She's Crafty

Baby Rebekah

2008-01-28T16:45:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't really had time to post lately with the new baby. I forgot to make the announcement here.

Rebekah Loren was born November 20th. She was 6lbs 11ozs and 18 3/4 inches. She is doing great. And she is the best baby ever. :) Let me know if you want to see pics. I just don't want to post the link to our album for the whole world to see. I'll just post a couple here for now. These are pretty recent.

Ravelry

2008-01-28T16:44:00.000-05:00

My name there is TracyMR. Feel free to add me as a friend. I just started really using that site, and I can tell I'll be spending a lot of time there.

Continuing Bamboo Tunic

2007-10-19T13:55:00.000-04:00

Oh, I think I forgot to update with my c-section date-- November 20th. So I may be in the hospital for Thanksgiving. DH plans on bringing some food in. :) How sweet. I think we're going to have everyone visiting for the birth. YIKES! But I think they are all staying at hotels, which is good.

I had another sono yesterday, and I still have the previa, but it is marginal now. Still partially covering the cervix, but not as much. Still probably have to have the c-section, and I'm still at a risk for bleeding. But it's still better progress. I'll probably stop working on November 2nd. That will give me 2 weeks to relax before I go to the hospital. Plus I can't wait to get out of here. I overheard the President calling me "dead weight" to his assistant yesterday, among other nasty comments. That was pleasant. What does he know... he comes in twice a week and for only a few hours at a time. He has no idea what I do. Wait until I leave... he'll realize how good they had it here. I did let his assistant know I heard, even though she denied he was talking about me. Ok, who else in the company is due in November?? None that I know of! Asshole!!

I took some pics with my phone just to give you pics of some sort. I had finished the back, and now I'm working on the front.

It's in Berroco Bonsai-- in the green color. I forget the name. Look it up. :P

I subscribe to Knitting Daily through Interweave Knits. And they have been polling about UFO's (UnFinished Objects) lately. They were asking how many objects you have, and why are they unfinished. I have quite a few and for different reasons.

1. I have a cardigan (Ribbi Cardi from ChicKnits) that I haven't finished because I was hit with the second sleeve syndrome. That's before I started working both sleeves at the same time. Then I had lost the directions, and I'd have to pay to get them back. No thanks. I just found the instructions while cleaning out our den. So I may finally finish it.

2. Poncho from StitchDiva. I just got bored with it, it was so repetitve and I realized I didn't like the shape of it. It was too stiff.

3. Cable sweater from LionBrand. I didn't understand the pattern for the sleeves. This was one of my first sweaters, so maybe I can understand the instructions now.

4. Crocheted afghan. Just got bored with it.

5. Baby knit afghan. Decided to finish some other things first.

6. The current Bonsai Tunic I am working on. I got pregnant, so I figured I couldn't wear it for awhile anyway. But I will finish it very soon. I am working on it right now.

7. Tempted Sweater from knitty.com. I think it was also too repetitive. I was almost finished too, but I got bored going around in circles in stockinette stitch forever. Maybe I'll finish that some day.

I think that may be it.
So what are your UFO's and why are they UFO's.

I'll try to take more pics this weekend.
We're going to a Renn Faire in Maryland this weekend. That should be fun. We're going with our friends Jen and Steve. I'll try and take some fun pics from that too. I've never been to one. This one goes for a few months on the weekends and this is the last weekend of the year. I hope they have benches. I can't walk all that much. But I'm looking forward to the food!! :) No, I'm not dressing up.

Alone time?

2007-10-15T14:38:00.000-04:00

Ahh DH is supposed to go to a friends to watch the Giant game tonight. Hmmm what to do with my alone time? Maybe I'll do some knitting. I have quite a few projects I need to finish, I don't think I've even listed them all.

Icarus Shawl
a baby blanket
Bamboo Tunic (from IK, is that the name?) I have the front to do.
a bonnet to go with baby sweater I made (5 hour baby sweater)
a crocheted blanket (thats taking FOREVER. I get bored doing it)

I think that may be it. I want to at least finish the shawl and tunic before I start the Tilted Duster.

Maybe I'll also take some pics of stuff tonight.

5 weeks to go!!! YAY!!! And only 3 more weeks of work left (or 4 if I'm feeling generous, but I probably won't).

Ever heard of GOOGLE??

2007-10-12T14:58:00.000-04:00

I need to get this out. I belong to a few message boards... one is a Long Island based one, where I'm from (sorta). It annoys the crap out of me when I see posts like "Where is a fabric place?". First of all... where are you?? Where are you looking?? Secondly.... GOOGLE IT!!! Go to Google, bring up the maps, and find a fabric place near the location you are looking. How freakin hard is that??
Why do people want everyone else to do the work for them? Any type of question that could be answered with a "google" should be banned. You should be banished from the site for wasting peoples time!! If you are looking for an opinion on a fabric place... fine. But if I am able to google the answer for you, then you are just a moron and should be punished!!!

Thank you!!!

Home Stretch

2007-10-08T11:53:00.000-04:00

I think Wednesday I will find out when my scheduled c-section will be. I have to have one because of my complete placenta previa. About a month or so ago I had a little scare. I started bleeding in the middle of the night, so we went to the hospital. I stopped bleeding by the time we got there, but they monitored me in Labor & Delivery for a few hours. I was having contractions but wasn't feeling them. So the docs said if I bleed again I could either stay in the hospital or be put on bed rest. In the meantime, I am not allowed to travel, which means we had to cancel my NY shower. :( But a friend of mine is having one here for me next month, and we'll just have the NY one after the baby is born. But I am just ordered to take it easy, and not to lift more than 20 lbs or do strenuous exercise.

We worked on the nursery this weekend. We painted and put together the crib and a dresser. There was a damaged piece on the changing table, so we are waiting for a replacement piece. The pic makes our walls look a bit more pea green than it really is. No flash will do that. It's more of a sage color. It looks really nice with the furniture (which is cherry) and the bedding (which my mom still has, but I have some swatches). Coming along nicely.

Knitting update::

I am still working on my Icarus scarf. I need to finish that soon. I was thinking I could use it as a breastfeeding cover up. We'll see. I also did a baby sweater which I need to take a pic of. I'll try to do that tomorrow.

I really really want to do the Tilted Duster from IK. I think I'm going to splurge, while I can, and get the Peruvia yarn. Not sure what color to do though. I'm thinking Travertino, which looks orange in some pics. I can't decide. The Purpura is sold out on many sites. Maybe a green like Sea Turtle, or Dragon. Ugh, I can't decide. HELP!!! And a certain ebayer is very unhelpful in letting me know if the Travertino is close to rust or not. She says look at the Berroco website. Gee, I should have thought of that!!! Of course I looked there, but the pic is too small and it's hard to tell what color it is. I may have to venture to my LYS to check it out in person.

Latest doc visit

2007-08-06T12:09:00.000-04:00

From my last appointment I knew that I had placenta previa. But the technician didn't really go into it. Well at my last visit, Aug 3rd, my doc told me it is COMPLETE placenta previa, which means the placenta is completely covering the cervix. I will get another ultrasound at week 28 to see if it moves. If it does not move, then I will need a c-section at week 37 or 38. And if I have any complications, like bleeding or contractions, I will have to go on bed rest and possibly even take meds to help the baby's lungs develop faster. And from what my doc and aunt (who is a nurse practitioner) tells me, is that with complete previa, there is a very slim chance that it will move. So right now I am expecting to have a Thanksgiving baby (or the week after). Kinda sucks. I was actually looking forward to labor, just to have the experience, but it's out of my control. As long as we are both healthy, they can do whatever they want to my body. lol

On top of that, I've been getting really bad pelvic pain. Like a pulled muscle on my pubic bone. So I did some research and figured it was just ligament pain. Even my doc said so. Then I started doing some MORE research last night, and came up with something that is pretty much the pelvic bones detaching due to the cartilage breaking down from hormones. So I thought, well, maybe. Then it just hit me this morning... my pelvis is ALREADY separated. Awhile back when I was in a car accident, my chiropractor said that I had a separated pelvis and it was a bit crooked. I totally forgot all about that. Well, there isn't much I can do about it. I just may have to wear a support belt later on to keep the baby pressure off my pelvis, and to prevent pre term labor. But the pain is SOOOO bad when I turn over in bed, or get up from sitting too long, things like that. OY!!! I'm falling apart. I'm waiting for the back pain that my chiropractor warned me about too. I have back issues from the accident too. Fun fun fun!

Next visit is Aug 29th, and I get to have my glucose tolerance test. Hopefully I'll pass that because I can't deal with another issue right now!

I guess we need to step up the nursery progress. I'm just worried I won't be able to go to my NY shower in October. Let's hope bed rest isn't necessary!!! :(

And we're having.....

2007-07-14T00:58:00.000-04:00

A GIRL!!! (sorry I've been preoccupied).

I get to have another sono at the end of my second trimester because I have placenta previa. Which is when the placenta covers the cervix. It will usually move on it's own, but if it doesn't then I will need a c-section before I go into labor. I'm not worried about it. Whatever happens, happens. As long as the baby is healthy.
And so far everything is looking good. Once I scan some pics, I'll post em. I'm told she has my profile. We got lots of pics from the radiologist, pretty cool!
Now to pick out some cute clothes. :)

2007-07-09T13:46:00.000-04:00

(why can't I make a title? hmmm)

Thank you Kelly. It takes someone to post for me to remember I have this silly blog. And it's funny, because I was just thinking about posting last night, but then I forgot to do it. But it was in my mind, then I get a message from "Kelly the Crafty Cat". :)

Well I have some huge news!! We are pregnant! It worked with my first round of Clomid. I will be 19 weeks tomorrow. I have been feeling good. No morning sickness, except for mild nausea here and there in the beginning. For about a week I've been feeling the little one moving around. Not enough to feel from the outside, but I can feel it. It's like gas bubbles. Tomorrow we go for our first ultrasound, and we WILL be finding out the sex. I am a planner, and I want gender specific bedding! :) I already know what I want if it's a girl, I told DH he can pick the boy bedding (within limits hehe.) I have to approve it. I want a more mature looking nursery, with warm colors instead of bright baby blues or bright pinks. So I will update tomorrow to let you know what we're having.

I know I shouldn't complain, but I need to gain more weight. I'm not really gaining enough, 3 pounds so far, because I've had a nasty stomach bug TWICE in the last month. I hope THAT stops! Once I think it was a virus, the second time I think it was some bad mussels. BLEH! So I need to start pigging out more... healthily of course.

And on the job front, I plan on finding something else after my maternity leave. The President here is not going to give me the position I want, so there is pretty much no reason for me to stay. I am doing too much Admin work, and that is not what I am. So I will be looking for another job during my leave.

And for school , I am taking a break until maybe next spring. I just can't concentrate on school right now. I did get an A and a B in my classes (Intro to Networking and Computer Programming Design). I only got the B because I just didn't want to do the last assignment because that's when I had the stomach virus and I was getting migraines. So I said F it... just take the B. I'll get A's from now on. :)

Now to catch up on all you peoples blogs. I really haven't been reading in the blog world much. But keep nagging me and I'll do it. Maybe if I can subscribe to your blogs I'll keep up. I'm just a forgetful person... or it may just be ADD.

I am starting a new project too. I am knitting a baby blanket in a Sunshine color, in a cotton yarn. I figured let our moms do the pink or blue ones, because I know I'll get a blanket from each of them. You can never have too many blankets. :)

Hopefully I'll remember to write tomorrow.
Thanks Kelly for thinking of me. :)
Off to catch up....

Wow... last post Sept??

2007-02-13T09:27:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it... was my last post really that long ago?? Yikes.

Well, I have to post all the things I have finished since Sept. I finished a

scarf from "Scarf Style" I forget the name, but it has leaves in it. I finished the Turtleneck from the patons book.

I just started "Icarus" shawl from the Summer '06 Interweave Knits. I had Shadow yarn from Knitpicks.com and didn't know what to make with it. So I searched and searched online, then I organized my magazines, and I found the Icarus pattern. I'm doing it in campfire. Sort of a burnt orange color.

Then I also got some Berroco Bonsai in the same green as the picture to do the Bonsai Tunic from the new Interweave Knits. I found a great deal on ebay, so I splurged and went for the good yarn. I usually get cheap yarn and substitute since the patterns usually use ridiculously expensive yarn (why the heck is that?? Can they do a "cheapo" edition of IK?).

Ohhhh I want to buy the magnetic chart keeper from knitpicks! It's only 9.99 and I've been doing a lot of patterns with charts lately and it's a pain to keep track of the rows. I usually use a post-it which then gets yucky, and doesn't look very pretty. I want the cool chart keeper!! :) It's the little things that make me happy.

Non- Knitting news:
I registered to go back to school!!! I'll be starting Strayer University in April. I'll be going for either a B.S. in Security Administration or Homeland Security Information Systems. Whichever one I pick as a major, the other will be the minor. Security Admin includes a Computer Forensics class which is what I am thinking of getting into. So I am excited and nervous about that. I'll be taking asynchronous online classes which means I can log in whenever is convenient for me. I am going to strive to be an A student! I need to get the hell out of this job. I am the sole help desk for this branch, but I also do the admin work for the VP. And I'm sick and tired of being a freakin secretary!!! I did not learn Unix and take SQL and A+ courses to be an admin!! But I need to stay here while I go to school, just for the fact that I have so much down time and can use that time to study and do my online stuff.

DH and I have gone for some testing. He's fine, my cd3 bloodwork is fine. So I just went for an HSG and that seemed fine. Now I go to Clomid next cycle if I don't get a BFP in a couple weeks from now. GRRR!

And if you ever think to go to FertilityFriend.com and pay for the VIP, DO NOT!!! They censor the boards and I'm pretty sure they read peoples PM's. They have been banning people left and right for no good reason! Do not waste your money!! They are evil!! :)

Crap, I changed my template, and I lost my sidebar info!!! I'm still half asleep... now I have to go and find all my friends that I linked to. BLEH!!!!

I bought DH XBox 360 for his birthday/xmas. It is freakin amazing!!! I had to get Lego Star Wars II and Viva Pinata so I could have something to play. I don't do war games or sports. I do like fighting games, so I want to rent Justice League to see if it's any good.

New Hair

2006-09-29T21:56:00.000-04:00

I dyed my hair the other day since I was feeling blah. My hair is growing out from a short haircut and i'm not liking it at the moment. I need a trim. So I dyed it an auburn color. L'oreal Colorspa Auburn (don't remember what number it was). So I'm a redhead now. YEAH!! I got so many compliments at work too. I have sort of hazel eyes (med brown with some green in it... is that considered hazel?) so they look nice with red hair. I'll try to take a pic to show what the color looks like. I'll take it in the light.

There is also a wine festival tomorrow that we may try to hit after the Oktoberfest. Busy day tomorrow.

I have a splitting headache now, so I'm gonna go. I hope to buy some fabric for curtains on Sunday. I'll let you know how that goes.

Updates..

2006-09-25T10:40:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile.

So we've moved. The new apartment is great.

No baby yet. :( If it doesn't work this month, I'll have to make an RE appointment.

I had another birthday. Bleh!! 31 now. DH got me flowers, Bob tickets, and a sewing machine table that i wanted from Walmart. (see next paragraph for more on that) Then for dinner we went to a local crab place and had all you can eat crabs. It was amazing!!! We were going to do an overnight in Annapolis and get crabs there, but I figured why waste the money when I need fall clothes. So we went to the outlets for the day and had a shopping spree. DH got a couple things too, so it worked out for everyone.

I've picked up another craft!! For awhile now I've been wanting a sewing machine. I'm tired of paying $10 a leg to get pants hemmed. And I don't see any curtains or pillows I like in the stores. So I had a Sears gift card, my grandma sent me one, and my mom gave me an old one she had, and I just had to kick in a little money. I was going to get the cheapest Kenmore on the website ($89) but they had a better one on clearance for $5 more. YAY! So far I've made us pillows for the living room. Ahhhhh matching pillows are nice. For the longest time we've had one beige, one green and one red throw pillow. Yuck! The virgo in me was going nuts. I'll post pics once I take a few. And then my next project was an apron. Made a couple boo-boos but nothing major. My lines are getting straighter and straighter. I want to make a Halloween costume but I don't know if I have time for that and I don't know what to be. I'm going to make another apron for my mother-in-laws birthday gift (DH's idea). So I'll get a bit more practice before I start on our curtains.

This Saturday should be fun. We're going to Oktoberfest in Lovettsville, VA for the day. And then we're seeing Bob Schneider at Jammin Java at night. DH got me the tickets as part of my birthday gift.

Trying to think if anything else is new. Eh, not much. I'd love to find a new job, but I may try to get some certs first. Looking to get a Network+ and Security+ certs to begin with. Then eventually get into computer forensics, if I decide I like security.

Big news....

2006-06-30T09:30:00.000-04:00

Bob Schneider is touring with the Dixie Chicks. But unfortunately he cancelled his east coast tour, so I won't get to see him in July. I wanted to see the Chicks anyway (yes, I'm a fan... and their new cd is awesome) but their tickets are too darn expensive. Maybe I can beg for tickets as an early birthday present. But good for him... this is a huge deal. He's a small venue guy... just afraid he'll blow up and I won't be able to afford to see him anymore... I hate stadium concerts. I'm much more of a coffeehouse/small venue kinda gal. Even though in the big venues you get assigned seats and don't have to worry about getting pushed around or moshed with. But you'll still get that jackass in front of you who insists on dancing even when no one else is.... or won't take off their huge ass cowboy hat (yes you mister, at the Brad Paisley/JoDee Messina show at Westbury Music Fair).

A few more days before I find out if I'm pg or not. My temps went down the last two days, so I don't have a lot of hope. *sigh* Enough already!!!

I started up my red afghan again. I figure with nothing on tv this summer I can start it back up again. I don't like crocheting while watching tv, because I'm not talented enough to crochet without looking.

No more rain.... PLEASE!!!! Do we need to build an ark or what?

Lots of packing to do this weekend. I did some while DH was at his friends house. I do a better job when he's not around. I don't have to deal with stopping every minute when he asks "Do you need this?".

Ooooo I just finished "Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman yesterday. LOVED IT!!! He is one of my all time favorite writers. It was too short. His books are the type that you never want them to end. Check out "Good Omens" by him and Terry Pratchett. AWESOME! Or "Neverwhere", my favorite!
Since I finished it yesterday, I went and got another book from the library. I had a whole list of stuff to get, but they were all checked out. So I was trying so hard to remember what book I wanted to read that wasn't on my list... so I was just going up and down the aisles, when I turn my head, and there it was... the book I was looking for: "The Mermaid Chair" by Sue Monk Kidd. I loved "The Secret Life of Bees" so I wanted to check this one out. I'll let you know how it is.

Post here from now on....

2006-06-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

Too tough to keep up with two blogs... so I'll probably just keep posting to this one for crafty and personal stuff. So no need to wander off to my other one.

My current favorite CD's:
Brandi Carlile- a hint of Indigo Girls in her. Love it!
The Fray
KT Tunstall
Dixie Chicks new one. It really is a great CD.
and of course my Bob Schneider. (go to NOW)

Oooooo I went to see Bob in April (2nd time seeing him) and I got to meet him this time. Well I met him last time, but he only signed my Frunk (burned cd of that nights show) and I didn't have the nerve to actually say anything to him. I got all retarded and star struck. This time DH dragged me over to him after the show while he was talking to people. So when it was our turn we introduced ourselves, he shook my hand, and we chatted about his new cd and stuff. He was so nice. Do yourselves a favor and see him next time he's in your town. If you don't mind cursing and dirty lyrics (only on some songs) then you'll have a kickass time. Here is the pic of us:

Such a hottie. He's touring with Ari Hest for a few shows, but I'm pissed Ari won't be at the State Theater show. Not sure I can drive 3 hours just to see the two of them together.

I just got my hair cut while DH was away. He likes it. Funny, I like the left side, but not the right. The right side is a little too "bowl cut" for me. I like a choppy difference between the bangs and the rest of my hair. It's not horrible, but not exactly what I wanted. It's about chin length. I'll try and take some pics this weekend. It seems like every summer I chop my hair, then I grow it, then chop it again. I don't like it too long, gets too limp. I think I may try to go for the chunky highlights look. Kinda like Brandi Carlile did at one point. I can't find a good pic of it, so search yourself. :)

Bleh, found out we may be going to Clarendon Grill tomorrow. I'm so bored with that place. So many places in Arlington, but we have to keep going there? Not to mention there will be a DJ, not a band. I'm not a big fan of DJ music, I don't listen to "popular" music that much. And I don't like to dance! I'm more of a rocker/hippy chick. I like to watch bands, even if they are just cover bands. I usually know that music.

I hope we have Japanese food tonight. I can go for some Unagi Maki!

I finally got my hands on "Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman. Got it from the library because I'm not buying anymore books right now. Don't need more stuff to move. Good so far, only on the third chapter.

Let's try it again....

2006-06-15T19:54:00.001-04:00

Eh, time to try again this month. Flo found me last month. I swear I'm not sure how much longer I can stand this... off to have some green tea.

Took off the tagboard because I realized it was just another way for those spammers to get their crap seen. Bad spammers bad!!!

Gonna have a fun weekend... we have a couple of our friends (a married couple that is) coming in from NY to visit all of us. So tomorrow is ladies night, and Saturday should be a big ol' gang. Hope to go to Old Town tomorrow. I love Old Town.

I'll probably have more to say tomorrow... work has been slow lately... and I just plain don't want to work lately.

I saw all of Big Love while DH was in England. I love that show! At first I was so creeped out, but then you really sympathize with them. I feel so bad for Barb.

I went to a minor league baseball game last weekend, the Bowie Baysox (MD) vs. Binghampton Mets. Let's go Mets! Well DH's best friend wanted this certain players autograph, Mike Pelfrey. So we were waiting for him to come back out before the game but he never did. He ends up sitting in the stands with the pitching radar guy. So "S" sends me over to get his autograph... had to bring my friend with me because I felt sorta dumb. But we got his autograph on two balls and I talked to him just a tiny bit. Nice guy, and cute too. He's supposed to be picked up by the Mets very soon... a pitcher. He's 6'7". Good luck Mike!!!

And go David Wright!!! WOOHOO! My man is on a roll! Another homerun today! Yeah!!

I'm still around...

2006-06-02T10:37:00.000-04:00

Sorry, things have been busy lately.

I still have the same job. We have to move next month (EEK.. must start packing) because our apartment has gone condo. We're not ready to buy yet, plus I don't want to buy a condo. I want a townhouse. So maybe in a year or so we'll be ready.

DH is leaving for England today for business. Brighton (sp?). Then he'll visit an ex roommate in Liverpool. Told him to bring me some Beatles stuff. He'll be back the 13th. I'll be so lonely.

Not to mention I'm waiting for Aunt Flo to come. Or should I say... hoping she doesn't come. I would LOVE to surprise DH with a little Father's Day gift. So far I've been getting negative tests... but many people get late positives. If AF comes, I'm gonna get wasted and smoke cigarettes while DH is gone. :) hehe
7th month really trying... and I'm getting frustrated. :( A friend of ours is pregnant. *sigh* What can you do?

I'm trying to finish my crocheted afghan before this next winter. Taking a knitting break. I made a crocheted jacket thing from Interweave Crochet, but didn't like how it came out. Maybe the wrong yarn... i don't know. Maybe I can try again with different yarn. Then I knitted a shrug, to which the flutter like sleeve ends came out differently from each other. EH, don't know what to do with that. Maybe it'll be my walk the dog shrug. I want to make a crocheted shrug with lots of detail but I can't find a good pattern. If you know of one, let me know. And no fancy fur crap or anything like that. Hate that stuff.

I'll try and post more often. My life's getting a little more interesting... so I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for asking about me Kelly :)

2005-10-22T09:36:00.000-04:00

I've been a bad bad blogger. I haven't kept up with posting or reading my favorites.
I just started a new job a couple weeks ago. WOOHOO!
I put my knittycardi on hold because it's getting tedious. I'm starting a cowl neck sweater out of Homespun now. I finished the back and am almost done with the front. I'll post the book I'm using later on. I just got up so be patient. :) NEED COFFEE!!!!
I also want to start the Blackberry from knitty.com as soon as I get some yarn for it. I love it!
I'll also be getting back to painting soon since I have an order from a friend for some nameplates for kids room doors. Have to go to AC Moore to see what they have for signs.
I'll update the rest of my page later, I promise.
Off to update my personal blog.

Not much new

2005-06-02T09:19:00.000-04:00

on the knitting front. Still working on my Ribby Cardi, but not so much lately with the packing and stuff.

But some good news... I can go visit Knit Happens once I move! YAY! I've been wanting to go there, and now I'll be sort of close. Maybe not until I get a job though.

Here's my sweater

2005-04-14T09:24:00.000-04:00

Finally got the pic off the camera.

I'm trying to resize in photobucket but it's not working... bear with me.

Now I'm working on my ChicKnits RibbyCardi. Don't bother emailing her if you have any questions, she is of no help!! Yes I'm annoyed with her. I simply asked "If I'm doing a size *whatever* how many stitches to I end up with on my needle after *this many* decreases at *this point* of the pattern" or something along those lines. She says she can't help without the item in front of her. Are you kidding? You wrote the darn pattern... look up how many stitches I'm supposed to start with and figure out after *so many* decreases, how many am I left with. It's not a problem you need the sweater in front of you for. It's math. I'm sure it was a dumb question, but it was an easy dumb question. I just wanted to make sure I did it right. So I just did it my own way since she was no help. I'll never buy a pattern from her again!! I've seen MANY people who had the same problem. Doesn't that tell you something? Revise the pattern and post the fix on your site.

sorry...

2005-03-24T13:47:00.000-05:00

Been a little busy lately. But I'm back now!

I finished my Easy Street sweater. I'll have to post the pics in a day or so. YAY!
I started the Ribby Cardi. I finished the back, now doing the front left side.

Let me go update my personal blog now. More stuff on that end.

At the home stretch...

2005-01-24T11:54:00.000-05:00

I put aside my Cable knit sweater for awhile because the sleeves are just too difficult to do right now. So I started the Easy Street sweater. I am up to the LAST SLEEVE!! WOOHOOO! Then it's time to sew it all together. I'll try and post pics of what I've done so far. DH keeps leaving the camera at work.
And I also put aside the Tempting sweater since I don't plan on wearing it till next Christmas. ACTUALLY, maybe I will finish it so I can wear it for Valentines Day (it's red) !! Ok, back to the sweater I go.

Happy Holidays!

2004-12-28T10:22:00.000-05:00

a little late.
Haven't written due to the busyness of this season.
Updates--
Was almost done with my 'Tempting" sweater but didn't like how it came out. The gauge kept fluctuating and it was too loose for the most part. So I frogged it and started again. I'm almost done with it now and it looks so much better this time around. Hopefully it will be done by New Years. Now I wish I had picked the blue, since I couldn't finish it for Christmas. Eh, I'll just have to make another one for spring.
I did a few of the headbands I mentioned. They came out really nice and they are so fast and easy.
I'm finished with the front and back of my cable sweater I started a while back, now I'm doing the sleeves.
Didn't get any crafty stuff for Christmas, except a Rag Shop gift cert. I don't like the Rag Shop but my father in law is an idiot. He was supposed to get me an ACMoore cert, according to DH. Now I have to see if they sell good needles there or books, because they don't really have yarn I like. Maybe I can sell it on ebay and get money to go to AC Moore. hehe
I still have a B&N gift cert from my birthday. What knitting books should I get?? hmmmm I'd love to get a journal. And I may get the Vogue Knitting Quick Reference book.

I'll try and post pics once I take some.
I'll post more on the holidays in my other blog.

Found new LYS!!

2004-12-09T13:56:00.000-05:00

I'll give you the long version.
I realized last night, after coming back from ACMoore with some of their brand of Cashmerino for the 'Tempting' sweater, that I didn't have the right needle for it. It needed a 24" #8, I had a 30". So I did some research to try and find a place to get the needle that is closer than ACMoore (it's a pain to get to this time of year). I came across a listing on the Berrocco website for this yarn store in Valley Stream (where I work). I put that in my mental Rolodex for a future hunt. Then I found there was a Walmart near work. So I told Dh that i wanted to go there to check it out. He had the car today due to a meeting in Brooklyn. So he came at lunchtime and picked me up and brought me to Walmart. On the way I found the yarn store I had found. I squealed and said "Ooooo I have to go there sometime!!". We get to Walmart and ugh it's the worst Walmart I've ever been to, well it's not the nicest area. They didn't have my needles. So I begged DH to take me to the LYS I saw. I was a little worried they would charge an arm and a leg for the needles since it's a small shop. I go in and it is yarn heaven. The walls have cubbies that are filled with yarn. So many different kinds! The woman was so nice, the prices were pretty reasonable (5.99 for Debbie Bliss Soho that I want in the future). My needles were 5.99 too. She told me her hours (open till 5) and that they usually stay open past closing if I needed to go there (except on Fridays which I don't blame her). She had the Daisy needles I've been checking out and I think they had some Addis which I want to try. So I told her if I wasn't on my lunch break I'd be there for hours. Plus DH was waiting for me parked illegally. I'll definitely go back there. And it's two minutes from work. I think I'll be taking a trip tomorrow! :) hehehe
I have to plug it-- (maybe if they find this I'll get a discount) lol
The Knitting Store & more
232 Rockwaway Ave
Valley Stream, NY

MORE YARN!!!

2004-12-08T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hubbys gonna kill me. Eh, what he doesn't know won't hurt him. :) They just had this yarn released at elann (some Gjestal Naturgarn) which is the same as UpCountry pretty much. And it's cheaper. Well, there are a few things I want to make with that yarn, and I saw that one of the pretty blues was selling out QUICK, so I had to grab a bunch for a turtleneck I want to make (eventually). And I had to get some Peruvian wool for my Knitty Cardi (chicknits)I want to make. I'm doing it in a Sand for the sleeves and some blue that I forgot the name of (which is sold out). That kind of yarn is selling out fast too, so I had to get some while it lasts. How often do they get this yarn? Is it there all the time? There is even more I want to get, but I have to pace myself. But if I see the color I want starting to disappear, I will go ahead and buy some. I also got myself a couple casein needles just to see what it's all about. They were cheap and I needed that size for the cardi.
I'm off to ACMoore later today to see how much their sort of version of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran costs. I want to make the 'Tempting' sweater from knitty. for the holidays. Maybe a red with white ribbon? DH said Red with green ribbon, but that's a little TOO Christmasy. Don't want to look like an elf. I'm also getting MIL a gift cert from there. She's gotten into knitting again recently.
I wanted to go see the Long Island Choral Society do Handel's Messiah this Sunday, but not sure I can make it. We may be going out for my dad's birthday. But that won't be till after 6, so I have to see how long the Messiah is. My mom used to sing in the Choral Society when she lived in NY. Even DH was going to go with me, and he's Jewish. Then he was upset that it wasn't on Christmas eve. He said we should go somewhere to sing songs on xmas eve... how funny is that? A Jew wants to go to church on Christmas eve. Eh, he's a bad Jew anyway. I had to light the electric menorah last night since he was dozing on the couch. He never got to light the real candle one we have. Maybe tonight he'll stay awake. We got our tree on Saturday, and decorated it Sat. night. He gets as excited as I do over that. And I bought a Christmas Cactus too. It was so cute, so I had to have one. And it was on sale. I'll take a pic of it later. Maybe I should name it Audrey II. :) hehe I was watching that movie this weekend. I love it.

Uh oh, I went yarn crazy!

2004-12-05T08:37:00.000-05:00

I was on a mission to find a few yarns yesterday. Patons Shetland Chunky, Patons UpCountry, and Classic Elite Lush. Went to Smileys, KnitWit(in Bayside, the woman working there was a witch. DH knocked down two skeins of yarn and she goes "Look, you're knocking all my yarn down." We both look at her thinking she's joking and she's dead serious. So we left immediately. Not getting my business. Store was tiny and had nothing anyway), and Fabric Bonanza (overpriced and doesn't have squat). None of them had any of the yarn I needed. So I ended up going online and found Joanns had the Patons yarn on sale. And I had a 20% off coupon in my email. Then I went to Patternworks and elann and went crazy.

I got 14 skeins of Peruvian Highland wool in Starlight blue from elann (they are 1.75 oz skeins) and one in Lotus Blossom just to see the color. The blue is for a cabled cardigan from the Street Smart pattern book.
I got some Classic Elite Lush from Patternworks in Natural, some blue color, and the green. I plan on making this headband with it from a pattern from knitty.com as gifts for a couple people (and me).
And I got Shetland Chunky in Frosted Rose to make the Easy Street sweater. And some Patons Classic Wool in Burgundy to make a knitting needle case (may try to sell on ebay if it's not done in time for xmas.)
I'll take some pretty pics when the shipments come. I'm so excited.

And instead of the UpCountry, I want to get Gjestal Naturgarn No. 1 that's going to be on sale soon at elann. It's the same texture and weight as UpCountry, a lot cheaper and has a lot more colors. I'm going to be busy for the next few years. :)

Officially addicted to knitting

2004-12-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

I was shopping for yarn in my dream last night. My mother-in-law and I were at a craft store looking for new yarn, I was even carrying a needle around with me in the store.
If anyone actually reads this, I'd like to know how you knit. Do you "throw" or "pick"? My mother in law said I was knitting "the wrong way". I throw. I looked it up, and there is no right or wrong way. People just do it differently. And the traditional "pickers" are very snobby and elitest about it. I wanted to smack her. I tried doing it the pick way and I was all clumsy. I finally figured how to do it, but I don't like it. I think I knit much faster "throwing" it.

I want my booklets! I can't wait.

More stuff to do

2004-12-02T17:47:00.000-05:00

I'm having fun doing my sweater and I'm already looking into what I want to do next. So first I was searching for a sweater jacket kind of thing which led me to look at Patons site. I knew they had wool yarns so thought I'd check out their pattern books. I found a couple that had sweaters that I really liked. The Street Smart one has the "easy street" sweater I've seen a few bloggers doing. And a jacket I want to try is in the Urban one. They have two coats I like (one is on the cover) and a nice turtleneck sweater. So I ordered them and now am searching for a cheap place for yarn. Maybe I'll check AC Moore.

I'm looking into joining Crafters Choice book club, they had a few nice knitting books in there. They also have cookbooks, fitness books, crochet, painting, and lots of other crafts. I tried to join but there was an error, so I'm waiting to hear back from them.

Finished back of sweater

2004-11-30T09:28:00.000-05:00

Woohoo!!! I finished it last night. I can now start on the front, but I have to get some more yarn.

I think I'm going to retire from painting for awhile. Some annoying people had to ruin the fun of it. I had a bunch of stuff to custom make from that home show I did. Well my sister in law kept asking me when it was going to be done because people are asking. How about telling them that I have a life and I'm not painting 24/7. I have a full time job and do all the cooking and cleaning in my house. Some of these things need multiple coats so that takes time. Plus last week was Thanksgiving and I was a little busy preparing and cooking for that. Then there was the other craft fair I had to paint things for. You know it's not an overnight process. And I wish my sister in law could have told them that instead of bugging me. I don't need to hear it. PLUS she asked DH when the stuff would be ready and I told him and he told her. Then she asks me later that day. HELLO??? Didn't your brother just tell you this before? So I tell her they'll be ready next week (this was on Thanksgiving). So yesterday she tells me that a woman asked when the stuff will be done. PITA!!! I told you last week, and had just sent you an email yesterday. How freaking dense are you??? (She really is by the way. She can be a whiny, immature, moronic b**ch!) One of these ladies, the one who keeps asking when stuff will be done, wants me to paint some stuff she already has. Well guess what. I'm not doing it. And if I change my mind and decide to do it, it won't be till after the holidays. I have enough stress without dealing with people asking 100 times when their stuff will be done. It just really annoyed me and really made not want to paint anymore. I'd much rather concentrate on candles and knitting/crocheting. So that's where I'm at now.

Here are A LOT of pics.

2004-11-24T15:53:00.000-05:00

Since I've fallen behind, here are more pics than you can probably handle.
Some are WIP's, finished scarf, craft show stuff.

Did it dark so you can see the pattern better.

changed template

2004-11-22T13:02:00.000-05:00

The pink was getting to me so I thought I'd simplify this blog. Eventually I'll create an original template, but until then... how's this?

Free patterns

2004-11-22T11:36:00.000-05:00

Get yourself to ACMoore. The one by me had a free little booklet with Lion brand patterns. It had a really cute hat, a shrug, wrap, flower, and maybe something else. I bought some Lionbrand Wool Ease Chunky in Fisherman to make my first knitted sweater. I'm taking a risk and am trying a cable one from LB. The pattern called for Homespun but I don't like how it gets all fuzzy after wearing it a lot. So far it's coming out pretty nicely. I was having problems with one stitch (a Right Twist) because I didn't know what to knit on the wrong side. After making a few rows of boo boos and emailing LB, I found the correct way to do it. Just purl the wrong side. So the bottom few rows are wrong, but I really don't care. You can't really notice it TOO much, and it's just a bum around sweater anyway. I really didn't want to frog the whole thing. It was too much work.
If I really like it, I'll make a nicer one the right way. Plus I've been eyeing some sweaters from Patternworks and some from Debbie Bliss's new book (seven). So many projects, so little time!
I will TRY TRY TRY to post some pics when I get home tonight.
I also got another $4 bag from them. So now I have one for crochet projects and one for knit. :) Very happy.

I'm sorry, I lied

2004-11-19T14:42:00.000-05:00

I didn't post pics yesterday. I wasn't feeling so hot for some reason, so I laid down to take a nap, then woke up when DH got home. Then I was lazy all night. I just had a headache and was feeling very tired.
Tonight I'm probably hitting AC Moore! At least that's what's on the agenda tonight. We're going to Burlington to get some pants for DH, Baseline Hobbies for some hobby stuff for DH (he does model planes and is in a show this Saturday), and then ACMoore and Quiznos for dinner. MMMMM Love Quiznos! I usually get the stuff on the healthy menu, but I feel like being fatty tonight.
But first I'm getting my hair cut. I'm in dire need. I haven't cut it in about 5 months. At this point my hair stops cooperating and just hangs there. Bleh!

I promise you...

2004-11-18T08:41:00.000-05:00

I'll post some pics tonight. I'll post my knitted scarf, some craft show stuff, and anything else I feel like taking a picture of.
WOOHOO!! The ACMoore opened up by us. I LOVE that store. It puts Michaels to shame. I'm going to bring my mother in law there this weekend. We both want to try to knit a sweater. I need to find a fairly simple pattern now. Maybe with cables, I love cables.

Icky fair!

2004-11-15T13:22:00.000-05:00

The fair I did was really a Flea Market. Did not know this when I signed up. There was not much foot traffic and a lot of people were just looking. All the vendors were complaining about poor sales, so I felt better that it wasn't just me. Also, a lot of the vendors looked like they were holding a garage sale. I did make the table back so that was good. And also a few people took the flyers my creative hubby made. He really should switch to marketing. People may end up calling me for custom orders, we'll see. But it was a fun day anyway, despite the poor turnout and the REALLY annoying lady next to us.

Eek, another craft fair!

2004-11-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

My father in law saw an ad in the paper for a local craft fair at a high school for this Sunday from 10-4 (Holy Cross for the NYers, come and see me! lol). DH had called them today to get some info and it's only $30 a table, and there is plenty of room. So he wanted to know if I'd want to do it. I figured, what do I have to lose? I have a lot of stuff painted already. I can paint a few more things Friday and Saturday. I have to go to Michaels tomorrow anyway, I can pick up some more votive holders and some boxes maybe. I can bring all my candles. I'm always scared about these things.

Scarf for hubby

2004-11-09T09:47:00.000-05:00

He's really ticking me off. I showed him some knit patterns that I can do for his scarf. So I start doing a ribbed one and it's hard to see the pattern with Homespun. So I asked him if he still wants it that way or a garter stich. He says he doesn't care. I ask him if it's too thick or too thin... he doesn't know. He tells me to decide. I tell him "YOU'RE the one that has to wear it!!". So I think I'm just going to do a garter stitch for his scarf. Unless you can think of any nice knit patterns that can be seen in the Homespun yarn. I'm at the point where I may just crochet it. *sigh* I don't know.

My craft show

2004-11-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

It went pretty well. There were a couple people that couldn't make it. I was so mad I forgot my camera, so I stopped at a grocery store and bought a disposable one. A lot of the things that I thought would sell didn't. But I made about $200 so it was pretty good. And maybe I'll get some more customers word of mouth. I got a lot of good feedback and people saying I should open a store. That's my dream, to someday open a craft or craft consignment store. I took some custom orders that I have to fill. I mostly sold ornaments, candles (but not the jar candles, just votives and tarts), votive holders, a few painted plates, some boxes, and the hurricane in the pic I posted. Didn't sell the big items like the cake dome, cheese dome, oil bottles, wine caddy, mailbox or trifle bowl. Or the painted windows. That's ok though, because now I have a lot of items I can sell at craft fairs. I may look into doing one in December. I would always have to rush to paint stuff before a show, but now I have a lot done already. I'm going to take some better pics with my SLR camera and maybe make a sort of catalog. This way I can give it to people like my mother in law so she can bring it to work. Maybe even make a website at some point. Not sure ebay would be a good way to go since people usually look for bargains there. We'll see. I'll take some digital pics of the stuff that didn't sell and I'll post them later on.

Town and Country poncho or capelet.. whatever

2004-11-04T11:19:00.000-05:00

I was in Michaels getting some more ornaments last week, and I was wearing my poncho. This woman came up to me and asked me if I made it and she said she loved it. She was obviously a crocheter so we were talking about where I got the pattern, if it was easy, what stitch and so on. It made me happy that someone liked it. :) It's funny, I can also tell which ponchos out there are homemade. I saw a young girl wearing what looked like the fun fur trimmed one from Lionbrand. It looked really cute.

One more day!

2004-11-04T09:09:00.000-05:00

EEEK! I have only tonight left to paint. I don't have that much left to do really. But I'm just so worried that I don't have enough variety in the surfaces and designs. I should have done more wood maybe. I will give people the option to custom order stuff, but I'm afraid I'll get too many orders and be a slave to my craft room 'til Christmas. I guess it is easier to make something when I have a specific order, because the hardest part for me is coming up with a design and layout.
My sister in law is coming over to help me with the pricing. She is also helping me tomorrow since it IS her co worker that I'm doing this for. So nervous. I hate speaking in front of people. WINE... need lots of it! LOL

The geniuses at Bitter Creek sent my candle boxes and stickers to the wrong address. At first I thought maybe it was my mistake. But no, it was theirs. First I called them and got a machine, so I left a frustrated message. Then they called me back and said they'd have to call me back tomorrow (today) and see what they can do. I didn't trust them to get a new shipment to me in time for Friday so I made DH come with me to try and get it from the other house. Luckily they were just getting home, and we didn't have to beg for them to give it to us. DH says I shouldn't tell Bitter Creek that we got it, but I'm too honest to do that. UPDATE--- I called them, I was honest, and she said she'll give me some kind of credit for my next order for the inconvenience. I like that! I hate when you have to beg to get conpensated for a vendors mistake. They are alright by me! :) All is forgiven.

So busy!

2004-11-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

I've been creating like a maniac the last few days. I haven't been able to rest like I should (i'm sick). I made a bunch of candles yesterday, and painted a few more things. Gotta do more everyday this week up to Friday. I hope my new scents arrive soon! I want to be able to at least supply them with a sample to smell. So far I've made: Pink Sugar, Warm Vanilla Sugar, Macintosh, Fresh & Clean, Grandmas Kitchen, Hydrangea, and Lavender Vanilla. I'm so mad, my Christmas tree Fragrance oil is backordered. Oh well, I'm sure people know what it will smell like. And I trust this company.
Maybe I'll post more pics later.

I love my new yarn!

2004-10-26T08:20:00.000-04:00

Here's a pic of it (courtesy of toadal from ebay):

I wound it into a ball before I could take a pic. I'm making a skinny scarf out of it but I'm not sure if its too skinny. I cast on 16 stitches, and then I'm k2 p2 with size 10 needles (the biggest I have right now). Not too original but hey, it's my second knitted thing. My next scarf will be cables. I'm debating whether to frog it and make it a little thicker. I'm just worried about running out of yarn. Then again, she does have more in this color, but since it's hand dyed it may vary. Any advice??

I love the colors!! It has dark pink, light pink, orangey color, and almost a camel color. It will look great with my new black/off white reversible Old Navy coat, or even my camel colored pea coat. I'll post a pic of my progress later.

Pics! YAY!

2004-10-21T17:35:00.000-04:00

The two following are vinegar bottles:

This is a wine caddy, put it on a bottle neck and put glasses in the two small notches:

A stool I did for a friends baby (I didn't take a finished pic, DUMMY!):

Hurricane:

A box- the top will be lemons:

My blanket edge:

"Pink Sugar" type candle:

Red afghan:

My crafting corner in the den:

I TRIED to take pictures

2004-10-21T08:14:00.000-04:00

But my battery needs to be recharged. So later on tonight I'll post pics of the blue blanket I FINALLY finished, and some glass items I painted. I have to try and do some more painting tonight. I figured I'd paint one of each item, each with a different design. Then I can give the option of custom painting the items with whatever pattern they choose. This way I don't have too many pieces wasted, and have to go out and buy more surfaces.
I had a problem with my warm vanilla sugar votives. The sides had black markings on it from the votive molds. I don't know why, I had cleaned them. No biggie. I just have to clean them better, and remelt the votives and try again. The tarts came out ok, so that's how I know it's not the batch of wax I used. Hmmmm, what scent should I make next?
My moms mad that I can knit. LOL My mom and I were talking about how we'd like to learn to knit. My mom was thinking of taking classes at the local AC Moore. I'm more of a do-it-yourselfer. I learned from reading the book. So I emailed her to tell her I can knit now. Now she says I have to teach her.

Oooo new yummy yarn!!!

2004-10-20T19:06:00.000-04:00

I just bought some Colinette One Zero yarn, it says color 56 but I don't know what it is. It's got pink, yellow maybe, all different colors in it. I want to make a scarf or hat, or both. I'll post a pic as soon as I get it. I got it on ebay from my favorite yarn vendor so far, toadal. I've gotten yarn from them before with no problems at all. I can't wait to get it!!! I want to check the LYS to see how much they sell it for. I plan on getting more Colinette, I just LOVE their colors!

Him and his big mouth

2004-10-15T13:34:00.000-04:00

My husband was at a street fair outside his office with some co-workers. They passed by some ponchos that the girls liked, and he goes "Oh, Tracy can make even nicer ones." So now a couple people want me to make some. And I have my co-worker wanting a shawl. And I have my show coming up. AHHHHH! I'll try and get some painting out of the way before I start the ponchos. Now for pricing. I'll have to research on ebay, and take in account the yarn cost. Maybe charge the yarn then a tiny bit for labor, since they are friends, sort of.
It's time to post more pics. I'll take some of my Town and Country poncho and the scarf I'm knitting.

Another thing finished

2004-10-08T10:06:00.000-04:00

I finished my Town and Country Poncho, just have to sew on the flower. I love this color. I have a whole skein and a half left over, so I can make myself yet ANOTHER scarf. I'm going to have a scarf for every outfit. I have one in Homespun Regency. Making another in Homespun...ummm... shoot i forgot the name of the color. And I'm knitting one in Wool Ease Wheat. And I'll probably make one in the Baroque color. I have to get myself a black winter coat so I can make any color scarf I want. Right now I have an olive color coat, so it can be tough finding pretty yarn that wouldn't clash. (Clashing could be a fashion statement, couldn't it? BAH to matching I say!)

I'm ALMOST done with my blue afghan, but one part of the border is really stumping me. I'm at the second to last round of it.

I think I should hold off on the ponchos right now. When I told my husband I was going to make the Town & Country one, he says "No more! We have no room!". LOL Silly man. I guess my two shawls and three ponchos will have to do. (Until I find a new pattern that I just HAVE TO make).

I'll take a pic of my town & country when the flower is put on it. I hope to wear it this weekend. We're going to Virginia for a 30th birthday party. It's chocolate themed!!! MMMMMM! Everyone has to bring their favorite chocolate dessert. I'm making "Chocolatey Raspberry Crumb bars " from Nestle (making them without nuts in case someone is allergic). My sister in law makes them and they are OH SO yummy. I love anything with chocolate and raspberry. I would have made my real favorite chocolate dessert, fudgy brownies with chocolate chips (or hershey kisses), NO NUTS, but I'm sure SOMEONE will bring brownies. I wanted to make something different.

Here are the pics.

2004-10-06T10:24:00.001-04:00

Hiawatha Poncho

Bag for $4

Poncho

Town and Country Poncho in Baroque and my ebay buy came today!!! YAY! All my hooks fit in it. Very roomy.

Yarn for scarves and afghan

Painted stuff for my show

Another great ebay find!

2004-10-04T10:41:00.000-04:00

I bought myself a new crochet hook holder for my Crystalites hooks. I have that ugly blueish Boye hook holder right now thats holding my Bates metal ones. But I got one from.... maybe I shouldn't share so you don't outbid me hehe... I plan on getting a knitting needle one too. (ok fine, it's from seller boogybags) They are so cute! Here's a pic. I should probably get another one so I can get rid of my Boye one.

I'm going to run to Michaels today since Homespun is on sale. I want to make the Lion Brand town & country poncho. Don't know why since I don't like the ponchos I've made so far. I'll keep trying till I make one I like. I had made one out of Divine yarn (asymetrical type poncho, two rectangles sewn together), but I don't really like the way it hangs. Too bulky. Guess I could have used a larger hook, but I didn't feel like frogging it. I'll keep it as an around the house poncho. The Hiawatha poncho isn't coming out as nice as StitchDivas picture. It's too bumpy in the back, it doesn't hang nicely either. Too stiff, maybe acrylic would have been better? Maybe blocking it will help with the bumpyness. We'll see when it's finished. It's almost done. I also want to get some WoolEase to knit myself a scarf. I hope to get my needles from Joanns this week.

I got a Barnes & Noble gift certificate for my birthday. I want to get a nice crochet or knitting book. Something modern.

I've been procrastinating with the pics. Sorry. I'll post some pics tonight of the bag I got for $4 at ACMoore. And maybe of my two ponchos. I'll also take pics of the stuff I'm working on for my private show.

Which reminds me I have to go to Bed Bath and Beyond tonight to buy some cake plates, olive oil bottles, trifle bowls, and anything else I may be able to paint. I'm going to try and concentrate on glass stuff for my show since it's a lot easier to prep and paint. I'll post pics as I finish stuff. So far I painted a lazy susan with poinsettas, and a vase with holly, pine needles, and stripes. I'm so stressed about getting stuff done in time. The show will probably be early November. I also have to think of games to make it fun. Make it like a PartyLite party, or Home Interiors. I think I'll make giveaways and hostess gifts. I'll paint tons of votive holders. I'll probably sell candles too. I need to get laid off so I can do all this!

uh oh... new poncho!

2004-09-30T13:29:00.000-04:00

Lion Brand has a new poncho/capelet I'm loving!! The Town and Country one. Must go get Homespun so I can make it. I love the color Baroque.

Love birthday money!

2004-09-27T09:41:00.000-04:00

I went crazy this weekend at the craft stores. I got the last 5 skeins of Autumn Red Simply Soft for our bedroom afghan(my mom was mad, she wanted that color too! LOL oh well) . A craft bag for $4 at AC Moore for my yarn crafts. One pair of circular knitting needles (don't like em... gonna go buy some straight ones later today). A small book from Walmart on how to knit, and some cool patterns... put out by Lion Brand. Some more yarn to finish my poncho (which i finished last night, just have to do the fringe). A couple bamboo crochet hooks. A couple skeins of Homespun for a new scarf for hubby. And I bought some small crochet hooks and some thread so I can try thread crocheting. My moms going to send me a table runner pattern.
I'm teaching myself to knit now. I got the knit and purl down, now I have to practice making patterns like ribbing and stuff. I see so many patterns I love and they turn out to be knitted. So I decided I have to learn that too! I love the cable knit ponchos, I'm trying to find a pattern for it. If anyone has any, let me know. :) Thanks.

Hiawatha Poncho

2004-09-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

I started this last night since I got my yarn in the mail yesterday. Not sure I'm crazy about the color (Taupe Reynolds Lopi) but maybe once it's all done it will look nice. I'm using off white and burgundy to weave into it (to match my new favorite shoes!).
I've been slacking with the pics lately, but I'll try to take and post some tonight.
I'm still waiting for my yarn to finish my Celebrity Shawl and my plastic crochet hooks. I love Herrschners, but their shipping times really stink! I've already received 2 packages from things that I ordered elsewhere DAYS AFTER I ordered from Herrschners. I had to cancel a shipment with them once since they were taking WEEKS to ship it.
And I'm mad at my wax distributor, they sent me the wrong wax! grrrrr I want to make my McIntosh Candles already!
And now I'm debating what yarn to make my asymmetrical poncho out of. Mohair? Boucle? Acrylic? And what color? I may do a black first. See how it comes out.

Love ebay!!

2004-09-17T14:49:00.000-04:00

I just bought some yarn, Reynolds Lopi, so I can start on my Hiawatha Poncho. I can't wait to get it. Wow, i'm going to be racing home everyday just to get the mail. I've ordered so much stuff in the last few days.
I'm signing off for the weekend. Sunday is my birthday, and I think there's a whole weekend of activities planned... (or not, DH won't tell me). We are going to see "The Producers" tonight, so that should be fun!!! YAY!! I'll be sure to take pics of the hats I made and post them by Monday.
Have a good weekend!!

2004-09-16T09:14:00.000-04:00

Didn't buy anything at Michaels or Joanns last night. They have a very poor selection of yarn. It may be better in your areas, but our stores stink. They didn't even have the wood sleighs I needed. I have to go back to Treasure Island. Best so far. Maybe take a trip out to Smileys soon too! I really want to go there.
I can't believe Herrschners sells the Red Heart Super Saver for more than Michaels and Joanns. I thought Herrschners was discounted. I guess only on some things.

oops

2004-09-15T13:47:00.001-04:00

double post. Didn't mean to do that.

My new hat

2004-09-15T13:47:00.000-04:00

I did the X's and O's hat last night, and I LOVE IT!!!! It looks so cute on me if I do say so myself. I have so much of this yarn (and it was Homespun Regency, not whatever I said before) I'm just going to keep making hats. I'll give my stepmother her choice of hats. I already have a scarf made out of it, but it's getting a bit fuzzy. I had made a hat last year but it disappeared. I'll make sure I post a pic later, and I'll take pics of it on my head.

I'm on my way to Michaels later to maybe get some Red Heart Super Saver yarn on sale.

My husband gave me a good talking to about my hesitance to do the craft show. He told me not to be so hard on myself and having your own business CAN be stressful sometimes. So I'm going to try and psych myself into doing some painting soon. I have to get some surfaces from Michaels and Artistsclub.com. I'm just afraid of not doing a good job or no one liking anything I do. But I'll try and get past that. I'll post pics as I get some things done. I also got some nice fragrances from this website for my candlemaking. Figured I can sell some candles at this thing too. I just bought Hydrangea (Yankee type, my favorite smell), Warm Vanilla Sugar (B&BW type), Lavender Vanilla, and Pink Sugar (hear it's the new hot fragrance now). We'll see how good their stuff smells before I buy more. And I just bought some more wax. Ahhh I love being able to shop and convince DH that I NEED this stuff for my business. HEHE!

Frogging away

2004-09-14T14:42:00.000-04:00

I just started making the Reverse Crochet hat from Lion Brands site, and it's just a pain in the butt, so I frogged it. Reverse sc-ing in front loop hurts my hands. So looks like I'll just make another of the one I posted before, or Dot's X's and O's hat. (I plan on making that one anyway.) I'll give my stepmom a choice of hats since the one I made might be too small for her (I have a small head).
Oooooo I have to try and make mittens! I love mittens! Add that to my list of things to do.
And thanks for all the compliments on my shawl. :)

Almost done

2004-09-13T10:31:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty much finished with my Celebrity Shawl. I just ran out of yarn for the LAST bit of fringe! That's ok, i had ordered more just in case since it's discontinued yarn. (I'll sell the extra on ebay or something). I'll get a pic up later on. I may also do new fringe, and make it longer. Not sure I like the short fringe.
Check out my buttons... I'm going to make more using my work as backgrounds. I'd like to use my wedding bouquet as background too.. that would be pretty. I'm just learning how to use Paintshop so bear with me.

Here's the shawl.

I have my work cut out for me....

2004-09-11T16:18:00.000-04:00

I painted these wine glasses for my sister in laws bosses wedding present. Well this woman there went crazy over them and is insisting that I do a private craft show with her friends (who are quite rich I've heard). So I have to paint some samples. Not sure when I should have the show because a lot of it will probably be Christmas stuff, so I have to give myself time to get every order done before then. At first I was hesitant, because I'm not very confident with my work, but I decided what the heck. She wouldn't let it drop with my sis in law. Now I have to buy some more surfaces. (I'm still not quite sure I want to do it)
I'm almost done with my Celebrity Shawl. I'll be sure to put up a pic when it's done. I have to pick a design for the bedroom afghan I want to do. Unfortunately I've been banned from buying anything before my birthday (one more week), since I will probably get gift certificates (I always ask for Michaels, but I may want an ACMoore one for when I visit my mom).

You are Merino Wool.
You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to
keep you close because you are so softhearted.
You love to be comfortable and warm from your
head to your toes.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

The pics I promised

2004-09-10T18:45:00.000-04:00

Here's the hat. Lion Brand Homespun

And here is my Debbie Bliss yarn I got on sale. In olive... i'm making the Celebrity Shawl with it. And here is the progress of the shawl.

One more thing done

2004-09-10T08:31:00.000-04:00

I finished my stepmothers hat. I'll take some pics later to show.
I'm so bad, I just bought some new crochet hooks. I had to get more yarn just to make sure I had enough for my shawl (it's discontinued yarn and colors are disappearing), so I figured to make most of the shipping cost I can get hooks. I got the plastic Susan Bates 9 hook set. It was only $8 or so. Not bad if you ask me.
I just arranged all my patterns in a looseleaf. I had been printing all these patterns off the web and they've been scattered all over the place. So i punched holes in them at work, and put them in a looseleaf that already had some crochet booklets in them. I put tabbed dividers in, like "Clothing", "Afghans", "Accessories", etc. Yes, I'm a VERY organized person. Sometimes almost "Monica" like. Hey, someone in my house has to be!! hehe

Decisions Decisions

2004-09-08T17:36:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to pick a color to do Stitch Divas new Hiawatha Poncho. I've narrowed it down to Reynolds Lopi, but don't know what color to pick. Oatmeal or wheat heather maybe... I've noticed I can't find the Taupe Heather (sold at a certain yarn site) anywhere else... which makes me think they made that name up so you don't go elsewhere to find it. ("Oh, i can't find it anywhere, guess i'll buy it here")
YAY i got my yarn today... I'll post a pic later. I'm making the Celebrity Shawl out of it.
I thought I'd post a pic of our wedding favors i made. Painted flower pots with wildflower seed packets. And glued a bow around each one.

I made another blog where I can just complain or talk about life. I'll keep this one mainly craft stuff. The link is over there in the sidebar. --->
I'll be back with more pics later.

.

Guilty Pleasures

2004-09-07T14:07:00.000-04:00

Some things that make me happy, but am mocked for liking:
The Real World (Philly tonight!!)
Ashlee Simpson
Teen movies (in the 80's it was cool, now I'm just a dork lol)
i know there's more... let me think.

What are yours?

Fall is coming!

2004-09-07T10:29:00.000-04:00

I love Autumn! I know it hasn't officially begun, but once September comes I consider it fall. I went through my first fall metamorphasis. I dyed my hair! Natural Instincts Cinnaberry. I love being a redhead. For the fall I either pick dark brown or auburn colors for my hair. And only temporary dyes since I can't be bothered with roots.

*sigh* I can't stand the people i work with. They're annoying me with their stupidity. Help me get out of here!

Happy Labor Day!

2004-09-06T11:48:00.000-04:00

I can't wait to get my yarn already so I can start Stitch Divas shawl!! I guess I should concentrate on finishing this afghan first. I just bought her new fall poncho. Now i have to find yarn for it.
I'm watching "St. Elmos Fire" right now. I used to LOVE this movie! I had such a crush on Judd Nelson and Andrew McCarthy. I have quirky taste.
So what is everyone doing this weekend? I just got back from PA last night. Had a family bbq with stepmoms side of family.
Still haven't found jobs in VA yet. My husband and I are looking to move since it is waaaaaay too expensive to live in NY. We would never be able to buy a house. So we've been applying for jobs but have had no luck. I want to move already so we can be one step closer to having kids. hehe

2004-09-06T11:44:00.000-04:00

Here's a "Warm and Wonderful" afghan i'm making now. I'm about 70 rows into it. I'll post again when it's finished. Caron Simply Soft in Light Country blue.
current project

2004-09-06T11:26:00.000-04:00

afghan closeup

2004-09-06T11:25:00.000-04:00

afghan
Here's an afghan i made a year or so ago. Red Heart Soft (country rose or something like that)

2004-09-06T11:24:00.000-04:00

shawl
Here's my version of the shawl from "Along came Polly". Just a basic honeycomb stitch. I may add more fringe to it... not sure yet.

Welcome to my blog.

2004-09-03T13:12:00.000-04:00

This is my first time using one of these so bear with me. I'll try not to bore you too much.
A little introduction--
My name is Tracy, I'll be 29 in a couple weeks. Just got married in May.
I have a few hobbies:
One Stroke painting, Candlemaking, Crochet, Decoupage. I'm also a movie and music addict.
I'll post some pics of my projects here and there.
Right now i'm working on a shawl similar to the one Jennifer Aniston wore in "Along came Polly" in Wine Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn. Then I plan on doing Stitch-Divas Celebrity Shawl in Olive Debbie Bliss Cotton Silk Aran. ( http://stores.ebay.com/Stitch-Diva-Studios)
That's all for now. Let me go get those pictures ready.

Latest Painted craft

2004-09-03T12:16:00.000-04:00

I made these for my mom's wedding last month. They were painted votive holders filled with Cool Citrus Basil candle (that i made) and an extra votive (that i made too) stuck on top. Then i put them in these nice pink bags. I'll get a pic of the other angle too, because i painted one open rose and two rosebuds with leaves and babys breath on them.
Mom's favor