The Procrastiknitter

Appearing....

2008-02-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

Well, after almost 2 years, and 251 posts, and zero issues, it saddens me to say that I have to close down this blog. I'm not disappearing altogether, however I need to leave this address.

Long story made short, someone in my family has been harrassing me and causing problems through this blog, and taking images and saying they are her own, basically the person is not well mentally. Rather than continuing to fight the fight, I am going to be deleting this blog in the very near future. If you want to swing by my new blog please email me at: breahough@cableone.net

Make sure to include who you are just in case I don't recognize your email address.

I'm sorry to be so mysterious about it all, it's just entirely the most insane thing that has happened to me. It's been a really really really long month due to this person. I just don't want to give her more attention than she is worth.

Email me!

Please send your prayers....

2007-12-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

This is a mall that I frequented when I lived in Omaha. My aunt (aka older sister) had just left the front entrance of this store when she heard a faint popping noise. She thought nothing of it and headed to her car as people came out screaming.

Please keep the victims and their families in your prayers.

Got a few spare moments, feed a hungry family...

2007-11-15T20:36:00.001-08:00

Vile Virus...

2007-11-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

Ugh, I have been down and out since last Friday with this nasty bug! Grrrrr. I'm hoping to make it to work tomorrow. I have a busy week going on and I need to be there. I've been so sick that I haven't been able to knit until today. I'm trying to finish up a few UFO's so that I can concentrate on making a squares for Oliver's Fund and then make some mittens.

If you haven't stopped by the Soaring Eagles Project, we are in full swing, but still need more volunteers! Please help if you can!

Actual knitting content... and Happy Halloween early....

2007-10-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Nan and Em going to Trunk or Treat last night at a local church.

Irish Hiking Scarf for someone special for Christmas, but can' say who at this point because she reads the blog.

Nan's hat on her Christmas List!

A hat for Em's Christmas list.

One of the two Fawkes socks for Nan's Christmas list.

Another pair of Fawkes socks for Em's Christmas (other sock in progress)

Why this week sucked!

2007-10-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Five children injured in school bus accident
By E-E Staff Report
Friday, October 26, 2007 2:22 PM CDT

Five juveniles were treated for injuries and released from Jane Phillips Medical Center following a school bus accident south of Bartlesville.

According to a report from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at 8:33 a.m. Thursday morning, one mile south of the city on U.S. Highway 75.

According to the report, the bus, driven by 83-year-old Darwin Wayne Widmer, was northbound and had stopped to make a left turn. At that point, a northbound 2002 Dodge 2500 pickup driven by 22-year-old Ryan Herx, of Warner, apparently failed to see the bus until the last minute, swerved and struck the bus in the driver’s side.

Neither Widmer or Herx were injured in the accident. However, five children, including a 9-year-old boy and four girls, ages 7, 11, and two 10-year-olds, were reported to have minor injures.

Three other bus passengers were not injured in the wreck.

My children were two of the three that were not injured, but they were traumatized and it's going to be a long old road! Original story can be found at http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/articles/2007/10/26/news/news154.txt

Most of my attention will be with the girls this weekend, as well as with the Soaring Eagles Project. I'm so worried we won't have enough volunteers!

What I did on my Fall Break from school...

2007-10-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

Fall break started on Wednesday. On Tuesday night we got a jump start when I took Nan to her soccer practice. I'd love to say that she was busy scoring an awesome goal, or working a highly skilled defensive move, however.....she was trying to stand on top of a soccer ball, slipped fell and well....the rest is history. She hyperextended her right elbow. She has a radial growth plate fracture. We had a bet on how long it would take her to use it as a weapon. Sadly I won! It took her less than 30 minutes to smack her sister upside the head. 13.5 minutes to be exact!

Of course I had to end with a gratuitous dog photo.

Soaring Eagles Project Part Deux...

2007-10-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, gang, it's in the works! Go over to the blog and help me out by giving me some feedback if you don't mind and also spreading the word. Even if you can't help this year, let's use the power of the Net to get things going. There should be a Ravelry group up and moving soon as well!

Soaring Eagles Project

Fam update....

2007-10-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

The divine Miss Em turned 8 on Sunday. The weekend was full of birthday festivities.

Nan is at real school this year and turned in a GREAT school picture, which shows her sweet and beautiful side, but you can see the naughty wheels turning as well!

The house is coming along nicely. It looks like we won't be in by Christmas, but we are hoping to be in by January sometime.

Deliberating....

2007-10-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the past week I've been in deep thought. It is project Soaring Eagles time. But we have enough hats left over from last year that I've been protecting in totes that we can give them to the new school I'm teaching at. This school is different. These are not the inner city gang youth from my last school, but they are very needy. There are a lot of drugs in the neighborhood (especially meth) the kids all get food bags and clothes given to them. The politically correct term is generally poverty stricken caucasian youth. I do have quite a few Hispanic and Native America students as well. I was thinking about possibly doing a Christmas stocking thing, I'm completely open to whatever anyone else thinks. There coudl be the adopting of individual classes, etc if we wanted. This time there are only 320 kids at our school versus the 400 of last year.

What do you all think? We could even harness the power of Ravelry if we needed to!

Wow, has it really been that long?

2007-09-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it's been almost a month and a half since I last blogged. My life has become SUPER crazy. I thought that it would be easier living in town, but it just means I don't have as much down time. The house is coming along nicely. Don't know if we'll be in by Christmas, but I think shortly thereafter.

I've been knitting a lot, but not as much as I would like to.

I was laid up with a tilted pelvis for a few weeks, but things are going better. Soccer is in full swing here and now both girls are playing. And I'm coaching both of their teams.

The divorce of the ILs is going much rougher than I would have ever imagined. Mr. Outdoors and I are smack dab in the middle of things. It sucks! Let's just say MIL is in the depths of a mental breakdown and FIL has already moved in his girlfriend (they just filed the paperwork Aug 2nd).

Knitting pictures and such will be coming soon. I'm in full Christmas knitting mode. Since either we will be moving before Christmas, or shortly after, I've decided that I need to finish all Christmas gifts by December 1st! We'll see if I make it!

My birthday (30 part deux) was last week. It was great. I am teaching 5th grade. I have 17 kids (all disadvantaged like before) but it's cool just having the 17 and developing close relationships with them all.

I'm hoping to be a little more visible in blogland in the next few days. I'm sorry if I haven't been by in awhile!

((HUGS)) to anyone that is still out there!

Whew! It's been a little while....

2007-08-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

longer than I would have hoped. I could blame it on Ravlery but that wouldn't be nice, as it's been a little more complicated than that.

The girls started school on the 15th. Em is in 3rd grade and Nan started full day pre-K. It was a big day made even bigger by the fact that I also started the new job on the 15th. Well I've been going to many meetings, but my first day with students was Wednesday. I have 17 in my 5th grade class. 11 girls (who mostly like to talk all day LOL) and 6 boys (most of which are medicated ADHD). They are all very sweet and smart in their own way! It's been a good 3 days with them. Talk to me in January. I am however in love with the 10 minute commute I have everyday! It's nice to be around and get to know other teachers that live in town. I've been invited to a few get togethers, but haven't been able to make any.

The house is coming along, but now we are just waiting....for the a/c guy to install the a/c, the electrician to wire, the bricklayers to brick, and for the garage door to get here soon. I'm really starting to get rather nervous that we will be able to get in and have Christmas in the house. I'm thinking more like the middle of January and hopefully not in an ice or snowstorm! LOL.

On the knitting front there HAS been knitting!! WOO HOO!

I've been knitting on the MS3 and am 1/2 way through Clue 4, which is amazing to me that I've gotten this far. It will be a Christmas gift, so I think I have time!

I've been working on a pair of "hunting socks" for Mr. Outdoors for his birthday...or Christmas. I haven't decided yet which they will be for. I'm kind of making them up as I go which is really new for me. I just hope I have enough yarn when I'm done!

This is the beginning of an Irish Hiking Scarf. I will most likely be a Christmas gift. I'm in the mood to start working on Christmas so I don't get overwhelmed (yeah right) in case we are moving or packing or both. But I am resigning myself to not knitting for any more birthdays except possible for Mr. outdoors'.

As far as the dyeing goes, I'm getting back into the swing, just trying to organize myself so that I'll have some time to complete.

I hope to have some time to stop by blogs soon! ((HUGS))

Inheritance stash....

2007-08-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

I received the above yarn from my chidren's great great grandmother. That's right, she is going to be 100 on the 27th of August and we call her "Maw Maw". She is just PERFECT! She used to crochet a lot when she was younger, you know in her early 90's. She recently moved out of her home of her own accord. She moved into an assisted living apartment in Tulsa, coolest thing is her little brother (he's only 96) lives next door to her. It was her idea and she is loving it. There was a garage sale last weekend. Before the garage sale I was told that she wanted to give me "a little bit of scrap yarn" that she had. This was her entire stash. There is a lot of ancient wool and acrylic (some bought in the early 80's and late 70's).

This calls for an acrylic project for her. I wanted to do something for her by her birthday, but I don't think that is possible with the new job, our new schedule and building the house. So I'm hoping to make either a nice cardigan (with some of the wool) or a blanket (with the acrylic).

I love inheritance stash, even when it is kind of sad, I enjoy the memories and the love that comes from the stash. Mr. Outdoors thinks that I'm a total spaz when it comes to this, but who care because he is not a Knitter. LOL.

Way to go Winnie Cooper!

2007-08-10T19:24:00.001-07:00

Fawkes Socks are FINISHED!

2007-08-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

and ready to be given as gifts! YAY!

Actual knitting pictures...

2007-08-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

MS 3 through clue 3. It's coming along, but very very very very slowly.

A birthday gift I'm working on called Fawkes. It's from HP. You can find the pattern over on Knitting Pattern Central It's been a fun one to knit and knits quickly. There is also a Bellatrix and a Nagini.

Nan went to meet her teacher today for Pre-Kindergarten. She is so excited. Ms. H seems like a very nice person even though she is a really new teacher.

Oh and just a little sidenote, I got into Ravelry, but it's know biggie....yeah right! LOL. I wasted too much time today over there already. If you are on, my screenname is RachelH.

House pictures...

2007-08-05T20:19:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8081892@N04/

Antsy....

2007-08-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

Oh hell yeah I'm antsy! I checked the list at Ravelry and here is what I found.

Found you!
You signed up on June 8, 2007
You are #7795 on the list.
42 people are ahead of you in line.
15116 people are behind you in line.
33% of the list has been invited so far

While I'm awaiting my invite which I hope to come tomorrow, I did find something to add to my HP obsession. It's over at socktopia

I didn't find the patterns there, but if you go to Knitting Pattern Central you will find that there are Fawkes socks, Bellatrix socks and Nagini socks! WOO HOO! I'm working on Fawkes right now and although it calls for 2 circulars, I'm just using 4 DPNs instead and the pattern goes really quickly! I'm hoping to finish them for a birthday gift for this coming week.

On another note, I haven't been knitting all that much, even though I'm actually finally working on Clue 4 of the MS3. It's crunch time here at Chez Procrastiknitter. I start back to meetings for my new job on Tuesday, Nan meets with her new Pre-K teacher tomorrow and school starts for reals on the 15th. Also, we have been working on our house....ALOT. Now it's not just concrete, but a real house that has been framed, has a roof, windows, door and will have shingles on it by the end of the week. We have also worked in the evenings at getting the plumbing roughed in and I've been learning an awful lot about home construction. I'll hope to get some pictures out tonight, or early tomorrow.

I also apologize for not coming by everyone's blogs. I'm going to try to get to some of them this evening.

Less than 500....

2007-07-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo, I think my invite for Ravelry will be here in the next week! WOO HOO! There are only 490 ahead of me. I'm trying to knit as much as possible because I know once I get my invite there won't be much knitting for awhile.

Back to Bloggin'...

2007-07-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ok It really didn't take me this long to read the new HP book. I started it on Wednesday evening at 8pm and finished it Thursday evening at about midnight. I'm a quick reader and I couldn't put it down. After I got done reading, however, there was a lot that I had not done around the house. Friday - Saturday were spent cleaning up and getting ready for Mr. Outdoor's homecoming (went fishing in Canada). The wedding was MARVELOUS and lots of fun! Here are a few pictures:

The groom and his Mommy!

Grandma E, Grandma W and my mother R at the rehearsal dinner.

Nan sipping her champagne (aka Sprite) during the toasts! She thought she was such a big girl!

Bride and Groom dancing their first dance.

Em and her reunion with her BFF from Nebraska Kallin.

The Groom (our cousin Toddy) and Nan at the rehearsal dinner.

The girls before the rehersal dinner. I'm confident that Nan reminded me of a small 4 y/o Jackie O.

Em and Nan swimming and being goofy in the hotel pool.

Yarn that was dyed up for Ewe-n-Me in Grove. I'm delighted that it is such a hit there!

This week brings lots of working on our new home in the evening (We have a roof and walls now! WOO HOO!). During the day I'm getting ready for my new foray into 5th grade here in town. Although my first day of school isn't until the 13th, I do have to go to some new teacher (for the district) meetings starting next week. It's about that time. Although we've had a great summer, I'm actually ready to get back to school because hopefully by Winter Break, my house will be ready to move into.

As far as knitting, I have frogged and frogged the MS3. However, I'm working on it and finally almost finished with clue 2!

Back.....but.....

2007-07-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back from our vacation. Got back Sunday night late. I have pictures and knitting to show, but it will have to wait as I'm reading the book right now and really don't want to come up for air! See you after the Epilogue.

Blatherings... in bullets.....

2007-07-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

* I have ripped out my MS3 for the 9th time! Grrrr, I'm always having trouble getting past the 1st clue. This could be a sign that it is not for me, but I'm going to keep trying in spite of my inability to do lace.

* I have finished up 40 skeins of yarn for an order to be dropped off on Wednesday before I leave town. I'm so excited by it all!

*MIL and FIL are going through a legal separation, which will be a nasty divorce, after almost 35 years of marriage. So I've been drug through all the drama and nastiness that has been ensuing. It's so hard living in town with it all so public and trying to not get caught in the middle of all of it.

* Packing, packing and more packing for this wedding.

* I have been sucked into two new shows, the first is
The World Series of Pop Culture and then the last is the new show from Victoria (Posh Spice) Beckham.It's almost as bad as when I started watching The Girls Next Door! LOL

*School starts in less than a month! EEKS!!!

* I went to the library this morning and was pleasantly suprised to see this book on the new book shelf and quickly checked it out. I love the patterns and can't wait to make a few things from it. If you haven't looked at it you really should!

* And can I just say that I am insanely jealous of all of you that are already on Ravelry!!! You suck! I'm still waiting and I got on the waiting list a month ago. Thanks to their new little tool on the site I found out that there are 1945 ahead of me, but there are 9602 behind me! Although, it's probably good I'm not on it right now as there really isn't that much time for me and I think I would never sleep! LOL

Potter, Stoles, Cement and Babies Oh My!

2007-07-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

*Caution this is a picture heavy post!

Mystery Stole 3, Half way through Clue 1. I need to get it going and catch up with the rest of the group!

Is that a cement truck I see???

We have a floor! Yeah for CONCRETE!

Cousin Charlie Rose! Almost 2 and just as sweet as she can be!

Nan, Charlie and Em! They enjoyed each other so much. It's a shame they only see each other a few times of year!

Baby D (the girls' cousin from California born mid-April)

Outfit for Baby D! See there has been some knitting around here!

The summer is flying by! We have been so water logged, that when it decided to finally quit raining we were not in the house at all hardly. Yarn business is going well. I'm sorry I haven't updated the site in awhile, but truth is, I don't have much to offer online at the moment. I have been working with
Ewe and Me Boutique in Grove, Oklahoma. They are carrying my yarns and they are keeping me very busy with orders. Which is wonderful, but I hope to have some more yarn up for online sales at the beginning of August!

We have a wedding in Nebraska, and the girls and I will be leaving next Wednesday (the 18th) for a few days. It should be a great time! Mr. Outdoors will not be going with us (grump), but instead going to Canada fishing with the male members of his family for 10 days.

We do now have a concrete floor for our house! WOO HOO! HOpefully here will be a roof, and walls before too long. I have also decided to join Mystery Stole 3! It is so fun, but I'm a little behind and just mid way through the first clue.

We also had some family from California visiting. The girls enjoyed it so much!

Last night I saw the new HP movie! It was fanastic! I will be seeing it again soon I hope!

The Sounds of Silence...

2007-07-02T11:21:00.001-07:00

Ok, well only here on the blog,not in real life. I've been busy dyeing and trying to get some new colors. I've been spinning with a friend of mine and now have a business partner.

Anyway, about 95% of the time I've been trying to figure out how to occupy my 7.5 y/o and my 4.5 y/o girls without going outside. We have had measureable rain everyday for the past month. My dear friend Linda introduced Em to card weaving and then Nan was doing some cardboard weaving.

We also have a ton of pictures from the Flooding. If you have heard of COffeyville, KS and all they are going through we are only about 30 minutes southwest. We are having our own flooding issues due to all of the rain from here and from the north. The flood waters are supposed to crest later this afternoon. I took the pictures last night and this morning, but the water has all gone up since then. We are fine because we live on the highest point in town.

Click here for the slideshow.

New button...

2007-06-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Be on the lookout for new colorways by the end of the week!

House pictures...

2007-06-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well, there is some progress going on. There should be more, but it's not going to happen with the weather looking like this!

Progress as promised....

2007-06-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been crazy busy around here. I've been dyeing a lot more, have sold a few but also I'm working on stocking my yarn at a local craft store a little north of here! Mr. Outdoors made me a few things.... a skein winder and a warping board. There also is a little bit of progress on the house lately (more pictures later). There hasn't been a whole heck of a lot of knitting going on, but hopefully that will change soon!

Open for business!!!

2007-06-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a long shot, but I've put up 10+ different colorways and have even come up with name.... Tallgrass Yarns. They are 100% wool, and 100grams (approx 240 yards). All prices include shipping within the continental US, my friends from Austrailia just need to contact me and we'll make a deal about the shipping.

Please come by and just take a look. The pictures are much better and show of the colors really nicely!

3 Ladies Who Knit the Socks of Death...

2007-06-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, so they are not the socks of death, but it's one sock that took me FOREVER to make. I got the pattern over Memorial Day weekend at a LYS in Grove. It's from Fiber Trends and part of a group of 3 called "Walking Away Socks". It reminds me of dragonflies!

The 3 Ladies Who Knit the Socks of Death is actually the name of a chapter in this book. It is a Young Adult selection, but it's also AWESOME! It's a great mix or adventure, coming of age and Greek mythology! I highly recommend to anyone age 10 and up!

As far as the Friday Night Knitting Club, I finished it and it is wonderful. It's not really about knitting, the actual craft, but more about how life is like knitting. I really want to read it again, but no time.

Also, while I was knitting on the sock I cranked out this!

href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_co2lWIroDVk/Rnb7arSDOgI/AAAAAAAAAMA/yL8fGaBSlDw/s1600-h/DSC00240.JPG">

Lost!!

2007-06-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post knitting and dyeing, but I've been too wrapped up in the fact that our little dog (Lilee) a Jack Russell Terrier, disappeared from our backyard yesterday afternoon. She has been gone 12+ hours so she is officially lost! THe girls are just devastated. Hopefully, she will turn up soon!

UPDATE: Lilee has been found by a good Samaritan about 2 miles away. She heard our announcement on the radio! Lilee is now in our possession and happy to be home!

Knitting Daily...

2007-06-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting rather impatiently for Knitting Daily to come up and now it's here. It's a part of Interweave and it has some great patterns. Plus, also, Knitty is up! WOO HOO! It's a good day.

Summer Reading...

2007-06-14T12:58:00.001-07:00

Since I am now off(..yeah right) for the summer I've decided to get back on the reading bandwagon. It truly has been WAY too long since I read a book for pleasure. Well, it's not all about pleasure. I'm also reading some Young Adult books to catch up on some reading for my new job this August in the 5th grade.

I've already read a great book that I'll talk about later, but now I'm reading a book that is perfect for me. The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs is pretty good so far, I'm not ready to give out a full review yet, but that's because I'm only on page 73. I did see however, that it is already slated to be a movie starring Julie Roberts in 2008.

The best thing about the summer is that the girls are reading...a lot.

Also on a side note....Nan (almost 4.5) is now riding a bike without training wheels!WOO HOO!

I've been DYE-ing to blog...

2007-06-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

I've been bit by the dyeing bug. I was given a bunch of wool from a friend of mine and have been going crazy! I've never been all that great of an artist (painting, drawing, etc) but I've found my niche with dyeing the yarn! It's been fantastic! The pictures below are a bit grainy. I have better pictures, but I just need to pick them up next time I'm at the store.

Hiya!

2007-06-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back! I've been out of commission for the past month or so. It's been one of those things where a lot has been going on here over at Chez Procrastiknitter. Since I took the new job, finished out the old one and then I've been acclamating to being a stay at home mommy. I am dealing with a lack of inspiration. No inspiration about blogging, not a lot of inspiring knitting either.

I do have some pictures and other things to talk about later, but I really want to get this blog updated, fixed up and situated. Stop by later on in the week. I promise I'm back! LOL.

Up late and bored....

2007-06-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

You Are the Thumb

You're unique and flexible. And you defy any category.Mentally strong and agile, you do things your own way. And you do them well.You are a natural leader... but also truly a loner. You inspire many but connect with few.
You get along well with: The Middle Finger
Stay away from: The Pinky

http://www.blogthings.com/whatfingerareyouquiz/">What Finger Are You?

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

Knittin' Kittens...

2007-05-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I am here, although swamped. I'll post more about knitting progress, job, etc later. Today in our newspaper was a story about the ladies that made all the scarves for our kids for the Soaring Eagles Project and a few quotes from me. I thought you might enjoy it.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/community/article.aspx?articleID=070530_9_ZE2_hKnit15817

I have been knitting...

2007-05-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

With Mother's Day and all, I did nothing but knitting for the entire week, well that and work. I ended up making 3 pairs of fuzzy feet for Mr. Outdoor's mom and grandmothers. And then I made 6 MD dishcloths for everyone else. It's nice to not have something I HAVE to do. Well, I take that back I'm working on a hat, booties and sweater for next door neighbor's impending baby girl. They are due sometime next week.

I thought that everything would be much more relaxed now that I have a new job and all, but I was wrong. It's been a rough week at work. Only 12 more school days left (with kids). It can't be done fast enough. LOL. Thanks for all the well wishes and such! I appreciated your comments all so much!

I'm bringin' sexy back...

2007-05-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

well...not really, but I'm back. It's been a trying few weeks. The job interviews (5 1st interviews and 3 2nd interviews) were exhausting and really hard on my family with me being gone a lot. Things here at school have been stressful and completely absurd and add to that a gallon of family drama. But I'm better and I'm happy because .......

I GOT A JOB!!!!

I will be teaching 5th grade in a school very similar to the one I'm at now, but the difference is that it is only 5 miles away from home ....ROUND TRIP!

I'll have the same schedule as my own children, but it will also be nice because I'll still be with the kids of kids that I yearn to teach! I can't wait. Mr. Outdoors is downright giddy. I'm pretty sure that is has to do with the fact that after June 1st I won't have a monthly gasoline bill around $500-550 a month! LOL.

I'm in deadline territory with my knitting. There are scads of birthday and Mother's Day knitting to be done this week!

Not a drop of knitting...

2007-05-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Last week there was lots of intention, but not a drop of knitting. I was all geared up for the Job Fair on Friday. I came, I saw, I got 5 interviews. The 1st interview was on Monday and it went pretty good. The 2nd interview was yesterday and it went better. I know that I will not know about any of the interviews until the end of next week at the earliest. I'm trying to give all of the schools (in my town) a fair chance. The stress has been getting to me though, so yesterday I MADE myself knit and I felt so much better. Today is the only day that I don't have an interview so it's homecooking for dinner and a clean house for the kids.

Hopefully I'll have some pictures for you, but until then, Here is a peek of what we did Sunday.

Pictures of the girls

I'm here!

2007-04-24T05:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a wild and crazy week and a half or so and it will continue until the end of May I think! LOL. I have been knitting quite a lot, just not really spending too much time on the laptop. I made a pair of fuzzy feet for Mr. Outdoor's great grandmother to replace a pair that she put in the dryer last week. She needs a second pair so that's what I'm working on now. A MD kimono for Mr. Outdoor's cousin's new baby. She's a doll and I love her name, Davy Grace. Goes very well with her sister Charlie Rose.

I made quite a few of the slipped stitch dishcloths. I sold a few, and then I'm hosting our monthly girls' cards night tomorrow night so I'll use these as part of a gift basket.

Jury duty continues, however the knitting during jury duty has ceased. I was actually chosen for a trial that started yesterday. However, it's supposed to finish up today. I have lots to say about it, but not until we get done. I am kind of enjoying not being at school this week, but it's just that time fo year.

Also, if you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate all the positive vibes or prayers that you could spare on Friday afternoon. I'm going to a teacher job fair for the town that I live in. From what I understand there are quite a few applicants and not all that many jobs. I LOVE my school in Tulsa, but I need to be closer to home for my girls and for my pocketbook as I haven't been making all that much since I'm spending about $300-400 or more a month on gas. Mr. Outdoor's business is going like gangbusters, but with his job and then working on the house there just isn't much time left over to help with the girls. This was not anticipated at all, and it's new territory for us all.

(((HUGS)) to you all. Hopefully after Friday things will slow down for a few days.

And now presenting.....

2007-04-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

The MD Mitered Square Blanket for Nan!!!

A Close up!

Working on a MD Baby Kimono for Mr. Outdoor's cousin's baby due next month.

Working on my first toe up socks. Pattern is from Cookie A.'s debut on Knitty Gritty.

Just a random sock that might end up as a Christmas present. I'm making this one up as I go along. It's made from Alpaca Mist. It's a yarn that was given to me and I'm not sure where it came from. But it's very similar to when I made my grandmother's sweater.

The spot of our future home....more to come later!

God Bless Joey...

2007-04-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Joey is my FIL's administrative assistant's nephew. HE ROCKS! Do you know why he rocks? When I took my computer to him Windows would not load, I was told all of the files were corrupted and we would have to reformat. I would love EVERYTHING!

Then, I got the laptop back last night, expecting the worst. I ended up with everything in tact and I am so thankful!

Ok, so plan on some pictures tonight. I promise. It's my only night this week that I'm actually going to be home until Sunday. No big trip planned, but something awesome is happening so I'll share soon!

Code Blue...STAT!!!

2007-04-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

Well the show went well. For his first public appearance as a cabinet maker, he did very well. His charm shone brightly. I just told him to pretend like he was still a teacher at parent/teacher conferences. That helped slightly. Last night was really about getting his name out in the public eye and for them to see what he could do. It will probably take awhile before everyone starts calling, but that's ok. At least they know that he is here now.

While at the vendor part of the show, I was able to sneak away and found a booth for this little boutique in town. I looked down and saw Mason Dixon Wash Cloths knitted up in a variety of colors and she had them priced at $8 a piece. When I went back a little later, all 20 cloths were gone. She had sold them all!

Ok, now back to the code blue. I came home late last night after working with Mr. outdoors at the home show. I wanted to upload the pictures of the blanket and the tank top that I am working on. I started up my beloved Laptop and all of a sudden an error message appeared and said that my Windows file was corrupted. Grrrrrrrrr. I tried to reinstall windows but it said I had to uninstall components before reinstalling, but I couldn't uninstall. Sheesh! Luckily, Mr. Outdoors has a friend that is a whiz with this sort of thing and works not for money but for beer! LOL.

On the land front, we took a visit. While it is a beautiful spot it looked small for 10 acres, we asked where the rest of the land was and they said that 4 of the 10 acres were under the river. ENough said, we'll stay with our lot in town. Although I was getting breifly excited abotu getting some animals. Oh well, another time perhaps.

Tales of a Knitting Snob...

2007-04-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

I bet you were hoping to find a post with pictures of Nan's completed blanket! It is done, but Mr. Outdoors has been busy with the camera and getting ready for his big Expo tomorrow evening. He is a vendor and also created the kitchen for the Taste of Home Cooking School that will be in our town tomorrow night. We have all been pitching in. ALthough his new business of cabinet and furniture making is going better than we ever dreamed, it has mostly been through word of mouth. This will be his first public affair. As far as the blanket goes, I'm finding that I'm a snob...well a knitting snob. I have decided that for me......crocheting is the work of the devil. I just can't do it...well very well. You would think that it wouldn't be THAT difficult as it is a needle art and it's not like tatting or anything. Nope. I looked completely ridiculous and it took TONS of time to crochet all those damn squares together.

Last week was crazy as well because we are finally going to start building our house. We have the loan, and we are supposed to go sign for the land (a new in-town lot) Wednesday. However, there has been a snag, but a welcome one. A friend of my FIL called and asked if we wanted to buy 10 acres in the country (only 4 miles from town though). We don't know what the land looks like or anything so we are going to truck out there tonight.

I have figured out that when the house gets started my knitting is definitely going to suffer. There are so many catalogs to look through and things to do that it isn't even funny.

Also, an apology to my KALs and to those whose blogs I normally visit. I promise I'll stop by sometime this week.

Programming change...

2007-03-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Oh! I forgot the best news of the Spring Break. We decided that since Mr. Outdoors and I don't go out much and our "entertainment" budget goes untouched each month, that we upgraded our satellite programming. Now we get some new good channels for the kids that we approve of, a few movie channels, all of Mr. Outdoors hunting/fishing/manly channels and I GOT DIY!!!!

I'm so excited that I can now watch Knitty Gritty!

If you already have DIY, here's a few announcements I found while I was surfing.
The Yarn Harlot will be on April 17 at 1:00 pm and Cookie A will be on with her toe up socks on April 4th at 1:00 pm (CST)

If you want to check out all the new episodes go here.

Uh oh.... Belated Blogoversary....

2007-03-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

Well, since my Internet connected at home was sketchy, I missed my 1 year Blogoversary here at The Procrastiknitter. My first post on this blog was March 19th, 2006. Wow, a lot has happened in the past year. I used to have another knitting blog called Knitting in the Heights. It was so named because I lived in a neighborhood in Nebraska called Washington Heights. Since last year my knitting has really come along and we have gone from moving to Oklahoma and the job search and a new job and everything this year. It's been crazy.

Well there is more craziness on the way. We will be breaking ground on our new house on April 1st (hopefully, cross fingers) and I am currently looking for another job. I have resigned my position as a science specialist at my current school. I am looking for a job in the town where I live (to cut down on the 35 minute commute and my ever increasing gas budget and to help with Nan's issues with school). If I don't find one that I want, then I'll come back to the school here in TUlsa , but probably teaching 3rd grade.

Well on to some knitting news. I finished all 80 squares of Nan's blanket and have crocheted 75% of it together. I have also finished the border on one side. I'll have pictures later. I spent most of my spring break attached to that darn blanket. Nan is getting more and more excited and more and more impatient. When I had crocheted just 2 strips together she decided that that was enough and she was happy. She wanted it to be 16 inches wide and 72 inches long! LOL. This blanket has really taken it out of me and I'm not sure that I have it in me anytime soon for another afghan. I had planned to start on the Tree of LifeAfghan for my cousin's wedding in July, but I just don't think I have it in me. I really don't want it to turn into the Harlot's Green Afghan (If you haven't read the story, you really really need to it's hilarious). So I think that I'll just save it for another day, and give them money or do something else creative. I am thinking of doing some smaller projects. I would really like to start by making The Monica tank top for both girls. I found the cutest skirt for Nan in the newest issue of Creative Knitting.

Another reason why I don't really want to do the afghan is because I'm on a mission to lose weight. Currently I'm 5'7" and weigh 176 pounds. I have a small frame so this is a lot on me. I also have some health problems that are starting to become exacerbated by the fact that I'm gaining weight. I had a doctor's appointment last week where I was told that the reason I was having feet problems, and headaches and joint pain had a lot to do with the way that I was eating and my weight gain. So it's time to lose some weight. My goal weight is 150. 26 pounds in a little less than 4 months. I would like to be out of a tight size 14 or loose size 16 and be able to feel better and look better for the said wedding in July. Also, my blood pressure was WAY up, my cholesterol was not at a healthy level so I need to do it for me and for my health., so I can be a better mom to the girls. With that being said, I also found this from the Spring issue of Interweave Knits that I would like to make for myself. So If I am down to 161 by the 1st part of June then I'll make it for myself to wear for the rehearsal dinner.

Anywho, sorry for such a long post. I just have been so bottled up with blogging, but unable to do it. Plus it rained for most of my spring break. YUCK! Now, just counting the days until May 31st and the last day of school. WOO HOO!

2 weeks worth of knitting...

2007-03-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know there hasn't been a whole lot of knitting content around here lately, however there has been knitting happening, just not a lot of picture taking, or picture uploading. 1/2 of the Dale Earnhardt Jr. #8 dishcloth that I'm working on . Hope to finish it sometime today.

Mitered squares..
and more mitered squares....

Em's Cape is done! WOO HOO! I just need to block and get a button for it this week.

Last weekend playing with the dogs on the swing set. Cowboy loves to climb the ladder and then slide down the slide.

We are laying low this week. I'm off as are the girls and I'm just looking forward to a lot of knitting time.

Overload, but in a good way!

2007-03-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

There is a TON of great TV for the next 4 days! Today alone, starts the first day of March Madness (at roughly 11amCST). Then the bball festivities finish through the evening, as well as a BRAND NEW GREYS ANATOMY, and a new ACE of Cakes. If you haven't seen Ace of Cakes, it is a great show. Our whole family loves it, but we TiV* it for the girls and they watch it later. Friday is more Bball, more bball on Saturday with a NASCAR Busch Race and then even MORE basketball with the NASCAR Nextel Cup race. And you know the best part of all of this?????? Spring Break is only a day away! WOO HOO!

We are doing a basketball pool here at work and I'm in charge of it, so it is an excuse for me to be watching bball in between classes! LOL. On a knitting note, it's been slow here. I'm really working hard to get Nan's mitered squares done quickly. I have to start an emergency project ASAP. Mr. Outdoor's aunt needs a prayer shawl. She has asked for one in fact. Last week she went to the Doctor because she looked pregnant and had pain. She thought she just might have some bad fibroids. Ended up her uterus was full of tumors, her one kidney is completed engulfed in a fast growing tumor and she has another spot on her spine. They were going to do surgery yesterday and when she was on the operating table, she had a heart attack and almost died. Apparently, just a few hours before her surgery she was told that the tumor on her kidney was cancerous as well as most of the tumors in her uterus. She is only 48 and the mother of a 15 yo boy. They live near us. I've had issues with my MIL and her family, but Aunt D and her husband Uncle L have never been anything but kind and sweet to me and my family. So I'm looking for a pretty, but quick prayer shawl pattern. I'd love if it has a little bit of decoration. I have just the yarn. I've looked over at Knitting Pattern Central but nothing tripped my trigger.

I'm still here...

2007-03-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Still here, and knitting some. Just trying to get some things in order around here so I won't be quite so overwhelmed. I'm trying to get a lot of things accomplished so that I can rename Spring Break (starts Friday at 2:45, not that I'm counting down or anything) Knitting Break. I have a lot of goals to accomplish (knitting wise) over Spring Break.

I'm also trying to get myself in order. Which is a whole other story LOL.

My love...

2007-03-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've slacked off a bit on the knitting! LOL. Who'da figured! I promised myself that I would make 2 squares a day for Nan's blanket, however I skipped Wednesday, so I only have 6 in 4 days. I'll hopefully make it up this weekend, but who knows.

This is my Christmas! March Madness is starting, NASCAR is in full swing and I'm set. I have quite a few guilty pleasures. I'll list a few of the less embarrassing ones.

1. NASCAR
2. College Basketball (mainly Creighton, Oral Roberts University and of course my 1st love, Oklahoma State).
3. Gangsta' Rap (LOVE it)
4. Big Band Music
5. mini makeovers (or as I call it, "SPA night" where I put on my PJ's at like 4 in the afternoon. Take a shower, exfoliate, paint my nails, put on a face mask, color my hair, and watch above mentioned sports. I screen my calls, and although sometimes I have 2 little girls doing it with me, sometimes I pawn them off on their grandparents so I can indulge.

What are some of your guilty pleasures (by the way this is not a Meme, but feel free to post in the comments or on your own blog)?

Buck, mouse, and snaggletooth, not in that order....

2007-03-07T19:15:00.000-08:00

For anyone interested, this is the view from my knitting chair. I'm seriously thinking about a nice girlie hat or even better the suggested blind fold!

Em pulled out her 1st upper tooth on Sunday. It was a big event and she's been talking a little funny (lisp) since then, but it's so darn cute! She's been looking over my shoulder at the new Knitty and has already requested Monica in a couple of shades of pink.

Here is my costume from last Friday's storybook event at work. I was just loving it. The kids at school got quite a kick out of it. As did my own children.

Woo HOOOOOOOO!

2007-03-07T12:09:00.001-08:00

Knitty is up! Knitty is up! So excited! LOL.

For Katt....

2007-03-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Katt was looking for some vest patterns for kids. Here ya go sweetie!

http://www.craftown.com/knit/knit19.htm
http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTtherocks.html
http://www.klaam.com/sheknits/PDF%20files/Child%20Vest.pdf
http://www.geocities.com/blossomknitwear/emilysgirlievest.html
http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=1780
http://www.berroco.com/197/197_mavis.html

If anyone out there has more to add, let me know!

Certainty....

2007-03-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, since I didn't get a chance to get a picture of our newest addition to our family. I'll just show the old picture. This is Mr. Outdoor's deer. He had it mounted and it now sits in our living room. I hate hunting. It's just how I feel about it. I know it's necessary and if Mr. Outdoor's wants to do it that's fine, he just violated the one of the two cardinal rules of our marriage.

1. If you cheat on my you will find an appendage removed from your body the locks changed and your clothes out on the lawn.

2. There will NEVER EVER be any formerly alive animals in my house.

Not only do we have the deer (which is huge) in the house, but it's in the living room and the way he has it on the wall it stares at me from my favorite knitting chair. I'm certain he did it on purpose, but that' s just me.

I'm over being crabby with him. I'm also certain that PMS has been visiting me since late last week so I'll just blame it on either Premenstrual Syndrome, or the other PMS (Pissy Man Syndrome).

On the knitting front, I've been getting quite a bit done, well, quite a bit since we have been really busy with work, and kid stuff this week (more busy than usual). I have decided to come up with a plan to finish Nan's blanket (1/2 way done, 40 more to go).

On each weekday I will commit myself to finishing 2 squares.
On the weekend I will commit myself to 3 squares.
Any time after the squares are finished on a particular day I am allowed to work on something else (Em's cape).

Also my grandmother's birthday looms. While I had thought about a purse, after visiting yesterday it's quite clear that she doesn't need/want a purse. I was thinking along the lines of something pretty to put on a table (a doilie) or something to put on the back of a wooden chair. If I had time (her birthday is April 9th, but I would have until the 14th) I would make a shawl in a white or ecru lace weight yarn that she could put somewhere pretty, but I don't think I have the time. Any suggestions?

Wow, you guys were right!

2007-03-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

I finished up the costume last night and I"ll have to take some pictures later of it. I have already had quite a few nice comments about my nosewarmer and my tail (I-cord). The girls and I made a giant cookie for me to wear around my neck.

On other news.... the new MagKnits is up! WOO HOO! The only thing that would make my life better is if the new Knitty were up too! LOL.

ON a side note... have you ever heard "glass half empty, glass half full"? Well what happens when your cup runeth over and not in a good way? I believe that there is such a thing as trying to cram so much in your brain that eventually things start to run out your ear or something. This week has been hallacious (is that a word?). It's not been that bad or anything (well except for the vomitting and diahrea on Tuesday) but it's just been insanely busy. I haven't gone to bed before 1am this week and I've been getting up at 5:45am. No biggie, I've done it loads before, but this week just seems like it's non-stop for some reason. Maybe it's because we have a new addition to our home that is irritating me (I have to post the picture and no I'm not pregnant). Or possibly it's just because there has been a lot of errand running. I dont' know. I think the main thing here is that Mr. Outdoors just does as he pleases and I don't get a lot of help with things at home. He says it's because he's so laid back, but I'm pretty sure it's because he's so darn lazy..hee....hee...hee.

I just find it funny that when I forget something he goes on an annoying tirade about how I have to be on the ball and yada yada yada, but somehow it escapes everyone that they knew about it too and didn't help me or remind me.

Case in point this morning. Yesterday I went to work, came back to town, picked up Nan, went to pick up Em, had 10 minutes to get everyone ready for soccer, went to soccer and coached and watched Nan, Mr. Outdoors came and got Nan, came home, made dinner, ate dinner, picked up the dinner, went to go get dog food (something I forgot), put all the laundry away, vacuumed, cleaned both bathrooms and the kitchen, helped Em with homework, made the cookie for my costume, made snacks, made phone calls for soccer, and cleaned up a spilled cherry Kool-aid incident. All from the time 3:30 - 8:00. Then after everyone went to bed, I finished my costume, graded papers for 3 hours, unloaded and re-loaded the dishwasher, took a shower, did more laundry, put together some lesson plans, unclogged a clogged toliet, cleaned up the mess from the clogged toliet (that no one said a thing about), and finally knitted a squre on Nan's blanket before going to bed.

Now, I'm not complaining, really I'm not. I'm also very aware that other people have this life too. However, this morning when I was en route to work Mr. Outdoors calls me and says, "Did you bake those 3 dozen cupcakes for the school carnival last night?" and I say, "No I completely forgot" to which he replies, "Well what in the Heck did you do all night?" and is serious I come just slightly unhinged! LOL. Especially when he got off of work at 5:30, picked up Nan for me at soccer practice, went home, watched the news, ate the dinner I fixed and then left without helping to clear the table to go get something in town, came home after the girls were tucked into bed, sat on the couch and watched TV, called a buddy and then went to bed at 10pm.

I am so going to go out with the girls this evening when I get a chance, but instead of cropping, I'm hoping to take my knitting.

Shameless Kid Pics and a teaser....

2007-02-28T21:26:00.000-08:00

Here are the girls on their first nice day out in a long time (last week). Nan (4) was convinced that she should wear her bicycle helmet at all times. LOL. Em (7) decided to go for the "cool" 7 y/o pose which always involves a tongue sticking out I guess
The Divine Miss Em at her very first Science Fair! She did wonderfully and she had a great time. There was a huge turn out and she was interviewed and asked a lot of questions. Later on in the fair a mysterious young man came by her project to ask a few questions and when I pulled out the digicam I got the other "7 y/o look". Apparently I was embarrassing her. She was THRILLED when she realized that I only got a picture of the back of his head. But I can guarantee that he is a sweetie that has a little thing for my girl. This is the boy on Valentine's Day that she was concerned about because he likes her, but she doesn't like him like that, but she likes it that he likes her. Make sense? Me neither!

OOOOh! I almost forgot, the teaser. Friday the 2nd is Read Across America day. Anyway, I have to dress up as a children's book character for work. I will be a mammal, not human, I'll have whiskers and a tail and there is a cookie involved. Any guesses? (more recent children's book). I made a nosewarmer for the occasion,but no tassel.

Long week, long projects, is it Friday yet???

2007-02-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I knew that this week was going to be a rough one.

We are in the middle of a weird time in which both of Miss Em's sports (basketball and soccer) are overlapping which means this week we have double the games and double the practices. We also have the school science far, the district science fair and then the school carnival (of which I so stupidly volunteered thinking I'd have time). Ok ok, no biggie, we can do this. Well we can unless everyone gets sick again. I am not kidding you. We had another wave of this vomitting/diahrea flu zip through our house. It was absolutely horrid. Mr. Outdoors and I both missed another day of work yesterday due to all of this.

Ok, done griping about it. My other issue: for some reason I am doing these HUGE projects! LOL. I have a really short attention span. So in other words I'm sick of doing mitered squares. I keep thinking, I'll hurry up and get it done and then start my other project waiting in the wings, but it's another afghan and a biggie at that! LOL. Maybe I'll make some more dishrags or something else small to help out.

Anyone else foaming at the mouth to see the new issue of Knitty? I can't believe it's almost time for another issue of MagKnits either. I've been out and about looking for the new
Interweave Knits but no where around here has it yet. Any thoughts? Is it worth it?

Also, I'm supposed to dress up as a book character on Friday. I wanted to do Harry Potter, but not sure where I can find a cloak, or a Weasely sweater. We'll see what I come up with! LOL.

Whew, it's been a couple of days...

2007-02-25T21:48:00.000-08:00

Ok first, my grandfather is doing very well! I'm so happy that he's on his road to full recovery.

Secondly, I have been really really sick. The vomiting flu bug has been going through our house since Thursday night. It was highly highly contaigious and all of us have nowbeen touched. It was Nan on Thursday/Friday, then me on Friday/Saturday, then Mr. Outdoors and Miss Em today. Yuck yuck yuck! I'm pretty sure I've never been that sick at work. It was absolutely horrific.

There was knitting going on. I stopped working on Nan's blanket squares to make some covers for the girls' flip flops, and then finished my 4th hat for Kate's Caps. I need to mail them off later this week so I need to try to finish one more.

I also gave some vintage (circa 1985) fuschia wool to a friend of mine. It had been gifted to me from a friend last year, and I just couldn't find anything I wanted to do with it yet, she mentioned she liked it so I gave it to her.

There was also much NASCAR watching at the house this weekend. I faired ok with my Fantasy NASCAR league this weekend, however my favorite driver (Dale Earnhardt Jr.) had a DNF due to a blown engine. It was still a very exciting race. On to Vegas in two weeks!

This is a very very very busy week for us. We have basketball, soccer, dance, science fair, school carnival, distric science fair and then just our regular everyday things as well. So you may or may not hear much from me.

As far as the trip to MS&W, this may or may not come to fruition. So far it's just me and one other person. If our loan goes through to finally build our house I might not be going either. We shall see. Keep your fingers crossed!

WOo HOO! Finally!

2007-02-20T10:52:00.000-08:00

FINALLY someone has come up with a way to combine my 2 loves (Knitting, Nascar) and 1 big need (destashing). This project is in it's infancy, but if you like Nascar and are a Knitter, this might just be the project for you!

Here are the perimeters:

* Whatever miles are raced in Nextel Cup that weekend, so is the goal of the equivalent number of grams be used before the next race. (Daytona 500 = 500 grams before the Auto Club 500 at Fontana)
* By “used” I mean knitting, crocheting, spinning, sewing, selling, and gifting (Swaps are our friends!). These “miles/grams” are also points towards prizes.
* Throughout the racing season, there will be bonus points given to each completed project applicable in size/weight/complexity. (a finished “Forest Path Stole” is greater than a full-sized Clapotis which is more than the “My So-Called Scarf” project.
* Due to the allowance of other De-stash KALs to get more yarn, no penalties will be given if yarn is acquired at any time.
* Sporadically, prizes will be awarded to those with the highest point count. That means GIVE-AWAYS!!

If this sounds interesting to you, then head over to the blog and comment to sign up! Reminder, NASCAR season goes until November!

Finally some photos!

2007-02-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

The science fair project in progress, just in case you were interested! LOL
26 mitered squares finished! Only 54 more left to go.

The divine Miss Em's new cape in Blue Sky cotton. Knitting up nicely and quickly too.

Happy President's Day...

2007-02-19T06:52:00.001-08:00

Hi all! Happy Presidents' Day! I would be thrilled that today is Presidents' Day, but due to the ice storm and snow storms that we had earlier in the winter, we are forced to have to use today as a makeup day for school (sigh).

This weekend, there was a fair amount of knitting and I was all ready to sit down and take pictures and now the digicam is missing. I'm pretty sure that the suspect is 4 y/o and about 3.5 feet tall! LOL. Both of the underage suspects in the household have blamed a third that goes by the name, "Not me". I've heard that "not me" is an ornery juvenille that slips into and out of houses and does mischievous things. So as soon as I find the digicam pictures will be present. I've been working hardcore on Nan's mitered square afghan and now have 26 of 80 completed. I didn't believe people when I first started that those things are addicting, but they really truley are. Not to feel neglected I'm working on this cape from MagKnits for Miss Em.

Attention Oklahoma gals: I had a few maybes and 1 definite yes, about going to MD Sheep and Wool. I checked orbitz and the prices started going up. If we are going to go, we need to get some definite answers by the end of the week. Here is the package that I was looking at. I know that the hotel is a nice one as my aunt stayed there a few months ago, plus it's on the way to the festival. The price of $402 includes a room with kitchenette, airfare, and a car . If you can find something else for cheaper or better, let me know. I just really like the times of the flight. Specially for those of us that have to work on Friday.

I thought, that we could set up a Paypal thing for this if we really want to go. Email me at theprocrastiknitter at yahoo dot com. If I don't hear about anything by Friday then if there is just two we can talk about going.

And the winner is...

2007-02-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

Well, Miss Em has chosen what her science fair project will be called! And the winner is Heide! Please email me with your address at theprocrastiknitter at yahoo dot com. Congratulations!

Em's science far project will be called: "Salt of the Earth: Pollution or Solution"

Thanks for all the great ideas. I couldn't post until now as it was hard for Em to decide.

Happy Heart Day...

2007-02-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, Miss Em and I are very excited about the titles so far. She does like a few. Remember I have ZERO input in this one. It's all her.Last night we were talking and she asked if she could be a guest blogger again. Remember, the only thing edited is the spelling.

Hi. Thank you for helping me with my science project. It is a lot of fun, even though my mom says that she cant help me with it. She would be a good partner. Tomorrow is Valentine's day and I will be the line leader at my school. Being the line leader is an important job. I just finished my valentines for school. My mom said I couldn't asked Matthew to be my valentine because that's not nice because he likes me like a girlfriend and I just like him as a friend thats a boy but I like it that he likes me. I hope he gives me something good. I gave him 2 suckers on his card instead of just one. My sister is sick and barking like a dog. It is annoying.

Ok, and back to our show... LOL.

I hope that your day is much more informative because of the Divine Miss Em (7 y/o).
I was looking at pictures from fashion week, courtesy of MSNBC . It looks like knitwear is still huge for the fall.

Ok I love this picture for two reasons. One I love Joan Jett AND I really would love to see what Amber Tamblyn's sweater/jacket/whatever looks like from the front and if that really is rick-rack on the sleeves.

I have also declared that there will be no reason for me to fix my hair at all this fall. I will just wear the cutest, most gorgeous and elegant dress/suit/whatever and put a hat on with ear flaps.
I love the hats, just not with the couture! LOL.

Now THIS! THIS! THIS is what I'm going to do for my very next project. Sure it looks kind of funky and weird on the bean pole model, I think it would look MUCH better if it had more stripes and fit say, a 5'6, 180 pound...ME! Ya'think? LOL. I don't! Looks a little like a prison uniform circa 50 years ago.

If you need to give a little love this season. I know that quite a few of the charity knitting projects have wrapped up, but here are a few more, just in case you are interested.

Quick! I need some help!

2007-02-13T06:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, ladies! As I noted yesterday it's been a little crazy over here at Chez Procrastiknitter. Well, there has been some knitting going on, just not a lot, but I promise to include some knitting content towards the end of this week when I have a little more time.

Anyway, back to why I need your help.

As you know the divine Miss Em is working on her 2nd grade science fair project. It is time to name the project. We didn't realize that we had to have it named by Thursday. We have been really struggling with the name, so I talked to Em and we decided to have a contest.

Rules: Submit a name for her science fair project in the comments section of this post by Thursday, February 15th at 7:00am. She will pick the best one, if she sees it and the winner will receive a little care package of yarn goodies from myself and Miss Em.

Her project: Em is doing a project to see if the sand and salt that is put on the roads and sidewalks is pollution. (Remember that we as adults know the answer, however, she did not and designed herself a project to find out.) She has a mini-greenhouse complete with 3 types of seeds. She is growing grass seeds, green bean seeds, and bachelor button seeds. She has a group with just soil, a group with soil and sand, a group with soil and salt, and then another group with soil, sand and salt.

If you need more clarification, just email me at theprocrastiknitter at yahoo dot com.

Happy thinking! It must be a creative title, according to the Science Fair rules and we are just coming up blank!

Brief note..

2007-02-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

My grandpa had some problems with his surgery, but was able to go home on Sunday. It's going ok, just realizing that this is not the end, but merely the beginning of issues he is going to have which was disappointing. I appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. I'm still struggling with the new Blogger crap. It's a much more labored effort than I thought! YIKES!

I've been sick, Nan has had an asthma issue and I'm actually trying to knit, get thank you notes together and prepare for Valentine's day. Hopefully I'll get more time to finish up the blog at least by next Monday.

Although as much as I complain about Mr. Outdoors being gone on his little fishing and hunting expeditions (he leaves this Thursday morning to go fishing until late Sunday night) I do enjoy my time alone and able to do what I want to do! LOL.

Still here....kind of....

2007-02-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of year folks. Where school is busier than busy. The kids are busy, my life is busy and with no computer access at home for the time being, the blog has been neglected.

Apparently we have "squirrel" damage on our telephone lines. The repairman said, "Until we get this finished you need to decide if you want phone service or DSL." Of course we said "phone" since Mr. Outdoor's business phone is our home phone. So they told me last week, we would have it by Monday, then Monday they told us it would be Wednesday. This morning I was told that it would be by next Monday. Thankfully, I checked and we aren't being charged for our Internet.

Anywho.... if I could ask for a little prayer or positive thought. My grandfather, who is my Daddy (raised me) is having his prostate surgery tomorrow afternoon. This is very standard surgery, but he has been so miserable for the past month that I just hope that this helps him out and he can't return to his normal life!

There is some knitting going on, but I don't have pics. That'll be for another time. I have to go teach Kindergartners now!

Hang in there....

2007-02-01T21:05:00.001-08:00

I'm working on template issues around here, so please be patient.

Oh Katt!

2007-01-31T07:29:00.001-08:00

Here is a different link to help you out! It worked for me originally, but I think it was moved later on.

Here's the story on Barbaro

Road trip anyone???

2007-01-31T07:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm feeling a little energized today. Not really sure why. Maybe because I was able to get everything out of my system.

I'm thinking that I need to take a trip. Mr. Outdoors goes to Canada every year to go fishing for 10 days. He is going to Mexico in a few weeks to go fishing and he goes hunting/fishing...something all of the time. Now I'm not compeltely innocent. I have a scrapbooking crop group that I go to twice a month (usually I knit and not crop, but they don't care) and once a month I play cards with the girls. But I need a trip. A trip to re-energize, a trip to make me feel more like a human being and less like everyone's maid. Now, this is a big step because I have NEVER been on a trip without my family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, or husband). So I'm thinking and I'm cruising Orbitz and I started thinking. ANy of you Oklahoma knitters want to go to Maryland Sheep and Wool? I found a deal for $414 to fly out of Tulsa on Friday evening (5:45), into Baltimore. It's a nice hotel, complete with a car. Then the flight leaves back out Sunday evening (around 6pmEST). The hotel is a suite, complete with a kitchen. I was looking if we had 4 the price would go down below $375 a person, which means we could spend more on wool! LOL. ANyway, email me (theprocrastiknitter at yahoo dot com) if you are interested. Penny I'm thinking of you and Missy and whoever else. We would be tired, because it's such a quick trip, but then there would be very little of missing work too!

Funk Potion #2...

2007-01-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

While stressing, freaking out, and just plain being sad, Mr. Outdoors came home from my friend L's house (he was working on some cabinets for her and her hubby) with a bag of 26 knitting mags. They are mostly Vogue Knitting, some Fashion knitting, and Knitting Elegance from 1983 - 1996 and they are Grrrrrreat! Thanks so much L. You are a doll.

I apologize in advance for the crappy photo. But I'm working on some mitered squares for Nan's newly requested item. She wants a "blankee" So I'm working on it.

I have also worked on and just finished mailing two scarves for the Red Scarf Project

nothing like waiting until the last minute. I just forgot to take pictures of them. I've been blinded by a few things recently and I've just not been myself.

Anyway, I also finished another hat for Kate's Caps , So I'm up to 3 now. The last one was very special. It was out of these really cute red soft furry yarn that I got a little over a year ago to make some fuzzy socks for my great aunt Joyce. She told us 12/26/05 that she had cancer. She got out of the hospital and went to a nursing home(in the hospital) on 1/3/06. She had Stage 3 lung cancer. It was devastating that she even got sick. This woman was so special to me and still is. Anyway, I got 1/2 of one of the socks done and then she died. I tore out the sock, but couldn't bare to use the yarn for anything else. Last week I picked up the yarn without thinking about it and started working on the hat. When I was about 80% finished I thought about what the yarn was orginally for. I thought, "How perfect!" I know that Joyce was watching over me.

Last week Nan (4 y/o) started having problems at daycare and just in general with her behavior and anxiety. Anyway, it was hideous, but it's coming along better, at least today. Yesterday she was sick with a weird virus. My grandfather who raised me and in every sense of the word is my "Daddy". He's been having prostate problems. We found out today that his problems are NOT cancer (YEE HAW), but still he will have to have surgery, hopefully at the end of the week.

Also tomorrow, well I guess today (it is after midnight) is the one year anniversary of Joyce's death.

Tomorrow is a better day....HAS to be!

Good bye valiant steed.

2007-01-29T12:35:00.001-08:00

After such a hard hard fight. Barbaro lost his fight and was euthanized today. My daughters sent this beautiful horse a "get well card" a few months ago. They will be so sad. I know I am.

OOOOOh!

2007-01-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

The new issue of Interweave Knits is out February 20th. I took a sneak peek and it looks to be a good one!

Puppies and Gifts...

2007-01-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

My furry babies having a nap in the backyard in the sun yesterday. They did not want to come in they were too busy snuggling.
Casting on for a 3rd cap for Kate's Caps

Baby gift set for shower today. Said MTB (mother-to-be) rifled through all the gifts to get to mine first! WOO HOO! She even cried!

Ooooohhhh! I'm all tingly!

2007-01-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I finally finished some projects that have been gnawing at me to finish. I only have one left which is the Irish Hiking Scarf for Norma. I completed the baby gift (1 hat, 1 kimono, and 2 pairs of bootees) for my friend's shower today (I have pictures just need to upload them when I get home). I also organized my stash and laid out what I need to do next (not necessarily in order).

fingerless gloves for homeless family member (by request)
start afghan for cousin and fiancee.
mittens for Nan
as many hats as I can possibly knit for Kate's Caps.

THen my list got a little shorter even when the Divine Miss Em came home from 2nd grade yesterday. She was smiling a HUGE smile and was waving a green flyer at me! She hopped in the van and said, "Guess what mom? We are having a science fair here in town and it's in March and I want to do it and it's going to be awesome and I love science, can we do it, huh? huh? Huh? HUH?" Mind you that was all said at an incredibly high rate of speed. As soon as I saw teh flyer though I was SO excited. I LOVE SCIENCE FAIRS! I know I know, HUGE geek, but then again I am a science teacher. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not going to do the entire thing for her or really even help much, but I will make it a learning experience. We will find a topic that will interest her AND help her learn something. My job is to help her with the scientific method part of thigns and reporting data, controlling the experiement, Making sure that she has a hypothesis going into it, those kinds of things.

Bad news: We have to have it ready for March 2nd! Is that not crazy????

Ok, I think I'll stop now, because I am sounding WAY too much like her now! LOL Have a great day! Oh, and thanks for all the suggestions for the project. Now I think we are on hold until at least March2!

Slip slidin' away...

2007-01-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

No, not the song, and no not the ice. Apparently, even though I thought the space/time continum stopped while we were out of school, it did not. Tomorrow is my friend's baby shower at work! YIKES! I finished the baby booties, but need to block the kimono and finish up a few things. When did the time sneak up on me? I had it in my mind that the shower wasn't until next week! Still have to go shopping too! EECKS!

Well my game did turn out well even though I wasn't watching it (working on my laptop and listening).

I HAVE to get back to my knitting for Kate's Caps and soon! I only have 2 finished. YIKES!

Beyond my charity knitting, I'm trying to plan something for the spring that would be inspiring to make for someone, maybe myself, my children, someone. But something small, but challenging. Any ideas?

And we're back!

2007-01-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

We are back in school today! Part of me is very happy to be back in the routine, the other part of me wants to stay in my PJ's and housecoat all day today! LOL. Of course I couldn't have a cold while we were out of school, I had to get one now that we are back.

Knitting took a backseat over the weekend. I had a lot of organizing of the house and paperwork for school to do. Also, I have realized that it is NOT a good idea to watch a sporting event that I care about while trying to knit. Said, knitting will have to be frogged every time!

I was extremely happy with the outcome of the football games yesterday! The only way it could have been better was for my KC Chiefs to be there, but this is great too. I'm also hoping that my Cowboys can overcome this, and have a big win tonight.

I know I know, is this is knitting blog or is it a sports blog. Well both are near and dear to my heart!

Btw, I love comments. When anyone gives me a comment I'm so happy, however, when you do it solely to promote yourself and your....poetry (see comments below the last entry) then it pisses me off!

Have a great Monday!

Purchases...

2007-01-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

Well it looks like the "Next big storm" didn't amount to didly here and we just go a little rain. That's fine with me. Looks like we are going back to normal tomorrow. I'm ready to go back to work, but when I think about it I get a little sad that I won't be able to schlep around in my housecoat until um....3:18in the afternoon. LOL. I am ready to be able to get out so that I can start working out again, the girls have basketball and dance tomorrow. Once I get back into our routine I'm sure it will be fine. Although I'm milking today for all that it is worth! My friend Tessa and I were at the mall Thursday night and the little shop in the middle of the mall had all of their calendars for $3 so I found this and HAD to have it!
I finally cashed in some gift certificates from Christmas to get this book. I've been wanted to read this every since it came out. I've read Dreams From My Father it was great. I'm not sure what his chances are for winning the presidency, but I don't really care, I just love what he has to say.

Popping in...what day is it?

2007-01-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

I'm at a total lost as to what day it is! We've been so off this week. No school at all this week. Below is a picture of the pine trees that someone took that lives in the same town as my grandparents. They got power this morning so we are very happy! Thanks for all the thoughts, we were really worried for awhile.

This is what it looks like outside my house. doesn't look like much right? A few inches of snow? Nope, that is 4 inches of sleet pellets.
One baby bootee! I have another one done. I'll post the entire set once I take a picture.
TADA! Here are the Fetching fingerless mittens which are my VERY FIRST cabled item! I'm so proud. I knit them out of Blue Sky Cotton. They are so luscious! I had JUST casted off of those and couldn't wait to take a picture of them. Also I HAVE to say that "You were right!" Who? All of you! Everyone told me that cables were just intimidating, but very very easy! ABSOLUTELY! Now I'm on a cable kick!
Now on for another suprise! Another storm is coming in tomorrow early morning. They are saying that here in Bville we will get anywhere from 8-12 inches of snow. I wonder if we will EVER go back to school!

I've been trying to hard to keep the kids busy. My friend T came over yesterday with her kids and we had playdates. I also had to go to Tulsa yesterday so I HAD to stop by my LYS . I didn't buy much only spend $19.95!!! That must be a record! Last night I went out with my friend T. It was kind of funny when Mr. Outdoors asked, "Why are you going on in the ice to go out!" I told him that we were going to run and grab a bite to eat, run to the mall quickly and then go to Wal-Mart to stack up on supplies for the newest storm. So my girls night out ended up consisting of sharing an appetizer at a restaurant, a margarita, and a trip to the bookstore and then standing in line for over an hour at Wal=Mart with out basket of milk, eggs and bread. However, we thought it might be fun to do it like that from now on. We stood in line FOREVER but it was fun because I had my friend and we just laughed and talked.

I feel so out of whack though. I don't feel depressed, just out of my normal loop. Hopefully sometime next week we will be back to normal!

Blogger is being a Beotch!

2007-01-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

I had a huge post with pictures (knitting content, lots of it) and Blogger ate it. We are doing ok. We are still out of school and tomorrow I don't have school either (not sure about the girls). We went to Grove yesterday to take my grandparents a generator, firewood and groceries. It was one of the most horirble natural sights I have ever seen. Looks like a war zone. Anyway, we are safe and warm and finally going to venture out today to try to go to the post office to mail off prizes from the Soaring Eagles Project, and then we have a playdate with some friends with a nice warm hot tub! More later.

The very LAST Meme...

2007-01-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

I received a tag from Stephanie for this meme. I'm not going to tag anyone else because this is the VERY LAST Meme that I'll do. I'm kind of a party pooper when it comes to these as I like to read the responses of others, but I don't like to do them! LOL.

6 Weird Things About Me

1. I HATE underwear! Don't get me wrong, I wear it to work and such because of my job and all, but otherwise I won't wear underwear. It makes my skin crawl.

2. I can't watch American Idol or any other show that involves singing. Off key singing or music makes my ears hurt, it's not a mental thing, it's actually a physical pain.

3. My favorite condiment is Mustard and I put it on almost everything. Not just burgers and such, but baked potatoes, pizza, green beans, corn, etc.

4. Closet doors MUST be closed. I'm not sure if this is a thing from my childhood or what, but all closet doors must be closed day or night. Especially at night.

5. I do not eat anything that has ever been in water. I don't eat fish, shrimp, clams, crab, lobster, nothing that every lived in the water.

6. ANother food thing is that I will wash ALL food, including meat, fruits, vegetables, even frozen.

Update....

2007-01-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

Well we are on Day 2 of being house-bound due to the storm. I was excused early from school on Friday morning because of the weather. We ended up so far with about 2-3 inches of sleet. We are supposed to get 2 or 3 more tomorrow. We have been lucky. Other parts of the area have freezing rain/sleet mix and are without power. My grandparents in Grove are some of them. If they don't get power back by tomorrow Mr. Outdoors is going to go try and get them and bring them here.

There was a lot of TV watching, board game playing and knitting going on today, I'm teaching myself cables. It's coming along ok. I had to stop to help Em with her newest knitting project and to make Mr. Outdoors another stocking cap. His other one was knit by me after a little less than 2 months of knitting. Needless to say it didn't last long.

If you are in this storm, stay safe. If not, pray for those who are in this storm without power, water, etc.

Decided....

2007-01-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

Well I found the pattern for my cousin's wedding. I admit that I did go ahead and pay for this, but I think it will be great. I'm going to substitute the yarn, but I'm not sure with what yet. I got it over at Lion Brand here .
Now, another question.... I ask about the colors and everytime I hear the comment, "oh you know, Meditteranean colors". But what colors are those? I'd like to make it in a white/cream/bisque color, but not sure what constitutes a Meditteranean color? Any ideas?

Batten down the hatches....

2007-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well I've taken a few hits recently.

See here and here.... but I'm still going along. However, with 2 hats completed for Kate's Caps, a hat, and kimono for my friends birthday. I am about 1/2 way done with the first bootee to complete the layatte set. Tonight will be spent getting ready. For what? A cabin fever weekend!

From the weather man on Channel 6:

A WINTER STORM WATCH will be issued for portions of NE OK mainly north of a line from McAlester to Fayetteville inlcuding the Tulsa area. This watch will begin Friday at NOON and continue through 6 PM SUNDAY. Winter Storm or Ice Storm Warnings may be needed during this time period. Windy and Warm today across most of the area with a slight chance of scattered showers this afternoon and evening. A major arctic air mass will invade the area early Friday morning and conditions appear favorable for a Significant Ice Storm for portions of the area this weekend. Rain changing to freezing rain and sleet will be possible as early as Friday evening over NE OK with the freezing precip. spreading southeastward with time Saturday.

According to Mr. Outdoors, he will be chopping wood this afternoon, when I get home I'll be cleaning out the fireplace, bringing the existing firewood from the rack to the back porch (out of the rain and moisture). Going grocery shopping, going to my local craft store, and the library (activities for the girls). It looks like we are going to be house bound for at least Friday evening through Monday. Hopefully I'll be able to get LOTS of knitting time. Although Mr. Outdoors has also informed me that I will also be having to finish up a little painting!

HELP!

2007-01-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, calling all pattern gurus!

I need help! I'm looking for a pattern (bought or free) for an afghan, large throw or blanket to make for my dear cousin Todd's wedding. He is getting married in July and he and I are like brother and sister. Any ideas? I'm not too worried about difficulty, just no cables. I hate cables!

Better.....

2007-01-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

One and 3/4's of hats for Kate's Caps. These are fun and really quick! You should check it out!
The beginnings of my stash project. A felted laptop bag.... for me!
Baby Kimono and baby hat for my teaching friend R. I need to make some bootees to match.

As far as how I'm doing...much better! Thanks for all the comments. I wasn't looking for sympathy, just an outlet. But I appreciate the kind words. If you haven't read, How Full is Your Bucket? it really is a must read! It's fabulous. You can apply it in your personal and professional lives. I have just decided to make a conscious effort to be proactive and not reactive. Now, if I culd just get Mr. Outdoor's to understand, but that's highly unlikely. He's a great husband and father, but he's still very very clueless!

Melancholy...

2007-01-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, I rarely get into the funk, but I'm there. I try my hardest to be the happiest, most flexible and cheerful person that I can be. But lately it's been hard and it's actually getting harder. I'm not sure if it is the letdown of the Holidays, or now that the Soaring Eagles Project is in its completion phase or what. I just feel like my bucket is empty . In my personal life is where I'm being hit the hardest. I do and do and do for my family without anything in return. I used to get the hugs and thank yous all of the time, now I don't even get a smile. I've been reduced to nothing but a servant in my own house. I know a lot of that is my own fault, but now I'm trying to undo it and it's making everything that much harder. My children are always fighting, my husband is always gone and I am just there to pick up the messes, pay the bills, run to lessons, and try to referee. I am also extremely preoccupied with my weight. I'm trying desperately, but in the beginning, until I start to see some loss, it's disheartening.

So what am I going to do about it? Well for starters I'm working like a maniac to do some charity knitting. The first foray is for Kate's Caps. It's a great hat project for fun fur caps for children who are cancer patients in Boston. I cast on for one last night and was done within an hour. I've started another one today. I still have a few gifts and such looming overhead, but I'm not too worried about it right now.

Also I'm going to work on the following principles:

1. Prevent bucket dipping - ask yourself whether you are adding to or taking from another bucket.
2. Shine a light on what is right - don't focus on the negative, spend time, energy and attention of what is right.
3. Make best friends - great relationships lead to increased satisfaction
4. Give unexpectedly - the gifts can be material, trust or respect, but given unexpectedly increases their bucket filling power
5. Reverse the Golden rule - "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them".

To do list by February 15th,

fingerless mittens for my mother's birthday.
finish up Lucie's crochet edging
fingerless mittens for another relative.
hats for Kate
2 more red scarfs for Norma.
My stashbusting project of a Laptop bag (my first creation for ME!)

Sorry that you had to listen to the whining. Today is full of teaching, meetings, running around to dance and basketball practices, etc. I needed to get it out or it was going to poision my day.

Is this cute or what???

2007-01-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

You can find the pattern here. I thought this would be a great idea for my grandmother's birthday in April. She's quite the bird lover and has abotu 13 different little bird houses out and about around her house! Too cute!

Ahhh, the joys of motherhood!

2007-01-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to savor my last Saturday for the next few months in which I won't have to get up early and take my children somewhere. The Divine Miss Em starts basketball games next Saturday for the next 8 weeks, then starts Outdoor Soccer in March with Saturday morning games as well. So like I said, I'm trying to savor my last Saturday. Thankfully, amidst all the fighting between the girls and housework to be done my day will actually start at 3pm.

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis (Go Chiefs!) starts at 3:00

Oklahoma State (my boys!) vs. Baylor at 5:00

Dallas Cowboys ( go Blue) vs. Seattle Seahawks at 7:00

The only thing that might make this day better is a marathon of Knitty Gritty or a NASCAR race! But it's a pretty good day.

Hopefully there will be lots of knitting. I just finished a baby kimono as well as a matching hat for my friend Renee that is expecting a baby in February. And now I'm working on a mystery project that is requiring mass stash busting! WOO HOO! I have pictures, just haven't uploaded them yet. Have a Happy Saturday!

I'm so there!

2007-01-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

What's new in 2007...

2007-01-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

First of all, the winners of the prizes are up over at The Soaring Eagles Project blog. Now, onto the knitting. I'm working on the Baby Kimono from Mason Dixon. It's for a friend of mine who's baby is due in February. I will follow it up with a matching hat and booties of course. I was out at H*bby L*bby today to get some things and I FINALLY found the new Knit Simple. It has a few cute things, but Next up is something for me. I'm goin to follow the pattern for my laptop, HOWEVER, I've got a little secret as to how it's going to look. I'm going to be working on some Stashbusting.

Happy New Year a day late...

2007-01-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

Blogging in bullets seems to be the best thing until I get my pictures uploaded.

I didn't get to blog on New Year's Day because my phone and DSL were not working.
I finished Lucie a day early and gave it to my grandmother, but without the crochet edging because I just couldn't conquer it, she likes to crochet so she decided to do it herself and was very pleased with her sweater.
It's 11:23 am and I'm still in my PJ's.
I have to go back to work tomorrow.
I knit two beanies for my nephews yesterday but did not have time to get a picture because they took off with them and went home.
Today starts knitting because I WANT to not because I HAVE to.
I'm FINALLY knitting the Mason Dixon Baby Kimono.
I watched the entire President Ford funeral and procession. In my PJ's eating Cheetos
More pictures later.

Lucie, Flutebags and such....

2006-12-28T14:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas was wonderful. We had a very nice time with our families, however while one thing did get finished (a pair of Fuzzy Feet for Mr. Outdoor's great-grandmother) a few things were coming a little short.
I met up with Santa as I was up until 2:30am Christmas morning to finish this "Felted Flute Sock" for Stepfather 4. He is into his flutes (he has a vast collection) and he has a special Native American wooden flute he bought while visiting in September. So he wanted a flute sock for it. It was finished albeit still a bit damp, but done for Christmas. The one Christmas casulaty was Lucie. She had to be frogged December 23rd due to some mindless knitting in which I wasn't paying attention. So I knew that I wouldn't be able to finish her for Christmas Day for my grandmother. So I picked it up again on the 26th and have been knitting like a fiend to finish her up New Year's Day.
So far I have the front and back finished, about 1/3 of one sleeve finished. I have a game plan however.

December 28th - finished one sleeve
December 29th -finish other sleeve and block
December 30th - piece together
December 31st - finish crochet edging, spot block and let dry.
January 1st - be ready to give her to my grandmother.

I also have to finish two beanies that have been requested by my 10 and 12 y/o nephews. They wanted one of the left overs from the Soaring Eagles Project, but I said no, but they could pick out the style and colors that they wanted and I would make them one. Has to be done by New Year's Eve.

I am so lookin forward to January 1st where I can be done with the holiday knitting and start doing some things I want to do. I have two sets of fingerless gloves that have been requested by my mother and another family member, but then off to work on a baby gift for a friend and then start the blanket I want to do for my cousin and his fiancee for their July wedding. I figure 6 months would be enough time.

(((HUGS))) to all and I hope to be able to post and knit much more now.

I'm BAAACK!

2006-12-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, where to start. I could do a daily recap, but we'll skip that because I don't have time to write it out and I'm sure you really don't want to read it. The skinny is that now, I have basically 48 hours (or less, I'm not sure I haven't really checked the exact time) to finish a sweater , make a flute bag (story later), and a pair of Fuzzy Feet for my Christmas knitting. YIKES!!!

However, over here at Chez Procrastiknitter we had a first my girls finally decided that it was time that they would even go see Santa let alone sit on his lap. We were THRILLED! Yes, they were dressed to the hilt, but we had just done Christmas portraits right before! Happy Holidays and off to kni!

Project Soaring Eagles...

2006-12-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

Well the big day came and went! It was wonderful! If you want to see the pictures come by the blog!

Hats, hats, hats....

2006-12-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

We have collected 565 hats as of Saturday afternoon. Our goal was 300, we needed 408! Woo hoo! Come check it out!

Hiatus...

2006-12-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

Just in case there is actually anyone still around here. I just wanted to say that I am on a hiatus from this blog for awhile. Well at least until I get all of the hats taken care of.

See you after December 20th!

COOL and a strategy!

2006-12-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

Well, since I'm SOOO disappointed that my satelitte company doesn't offer DIY and I've been going through another Knitty Gritty withdrawl, I'm THRILLED to see this .

Also my new strategy. Well I've been rather nervous and anxious, stressed, all of that with the Soaring Eagles Project and just stressing that it will go well. I've been teetering between knitting headbands, hats and then my holiday knitting. So I've developed a new strategy which is I will take this week to do my holiday knitting (from today -Tuesday until next Wednesday) then I'll turn my attention to fill in teh gaps fo hats and headbands for the kids. I have to find a balance, it's completely driving me batty! LOL.

A bit o Knitting

2006-12-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

Well I've been working on a few things. I finally finished that poor dishrag, completed my first mitten (albeit going to be an ornament on our tree) it was much easier than I first thought). Also in the works is a dog sweater for darling Lilee Ann our Jack Russell Terrier. I also have put together a few a VERY easy pattern for some cute headband/earwarmers.

See below.

Easy Headband/Earwarmer

Note: This is worked in double strand yarn. The aqua one is made of Bernat chunky cotton and the other was made with Baby Bee Icing and a strand of Caron Soft Ease.

Sizes are child's S, M, L, adult
Using size 11 (if using single strand) 13 (if using double strand) loosely (possibly use a two needle cast on) cast on 45 (50, 55, 60) stitches.

Work in garter stitch for 14 rows.

Very loosely bind off .

Sew seam.

Takes about 25-30 minutes to complete for an average speed knitter.

**It's nothing special, but I developed this when Nan and Em both demanded an earwarmer once late night for the next morning. My brother received one as well, he is 15 and his is navy blue. He loves his.

I am SOOO going to make this for a gift...

2006-12-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Well the new MagKnits is up! I've been checking the site all day! I am LOVING this pattern called Cinnabar I think it would make for a fantastic Christmas present! I'm looking for some of those to knit. I think I have just the yarn for it too. I need to go scavenging!

Storm of the Century!

2006-12-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Yep that's right kids it's the storm of the century! We ended up with what the weather people say was 15 inches, but after it drifted and all and when you shovel it's more like eleventy feet of snow.

Obviously there is no school anywhere in the area so I got my wish for a 4 day weekend. I got lots of knitting done yesterday (see 2 posts below) however, today it's 1:19pm and I haven't picked up the needles at all today! That will change after while. I'm also patiently waiting for the new MagKnits issue. It's the 1st and it needs to be out already! LOL.