KNITTING DAZE

This is one of the jigsaw piece cloths... This is the other one it has more than one jigsaw piece and I don't think you can see them as clearly as I had hoped. I also have finished a fuzzy hair tie from fun fur,  a red earwarmer,

  a white heart bookmark,

and a bubblewrap dishcloth (for myself).

 I am working on my second sock of a blue pair I am knitting for my daughter for Christmas.

The fibromyalgia sure has cut into many of my Christmas projects. So I am having to make small projects instead of some of the larger ones I had planned. I will knit my daughter's sleeveless blue tank for her birthday in April instead. I will also be knitting my grand-daughter's sleeveless pink ribbon top for her birthday at the end of Feburary. I have three grand-daughter's and one grandson born in Feburary.

The fact that I persevere by continuing is a big plus for the Fibromyalgia. I will not let it entirely disable me from knitting or doing the things I enjoy most.

Sorry so long in posting however my medical condition got the best of me. They finally diagnoised me with Lactose Intolerance, Fatty Liver Disease and Fibromyalgia. Like I needed that many new things wrong with me. Well, I can finally know what's wrong anyways.

In the meantime the specialist decided no more nerve block injections to the neck. It didn't help enough. Therefore, I had both knees injected and it has helped nearly eighty percent. I will be also having my hips done on Sept. 15th. After the knees I was in a lot of pain (as with my neck) for three days afterwards. So I expect about the same with the hips. But if the injections minimize the joint pain for up to three months than I think it's worth it.

My dear husband's MS is only getting worse and he hasn't worked since the 22nd of August. We finally had to go apply for disability for him.

I feel really bad for Russ's neice as she had planned the wedding for one year. And during that time her groom had been notified that they couldn't wed in the temple. However, he didn't mention it to her....not when she had her dress special ordered, not when her family got the caterer, not even when they paid for the reception hall either. Not until five days before the wedding! She was very dissappointed, not to mention now has trust issues with the groom. So the wedding ended up cancelled and I haven't had a reason to use my new purse.

Last week I had a migraine for 6 entire days: I first tried medication for the first three days on my own. The fourth day I went to the clinic, as my dear husband then had three days off beginning then, they gave me a shot of Toradol. Which I prefer over the Demoral as I don't like it to make me dizzy. I have Meniere's and get dizzy enough with Demoral it can cause more dizziness. NO relief by the next morning so another trip to the clinic; this time a shot of Demoral eventhough I protested. Five hours later when I awoke it was even worse--still day five. Dear husband took me to the ER then, concerned that it was more than a usual migraine. Blood tests and a CT scan proved it to be a migraine. I was slightly dehydrated since it's hard to keep anything down with all the naseua whenever I have a migraine. So I was given fluids IV and this time the doctor felt that a new medication would work to enhance that Demoral I had had earlier. I am allergic to so many medications that we had to stay for several hours in the ER to be sure I was better. My headache did diminish from an 11 (I know the scale goes to ten but it was really worse by day 5 it was above a 10 in my book) to a 7 before I left. I was told I could enhance the medication they gave me by adding Vicodin--as we already have that at home I told the doc I didn't need anymore. Upon arriving home I took the Vicodin with 2 Benadryls (as I am actually allergic to Tylenol which is an ingredient in Vicodin--it makes me itch severly so if I take it I have to take Benadryl too--which only makes one sleepier)....by day six my migraine was only a 3 and I finished that day with Vicodin/Benadryl as my husband had to go to work the next day. I felt like I couldn't do the laundry with my headache and the dear man was washing his work clothes that day. I didn't want him to spend his last day at the clinic again. He was such a dear all six days and took over the dishwashing and cooking also.

I had been looking forward to the wedding but am glad she found out what type of man he was (or did she? maybe he kept trying to find alternate plans so she would be happy but nothing was good enough so he finally told her)....maybe they will still make it or just break up---Only God knows what's in store. Maybe, God felt that it either was too early for them to marry or one/both are meant for someone differant. Only time will tell.

I went to get my second shot in the neck early this a.m. and have just know begun to feel the pain as the pain medicine is wearing off. Therefore, I will have to post again later in the week hopefully with pictures of more things I knit....sorry this wasn't really a knitting post....however, I am in hopes at the moment of finishing a bookmark I started and also an older project I pulled out from last winter....MR. Flurry the snowman. I began it for the Festival of Trees for a Tree our Lab at the hospital was submitting. However, I never finished it in time--only 1/3 done. When I finish it I don't know who or where it will end up now. But feel like doing it as it turns out well and I love to knit this pattern. Keep your needles busy.....try to post again sooner.

I finished the purse for my husband's neice's wedding we're attending. It goes nicely with my dress which is yellow roses in the picture. Don't you thinks so? I also plan on wearing green pumps. And taking a knit off white stole in case my shoulders get cool as the reception is between 6-10 p.m.

I also finished a bookmark and have started on my first puzzle piece dishcloth in a variegated yarn for the Autism Bazaar.

Well, lately I've worked on several projects. I am knitting dishcloths for the Autism Awareness Bazaar. I have finished two so far; a heart one and a lacy one. I plan on next doing a few bookmarks and some rainbow colored dishcloths that have a puzzle pattern on them. The rainbow puzzle is a symbol for Autism Awareness.

I am almost done with the purse for Christmas I designed. I got my dpn's I need and will work on finishing the bottom and i-cord as soon as a few other projects are done; the dishcloths and bookmarks for the Autism Awareness bazaar and a purse I am knitting for a wedding I am attending this upcoming weekend of the 13th.  We will be going to SLC for the wedding of my husband's neice.  The purse is something simple so it shouldn't take long to finish--I only have about three inches till bind off, then the shoulder strap and put it together. Will post pics of it when I am done.

I finished the baby bonnet on May 21st. As you can see my bear model doesn't sport it as well as the real baby shall. If you look closely maybe you can see the lace border. If not I have posted a bit closer picture in my photos folder so you can see it even better. I wanted to show off the complete set in this picture though. Eventhough I used two differant patterns by using the same colors I was able to create a set. I used a two by two ribbing in the sock of the booties, yet only a one by one rib on the edge of the bonnet. The bonnet needed a bit more of a tighter fit as the pattern called for it also. However you don't want the wind to get into the baby's ears either. I believe that it still will be a great gift for my new little neice.

Sorry it took so long to post but I have had some medical procedures performed lately and have been in some pain from them. Take care and keep your needles flying.

The project I am currently working on is one of my Christmas ones--I am designing a purse/totebag as a gift for my son's girlfriend. I have several ideas as to the finishing touches. I am over halfway into knitting the main portion of it. I have rethought it out several times over already as I've knit it --- changing my design too. I wanted to keep it simple as she is only in her early twenties. Ta Ta for now.

I am all for giving Autism a helping hand and will be sending some knitted items to this benefit. Therefore, I offered to post the information about the need for dontation for the raffle on my website. It is a great cause, as Autism is affecting many of our children each year. If you are someone who is a crafter please consider giving to this worthwhile event. If not, maybe you will be willing to buy some of the items that will be listed in the story ( I will post that information when the time comes). pamel

Autism Awareness Project

I finished the Baby booties and as promised I am posting picutres. I think they turned out like little sneakers. Just wanted to post this, I got them done before I went for my procedure. I am a bit groggy now. As I previously mentioned I used a Santa bootie pattern and just changed the colors and it turned out great. Much better than the other booties I had started. My next project will be a matching bonnet, in lavender with a white trim, then off in the mail to Texas they go.

Well, did it again. I went back to Sierra's this time with my husband in tow for the "ten skeins for ten dollar sale." I told him about this great sale and could he be a sweetheart since he got paid and take me to it. He did after taking me to a lovely late lunch early dinner. What a dear. It was actually yesterday as today I am on an all liquid diet awaiting my colonoscopy for Monday afternoon (well as I am posting this it will probably post on Monday early a.m.). I ended up buying ten skeins of ribbon yarn -- a beautiful blueish color. I have never knitted with ribbon yarn therefore I have been looking at trying it. And for the price it was actually affordable. I then went on the internet and found a cropped jacket I am going to do. However, after checking my circular needles out I have discovered I don't have a size 11. Therefore, I will have to get some. My husband eager to please took me to Wally World (Walmart) to see if they had any -- they only carried them up to a size 10 1/2. He was a good sport. I believe he really is excited I am wanting to knit something for myself as I am always knitting for everyone else.  Therefore, I told him I would wait until Monday to look at the yarn store, Joann's or Sierra's. Boy I know if I go back to Sierra's and they still have that sale I'm going to get into deeper trouble.

Well, I had been knitting on a bootie but wasn't happy about how it was coming along -- seemed way too big. First off got the design off the internet and believe it must have had a few typos -- especially with the yarn weight. Since it called for Worsted Medium, and the bootie was turning out huge -- one does not begin with over 56 stitches and end up with over 73 for a newborn to 3 month bootie. This bootie would have fit half my own foot when I was 2/3's done. Therefore, I decided to rip it out and begin a differant bootie altogether.  I already finished one and it is so adorable and definately a newborn size. It looks like a baby high-top. What I did was take my Santa Bootie pattern and change the colors from a black sole to a white sole, then a lavender main color in place of the red, then kept the white sock. When I finished the second one I will put up a picture. Then I plan to knit a bonnet and mail off the set to my Sister in Texas.

Tomorrow is my colonscopy. Then Tuesday I go about seeing a new doctor about having nerve block shots in my neck. Not sure if it is going to cure all the pains I've been having in my lower body. However, they think there is a chance -- but they feel the shots will help the neck pain and the numbness and tingling in my face, arms, neck and shoulders. I hate health problems and I really dislike going to all these differant doctors who want to keep poking and prodding me LITERALY.

Everyone keep your needles clicking.

I went to Sierra's Craft Store to get the wooden beads I will need for the backpacks I am knitting for Christmas. They were having a yarn sale of certain yarns at "10 skeins for Ten dollars"! Wow-is what I thought as I checked out the skeins. Lion Brands mostly. Big Print Chunk, baby jiffy, chenielle, thick and ease, suede and cotton. I had to get the big print chunk as I have a great pattern to knit big thick socks on size 15 dpn's. So I got enough for one pair that will make a great Christmas gift. Okay then I got two skeins of the baby jiffy in the only color they had a soft yellow--hey I have babies galore to knit for so that will make a nice little something--especially for a baby to be/shower gift or a little girl. Then I got the rest in some really pretty rusty brown suede, I love Lion Brands suede--unfortunately they only had 4 skeins of it--but I can make myself a hat in it if that's all I do anyways or I can check out some of the patterns on Lionbrand.com in the free pattern section to see what else I can make too. Have you ever checked out the free pattern section there? There is plenty to choose from if you love Lion Brand yarn and use it as much as I do.

Now I really must hide this stash somehow in my overflowing four duffel bags. My husband can't know about this especially since what I did yesterday.

What did I do yesterday? Well, you see now that we now have my son-in-law's 16 yr old daughter living with them I decided to make her a special knitted top for Christmas. Something to show her she was "as much our grandchild as the rest". Therefore, I found a really great pattern online for a sleeveless pullover. It takes Berrocco glace yarn. Therefore, I called the local yarn shop, they don't stock it but could order it. Pink is her favorite color so I placed an order for the "champagne pink" for 14 hanks. My husband was sitting across from me in the living room at the time. When I got off the phone he asked "how much a skein is that yarn? I know when we went to that same shop that they didn't carry Berroco before when you needed it." I answered "Yes, but they can order it since I'm not in a hurry since I have plenty of yarn and other projects to begin." (I tried to avoid the cost per hank question). "You still haven't answered how much yet" he said (not to be avoided). "Oh it's less than eight per hank" I said quickly and began to get up and leave. "That's about $120 he said." "It is? Oh. Well I do want her to feel like she belongs. I will just knit her the top and buy her a bracelet and that will be all for her then." "Uh-huh. Famous last words" he said.

Now, you see why I have to be sneakier with yarn purchases. I do believe I NOW have pushed my limit with the husband. I don't think he believes I will finish all the projects and feels that all the money will just be thrown away. Funny thing about yarn, it still is good, unlike that $7.95 piece of cake I bought him at that fancy restaurant after he took me yarn shopping that sat in the refrigerator and dried out.

Our Son-in-law got a great surprise about ten days ago. His ex-wife called him and told him that he needed to be at the airport at a specific time that day to pick up his daughter, who is now 16 yrs old. She further told him that this was not a visit but that Sapphire was coming to live with him and his new family. Well, it's a good thing my daughter has no problem with the girl -- since she had visited the summer before. However, times have been tough with them raising three of their own children and Daniel having been injured at work months back. Therefore, my daughter has had to keep working overtime to make ends meet eventhough Dan just began returning to work. Now they must contend with the whereabouts of a teenager, who according to her mother is unruly ect.

The bright side is that's 13 grandchildren to knit for now in time for Christmas. I have found a lovely sleeveless pullover top to knit her. As they are moving to Florida at the end of May. I ordered the hanks of yarn yesterday, which will cost nearly $8.00 each, I need 14 of them. Her favorite color is pink, so I ordered the champagne pink. It is lovely. My husband believes it may be a bit pricey for the child. I believe it will make her feel loved and welcomed into the family and possibly help her with her unease. I always feel something knit with love wrapped around you makes you feel the warmth of one's love to your very heart. Call me sentimental if you must. It may be just what she needs to feel good about family and love in her life. It's what the knit doctor ordered.

This morning I finished the wedding ensemble with this three cross knitted dishcloth. I felt it was the perfect finish. I have posted other pictures of the ensemble in the photos section including info on the pattern sources.

My health is bothering me some today, yesterday I had some numbness and tingling in my face and a little in my neck but not lower than the neck so I continued knitting anyways. I felt it was a way to ignore the problem. I'm good at that, at least that's what my husband would tell you. I see my specialist and get the results of a neck MRI on the 8th, therefore I felt no need to rush off anywhere any sooner.

Now, to begin a cute kimono jacket for the baby neice on the way, that way I can ship the baby things and wedding ensemble in the same box. Especially since they all are going to my Dad's address in Texas. Time to get my needles flying again. Till I post again.

Today I finished the first of two dishcloths for the wedding ensemble. I did it in a pale pink and in a diamond pattern. It is a similar but not exact diamond pattern as the diamonds are smaller in the dishcloth than they were in the dishtowel.

I have decided to just do one set for the wedding ensemble so I can get it in the mail and start on the baby shower gift. Also, with as many Christmas gifts I am planning to knit this year I need to begin now. Therefore, I feel that the hot pad, diamond dishtowel, diamond dishcloth and a three cross dishcloth will be a complete set to send.

I began the three cross dishcloth today. I am knitting it in white. I feel weddings and white crosses go hand in hand. Actually, I am already nearly halfway done as I post this, therefore by next post I will be done.

I finished the first of two dishtowels for the kitchen wedding ensemble. This one is done in a diamond pattern in a powder blue. I used the powder blue to bring out the light blue in the hot pad I already finished. I have already begun the diamond designed dishcloth as my next project. I am using a pretty pink, that also matches a pink in the hotpad. Then my first set will be completed for the ensemble. I plan on doing two sets -- it seems like I am making good enough time to finish them in time to ship. I just hope I keep it up.

Today I knitted one of my Christmas gifts; a gray beanie for my son-in-law. I already had the yarn easily available and it didn't take as long as I had anticipated. However, now my hands are aching badly. I can see some swelling and feel the soreness. It most likely is from the fall yesterday, I had, though. I have a second one to still do for Christmas but it will wait.

Tomorrow I will be going through all my cotton yarn and my patterns to begin my ensemble for my wedding gift. That's my next project. I needed to do something differant though today as I didn't feel like going through all my books and yarn looking for things to start. I had a bad fall yesterday and am too sore and still a bit dizzy. Therefore, I took an easier route. Knitting helps me to concentrate and thus helps minimize my dizziness when I do so. Maybe, that's why I got done so quickly I was concentrating fully on my knitting -- which doesn't happen a lot.

Finished beading the poncho. It looks okay, I hope the beads, only one per section of fringe, make the differance. I have uploaded many differant photos of the poncho beaded into the album.

I then compiled a list of projects to do for Christmas; which sounds early for some of you I know. However, some projects may be time-consuming and with my health I want to get them done in time. I don't want to be late in sending the gifts as I have been for this birthday gift. I normally mail my Christmas gifts by mid-November at the latest to ensure delivery in time. I have one pair of socks to knit and several slippers. Slippers are not as time consuming as socks are for me. I also have an adult poncho too. I also am going to be knitting some beanie hats on size 6 circulars, they can sometimes be time consuming as my fingers and hands get cramps when I use the smaller needles.

I still must knit a wedding gift by and have it to Texas by the end of May so it can be taken to the wedding the first week of June. I plan to make a kitchen ensemble of two potholders, two dishcloths and two dishtowels. I believe that I can have all that done in time. I may have to knit every day and a bit each night to do it and then mail it off quickly. I also have a baby gift to mail by the end of June to Texas for a new neice. I am thinking of a little sweater, booties, bonnet and a bib....it could be a bit late though.

Health very little improved, but every bit helps.

I posted the poncho photos in the album. These are before the beads. I am currently in the process of placing beads at the ends of the fringe. I have it only begun so far. My computer is functioning, therefore I am able to upload my photos now.

I am also done with running a bit of elastic thread through the hair accessories I knitted. I am even considering crocheting a little bracelet with the elastic thread and the beads; maybe, not too sure yet. As I am designing the bracelet myself. It came to me last night.

I am in hopes of getting the package off by the 25th. I am still having some health problems; however that is life and I must perservere.