hockey mom

I'm going to be moving to

2005-02-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

here.

Don't have my entries moved over, but this is going to be fun. My dh is a web guru and wanted me to have my very own place. Other knitters can join too, but I have told him I'm not selling anything!

Anyway, check it out. Let me know what you think.

And I've Been Tagged...

2005-02-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, people, I'm learning today! There are links and a pic for you!

Ann has tagged me with:

Do you knit using the English or Continental Method? I knit continental dahling. Couldn't get the hang of knitting til Lynn showed me how to do this. I guess all the years of crocheting predisposed me to this method.

How long ago did you learn to knit? Let's see....I tried about 16 years ago, couldn't get it. So, took up machine knitting 4 years ago, then the person referenced above showed me continental.

Who taught you how? Lynn-a machine/hand knitter.

What was your first FO? "The ever-popular garter stitch scarf." Made mine in Lion Brand Homespun I had bought to use on the machine, but learned the dark colors don't like to go through the needles, very inflexible, that dye.

Favorite yarn? Merino is absolutely yummy to knit with.

Favorite pattern you've knit so far? The Coronet from Knitty. Made it and gave it to my niece. (This was my second hand knit project ever.)

Favorite pattern source? Anywhere I can get it. I don't care. The internet has opened up a lot of possibilities for designs.

Favorite needles? I love my Addi's. Due to arthritis in my hands, it is much easier to knit with circulars. I do want to learn to knit backward and I need straights for that, I think.

Nicest thing you've ever knit? I knit a prayer shawl for my sister-in-law's sister, who lost a child, and it was good on many levels.

Most hated project? Well, haven't really been handknitting long to hate anything, but Banff is getting awfully close. It's just cuz I'm stuck on the sleeves.

To whom shall I pass this? JinxedMinx and My Secret Pal, even though I won't know who she is (yet).

Squeal!!!!!!!!!

2005-02-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

OHMIGOD! I got the coolest stuff from my Secret Pal! I wish I could post pictures on my blog. I will be able to this weekend, cuz my dh has it just about set.

Then I will show what I got! Thank you SP! I had a pretty rough day, and this made everything so much better.

Sandy

As a non-functioning member

2005-02-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

of this world, I'm here to say I didn't get a damn thing accomplished this weekend except spend money! We needed a place for me to park my ass when dh is working in the office, so we bought a futon. He likes me to keep him company, I like to knit. It works out. We needed a place to put our office stuff so we bought a wooden file drawer and locking cabinet. We went to the Home and Garden Show here in Atlanta and proceeded to spend more money. So many fun things, can't even begin to detail it all. It was for the yard tho, maybe I can post pictures in some far away time.

Apparently, the thrill of spending said money threw my head into a spin cuz I woke up yesterday morning with one hell of a migraine. At 5 a.m. Nothing is good at 5 a.m., even hockey. (We won our game, so keep our tenuous hold on 1st place.) At about 5 p.m., I was able to drag said ass out of bed for a shower. We then went to eat sushi and hockey practice. Technically, we don't celebrate VD cuz I married someone who is a hopeless romantic and just about every day is VD. (Sorry, I know it sounds mushy, but 'tis the truth.)

I was able to go work out this morning (I weight train twice a week and kickbox 2-3 times a week), but went slowly, oh so slowly. Starting to feel like myself again. You know, I got a lot of who I am from my mom, and I have to say the only thing I truly resent is the damn MIGRAINES. Okay, done with that.

I did work a little bit on Banff yesterday while watching mind-numbing soap operas and put a couple of inches on the Moebius during hockey practice. I'm carrying Banff with me now as I'm on the small part, sleeve island, and I will get it done. I WILL GET IT DONE. Painful.

In surfing, it's good to see I'm not the only restless knitter. Several have started more than 3 projects and can't seem to focus on finishing any one of them.

Aargghhh

2005-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, please tell me it's normal to get BORED with a pattern. I had no problem with the back and front of the Banff, but man, this sleeve is killing me! I just want to get it over with. I still want to finish and I will but the monotony of the ss part is getting me. The front/back seemed to go much faster for me.

I want to start that Alien scarf so bad, but I'm making myself finish something before I start it. At this rate, I will be making it just in time for summer! Oh well, into the closet it will go with some cedar to wait for next year.

I have to get up at 5:00 a.m. Saturday for my 15yo ds's hockey game at 6:20. It's a crime to have to get up that early on the weekend. But, he has to be there cuz the other goalie got tossed for this next game due to helping a player out last game and getting in a fight in the process. Oh man, I LOVE hockey.

I was never a competitive child, never got into sports at all until my husband introduced me to hockey in '89. And having both boys playing (albeit different styles-ice vs. inline), is like Nirvana. What strike? Nah, just kidding. It's been a little rough without my Penguins (and Thrashers).

Have a great weekend all!

My addictions...and other things

2005-02-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Lost. It was good to have a new episode tonight....can't wait to see next week.

24. Jeez, it's been an addiction since season 1. Got my parents hooked...good to be me.

CSI - I love them all! But in different ways.

My husband. It sounds cheesy, but he's a great man and I feel very fortunate to have met him. We have been together over 18 years now and it gets better.

My kids. Gotta love 'em. Each is so different from the other. I can't wait to see how much they will love each other when they are older.

I just watched wife swap and could not believe how closed-minded this woman was. She's a black woman, married to white man, and she was intolerant of a lesbian relationship. Jeez, gimme a break! There is so much to learn from other people. If you close yourself off from new experiences, you might as well be dead! What are you teaching your kids if you're inflexible. I shudder .......

Oh well, I did knit. I promise. Put 3 inches on my Banff sleeve and 2 inches on my moebius scarf.

Sleep well.

How cool is that?

2005-02-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

I saw Ann's alien scarf (over on www.sheepshots.blogspot.com) and I can't resist any longer. No, I haven't finished Banff. So what? I am working on it....it's just too big to be a take along.

My dh said he figured the whole blog (damn)thing out and I will be able to post pics soon. Then maybe it won't be so boring in hockey land (I only call it that cuz that's all I ever do besides work - is go to games or practices). Oh yeah, I knit too.

Later.

What have I accomplished thus far?

2005-02-03T04:35:00.000-08:00

I know none of (the few of) you that read here really care without the pics (coming soon), but I did:

1. get one sock done (for me). Have to cast on the next one and get going. Socks are my stoplight knitting project and when DH and I carpool.

2. get more of the first sleeve done on Banff last night watching what "W" had to say

3. work on a Moebius scarf for moi.....maybe 2-3 inches worth. Using Joann's "Sensations" yarn - the bumpy one. Got it for Christmas from hubby. It's a wool/acrylic blend and has all kinds of fuzzy bits, but still easier to knit than the furry s**t.

4. finish the scarf for hubby, just need to weave in ends and wash to soften up

5. swatch some fun stuff for my friends' yarn shop (I know....it's great to have a friend that owns a yarn shop)

Should be able to get even more knitting done now as my 13 yo starts his hockey practices this week.....and games start soon after. Inline hockey is fun, but there's no checking and I've gotten hooked on the checking! My oldest is a goalie, so he doesn't check but I've seen him hook a few kids for getting in the crease!

Well, gotta go check the leaky hot water heater, get my shower, and go to work. I would much rather stay home today than go in and deal with the closing out the year..

Stay warm, dry, safe - any of those that apply to ya'll.

Where am I?

2005-01-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

Why, I'm on sleeve island! I've finally gotten the front and back of Banff done and am now on the sleeves.. DH promised me I would be able to post pics, but we had an ice storm here in Georgia this weekend and had no power for a large part of the day....and evening...both days. Gave up and went to a friends' house for dinner and heat.

Maybe tomorrow. Kids can drive you crazy when they don't have a tv or video games. But, they did learn that they can have fun together and do things they haven't done for a while. The baby turns 13 tomorrow and I'm feeling old. I should be in bed...my mom would go to bed early before our birthdays and tell us to let her be - she was in labor! (There are 5 kids! ) She did this every year until I moved out....maybe I should take to my bed. But my man would want to be here with me!

Oh well....things could be worse. I get to go to work tomorrow and stand my ground as the business manager. Oh joy. Maybe I'll explain that one later.

Be good all...

Happy 76th birthday to my Daddy!

SP4 Questionnaire

2005-01-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Here it goes:

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I am not a snob although I like a little natural fiber mixed in with the other. Merino is a special love of mine, it feels so good to knit.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I can crochet, but prefer it as my finishing treatment for afghans, scarves, etc.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No allergies, but my husband has asthma, so anything smelling like cigarette smoke can be a problem.
4. How long have you been knitting?
Have been machine knitting for 4 years, learned how to knit continental 9 months ago and can’t seem to stop.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes. Yes, I do.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I love lavendar, rain scents.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Not much, but always have room for a little chocolate (not dark).
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I sew, quilt and garden.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Jazz, Joni Mitchell, The Crystal Method….classical
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
Love forest green, red, black.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married for 17+ years; two boys (15 & 13); two dogs, basset hound and viszla.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Retirement, so I can garden, knit and hang out with the old man
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Really enjoy merino wool, The Wool-ease yarns are good.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
100% acrylics are getting a littler harder to tolerate.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Socks; hats; scarves; fingerless mitts.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks – although they can take me a while to get done.
17. What are you knitting right now?
“Banff” sweater (from Knitty dot com); two pairs of socks; hats; moebius scarf; hand warmers……
18. What do you think about ponchos?
Ponchos are good for other people, not me. I’m just a little too large for that.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Love my circulars – straights are difficult cuz of arthritis in my hands,
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Addi turbos and bamboo.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yup.
22. How did you learn to knit?
A wonderful woman named Lynn showed me the continental method during a break at a machine knitting seminar – very freeing to be able to knit that way.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Knitting – maybe 3 months; quilting – have about 3 quilts waiting to be finished – more than 2 years old.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Oh jeez, I have developed this insane passion for gnomes to put in my yard.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn and I’m on a yarn diet till that collection goes down (which means I won’t buy, but sure will take anything anyone wants to pass along!) Also love little quirky things for my garden.

Onward and upward

2005-01-22T06:49:00.000-08:00

Well, the Magic Loop sock knitting class didn't get filled cuz it wasn't advertised long enough. We're going to try in February to give it a bit more time.

I have finally started working on Banff again, it feels good, real good. I have this problem, I keep picking up other yarns and other size needles and starting additional projects. Jeez! It's quite addicting. The best thing is....when DH drives to work (we work together - have for 10+ years), I get to knit.

Stay warm everyone......it's getting nasty out there. Supposed to have the January b-day party tomorrow (I'll drink one to you, Rabbitch) so I'm hoping the prediction of flurries stays just that - a prediction.

Go Steelers! Go Falcons! (I'm split - you should see it when the Penguins come to town.)

As Bob is my Witless....

2005-01-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

I will learn how to post pictures somewhere....til then, this is the url to my .mac homepage that shows some of the things I have done. I have more, I promise.....

You'll have to cut and paste...I'm no good at html stuff.

http://homepage.mac.com/bobandsandy/PhotoAlbum33.html

I'm in the midst of a sock that I'm prepping for my class next Saturday, working on my Banff (yeah, I know), and doing the Hockey thing this weekend. Just as a note, my son's team is 14-2-3. They're doing well and it's keeping my hockey need satisfied.

Have a wonderful weekend all.

Whistling a happy tune

2005-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

I have tomorrow off, yes, tomorrow. All things testosterone in my house will be either at work or school. That means I'm parking my ass on the sofa with my knitting, my book (Harry Potter-Order of the Phoenix), and the remote control. No one to ask for food, no one to ask for laundry.....it's so close, I can almost feel it.

And, I'm sleeping in til 8:30. Living on the wild side.

On a knitterly note: will finish the scarf that was to be Mom's, now to be my hubby's. Doing it in a seed stitch and it's way too manly looking for the ole momma. Have some black yarn and will make her one to match the hat I made her. Will finally pick up Banff and start that bad boy (girl) up again. Left off at the front shaping. Need to get that done and off the needles.

Might do a quickie afghan on the machine for my Pittsburgh SIL, she fell in love with a baby blanket I made with some boucle a couple of years ago. So, I bought more for her.

My friend has asked me to teach a sock class (Magic Loop method), so I have that to look forward to. Sometime in January. If I can get the posting right, I will take some pics to post of the class.

Wishin' and hopin' and Happy New Year too

2005-01-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

Well, since I'm pretty much a numbnuts when it comes to all things computer, my dh has been on the search for an easier blog for me to use. One that will hook up to where my pictures already sit, etc. So, I'm thinking I may be on iBlog by the end of the week. Then I can show things I'm doing.

Like:

Socks for ME
Scarf for Mom
Sweater for ME (I just love saying ME)
and various other sundry objects.

I don't have the patience like Ann and Rabbitch to list all the things I would like to do nor do I even have a clue as to how much yarn I have....much of which is ACKrylic (good name R). Charity and Ships Support for that stuff. I'm partial to blends that contain a bit of something natural. I loved knitting with merino, but hell, I don't have that kind of money.

DH gave me a neat gift - Book of Scarves - one pattern I'm making for my mom. Was able to get about 17" done yesterday. Knitting with the Woolease Thick and Quick (I think), it's super chunkay. Like knitting rope. Not sure I like it, but I bought it on clearance, so I'm going to use it. Using #13's too. Mein gott, it's like knitting rope with axe handles.

Back to hockey practice tonight after a two week winter break. So, more knitting will be happening today.

Carry on.

Where did the F****** elves go?

2004-12-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

They were supposed to stay around and help out here. Instead, they went to Florida. Maybe. There's too much to do, not too much time and all I want to do is curl up in a corner with the fireplace and a glass of wine. Knit, Knit, Knit.

Well, let's see, a party tonight (might not go), a hockey game for DS and another party tomorrow night, and then nothing Sunday.....well, going to see the parental units. They miss me...imagine that. It will be nice to see them, they live so far away, like.....15 minutes away. Jeez, now I really feel bad. The flames of hell are licking at my feet.

Almost done with SS knitting (hand that is), still have part deux of said gift to do (on machine), and a bag to knit. I can do it, I know I can. If I can convince my family they can eat take out and wash their own clothes.

Ho Ho.

Ho ho ho

2004-12-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

Well, finally finished the swatches for the yarn shop. Now, back to our regularly scheduled knitting. As soon as the yarn comes in, I will be making a hat/scarf set for my secret santa. Have tote bag to knit up on the machine and then felt. Have my Banff to finish. Some hats to make for family/friends and a few to make for the Ships Project. Thank God I have a machine to do the bulk of that.

Christmas feels a little bit like a freight train heading my way, but I think I'll be able to finish any little gifts I'm making in plenty of time. Also have a quilt to make for my b-i-l's mom. Scaring myself again. I get panicked, I calm down, I get panicked. Seeing what other bloggers are getting accomplished inspires and intimidates me all at the same time. Boy, I'm conflicted!

I'm thinking a glass of red wine will do the trick when I get to the client function this evening. DH will do the driving and I will do the drinking.

:-)

Traffic wars

2004-11-30T08:08:00.000-08:00

Whew! Made it back from Tampa in one piece. Took 9 hours to make a 6.5 hour trip, both ways. Rain going down, rubberneckers coming back. Got some knitting done for my friend, made a hat out of this wonderful merino yarn she's selling. It was absolute heaven to knit. I think I'm becoming a little bit of a yarn snob. Really can't afford to get too snobby tho....

On the needles, a sample sock and Banff (still). Have 3 more swatches waiting in the wings and that's it for my friend (and her shop) til after the holidays. She's asked me to teach a Magic Loop sock class after the first of the year. Cool!

On the machine, a poncho with 3 hats waiting, a bag to felt, oh hell.

Back to work, I love this cooler weather.

Where does the time go?

2004-11-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

Here I am, just hanging around. Haven't posted cuz I been busy with life.....hockey, work, kids, work, knitting, work. But, there is a bit o' knitting going on. I'm swatching and doing a sample sock and hat for my friends yarn shop. Still working on Banff, a poncho for a friend, a poncho for my niece, hat and scarf for ss gift, hats for my nephews.....

I'm sure I'm missing something but what? Will hopefully learn how to do some posting of photos soon. It's a matter of wrangling the old man away from his computer over to mine.

Happy turkey day all.......may it be safe and warm where you are.

Last night I couldn't get to sleep at all........

2004-10-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yup, just like the song. My husband has gone to the land of pierogies (Pittsburgh) for a friend's wedding. I'm here and I can't sleep worth shit when he's gone. But, I did get the bottom 8" ribbing of Banff done and have started on the ss back. My first raglan, be it handknit or machineknit, ever. It's been very fun.

A friend from our machine knitting guild here in Atlanta will be opening a yarn store across the street from one of my son's hockey rink....way too cool! And, she has asked if I would knit samples for her. Payment could be in cash or yarn....DUH! All the men in my household know which form of payment I will take. Talk about a primo opp to use yarns I wouldn't have the guts to spend the dough on!

Well, we have one hockey game today, a family birthday party (see what you're missing honey?), and dinner at a friends' house tonight. That is the secret to dealing with my angst, stay moving all day. But, my knitting goes where I go.

Party on.....

Best Laid Plans....

2004-10-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

The only thing I've been able to get accomplished knitwise is finishing the knitting on dh's socks. Still have to close the toes and since I'm a total nimrod on grafting, I use my knitting machine to hold the stitches while I graft them closed. Started "banff" last night, had to frog twice cuz i was at hockey practice and wasn't paying attention. But, I'm on my way.

It's been a strange day, 10 minutes after I went through an intersection on my way to la dentista for the ole' scrap and whir, a small plane crashed into a business there! Then I'm talking to a client and there's a naked lady in her parking lot just standing there in the pouring rain.

Must be a full moon.

Whew!

2004-10-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a Saturday. As usual, we lazed around a bit too much before J's hockey game. His team won, they are now 5-0. Girlfriend is a sweetheart, he's got good taste.

On the knitting front, got the three panels for the friendship afghan done, now to put them together and send off. Ready to knit up the poncho for my friend Piper, that's happening in the a.m. Cast on for the Banff sweater, ready to get cranking on that. Still have a little more on my dh's socks. When I get the photo thing figured out, I will post some pics. It's chronic, starting something before finishing something else. I don't think I'll ever be able to stop that behaviour.

Thank God It's Friday! Or would you like some cheese?

2004-10-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

This has been a week from hell. None of the knitting that I wanted to get done has been done. The poncho is still a bag of yarn, the friendship afghan is still sitting on my USM waiting to be finished and I still have about 3" on my dh's sock left to do. Ugh.

My oldest son has a hockey game tomorrow and his girlfriend is coming. He's only 14, when did he start liking girls? It happened too quickly. On the other hand, my 12 yo son has had girlfriends off and on since he was 6.

I hope you like my whine. Hopefully, you brought the cheese.

This is my attempt at something different

2004-10-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have been reading all these blogs and it has inspired me to try my hand at it. I learned how to handknit in April of this year and have really grown to love it. Once someone showed me the continental method, it all fell into place.

Currently finishing up my second pair of socks, first pair went to a friend and the second pair is going to my dh. Next in line is the "Banff" sweater from Knitty. Love the webzine and Amys book "KnitWit."

Hopefully, I can make this look better as I learn my way around this.