Mr. My Heart Belongs to You,

Dear Mr. My Heart Belongs to You,

As I pray for patience, my insides dance like that of a school girl with the anticipation of our first meeting. Can you feel it? Do you dream of me at night as I do you? Can you hear my voice whispering through the wind, calling out to you? Shhhhhhhh, close your eyes and listen…You, you, you. It is I whispering your name. I know it (your name) but I don’t know it yet. Soon Mr., soon my mouth will sing your name. Soon Mr., soon my arms will hold you in the sweetest embrace. Until then, toast to the New Year, our year and know that as my candle glows warm and soft, so does my desire for you. When you take that first sip of wine for 2010 cherish it because it’s my lips sweetly touching yours. Devour me and dream my love for our day approaches.
In the meantime, this is a craft web site, I’ll continue to craft by day and dream of you by night. LOL
YY

Keep stitchin'

Mr. My Heart Belongs to You

Dear Mr. My Heart Belongs to You,

As the New Year approaches I think of you more and more and I can’t wait to meet you. What’s taking you so long? When will I be able to put my hand in yours? My arms can’t wait to hold you tight. My lips ache to touch yours. I want to feel your breath on my cheek, in my ear. When will I be able to rest my head on your chest and hear you heartbeat.
Come to me when you know what you want. Do you want riches? Not for me. Do you want fame? Not for me. Do you want simple and uncomplicated? Come to me. Can you handle a little weird and wacky? Come to me. It’s so exciting to think of the adventures we have waiting in our future!
Will 2010 be the year we meet? I hope so; we’re no spring chickens you know. However, I do believe that God will bless us with enough time to love each other with a love we’ve never known before.
Until we meet, I am here, still waiting for you...maybe I'll knit you some socks!!

Keep stitchin'

Erica's Love

I finally gave Mama her sweater. I have carried this sweater around in the trunk of car since October. I wanted to wait until Mama was ready to listen to the story. Most of my projects come with story but since this one is so special the timing had to be right.

Thanksgiving 2008 most of us were together at my sister Annette's house. Everybody was happy and having a really good time.

I brought out Hard Candy, a car coat I had recently made to inspire my niece to continue knitting and crocheting. Of course everybody loved the coat. But then Erica, who was wearing a really nice sweater herself asked, 'Why am I buying sweater?'.

I'll never forgot that commit because I wanted to actually make one for her. With her untimely passing in August I decided to make the sweater anyway and give it to my mother. I was so nervous and worried about upsetting her when I told her the story of the sweater and the name. Mama was so happy and loves the sweater. She put it right on and didn't take it off. She looks so happy wearing it like she can feel Erica's arms around her.

Keep stitchin'

Got Snow?

The sky opened and soft, billowy, puff balls fell from the sky! Ok, now that's over and it's time to clean up. I spent nearly two hours shoveling so I can get out to work tomorrow.

Notice the difference in snow distribution due to wind drifts. I could hardly get my door open. I was standing knee deep in snow but two cars down there was barely anything.

I got so carried away shoveling I even shoveled out behind my neighbor's car. Just a little act of kindness.

Keep stitchin'

Mookie Gone Wild!!!!

Can you spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R.

It's the only word to describe what happened to Mookie, may it rest in peace.
My son's sweater went oh so wrong. I knew the sleeves would be a little too long, I wondered if the body was long enough for him...but this! This I didn't expect...

Hey, remember that episode of the Cosbys when Denise tried to make a shirt for Theo? Well, this is my knitted version! ROFL

All we could do was laugh, no need in crying; though I really wanted to. Everybody was so amazed at what a good job I did even though the sweater didn't come out as planned. Noooow I remember why I'm better at crochet.

Will I try again with this yarn, I think my son's face says it all. I'll just stay away from the super bulky stuff for now thank you. Will I attempt another sweater? I think so; after all, I did get the length right, he loved the neck, everybody loved the cable. So where did I go wrong? I think it's the drop shoulder which lead to the sleeves being way too long. Even though drop shoulder made it easier to keep the sweater even and show less distortion, it was not a great idea for the shoulders of this top. Also my son's arm girth was underestimated so that wasn't quite right either. I guess it's back to the drawing board on this one. I'll salvage this yarn and make a few scarves, a shawl or something. So now I have a new mission, I can not be defeated by the needle...I ain't goin down like at!! My non-resolution list for the new year will include making (knitting) sweaters that fit.

Keep stitchin'

May I present Mookie!

Finally, after many do-overs it is done!

















I can't wait to see Qwante in this sweater. It looks so tiny in this picture but it's actually quite large. It's so big and bulky I know it will only wear it a 'travel' sweater. I definitely see this as more of an over sweater than one that would be worn all day; I know I wouldn't. But maybe when he goes out for his birthday he can wear this over his shirt instead of a coat...hint, hint. I am just so happy to be finish. It was really tough doing this without a pattern which clearly accounts for the longer sleeves. I'm not too concerned about that considering a lot of the younger people like having their sleeves longer anyway. Did I say that, younger people. Boy am I getting old!

Keep stitchin'

Mookie Lives!!!

So after all the headache with trying to follow the pattern for Bang which was no good at all, I found something that works. I have been out sick all week with the flu so, being a good patient, I spent the week reading/looking through some of my old knitting mags. Some of the old 90's Vogue Knitting mags really helped. The mags had sweater with drop shoulders and set-in sleeves. I decided that doing a simple drop shoulder would be the easiest for me with this thick yarn. So now, as long as I've got the gauge right my sweater will be a hit. I also decided to use the cable pattern I found in my Harmony Guide book. I think a simple turtle neck will do nicely, my son did not like the neck anyway.

By Friday I was feeling up to moving around a bit and picking up my needles. The back piece was done quickly and easily since my only shaping was done at the shoulders. What I overlooked with the front is that with cables you need to add more stitches to keep your width right. I was at the underarm when I had this brilliant revelation; back to the ripping board. So once again I have to start the front over. Oh, this is after I had finished the back and actually worked 10" of the front and realised I had forgotten the cables completely!!
LOL, I CRACK MYSELF UP!!

Blame it on the flu, yeah that works, it's the flu bug.

So now I am starting the front over with more stitches than I used for the back. This is another problem I would finally have noticed with John's sweater too, the hits just keep coming with that one.

With my Mookie, I am doing careful, elementary math and hoping for the best. At least I know there are absolutely no errors in the cable pattern I am now using and this is going to be one great sweater! I'm proud of myself already.

Keep stitchin'

Bang is going bust!

What's the deal with the John Brinegar sweater? There is an error in the pattern that results in losing a stitch. Now math is definitely not my thing but I can count to 30...thank you Sesame Street!!! LOL The pattern only writes out the instructions for the odd rows and tells me to 'knit the knits and purl the purls on the even rows. Well when it comes to algebra, you know how some people can get the answer right using only three steps? Well when I do algebra I have to do every single little step or I may forget something important and get the wrong answer. So I had to sit and right out every step of the even rows and was doing good...until row 17. Row 17 is where the stitch is lost. I am not experienced enough with cables to figure this one out but I am smart enough to see that the pattern goes from 30 stitches to 29 from rows 17-25. So Bang went this sweater and I will be attempting to use another cable pattern. So back to the drawing boards my son needs a sweater by Christmas!

Keep stitchin'

My freaking needles broke!!

OMG, I started my next project, a really cool sweater for my son. Right in the middle of a row the needle came apart. What worries me most is that even when I replace the needles it will probably happen again because of the weight of the yarn. This pattern, called Bang, requires super bulky yarn. Really great to work with but it may be too heavy for the needles. I may have to find a way to adapt the pattern to crochet version with cables. I've done several crocheted cardigans with cables so that's easy. Crochet will require more yarn and I am already worried that I don't have enough anyway. Whatever, whatever, I'm going to work it out and produce a sweater my boy will be proud to wear.

Keep stitchin'

He knits!! Is he gay?

Sound stupid to you? Me too. I recently spoke with someone and told them that I wanted to join a co-ed knitting/crochet meetup...so tired of my four walls. Anywho, I was asked, 'do men really get into that?' I almost fell over. "Are you kidding me?" I started giving names, Drew, The Crochet Dude; Ken, The Crochet Guy; John Brinegar. Ok, I could only name three, but still. Why would someone just assume that men who share the love of the craft are gay? How ridiculous is that!!! What difference does it make? You probably can't afford what they make anyway!! Small minded people, why can't I just stick a needle in their eye!!
Just venting.

Keep stitchin'

Colours in Randallstown

After hearing about the a yarn shop in Randallstown I had to go check it out. So today I popped in for a visit. What a nice place!

The owner Thelma greeted me with a smile that made me feel at home right away. The shelves were stacked neatly with lots of colors. There were comfy sofas and chairs to sit and stitch. Thelma has classes too! I had opportunity to watch her in action. A young girl, about 11ish or so came in with Mommy so she could learn more about knitting. Thelma sat her at the table and patiently worked with her. I am so excited for her and can't wait to see her finished scarf. She will making something with cables for the first time...awwwww So anyone in the area that never took a class because it was too far, can't use that one anymore. Thelma knits and crochets so she's got you covered what ever your talent. Oh, in the back she has an area where you can wind your own yarn instead of fighting with hanks!

Some of the work displayed around the shop is beautiful. There's a mannequin at the front door wearing a lovely jacket that I would really like to make. I stayed for quite some time browsing through books and trying to decide what yarn to buy. Mostly Noro and Cascade but lots and lots of color choices and weights. I can't wait to go back again. Hope to see you there.

Keep stitchin'

Getting back into the swing...needle?

So, I in my kitchen cooking and got a good look at my dishcloth. DON'T EVEN ASK FOR DETAILS. Needless to say, I should get new ones, now! Since I already have a few Lily's Sugar & Cream in the house I went to ravelry to find a simple pattern. I found the cutest little cloth called Chinese Waves. It's so easy to follow, has great texture and works up easy. The pattern is available on the designer's website. I want to make a set to use as face cloths too.

I have also been working out the details for this knitted skirt called Sidewinder. It has short rows that I expected to be challenging but so easy. The I-cord that separates each gore isn't that hard either, bit tiresome, but not difficult at all. Not having the yarn I'd like to make the skirt gave me a chance to get comfortable with the pattern and know I will have one awesome skirt when I am ready to begin.

Keep stitchin'

I had no idea

I had no idea I'd be violently awakened from my sleep that morning. As I rushed to the porcelain throne, careful not to bump my toes, I wondered why? I had salad for lunch and no dinner. As I hung there waiting for the inevitable, it stopped as suddenly as it had started though it left me a bit woozy. I was not able to get back to sleep, just couldn't shake that strange feeling in the pit of my stomach...

I had no idea my cell phone would ring that morning, no one calls me at work.

I had no idea I forgot my charger so my cell battery was dead.

I had no idea I would be asked to come to Mama's house as soon as I could.

I had no idea August 27, 2009 would change my life.

I had no idea the call I missed was my mother calling for help.

I had no idea what the news at Mama's house would be so bad.

I had no idea that my baby sister, probably at the moment I was awakened, lay on the seat of her car shot three times.

I had no idea there would never be another chance to right wrongs.

I had no idea there would never be another chance to say let me help you.

I had no idea there would never be another chance to love you or I'm proud of you.

I had no idea God would touch me and strengthen me from the inside out that morning.

I had no idea how important it would be for me to be so strong over the days to follow.

I have no idea how long it's going to take for my feet to finally touch the ground again. When will this stop being a bad dream.

Keep stitchin'

Keeping busy

I have been trying to stay busy with small projects. Just finished couple of dishcloths, square thingies, a cell pouch, a camera pouch and attempted a knit skirt. I found this little kitty on the net. Since I am trying to increase my knitting speed I figured this would make a good, quick project.

Next, I decided to make something using tunisian crochet. I wanted something to protect my camera from scratches so...The Camera Pouch!

After I created the camera pouch, my friend wanted one for her cell phone. She gave me her bright orange yarn that made me think of Cheetos the entire time I was working with this yarn. I kid you not, I kept looking for that orange build up on my fingers! Since I couldn't get Cheetos out of my head I ended buying a huge bag and crunched my heart out, AND, licked the orange stuff off each finger! YUMMY!!!

Then finally, finding a pattern/formula to knit a top down skirt for the perfect fit, I decided give that a try. Something I knew would keep me busy for a while. Once I got the formula right, after ripping the skirt twice, I was on my way. This is a great formula that allows for lots of creativity. Once I get my hands on some yarn, I will definity use this pattern to make an originally mine skirt.

Keep stitchin'

Computer down, computer down!!!!

My internet and land line have been down for almost the entire month of June...Thank You Comcast!!! Everything is finally back up and running and I can get back on top of things.

My cardi to match my skirt is done!! I still need to add the buttons to the cardi and the fastener to the skirt but other than that, I am done and on to the next project.




























Keep stitchin'

Mocha

I got bored over the Memorial Day weekend of course the only thing to do to alleaviate this was to crochet! To break the monotony of always making tops I decided to try another skirt. I am so happy with the way this skirt came out that I am going to make a cardi and matching shell to go with it.

Keep stitchin'

Autumn Winds

Another sweater done. Of course it's top down construction based on the sweet formula. I wanted a nice fitted look but not button down. I think I got it.

Keep stitchin'

Green & Fingerless

I am part of the Green Team on my job and we were asked to contribute some 'green facts' for an upcoming breakfast/fashion show we are having next month. What better way for me to talk about going green then to create some knit/crochet items using eco yarns and recycled sweaters. I'm using a skein of Simply Soft Eco to knit a pair of fingerless mitts found on ravelry. The designer claims these mitts to be easy and fast. So far they are living up to the name. I have not knitted in years, more than five, and I am having so much fun I have toss my latest wip aside, I will get back to crochet later. I thought I would have a problem with knitting but it is going so smooth and easy. After using crochet hook and working through the pain and cramping I am now ready for some serious knitting. If I am not careful I will end up frogging my sweater when all I have left to do is finish the edges and weave my ends.



I finished my mitts!! Wow, what a quick and easy project.

Keep stitchin'

My socks are done!!

Oh boy!

I can't believe they look and feel so nice. Now I don't have to hate wearing socks in the winter because they are cutting into my big calves. I can't wait to get more sock yarn. There are lots of socks in my future!!

Keep stitchin'

Sock!!!

Yesterday I decided to put the tops down and try something different. I chose socks.

Very scary after the first pair I made that were way to big. This time I am doing toe up and they really look like socks...And they fit!!

I love the color of the yarn I bought. The fleshy, tannish pink and the pastel green remind me of Rainbow Sherbet (probably because I had some over the weekend).

I am very proud of myself, I'm not hardly finish but I am very optimistic about this pair.

Well, back to work!!

Keep stitchin'

Wrap it up

Summer's coming!! I think we're all ready for it but if you work in an office like I do, you know what else is coming...freezing AC!! I know lots of you look forward to this but I hate being too cold or too hot. My room gets cold and I can't think straight, I can't type. I already have socks in my bottom drawer because my sandaled feet are going to be so cold. So I decided to whip up a quick and easy shawl to throw over my shoulders, or my feet, when I start to shiver. I made this based on Romantic, a speed hook shawl found on the Lion Brand web site. Very quick and easy for any beginner to make.

Well, on to my next project. I want to attempt a pair of socks that fit and I am looking forward to doing some knitting again. I would love to make some cute little baby thing! I may have to do that anyway, eventually some babies will come along...LOL

Keep stitchin'

Berry Cherry

Next top done!
Who knew? Amy O'Neill Houck gave us this formula for making top-down garments using a pattern called Sweet in September of 2006. I wonder if she had any idea that this form of crochet would be so popular, that's in my opinion. I have trouble imagining making a top one piece at time and stitching it together ever again. That is unless I am making a creation by someone else.
Again, a different look achieved from the same pattern. The neck is different and the stitch is quite different this time. I also added a tassel to cover a flaw.

It is bright, bright, beautiful day my son came to visit. Always good to see him! He was my photographer today. I think he did good.





















Keep stitchin'

Weight Watchers news

Ok folks, I'm down 5.4 lbs!!!!

I can't get too excited because I have a long way to go. It's still nice to see the scale go down instead of up. Anyone else fighting the battle, don't give up we can do this!!

Amigurumi

I just finished another top that will be posted when I get pictures under good light. In the meantime, just for my fix, I made my first amigurumi today! I found a pattern on ravelry for this cute little doggie that was fairly easy to make. The instructions were not very clear but together with the symbols I was able to figure it out with very little error. I think the head is too big for the little body but other than that I think I did pretty good.

Awwww, isn't he cute!!! Just think I don't have to feed or work him either.

Keep stitchin'

Weight Watchers

I'm finally getting back to posting...YEAH!!! I joined Weight Watchers at the beginning of the month and have spending time in the books trying to get a bit of an understanding of how this thing works. So far I've only lost 4 pounds but every one of those little buggers that melts away counts in my favor. My biggest problem is eating enough to get all my points in, never thought that would be so hard to do. Some people don't realize that if you, if I, don't eat enough it's just the same as eating too much. So eating 3-5 times a day is very hard for me. I tend to get so busy that I don't want to stop to eat or maybe it's that I have gotten used to pushing hunger aside and focusing on other things. Now I have to retrain myself to pay attention to the hunger pangs in order to be successful.

In the meantime, I continue to crochet. My newest top, Orange Sherbet is done. I finished it a couple of weeks ago and have actual worn it but, as I mentioned, I've been busy with Weight Watchers. Anyway, Orange Sherbet is made pretty much the same as the Ocean Breeze top. There are slight variations that may not be noticeable to anyone but me.

Keep stitchin'