Emptyknitster

Last Friday my students were using ipads to reinforce their math skills. Sadly I was two ipads short and so, quickly going to solution, I asked the two students go to the computers and log onto my school website so they could play some math games. I didn't hear all the conversation at a nearby table but the final comment was, "Yes she used to be a teacher." Did they think that anyone having so much fun with them this year couldn't be a teacher OR did they somehow know I was going to turn in my retirement papers today!!!? YEA!! You read right - I'm retiring!

In January I was surprised by some gifted sock yarn from the KnitGirllls. When it arrived the yarn screamed  birthday socks for my little girls! Last week Sadie celebrated her birthday and loved the socks... Very similar to the Princess and The Pea, this princess understood immediately, "they are so much better than socks from the store!" The Knitgirllls would be so impressed - Gramma is! Pattern: Just knit to my heart's content! Yarn: Sock yarn from Friday Studios Colorway:Fireworks Amount: less than an a skein - so there are more to come! Needle Size: US 1.5

The first time I saw these socks I knew I would have to give them a try! The pattern was well written and easy to follow. A fun knit that will be a great gift! I plan on knitting a Wallaby for The Tiger with a spider on the sleeve and little spiderlings on the pocket. Pattern: Spider Socks Yarn: Cascade Heritage Sock Yarn Colorway: Burgundy - GO Griz! Amount: One skein Needle size: US 1

I have knit enough socks now that I just cast on and knit away! Last week A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker arrived in the mail. This will be a great resource to jazz up my socks in the future. This week's pair of socks have a baby cable rib found in the book.  I look forward to knitting many "off road" socks this year! Pattern: My creative juices are flowing Yarn: Patons Kroy Socks FX Colorway: Calla Lily Colors Amount: 2 skeins Needle size: US 1

The second Antler Cardigan was finished last week. There will be three completed before Easter, one for me, one for Granddaughter #1, and Granddaughter #2. The sleeves and body are just knit,knit, knit! Have I written that I no longer purl but knit backwards? What a wonderful technique, only wish I'd learned years ago. My stockinette stitch is now uniform and smooth -  something that once only happened after blocking. The yoke is a cinch, filled with antler cables, an easy and beautiful stitch.  I did add an extra antler before beginning the decreases in the yoke in order to bring the sweater neck up to where I wanted it. Pattern: Antler Cardigan Yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool Colorway: Oatmeal Amount: 3 skeins Needle size: US 6, US 8

I've been knitting birthday socks for Kimmie. We had a birthday party Friday at the Burger Dive, a great spot that only could get better if they served a beer with the burgers. We've been going there for a year to celebrate and the owner smiles at us when we walk in, birthday placemats in tow! I had forgotten to take a photo before the socks were gifted. So when I approached Kimmie after the holiday I was surprised to see the look of horror on her face when I told her I had made a mistake and shouldn’t have gifted the socks to her…(intending on finishing with, until I took a photo.) But before I could finished the sentence she cut in and said “But I wore them all weekend, all three days after skiing!” Now SHE is someone who appreciates my knitting! Kimmie then told me that upon arriving home Monday night, the socks were lovingly hand washed but she would wear them on Wednesday. After school today she modeled the socks and now I have a truly completed project! Patte...

Hubby and I spent a weekend in and around Yellowstone Park enjoying the animals and each other's company. For our honeymoon many years ago we went to the park via snow coach - when hubby booked this trip he thought it was a redo but instead got a van (coach). Still it was fun and a thoughtful anniversary gift. On our way to the park we saw several bald eagles in Paradise Valley. The entrance in Gardiner. Pronghorn antelope Buffalo A coyote with dinner Bighorn sheep Buffalo Hubby in the wild. Another coyote Buffalo playing on the high school football field .   Heading to the park and on the way home we enjoyed Chico Hot Springs, always a relaxing time.