Contemplating a New Year

Well 2009 brought lots of smiles, sorrow, and difficulty. I am glad that we will soon be putting it behind us. I look forward to 2010. I am hoping that it will bring blessings to us all. I am thinking about what I can do with this blog. I know, I know, I've said that many times before. But what can I do that I will actually follow through with? There are some possibilities. And then again I can just let the blog go. What to do?

Doctor's Appointment for Mom

We took Mom for a doctor's appointment to check on some pain issues. During the visit the doctor discovered that her tumor had grown a tremendous amount and that she had lost four pounds in a short amount of time while eating normally. (Note - she only weighed 73 lbs before the weight loss and that was fully clothed.)

The doctor tells her that he is going to refer her to hospice. She makes a face, says I don't like that word. And then proceeds to tell him that she has hired someone to come and clean her house from top to bottom. The doctor looked at her and then at us.

Time Out for Knitting

I have been knitting some Christmas presents. I have found a great pattern that I hope several young women on my list will love.

Meret by Wooly Wormhead on Ravelry

Taking Mom for a Visit

My sister-in-law and I took my mom to visit her brother recently. He is in poor health and they haven't seen each other in a month or so. Mom seemed excited to be going and my uncle was thrilled when I called to tell him we were coming for a visit. Well, as we were getting ready to head out the door Mom asked if she should carry her purse. I told her "no". It would be in the way and she didn't need it. She looked at me quizzically and said "what about my cards". I inquired, "what cards?" She responded, "my insurance cards. I might need them." I said, "you know we are going to Uncle Don's, right?". She said, "yes". I convinced her that she could leave them at home. But I don't think she ever really understood that she most certainly would not need her insurance cards to visit her brother.

Now you tell me what was going on in her mind.

What's with this blog?

Well, I'll tell you, I'm not sure. I started this blog with the idea of chronicling (is that a word? it just looks wrong) my craftiness. And I've failed miserably at that. Not my craftiness, but blogging about it. I have continued to knit, a lot. It is what keeps me sane some days. Now I'm not sure what this blog should evolve into, maybe nothing. Maybe it should just dry up and go away, maybe no one is interested in my rambling on about things. But I am inclined to give a new blogging theme a go. I'm going to keep it here just in case it doesn't work out. That way I won't have two failed blogs, just one that failed twice.

My new theme will be my personal experiences with my 87 year old mother who is sinking into the world of dementia and who also has oral cancer. This will definitely be an irreverent look at my life as her caretaker. Sometimes I will probably be depressed and have pity parties, but mostly I hope to keep my humor about me and try to keep things in a lighter tone.

I'll just share one of the lastest things that has happened. Let me give you a small amount of background on this one. I have an 18 year old son, he is a nice young man and he has a girlfriend. She is a nice young woman. He has been dating her for probably about four months. We had not told my mother that he had a girlfriend because she usually obsesses about things like this and there are endless questions and many misunderstandings on her part. So to make our lives easier we had just not told Mom that A (this is how I will refer to my oldest son from now on) has a girlfriend. We recently decided that the relationship had lasted sufficiently long that we needed to inform my mother that A indeed had a girlfriend. This was accomplished last weekend. And Mom took it well, seemed pleased and didn't ask many questions. Although she did get the girlfriend's name wrong, but so what. Well, A helps out with the not so pleasant task of spending the night at my mother's house so that she will not be alone and that myself and my brother will have a break from said chore. So yesterday morning when I went to my mother's house as I do every weekday morning. (I stay at her house all weekend, night and day.) she informs me that A had his girlfriend over the night before. I knew this didn't sound right. A knows that I would not approve of this, but just in case his 18 year old judgment isn't what I would like it to be I didn't dispute my mother. Mom proceeded to tell me that the girlfriend is blond, very blond but that A didn't introduce them. Well after questioning A I realize that Mom has had a dream and that said girlfriend was never there. But now how do I convince her of that fact. Ha! It will never happen. But trust me the subject isn't dead. Mom will bring it back up today and I'm not sure how forceful I will be in explaining that she was dreaming. It is probably another fight that I can never win. Those seem to be too numerous to count these days. The dementia is really winning the battle. Ugh! Oh and the girlfriend isn't blond.

Join me in a laugh

I have found the most comical account of using a public restroom possible. Junie Moon tells it like it is.

A Little Sewing

I finally got around to making a bag from the fabric that I purchased a while back. I really love the bag. I've been carrying it and I'm making notes of things to change for the next one. Just a few little things. Overall I love this bag. If you are interested, information on the pattern for this bag is here. It took me longer than two hours, but I did make the jumbo version. I really like it and I think with the changes I've planned the next one will be much better.

Change

You know, I like positive change, but my 87 year old mother is having some trouble with it lately. My brother and I have decided that it would be best to rent my mother's beach house out long term. Now mind you my mother hasn't stepped foot in it for three years. But she is having a hard time understanding the whole long term rental thing for a beach house. She expected us to rent it as a vacation rental (weekly). But when we spoke with the rental company we decided that long term was the best way to go. She is apprehensive about any changes made at all in her life these days and she is a bit paranoid that we are going to do something without telling her. Sometimes it's hard making her understand that everything we are doing is in her best interest.

It seems that there are sad situations all around us these past few weeks. My uncle that lives next door to my mother is having lots of health and mental issues lately. He is 92 though so it's not a huge shock, just hard for his children to sort out. And another uncle who lives in Texas who has been very ill for years is much worse and we were told if we wanted to see him again we should come immediately. I can't go now and it makes me sad. But it also makes me sad that he has suffered so much for so long. This is one of those situations where death would be a relief. I believe that as a Christian he will be free of suffering and pain. So I pray God's will and perfect timing for my uncle and peace for my aunt and cousins.

I'm sorry for the somber tone of this post, but I use this blog to record events in my life as well as reporting creative moments. I may be absent for a while as we travel to the coast to get the house ready to rent and while I deal with the aftermath with my mother. sigh

This is my 7 year old Jack Russell. I haven't seen her in a week.

But I go home today from Mom's and get to spend a few days with her.

And if you are so inclined, please pray that God will grant wisdom to me and my brother in dealing with this whole situation. And a prayer for both uncles would be appreciated as well.

On Vacation

I am at the beach this week so I won't be posting. Enjoy your week and check back next week I have something to show you.

Emerald Isle, NC

Independence

On this July 4th weekend I can't help but think of the men and women who have served this country so that we can celebrate this day.

My dad 18 yo old - WWII

Long Time No Post

I'm so sorry that it's been days since I've updated here. I will take a moment to explain. My mother is 87 years old and she has had a recurrence of tongue cancer. She has had surgery and is stable for now.

My family and I are taking turns to stay with her. She is not happy about this. She wants to stay alone. She is having trouble understanding that this will never again be possible. We made a small change in the house over the weekend, we changed out a full sized bed to put in a king sized bed so that my husband can stay with me comfortably overnight. My 87 year old mother had a fit, crying, screaming, telling everyone to shut up and leave. Now understand this did not alter her bedroom nor any other room of the house and we did not move any other furniture.

I feel like I need a support group of children caring for an elderly parent.

I am at home today while my 18 year old stays with Mom, but I have to go back to her house tomorrow to spend the rest of the week. Please pray.

Decisions, Decisions

I am trying to decide which top to knit with this yarn.

Schoeller+Stahl Eviva - Emerald - 18 skeins or 1980 yards
Gauge 22 stitches = 4" (worsted) on size US 4 needles

The choices are Buttercup or Broken Rib Tank.

Please tell me what you think. This will be my first garment for an adult (me). So I am nervous. And as usual making the decision to get started is taking so long because I am afraid that I will make a mess. I need to just get on with casting on, because I can always rip it out if need be, right?

If you've made a great summer top please share, I am still open to suggestions.

Finished Scarf

I am happy to say that I finished the scarf for my Aunt Charlotte. It's her Christmas present. I blogged about it here. It feels good to get another project finished, especially since it's a gift.
If you are on Ravelry you can check out all the particulars here.

Fabric to Match

I bought this fabric to go with some fabric that I bought several weeks ago.


I like it and plan to make a bag. So that's two bags that I want to make. I just need to be in the same house with my sewing machine for that to happen. My goal is to get them both made before I go to the beach on July 4th. We'll see if it happens.

Trying Something New

I've often thought of trying my hand at making something with beads. So off I went to the store to get some supplies. Turns out you need to know a little something about beading before you go to the store. So after coming home empty handed and checking out a few tutorials about beading I then went back out in search of supplies. I bought a few things and was able to make this key chain. I'm thinking of making a few of these for Christmas presents. What do you think?

Quilts for Kids

I recently found a great charity, Quilts for Kids. If you quilt you should definitely check this out. And even if you don't you may be interested in their story. I love the idea of rescuing fabric from landfills, well actually before it gets to the landfills. Otherwise, ewww! And by the way who throws fabric away? Certainly not me, my attic is proof of that.

Robert Kaufman Fabrics has joined up with them and produced a great new fabric line. Check it out here. I can't wait to see it in person, but it won't be released until August.

Work in Progress

I have been working on the Cat's Paw Scarf since January 4th, well not really.


I cast it on then but I haven't worked on it in many months. I like it and plan to give it to my aunt for Christmas so it's time to get back to work on it.

Patons Lacette - Cream Caress

Giveaway Goodies Received

In the mail on Saturday I received a package from Sandra. I won her Sew, Mama, Sew giveaway. I was expecting this

But I had forgotten that she had included fabric in the giveaway. So I was thrilled when I opened the package and there were 11 strips of Woodland Bloom from a Moda Jelly Roll.

Sandra thank you so much!

All Done

I finished the baby sweater. After much trouble -

1. Begin knitting with lovely yarn that turns out you don't have enough of
2. Rip it out
3. Go buy new yarn
4. Love new yarn and cast on
5. Finish body of sweater and go back to sleeves
6. Totally screw up first sleeve
7. Rip out sleeve
8. Get first sleeve right
9. Start second sleeve
10. Make a mistake, but only pull out a few rows
11. Finish sleeve
12. Ta Da - Sweater done!

Who knew an easy baby sweater could be so much trouble. I have a feeling it was all operator error. Who cares now, it's done!

Making the Best of Bad Yarn

Is there really such a thing as bad yarn? Well, let's just say yarn that was not my favorite when I pulled it from the bag. You see, I bought several bags of yarn sight unseen. They were a really good deal and I got lots of great stuff. But I also got some stuff that quite frankly at first glance I was ready to give to the closest Goodwill. But then I packed everything away and I've just now pulled it back out after about two months and guess what, I am seeing it all with fresh eyes. And I am seeing new possibilities for some of it. So I am challenging myself to use some of the yarn that was at first glance less desirable. The first yarn up is this lovely.

Reynolds Reggae

and for a first project I have turned a bit of one skein into this. It's okay. I like the yarn now. And I'm seeing new life for it, in other words I won't be driving to Goodwill any time soon.Simple Dishcloth

Does anyone have a suggestion for the other 8 skeins?

Currently Reading

I have decided to read the Sue Grafton Alphabet series. And I'm starting out with A is for Alibi.

Have you read any of the series? What did you think?

Great Giveaway

Head over to The Fabric Shopper to check out a great giveaway. This is my selection it's called Bella Verde (with a kicker of brown):

New Site Launch

Check this out SEWN. I was lucky enough to win one of the great blog giveaways associated with the launch. Go check out Craftapalooza. I won one of her fabulous apple pincushions. We have been in touch and she is a sweetie.

I also won a great giveaway associated with Sew, Mama, Sew. This is a great blog with lots of stuff going on all the time. But let me show you what I won. The very friendly Jenny from Creekhouse sent me this -

And I love it!! Thanks Jenny!

I'm Back

Thanks for letting me take a day off. I am back with a few blogs that I follow and how they have influenced and inspired me lately.

First, there is this charming lady over at Crazy Mom Quilts. She makes the most amazing quilts! How does she keep turning them out so quickly? She has inspired me to get my machine back out and attempt to get a few projects going.

Next, head over to Old Red Barn Co. Dana has a great Quilt Along going. I wish I could join in, but right now I'm too overwhelmed to start on something new. I love how she has so many great pictures of her quilt in progress to go with her step by step instructions. She also has a Flickr group for her Quilt Along and you should check it out - so much great fabric! So much inspiration!

I am still knitting on the baby sweater. I interrupted it to cast on some socks to knit at the hospital while waiting and waiting and sitting and so forth . . . But now I am working to complete the sweater. I'm on the sleeves. By the way if you are on Ravelry, so am I. Look for "lovemesomeyarn".

Be Back Soon

My mother just had surgery yesterday and is the hospital for a few days. I am spending lots of time with her. So I may not be posting for a day or two.

New Fabric

I know that I usually show yarn and knitting, but last night I bought fabric. And I am so excited! I am now searching for the right bag pattern for this fabric. Perhaps I'll make something up. I will also be digging through my stash to see if I have a good orangy/yellow or turquoise to use with these.

Here's a broader view so you can see the whole pattern repeat.

Does anyone have any pattern suggestions for a bag (tote or purse)?

Baby Gift

I made this a month ago to give to an adorable baby. I loved making this sweater. It is the first sweater that I've made and I was nervous about it. Turns out this pattern is so easy and it went much faster than I expected. It is the same pattern that I'm using for the blue baby sweater that I am currently making. See link to pattern in previous post.

Berroco Comfort in Ballet Pink

Sad

I am sad to report that Callie is not well at all. She has lymphoma and things do not look good for her.

Casting On

My brother's dog is sick. She is at the vet clinic staying for a second night. They have run lots of tests and are not exactly sure what's up with her. She is a great dog. I hope she feels better soon.

Callie

This is the yarn for socks that I am casting on today for my niece's birthday in November. I know it is early to make these, but I just want to get them done and off the "to do" list. I think this yarn will make great socks. First of all, it's acrylic, this is most important since my mother-in-law is responsible for washing these and I didn't want to burden her with hard to care for socks. And the color, well, that's my niece's favorite. I also like the sport weight, they should knit up quickly.

Lion Brand Baby Soft - Lavender

I decided to play around with a swatch. There are several different stitch patterns here. I am going to make socks from this book with a 2x2 rib pattern. This swatch helped me make some other decisions for upcoming projects.

The all important swatch for gauge

Dyeing

I didn't get a shot of the bare wool. But here it is in the pot:

Knit Picks Bare - Superwash Merino DK Weight
Dyed with lots of Kool-Aid and overdyed multiple times.

Dried and ready to reskein. Notice that the yellow that was in the pot is not on the final skein. The yellow just didn't work so I used some blue Kool-aid and turned it green. I overdyed this yarn twice after the original dyeing. I am finally happy with the results.

This is my favorite part. When you reskein it and see how all the colors work out. I think this skein is well balanced. The big test will be when I knit with it.


I always love the close up pictures of yarn.

Little Progress

But it looks more like a sweater now.

And here is a picture of the yarn. I like these close ups.

Bernat Cashmere Natural Blends - Rain

Okay, here is the pattern for the sweater.

What's on the needles currently

I am really enjoying knitting with this yarn:

Bernat Cashmere Natural Blends - Rain

I am making a baby sweater and so far this is what I have managed to do:

It's time to put the sleeves on stitch holders. Which in my case will be some scrap yarn. I love this pattern. And I tried to post a link for you but I'm having trouble getting it to link properly. I'll keep working on it and put the link in my next post if I'm able to work it out. Sorry.

New blog . . . but not really

I've had this blog saved for a while, but I haven't posted anything. I really thought that I would save it to use in conjunction with an etsy.com store but that hasn't happened and may not for a long time. But I wanted to get this going with a few pictures of some of my projects from this year.

Child's hat donated to a local children's hospital for a child undergoing chemo. (made in January '09):
Socks made for husband's valentine present (February 2009):
My first attempt at dyeing yarn with kool-aid:My first attempt at spinning wool: