Emptyknitster

This afternoon I had the urge to start the first of the Christmas Sweaters of 2012 . I always try to have the Christmas sweaters done by Thanksgiving. This allows me to do small, fast, and impulsive knitting all of December. The kiddos are getting bigger and I know it's just going to take longer and longer to get the half dozen sweaters completed. So rather than wait until summer I cast on the sweater I'd been thinking about for Joe. It's a stripe in two colors. I had thought the combination would be great for a young teen but now I'm having second thoughts. What do you think?

The NorDak Family came this weekend and from the beginning The Tiger wanted me to pull a baby tooth. Everyday he'd ask if it was loose enough to pull. Thursday - no. Friday - no. Saturday - out it popped!  What a happy boy! I got on the phone, called the Tooth Fairy Hotline and let her know that even though it was Easter Eve we would be needing her services at our house in Montana. It's not very often that the tooth fairy AND the Easter Bunny stop by on the same night! The Tiger was happy the next morning when he looked in his glass and found plenty of change and a Sacagawea GOLD DOLLAR! This reminded me of when the gurls were young and lost a tooth. The tooth fairy left the tooth and money in a glass at our house. They'd then take the tooth to Gramma and Grandpa's house (and let's not forget Uncle Scott because he did play a big role in this little scam). They then would put the tooth in the glass of water for a second round of tooth fairy goodness - and wh...

I now have 21 pair of handknit socks in my sock drawer! These will be my last pair for a little while. Pattern: "No pattern socks" Yarn: Paton Kroy Sock Yarn Jacquards Colorway: Denim Jacquards Needle Size: US 2 I'd like to finish my Vitamin D sweater, and there other items that I would like to get on the needles before I start another pair -  a scarf, a shawlette, and the grand kiddos Christmas sweaters!

The buzz finally reached Montana a few weeks ago... The second edition of The Principles of Knitting by June Hemmons Hiatt has been published. I just  received my book in the mail. This edition has been updated and many new sketches have been added. While knitting on my current projects, I've been studying the book. It has reinforced some techniques I've been using but I've revised a few others.  I would suggest this book for any serious knitter who is want to improve their skills. It is a very interesting read. This will have an honored place on the coffee table, just an easy reach away in the evening.

The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, yet echoes on in sweet, soulful refrains. For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains. Author: Unknown Katherine Hovgaard Cook of Manchester March 2, 1943 to Feb. 28, 2012 Our beloved Kitty peacefully passed away in her home on February 28 in Manchester after a 7-year-long battle with Parkinson's disease. Born Katherine Ellen Ballard to Fred and Merab Ballard. Known as Kitty or Kit, she spent her entire life in Manchester. She loved life, her family, and had countless friends. She was an active member of the Children's Hospital Guild, devoted years to the Board of Directors of Helpline, and was past president of the Commodears of the Port Orchard Yacht Club. She and her husband Dick hosted the Manchester Sailing Regatta for over ten years. Kitty served as Manchester's much loved postmas...

  The kiddos at school have said and done some things that have made me chuckle this year: 1. I was wearing my Born oxfords one day at school. They aren't the height of fashion or even close, but they are comfortable shoes for someone who's on their feet all day. Tristan, one of my third graders, walked up to me, looked down at my shoes and said, "My grandpa has shoes just like those." ("Kids," I thought.) "Oh," I said. "No, I mean JUST like them." Out the door he trotted, and to the store I went! When I told the young salesclerk why I was there buying new shoes, she was slightly offended. "Since I'm on my feet all day at work I wear them!"  Just saying, from the mouths of babes - it's a bitch getting old honey! 2. Shortly after Christmas a parent came into a fellow teacher's classroom. Unaware that he was interrupting a math class he wished everyone in the class a Happy New Year and hoped that all w...

Even though I've been under the weather, I've finished some more socks. Knitting always soothes the savage beast - or sick teacher! Pattern: "No Pattern" Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks FX Colorway: Clover Colors Needle size: Size 2 Pattern: "No Pattern" Socks Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks FX Colorway: Cascade Colors Needle size:Sixe 2 My thinking on sock knitting has totally changed. These "No Pattern" vanilla socks are the perfect emergency knitting project. I carry an in progress pair with me everywhere. My dentist, doctor, and beautician are all used to seeing me knittinng on a pair in the waiting room. I try never to be late for my appointments but really dislike having to wait to be seen for MY appointment, so knitting until I can be seen is a great solution. Now, I'm always glad to finish a pair of socks and happy to start another.