Tuesday, October 30, 2007

My silly Flamingo Prints...

I was thinking....hmm... maybe people would like to see those silly Flamingo prints that inspired my washcloths that the awesome Super Duper Terri created.... Ok, I live at the beach & I'm painting my bathroom aqua, white & cream. I have these art prints, really cute huh?? he he, they are so silly, I just love them!! I actually worked with the artist, Ortrud Tyler, when she had the prints made. I used to work for the printing company that printed them for her. I had to do the color work on the computer to make the prints match the originals as close as possible. Let me tell you, this was no easy task!! But Orturd was always a lot of fun & I will miss working with her!! She signed my prints for me, that was soooo sweet!! She also does fine art prints, check these out, she does silly as well as very beautiful work! If anyone reading this were to buy one of her prints, let her know that you found her through me, she would get a kick out of that!! :)

Artwork Copyright © Tyler Art Studio

I GOT IT!!!!!!!!!!

I GOT IT! I GOT IT! I GOT IT! (Sorry for all the shouting!) I received my package from Super Duper today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! Super Duper turns out to be Terri, thanks so much Terri, you are totally AWESOME!!! Get a load of all the booty I got!!! Oh my, what a wonderful package, so worth the wait and suspense, and totally deserving of all the wait and suspense!!!!

To start with check out the box I opened and all the sweet individually wrapped packages, wrapped with purple & green tissue paper....
Inside... A nice letter from Terri, not ONE, not TWO, but THREE of the most beautiful washcloths I have ever seen!!! One Pink (to match my silly Flamingo art prints I'm gonna frame & put in my bathroom), one Aqua (the color I'm painting my bathroom walls), & one Purple (my favorite color), THREE balls of Sugar & Cream cotton yarn in the same colors!! THREE, yes go ahead & count them, yummy soaps, Cherry Almond, Peach Passion, & Apples 'n Cinnamon. They all smell wonderful but I think I'm gonna use the Cherry Almond first, it is the yummiest! A package of Halloween gummy bears, how cool is that! I've never seen those before.... A package of Razzberry M&M's (oh my are these things good or what!!!), & a pack of Fruit Tarts Life-Savers..... A Yankee Candle Electric Smelly, Macintosh apple scent. And last but not least... An incredible skein of Penny Lane yarn, handspun & hand dyed organic wool & mohair!!!! The picture just doesn't do this yarn justice, & it is called "Aliens on the Run", that cracks me up too Teri!! What a hoot!!
Below is a close up of each cloth, I'm sooooo impressed!! And you know what, if Terri had not said anything I would have never even noticed that silly hole in the purple one!! That is the one that caused her all of the trouble. :)
Whew! What an AWESOME package!! All I can say now is Terri, YOU ROCK!! I am one happy girl!!!! You made this swap tons of fun for me & a lot of others who read my blog too, I think everyone was in suspense! :) Thanks sooooooooo much!!!! Let's hear it for Super Duper Terri!!!!!

Instructions on Row Counter Bracelet

For those who are puzzled by the row counter bracelet... here are the instruction that came with mine:

Each row counter bracelet comes with 2 different color beads to represent a count of 1 & the other a count of 10. For these instructions, a count of 1 will be bead "A" & a count of 10 will be bead "B". There is also a large focal bead at the end of the bracelet that holds both wires together, this will be called the "stable bead".

As you complete a row, slide a bead "A" through the elastic holder towards the "stable bead". When you complete 10 rows, move all "A" beads back through the elastic holder away from the "stable bead" & move a bead "B" towards the "stable bead" to represent a count of 10 rows.

As you continue knitting, the "A" beads will continue moving towards the "stable bead" until another count of 10 is reached & then another "B" bead will be moved through to the "stable bead". Using the row counter, you will be able to count up to 99 rows.

Monday, October 29, 2007

My Halloween Costume...

Well, since my hubbie has no sense of fun when it comes to Halloween costumes, I have to live vicariously through the computer.... here is my Halloween costume! :) ha ha!!

I did get 2...

Well, still no package from "Super Duper" but I did get 2 packages.... I got a package from Paige, my Halloween Stitch Marker Exchange Pal.



A nice card from Paige, with cute pumpkin confetti, you can see it stuck to the card :), 2 great smelling candles, gummy bears (which are being eaten as I type!), Halloween pencils, sticky notes, really cute pumpkin straws, & a super cute set of Halloween stitch markers! Thanks Paige!!!

And.... I got my markers & bracelet that I ordered from Jenny & Deb, check out their incredible stitch marker, row counter bracelets & jewelry at their etsy shop Crimson Orchid!!

The first photo is of my row counter bracelet.... then you have these adorable peach (photo doesn't do them justice) stitch markers & then the green stitch markers.... the holders are just as pretty as the markers!! Incredible prices too!! You won't be disappointed if you order stuff from them!! :)

There is always tomorrow for more packages.... I'll send updates when I get home from work! :)

Waiting, waiting, waiting....

I should be able to get out of work around 3 or 4 today.... I can't wait to get home! I should have packages rolling in from everywhere!! WooHoo!! Swap partners, Knitpicks, Firemountain Gems, Oriental Trading Co., Knitty, where haven't I ordered something from here lately!! ;)
I'll post an update when I get home.... just you watch, I won't have a single package there today just because I want them all so bad!!! ha ha!

For all of you who read my blog on a regular basis, I bet the suspense is killing you too!! ha ha

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Newest addition...

I think these purses came out really cute.... I have put large rings on them so I can use them for felted bag projects, they will fit up to size 15 needle. I'm so glad that the flower charms held up in the oven, I was afraid they would melt! :)

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Thought I'd try a little contest of my own...

Ok knitters & crocheters..... I took a small round store bought retractable tape measure & crocheted a cover for it. What do you think? (Only nice comments please, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything... he he)

This one is purple, but I have yarn to make them out of Blue/Green; Purples; Pinks; Pale Blue/Tan; Browns; Red/Green & Greens/Brown.

I was thinking of selling these on my Etsy store but I'm not sure if I want to put the time in yet, we'll see.

Here's the contest..... everyone who leaves a nice comment on this post before Nov. 15, 2007, will get their name put into a hat/bag/bowl or something, then I'll get my kitty Jasmine or maybe my hubbie to draw one out. I'll send you 2 tape measures! One for you & one to share with a friend (or 2 for you!). If you don't like them or don't want one please don't leave a comment.

Make sure you when you leave your comment I can get to your blog or somehow notify you if you win. I'll contact the winner Nov. 16th and find out your address & what colors you would like. :)

Friday, October 26, 2007

A Worthy Cause

Hi everyone!! GeorgeAnne has created a new blog for a good cause. She is requesting 8" acrylic squares, they are being sewn together for afghans & being given to people out in CA that have lost their homes in the fire. I have a link to the blog over to the right with my other group buttons. Here is a quick link to it: http://www.sandiegowildfireblankets.blogspot.com/

Snag this button if want to post a link to it on your blog.

She also has a group for it on Ravelry, it is called: san deigo fires 8" squares donations

Personally, I feel that knitting or crocheting a few 8" squares & mailing them to CA is the least I can do for those people who have lost everything to the fires. My heart goes out to them!!!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

It's In The Mail!!!


Oh, I just can't wait!! The suspense is killing me!! ;)
Super Duper said that my package will be in the mail tomorrow..... I'm camping out by the mailbox until it arrives, see you guys then..... JJ
UPDATE: I have had a confirmation that it is IN THE MAIL! Yee Haw! :) Although I did have to come inside finally, as Super Duper said - my tent didn't hold up to all of the rain we are getting! ha ha! I'm sure it is going to be awesome, no matter what. I can't wait to get a gander at that dishcloth! In some weird way I hope it is just a mess after all the problems Super Duper had (I'm sure it's not!), I would get a good laugh and treasure it always!!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Final Topic of the Week - Fall Into Autumn Exchange

Well here is the final Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Exchange Topic Of The Week:

How was your experience in the exchange? Did you enjoy the folks you met? Did you just love the cloth and goodies you received? Please share any thoughts, criticism, and things you loved!

I have really enjoyed being a part of this exchange!! I really loved the cloth & goodies I got, it was the greatest package ever!! Oh wait, I haven't received them yet!!! he he! Just a dig at my Super Duper Secret Dishcloth Pal! :P I couldn't resist. She (whoever she is she will forever be known to me as "Super Duper Pal") has been a lot of fun, I can't wait to discover who she is. It has been great fun teasing each other, she is really good at keeping secrets, I have tried to figure out who she is but I doubt I ever got it right! Every time I thought I had her she would throw another tidbit in there that didn't match who I thought she was.... very good girl!! Sneaky, but good....

This was the first exchange that I joined & right off the bat Anne made me feel welcome & included by sending me a personal note of welcome when I was worried that my blog had not been up & running long enough.... & Sharon who was my hostess for the swap..... Anne led me to Chan, who I had actually met in person before, who would have known!! I wouldn't have if not for this swap. My swap pal, Diane, who was & is a very sweet lady & lots of fun, she was so complimentary & excited about the package I sent that it made my head swell so much I almost couldn't get through the door! he he! I'm sure we will keep in touch. Georgeanne, who always has something interesting on her blog. I also discovered Cass, who is an absolute hoot! ..... & sooooo many more that I just can't list them all, it would take me all night!! I wish I had the time, thanks to all of you who have participated in this swap!

I can't wait to get my package from "Super Duper" & I will join in on the next exchange in the new year, this one was so much fun why wouldn't I?????

Sunday, October 21, 2007

One down, One to go!!

Progress is a good thing.... I almost have a PAIR of socks!! YEAH

Oops! I got in trouble!!!

Ok, so I got my invite to Ravelry, put in some basic info, then.... nothing. I have no excuses, just laziness!

Well, I didn't think anyone was paying attention!!!! That darn SDSDP (Super Duper Secret Dishcloth Pal) of mine, sneaky thing she is!! She has been checking up on me & noticed that I have put nothing on my Ravelry site.... well fine then!!!! :P

Soooo, I went and put 1 project in, plugged a few of my blog friends in, put in a few yarn stashes (it would take me 5 years to put it all in there!! ha ha), & even put my photo in there, which I don't usually do, I like being a woman of mystery. Snicker

Well guys go check me out on Ravelry! My name is Yarndemon on there of course, big surprise there huh?! I'll try to do better & get some stuff logged in..... at least I have ONE project in there now!! :)

Saturday, October 20, 2007

That Difficult Dishcloth...

He he, I heard from my Super Duper Secret Dishcloth Exchange pal, she is having a difficult time with my cloth.... it's ok, I know how you feel!!! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. If you do get it finished I can't wait to see it!! Must be something to be causing you all that trouble. I'll understand if I get a garter stitch cloth out of it though!! LOL!!! It's the effort that counts, right?

Or maybe...... she is just saying that to keep me in suspense a little longer!!! I know what you are up to now!!! :P

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

I was tagged!!! 8 random things about me...

I was tagged by Georgeanne.....

The Rules:Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.

1. My best friend in kindergarten is still my best friend today!! We went through 12 years of school together, now many years after that.... I wouldn't know what to do without her, even though we live so far apart now!! Thank goodness for email & cell phones!! :)

2. I didn't go to college, I went into the military after school instead. 4 years & 3 months in the United States Coast Guard!! I was a Boatswains Mate Third Class (for those of you who might know what that is).

3. At my "real job", I'm a graphic artist and web store operator. I just started this job in Aug. of this year.... I love it MUCH more than production work (newspapers, printing companies, etc) which is what I have done for the past 15 years or so.... it was just too stressful.

4. My hubbie & I are both on our 2nd marriages, we ran off to Myrtle Beach to get married. It was just me, the hubbie, the preacher & the little old lady who took pictures. It was wonderful & charming.... we called everyone, family & friends, later that night & told them we were married! What a surprise!! Still together & happy after 12 years!!

5. I have one 18 year old stepson... never wanted any children of my own. I like kids ok, as long as they go home with someone else! ha ha!

6. I have panic attacks, well mostly screaming at the top of my lungs, jumping, seizure-like flailing around, jumping, hyperventilating attacks, anytime I come in close or not so close contact with insects or spiders of any kind!! And I can't squish them either! Someone MUST come save me from the beasts!!!! And I'm convinced they smell the fear on me, they always come close to me and never anyone else in the house or wherever I am at the time....

7. I have had 5 original patterns published in various publications (knit & crochet). 2 of them were award winning afghans in the Herrschners annual contest.

8. I taught myself to knit, and unknowingly learned Continental style knitting... I just couldn't get the hang of holding the yarn in my right hand, I learned to crochet first remember. So, I hold the yarn in my left hand, I didn't realize this was an actual proper technique until I started going to a knitting group on Thursday evenings at my LYS. I thought I had invented a new way to knit all on my own!! SNORT!!! HA HA! Sure I'm that smart!!! :P

9. Oooooh, a bonus!!..... I don't need to be around sharp objects, I'll just hurt myself. I tend to be a bit on the clumsy side, just call me grace!!

I am tagging Chan, Marisol, Diane, Kimberly, Chele, Betsy, Heather, uberstrickenfrau

I would tag my Super Secret Dishcloth Pal but I don't know who she is yet! Darn it!!! Just who the he** are you????? I'm not good a keeping secrets, heck - I think I sent my Dishcloth pal her package almost before it started, I HAD to, I'd give myself away before she got it otherwise!! People that can keep at good secret just drive me bonkers! ha ha!.... That could be why my husband doesn't do his Christmas shopping much before Christmas eve, he doesn't want me to be badgering him about opening them early.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Package #1 has arrived!

I received my first swap package!!! I was sooooo delighted!! I came home from a rigorous day of T-shirt duty (tagging & labeling for sell, you wouldn't believe how many T's we sell, it is amazing!!), my feet are killing me from standing all day... I drive up to the house and see a box on my front porch, delivered by my overworked (because of me & all of my ordering & sending) but wonderful mail lady. I fumble for my keys, finally get inside with the package from Kris (stitch marker exchange partner).

Inside were these lovely items: A card from Kris, really impressive Halloween stitch markers in a cute Happy Halloween bag, Mary Engelbreit trinket box that will hold many more markers, a candy bar (that won't last long!!), sticky notes, a lighthouse calendar, Peaches & Cream yarn, Halloween decorations, a fall hot pad mit, and last but not least a beautiful hand knit washcloth!!
Isn't she great!!!!???!!!! Thanks bunches Kris!!!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Fall Into Autumn Exchange Topic of the Week

Now that it is getting cooler here, it makes me think of apple picking and hay rides. Are you the type that likes to go to participate in all the fall festivities like apple picking, pumpkins, decorating for the fall, hay rides, baking fall goodies, etc. or do you just sit and count the days till Thanksgiving/Christmas/Hanukkah?

I think I am one of those that counts the days till Thanksgiving & Christmas..... It just doesn't seem like fall around here with the temps still in the upper 80's & we have mostly pine trees so not so much in the way of fall foliage..... We don't have too many fall festivities here at the beach other than the Oyster Festival, which is this weekend. I will probably go & check out the vendors there and eat some steamed oysters.....
I mostly start making my Christmas list (of presents to get & make for others) (& the list of presents for my husband to get me! ha ha) & then I get started knitting! I have a couple pairs of socks to do & a scarf or 2 to make this year.... & I'll be searching ebay for the perfect gifts for some of my relatives.... anyone know where I can get a really cool & unusual magnifying glass (brother-in-law collects them)????

Sunday, October 14, 2007

The latest cuties...



Well.... here are the latest cuties in my shop, Bumble Bees. I am really pleased with these, thanks Heather for finally getting me to make these! I have been thinking of bees for a while, I just never got around to making them, then Heather (an awesome customer from my store) asked if I could give some bees a try.... here they are!


Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Signature Needles

While flipping through my new Vogue Knitting magazine my eye was caught by an ad with some beautiful knitting needles on it.... well, I just had to log on to their website to check these beauties out! They are Signature Needles, I MUST have some!!!! If you are like me and love metal needles you are going to be a stunned as I was!!! I was speechless I tell you, these are the greatest things since sliced bread! Well, they appear to be anyway, I haven't actually used them yet... but I'm going to!!!!!! Just watch me go and place an order!! I don't care about that "no self-control" issue, I'm going over there right now and get myself a pair or two or three or four..... no, probably just one for now. :)

Here is a little blurb I got from their website, just imagine the possibilities!!!!

Customized Knitting Needles - Signature Needle Arts offers precision crafted knitting needles sold exclusively online with three custom elements for the knitter to select from when designing their needles. A knitter can choose a length, a point profile, and a beautiful end cap.

Knitting Tote Bag...

My Super Duper Secret Dishcloth Pal asked about my knitting tote bag... I made this bag from a Fibertrends Pattern, AC-64x The Sheep Tote By Bev Galeskas. The emblishments are my own addition, the actual pattern has a needle felted sheep on it. I don't really care for needle felting, just something easy to stab myself with! I need to limit my exposure to sharp objects!! ha ha! :)

Here is a better photo of it....


Fall Into Autumn DCS - Topic of the Week

Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Swap Topic of the Week:

Either flash your needles and other items you use to make your wares or, if you don't have a camera, describe your goods for us in detail. Dpns, circs, straights, hooks, tape measures, darning needles, favorite stitch markers, needle holders, cases, the works!

Well, here you go..... This is the table beside where I sit on the couch, a vase full of my straight needles, I just love those metal straights!! And an old ashtray full of whatnots, counters, markers, thread, stickies, sheep tape measure, etc.... and my glass purse that holds pens, markers, scissors, etc....


And here is my corner... my knitting bag (just one of them!), my basket with yarn, a few small projects, more needles, more needles, & more needles & hooks!! LOVE the Knitpicks circulars!!! (metal ones)


But here is my pride & joy of the crochet hook variety.... these hooks are sooooo beautiful and I love using them!! They were handmade by Ron Anderson, check out his etsy store or his website Fancy Kitty!
Oh, I have LOTS more!! :) This is just a little sample, you don't even want me to go taking photos of my "junk" room with my yarn stash & books....
I should be ashamed!! but I'm not! ;)

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Latest addition...

Here is the latest addition to my stitch markers.... ducks! Not real inventive, or mind blowing, but they're cute. :)

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

On the home-stretch now!

Progress!! Won't be long now before this one is finished since I have teeny tiny feet!! Not too crazy about how the heel turned out with the yarn but I'm sure it will grow on me... it feels wonderful on my footsie!

Oh, & check out my new sock project bag!! Well, they put it in the wrong section, it was with overnight bags for your makeup, toothpaste, etc... I'm sure this was a mistake... It should have been in the craft section with the yarn, it works GREAT for small projects! It came with 2 small zipper pouches, I'm sure they were made to carry stitch markers, tape measure, small sizors, etc... lots of little pockets on the inside, plus it has a plastic basket with handles that comes out!! It is just great!!

It's been a good day!

It's been a good day all around.... my Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Exchange pal got her package today, YEAH!! Hope you enjoy everything Diane! I had a lot of fun getting the package together, & I'm really glad the pretzels made it as pretzels & not crushed crumbs!! Here is her package all packed up & ready to go the day before I sent it..... Trick or Treat bag filled with treats!!

And..... my Stitch Marker Exchange partner, Kris, got her package today, YEAH!! (I forgot to take a photo of that one & it was really cute too!! Darn it!!)

And.... I went yarn shopping online, that was lots of fun!! But I can't show you photos of what I got because that would spoil the surprise for Marisol, my Mystery Theme Swap buddy. :) Still have some more shopping to do there, more fun!! Who doesn't love shopping for yarn & patterns & knitting related "stuff"??? If you don't, you just don't know what FUN is I say!!

Hey, where are all of my packages????? (just kidding!!)

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Dishcloth Exchange Topic of the Week...

Are there any recipes you especially enjoy having in the Fall? Any foods that are seasonal that you especially enjoy?

Ooh, love crock pot recipes!!! I hate taking the time to cook, I'd rather be knitting!! So, crock pot recipes are the perfect solution for me!! I have a huge recipe book just for crock pot stuff. However my favorite is a Chili recipe I got from my Mom. Really easy & totally awesome chili!! Roasts are always an easy meal to do in the crock pot too.... Oh, I also have a "Brunswick" style stew recipe for the crock pot. Not sure how many people know what a "Brunswick Stew" is, but it is really delicious!! Here is the Brunswick Style Stew recipe:

Brunswick Style Stew
3 med onions, cut into thin wedges
2 lbs boneless chicken (I like to use breasts)
1 1/2 cup diced ham
4 med potatoes cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 - 14 oz can chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
1 cup frozen or one can baby lima beans
1 cup frozen or one can whole kernel corn

The recipe says to put everything but the beans & corn in and cook for 5 hours, then put beans & corn in for another 45 min....
But I just throw everything in there and cook it for 5 or more hours, comes out great!!
You could also throw other kinds of meat in this, leftovers or whatever, or other vegies, I'm sure just about anything would taste good in this one! :)