ready to go again

 

What a week!

I can't figure out why this blog is underlining my text. My apologies if this seems annoyng.

Got the sweater done! Unfortunately, my grandmother couldn't be here Christmas Day to receive it. We are waiting until tomorrow so I got to take the time to block it, find some really nice buttons, and make sure all the ends were woven in nicely. 

I'm ready to start another sweater. This time I think I'll go for cables. Mom really like them and her birthday is Valentine's day. She really wants a red Donegal Tweed cardigan, and I'm having trouble finding the Ox Blood red color she wants. 

I 'm ready for my girls to come home tomorrow. I just dread the 8 hours of driving up to Hood River and back. I think Laura, my brother's financee' is coming with, so that will help with the monotony. 

I hope it's nice tomorrow. It makes the drive more pleasant. 

the home stretch

On the home stretch! I wish I had longer dpn's though. :( Either that or shorter Circulars.

I posted these on my Facebook page and was totally flattered by a friend that said I inspired her. I felt really good about giving someone the urge to knit. It really is quite theraputic.

I still am fighting the "lonelies" that always seems to be the hardest to deal with at Christmas. I have so many memories of growing up on the ranch, and it's hard to look at where I am now and be happy. I know, I will be here temporarily, but I wish I had known just a few more things when I made the decisions that got me here in the first place.

So, I knit. and knit. and pray.

Progress

I've been making progress on the February Lady Sweater. Christmas is now officially 4 days away. I need to get this done! I have had to frog three times due to knitting while sleeping. (Missed a yo here and there). I love the progress. The Gull stitch really looks nice. I'm glad I chose this pattern. I've already got plans to start another one for my other Grandmother.

The girls are with their dad this year for Christmas, and I found myself rather lonely Saturday night. It always happens around three to four days after they leave.

Joe will have a few presents under the tree. But on the whole, things are quite lean. I only have several decorations, and the tree is outside on the deck because this little trailer doesn't have the room.

Got to housesit for a friend this weekend. I think that's when I started feeling sorry for myself. (yes, I know it's totally unnecessary, but I had a weak moment). She has this big house, hardwood floors, a washer and dryer, .etc. whereas, me,.. I got it out of my system as soon as I could but that left several unreturned phone calls from friends because I was being human. I guess.

Today we are going to be pretty busy at work. I love my job! Keeps life interesting. I only wish it paid better, then I wouldn't have to go back to school.

I was thinking about actually saving money in 2010 to go to the Black Sheep Festival in Canby, Oregon. And, maybe, if there's another Sock Summit- to get into there as well.

Well I had better get dressed.

Keep on Knitting

These pictures are a little better than the earlier ones. I was on lunch break and the natural light just looks better. I would input that they are much more purple than blue. I've finished the first one and now working the leg of his mate. I can't stress enough how easy these are to knit. I don't even need the pattern for the second.

The Wonderful green hank on the right is Cascade 220 yarn. 100% wool, and I started the February Lady sweater with it. You can find it on Ravelry. ( Cool!! I just learned how to post a link!!)

I am not impressed with myself with my Fall term grades at College. When I was all High speed-low drag to get back to the books, I really didn' t consider the time demands and how many different ways I got pulled. I took two really hard classes, and never had enough study time. I guess I'm trying to justify myself somehow, but dammit, I had so much going on, and to get a solid block of time all to myself- well that just didn't happen. I'm not quitting tho. Just backing off and re-grouping. Still have full - time credits, just pairing an easier class with a hard one.

When all this gets to me, I shut down and start knitting. I can think, I can organize, and keep sane. Millions of things going through my head. My friends say, "why do you need to keep going to school? What's wrong with your income? By the time you're done your kids will be all grown up anyway.".. My family.." You're running out of time. You need to hurry or you'll be too old." I need quiet. Mental quiet.

My daughter listens to the radio all night.. I don't mind the music but the commercials- I could reach through the radio and pull that ^$&(&* announcer right through by his ball hairs.

Not to mention, on top of all of this, we are having RECORD COLD WEATHER HERE. My cozy little 5th wheel doesn't have water (froze) or a toilet(not hooked up). It is 11' out. You try going pee out in a portable john and enjoy that little thrill of sitting on a frozen plastic seat. OH yeah. Bring it, baby! If I can make it through all this.. well I will be one HELL of a Physician Assistant. There won't be anything that some patient will whine at me for that I can't find a solution.

OH yeah that reminds me. Now that it's Christmas break, I gotta start applying for Scholarships!.. (Essays, Essays, Essays..)

"Just keep knitting, just keep knitting , knitting knitting.." (crazy giggle here..)

What a heel

I'm working on the Nutkin sock for a Christmas present with Plymouth Sockotta yarn (cotton/wool). I really enjoy the pattern. It's easy to remember and works up quickly even with small needles. (I'm using a 2.5mm, where the pattern calls for a 1.5mm) That makes up for the larger size I need. Anyway, all this includes a short row heel. I tried it several times, and after frogging more than my patience allows, just switched to a regular back-and-forth heel (sl1, k1, p the w side) and pondered about that short-row heel. Why does it even exist? Sure it keeps you from working back and forth, but what's so intimidating about picking up stitches? I suppose we al have our preferences. I look for fast and easy. I admire those that try to keep the "old ways" alive, but I guess my gauge is too loose. oh well.

Everybody is getting socks or Mitts this year. I just don't have the time I had last year what with school and work taking up all my extra time. I went to all the trouble of setting up a sewing room, begging Mother for some space, and have only stepped foot in it to clean or add a box of projects long overdue.

Finals week is Dec 9th. after that, the time is MINE. All. Mine. ( I hope, anyway)

Catching up a bit, yah?

The Socks were made for my mother's best friend, Kathy. She is also a great quilting guru among our "Blockheads" quilt group. Kathy retired this year, which, to me is a great accomplishment. I am proud to know her, and hope she has many happy creating years ahead. Anyway, these socks are wool, and I made them big so she can run them through the cold water wash and they will felt down just a little. They make great slouchy house socks (that's what I call them anyway) I have a pair. They are nice for sleeping in on cold nights, and to putter around in the mornings. (I don't like slippers much. They make my feet sweat.)

The Wallquilts are something I made a while ago out of Laurel Burch fabrics, gold fabric paint, and Amish Black Kona cotton. I have these for sale at DonTerra Gallery in Sisters, Oregon. I think the Green one already sold. You can check them out at: http://www.donterra.com and find my name in the Artist Registry.

I like to make stuff. All kinds of stuff. Even when I have to study rational expressions in my Algebra class, I still make stuff.

Love it!

Time- or lack thereof

After reading a blog (okay, it's the Harlot's) about moms and how we selflessly sacrifice our time, and our interests for everyone else in our family, it made me think about how much time we, as mothers, do actually give up.
I'm going to school three nights a week. (to get a degree, to make better money, for the family).
I work a full-time job, (to make money to provide for my family)
I knit and sew and crochet and make stuff when I can (to sell, and provide nice things for my family)

I guide and correct my children, in order to (hopefully) raise productive members of society. which takes time. which is what I don't seem to have (above entries mentioned).

So, where do we, as mothers, actually get to do a few things for ourselves? And when if we do, why do we feel guilty? Is there some unspoken rule that says: You have had a child. Give up your life forever. The end. that's it. So everything that I might want to do, just for me, just for a little while, is.. bad?

Why?