Just an update

Oh my, have I been neglectful to this blog. Just a little update. Early this week I got an awful call letting me know that my sister had passed away. We traveled south only to end up in a situation that has caused my whole family even more unbelievable stress. My 92 year old mother is in a nursing home and the day we left to come home, my sister's neighbor, Joyce Carnes, tried to force my mother to sign ILLEGAL documents to turn over all of my sister's belongings to her. When my mother refused (my mother is not senile!!!) they yelled at her and threatened her. With the help of the police and the nursing home, I think we have it under control, but what a thing to have to deal with. I know this is not about knitting, but I just wanted to post what is going on here.

Yo-Yo- Jacket

I thought I would share the progress of the hand knit jacket I am working on. Here is the back yoke, both sleeves, and the Left front yoke on the needles. I still have a long way to go. The lower body is the largest part, but I can see progress so far. and I enjoy working with this yarn.

Machine Knit Summer top

Here is a picture of my latest machine knit summer top. The yarn is Silk City Fibers stretch cotton and the color is Wisteria. It fits very well and I really like it.

A rant

I have to have a slight rant here. On May 2, a woman, Lora Hunt, was driving down the street PAINTING HER FINGERNAILS. (deep breath - ok I won't yell) Making sure she got her beautiful red nails just perfect, she failed to see the red light or, more importantly, the 58 year old woman, Anita Zaffke, stopped at the red light on a motorcycle. Lora hit Anita so hard it threw her 200 feet and she died an hour later in the hospital.

This is not a case of distracted driving. We all at some time get distracted by the radio, children, and for some, the telephone, but this woman was doing something that is a special kind of stupid, painting her pretty fingernails. Her lawyer is now bragging that what her client did (are you ready?) is not a crime. Distracted driving is not against the law so it looks like she will get away with just being cited for 'failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident'.

Boye Needlemaster Knitting Needle set vs. Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needle set

I have had the Boye needles for some time now, but recently bought the Denise set. Here are the differences that I have found. There are good points to each set.

Boye Needlemaster
Metal needles -Smoother so yarn slides better

Sharper points -Just my preference, I like the sharp points

Screw-on needles - have come undone during knitting and I damaged one needle due to over tightening

Denise Interchangeable
Cords much more flexible-more comfortable

Joins are much smoother - yarn slides much more smoothly over joins

More expensive - About $20 more per set

Twist-lock on needles to cords -may be more secure; no problems yet

Confusion sets in

Cold turkey for three days no knitting. I have been reading some of my books that I have received for reviews. My poor arthritic hands needed a rest and so did my brain :). I also didn't want to travel with my BIG ball of Sirdar yo-yo yarn and take the chance of getting it dirty. If you have never seen this yarn the balls are huge. Anyway, I will hand knit tonight and I am working on the second sleeve of the jacket. I have also started on a cap sleeve top machine knit.

New Blog

I have decided to place all of my book reviews on a seperate blog. You can find it here:
http://bookvisions.blogspot.com/

Of course, it is named Bookvisions :) and I will place a link at the top of this blog. I have just finished a very good mystery and will post my review soon.

I have also moved some of my reviews for knitting books that was on librarything.com to the new book blog. I will add more as I have time.

Tea'd off

This clip from

http://www.galtslist.com/

Book Review

Christianity In Crisis 21st Century
by Hank Hanegraaff

From the back cover: "Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth." The Apostle Paul

In this updated edition of Christianity in Crisis, Hank Hanegraaff exposes those preachers who twist and misquote the Scriptures to fit their messages of a prosperity gospel. The author quotes some of the current, well-known “Name it and Claim it” preachers, such as Joel Olsteen, Mike Dooley, Joe Vitale and Joyce Meyer, then compares their statements with the Word of God.

One of the most shocking examples in the book is about the author and contributors of “The Secret” made popular by Oprah, which teaches that thoughts create our circumstances. When one of its contributors appeared on the Larry King show, King asked whether Jessica Lundsford, the child brutally abused and murdered, attracted this horror to herself. Joe Vitale responded, “We are attracting everything to ourselves and there is no exception”.

The author cuts away at the false doctrines with expert precision. Example after example shows the error of men and women claiming to be speaking the word of God, but in reality speaking from the pits of Hell.

The book is extensively footnoted and includes a scripture index, subject index, and a bibliography. I highly recommend this book for anyone who seeks truth. It could easily be used for a personal Bible study or small groups study.

jacket

Ok, so it's only a sleeve done, but it is the startof my Jacket in Sirdar Yo-Yo yarn from their brochure 8927. I have started the second sleeve. Yes the color goes from dark to light. Yo-Yo comes in HUGE balls and one sleeve you pull from the center and the other from outside so they match. Cool.

Book Review

As promised, here is my first book review on this blog:
The Hole in our Gospel, by Richard Stearns:
Richard Stearns, a wealthy CEO earning a seven-figure salary, received a call from God he did not want to receive. He was asked to head the charitable organization World Vision, but he would have to give up his salary, large home, and upscale car, move to another area, and accept a six-figure salary.
Mr. Stearns envisions a world where Christians band together and donate enough money to end poverty and injustice in the world. He believes that scripture indicates that salvation depends on not only Christ’s death on the cross, but also good works to the impoverished, and without both we have a “Hole in Our Gospel”.
The book clearly describes the problems around the world with poverty, aids, and injustice, but does not explain in enough detail how money alone can cure all of the ills of the world. While we may not agree with his views on the Gospel, we cannot deny that most American churches do not support the poor and sick in their own neighborhood, or around the world. Missions and missionaries are often underfunded and medical missions lack supplies. While I disagree with many of his opinions, I was challenged by his call for action.

Here is my version of:

http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/taos-bi-directional.html

The middle panel is hand knit and the sides are machine knit. I will probably finish by hand.

Finally, I have the pattern and the yarn and I am going to hand knit this jacket.

Mine will be in "Fudge" color and I am excited to get started on it. A Ravelry friend gave me a shawl pin that I will use on the front.

Stay Tuned

I will be doing some book reviews and adding them to this site. My next will be this book:
The Hole in Our GospelWhat Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the WorldBy Richard Stearns

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=0785229183

Here is my current project. This is the front. Hand knit panel and machine knit sides. It hasn't been blocked yet and I am working on the back now.

http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/taos-bi-directional.html

This picture caught my eye. It is me taking a picture of my new car.

Just a few scarves for CFC

Granola
3 cups Quick Quaker Oats
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts
¼ cup honey
¼ cup melted butter
1 ½ teaspoon salt
2/3 cup raisins

Combine all ingredients except raisins in an ungreased 13 X9 “ pan. Mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in raisins. Cool thoroughly. Store in lightly covered container in a cool place.

Machine Knit
acrylic

Just back from a quick trip. Here is my favorite picture and I will post more later. This is the mothman statue in Pt. Pleasant W.V.

Here are some of my Crafting for a Cause projects. Stuffed bumble Bee, elephant finger puppet and a bag (now finished)

Shortbread Caramel cookies

Shortbread Caramel Cookies


Ingredients
35 unwrapped Kraft caramels
1/4 cup water
1 box Nabisco Lorna Doone shortbread
2 12 oz bags milk chocolate chips
Preparation
Combine the caramels with the water in a small pan and melt over low heat. Place the shortbread cookies side by side on an ungreased cookie sheet. Spoon a little of the caramel onto each cookie. Place all the cookies in the refrigerator until the caramel firms up. In a double boiler over low heat, melt the chocolate chips. You may also use the microwave for melting the chocolate. Just zap the chips for 1 minute on high, stir, then zap them for another minute. Remove the cookies from the refrigerator. Rest each one on a fork and dip it into the chocolate. Tap the fork on the side of the pan or bowl to release any excess chocolate.

Place each cookie on a sheet of waxed paper and let them cool at room temperature.

Pony Tails and knitting

My favorite flowers and what I have been knitting for Crafting for a Cause.

flower

Hats

Here are some machine knitted baby hats.

Captain Dusty

I decided that Dusty the Sailor dog needed a Captain's hat. Captain Dusty.

What I did today......

Here the three bags for Crafting for a Cause group August KAL. One book bag and two treasure bags.

It says: Write it on your heart that the ones you love are life's most precious gifts.

I finally put up my lettering above the window.

Book bag

This is a book bag for a Crafting for a Cause charity knit along. Machine knit, no pattern. I put some elastic thread in the opening under the flap and seamed the handle with cotton yarn for strength.

A beautiful afternoon

Dusty the Sailor Dog and I went for a little boat ride.

We took my little pedal boat around the lake.

Unfortunately, Dusty has not learned to pedal.

We had fun, but....

There were too many big boats out and we decided to go home.

Fox again

One of the foxes was back for a visit this morning. I wish I were a better photographer!

Silver Reed 860

Just another picture of my knitting machine.

Pecan Dessert

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 sticks margarine, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
1 container (16 oz.) Cool Whip (or 2-8oz size )
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. (lg.) instant chocolate pudding

Directions: Mix together flour, margarine and nuts. Press into a long cake pan and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Cool. Mix 1/2 container CoolWhip, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread over crust and refrigerate until cooled. Spread prepared chocolate pudding over pie. Cover with remaining 1/2 container Cool Whip. Chill.16 Servings

WHAT FUN

Yesterday I had such an exciting day. I drove about 50 miles to get private lessons on my Silver Reed 860 and especially help with DAK. I learned so much in the three hour session! If you have never heard of the Fine Line http://www.finelineca.org/ . What a great place. One room was full of knitting machines, another full of weaving looms. I will be trying some things out and then post pics.

Three More

Here are three more dish towels for Crafting for a Cause project:

I did the round one on my knitting machine and the other two by hand.

Visitor

We had three young foxes come for a visit. They are so cute. Their ears are almost as big as they are.

Crafting projects

These are my Crafting for a Cause project dishcloths so far:

This one is still on the needles and is a lacy butterfly from http://www.knitsbyrachel.com/

This one was from Lion brand yarn website

This one I did on my machine. It is still a little wet from steaming.

Sun Tea with Mango Syrup

6-8 regular teabags
gallon jar
pure water
Margie's Mango Syrup (all natural no sugar added)

Place the teabags in the gallon of water and place in the sun. Leave 3-5 hours depending on temperature. Cool immediately. Mix in the mango syrup when pouring in the glass. Add ice.

On the machine needles

The colors are not too good in this picture, but I have a yellow loose-knit top that I am experimenting with on the needles. Bottom up, tension, adjusted down as I go. I hope it will be a loose short-sleeve top for over a cami. Tamm Estilo yarn.

Machine Knit Cardigan

This is a cardigan I am working on. It is just a plain cardigan with a simple lace band and 4 needle wrap edge. It is not going to be a masterpiece, but one more step in my learning process. I REALLY can't wait to take some lessons on my 860.

Rhubarb cake

1 1/2 cups raw Rhubarb chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour

In large mixing bowl cream sugars and butter, then add egg and salt. Stir in the applesauce, soda, vanilla, and flour. Add rhubarb. Pour in prepared 9 X 11 inch baking pan Bake at 375-degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Do not frost but serve with whipped cream.

Snowing?

Had to share this photo. June and it's snowing?? No, it is just our cottonwood trees. Everyone hates them, but I think it is pretty.

I Felted!

Just had my first felted experiment. This is from Baby's Got a Brand New Bag from:


http://www.islandofmisfitpatterns.com/2006/09/08/baby%E2%80%99s-got-a-brand-new-big-bag/

Not a masterpiece, but a fun and fast project.

Camera Case

This is a little camera case that I made using the "Brick Stitch" with some cotton varigated yarn. No pattern except the brick stitch was from a Vogue Knitting book. Otherwise, I just improvised.

shawl kal

Yarn for the next shawl KAL

Surprise Shawl clue One

clue one done

starting over and over

I didn't like a design band I did on my husband's sweater so I started over. I also started over on the surprise spring shawl kal, gave up and quit, started over again and well, still going on it. Pictures to follow.

House is finally done completely and my machine is back up and running.

knitalong

I've joined a new knitalong. springshawlsurprice@yahoogroups.com We'll see how far I get. Already had to start over and use a heavier yarn.

Christmas

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas. To those missing a loved one no longer here, remember that our hope starts in Christmas and blossoms in Easter.

Ehren Michael Brandau

1976-2001

I guess it is time to start the other sleeve. The house is still a little torn up from some remodeling we were doing, so I just got the machine reconnected to the computer.

Husband's Sweater

OK it's only a sleeve, but it is a start.

Ravelry

Very happy to finally receive my Ravelry invitation!

http://www.ravelry.com/

Knitters Edge Pattern Sweater

My Knitters Edge P123 is finished.

This is the lacy sleeve pattern:

The e-wrap edge:

Why you should never knit while sleepy

I don't know if the extent of my mistakes show up on this picture, but it took quite a bit of frogging to fix it. This is one side of a vest that I am hand knitting. I think I was actually knitting while I was dozed off.

New project

I have started my new knitting machine project, which is P123 Ladies' Open Cardigan with Lace Trim from Knitters' Edge. I love the e-wrap placket for the front where just 4 needles are e-wrapped every row. Photos will follow.

This one is a little wonky at the seams. Ahhh, more of a learning experience! I tried a cut and sew without much planning :) I slid a piece of paper inbetween layers so that the lace would show.

machine knit top

Outstanding Book for Beginners

I found a great book for machine knitting beginners. It is The Machine Knitter's Handbook, an older one by Hazel Pope. I only wish I had it when I first got my machine. It would have saved me a lot of grief. I bought it used on Amazon.com for less than $3.00. Another good one is The Prolific Knitting Machine by Catherine Cartwright-Jones.

Sock project

Here are my latest socks. A very simple pattern, but I really like them. I made them with baby yarn from Hobby Lobby.

A belated note on another Mother's Day gone by. For those who have lost a child it is a bittersweet day. All the precious memories, all the devastating pain.

Liars and thieves

http://www.stopsylviabrowne.com/home/

This woman preys on the grieving.

Just a purse

OK, no laughing. My first sweater on the machine. Very basic, I know.

My new machine

My SilverReed 860

two color hat

First two color attempt

This is one panel from "Lace Up" sleeveless top from Cotton Knitting by Sally Harding. It has quite a few mistakes but I am not worried about it. This is a learning project and I got tired of frogging over and over. There is some ribbon that will run through it that will hide some of the mistakes.

Feb bookmark KAL

I enjoyed this KAL. I think I will hang it on the wall in a small space between doors.

My first sweater

This is my first hat and first sweater. If you stand back far enough it looks great. I was happy because it fits perfectly.

Tatting

KAL

Here is my Jan KAL

Don't look too closely - There were a few mistakes! :)

Dusty

Mid December KAL

I did it!! After three unsuccessful attempts, I finally finished it. It's not perfect, but not bad.

Merry Christmas

Dishcloth KAL

December KAL

It snowed

Knitting

Here is my first purse project:

Quilting

Quilting.....

This is a pre-marked whole cloth quilt that I am hand quilting. It is off-white and difficult to photograph. More than half done!

Some of my other quilts:

Around My Circle

This is a small view of the strip mine lake on which we live. We have lived here for more than 25 years and the only thing that could make us move is a similar place in a warmer state!