette I'd completed in a KAL with one of my Ravelry groups! Pure genius. It was too small for me to wear and I swear it makes me look like a really gifted knitter (lol). I packaged it with really beautiful paper and boxes and gift shopping bag from the Family Dollar down the street from the school and Grandson presented it to Ms. Lynch! He was ecstatic, telling me how she hugged him when she opened her gifts. She later found me, hugged and thanked me too. I was a bit concerned that she might not like it because she's a young woman. But she truly did. She's a tad bit on the conservative side. The night before she introduced me to her Dad and her Godmother. The Godmother had a beautiful narrow knitted item around her neck that she said she'd gotten from a craft fair. The Godmother then proceeded to show me how it could be wrapped to be worn in various ways. I feel very comfortable that Ms. Lynch appreciates yarn crafts and truly liked the shawlette.

Getting Back Into the Groove

I have missed my little blog. I have no defense for anyone who would say I couldn't have missed it that much since I've let almost a year go by since my last post. I should say no unique defense. Anything I offer as to my being an absentee blogger can simply be summed up in one word...LIFE! Shhh! It happens (lol).

I did complete my test knit of the Samantha (in the required time frame). I did techniques I'd never attempted before, will not be intimidated when and if I come across them again such as picot hems, etc. I'm glad I knitted it in a not really expensive yarn, but I could think of some yarns that would result in a beautiful version. Though I made a larger size, it was not meant to have ease. The body was not long enough for my tastes. I will post pictures of it one day soon.

I completed a ChicKnits summer sweater, the ChicKami---so easy!

Here's the biggie! I have been a Craft Yarn Council of America certified knitting instructor since 2001! I decided to put that to use. I contacted the CYCA to let them know I didn't need to take the new course, at a cost of $125...that I was already certified to teach at Michaels. So I've been allowed to teach at Michaels. Since I didn't have to pay for the courses, just get them done by a certain time frame, I decided to do both knitting and crochet. I really really really prefer knitting so I've drug my feet on the crochet end. I've taught a few crochet classes but I really prefer teaching the knitting classes. The coursework and what you have to do (submit homework samples to be critiqued by some of the top CYCA teachers) has become more stringent so I chose to do the revamped program. More about that later. Just had to start somewhere to get back to blogging.

Oh oh oh oh. I have to share that I taught my 8 year old grandson to knit (thumb cast on, knit & purl stitch) and crochet. He's taken to knitting like a fish to water! Next time!

The Oblivious One

Well true to the motivation for this blog, I am challening myself in a big way. Let's just say if I crash and burn along the way .  .  . it will be a bonfire!!!!!

First I have joined a Ravelry group, 11 Sweaters in 2011. Members of that group have committed to knitting 11 sweaters in, yes, 2011. Some of these members are about to start number 7. And 6 through 1 were not all WIPs, UFOs, or OTNs! You don't know what those mean? Learn to knit. Well I have completed one, the one in the post before this one. Thankfully the Administrator/Moderator allowed for WIPs, UFOs, and OTNs.

Okay. If that weren't a challenge enough. I eagerly "raised my hand" when it was asked who would like to test knit a sweater. I was totally oblivious to what I was getting myself into. I've only wrapped my brain around the fact that this is not your already-published, in the magazine and/or book, all-the-kinks-worked-out, ready-to-knit pattern. Well either I'm in too deep now or my pride won't let me say, sorry another time. I've purchased the yarn, ECO +. It's a bit heavier than the yarn called for but I got guage, on-the-money guage! I think I want to really stick with this because I am learning techniques I've heard of but never used before. I've never done a provisional cast on before, or a knitted in hem with or without picot edging. I am using a picot edge and it's so cute. I am familiar with charts on flat knitting, but this is the first time I had to shift my thought to follow a chart for circular knitting. No doubt there are going to be other techniques I will learn and be the better knitter for! I've had a few false/slow starts. That's good because fortunately we are doing this as a KAL and others who are moving faster are working out the kinks I will encounter, and asking the questions and getting answers for that I will no doubt ask later. So on with the challenge. Here is the link to the sweater, Samantha, I am test knitting!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/91317672@N00/1463953646

Catching Up!

Wow! Time really flies!!!! At least I'm still in the beginning of the year!

I completed my Super Cupcake Cowl & Hat! My Grandson obliged me and modeled it for me until I settled on a photo of me wearing the items, that I was satisfied with. Lots of knitting, but surprisingly I didn't get bored with it! This was the first time I've worked the K1B stitch. It is an interlocking stitch that provides more warmth than a regular rib stitch. And, AND, how did I notice the K1B stitch in the hats that others were wearing out in public--I was amazed. This is all about stepping out of my comfort zone and learning new things!

    Khalil J.







                       
                                                                   Susan


I also finally finished my Knitting Pure & Simple #283 Top Down Scoop Neck T by the fabulous knitwear designer Diane Soucy! I've been wearing it. I used, IMHO, a yarn that was way too expensive for this project. But the yarn feels really good on my skin. The tweediness of the yarn sort of hides the garter stitch borders around the neck, sleeves, and hemline. I will do this pattern again, in yarns more suitable for summer. And I might modify it and use a Seed Stitch for the borders. We'll see!

Welcome 2011

Well, I had good intentions (lol). To complete the hat and thus my Super Cupcake pattern, by the final hour of the outgoing year. I seriously had an inkling that wouldn't happen, and once all the Grand kids were here . . . well it's not rocket science to figure out where my attention and actions got redirected to (laugh). 9:40 AM and they are still asleep--the baby woke up but I managed to get him back to sleep. Sipping on a cup of coffee now, about to knit a few rows on my hat (or however many this peace and quiet will allow). But, before the day is out, I will start on my 11sweaters2011. I'll share more about that--it can't happen until I finish the hat though.

Happy New Year!!!!

2010 Coming to an End!

The year has gone by so fast! But I guess that's what we, or at least I, say each year. Since I have some catching up to do, I'm going to leave this post up to add to until I finish it. That should coincide with the end of this year, and begin with the start of the New Year of 2011! There is much to start the New Year with, here, but not before I wrap up the old year! Rather than lose anything that I type here, I'll just publish the post and come back and add to it by editing the post, as it hits me and/or I am through with the interruption of the moment.

As you can see, I left off with actually completing a project! I've been as I weave day-to-day life around 2 needles and a ball of yarn! Isn't that the story of a knitter's life (lol)! Have I actually finished anything else? Well, yeah, if you count a no-brainer, 2-hour winter scarves made from Lion Brand Homespun (that's about the only thing I like making out of that yarn). It's such an easy, relaxing knit, very addictive. I've made several and have thought about putting them on a coat-tree at my front door for anyone who visits to avail themselves of one. They are so warm! Knitted with two strands, from the center and outer part of the skein. Oh how my memory fails me! I actually completed a prayer shawl for my Mother. I will take and add photos! Be back.

(L) 3-year-old grandson Aiden models the Lion-Brand scarves.

(R) 7-year-old grandson Khalil models the
Pocketed Prayer Shawl I made for my Mom!











With my sandwich-generation responsibilities, I'm sure you can understand what it's like to find me time in and away from home. Well I manage. On November 19th, I met up with knitting friends from the Chicago area for a meal, chit-chatting, knitting, swapping secret-partner gifts! These ladies and I frequent the same LYSs here and belong to a Ravelry group called Mocha Knits. We met at Iona's a tiny soul-food cafe in the Beverly neighborhood. It was fun and even though the both-gendered-use bathroom was closer than I like, I had such a wonderful time! And to get a secretly-packaged gift to boot. My gift was from MnMKnitter (Donna). It was a beautiful box, placed inside a beautiful shopping bag. There were stitchmarkers from our own PassionKnits; 3 skeins of Cascade 220 yarn which is almost knitted up into the Super Cupcake Cowl and Hat by Chicago designer Bonne Marie Burns of Chicknits. There was the cutest little point protectors, cable stitch needles, a gift card from Starbucks and a beautiful card. Donna reminded me, the few times I mentioned I wished I could bring dinner for my family back home, that this was my time!