Emptyknitster

We had a great time in San Francisco last weekend! When Chloe had ballet practice, I had a little one on one with the Pirate. Then when the Pirate and his Grandpa went to the aircraft carrier, I had time with Chloe! Priceless! Chloe did a great job at The Nutcracker. I love that ballet and it was made extra special to have Chloe perform...   On the way to the Raider game... Another Wonderful Holiday Memory...

We've been married 40 years today! Don't know what I'd do without you!

Today is my Mom's birthday.  She was a great mom and others saw what a great gal she was, too. Mom was often the recipient of heartfelt gifts both large and small. One of her most memorable birthday gifts came from a complete stranger. In Montana your driver's license expires on your birthday. It's supposed to be a silent reminder. This particular year Mom's license was up for renewal and being a good citizen, down to the office she went. The gal behind the counter was surprised to see her on her birthday and asked what she wanted for her big day. Without missing a beat Mom replied, "To be five years younger!" They both laughed and agreed how nice that would be. Several weeks later when the new drivers license arrived in the mail, Mom opened the envelope and was delighted to see she had received a late birthday gift, the gal behind the counter had given Mom her wish - she was indeed five years younger! Mom never changed her birth date to the correct ...

The workshop was busy this weekend, Mrs. Claus started and completed a pair of fingerless mitts. Pattern: Mendocino Heel Stitch Fingerless Gloves Yarn: Jojoland Tonic Colorway: Rose Needle Size: US 5 and US 7 She finished another Multnomah. Pattern:Multnomah Yarn: Red Heart &Sole, 2 skeins, tag ends of sock yarn - 75% wool, 25% nylon Colorway: Ivory and various bright colors Needle Sze: US 5 Mrs. Claus completed a pair of socks that have been the bane of her waking hours for the last month, Pattern: A off road sock lesson from Lala, Judy's magic cast on, The KnitGirllls after thought heel , Cat Bordhi's reinforcement of the heel, and Jeny's Surprisingly stretchy bind off! Yarn: Malabrigo Sock Yarn Colorway: arboi Needle Size: US 1 I did some off road knitting, starting with Judy’s Magic Cast On with 10 total stitches and increasing every other row to a total of 84 stitches. The top of the sock has the pattern of: Row 1:k3, p3 Row 2: K1, sl1, k1...

Over Thanksgiving, Sadie Lou Who wanted a spinning demonstration and I was happy to oblige. I spun two ounces beautifully and was rather proud. After the family left I thought I'd spin the other two ounces and promptly realized I'd lost my mojo, for five evenings I left the wheel frustrated. Monday night I gave it another try and was pleased with the results! The yarn is now spun, plied, whacked and wound. Encroaching Forest Hand Dyed Falkland 4 ounces From Fiber Fancy I'm going to try to find a solid yarn at the yarn shop today to knit my handspun into this shawlette.

Just a bit of advice, label the photos you have! In the box from my aunt there were several photos of young girls, taken in Bruning Nebraska. This is where my Grandmother grew up. Her father, Jurden Duis owned and ran a store in Bruning over 100 years ago.   I believe they are several of the Duis sisters. Tetje(Katie) Duis Middendorf, Altje(Ollie) Duis, Emma Duis, Margaretha (Maggie, Margaret) Duis Murphy, Maria Helena Duis Wilhelms, there were other sisters who died at an early age: Christina (9 years old when she died), Ida (16 years old when she died), Linda (11 years old when she died). Unfortunately I have no idea who is who! I would appreciate any help! I believe these are photos of my Grandmother, Margaret Duis Murphy: (I was told that this is a photo of Margaret and now have an original.) This is how I remember my Grandmother: She grew up speaking German but refused to speak the language around us. My mom encourage her to teach us but she refuse t...

A young Emma Duis There were several photos of my Great Aunt Emma in the box that I received from my Aunt Verna recently. She was an "old maid" school teacher in Casper, Wyoming in the 30's until she retired. When my Grandfather died, Mom told me that my Grandmother stayed in bed for three days until the day of the funeral. Grandma had no idea how she was going to take care of three children - Ruth, Jerry and Verna -  in the midst of the depression. Great Aunt Emma offered her home to the desperate four. They moved from Salida, Colorado to Casper, Wyoming. Grandmother kept the house and cooked until each of the three children graduated from High School in Casper. 1939 I wondered if there was anything out in cyberspace about Aunt Emma and so quickly "googled" her name. I was pleasantly surprised to see the following: Memories of a great teacher At age 83, I'm trying to write an article (that could become a book) about my fifth-grade teacher in Cas...