It's a Mask....No, it's a hat...

Stash busting and flying needles. Thank goodness because I have major gift knitting to finish. I've wanted to make the Kitchen Hat for awhile now and finally dug in the stash to cast on. Found an alpaca/wool blend and finished this in 48 hours. A quick knit with a great fit.Next up is a cat hat for our granddaughter. She luvres 'yeows' as she calls them and she wanted a cat costume for Halloween. I used more stash for this and it's oh-so-soft.

Now to the bigger story. We've had a bear, a possum and now a newbie visiting our trash cans. The bear is a messy sorter. Trash is strewn all over the yard and he leaves one big mess. The possum hides out in the can and when you least expect it, he hisses and he digs BIG holes in the bags and throws stuff out of the can. I'd put a picture of the possum but they're so nasty I couldn't even find a cute picture. I'd take one myself but since I had a possum encounter when I was a child, I'm terrified of the beasts.
Introducing Rick the Raccoon. The husband went out the back door and heard a noise in the trash can so he grabbed the flashlight and was surprised to see a masked face. Mr. Bettis wasn't about to miss the action and carried on like...well....like a dog who has encountered an intruder. Rick Raccoon is young and he just stared at the hubby as if to say, 'you're interrupting my snack, you know.' This certainly explains the meticulous trash picking that I've noticed recently.

We need cans with locked lids if only the bear wouldn't trample and destroy them in the process. Personally I happen to like the visiting deer. They snack on the fallen apples and do a find job cleaning up unlike their forest friends.

Little Boy Blue

The baby shower travel on Sunday was as messy as the weatherman predicted. I forgot to take a picture of the gift basket but I did remember to get some pics of a few of the basket goodies that I finished for grandbaby #2. We know this one is a boy so crochet baby converse sneakers in the new dad's favorite team colors were a must. Pittsburgh all the way!A warm snuggy or cocoon (whatever name they use nowadays). I had a heck of a time finding a nice button and finally settled on a plain black one. One skein of Lion Brand thick and quick lived up to it's name, thick AND quick.I saw a few of these car booties on Ravelry but couldn't find a pattern so I made my own. They were a big hit at the shower and I'm sure take him places ;).

No baby is complete without a classic sweater set. Sirdar DK yarn in a nice speckled blue added just the right amount of color to keep this knitter interested and yet offer a classic set.

The fish hat was for fun. I got a kick knitting this and presenting it. The new mom-to-be seemed to be thrilled and gave a warm and heartfelt thanks for the handmade goodies. I also made a toy and another fun hat but since blogger doesn't allow more than 5 pictures per post I'll add it in the next one.

The trip was wet and dreary and what should've been a 2 hour ride home dragged into 2 hours and 45 minutes. Now the countdown begins until grandbaby #2 decides it's time to meet everyone.

Little Black Rain Cloud

Well this is the 9th day of rain and I gotta tell ya, it's getting old. I'm beginning to think the sun (ya know? that yellow ball of heat in the sky?) has retired for an early hibernation. Now of course the weatherman is throwing around the word snow but I truly think he only said it so he could get some attention. It's very early for snow even in this neck of the mountain.With the exception of VERY LARGE Mister B muddy pawprints I haven't minded the rain (too much). It has helped my knitting mojo and trust me, there's a lot of knitting that needs to be finished. Pictures to come later, I'm wrapping a baby shower gift for tomorrow and much to my dismay it will be rainy travel.

Today is the day...

Please forgive the poor picture of this blogger but I had to post it anyway.

The daughter in the middle is getting married today. We are very happy and excited for her.

This particular post is focused (for now) on those gorgeous shawls we are sporting.

G and Chan encouraged me to knit a CopyKate shawl for the bride-to-be and started a kal. Chan made the pink shawl for Chemgirl (on the left) and G made the green shawl for me.

They arrived in plenty of time and on what was a rather gloomy and despairing day. You girls made our day and we absolutely love the time, effort, love and care that was painstakingly in these beauties (yes, we have admired the zillion ruffle stitches ;). These are like a hug from dear friends. Thank you again for making our day a happy one with many more to come.

Persevere

Persevere and get it done. George Allen, Sr.

It's finished! It's done! I stuck with it and I can't believe it's finished. Still needs a good blocking but I can't wait for my daughter to open it this Saturday at the shower.








Bridal shower favors in color. Twenty-five little candle cakes have been completed and boxed in little favor boxes. If you're on Ravelry check out the Tea Cake Light pattern. They are crocheted and only take 15 minutes from start to finish. I posted pattern changes on my Ravelry project page so check it out.

The shower and wedding are/have consumed a lot of my time here of late and I'm behind on a few birthdays. I'll catch up eventually ;)

The Shawl that never ends...

Do you remember the Song That Never Ends?

Well I can't get it out of my head while knitting the 1400+ ruffle stitches in k1,p1 ribbing on this shawl. Only I'm singing the Shawl that never ends. The rows are tedious and I'm on a deadline, July 30th it must be finished, blocked and wrapped for the bridal shower.

In the meantime it's HOT as in 112F at 10 am this morning in the sun HOT :((. Patience is waning in the heat and humidity while trying to knit on the shawl that never ends.

Where's fall and winter when you need 'em?

Froggin'

Raised on a farm meant climbing trees and froggin' were a few of my summer pastimes. Barefeet and wading in the 'crick' lookin' for slimey green frogs was fun. All grown up means I don't go froggin' anymore. However that doesn't stop me from jumping the frog pond but it has a different meaning these days as in rip-it rip-it the knitting.
This luscious skein of neutral Malabrigo yarn was an almost finished scarf request. It hit the frog pond yesterday. The requestee had a change of mind so the yarn will now become something else for someone else or it just might become MINE! :D











I can't find the yarn label to this self-striping yarn. It was on the needles to become a pair of socks. I have issues with a single ply yarn used for socks. It doesn't have the strength (in my wee opinion) to wear well. I'm going to set it aside until I come up with another project idea.







A quick stop yesterday to our very tiny Jo-Ann Fabric store resulted in this lovely white sport yarn jumping in my shopping basket. It is so soft and I'm making a wee white sweater. Not for anyone in particular but just because I like the yarn. Isn't it fun to grab a yarn and make something just because? My favorite kind of knitting.

When all else fails...

Ever feel like you were part of a train wreck and you missed seeing the train coming because you were too busy looking on the other side of the tracks? Well apparently that's what I was doing instead of paying attention to my 'gut' instinct. Someday I'll learn.
Anyway on to more uplifting things in Life. Hubby tried to uplift my spirits so he purchased these two magazines for me. There are some fine hat patterns as well as a handsome man's cardigan pattern in knitsimple. Sometimes he can be a true Knight (I'll overlook him forgetting our anniversary last month)


Crocheting is not my forte but occasionally I enjoy being a hooker ;). I designed this hat upon request from Chem Girl DD. It's a hit!










In spite of recent events I take comfort in friends and our pets. Do we have too many pets? Probably in some peoples' eyes but I gotta tell ya, they make me laugh and they make me feel loved. Here's Mr. B on the loveseat and ya know what? I don't care. He's a mischievous rascal from time to time but I'll admit that his love never ends. So what if he's on the loveseat. The cover gets washed every couple of days and he's our dog and it's our furniture...hrmph!





Of course I will not overlook the spoiled one, Miss Gypsy. She is a Yorkie/maltese and may I just say, she has that Yorkie terrier personality down to a science. She's not as fond of the camera as Mr. Bettis who is not at all camera shy. It took a few tries to get this pic but she indulged her dear owner.
Think I'll go thru the stash and look for some yarn for DH a sweater. ssshhhh.....don't tell him ;)
Our weekend is rather quiet. What's on your weekend agenda?

Carry-on

We celebrated the nation's birthday with a picnic and fireworks. God Bless America!

I baked homemade strawberry cupcakes topped with a delicious strawberry buttercream frosting. The frosting recipe was my own experiment and it's received rave reviews from the daughters who were hovering over the icing bowl.
The major summer holiday of the U.S.A. is over and now we carry on for the next two months until our mountains are full of rich fall color and the temperatures are cooler. I could've sworn I heard katy-dids this morning...but ssshhhh....don't tell anyone, it's a sign that Fall is around the corner.

Getting ready for the cool days and nights that will soon be upon us, I'm stash busting an afghan. I have quite a few skeins of leftover wool from years past and it's time to use it. This is a simple double crochet ripple.

Occasionally I enjoy a crochet project that's mindless and yet creative and this one fills the bill.

I'm still knitting on the copycat shawl but those rows are getting might long.

What if anything do you cast on for Fall?

The Queen of Hearts

In spite of everything you have not seen on this blog I have actually been busy.
Another baby set. This time the timeline was a few months so I took my time and enjoyed the knit.
I'm calling this set, The Queen of Hearts.









It's made from Berrocco Comfort Worsted. This is my baby go-to yarn. It does have a tendency to split if one is not careful but I like the finished product, it's soft and comfy.











A Tomato (or is it an Apple) hat for another little gift. This is Caron Simply Soft. The pattern is quick and made in a few hours. Perfect gift for a quick deadline.










Last but not least our eldest daughter will be getting married. She saw this shawl and decided she wanted one for her honeymoon. Say what??? When I suggested a shawl a few months ago to go with her gown she scoffed it. She saw this and made an immediate request. Again, say what??? Chan was quick to point out that mom can't possibly be as trendy as the Duchess.
So Chan and I are going to begin a rather loose based KAL to knit this shawl. The pattern we want won't be out until the last week of June. I have a deadline which is the DD's bridal shower the end of July. Here's hoping for cool weather and fast knitting ;).

Summer Breeze

There's been a summer breeze here along with humidity :( but that has not stopped me from finding my needles again. Cast on for this little dress and finished it in the nick of time.










I fell in love with the fabric and matched the center of the flower with a lovely raspberry cotton fingering yarn. Love the finished product (and so did my DIL). I'll be casting on for another one soon.

I've launched my site again with hand knit and hand crochet original designs. I'm enjoying this little endeavor so please go check it out.

On a somber note: Fortunately my friends and family are safe from the recent tornado outbreak.
My prayers are with those who lost loved ones and those who are suffering in the recent tornado disasters.

MIssed April 1st

I missed April Fool's Day and it's a good thing. I like to have a good laugh but not at the expense of a practical joke. I like humor but not practical jokes. Mother Nature played a practical joke all day yesterday. We had sun, rain, sleet and snow all in one day. Hope She had fun and got it out of her system. While I'm a winter gal it's time for flip-flops and t-shirts. Of course I hope it doesn't come with the heat and humidity. At least until I get this wool blanket finished. I'm making progress though. I cast on for a very special sweater. Can't mention it here but I know it will be appreciated and worn with love. Yes, another pic of the Earth and Sky set. It was packaged, sent and well received. There's been a bit of drama in our neck of the woods. Someone put duct tape around a dog's snout and threw him out of their truck into the creek. The men who did this were seen by a few fishermen. "Ducky" (as he is now dubbed) survived and is on the run. After a few days of organizing, safe traps are set and spotters are on the look out in an attempt to capture the poor thing. There a lot of woods and mountains for this little guy to hide. He has been spotted and we're praying he's caught soon and receives food and medical care. As for the perpetrators they also need to be caught and prosecuted and they will! Small town talk has a way of giving necessary information.

Sometimes....

Purchased the yarn on March 19th and cast on within the hour of the purchase.
March 25th: Not only is the crib size blanket finished but I made a hat and booties to match from the leftover yarn.
Gotta say sometimes I even amaze myself.....LOL Just goes to prove I really can finish something.


Yarn: Berroco Comfort
Amount: 4 skeins of brown and 3 of the blue
I must admit the yarn is occasionally a little splitty but the end result is worth it. Perfect for babywear.
It's accented it with some free-hand embroidery.
I'm calling this the Earth and Sky Blanket Set.

It's packaged and ready to ship tomorrow. Hope my friend is happy with it :D.

Absent once again

I've been absent once again but that's not to say I haven't been busy unlike Mr. Bettis who is snoozing away.

Knitting from stash is my goal this year so a Rambling Rows afghan was cast on. Not a pretty thing but it will be a warm afghan for next winter. I've already hit the stash for another one as soon as this one is finished.

Another mini Annis was cast on in the Patons FX sock yarn and finished in 2 days. I can't rave enough about this pattern.

A baby blanket has been cast on. It's a gift and there's a deadline as in 2 weeks and it must hit the mailbox. So far, so good and I think it will be in the PO hands shortly.
What's on your needles?

Load 'em up...Move 'em out

It's 10F outside this morning and that's with the sun shining on the thermometer. Brrrr....it's COLD. Today is moving day for the college DD. Somehow she's taking back more than she brought home for winter break.

Do you see Mr. Bettis inspecting the packing?








I have no idea where the last 5 weeks went but they flew. We had a lot of fun over that break; Family game nights, cooking, knitting, baking and of course the holidays.
Her dad's famous saying when loading up the kids (when they were younger) was 'load 'em up, move 'em out'. So here we go.....








I couldn't leave without posting a WIP. I've been wanting another pair of handknit gloves so when I missplaced mine I cast on for these.
Why is it when you're desperate for a handknitted item you can whip it out in no time? The first glove was knit in a day and I plan to finish the second one in the car today.
BTW: I found the original pair of gloves so now I'll have two pair :D. One happy knitter here.

Just when I think......

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes for our daughter. The trip only produced more questions than answers and she will undergo more testing. *sigh*
The trip to the hospital was a blizzard nightmare and when the truck driving hubby was gripping the steering wheel and the girls were silent I knew it was serious. (couldn't tell anything by this blogger's sweaty palms...lol) There were white-outs and we crept at 25 mph most of the 75 mile trip. Instead of 1 hour 15 minute trip it took us over 2 1/2 hours. The return trip wasn't much better.

I did get a little knitting accomplished between 'braking' and gripping my own 'steering wheel' (aka the knitting needles). Keep in mind I'm the co-pilot ;).
I've been trying to find the right pattern for this yarn and I think I've found it, Hermione Socks. I can't find a link but if you're a ravelry fan you can find it in the pattern section.

We were gone 9 hours and apparently Mr. Bettis was bored. My snow boots are by the front door where they've been for over a month. No one bothered much less knew the boots were there however I found them on the kitchen floor minus buttons (and we have not found them so I'll let you guess where they went). The elastic button straps and velcro straps have been thorougly chewed. *sigh* Just when I think he's behaving he proves otherwise.

Disguised blessings

Been absent for a little while. There have been many blessings in my life and when I don't choke up I'll blog about them but for now just know that I have the best friends in the world.

I've been quiet about a few things and hesitate to post too much but feel I should at least inform those who read this blog. Our eldest daughter has been dealing with serious medical issues for quite a while and after much testing we are heading to a University Hospital for further evaluation.

This picture is a repeat pic and forgive me for re-posting it but I absolutely love it. It describes our daughter to a tee. She's a laid back kind of gal and has an infectious personality. Quiet but full of little quips that make you laugh. Loves animals and as of this writing just called to tell me that she captured a stray dog and is transporting it to a new found home.

I love snow and hope we get a good snowstorm although it's not looking too favorable here. However that could be a blessing in disguise as we'll be in the car for several hours traveling to the hospital. I'm packing the knitting bag and a few snacks (gotta have snacks you know). I'm starting on Christmas gifts already. There have been quite a few gift requests from my crew and trust me, the list is long ;).

What are you knitting?

Three more sleeps....

I haven't left blogland, just been busy. Elbow deep in cookie dough and knee deep in wrapping paper. Still finishing gifts and it appears there are three gifts that will be given on the needles. I hereby state ALL knitted gifts for next year will be finished by Dec 1st 2011. hrmph! (You may want to mark that on your calendar and remind me Dec 2nd 2011 when I'm moaning about unfinished gifts)
A finished hat gifted in the nick of time . This was for our granddaughter and her mom loved it. I also made some really cool crocheted food stuff and completely forgot to take pics.

Nine pans of homemade sweet rolls were also on my agenda. As if I didn't have enough to do.
Some down time was spent watching the daughters play Wii. The youngest is attempting to box.
Our eldest daughter having a grand time laughing at her sister's silly antics.

Time is running out and the big day will be over all too soon. As of this writing, the husband is complaining of a sore throat, chills etc. This blogger is in denial of her own scratchy throat and chills. Say it isn't so.........

Willy-nilly

There's a willy-nilly kal happenin' on ravelry and there's a sock on my needles. I had every intention on working on them all day today but somehow I was distracted.

I was plugging along and decided to block/steam the box of knitted gifts. Happily steaming away until.....the iron konked. Now mind you, I am in complete denial on anymore hits in this household and that includes another broken appliance. Unplugging and re-plugging, checking the electric outlet, asking the hubby to check the breaker box etc and it refused (yes 'it' refused) to work. Hitting the iron on the ironing board probably did not help but there wasn't any heat or steam so it didn't matter one way or the other and frustration was in control. Keep in mind this little denial game lasted an hour. In the end the iron was still konked.

So the eldest daughter came to the rescue and said I could use her iron. Just as soon as it could be found in her boxes of stuff. For those who don't know, she just moved back home. An hour later and the 'new' iron was up and running. I became bored with that job so I moved onto the next.
Sewing perked my interest and I wanted to sew some pj pants for gifts. All well and good if I had elastic. This meant a trip to the fabric store. An 1 1/2 hour later and I was home with elastic and lost interest in sewing. That will wait until tomorrow...or the next day.....24 hours have passed and this is the progress of the socks that must be finished, wrapped and under the tree by Dec. 24. *sigh*

Then the hubby decided he wanted to make cinnamon hard tack. Sounds great, doesn't it? Except for some unknown reason the husband who can build a house and repair a car cannot function on his own in the kitchen. Which bag of sugar should he use? Do we have food coloring? Which cookbook has the best recipe? Where's the candy thermometer?

We searched for an hour trying to locate the candy thermometer. Correction. We searched for an hour looking for Mr. Gadget's handy dandy fancy schmancy candy thermometer. Needless to say, I've been (falsely) accused of 'hiding' his thermometer. Now just why would I hide a thermometer? I like candy too you know. So a trip to the market was in order (although they don't sell the fancy schmancy one). We now own the el cheapo one as Mr. Gadget calls it.

The day wasn't a complete bust, I do have some lovely cinnamon hardtack to show ;).

p.s. If you happen to see a couple of elves dressed in handknit sweaters please put them under house arrest and contact me immediately. The little rascals have some gifts to finish over here.

Dream a little dream.....

It's been a roller coaster ride here and I'll spare details to the public.

I've been trying to focus on my passions, knitting and spinning, and while doing so I thought about why I turn to them when I'm stressed. For me, it's the soothing sound of the needles, click, click click. The feel of the soft wool through my fingers. The whirl of the wheel and how amazing it is (even in this day and age) to produce a lovely skein of yarn no matter how imperfect.

In the meantime when life hands me lemons I will turn to dreamsicle ice cream ;).

What do you focus on when stressed? Why?