Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The end of the year

Can I say with a deep breathe...FINALLY!? The year for me, as I sit here and reflect started out really well. We took a couple of vacations, including one out of the country. I purchased a vehicle that I'm totally in love with (which after 6 months of driving it, is really saying something about it!!). We completed a few small improvements on the house, not including one LARGE shed!

As for the craft front, I've learned how to stamp into silver and make some different jewelry pieces. I learned to knit a button hole. I also figured out how to make a hat that actually fits someone very special to me, my SLG, using circular needles. I started and finished my third pair of socks...I've purchased quite a bit of yarn this year, however it still fits in my bag, sort of ;-) which will allow me to continue to knit all 2009 without having to buy a single skein!

My DH and I have had more than our shares of troubles these past few months, however, so I do hope for positive news soon!

I've never been one to make resolutions for each up coming year. As it bothers me if I don't make it, so instead I go for hopes. Hope is something we could all use in our lives!

My hopes for the next year:
  • A job for my DH
  • More selling in my industry (=more staff)
  • Better health for my Aunt
  • A diamond ring for my sister
  • A year of happiness for my dearest friend
As for me personally:
  • Make more time for my hobbies
  • Spend more time on my Wii
  • Pass my final designation test (on the 1st try, to continue my current 6 in a row record!)
Bunny time...
Another bunny from the tree. This is a Hallmark one that DH and I bought it 11 years ago. How can you resist?!

Happy New Year to you!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Handmade Christmas

As is my normal custom, I made a couple of people handmade items for Christmas. One of the items I was very proud of this year was this necklace:Sorry for the awful photo! As is also my custom, the gift was not ready until the last minute and I had to take a photo without the light tent, so it could be wrapped and handed off for delivery in mere minutes.

I bought the SS box chain, the SS pendants and I used my stamping die kit (see the blog here). It took me a few practice tries to get the actual stamping to come out correctly. I highly recommend the 1lb hammer that she sells on her website.

I did not use the liver of sulfur she recommends to produce the black effect within the stamped letters. I went instead with a Sharpie pen and sterling silver cloth cleaner. It works quite well...although it will need to be repeated with excessive wearing.

The Swarovski crystals are the kids birthstones. I do hope the recipient enjoys it!

My DH and I had quite a quiet Christmas this year. We opened gifts when we got up and spent the rest of the day watching some movies that Santa had left.

I did receive a couple of items that were on my list. I loved this mug when I saw it from Rohanknitter. DH was able to purchase one from our local Starbucks.He also purchase a couple of items from one of my favorite stores:I've also taken another photo of my bunnies around the house. I'm staying with ones from the tree, as it will be taken down shortly. This is a hand sewn rabbit. Her dress is crocheted.

Be sure to come back, as I'll be showing off more handmade Christmas gifts as the recipients receive them!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

December 25th


Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

This is one of my favorite rabbits that we hang on the tree. It was made by a close friend of the family, Ruby, who has since passed away. She was a wonderful jewelry maker and used her talents to make ornaments for the Christmas season. This is made out of aluminum and she used her punch and die sets to create various notations in the aluminum. Such talent!!

Once we have completed celebrating Christmas with everyone I can then show you the handmade presents. We have 3 celebrations to go, since only my DH and I have exchanged gifts so far and let me tell you he certainly made this Christmas a wonderful one!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Electricity anyone?

Well, what a few days we have had here. We lost our power on Thursday night...along with power we lost water, heat, cable etc.

We spent an extremely cold Friday being 'tough' and sticking it out. Friday night the temperature inside the house dropped to 40 degrees. It was that type of bone chilling temp that you just can't stop shivering from....we lasted until Saturday morning when we reached out to dear friends of ours.

You see, these dear friends, moved from one house to another during this wonderful storm we had. However, fortunately for us, the house they moved from was still vacant, had heat and water.

So, squatters we became. We packed up two folding chairs, air bed, pillows, Ms. "B" and off we went.

Today is now Tuesday, we JUST got back our power, heat, water and cable a mere 6 hours ago. As thankful as we are to our dear friends, we are extremely glad to be back home.

With everything going on around this household this past few months I do hope that 2009 brings us more happiness and security for us.

As for your bunny a blog...the camera needs a little longer to warm up. Next time, I promise! How about the new winter banner up top?

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Suprise Bunny

My DH purchased this rabbit for me while we were on vacation in NH. We came across this huge craft store and while I was looking at something on a different floor he was cashing out with this little bunny.

I'm still in the same location for my orange scarf. I had been quite ill since Thanksgiving and couldn't even get up to eat never mind knit.

I'm finally feeling good enough to get back into the swing of things. So, I should have some progress shortly.

We also put up the Christmas tree yesterday and there are now more bunnies in the house out for display. I'll have to start showing you those next time.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!



Saturday, November 15, 2008

Water or Soil

This is interesting...

Check out photo #1:Now, check out photo #2:
Does anything strike you as funny?

I'll give you another moment to scroll back up.

Ready?

Ok - the cactus IN WATER is blooming, yet the cactus IN SOIL is in need of a plant doctor. It makes me chuckle every time I look at it. To those that know me really well, they should not be surprised.

I'm still working on my orange scarf, just imagine the last blog photo just a couple of inches longer. :-)

Speaking of photos my photo of my Lorna Laces, Amy Friendly Yarn was chosen to be one of the photos in the main directory in Ravelry! That was quite exciting!!! Here is a copy of the picture for those of you not on Ravelry (of which, why not?)
It is so pretty! I love the colors. I've already decided what pattern I'm going to use. However, you will just have to wait until I CO.

Until then, here is another bunny from the collection. This was was purchased while vacationing on Cape Cod at one of my favorite shops. The shop owner said that bunny was hand carved by her husband from one piece of wood. This particular bunny is one of the oldest in my 'collection'.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

November what?

Apparently I blinked through October!

I have been knitting. Actually, I've been trying to knit a little bit each night. Some nights it actually works, I blame my job for the nights it doesn't work.

Now are you sitting down? I have actual knitting photos!!

Here are the hats for my special little girl (if you are SLG's mom, please stop reading here...)This is the first hat. SLG put it on and let me know two things; 1. It didn't cover her ears 2. It wasn't lilac to match her jacket!

OK!! This led to the second hat, of which SLG has already tried on ("...good, it is over my ears!").Pattern: Children's Cotton Hat from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts book
Needles: 4.5mm Circular & DPN's
CO: 80 stitches
Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Cotton
Colors: Blush (Light Purple) & Coral (Pink)

I really like the ribbon instead of the i-cord. I just now need to drop it off all finished so SLG's mom can see it! (that is if she truly stopped reading by now...)

I also cast off on a scarf for myself. I purchased this yarn (Rowan Cotton Rope) back in the summer during a trip to Webs. I love how it is turning out! It is a basic K2P2 on 4.5mm DPN's, turn work then K2P2. I had CO 26 stitches. Ok, time for my knitting time tonight.

Ready for your bunny-a-blog-entry photo?

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!

Yes the eyes actually 'glow'!
Love them!!

(sending special thank you to you-know-who!!)

Thursday, October 16, 2008

I'm sort of back

I've had a very rough month. I never went into this blog thinking I would blog about my personal 'troubles'. I wanted to keep it light, talk about my crafts, and not use this as a soap box. However, life events over the past month have kept me away from doing things that I truly enjoy.

I hope to be back shortly doing and showing you things that I enjoy doing.

Until then, I'm continuing my pictures of rabbits. Yes I own and WEAR these sneakers!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Start of a new week

Nothing like a fabulous fall day in New England! Love this weather!!

I actually got some knitting in this weekend. Although, I can not locate my camera to computer cord to upload the photos. Figures.

I started back on my 'frogged' fingerless mitts. I could not personally bring myself to frog one of the cuffs when I realized I had an error, so nothing like bringing in a 3 year old to pull out the needles. It really did take the edge off. I mean it was done in mere seconds...kinda like ripping a band-aid off.

This same SLG (special little girl) is going to be receiving a knitting hat. I'm following the pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts book. It is my first project using circular needles. I had purchased the Mission Hills 1824 Yarn in pink earlier this year (see 2nd trip to Webs, August 2008) however, I was clearly told by SLG that it needs to be lilac in color. OK! I'm on it.

I'm using this pink one as a test, as it knits up so quickly....amazing what US 7 needles do, when you are used to US 2 or 3 for sock knitting!

Continuing my rabbit photo a blog post. Here is the most expensive rabbit I've purchased:
Her name is Dottie, and she was knit by Julie in the UK. She sits in a rocking chair that my Grandfather made me.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

I'm still around

...just dealing with some life 'stuff' that is taking up much of my time.

I was given an idea by a special someone to start doing a picture a day of one bunny that I have around the house and see how long it would take to post all of the rabbits/bunny items that I've collected through the years.

I thought, with having no real topic today, that today would be a good day to start.

I leave you with the most important bunny in our house. Ms. B.Here Bianca is snuggling with 'Baby', so technically you are getting two bunnies in this one!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

New hobby

Well sort of, as I'm calling it a take off of my jewelry/bead making.

You see DH and I made a pact that we were not going to purchase gifts for each other on our anniversary.
Someone stayed true to this pact, while someone did not.

Now, please do not get me wrong, I LOVE receiving presents! However, if you make a pact, it should be agreed to with no deviations...especially when I am the person that did stick to the pact.

So, needless to say my DH scored some major points this year with this:
It is a Say It On Your Wrist Kit from Beaducation. I had found the kit a couple of months back and suggested that I would love to try die punching on sterling silver. Who knew that I would actually end up with the kit! I am just thrilled!!!

I have to say my DH is AWESOME! THANK YOU!!!! :-) This weekend I should have pictures to show you, once I get my first bracelet completed.

In the knitting department I have my first official frogged project. I was waiting for my eye doctor the other day and while sitting there knitting I realized I made a very noticeable mistake. There is a part of me that is like 'let it go and just finish it', 'these are only just for you, so it isn't a big deal'...while the other part of me is like "a mistake is going to drive you nuts', 'it will be the only thing you will be able to concentrate on', and you will not be happy with them.

SO....a frogging of the left mitt we go. (and no there will be no photos of this)

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Happy 15th!


Happy 15th Anniversary my DH!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Vacation Pics

There is nothing like crossing the bridge to Cape Cod. It seems that the stress just rolls away while driving that stretch of road.

Then, it was a straight ride to the beach. What I would pay to have this view every day! The temperature was in the mid-70's with a bit of an ocean breeze. Just my kind of weather!

It was just past low tide, so the ocean was on its way back in. We walked out as far as the rocks would allow.

On the way back on the trail we came across this light pole:
Caption: Ahhh hello?!...Who invited you?

We were off to lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in the area... Seafood Sams!! We also had planned to head to the Sandwich Glass Museum. It has been at least 20 years since I had been to this particular museum, although last year we went to Pierpoint Glass.

It was the ideal visit, as they were hosting various lamp bead artisans. I was able to watch a video on how lamp beads are made. I have to say that is interesting! Although that is one hobby I'm going to leave to others!

To end the day it is always with a trip to Joe's Lobster Mart!

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Webs, visit #2

DH and I went to WEBS on one of our days off. I have to say I was less overwhelmed than the first time I went last year.

We planned well, stopped and got something to eat first at the Northampton Brewery. Then to Webs with the list in tow. We also had time to stop at the Webs Bead store.

Without further ado, here is a photo of the loot:2 Socks At A Time Book by Melissa Morgan Oaks
2 - 32" 3mm Lantern Moon Circular Needles
5 - Rowan Cotton Rope in Orange
4 - Tahki Classic Cotton in Blue/Teal/Purple
4 - Tahki Classic Cotton in Red/Orange/Plum
1 - Rowan Calmer in Pink
2 - Rowan Calmer in White
1 - Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in Coral
2 - Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in Lush
2 - Mission Falls 1824 in Cardinal
1 - Cascade Fixation Yarn in Navy
1 - Rope maker

I would love to share what each of these yarns are destined for, however some of those individuals read this blog and well, that would be given away too much. So, stay tuned to see the projects as they unfold, or rather get completed.

I've spent a great deal of time tonight getting Ravelry updated with the photos, so next entry will be ocean photos!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

An ending and a beginning

I just love the feeling of completion! I finished my Summer Ankle Socks:
Yarn: Cascade Fixation
Colorway: Calypso
Needles: Bamboo DPN's US 3
Purchased from: Simply Socks Company

I then cast on another project. These are the start of Monica Jines' Ribletts: Fingerless Mitts.
Yarn: Panda Cotton
Colorway: Periwinkle
Needles: Bamboo DPN's US 2
Purchased: The Loopy Ewe

...back to knitting...

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Pro Status

Well the DH made 'pro' status on the W!! (yes, I know what it is really called, just trying to reduce amount of hits that people searching for the machine are making to my blog) He is really good at the bowling and I'm kicking bum on the boxing!

We'd been stalking, I mean checking, various websites over the past week and finally scored one.
The actual W!! F!T should be here next week! Yahoo!

Also on the news front is 4 more working days until we are back on vacation (oh yes I'm counting hours!)! It is just a couple days off, and we are just taking a two day trips in various directions, all I know is the PTO slipped is signed and I'm not showing up for work. Guess where we are heading? (picture at end of blog post)

I've also been knitting up a storm on my socks. I even put the book away at lunch this week and have been knitting. I've managed to get to the toes on both and just need to start the toe decreases next. I'm determined to have these done this weekend! The next photo I take of them I want them to be completed, so you'll just have to wait.
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The ocean of course!! :-)

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Wheeee, Oui, We, W!!

Ok, there is a really good reason I haven't had time to blog this week. We bought a W!!!

Needless to say there hasn't been knitting going on either.

We have been spending our nights playing bowling (DH is at pro level already!), boxing (of which I'm really good at!), tennis, baseball and golf.

Now we have to find a W!! F!t!

*edited to remove pictures of W!! and W!! F!T.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Dentist

Ugh. It was time today for the dreaded dentist visit. I had worked myself into such a lather by the time I arrived there I'm sure steam was rising from moi. I can't stand going to the dentist.

Which coming from someone who has had braces, 4 sets of retainers and mouth guards this shouldn't be the case. However, it is. Just thinking about the dentist makes me feel like I could throw up and I start sweating like crazy.

I got 18 x-rays. Did you know this is considered a full set of them? My insurance plan will pay for a full set every 5 years. Well...here is to not having to get another set for 4 years and 364 days.

Then, I came home to check out the blogs that I normally read and found this on Carole's. Too funny!!

Well, with that visit over today, tomorrow should be smooth sailing.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

10 on Tuesday


10 Favorite Vacation Moments:

  1. No alarm clock allowed
  2. The feeling of just being able to sit and do nothing and not feel guilty about it
  3. Seeing, feeling and smelling the ocean
  4. Walking on the beach
  5. Eating whatever you wish, whenever you want it...just because you are on vacation (clam strips for breakfast - perfectly acceptable!)
  6. Housekeeping!
  7. Sightseeing
  8. Quality time with DH
  9. Buying trinkets, under the disguise of souvenirs
  10. Being able to wear relaxing clothes (no heels, hose or hairspray!)

Friday, July 4, 2008

Summer Socks

So far these are what my socks currently look like:




I'm finding this material to be a bit challenging in the humidity. There is quite a bit of cotton in it and it gets that 'sticky' feeling when you knit.

I can't wait to get back to my Panda Cotton as I'm really wanting to knit up the yarn that I dyed myself. I'm calling the color way 'Fruit Loops', as that is what it reminds me of.
I also owe you a photo of the Rockin Sock Club 3rd package. It was the Incredible Shrinking Violet. Definitely my favorite color way so far!I hope you have enjoyed your 4th of July! It is time for us to go enjoy some fireworks!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

The sun will come out tomorrow

Bet your bottom dollar
that tomorrow
There'll be sun!

Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!

When I'm stuck with a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh!

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow! Tomorrow!
I love ya Tomorrow!
You're always
A day
A way!


So, here is to a best friend that always seems to know when I need a pick me up phone call, email or piece of cake.

Thank you!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

New yarn

Finally, I got the yarn photos ready for you. These are the Ellyn Cooper yarns I bought in Mystic.

Aquatide, Strazzbery, Blue Hydrangea (both Canasta and Lace):
I think it is so neat to see how the different types of yarn take the same dyes.

I've already caked the Strazzberry and going to cast off on a Funky Sock Monkey! Doesn't every knitter's home need a monkey?

Monday, June 16, 2008

Ahhh

a mental health day. This day for myself could not have come at a better time. I needed a decompress day.

I chilled out, however I did head to the local store at mid-day and bought myself a pair of these. I really wanted orange (coral) color, however they didn't have any of my pick-me-up-color. So, I came home with navy.

I then lost myself in the afternoon to Ravelry. Are you surprised? I'm not.

I am off to finish the rest of my relation day.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Vacation

Could it be an actual photo from our vacation? Could it be that I've actually figured out the camera?
This was the view from our hotel room. The view is of the Mystic River.

Here is our original 'Mystic Pizza':This is one view that I would never tire of:And finally, since I didn't take a picture of Mystic River Yarn store, I'll leave you with a photo of the bead store. The store was huge! I scored some beautiful beads that I'll show you later.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Still working on it...

that would be how to make web ready photos from our new camera. It can't be as difficult as I'm making it, I mean come on my nickname at work is "computer geek". They call me when they have computer troubles, so why in the world is this hanging me up??

One word: time. I haven't had the time to full ready the manual and software. So...for the time being this is a picture-less blog.

I'm still working on my Cascade Fixation Summer Socks. I got the heels turned, gussets are complete and I'm working on the decreases on the foot sides. WOO HOO! These are going so fast I love it!

I've also completed three new necklaces. I've worn two of them at work and received many compliments on them. One is a top drilled peacock pearl necklace. I made it only 16 1/2 inches so it lies flat yet up close to the neck area. The other is a lepidolite stone in a teardrop shape. I used crimps to hold it and put a few crystals in a complementary color on each side, however I used crimps to hold them in place. It looks like a delicate piece since I do not have beads all around the wire, however I know it will stand up to most anything. I love the look of it. The last one is light green pearls with off white pearls, very simple and will go well with a green shirt I have.

Our neighbors have officially moved. It is just so sad. They are ultimately moving down south however, they didn't expect their house to sell so quickly (within a week of going on the market!) they are moving into an apartment a town over. I miss them already!

I also got in my 3rd Rockin Sock Club Yarn. This month's colorway is The Incredible Shrinking Violet. It is many different colors of purple and is my favorite so far.

Well that is about all the happenings around here. I promise pictures of all the above next time with the vacation photos I promised last blog post!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Back from vacation

Ahhh it is so nice to be home. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love going on vacation - however there is something to be said about coming home.

Our new camera took some wonderful shots of Mystic, CT. It was amazing that I could take a shot through a window and have it actually come out. There is this 'aquarium' setting on the camera that make it appear that the glass between you and the object you are taking a photo of, is not there. The best part is that you can just put the setting on 'auto' and press the shutter. Viola!

One of the reasons we went into that area was Mystic River Yarns store. Sina was holding some yarn for me that I need for my next project (details in next post). Then, I couldn't resist buying another skein of yarn that I swore 'spoke to me'.

We stayed at the Whaler's Inn. Of which was really nice and you could not beat the location! We were able to keep the car in their parking lot and just walk to everything. Ideal!

I'll have pictures of things in my next post...need to install the camera software and get the pics into a lower resolution.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Out with the old...in with the new

camera!

Our old camera was a 3 mega pixel camera. We bought it about 5 years ago, needless to say it did take some nice pictures, however, in the past few months every so often it would create a blury picture (this while it was on the camera stand!). Go figure.

So, in our vacation week spending money we splurged on a new camera.

Introducing the Canon Powershot SX100 IS, that would be 8 mega pixels...thank you very much! We opted for the memory card for $24.99 and now we can take over 1100 pictures on one card.

So, now there isn't any excuse for nice photos!

I was able to take a nice photo of the bag. Yes...I'm STILL working on it.The brown material makes up the four pockets in this bag.

How about leaving you with a nice garden photo:

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Dyeing

I finally got around today to using some of the Paas dyes the DH bought for me for Easter. All I have to say is what a fun activity and I can see myself doing this again soon!

Here were my steps:

I mixed up the dye disks into vinegar, then added the water. Time to turn the ivory yarn into color. I chose orange, purple and green.Into the steaming pot it goes to set the color.After some steaming and rinsing.To me it is just beautiful!

Now hurry up and dry....