OH THE TANGLED WEB I WEAVE (KNIT)

You should see the tangled mess of all the different colors on both front panels of the 9 color coat. It is really taking on the colored design now. With every row, I get more and more excited to continue. But oh the mess. Some colors are weaving in and out across each panel and some are just running straight or almost straight upward. Then the gold, the main color is running back and forth, weaving in and out of each individual color.
My suggestion to the lady that ordered the coat is that she have her seamstress make a lining to sew into the coat. Between all of the weaving I think it will not only look nicer but will keep it's shape better and also hold all of the weaving in place. I sure hope she takes my advice on that one.
Rained here most of the day today. Hurrah!!! The garden is full of rain so we didn't pick today. Might set up "shop" and sell vegetables tomorrow in the driveway to my neighbors and give to the soup kitchen.
Saturday we take off for Lewisburg, WVA to pick up the new male Pug we have bought. A couple from Indiana is meeting us there to pick up the baby Cocker puppy that they have bought from us. Joy and sadness, saying good bye to one puppy and picking up another one.
Have a great weekend if I don't get back here before then.
Enjoy!



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TODAY IS MY DAY TO KNIT AND SEW!

Yah! It's rainy here this morning. So, today is a day for myself! No cleaning, 1 load of laundry and then it's all for me! No exciting lifestyle here, just plain ole relaxation, and doing what I want to do.

We were just talking this morning about how people who work in factories, on the line, have someone on each side of them to keep up production. If you are slow you get in trouble and if you are too fast you get in trouble. So with that thought, I'm glad I am right here where I am, home. Get up when I want, do what I want, and go to bed when I want! Lazy, aren't I? I think so.

Well, that little number deal yesterday blew my mind. Who sits and thinks up all this stuff? You know, the 123456789 thing. 12:34:56 on 7/8/9. Amazing. My brain doesn't ride on that train track. I was behind the door when the good Lord passed out that stuff. I'm more a gentle, kind, loving person I guess so not much need for my brain to go into overtime on anything too often.

I knit last night on the gold 9 color coat again. It is taking on color and lookin' good. I'll have a photo in a few days of the front panels. Am doing both right and left fronts and also the Ring of Fire cable for both right and left panel. Thought I'd attach the cable as I go but didn't. Best of all things, it will be exactly the same amount of rows and finished at the same time the fronts are finished. Hurrah!!

Going to Lewisburg, WV Saturday to pick up a male Pug. Finally found what I have been looking for. He should be able to handle my two girls just fine. Love his apricot head color and his wrinkles. Well, those are the only wrinkles I do like, on a dog! And then on July 16, will pick up the Bassett male puppy. He'll be too young for about a year or so but then so is the female. She is just about 9 months now so won't hurt her to wait on him to age a little. Nephew bought a female Bassett and plans to take her to college with him. Well, now, wonder how that deep throat barking will sound when 3 college boys are trying to study or party. Won't work, so told him she'll have a home here and he can get her on weekends when he's home. Ahhh, youth!
I have just got to work on those fabric grocery bags today and get some of those finished. You know I dislike looking at those little plastic bags more and more when the cashier asks if I want paper or plastic.
Have a good day!



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WOOL SOCK ORDERS NOW FOR FALL!

I am just beginning to get my sock orders in. Usually each fall I knit between 40-60 pairs of socks for people. I can knit a pair in about 2 days.
I like to have the customer measure their feet so that I get it right on the size I knit. Why in the world sell something that is either too big or too small or some kind of color that no one would ever buy to wear.
Had a nice compliment from a person on Twitter last night. Makes my heart bump up and down more rapid when people compliment me on my knitting or cooking. She's from Tennessee and a knitter herself.
I'd better get off here and get busy. The garden is producing now so will set up a table in my driveway and sell to neighborhood people. Have been giving the first to close friends and neighbors. Once it starts we not only sell but deliver 3-8 bushels of veggies a week to the soup kitchen. I hate to see anything go to waste. Last summer I canned squash for the first time. You know, it was rather tasty during the winter. I made it into squash casseroles. We probably ate a casserole a week.
Have a good one, y'hear!


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HERE IT IS, PATTERN DESIGN FOR FULL LENGTH COAT

Thought you'd like to see the colors, design, and charted design of the coat that I am knitting. Yes, that's right, 9 colors. The collar is Ring of Fire Cable. I have the back, and 2 sides finished. Am working on the front panels and the Cable along both sides of the fronts. Take a peek and see what you think!



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HAPPY 4TH, Y'ALL!!!!!

The front panels of the hand knit coat are almost long enough to photo for you to take a peak. I can't wait to show you.
Working with 9 colors at one time and block by block (stitch by stitch) design is extremely time consuming. Had to make little balls of yarns instead of the big skeins so that I can manuver 6 or more at a time.
It's not something I can sit and chat and knit on at the same time. But oh so rewarding! It is by far, my greatest achievement and I am so very proud of myself. Ok, brag, brag, brag!!! But I am!
Am starting to sell some of my Coton de Tulear puppies and my Cocker Spaniel puppies. For those of you who know North Carolina mountains, Sunday we trek to Franklin to pick up a new Bassett Hound puppy. Male of course so he can take over manly responsibilities of the female Bassett in due time!
Someone coming from Indiana to NC this weekend for a Cocker puppy. And someone coming from Atlanta for 1, maybe 2, PBGV's. Yes, google it....PBGV. Petit Bassett Griffon VenDen. It's a mouthful to say and the dogs are fantastic! Be sure to look them up online. Little maintenance as you don't clip their hair. Well, I did after they matted in spots from the winter.
I'm off to bathe puppies. And work with the leach and the bigger dogs.
Have a terrifically wonderful weekend. Stay safe and enjoy your family and friends.



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CUSTOM ORDER KNITTING

To those of you who don't know my occupation. It is a custom knitter. I knit for people throughout the USA and Canada.
I am currently working on a sweater for a lady in Atlanta, a hand knit coat for a lady in Philadelphia and a sweater for a lady in Chicago.
Love my knitting.
Let me know if you are interested.



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HERE'S MY PUPPIES I HAVE FOR SALE!

Thought you'd like to see my babies that are for sale. Aren't they precious.



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HERE I AM, UP BEFORE 6 AM, AM I CRAZY OR WHAT?

The hand knit coat, yes, you ask, is she really working on it or what? Even my step-daughter asked about it after reading on facebook. Well, yes, I am working on it. The side panels are up to the decreasing rows and then will travel up until the bottom of the armholes.
Once finished with the side panels I'll start the fronts. Both right and left are intertwined with the pattern designed by the lady that I am knitting for. She evidently knows something of design or at least drawing as she colored it out on graphed paper using colored pencils the same colors as the yarns I'll be using.
I like the design. I didn't think I would. And once finished, then I'll be ready to knit the Ring of Fire cable that will be placed all around the outside of each of the pieces. The collar will be a mandarin collar knit in the Ring of Fire cable design.
I can't wait to photo it. Wish I knew someone living near that is a photographer. You know, someone good at taking photos. Why? Well because this is a one of a kind and I truly believe that once it is all put together many women will want one.
Since it is a hand knit coat, I have suggested that she have her seamstress make a lining for the coat. Well, more warmth for the winter yes, but I think it will give the coat extra body and encourage it to told it's shape.
And oh yes, I wanted to make a comment today about all of the blogs that I read. I haven't taken a count lately of all that I do view. Both hand knit and quilt blogs. Socks, sweaters, coats and table runners as well as quilts for beds are among my favorites. My comment is: thank you so very much! I see a lot of beautiful ideas, a lot of reading and believe it or not, it is very relaxing to come to the computer and look. Look til I'm tired, look until I'm calmed, and look until whatever comes around the corned next.
Enjoy the weekend. Yee gads, I was thinking it is Sunday. I'd better work on Saturday first.



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THE WINDOW REPAIR MAN IS ON HIS WAY.....

The weedeater ate up 2 windows in the sunroom so the repair man is on his way. Amazing that darn weedeater. It has it's nerve!
I've been doing some serious cleaning around this house lately so am taking a break and going to sew this morning and then knit this afternoon. The golden hand knit coat needs some attention.
Have you seen the new roses out this year? When we finish the terracing in the back yard I believe I'll invest in some of them. Love Roses! Will check out the colors and do what I need to do to get the "job" done.
Repair man is here, have a great day knitting socks, sweaters or kilt hose



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DOES ONE LIVE TO COOK, OR COOK TO LIVE?

Well, here I am again, blogging twice in the same day. I don't know why but something brought me back. Maybe because it is going to rain again, who knows.
I thought I was having dinner guests tonight but they just cancelled. Since we live in the mountains of North Carolina I wanted to make a country dinner. So began cooking bear meat and some local deer meat. Yes, you just read right. Don't think it yucky until you taste mine. Everyone raves about my game meats.
So, then I added new white potatoes. A squash casserole (squash from our own garden that I canned last summer). Cooked cabbage with "fat back". And for our lunch threw in some leftover spaghetti and some left over lemon chicken. A homemade pound cake baking I then decided to make some bread. Oh, don't get me wrong, I make bread all of the time ususally in those little cutesy heart and flower shaped pans but not today. Decided that I havent' used my bread machine in a long, long time. So out it came. So here's dinner cooked and no dinner guests and just finished up lunch. Nothing but a lot of extra pots and pans in the sink to wash. Hmmmmmmmmm!
Not only did I mess up a clean kitchen but stripped the bed down, threw in a load of dirty towels from the bathrooms and three other loads of dirty clothes. Yes, we are either clean or we are mighty dirty. Clean is what I'll call it.
Now tackling my "dirty birds" and going to clean out 5 bird cages, vacuum and mop the sun room and wash a few windows.
After all that, I'll be ready to stop and knit for the rest of the evening.
Sorry I bored you again, but wanted to just get it off my chest........dinner guests will just have to come another evening. Not to worry, if it's in the next couple nights, it'sll be leftovers! On a clean plate, who'll know? Just me and you and the sink full of dirty pots and pans.
:)'s



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FABRIC GROCERY BAGS

Spent Sunday afternoon making a fabric grocery bag. Turned out great! Gave it to a friend. Plan to make myself several as was on tv that Walmart and the grocery stores are going to discontinue plastic bags and paper bags. I had wondered why the push in both places for the fabric bag sales. Now I know.
Well, once I get about 10 made I will be able to easily fold them and stick all into just one bag until I reach the store checkout. Now the only problem will be to remember to finish putting the groceries away and then place them back into the vehicle. I'm thinking that once I forget and need to pay for bags that will be the last time I "forget".
Mom is coming home from Michigan tomorrow. I want to go early to stop at the fabric store for some new patterns. Ever wonder just how many patterns it takes to keep all of the children and grandchildren happy! A lot when there are 6 children and 12 grandchildren and still more to be born in future times.
You have a great day. I'm going to clean house (something I don't do often enough) and then knit on the black sweater and knit on the golden coat.



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Hand Knit Kilt Socks Lookin' Pretty Good

I worked on my kilt style socks last night at knitting. The cuff is ready to turn so will dig out the pattern and continue. They will be for me as actually a pair of knee socks for winter.
Made Lily the 3rd sun dress yesterday. It is ready for the top stitching and then finished. The first 2 sun dresses I took to Michigan. They fit! Hurrah for Granny.
I didn't think about the fact that she wears a uniform to school but they will look nice shopping, and church.
Most of all she liked the fabric paper dolls that I took her. I went shopping and bought her her own fabric cutting scissors. She was delighted. We ran out of time so I showed my daughter in-law, Shannon what to do.
Took Shannon a Debbie Bliss baby hand knit book. Debbie Bliss has captured beautiful hand knit sweaters and hand knit socks as well as a beautiful little brown coat for babies up to 24 months. Just lovely. Hope Shannon puts it to good use.
My back is breaking. I've been coating the terracing timbers to keep the bugs from eating away. It stinks! Two coats on each side. Just finished with the second coat now on to the ends and I'm finished.
Have one coat of paint on the wooden furniture. Will get the second coat on today and then start the shutters. Seems like more and more work keeps popping up.
Today I want to bathe the 2 inside doors, and start bathing all of the dogs in the kennel. Tar Baby and Peaches need grooming so will get them today also and if not, begin my day tomorrow with them.
Have a terrific day!


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BACK HOME FROM MICHIGAN DOESN'T MEAN RESTING

Greetings: I'm back home in North Carolina from my trip to see oldest Granddaughter, Ashley graduate. Evidently I was tired. Got inFriday about 11:30 am, lunch at Red Lobster and then home for a nap. Bed time was early, about 10:30p and slept until 8:30 am this morning.
Doesn't look like the grass waited for me but grew and grew. So onto the facts of life and out with the John Deere as soon as the dew had evaporated.
I truly enjoyed myself this week in Michigan. Got a little sun at my son's home on the lake.
Met a great gal, Barbara on the plane. Barbara is from a sub near Chicago. We talked all the way to Asheville where she is attending a workshop for her job. I am looking forward to keeping in touch with her once she returns home.
We decided to landscape the slope in front of the kennel in the back yard. Before I left we had a wood mill cut the timbers. This morning I gave them the first coat of something stinking that will treat it and keep the bugs from eating. No wonder they won't it it, it stinks. Will put a second coat on the planks before dropping them into the ground. I think I'll plant more herbs and roses.
Picked up the red wine vinegar to make the vinagarette this evening. Mint vinagarette and strawberry vinagarette will be the first ones.
The strawberries hadn't been picked while I was gone so we picked them last night and had a huge bowl for a late night snack and again with breakfast this morning. Will try to get some strawberry jam made this week. Blackberries and grapes are starting to look nice. This is the first year for 3 of the grape vines, 2 are old timers so will produce well. The 3 blueberry plants are looking nice and the old timer is nicely full of green blueberries. So all in all, I'll have plenty of work cut out for me with the acre of garden.
Radishes and green onions are getting way too big. Brought up a huge hand full of each this morning. Had something that didn't grow in the garden so will sink 4 small rows of green beans to use up the seed that I haven't planted yet. That will give me 6 long rows of green beans and 4 short ones.
Going to Lowe's tomorrow to look for a new table to sell my produce on in the driveway. My old table come inside for the parakeets to have their cages upon. Works good for the parakeets so won't bother them to remove their table.
Got to get off here. Will get back to knitting on the coat and back to sewing this next week. Hope to have photo posts soon.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend and don't work too hard this coming week.



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TO DAY IS THURS DAY, TO DAY IS THURS DAY, DAH, DAH, DEE, DAH!

Tuesday night after the funeral visitation I finished my dress to wear to the funeral. It is actually going to be worn at the graduation but decided I'd try it out earlier. I carried a matching purse filled with tissue. Just knew I'd cry a lot at the funeral.
Last night I made the cupcake tablecloth that I'm taking to the wee grandchildren. Have all but the buttonholes and buttons on this dress for Lily to slid into my suitcase also. Think I'll have more for everyone else in that suitcase than for myself. :)



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I have made a second dress for Lily in a green check. While trying to serge the seam, I caught it in the bodice and made a little hole so will now need to repair the hole and cover it up. Think I'll put a belt on it which will serve the purpose, covering the hole and making it dressy. She loves to look like a princess so a belt should be just the right attachment for a princess!
We picked a gallon of strawberries yesterday afternoon. Oh are they sweet and nice! I had myself a big bowl last night, yum, yum. Some of them are only June bearing and some for the whole summer. Will sure enjoy them and the jelly from them too.
The wild blackberries are forming little berries. Should be enough to make jelly in another month. Nope, didn't plant them, evidently the wind or a bird carried in the seed within the last couple years. Had a hand full of them last year and this year we'll not need to travel up the mountain to pick any. They say blackberry is good for your stomach, so will try to make vinegarette and also just juice them.
My new grapevines and blueberry bushes are doing well. Doubt I'll get more than a handfull of blueberries of them as it is the first season. I have 3 new grapevines and 2 old grapevines. The old ones are concord and a green variety. The green is located at Granny's old house, near our barnyard. The jelly from that vine is fantastic. Everyone begs for a jar of that and I must admit it is my favorite.
I've got to get off here. Need to walk for an hour or two and get to sewing and knitting.
Have a terrific day!!

IT ARRIVED TODAY

Got the yarn from Drooling Over Yarn. Oh, boy is it ever nice. I am anxious to see it made up into 3 pairs of socks, but....dont' know when.
I am so far behind on my knitting. I've got to get at it.
Sewing tonight on the gifts for the little grandchildren. Can't wait to see them.
Anyway......hope all of you are knitting your little fingers to the knuckles. Keep in touch.
Have a good one.



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THIS IS A SAD WEEK!

Not much sock knitting will be done this week, nor hand knit sweater knitting, nor quilting, nor sewing on clothing. David's Aunt and a member of my knitting class has passed away. Bonnie was not a knitter. She was a wool rug braider and a fantastic one at that. After about 2 months of illness, Pulmonary Fibrosis (finally diagnosed) her visitation will be tomorrow night and funeral on Wednesday. I am heart broken. She was a good friend and I'll miss her greatly. Her last conversation to me, coughing so bad that I couldn't hardly understand her was that I wasn't to go shopping for fabric until she was well.
Sad to say, that another Aunt of David's is in intensive care also from a heart attack. We visited her today and talked with her and her Granddaughter. How very sad to see wonderful people so gravely ill.
But......to the extreme opposite, I am excited about attending my Granddaughter's graduation next week. I fly Tuesday and arrive in time to attend the graduation. Will stay 3 days so that I can play with the little ones and then back home. So yes, I am really looking forward to doing that.
Well, I promised myself that I would try to sew a wee bit tonight.
Hope all had a wonderful Memorial Day.
God bless our servicemen and women.



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FINISHED......2 SUN DRESSES FOR LILY

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, finished, 2 sundresses for Lily. Well, need to put on the buttons and make the buttonholes. But finished in my book. Now, will make Andrew 2 little outfits and decide on what to make for Charlie. They will expect a gift from granny and I'm not sure that I can finish the quilts in time.
Taffy had her puppies this morning. After breakfast, found them already out of the "hanger" and already dry. So, am assuming that they were night deliveries just like she did last year. Oh, 4 black (just like Daddy), 4 Parti (just like her). Daddy is a full AKC Champion. Both Mom and Dad have a fantastic personality, sweet and loving. So in 6 weeks they will be ready for their new "forever" homes.
I must get off here. Baking a pound cake and making 4 loaves of bread to take for dinner to friends tonight.
Have a great week as I'm doing volunteer work at the middle school. It's test time, and I'll be walking around looking for "cheaters". Hope, sure hope, I don't find any! That would be bad....
Later! Enjoy


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PAPER DOLL QUILT IS ON THE TABLE

Well, I've started the paper doll quilt. These are the smaller size dolls, only 5 inches. Will do a medley of pinks around the squares along with some of the clothing. Then I'll give Lily some of the fabric that isn't cut out along with some pellon. Wonder if little girls even know what paper dolls are now days with all the high tech games and computers.
Having sewer problems today, waiting for the plumber, so this gives me a good excuse to sew instead of housecleaning. I'm sure the vacuum would still work, but I wouldn't want to try it! :)
We've been having a lot of rain. Mind you, I'm not complaining as we have had severe drought for the last 2 years so let it rain, let it rain. The lawn, flowers and most of all, the garden are lovin' it. Me too, gives me a good excuse to stay in and either sew or knit.
Last night I sat down and made Andrew some bib overalls. I had been earlier in the week to Just Ducky's sale and picked up 2 kits for $4.00 each. The machine embroidery is on the front piece, and all cut out. In fact, one of the kits had the legs sewn together already. Evidently they were pieces that had been started and not finished. Works for me!
Have my dress almost completed for the graduation. Made a large tote and a smaller tote for the flight to Michigan. Will not take any luggage since I won't be there long enough for it to be lost and then they find it. Nope, not trusting of the airlines at all. Hubby is worried about me flying. I'll have my 85 year old Mother to get from one corridor to another in Atlanta with maybe an hour's time.
Well, back to the quiling, and then on to the knitting.
Have a fantastic weekend.




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QUILTS, PAPER DOLLS AND TRAINS

I'm one tired gal. Went to a special invitation sale last night at the Just Ducky warehouse. If you haven't ever checked it out. Google: Just Ducky children's clothing. We went to purchase their scraps for quilting and fabric by the yard for Christmas gifts, little girls tops and shorts and such.
Then this morning, up early and left by 8 am to go to Mary Jo's in Gastonia, NC. Mary Jo's fabric store that is. Try googling that too and make sure you read their blog site. Mary Jo actually waited on me today. Oh yes, she's still, after many, many years waiting on her customers along with the other employees. I complimented her on the blog. She said that it is her son that does that one, going on to say that computer is where business is now and she isn't into computers.
Found some little girl paper doll fabric. Oh so very cute. Lily will surely like that. Will add a backing so that she can dress them and then use the rest in her "pink" quilt.
Then looking farther, I found Charlie some trains. He is almost 5 and a train nut. When we took them to the gold mine last summer, he bent down to feel the rails in the gold tunnel. Amazing then for a 3 plus little boy.
Found something else interesting. It is a fabric puff maker. I'll try it out, photo it and show you sometime before Christmas. I think I'll make some gift giving items with it. Cute!
Found myself a pattern to make a little dress for Ashley's graduation. I'll be flying to Michigan for that the 1st of June. I can hardly wait!
Well, this is one tired chick so will sign off for tonight. No more fabric buying for me for awhile.



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I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S ALMOST MID MAY, WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

I'm back! Back to knitting that is. Little by little my hand is improving. Just started doing the dishes this weekend. Tender but okay. And knitting more rows each day. I've been working on the hand knitted coat. Finished the back last night and got about 4 rows on the side panels (knitting both at the same time). I realized that the young lady hasn't given me design that will go on the bottom of each sleeve. So will move onto the front panels after the side panels.
Also, am working on the plain black cardigan. Am just about finished with the back. Since it is 96 inches around the whole sweater it does take awhile to knit but that lady is always happy with my work.
Going to take a break this morning and hang some clean clothes and then work in my sewing room. I haven't done that in a few months either because of my hand so am anxious to get back to the quilts for the children.
Speaking of children, my son called last night to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. The two older children had fallen asleep already but the 1-1/2 year old was "mumbling" on the phone. He talks quiet and I didnt' catch all of the conversation except for the "football". My daughter in-law is not doing well with this 4th baby on the way. She is having some bone and joint pain so was in the tub soaking and I didn't get to talk to her. Yes, number 4 is another girl. That will be 2 of each. They are kicking the names around. She won't be delivered until August so awhile yet to get the name ready. I was told the boy baby clothing has been thrown out so must be that means there will not be any more births after this little princess.
I am so excited. I found a knitting blog from Saudi and another from Tasmania. I think it is exciting to read about women from other countries and see what they knit. I can't wait to hear from both of them again as well as my other "new" friends who knit that I've met online.
Have one fantiastical week. May you be safe and loved.



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Knit a round and a half on a pair of socks last night

Ah, so nice to pick up the needles again after surgery on my hand. I am not suppose to but only my husband saw me. I can't believe how much my hands have lost their strength. A round and a half on a pair of kilt or knee socks and I was done for the night. So will work hard at building my strength up again in my hands. I can't stop knitting, that is my life.
Have tried writing a wee bit but there again, no strength. Still can't get that right hand wet so hard to wash dishes. Oh well, they stack dirty very well. :)
Have a terrific week everyone.
And most of all, thank you so very much for all the well wishes. You have no idea how much that helps each and every day. Blessed are you all!



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Doing Well!

Seems like forever since I blogged. I am doing well 9 days after the surgery. Dr. appt. Thursday so maybe I can go back to knitting. I have so many projects that need finishing and shipped.
Yesterday, I helped David work in the garden, one handed! :) I cut the spuds (taters, potatoes) left handed. Steve planted them and ran the rototiller. So was a long day. Then, being so tired, I couldn't sleep last night.
Having all of these blogs from you and you, and you has given me something to do to keep the boredom down. Plus I've bought a lot of new mints, lemon balm and lavender. I have some herbs that desperately need transplanting so will try to work at it, one handed, today and tomorrow.
Thanks so very much for your kind wishes for a good recovery. Thanks isn't enough I am sure but it has been so nice to see all the notes of well wishes from all of you.
Have a terrific weekend.



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I'm Doing Well

Hey, I'm doing well after my surgery on Wednesday.
Not using right hand at all so typing is not too good. Removed large wrapping today, 3 days early. as I was allergic to it. Itched constantly. Took 2 pain pills as I noticed that they also reduced swelling too. Swelling mostly gone.
I would advise anyone to have the Carpal Tunnel surgery if you have a good surgeon. Mine is the sports med dr. for our area schools and local college so knew he'd be able to handle it. He told me to wiggle fingles all the time so am following instructions.
Now about boredum and not being able to knit. Oh gosh! now that's bad. So I'm walking some. That really tires me out and then I've earned nap, good trade off I think.
All I can think of is knitting on the hand knitted coat, sweaters, Scottish kilt socks, and reenactment socks and sashes. Hopefully a week and a half until then.
I'll post photos of design of the sweater coat and others later. You will remember I had the new black 5 button cardigan back almost finished. That's the one that I am going by measurements only, no pattern.
Well my left hand gets tired of typing all keys so will close. Thanks for all well wishes.



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THE BLACK SWEATER WAS A SMASHING HIT!

I shipped the black sweater to my customer. She received it today. Wrote me an email and said she loves it, it fits and she is on her way to a play in Chicago with the sweater on. Then she ended with "keep knitting". I am on the 3rd sweater for her. So far a red pullover, a black pullover, and now a cardigan. I am so happy that she is satisfied. I didn't like the yarn but she is the one that has to wear it. And I do understand that as she can only wear cotton.
This new sweater that I'm knitting for her is black cotton also but a different kind of yarn. It feels smoother to the touch and will, more than likely, hold up longer and much better than the last one. Plus.....with it a great yarn it knits up easy so I've already finished about 7 inches of the back. I'll knit both front panels together so that they match exactly in number of rows and decreases.
Well, this is it....I probably won't be back to post on this blog for a couple weeks, maybe longer as I'll have carpal tunnel surgery on Monday. Tomorrow, Friday, I go back to the doctor for a final evaluation and then onto to Charlotte, NC, 2-1/2 hr. away to see my middle daughter, son in-law and 18 year old Granddaughter who are flying back home from Mexico. They will have a 6 hour lay over so we are trekking there to see them.
My testing on my hands yesterday was very painful and did show that I truly need the surgery.
Enjoy the peace and quiet from me.....
Happy Easter.....
I'll be back!



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Carpo Tunnel Surgery

Well, I got the news today from the bone and joint surgeon. Surgery!!! The day after Easter. Right hand for sure and possibly left also, which I will know after testing this next week Wednesday. I'll find out for sure on Friday the 10th. Surgery then on April 11. One week with absolutely doing nothing, then another week until stitches are removed. YUCK!@!! I'm not a tv person at all so will go absolutely bonkers.



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The Easter Bunny has Arrived!

We have 2 new litters of puppies. Friday we had 3 born to Nora, our Chocolate Cocker Spaniel. Last night, all night, Rubi had 5 puppies. We are exhausted!
Took the first 3 to the vet this morning and had their dew claws removed and tails docked. Thursday morning the other 5 will have the same.
I know we have a couple sold already and am hopeful that the others will go too. They leave here at 6 weeks having all their current shots and AKC papers along with the deworming already taken care of.
I am just finishing up with the black sweater. I am knitting a 10 inch collar and then will photo it to show you.
Have a terrific week.



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Tuesday Is For Cleaning House and Knitting

I do need to clean for knitting class tonight. Someone is bringing spaghetti and garlic bread so won't cook. I will take that time and work in my strawberry patch today. It needs a lot of "help"! While I'm in the fruit garden I'll check on the grape vines, blueberry bushes and the rhubarb. We have promise of rain tonight and most of the rest of the week so this will be my one chance to work outside.

I'm going to try to get the black sweater finished this week so will photo it once it has the sleeves woven on to it.The front and back it knit as one on circular needles. Once to the arm holes I divided the total number of stitches in half. Continued knitting one half of them up the 9-1/2 inches for the armhole. Yes, I left the other half of the sweater on the needles. That made knitting the armhole area of the front a knit and purl instead of just knitting. Once to the top of the arm hole, I left those stitches on a stitch holder for casting off both front and back seams together when finished with the back. Then I repeated the same steps for the armhole on the back and once to the top turned both sides to purl and bound off the stitches at the shoulder seam. I did that by knitting on stitch from the needle then the next needle knit the first stitch and then slip the first knit stitch over the second stitch. That becomes a nice even, smooth stitch.



Then I


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I Purchased 3 More Large English Parakeets

Well I went to see if I could find any Bourke's and didn't. Tried to buy a tri colored bird, don't know the name of it. The owner told me they died if they got into a cool breeze, well it was cold outside. Then he told me they threw out their first hatch, killed the babies from their second hatch. Then he walked away from me. Guess he didn't want my business so bought 3 more parakeets. I like the Large English because they are just that, larger than regular parakeets. Now I need another cage and accessories for the pair that I got. The third one went in with the single male. Hope he'll do his thing in a couple months or so.
But not all in vein, found someone who knows someone, that raises Bourke's. I simply can't wait to buy a pair of those cute pink birds. I think they will be a good seller to little girls. We'll see!
Picked up a few good Christmas 2010 gifts today for the females of the family. Will put them away and so that means that I won't have to hand knit or sew everything this next year. Don't know what made me do that. I never buy gifts. I must be getting old!
The cashier was interesting. She was from Canada. Then lived in New Jersey and now here. Said she traveled in a motor home by herself for 5 years. Amazing!
My Little Bit, well her real name is Farah is just about ready to be bred. She is a Coton de Tulear. Her love, Charlie has a lot of creamy hair that I wish was white as snow like hers but maybe together they can make beautiful babies. Time will tell.
Tomorrow I am going to the heart specialist. Dad died from complications of his Anurysma's. He had had surgery a few years before that and one of the screen meshes had slipped. Well, the point I'm trying to make here is that I want to keep my heart in good condition so this is a routine for the first time just as a precaution.
Next week, a trip to the bone and joint surgeon but that won't be fun. I am thinking that he'll schedule me for hand surgery. But then I do use my hands a lot knitting, sewing and clicking this ole mouse on here so probably have just plain wore my hands out!
Have a good one.....



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Scottish Hose, Tartan Tams, Aran Sweaters and Knitted Balmorals, Scottish Kilt Accessories

Because we all still have St. Patrick's Day on our mind I thought I'd enter a few lines about my Scottish knitting. As you know, I love to knit. Doesn't matter to me what item, style, color or yarn. Just as long as my needles are swaying back and forth between a purl and a knit, or a knit and a purl.
I don't begin knitting on a project until it is ordered by a customer. I use your measurements and knit with the yarn of your choice. For some, it's Alpaca all the way, for others wool and yet for still others who are allergic to almost everything else, it's cotton. I help persons desiring a special item, to locate the yarn. Once the yarn has been purchased and I have their measurements I'm ready to begin on the style of their desire.
Finished knitting, the customer pays for the item (as agreed upon before) and then they also pay for the shipping. Nope, no handling charge as I only live about a mile from the local USPS.
Doesn't matter if you like Aran, Celtic, Fair Isle design oreven a cable. I love knitting them all! Don't you just love the Celtic knot design in these socks?
So, contact me at lickstone@gmail.com and we'll begin working on your Scottish kilt accessories.



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It's Spring Here In The Mountains

A bit cooler today than yesterday but oh so nice. We finished the wrought iron fence across the porch. Took the 2 Coton de Tulears out there several times yesterday. I think they like it. Well the male baptised everything anyway, so he must like it!
Plans today are to
1. Move the day lillies behind the house to join the others on the side of the driveway.
2. Rake along the driveway.
3. Plant the new mint and Rosemary that I purchased yesterday.
4. Vacuum and mop the sun room.
5. Depending on the time, maybe get some more mopping completed.
6. KNIT
7. Watch Survivor at 8 pm. that's a must for this house.
8 Hit the sheets about 10 pm if I can stay up that late.
Other than that the usual, showering, cooking, dishes, you know what I'm talking about. All that stuff that is the usual norm of each day that no one thinks you do. That's the woman's job, right?
Have a good day and smile......



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A Long Week Ready And It's Only Tuesday

Our Monday started out busy. Rainy and wet we headed after breakfast to get a rabies shot for one of our dogs. Just routine. Then continued to make the rounds to get the errands and stopped for lunch at the fish house before heading to David's 1 pm Dr. appt. Got there, signed in and a voice told me that his appointment was Tuesday not Monday. Home we came, got ready again and left for the County Commissioner meeting. Home by 8 pm in time for Dancing with the Stars.
This morning, Tuesday, feet hit the floor running so that I could get some things accomplished before the 1 pm Dr. appt. Back home and cleaning before the 5:30 pm knitting class here. That also involves me cooking. Found, what might sound yucky to some of you, some bear meat. Bear stew, why not? Mopped all the rooms in the house but the sun room and now, going to finish cleaning the birds, finish cooking and just in time for the ladies. I'm tired already and can't wait for the 2nd part of Dancing with the Stars at 8 pm again tonight. Hope others want to watch it as they knit.



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Bathing and Sewing

Decided to bathe 3 of my dogs. It's a hand full to bathe the bassett. She doesn't understand the part about standing still. :)
Working on the quilt again.
Have decided to have hand surgery so will meet with the surgeon on March 31. I hope to have both hands done at the same time but doubt it. Anyway, I am thinking that it will only be a week before I can be back to knitting and other crafting. Will find out the details on the 31st.
Rain, rain, rain, again today and promises of tomorrow too.
Happy weekend to all of you!



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Just a little bit this morning

Well, here it is Friday. If you are retired it is just another busy day, if you are employed I guess you are really excited to see 5 pm.
I have decided that I must call the bone and joint surgeon today and have the carpal tunnel surgery. I will ask if he'll do both hands at once but know that he won't.
Also, a new online friend told me about www.fitday.com. If you are even a few pounds over weight I think you'll like this website. I told her I wasn't going to do it, then once I was on that page, I did. I have lost 4 lbs. this week. Just since Monday those pounds have come off. I've used a calorie counter before and lost well so know that for me I must keep my calories under 1200. I am surprised at how much I can eat for under 1200 calories. Enough to keep me satisfied.
My hands are bothering me today and I must knit so will make this short and sweet!
Have one terrific weekend.



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