DONE! DONE! DONE!

Wooooo Hoooooo! My socks are done! I finished them up at about lunch time yesterday, hand washed them and laid them to dry in front of the wood stove. Took them an hour to dry in front of that sucker but it was worth it!

I wore them last night to church with my slip on clogs. That way, I could slip my shoe off and say, "See? I finished them!" Then all of my friends had to act thoroughly impressed and say, "OOOO." and "AAAAHHHH, how pretty." LOL

This picture makes them blue, but really they are more brownish, hmmmm.. I may have to work on the color a bit.
When I get to my class Saturday, I won't have anything to do. I am hoping that they will have the Turbo Adi's in stock by then. I put in an order for two size (1) circulars. I will also shop around for sock yarn.

One note on the sock yarn used for my socks; it is a bit thick for sock making. It was ordered that way so us beginners could learn easily with. These are definitely not socks I would want to have to go a whole day in at work, the bottoms are a tad "rough" for lack of better wording. They are great for bumming around the house in though. So, when I look for sock yarn Saturday, it will definitely be thinner and hopefully, softer. I would love to go bold with color, I am thinking...APRICOT! That and lime green are my favorite colors.

I am really struggling with this cold which in fact was/is the flu. Yay me...It's like all of a sudden my nose has decided it wants to run, non stop like water. I completely soaked a soft wash cloth, cause the hankies and tissues weren't cutting it. Gads! I think I was supposed to have a business meeting tonight, but I forgot about it and haven't done a thing. If they call and ask, I am down and can't make it.

I made my own perfume today. I have developed this absolute passion for Patchouli. Now, I know what you are thinking..."ewwww...moldy soil." Well, yes, it can smell like that, but did you know it a fabulous "blending" oil? You probably have some in your perfume now? Many of the most expensive perfumes on the market have a tad of "patch" in them. I can always tell (when I don't have a cold, anyway) when a perfume has certain oils in them...I make my own bath and body products and have been for years, I can spot those essential oils from a mile away. ANYWAY, back to the perfume....LOL

I was going thru some of my soapmaking supplies and found 2 roller bottles that I had gotten as samples a long time ago. I thought, you know, it's a shame to waste these, I need to make my own roll on perfume. So I went to the oil cupboard and began mixing. I had some "Hard Candy Christmas" FO (fragrance oil) that I had duplicated from Brambleberry and some Patchouli EO (essential oil) I had bought from RJ's Herbals. I mixed a bit of glycerine and jojoba oil in, popped the roller ball back on and VOILA! Roll-on parfum. Very easy shmeasy.

Well, I am getting tired (medication is finally kicking in) so I am going to make some OJ and go lay down for a while. I hope the phone doesn't wake me up. LOL

BFN!
katcha

And the Saga Continues...

I am really not liking Bell South right now...oh, it's a love/hate relationship to be sure. My phones have continued to give us problems even into this weekend. I had no phones from last Sunday night on until this past Friday, when they were supposedly "fixed" from the previous Friday...or was it Thursday? Anyway, we had phones for a few hours and then BAM! Saturday morning, they were out again. We called, they "fixed" them again, (while I wasn't home) then AGAIN they went out (about an hour AFTER, I came home). My neighbors call me on my cell phone, this time..."Are your phones out too?" Too which I have to AGAIN call Bell South and vent...as nicely as I could. "Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for using Bell South." WHAT?! I can't use them because they don't work. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!! Sunday morning I woke up to find the phones working again and they have endured a thunderstorm and constant downpour of rain since Sunday morning..."knock on wood, do the hokey pokey, spin yourself around, knock my head on wood and sprinkle salt over my left...or is it right shoulder"?

I have done the heels of my socks and am working up past the ankle and around the calf. I am so excited and have learned all the things not to do when knitting socks. I am really trying to finish them before this next Saturday. I want to learn that figure - eight cast on. So, next weekend I am going to buy size (1) 24" circular needles, probably metal this time and not bamboo and sock yarn. This may be a stretch, but I am thinking about entering a Knitting Olympics! LOL!Here is the link if you would like to read more about it.
http://http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/

Anyway, the rules are this:

The 2006 Knitting Olympics
Eligibility: "Any knitter who, embracing the "Citius, Alitius Fortius" ideal, would like to challenge themselves while embracing the Olympic spirit, and is just whacked enough to play along with me.
Concept: You must cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics (Feb 10)- and finish before the Olympic flame goes out (Feb 26). That's 16 days.
Rules:
1. The project must be a challenge for you to complete in 16 days.

2. There are no rules about what a challenge would be. Like the real Olympics, there are many areas to compete in. If you are a new knitter, then a garter stitch baby sweater might do...If you are experienced, well. I've already considered Torino. Use your own conscience.

3. While this is intended to be somewhat difficult (like the Olympics) it is not intended to ruin your life. Don't set yourself up for failure. (Olympic athletes may cry, but they do not whine pitifully, sob and threaten members of their family with pointed sticks because they haven't slept in five days. ) This is intended to (like the Olympics) require some measure of sacrifice, and be difficult, but it should be possible to attain.

4. No casting on before the flame is lit.

5. Finish before the flame goes out.

6. You may swatch before the games. (I consider this "training.")
Medals? The Knitting Olympics has only a gold medal. (There is only do- or do not.) Finishers get a gold medal button for their blog, their name entered into a draw for a chance at a prize from me, and the joy of knowing that they are an Olympic level knitter, no matter how experienced they are. You are only competing against yourself. (Well. And the Olympic schedule.)
Who's in? If you're just crazy enough itching to be part of the Knitting Winter Olympics, leave a comment (or send an email) telling me who you are, what you're knitting and a link, if you have one. I'll list you in the sidebar. Consider carefully. Done right, this will suck up 16 days of your life and be an epic work.

(Crappy button made by yours truly. Really good button for finishers will be made by Franklin. Feel free to swipe and save to your own server.) "

Anyway, I thought IF, I can find a red,white & blue self striping yarn (hokey, I know or whatever I can find) I would knit a pair of socks. I have knitted my beginner socks in 14 days (or will have, anyway) so 16 days should be very do-able. I think...

Although, I would be working on smaller needles, but the metal needles should be a lot faster, I found the bamboo needles "stuck" too much. It sounded like a challenge and great fun, so I might give it a go.

I will have to post pics of my socks here soon, because they are turning out really great. I can't wait to make another pair. So, I am going to "surf" the web in search of self striping yarn in "Old Glory" colors and see what I can come up with.
Have a great evening!
katcha

Knitting Socks

I took my first sock knitting class Saturday. I am currently working on my socks...but thought I would take a quick break and see what everyone was up to. These are toe up socks and both socks done at once. I am using # 3 Bamboo Circular needles from Clover. The yarn is from Mountain Colors and wonderful to work with.

Things I have learned so far...

1. "Figure eight" casting on is a booger!

2. Size 1 needles are good for the toes and then change over to 3's for the rest of the sock.

3. DO NOT tell the other ladies you Home school, because 4 out of the 6 of us were Professional Educators and I got "the look". I felt badly for the rest of the class and I would not have said a word had I known that before "open mouth and insert foot" moment.

4. Pick light colors to work with...working so tight and small, I can't see always with my Granite Peak darker colors...* Note to self: I need a better lamp by my corner of the couch.

5. If you do a nice ribbing on one side of the sock and the stockinette stitch on the underside....it sure does make knitting and keeping your place easier!

And
6. I found her print out of instructions...vague?

7. I LOVE MAKING SOCKS!

LOL
I am waiting on my digital camera to charge up so I can take some quick pics of my socks. They are about 1/2 way up my instep. I keep slipping them on to see how they look and fit and that is ok, in fact it's encouraged.

Next Saturday, we are going to learn how to do the heel and after that up the leg and should be a "tater" after that. Oops, that's a "southernism" for - easy going.

Ok, the digital cam has charged up and I am ready to go. I have to get something done today (like feed the family and housework) LOL! I'll try and write more later. If not, I'll write some more tomorrow.

God Bless!
katcha

*Top picture is the top of the socks in a rib stitch.
The bottom picture is the underside or soles of my socks. The yarn is "self striping" and 100% wool. Oh, and this is also "handpainted" ooooo, yarn from Colorado. *Whatever*...I did find an online source for sock yarn in all sorts of yummy colors and its Merino wool! Here is the link:

http://www.yarn.com

I am really going now. LOL! Later!

Huswifery

Huswifery by Edward Taylor (In it's original English)





Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;
Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,
And make my Soule thy holy Spoole bee.
My Conversation make to be thy Reele,
And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.

Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:
And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:
Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.
Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,
All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding,
Will, Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;
My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill
My wayes with glory and thee glorify.
Then mine apparell shall display before yee
That I am Cloathed in Holy robes for glory.

I liked this a lot. For more Poetry like this go to-
www.puritansermons.com

Have a wonderful day!
katcha

What Kind of Knitter are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Apprentice.
You've got the basics down pat and you might just
be falling in love with this hobby. Big
needles, funky yarns and simple shapes are the
name of the game, but it doesn't mean you don't
experiment a bit, here and there. As an
apprentice, you probably fall back on other
people to get you through those rough spots,
and if you don't know anyone who knits, you
probably have a few books or online sources to
tap.
http://marniemaclean.com


What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla


LOL! I love taking these quizzes. They are silly and 1/2 the time, aren't very accurate, but I love doing them none the less. I am knitting today. I am making some "fingerless gloves" out of very thinly spun mohair that I spun up about 3-4 years ago and had dyed a black cherry, color. They are kind of lacy and turning out pretty well. I just finished up the thumb and am working on the rest now. My dig cam's battery is fried and for some reason the port is not charging so no pics right now. I can't believe I am actually knitting on straight needles a pair of gloves. Usually you have to have double pointed needles and knit them in the round. That is the way you do them if you don't want seams. Unfortunately, these are seamed but who cares? They are turning out lovely, just the same.

I am still yearning to do those socks though. I can't believe how obsessed I am with the very thought of knitting my own socks. I am anxiously awaiting an email from Papatya (it's Turkish) to let me know when she has the " sock" class scheduled. Anyway, I am soooo looking forward to that!

Here is an EXCELLANT site for sock patterns.

http://www.knittingonthenet.com/socks.htm

Here are some great BLOGS I like to read from other knitters.
http://boogaj.typepad.com/knitting/2003/01/_pattern_toeup_.html

http://www.ringaroundtherosies.prettyposies.com/

http://www.sockamaniac.blogspot.com/

& last but not least and maybe my favorite~

http://sockbug.blog-city.com/

Oh and BTW! In case you are wondering about "Bert" over there? He is my new Terrorist Alert Warning....oooooo can't get any scarier than ol' Bert now can ya? LOL!

Gotta get ready for church tonight...I am leaving early so I can rearrange the fellowship hall. We have folding chairs out in the main hall and I am worried about the "little ones" climbing and such on them. Hellooooo, mom and dad? Would you please keep an eye on them so they don't get hurt?! Anyway, we are going to put them in a back room, clean up and set up a cozy corner with couches and a coffee table. Wednesday night, some of the teens and dads play "ping pong" on the new table. Leaving us wives and moms to sit, talk and wait for them in the main hall without much to do or comfort. LOL! I noticed that some of us moms knit and most of enjoy sitting over a cup of coffee. BINGO! Why not set up a cozy corner, serve coffee and really do it up right? I am even going to make coffees with the whipped topping, the whole shabang!

So, I talked to the Buildings & Grounds Committee (my hubby) and he said, "Oh, I have already been thinking about that. I'm on it." So, I am meeting him early to put our plan into action. (I kind of feel like Hannibal from the A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together.")

Well, gotta go, thanks for the prayers sent my way. I am in much better spirits now. Oh and DG, good to hear from you (I was starting to scope out Milk cartons and those flyers that come in the mail. You know, " Have You Seen Me? " LOL!

Have a Great day!
katcha

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

Hubby's vacation is over and he's back to his "regular" job. The kids are back to their studies and everything is down to a dull roar.

Yesterday turned out pretty good. I took oldest to his paintball thing and no one could say a flippin' thing because I had that boy geared up. In fact, I had him outfitted so well, the guys were asking if I could stay and play. Especially after they learned that his gear was actually my gear and that I was a hunter. LOL Yeah, put that in your pipe and smoke it Doc.

Anyway, I had no sooner gotten home when hubby and I decided to finally fix the kitchen sink. That sucker had been leaking for over a year! Anyway, what we first figured to be a matter of replacing the gasket in the faucet, turned into having to take the whole stupid sink out. After taking the sink out we discovered that it was an impossibility to just replace the gaskets. Noooooo, that would have been too simple now, wouldn't it? Gads, next thing I know, it's back in the van, heading back to town to Lowes for a new faucet. We stand and look at all the different kinds of fixtures. He likes the traditional kind of faucet with the one handle, I like the "gooseneck" style with the 2 seperate knobs for hot and cold and ooooooo look, white porceline decorative knobs! I won this time and got what I wanted. We came right back home (did I mention we live 30 minutes from everywhere so this will take at least an hour?) installed the new fixtures and VOILA! I have a beautiful new sink.

Hubby also promised to take our oldest daughter to the movie "Dreamer" and dinner, so he jumps in the tub and gets ready for that. While he is in the tub I get a call from the oldest boy, paintball is over, "I'm ready to come home." So, it's back in the van, to pick up the boy. I was beat! LOL I am such a home body, so it was a real drag having to be on the road all day. It's not like we live in Suburbia, America....we live in rural Mississippi and that means driving if you want to get anywhere.

Today is nice. I don't have any stress to get anywhere. I do have to finish taking the tree down. I was going to do it yesterday, but with all the driving, well you know. I will pack up all of the reminders of Christmas and get on with the new year. I need to get to that tree and decorations... they won't pack themselves. LOL Have a great day.

later~
katcha

I HATE DIAL UP!!!

Ever since my last post my dial up has been a pain in my keester. I would no sooner get on line and then I would get bumped off again. GRRRRRRR!!!! This morning was the last straw, a busy signal when we picked up the phone. HUH? No, I wasn't on line. Anyway, we called the phone company, they told us NOT to use the phone for 15 minutes (I made everyone stay off for an hour) and they would do a "diagnostic test" but that our phones would be "fixed" by January the 5th! AAAACK!!!

Well, obviously everything is back to normal so..... here am I!

Gosh, where do I begin? Christmas was good, we had a girl from church come to share dinner with us. She is in her mid twentys I suppose and her husband worked a double shift. She would have been sitting at home by herself so we invited her over. She spent the most of the day over here. We just seemed so busy over the holidays, but doing what I can't really recall. There was paint balling for my oldest son, swimming for the kids, movies to go to, kids over here almost every day, knitting, cleaning, cooking. *sigh* it's all a blurr now.

New Year's was uneventful. We watched It's A Wonderful Life (man, that movie depresses the crud out of me) and went to bed by 10:00. We kept telling everyone we celebrated at 7:00 a.m. with Sidney Australia so we didn't have to stay up until midnight! HA!

I have to get things together for my oldest to go paintballing again this afternoon. This time I have him geared up, cammies, boots, the works. Last time he wasn't dressed like everyone else and he was made fun of. I kind a crawled some fannies about it...ok well, I have a way of making people feel small by pointing out the obvious. Here is a Mother's heart, torn up by what she saw...
My oldest is 13, and looking forward to paint balling with his buds (scouts). We get him a box of 500 paint balls and go to Doc's house. He is so excited (he's NEVER done this before) and he jumps out of the van, box of paint balls in hand and as he walks closer he groans. His shoulders begin to droop and he says quietly, "everyone is wearing camoflauge. As he gets closer all of his "buds" say "hi" then, "man, where are your cammos?!" My son says, "I don't have any..." then they all start in on him raggin him hard, and all the while, Doc is over there, shaking his head like, "Poor idiot". Yeah, he's rich, he doesn't have to worry about it, huh?
Finally, I said in a loud voice. "We have 4 kids. I can barely keep everyone fed and clothed much less spend lots of money on extras. We work like dogs and don't have time or money to take him hunting, or anything else. We just don't have it give like some of yall's parents." I saw at least 3 or 4 boys look down and turn away. "Yeah, it's called being poor." I added and glared at Doc. He was back trackin' big time, "We got him covered, he'll be ok, he'll be ok." I was P-Oed and I told my son, "ask Rod if he can bring you home with Will or call me and I will pick you up." Turned and marched my little 5'3" self back to the van. I fumed and stewed over it all the way home. I was heart broken. My boy said he had a good time and was the last person "out" on his team. Rod and Will said he did great when they brought him home. Well, I dug out all of my old hunting gear and his daddy's. We have him outfitted and Rod (who BTW was not in on the "ragging" and is the daddy of Will, who also was not part of the "ragging") told us about a place where we could get our son a used paint ball gun for $50 and all the gear. For about $100 we can have him outfitted. Rod said that was what he did because, he is a mechanic and knows what it's like to feel the pinch. Will's advantage is, he has 2 sets of grandparents who are "loaded" and he is the only grandson of the wealthier of the 2. My kids have one grandparent and he is only able to give each child $25 for Christmas and Birthdays. I am grateful but it doesn't go far. I just pray that my kids will have the character to make up for the lack of money.
Anyway, I came home and was real quiet...went into the bathroom, turned on the vent and ran water in the sink and cried...cried to God, asking for forgiveness, asking for help and feeling ashamed. After a good cry I washed my face and made myself busy at the computer. My hubby picked up on my mood immediately and asked what happened. I told him and sadly, I didn't candy coat any of it. He listened and said, "ouch". I apologized and he said, "No, no need, but I am very disappointed in the boys. " My husband talked to our oldest later and was not happy. Apparently, because we don't let Taylor see the movies, listen to the music and do the things some of the other boys do they call him a "Mamma's boy". Now my turn, "ouch". Actually, his daddy is more protective then I am and well, Taylor is not a "jock". He wants to produce movies someday, and I have a feeling, that is exactly what he will do. I am proud of him for setting standards and not pushing the envelope. He is a good Christian, let God be his judge, not those little jerks.

Anyway, so that is my mood right now. Prepared for a fight. I have always been a loner. I never fit in anywhere I was. Now, I have passed on that terrible thing to my oldest son. God help him.

Now that I have totally depressed the crud out of myself, I need to get the boy ready to go (he needs to eat lunch).

Later~ katcha (whose feeling pretty low right now)