Try, Try Again!!!!
Still no luck with getting my pictures on my blog. It is so discouraging because I followed my adapted version of the yarn diet and have received all but one of my orders and there are so many pretty colors to show you. Then because my husband had surgery on Tuesday, I was allowed another pass, so I took full advantage. Is there such a thing as yarn gluttony??? I'm beginning to worry and perhaps I am just a compulsive buyer who will never have enough of a stash to feel content. I managed to finish a baby blanket for the lone knitter's blanket drive and I started another as I sat waiting for my husband to come out of surgery, so much better than pacing the halls.
It's a drab January day and winter has finally arrived, however late, with the temperatures in the teens last night and this morning. I'm looking out at the garden and Mother Nature is making a lame attempt at snow, just a few flakes which are melting as they fall on the brick terrace. Funny one of the yarns that arrived today is called "Spring", it's by Artyarns and it a lovely combination of pinks and greens. I promised myself that I will stick to a schedule, a knitting schedule that is, and I'm already behind, so much to make, so few hands. If I'm not turning out completed projects , how can I justify (even to myself) any more yarn purchases. I have it in my head that I HAVE to make shawls for my two little granddaughters to wear to their First Communions in May, but how can I bring any more wool into this house, I'm out of hiding spots. Anyone happen to know of a pretty pattern, child size, for a shawl, cape or shrug??? Will continue attempting to post photos, I think I may have to go back to my PC.

I'd like to start The Wonderful Wallaby Knit Along. If anyone is interest in jioning in please let me know.

P.S. I'm trying to give you an excuse to go yarn shopping

The new and improved version of Knit from your stash (aka The Yarn Diet)

1. Runs from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007
Amendment, if you didn't know about it until now, like myself, start date is January 15th. That leaves ample time to stock up (seems only fair)
2. All original rules #2 remain in effect

The adjustments are:
If your husband is, just a for instance, going into have surgery next week, naturally you'll be concerned. Concern buys you a pass, again only fair. I think Florence Nightingale would be in agreement.

If you have gotten some amazing knitting books for Christmas and don't have the proper yarn, you get a pass. Do you really think it would be nice to insult the gift giver? I think not.

If you are knitting for The Lone Knitter's Blanket Contest and have tons of sock yarn but no DK or worsted (at least not enough for a blanket), once again you get a pass.

Should you decide, as I did, to start making gifts for next Christmas (since I usually think of it in late October when time is running out) again you get a pass. After all why shouldn't your mom have that great silk scarf and I'm sure nieces, nephews, you own children and grandchildren are all looking forward to The Wonderful Wallaby (the hooded sweater by Cottage Creations)-----so it's time to make your list and GO SHOPPING.

If a new neighbor moves in wouldn't it be nice to march up and introduce yourself with a lovely housewarming and welcome to the neighborhood gift; the Mason Dixon Moderne Log Cabin Blanket. Again, you're going to need yarn. (I had to add that one , daughter number 3 just moved into a new house and daughter number 4 is in the process of buying their first house and that's my "Special Mom" gift, and I don't have the colors that go with their decor)

OOPS!! Almost forgot, if it's your birthday, you get to buy whatever yarn you'd like.

All in all, I think the new and improved Wool Watcher's diet will work. Don't you??

Today I have to get some serious knitting done.

I've dallied enough with looking up patterns, organizing my yarn, and attempting to fix my blog. I still am not able to get the photos on, which is great disappointment.
Now on to the business of knitting some blankets for theloneknitter's blanket drive!! Hope there are others interested. Should I ordered more yarn?????, or get to the knitting............

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Maya Angelou said this:


"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."


"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."


"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."



"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

IS IT ME OR MY COMPUTER, THAT IS THE QUESTION??????

I've been trying to post some updates and have been having NO LUCK. I have lots of photos of my new stash additions, which I can't seem to get uploaded. I would love the have you mosy on over to http://theloneknitter.blogspot.com, she is having a contest that I'm very keen on. Shortly, when I master this new computer, all will be revealed. Meanwhile, have a Happy New Year!!!

I went on a crocheting binge and made no less then eight afghans in a variety of colors. It seemed like a good idea at the time????????
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Cupcakes anyone?
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Wide awake little chicken!
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Sleeping Pumpkin
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The Mad Hatter had no time for knitting during the last few days. Halloween Happening at our house on Saturday, it's an annual event, pumpkin hunts, apple ducking (the children like to see the adults making complete fools of themselves), cooking for two dozen and baking up a storm (another favorite pastime). Thought I'd post a picture of the newest family addition in his first Halloween costume (make that costumes).

Overall look of box blanket 

Newest family addition 

This is a fairly clear picture of how the pattern looks 

It's a gloomy Wednesday morning and today is my VERY FIRST DAY of blogging. I started reading a blog by http://theloneknitter, which had been recommended to me by manfeet. I followed her links and I found myself in the world of blogging. I must admit I feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland, I'm completely out of my element. I thought that perhaps I would share a simple knitting project I'm working on for our 2 week old grandson. I've made at least two for each of our first SEVEN grandchildren, which a few of them still drag around. My daughters love the fact that I had chosen a yarn that washes and dries like a dream. I love the pattern because it works up sooooooooo quickly. It's an easy pattern to follow, hope baby blanket knitters enjoy it. Box Blanket: With #11 Needles and double yarn, cast on 82 stitches. Knit 6 rows (saves having to crochet edging). Row 1 Knit 6 stitches then work pattern, k14, p14, k14, p14, k14(pattern ends), k6. Row 2 Knit 6 stitches, then work stitches as they appear, ending with k6. Repeat these 2 rows until 4 inches from the beginning, now reverse the stitches and work Row 1 k6, p14, k14, p14, k14, p14,k6. Row 2 k6, work stitches as they appear until 7 squares in length. Bind off in pattern. I used 4 balls of Plymouth Encore, Knitting Worsted Weight. For this blanket I'm using 2 balls of blue and 2 balls of white. At times I use 4 balls of the same color. I hope I hear from some knitters. I made an attempt to add an image of the blanket, but I think that I'm at the very bottom of the learning curve, bear with me. Now I'm off to bake cupcakes-----------------that's another whole story. Have a peaceful day.