Knitting for the Soul

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-26T19:52:00.000-05:00

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone already. Where did this year go? So much has happened, some good... some not so good... But all in all, there's so much to be thankful for again this year.

I spent so uch of this year knitting for others through Soulful Knitting Ministries and The Think Pink Challenge that I haven't had much time or energy left to knit for moi. However, it's time to change that. I "tithed" on my knitting time this holiday by knitting scarves for a wonderful Bible College student to give as gifts since I knew she didn't have much money to spend on presents, I made a lot of progress in my quest to get nearly 600 pink scarves delivered to breast cancer treatment facilities around the country for the Think Pink project, and I even found time to knit a very cool v-neck tee and started a WIP that's been in my closet for over a year now. Not a bad way to get a running start on the new year!

I decided against a Christmas tree again this year. I've decided they're just too much trouble, and with no children in the house (and no grinch to drag the tree in and out), I realized that I was perfectly fine without the tree. But I decided that I wanted to do something special, so thanks to my friend Janeen, I was inspired to give Christmas an entirely different look at my place this year.

The picture doesn't do it justice, and Janeen's is much prettier, but I think it turned out well. I found a beautiful shallow bowl at Pier One and then filled it with gold, copper and brown Christmas ornaments, pine cones and a few Christmas flowers, also in the gold/copper colorway. I even added gold and copper glitter glue to the pine cones to give them some pizzazz.

I'm enjoying my "Christmas bowl" and the knowledge that taking down decorations will be a breeze this year!

Happy Holidays!

Just when I thought I'd seen it all...

2006-10-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

I love to knit as much as the next person, but honestly, I think some knitters have way too much free time on their hands. Check out a new blog, What Not To Knit, that I found out about at Mary's blog. Enjoy... I know I sure did!

Sometimes less is more

2006-09-06T15:57:00.000-04:00

Last night I found myself in a bit of a funk. A got an e-mail from a friend and faithful supporter of SKM to let me know that there had been some questions raised at a popular knitting message board where she had posted a reminder about the Think Pink Challenge. I expected questions like "When is the drop-dead deadline?" or "Who will be receiving the scarves", but instead the posts were really comments about the usefulness of the entire project. One knitter, a breast cancer survivor, wrote "I don't need a pink scarf. I need a cure."

I'll be honest and admit that my first thoughts were angry ones. But they were quickly replaced with sad ones. I can't imagine what it must be like to be so bitter that you can't see the goodness in the hearts of strangers who are simply trying to let you know that they care. This project is completely voluntary, none of the countless women from all over the country who have enthusiastically donated their time and talents to create so many beautiful pink scarves were forced to do so. Similarly, none of the intended recipients of these gifts are forced to accept them. So why, I ask, is it necessary to diminish or demean the simple acts of kindness of others? My grandma used to have a saying... "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything."

Initially, I felt a need to respond to these posts, particularly because my friend who'd submitted the post sent another one informing the other commenters that she had forwarded the link from this thread to me. And, in fact, after much thought, I did craft what I thought was a very *diplomatic* reply. Yes, in retrospect, I realize that in my reply, I was defending our work and *apologizing* if I offended anyone. I added that I'd given several scarves, prayer shawls, afghans and other knitted items to people who were sick over the years and without fail, they had all been delighted and thankful to receive them. I even added that I too had had a personal encounter with breast cancer and that I was so appreciative of the people, both friends and strangers, who expressed their love and concern in so many ways, both big and small. In those darkest days, the loving kindness of friends and strangers alike was much more important to me than the knowledge that they'd sent a check on my behalf to the American Cancer Society.

However, my post was lost in cyberspace when I hit the Submit button and I couldn't get it back. At that moment I realized that it was just as well. Perhaps it was God's way of telling me that not all questions need to be answered and not all criticisms need to be defended. Those who are trying to do good would never get anything done if they spent all their time defending themselves to those who just don't "get it". So, I thanked God for teaching me an important lesson and turned my computer off for the night.

This morning, I went to the local hospital for my weekly volunteering. I'm so blessed that I get to sit in the surgery waiting room for 4 hours a week and knit while assisting the families who are waiting for loved ones. Almost without fail, my knitting always opens the doors to all kinds of conversations, the opportunity to share the work of this ministry, and sometimes, even the chance to share examples of God's goodness...All that while I'm knitting too! It doesn't get much better. :)

This morning, as I was saying good-bye to the OR nurses, 2 that I'd never seen before noticed the pink scarf I was knitting and asked what I was doing. I told them about the Think Pink Challenge and nearly started crying when the both started telling me how awesome and amazing this project was. They said that as OR nurses, they see women come in all the time who are so scared and confused and even angry. These women often feel like God and the whole world has forgotten about them. The nurses said that this project was a wonderful way to show these women that people care about them, are praying for them, and are supporting them in this struggle. One of the nurses said that she was certain that these pink scarves would be "worn like loving hugs" by the women who receive them.

At that point I was so thankful that I wasn't able to send that reply last night. I didn't need to. Isn't it amazing how God has a way of giving us just what we need just when we need it?

Is the curse true?

2006-08-22T17:56:00.000-04:00

Okay, I need your help on this. A knitting buddy (who shall remain nameless) has a new guy friend. She wants to knit him a sweater for Christmas, but is reluctant to do it because she's heard of the Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater. Have you ever fallen prey to the curse? Do you believe it's true? Feel free to leave a post to share your story. For the record, I'm not saying that I believe in curses, but I will say that I made a sweater for a boyfriend once and yes, he dumped me!

Please vote in my little mini-poll here and let's help this knitting sister out!

Take the poll

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6 Degrees of Separation (or less)

2006-07-12T07:20:00.000-04:00

This morning I was reminded of 6 Degrees of Separation. Do you remember that series of credit card commercials with Kevin Bacon? Or that great movie starring Will Smith, Donald Sutherland and Stockard Channing? For those of you who may not, six degrees of separation is the theory that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five intermediaries.

The memory came to me while I was praying for Grace Bay House and asking God why more people haven't come forward to help yet. Before I go on, let me first say thank you to everyone who has contributed so far, in any way. No contribution is too small and I am so grateful for each and every one of them. That said, the truth is that there is so much more that could be done.

I know that we are kind and generous people, the outpouring of support after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina prove that. So I know that simple apathy is not the issue. Perhaps it's easy to recognize the utter "randomness" in huge catastrophic events and make the "there but by the grace of God go I" connection. So I started thinking that may the reason people aren't feeling an urgency to support Grace Bay House is because they don't believe that rape affects them so this project doesn't even hit their radar screens.

So here's where the 6 degree theory comes in... Think of 6 women you know and love... your mother, your sister, your daughter, your co-worker, your best friend. The sad truth is that 1 in 6 American women have been victims of sexual violence and another women is raped every 2.5 minutes in America alone! If you are not one of the six, thank God. But if it's not you, whether you are aware of it or not, the chances are extremely high that someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, or will be.

If you knew which woman it was, would you think about her more compassionately? Would you be more empathetic of her pain? If there was even a small way that you could help her begin to feel healthy and whole again would you try? There is a way you can help.

How much money have you spent this year alone on yarn, on manicures or pedicures, on gourmet coffee, on movie rentals? Isn't there one indulgence that you could give up for one month to help make a difference in someone else's life?

I challenge every person that reads this post to please prayerfully consider making your best donation, TODAY. No matter how much or how little you give, the fact that YOU GAVE will make a difference! Thank you in advance for your support and I ask for your continued prayers for this project.

Have a blessed day!

I just can't resist!

2006-06-10T09:40:00.000-04:00

I've been doing most of my blogging lately at my new blog, Souful Knitting Ministries, lately. Since nearly all of my knitting time has been spent on knitting pink scarves, preemie caps and prayer shawls, I haven't had any knitting projects or pictures to blog about here.

But life goes on, nonetheless, and there are other things that I feel compelled to blog about... some pertain to knitting but others don't. So, since this blog is here, I might as well use it, right?

As fate would have it, the pressing issue I've chosen to mark my re-entry into this blog is ripped from relatively current headlines and is near and dear to my heart - the Duke LaCross team rape case. No, I haven't been following this story and honestly, I couldn't tell you what the latest news updates are. But I do know this, there's something about this case, and thousands like it that are cropping up all over the country all the time, that really burns me.

Let me set the stage by saying that I am a sexual assault survivor. I am a survivor of the legal system that assaulted me again as I tried (successfully, I might add) to have my assailants brought to justice. I am a Christian. And more recently, I am a conservative, Republican Christian. I believe in personal responsibility and accountability. I realize that I've probably just offended some of you, so feel free to stop reading now if you'd like because it gets worse.

I don't presume to know the truth about what happened in the Duke case, but I do know that at some point, we are all going to have to wake up and accept the fact that our actions have consequences. No, I'm not saying that any woman "deserves" to be raped. That is absurd. And I realize that violent crimes can happen anytime, anywhere. I was kidnapped at gunpoint in front of my house after coming home from school. It was a snowy February night and under my heavy coat I was wearing boots, a long jumper, a turtleneck and red thermal underwear - hardly the attire of a woman "asking for it". But that said, we must know that being in certain places, at certain times, and involved in certain behaviors (i.e., drugs, drinking, "dirty dancing", etc.) increase the odds dramatically that something bad could happen.

If I were standing in the middle of a pit of snakes, would it come as a big surprise to anyone if I got bit? If I were standing in the middle of a dark country road in the middle of the night, dressed in black, would anyone be shocked if I got hit by a car? Why is it then that young women in particular continue to put themselves in incredibly dangerous situations, because it's their "right" to do so, only to be shocked and outraged when things head south?

People wonder why the criminal justice system is so hard on women who make accusations of rape. Sadly, it's because so many women who haven't been raped claim they were. Sometimes it's to hide their own complicity in a situation that may have gotten out of hand, often under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Sometimes it's to get back at a guy for some actual or alledged wrong. In either case, every time a woman falsely cries rape, there are several true victims who pay the price. Enough is enough, women. We say we want equal rights... fine. That includes the right to be honest. The right to make smart choices. The right to consider the consequences of our actions. The right to be responsible. The right to be accountable.

I could go on and on about this, but Ann Coulter sums it up much better than I ever could in an article she penned recently entitled, Lie down with strippers, wake up with pleas.

I've Moved...

2006-04-17T16:41:00.001-04:00

It's been a long time since I posted here. I wasn't even sure that anyone still visited this site, but since I've been getting e-mails about it lately, I thought I'd better let you know that I've moved.

I'm still blogging, and writing, praying and counting my blessings. I've recently been led to start a virtual online knitting ministry which is were I'm spending most of my time these days. Please visit Soulful Knitting Ministries so we can get re-acquainted.

Thanks to those of you who have already purchased the book, The Joy of Soulful Knitting. Actually, if I ever become rich and famous you'll have the collector's versions because among the many other changes in my life over the last 6 months, I've also changed my name. You'll have to visit the other site for the scoop. Because of the name change, and to tie-in with the ministry, I've postponed the formal rollout of the book, but my goal is to have the updated version ready by Mother's Day. Again, please visit the new blog for more details, including information on how to purchase the book and journal.

The ministry will be launching several projects over the coming months, but I'm really excited about our first big one which has just started - the Think Pink Challenge. We have an agressive goal of knitting 1,000 pink scarves between now and the end of September to be donated to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

The amount of interest and enthusiasm for this project has been heartwarming. Please prayerfully consider joining us in this worthy effort. If everyone reading this could knit just one pink scarf a month between now and September, and ask 2 knitting buddies to do the same, imagine how quickly we could meet our goal!

Getting my life back

2005-11-09T21:35:00.000-05:00

So much has happened since I wrote last. My husband and I have separated and I've moved to a new home. It has been a sad, painful, frustrating and sometimes scary year leading up to my departure, but some great things have come out of it as well. First and foremost, I LOVE my new home. Of course I have a lot of work to do, remodeling and decorating, but the sense of freedom and peace that I feel here is amazing. Then there's my new puppy, Gracie, she's a beautiful chow/collie/shepherd mix.

My book has been published and initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Please be sure to check it out at Grace Bay Books.

I've been waiting until I'm settled in my new home (and my new home office!) to start a full-blown marketing campaign, but I'm very close. Grace Bay Publishing should be up and running by next week.

The Soulful Knitting Ministry is up and running at my church. We're planning our "coming out" party for Sat 12/11, when we're sponsoring what I hope will be the first annual Soulful Knitting Ministry Knit-In. It should be a lot of fun. I'll keep you posted!

I haven't had time to knit much lately, with all that's been going on with the separation and move. I really miss the quiet time to relax and reflect. I have started on my belated wedding gift to my soon-to-be-ex-husband's neice and her husband. I'm making the Colinette afghan. They got married in August and if I'm lucky, they'll have it by Christmas. If I'd listened to my own instincts, it would have been done in time for the wedding. I made the mistake of telling my husband that I wanted to make it for them on the day I found out they were engaged a year ago. I let him convince me that it wasn't a "practical" gift for a young newlywed couple. He insisted that we get them something from their bridal registry that they really wanted and needed. Deep down inside I knew that they'd appreciate a handmade gift, especially one that obviously required a lot of time and effort (not to mention $$$) to make especially for them. So, it wasn't until just before the wedding, when I knew that my marriage was soon to be over, that I decided to go with my own instincts, like I should have done in the beginning, and knit the afghan for them.

Now I have to get a new digital camera so that I can take a picture of it to post here since I lost visitation rights to my husband's wonderful digital camera! :)

Early Update

2005-09-09T15:49:00.000-04:00

Wow! I am so excited about the book. The initial response has been great and I haven't even officially started marketing other than mentioning it here. I ordered 4 new books on self-publishing and marketing your own books from Amazon a few days ago and they all arrived today. Looks like I'm going to have my work cut out for me! But that's a good thing.

I'm also officially starting a Soulful Knitting Ministry at my church beginning in October and I've just recruited a new knitting buddy. Once I teach her how to knit, I just know she's going to be addicted like I am. I can never have to many friends to knit with!

I still haven't been able to get started on the Colinette afghan yet. I've got to make time to do that. The newlyweds are back from the honeymoon so I think it's safe to say it's going to be a little bit late. Hopefully I'll have it ready by Christmas!

Thanks to everyone who's been e-mailing me off-line about the book and offering encouragement and support. I truly hope you enjoy it. I'd like to say a special thanks to Annie, who wins the prize for being the farthest person away that I've heard from so far. She asked whether the book would be available in Australia. Wow!!!

The Book is Finally Here!!!

2005-09-04T22:13:00.000-04:00

It's taken nearly a year, but the book is finally ready for prime time. Thanks to everyone who's offered so much support and encouragement while I was working on this project. It has truly been a labor of love and I have already been blessed by it. I'll be working on my official marketing plan this week, but as promised, you read (and saw) about it here first!

The book, called "The Joy of Soulful Knitting: Reflections on the Art of the Craft", is a collection of devotional essays that explore the connection between knitting and spirituality. Through a series of actual real-life examples, I share some of the amazing insights on life that I've learned from two sticks and some string. Those of you who've been faithfully following this blog over the past year know of some of the struggles and setbacks, but they've all had their purpose and have all helped to make not only a better book, but a better person as well.

At the risk of being accused of making a shameless plug (well, after all, this is my blog), here's a review from the back cover...

“What a treasure for knitters who want to deepen and enhance their creative experience! Many women in our culture lead such busy lives caring for others that in the process, they often lose their sense of self or give it all away. “The Joy of Soulful Knitting” provides a creative, fun, spiritual approach to reconnecting, accepting, appreciating and enjoying self. The author also explains how group knitting as a “team sport” can connect one to others as well as benefit a community. Ms. Turner has the rare blend of being emotionally grounded and articulate, so her writing takes you to the depths of soulfulness. Her self-revelations and daily reflections help knitters implement the principles she explores. Regardless of one’s proficiency, this book is a “must read” for knitters practicing this beautiful, meditative art."

Annelise A. Petry, L.C.S.W., Psychotherapist

And here is the front cover, which I'm particularly proud of because I took the photograph myself! :)

In addition, I've also developed a spiral-bound full-sized journal with 101 questions for soulful knitters, designed specifically for those who are interested in exploring the principals of Soulful Knitting in greater detail. Here's a picture of the front cover.

Copies of both books are available at Grace Bay Books. I hope to be adding a thumbnail image with a link to the bookstore site soon so that anyone who wants to can add the link to their blog (thanks in advance for those who are willing to do this). In the meantime, please pass the word along about the book to your knitting friends.

And it's not to early to start planning for your holiday gift giving. I know I'm biased, but I think an autographed copy of the book would make a great gift for those knitters on your list. Please email me either through this blog or at gracebaybooks@yahoo.com if you're interested in autographed copies and we can make that happen.

I hope you'll read the book and if you do, that you'll enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. And of couse, all feedback is welcome.

Almost Here!!!

2005-08-01T07:51:00.000-04:00

The "preview" copies of the book and companion journal came in the mail on Friday and the printer did a fabulous job. I was really concerned about the quality of the cover images because I took the photographs myself and although I followed the instructions on uploading them, I know nothing about resolution and pixels, so I was really praying that it would all work and it did. I found one typo so far and one pretty significant technical error that I made. I added a blank page in the front so that the title page, acknowledgements, etc. would be on the right-hand side, but I should have added two blank pages because they all ended up on the left. But that's really easy to fix so I'm hoping to get that all done this week, upload the revisions and then the book will be available! I can't wait to share it with you. I've received so many emails of encouragement and support. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Now on a sadder note, my brother-in-law was diagnosed quite suddenly with cancer on Friday night. They did emergency surgery on Saturday but the tumor was too large and too embedded in his colon to remove. They also found several very small tiny tumors that had spread to his liver and intestines. He has agreed to chemo and the doctors are hoping that chemo will shrink the large tumor enough for them to be able to remove it surgically and in the process, will also dissolve the smaller ones. I know that we serve a loving and merciful God who can and does work miracles and I know that things will work out according to His will. Please keep my brother-in-law, Rick Anderson, his wife Corlis, and their son Michael in your prayers. Thanks.

I'm still waiting...

2005-07-28T23:17:00.000-04:00

My book should be back from the printer any day now. I know it'll be here soon, but I still run to the Post Office every day to see if it's arrived. Hopefully it'll be here by Saturday. Once I'm sure that the cover images printed correctly, it should be ready to hit the presses!

In the meantime, I 'm making more time for my knitting. With a business of my own and a new part-time job in the evenings, it's been tough finding time to do HALF the things I want/need to do! But, if something has to go, it's not going to be the knitting!

Last Christmas, my husband's niece announced to the family that she was engaged. In fact, her fiance re-created the proposal for the benefit of the family since we weren't there to see it. It was hilarious! I am so happy for them. I decided that day that I wanted to make them a Colinette Ab Fab afghan. I knew that the bride would love it, but I allowed my husband to talk me out of making it. He said it was too expensive and not practical for young newlyweds. The wedding is next weekend, and for the past several days, the Lord has really been placing it on my heart to knit that afghan for them. I know it's late and I probably won't get it finished in time, and I know that I really didn't have the extra money to shell out. I don't think I've ever paid that much for a wedding gift (not even including the time it'll take to knit it). Knowing that my husband and I are divorcing, it's really important to me to give her a gift from my heart. I know they have a traditional bridal registry, and they've picked out some great items, but I just don't want to be another place setting or a kitchen appliance that gets lost among all the other gifts. I want to give them a family heirloom, something tangible to let them know how very much I love them, and maybe most importantly, I want to pray special blessings for their marriage into the afghan as I knit it for them.

I'll be sure to post a picture before I deliver it. Now all I have to do is make sure that I don't keep it for myself! (just kidding) :)

The clock is ticking!!!

2005-07-22T16:08:00.000-04:00

No, not my biological clock... that one quit working ages ago. I'm referring to my book! I sent both the book and the companion journal off to the printer this morning. I should have a printed review copy by the middle of next week, and if everything looks as it should, I'll be a published author by this time next week!

This project has really been a labor of love for me. It's been fun and exciting, but it's also been painful and emotionally exhausting - not writing the book itself, but living through the experiences that have provided the insights and revelations that I write about in the book. I thought I'd be nervous about exposing my heart and soul to the world in the way that I am, but I'm not. This is by far the most authentic thing I've ever done and I'm truly excited about it.

Last week I was at the Post Office getting a P.O. Box for my new publishing company and the guy at counter asked about the company, I guess he was intrigued by the company name. I told him that I'd written a book about the connection between knitting and spirituality and that I was forming a publishing company to self-publish it. He made me promise that as soon as it was available, that I bring a signed copy in and he would buy it and see if he could drum up a few more sales for me!

It was a very bittersweet moment for me, particularly in light of the fact that my husband declined my request that he read the book before it went to press. I'm fully aware that we're separating and that I didn't need his approval or even his feedback, but I'd thought that he would at least read the book out of respect (if not just a tiny bit of love left) for me. I'd hoped that by reading it, he would see a part of my heart and soul that he'd been unable or unwilling to notice during the years we've been married. The "honor" of being the first to read something so important to me was to have been my last "gift" to him. But then, I shouldn't be surprised that he refused. So... I'm about to put this baby out there into the world for everyone to see. If I start to feel anxious about how it will be received, I'll remember Jack at the Post Office, who thought enough of me to buy the book even though I'm sure he's not even a knitter! :)

If all goes as planned, the book will be available by this time next week. I'll post here first, so stay tuned! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers...

Summertime... and the knitting is easy!

2005-07-01T21:22:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time, I know. I've missed knitting and blogging about knitting, but I'm back. It's been a long, difficult winter/spring, but I can truly say that it's going to be alright. I'm back, stronger, more focused, and more faithful than ever. God is moving in my life and blessing me in more ways than I can count!

I won't bore you with all the tear-jerker details of what's been going on in my life, but I can give you some updates on the good stuff. The book is back from the editor/proofreader with only minor comments. I asked a professional whose opinion I admire tremendously to read it, and she ended up writing a review that's going to be on the back cover! I've selected a printer and a name for my publishing company. Other than my standing 9AM Sat morning knit-in with my friend tomorrow at Starbuck's tomorrow, I'm dedicating most of the long weekend to getting this book finalized and ready to go to print. I feel like I'm in the last stages of a long delivery and I'm ready to PUSH!!! Stay tuned for more details... I can't wait to post an announcement that it's ready for prime-time. You'll read it here first!

I took about 2 months off from knitting to rest my arm from a wicked case of tendonitis. I thought it was from all the work I do on my PC. Since I couldn't stop working, I begrudgingly gave up knitting for a while and lo and behold - my arm got better! That's a bummer. I'd rather it be from the computer. Isn't that sick? Well,
I've finally learned how to pace myself and as long as I don't try any marathon knitting sessions, the old arm seems to be holding it's own. Of course know my back is driving me nuts, but I know this is all my body's response to all the stress I've been under lately. This too shall pass.

So now, my knitting buddy Nim and I have started another knit-along (okay, so it's just the 2 of us). We just finished black Rumba sweaters that are awesome and have just started on the Cable 8 that in the Spring 2005 issue of Interweave Knits.

The pattern is so simple and on #11's, it'll work up in a flash. WARNING: Should you decide to try this one at home, please be advised that there was a significant error in the cable pattern. After knitting and frogging several rows several times, I searched the internet and kept finding pictures at other blogs of completed sweaters but with no mention of the pattern error. I thought I was losing my mind! Finally I thought to search at google for "Cable 8 errata" and there it was! Now that I've got that straightened out, I'm good to go!

The thing I love most about this sweater is the yarn I'm using... It's 100% organic cotton, grown in Peru. It's called Pakucho. The yarn comes in 6 or 8 colors, ranging from off-white to olive green to the color I'm using, which is called "Chocolate". The cotton grows naturally in these colors (no dyes!) and is hand picked and sorted by color. There's an article on the yarn in the Spring 2005 issue of Interweave Knits (same issue as the Cable 8 pattern). You can also learn more here. I got this wonderful yarn at an unbelievable price from my new favorite online yarn shop, elann.com. See Pakucho.

The book is almost ready!

2005-04-27T11:58:00.000-04:00

Some of you may know that one of my personal goals this year was to write a knitting-related book. While much of it has been floating around in my head for the past few years, I finally started committing the words to paper (so to speak) last year. After an extended absence to attend to a family crisis, I started again a month or so ago. I actually found that finishing the book has been an important part in the healing process for me. To my surprise, it was much easier to write when I came back to it. I think the pain, introspection, and insights that came during the course of the crisis have made the book better. At least I hope that's the case. So even though I'd hoped to be in print before now, I'm confident that things are unfolding as they should and that when the book is ready, that will be just the "right time" for it to be published.

In addition to finishing the text, I spent about a month agonizing over the front cover. I had no idea how much thought/care goes into choosing the right "face" to put on your heart before you put it out there for the world to see. Since it's a knitting-related book, I knew I needed yarn that would make a "statement", but I had no idea what texture or color(s) to use. I visited several shops, but had not idea what I was looking for so it was impossible to ask for help. I just decided that I'd know it when I saw it.

I found it 2 weeks ago and after nearly fainting from the price, I knew that I had to have it. It was absolutely perfect! Then, to confirm that I was on the right track about the cover and some other personal decisions I've made recently, I had a very synchronistic experience. Three days after getting the yarn, I decided to look at the label to see who the manufacturer was. I hadn't even thought to look at the label before then because I didn't want to be reminded of how much I'd spent for the yarn (LOL). I really did laugh out loud when I realized that the yarn was hand-dyed by a company I'd never heard of in St. Petersburg FL. Trust me when I tell you that of all the cities in the world for that yarn to come from, the fact that it came from St. Pete was truly a confirmation for me. (More on that later).

My next bit of stress was figuring out how to capture this gorgeous yarn on the book cover. I posted a request for a local photographer on guru.com, but realized that I'd spent so much for the yarn that I'd blown my photography budget. So I took the digital camera outside and started to play around. It took a few attempts, but I finally came up with something I'm truly happy with. I'm not a photographer by any stretch of the imagination, but I must admit that it was a wonderfully cool to create the cover art myself.

Tomorrow is my self-imposed deadline for my final draft of the manuscript. Then it's off to 2 friends for proofing/editing and another for a blurb for the back cover. Once I get everybody's comments back and make the final edits, I'll be good to go!

Check back soon and I'll let you know how you can get your very own copy! :)

On my knees... AGAIN!!!

2005-04-08T13:50:00.000-04:00

It happened again. You may remember that I blogged a while back about how every single time I reach the end of my self and I ask for help, God comes through for me, usually in ways even more awesome than I could have asked for. The "logical" thing to do then, would be to stay on my knees, inviting him to keep me on track rather than pulling me back on track. But of course, I never claimed to be logical, although I really do try.

What I am is reactionary... to a fault. I know what I'm supposed to be doing, but I get so caught up in the drama-du-jour, that before I know it, I've fallen off of the proverbial wagon and back into an emotional morass. Which is where I've been waddling for the past few months while trying on my own, unsuccessfully I might add, to deal with a host of personal and family crises.

Well, on Sunday, I finally came up for air long enough to realize where I was and what I was doing, and I realized that it wasn't at all where I wanted to be. Again, I went to Him, and again, He came through. I can't begin to tell you how many unexpected but much needed blessings have come my way in the past few days... financial, emotional and otherwise. Hopefully I'll be able to stop kicking myself for my stupidity (in trying to handle things on my own for so long) for long enough to give God the thanks and praise that He deserves. So I'm saying it publically... if you're struggling with doubts, concerns, fears or simply feeling a touch of the blues, don't waste another minute trying to think, reason or rationalize your way out of it. The solution you seek is simple... just ask!

New for Spring

2005-04-02T16:15:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have completion issues. Never mind that I have 3 sweaters in various stages of completion, Spring has arrived and I need to knit something springlike. The minute I saw this beauty in the newest edition of Vogue Knitting, I knew I had to knit it. I don't usually wear blues, but I'm stepping out of my comfort zone this spring. In honor of the new me, I picked up a lovely shade of spring blue from www.elann.com. The yarn is wonderful and the price was unbelievable! If you haven't visited their site, do take a look.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

One stitch at a time

2005-04-02T14:46:00.000-05:00

I feel like I've been away at rehab. It's been way too long since I've blogged on a regular basis and that's mainly because I haven't been knitting much lately thanks to my lovely run-in with tendonitis/carpal tunnel. As if that wasn't enough, I've definitely also been suffering from NKSD - "Non-Knitter's Stress Disorder". As much as it hurts to knit these days, it hurts more NOT to! I don't think I realized how important knitting was in my life until I tried to live without it. I can't. So I'm back.

One of the things I noticed recently was that every time I thought about starting to knit again, I found myself feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I think a small part of it was the thought of more pain. But I think that more importantly I was becoming frustrated with the thought of not being able to dedicate hours at a time to knitting the way I used to. Never mind that that's probably why I'm in this mess! Anyway, I had to remind myself that for me, knitting is about the process, not the end product. Of course, the sweaters are great, but the real joy is in the act of knitting. That said, I can chose to stay paralyzed by the limitations of my injury or I can focus my energies on truly enjoying the time I spend knitting, as limited as it may be for a while. I choose the latter.

So I'm starting my 12-step program today and taking it one day at a time. After all, just as a journey begins wit h a single step, a sweater begins with a single stitch. I've got two relatively quick projects that I need to finish up and get off my plate over the next few days, and then it's off to my new spring sweater (see my next post).

Happy Spring!

It's a Sad Day

2005-03-26T17:28:00.000-05:00

My heart is breaking for Terri Schiavo and her family. I can't even begin to imagine the depth of their sorrow. I just can't understand how we've come to this point. I can't help but think about the ironies surrounding this case...

If Terri were a dog or a cat, PETA would be fighting for her.
If Terri were a murderer sentenced to the death penalty, the AFL-CIO would be fighting for her.
If Terri were a terrorist or an Iraqi prisoner at Abu Grab (sp?), the liberals of the world would be fighting for her.
If Terri were an accused child molester, many would be arguing that she deserves another chance.
If Terri were a white-collar criminal and a major campaign contibutor, she'd be pardoned.

But she's none of those things... She's just a woman. A helpless, defenseless woman. Someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's friend. And she's being killed, slowly but surely. Make no mistake about it. No sane person would find it acceptable to starve a pet. No murder case involving a potential death penalty would decide innocence or guilt based solely on hearsay. No loving spouse would refuse basic comforts to his or her disabled spouse.

Yet, we are supposed to believe that Terri is dying a graceful and peaceful death. According to Michael's attorney, she looks "beautiful and at peace". I for one would sleep a little better knowing that were true. So Michael, how about taking a picture or a video of Terri now? Prove to those of us who are agonizing over Terri's last days and hours how ill-informed and misguided we are.

And while you're at it, how about putting to rest any suspicions about what happened to Terri in the first place? Allow an autopsy to be performed on Terri. After all, what better way to prove that rumors that Terri was abused are unfounded?

But, I know we won't see pictures of Terri. I know there won't be an autopsy. I know that Terry may leave us soon, but her memory will live on. May she rest in peace.

Is it just me?

2005-03-20T16:33:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a very painful case of tendinitis/carpel tunnel/fibromyalgia that's keeping me sidelined from knitting and just about everything else these days, I've been curled up on the sofa with my arm wrapped up in a heating pad for most of the weekend. While here, I've been glued to c-span watching the coverage of the Terri Schiavo case. It is so heart-wrenching to watch.

I'm really struggling with my position on this one. I know that I wouldn't want to live in the state that Teri's in. However, in the absence of irrefutable proof that Teri expressed a desire to end her life should she end up in this state, I wouldn't want to be the one to sign her death warrant. I am concerned that the "husband" who is making the decision to end her life is the same husband who may also have played a hand in the circumstances leading to her current condition. I am concerned that this is the same husband who has so clearly gone on with his life and has started another family. This is the same husband who has also supposedly refused any efforts at rehabilitation and has even denied Teri the chance to sit in the sun for the past several years.

There are so many aspects to this story that I just don't understand....

First, Michael Schiavo is certain that Teri would want to end her life. Never mind that it took him several years and a few million dollars to "remember" that. But if there's even a remote chance that Teri could speak with some rehabilitation, as some therapists are suggesting, why not give those therapists a few months to work with her. Best case, they'll be right, and Teri can tell Michael, her parents, and the entire world what she wants. Worst case, they'll be wrong, strengthening Michael's contention that she's in a persistent vegetative state.

People who support Michael's position keep talking about Teri's wishes. I wonder if Teri had a voice right now, if she'd still want him deciding whether she lives or dies given all of the other decisions that he's made on her behalf since she became incapable of deciding for herself.

Second, if there's any doubt at all about Teri's wishes in the absence of a Living Will, and there's obviously lot of confusion on this point, why would anyone choose to err on the side of death rather than on the side of life? I find it so interesting that so many people are fighting for Teri's "right to die". I wonder if these are many of the same people who argue for a woman's right to "choose". I wonder how these same people feel about the death penalty (more on that in a minute).

Third, there's this argument about "life support"... that artificial means should not be used to keep a person alive... let God's will be done. In my humble opinion, a respirator is life support... food and water is not. Even I would agree that there are circumstances in which it would be appropriate to discontinue life support if a person could not remain alive without it. But Teri is not hooked up to a respirator. She's breathing on her own and has been for years. The reality is that even the healthiest person alive will surely die if they are refused food and water for long enough. I don't think God's will applies in this context in the way it's being used.

Lastly, and this one is really driving me insane... If I'm not mistaken, it's illegal to starve a pet. I don't know many sane people who would find that acceptable under any circumstance. So even if you believe that Teri would want to die, and has a right to die, why in God's name would anyone agree to STARVING HER TO DEATH????? I've heard that the process of starving takes anywhere from 7 to 30 days. It is a slow, agonizing process. How on earth is this humane? Even convicted killers who are given the death penalty are executed quickly. Scott Peterson is eligible for death by lethal injection, but Teri Schiavo gets to starve to death? I don't get it. If you believe that Teri should be allowed to die, and that she can't take her own life, then have the guts to end her life in a decent and humane way. If Dr. Kevorkian were to help Teri in fulfilling her wishes, he'd be charged with murder for helping her to drift off quickly and painlessly. Yet we're supposed to somehow applaud the decision to starve her to death over an extended period? We call ourselves the most civilized society on the planet. I just don't get it.

Are you concerned about ID Theft?

2005-02-28T14:08:00.000-05:00

You should be!

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Just turn on the news or pick up a paper. Nearly every day there are frightening stories about what's happening all around us. This is not a scare-tactic devised by unscrupulous marketers or a vast right-wing conspiracy. This is a real problem!

Consider this:

Last Friday, Bank of America announced that it had lost computer tapes containing information on 1.2 million Federal employees, including U.S. Senators, potentially exposing them to theft of hacking.
Nearly 145,000 Americans may have recently been compromised by a security breach at ChoicePoint, a leading consumer data provider.
In the past 12 months, 9.3 million American adults have been victims of identity fraud, with a total US cost of approximately $52.6 Billion (yes, that's billion with a "b"!). The average cost per fraud victim is $5,686.
Contrary to popular opinion, more than 2/3 of identity theft cases occur off-line (68.2%)
Family members and relatives along with friends and neighbors make up half of all known identity thieves.

(Source: 2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report, published by the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research)

Think you're not at risk?

Do you hand your credit card to servers at restaurants?
Do you sign your credit cards?
Do you supply personal information over the internet?
Do you keep your SS# in your wallet or purse?
Do you leave mail at your home or business for the postal carrier to collect?

According to the FTC, dentity theft victimes spend countless hours and an average of $1,500 in the quest to clear their names. A professional thief can assume your identity in just a few hours, but it can take years to restore your credit rating. Don't wait until it happens - protect yourself and your family before it's too late.

If you're interested in learning more about Identity Theft Shield coverage, please contact me at p_turner@prepaidlegal.com

Knitter's Elbow?

2005-02-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

Please tell me it isn't so... I've been struggling with a weird pain in my right forearm for about 6 weeks now. I do a lot of computer work, and as weird as it sounds, I'm finally convinced that it's some sort of repetitive stress issue. At my DH's suggestion, I did some research online and it sounds like "tennis elbow", or in my case "non-tennis elbow".

I've been looking for any info on a link with knitting. My guess is that knitting probably makes it worse, or at the very least, doesn't help. I'm willing to do a lot of things to help ease the pain, but stopping knitting is not one of them. How sick is that?

If anyone has any suggestions on what might help (other than no knitting), please post a comment. Thanks!

It's been a while...

2005-02-17T17:44:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I've checked in. It's been a very weird couple of weeks, but I'm feeling a bit better and am anxious to get plugged in again. It's amazing how therapeautic blogging has become.

Although I've been slack, I have managed to get some knitting done lately. First, I'm finished the front of my Nubby Slubby Cardigan. I bought this yarn at the Charlottesville Wool & Fiber festival in the fall and fell in love with it. My knitting buddy Nim bought the same yarn in a different colorway and we've finally started knitting our cardigans. It's sort of a knit-a-long, but instead of using the net, we're using our local Starbucks. There's nothing like knitting with a dear friend over a great cup of chai tea latte!

The sweater is done on #13's, with a bulky-weight yarn, so it knits up incredibly fast. I'll probably be finished before the weekend is over.

Next there's Blaze. I'm sure the knit-a-long is long past gone, but I'm still plugging away. This is my first attempt at knitting in the round. It seemed that things were going very slowly until I realized that the process is sort of like knitting both sleeves at the same time. It may take longer to get it done, but when it's done, that's it... there's no other half or sleeve to knit. Yeah!

And last but certainly not least, there's my Transitions Scarf. This one is a shop pattern from my LYS, Lettuce Knit, made with Transitions by Noro. This yummy yarn is a mix of wool, silk, cashmere, alpaca, angora, camel and kid mohair. It not only changes colors, but it changes textures as well. Very cool! My DH surprised me with this one for Valentine's Day after I told him a few weeks ago about this great scarf I'd seen at the LYS.

Counting My Blessings

2005-01-24T08:04:00.000-05:00

I've been really depressed for the last week or so. Never mind that I've been diagnosed with "clinical depression" and never mind that I've stopped taking my anti-depressants for a number of reasons that aren't really important right now. What IS important is that I've realized a very important correlation: When I'm depressed, my thinking gets muddled and my view of the world and my place in it changes. My energy drains, my enthusiasm disappears, and my creativity and sense of Self lies dormant. At the same time all of my senses and sensibilities are shutting down, my prayer life suffers too. I'm too tired... Too tired to work, too tired to play, too tired to knit, too tired to pray. And once that vicious cycle starts, it's hard as hell to break it.

But that's exactly what I have to do. I have to remember that I've committed myself to a path of spiritual development and personal growth. I've openly expressed my desire for a more intimate relationship with Christ. I've made the decision to spend more time in prayer, meditation and devotion. But then reality bites, I get sidetracked by the drama du jour, and I fall off the wagon, flat on my butt. And it's hard getting up and starting again. It's so hard. But I have to do it anyway.

So today, I'm starting again. That's one of the great things about God's grace... knowing that He knows that I'm not perfect, that I could never be - no matter how hard I try, but He loves me anyway and accepts me as I am. Ironically, remembering that He loves and accepts me regardless inspires me to want to be better or at least to try a lot harder.

I started my day with the news of a 2-hour school delay due to icy road conditions. Part of me wanted to reset the alarm and crawl back under the covers. But thankfully, I chose to get up, dust off my stack of daily devotionals, and start reading and praying.

I always save my absolute favorite book, Simple Abundance, for last. Today's reading was titled "Blessing Our Circumstances". Sarah Ban Breathnach writes that "Blessing whatever vexes us is the spiritual surrender that can change even troublesome situations for the better. Blessing the circumstances in our lives also teaches us to trust... If you're sick and tired of learning life's lessons through pain and struggle, blessing your difficulties will show you there's a better way." She goes on to suggest that we start to count our blessings. Starting today. She challenged me to make a spiritual inventory of all of my blessings. Specifically to see if I can't get to 100.

So never being one to pass up a challenge, here goes...

I'm a Christian.
I know that when I die, Heaven will be my home.
I'm remarkably healthy, despite of terrifying diagnoses of lupus over 10 years ago and 2 brushes with cancer since then that have turned out fine after 2 surgeries.
I'm married to a generous, thoughtful and loving man.
My daughter is in excellent physical health.
We have a nice, comfortable home in a great neighborhood.
I have a loving and supportive family.
My parents are alive and healthy.
I have a loving and supportive church family.
I have wonderful friends who know me and love me anyway.
I am able to work from home in my own business.
My car is paid for and running well.
I have health insurance.
I have prepaid legal insurance and identity theft protection.
I have found a passion for knitting that brings me great joy.
I am acting on a long-time desire to write a book.
I've loved and laughed more than I thought possible.
I've traveled to many parts of this country and to a few other countries as well.
I've had a high-powered corporate job that paid a lot of money, but realized it wasn't worth the mental price before it was too late.
I'm a sexual assault survivor. I could have been killed, but I wasn't.
I'm reaching out to others through 2 knitting ministries that I've been priviledged to be able to start.
There's food on my table every day.
We have heat and electricity.
We're on an aggressive schedule to pay off our mortgage several years ahead of schedule.
I see the opportunity to secure my family's financial security through my new business venture and I've set that plan in motion.
I've done my best to improve another life and give something back by adopting my daughter.
I'm comfortable with the way I look.
I've survived bankruptcy and have a much healthier relationship with money as a result.
I've survived the loss of a job, twice and have made the best of that situation.
I've finally accepted that my diet does play a significant role in my health and I've found a dietary plan that works for me.
I've had my heart broken more times than I'd care to admit, but it still works.
I have a wonderful therapist who encourages me, supports me, and helps me in so many ways.
I can keep in touch with old and new friends around the world via email.
I'm close to the same weight that I was 20 years ago.
I no longer worry about cervical cancer.
Every day is a new opportunity to get it right.
I can count on God's grace - even though I don't deserve it.
I can make unlimited long distance calls on nights and weekends.
I can find virtually anything I want on the internet.
Being introduced to the concept of Simple Abundance and they ways it's changed my life.
I have lived successfully without a credit card for nearly 4 years although I never thought I could.
I realized that I needed to take my daughter out of public school before it was too late.
I'm finding a way to pay for her private school tuition.
I know from personal experience that every situation that doesn't kill me makes me stronger.

Okay... I've only come up with 44 so far, but this exercise has proven it's point. Regardless of how depressed I may feel, and even on the days when nothing seems to be going my way, I have so much to be thankful for.

Is Depression Contagious?

2005-01-21T13:16:00.000-05:00

I think the blahs that have been winding their way through several knitting blogs lately have settled in at my house. For the past several days, I just haven't felt like doing much of anything. It's even a struggle to pick up my knitting, which is a sure sign that things are looking grim. Fortunately, we've had a bit of snow here. It doesn't take much to shut the entire metro area down, so I've been given the gift of another long weekend. Normally I'd use this time to get caught up on stuff around the house, but I just don't feel like doing anything.
Then, of course, I end up feeling worse for *wasting* time.

Perhaps this feeling is a signal that something's going on inside that needs my attention. Or maybe, I'm just long overdue for some downtime. Either way, I think I'm going to take advantage of the peace and quiet in the house today and curl up on the sofa and do NOTHING for a while!

Identity Theft is Real!

2005-01-18T15:17:00.000-05:00

I've never done this before on this site, but sometimes something is so important that you have to share it... so here's my public service announcement for the day.

Those of you who do not live in the VA area may not have heard about what happened at George Mason University last week. More than 30,000 students and staff have potentially been victimized by a hacker who got into the university's computer systems and stole personal information which may have included Social Security numbers. Click here to read the article.

I've been watching those commercials about the guy-next-door going through his neighbors trash can to get personal information, but it's starting to hit a little too close to home for me. I decided I needed to do some research on what I could do to protect myself and my family. The timing was perfect (remember from previous posts that I don't believe in "coincidences") because a few days after that happened, one of my closest friends shared some information on a valuable resource that offers very affordable identity theft protection. I signed up for the identity theft and pre-paid legal service right away and am comforted by the peace of mind that my family now has.

There is also an awesome business opportunity that's available, so if you're in need of additional income, or are at least keeping your income options open, feel free to take a look. But regardless of whether you're interested in the business part of it, please please do yourself and your family a favor and take a look at the services this company has to offer. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day, you can protect your family from the fastest-growing crime in America. Click here for more info.

Loopy Scarf Pattern

2005-01-13T13:35:00.000-05:00

Marcia asked about the pattern for my Loopy Scarf. I learned how to make it at my LYS, Lettuce Knit in Richmond, VA. However, I searched the net and found a very similar pattern at Joann.com in case anyone's interested.

The pattern that I'm using calls for about 150 yds, but it depends on the type of yarn. I'm using Medley by Berroco (Color 8924). I think I'm going to need 2-1/2 to 3 skeins (73 yds each). I've seen this done with plain worsted-weight yarn, "railroad ribbon", and several novelty yarns. Each one was beautiful, but look very different. Personally, I loved the colors and the thick-thin texture of Medley.

2005-01-12T19:39:00.000-05:00

loop2

I'm Loopy!!!

2005-01-12T19:38:00.000-05:00

It's not the greatest image, but here's a picture of my Loopy Scarf. I'm about half way through. It took me a while to get the hang of the stitch, but now that I've got it I'm having a blast with it. It has a natural curl, so it ends up being sort of like a boa.

Back on track

2005-01-11T18:23:00.000-05:00

It's been several days since I've knit or blogged. I've been going like gangbusters and I didn't even realize how much so until I crashed this afternoon. I just hit the virtual brick wall. I decided to crash on my sofa and watch General Hospital for an hour. (okay... a rare guilty pleasure). Although I had lots that I needed to do, for work and around the house, I figured out that what I really needed was a fix. So I pulled out my Lea sweater - yes, the remix after my off-gauge disaster from last week, and knit a few rows. I've got about 2 inches done and I'm on-gauge now. I continued knitting from the ball I already had wound. I haven't had the heart to frog the other back yet, but that's next.

I didn't knit for long, but it's amazing how healing that time was. After a few rows, I was able to go back into my office, send out monthly statements and collection letters, aka "Nasty-grams" (one of the things I hate most about being self-employed), made a few revisions to my website, and exceeded my weekly quota for addressing postcards for my new direct mail campaign! Now I'm off to fix dinner and start reorganizing my kitchen cabinets! Who needs drugs for a rush when they can knit!

I wish...

2005-01-07T20:42:00.000-05:00

Today has not been a great day. Lots of challenges on the home front, and I discovered after I complete the entire back of my Cropped Lea sweater that although it started on gauge, it certainly didn't end up that way. I think it's too far off to block back to size. I think it would fit, but it would fit the way I'd like, so I'm going to be ripping this weekend and starting over. Anyway, I'd planned to work on my book tonight, but I can't in the mood I"m in, so I decided to do some blog surfing and I ended up at my favorite web blog, Prudent Purl. I'm always sure to find something fun and/or thought-provoking there. Tonight it was an "I Wish" list.

I think the idea behind this is that sometimes we get so caught up in our day-to-day dramas, that we forget to dream. Dreams are our roadmap to the future that our hearts desire, and without that map, how can we ever hope to reach our destination? So with my hearts desires in mind, here's my list of 25 wishes:

1. I wish I knew in my 20's and 30's what I know now and had saved myself a lot of heartache.
2. I wish I lived in Florida near the water.
3. I wish I had a bigger and more elegantly decorated home.
4. I wish I had more money and fewer bills.
5. I wish I had a baby grand piano and could play by ear.
6. I wish I could take a 2-week vacation to some wonderfully exotic place at least twice each year.
7. I wish I owned a yarn shop and that I could resist the temptation to knit up all the inventory.
8. I wish I could write a best-selling book.
9. I wish I was a better wife and mother.
10. I wish I could spend more time knitting.
11. I wish I felt closer to my family.
12. I wish my daughter who was born prematurely 22 years ago had lived.
13. I wish my husband and I had a more active social life.
14. I wish I hadn't married the wrong person (more than once).
15. I wish I was more healty and fit.
16. I wish I slept better at night.
17. I wish I could eat out in nice restaurants almost every night.
18. I wish I had a giant walk-in closet filled with simple, but elegant clothes, shoes and accessories.
19. I wish I went somewhere to wear those clothes.
20. I wish I could tithe more faithfully.
21. I wish I could start and fund a charitable foundation.
22. I wish I could undo some of the mistakes I've made.
23. I wish I had a better relationship with my daughter.
24. I wish there was more time to do all the things I want to do.
25. I wish I could consistently be true to my Authentic Self.

One interesting (and hopeful) thing I've learned from this exercise is that I'm actively pursuing 8 out of the 25 wishes on my list. I guess that's a start, right?

What a Hunk!!!

2005-01-07T20:15:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of my nephew modeling the sweater that I knit for him. I know I'm biased, but isn't he adorable?

Knitting for the Seasons

2005-01-06T21:46:00.000-05:00

Okay... Here's a question for you. When do you switch over to knitting spring/summer sweaters and when do you start on fall/winter sweaters? Maybe it's the fact that it's been in the 70's for the past few days, which is rare for central VA, but I'm really getting the urge to start on my spring sweaters. I have the yarn for several winter sweaters, and I've already started a couple of them. But I'm wondering what's the point of spending the rest of the winter knitting them when by the time I've finished, they'll be too warm to wear. And plus, I won't have any cool new sweaters ready for spring. On the other hand, I don't want to knit with heavy wool yarns in the summer either to have them ready for next fall. What's a girl to do?

The Best Year Yet

2005-01-06T20:24:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've blogged, and I've missed it. But I'm back! The holidays were more quiet than festive, but I think that's a good thing. The past year was a very intense one for me and my family so the quiet time was helpful in reflecting on 2004 and preparing for the new year.

It was a bittersweet year. I lost a dear aunt, a great-aunt who was like a grandmother to me, and a dear colleague who died tragically. I've faced the on-going challenges of raising a teen-aged daughter while still adjusting to a relatively new marriage. I've juggled being wife, mother, friend and business-owner, sometimes more successfully than others. I've undergone major surgery and have a stack of medical bills to show for it.

On the other hand, my relationship with Christ as grown more intimate than ever. I've found a church home. I've made a wonderful set of new friends who share my passion for knitting. I've met my business goals in terms of accounts payable (now if I could just get everyone to pay on time!). After a protracted breast cancer scare, the tumors were removed and turned out to be benign. And we've welcomed a new baby into the family (my cousin adopted a beautiful baby boy who is bringing so much joy to our family despite the recent loss of my aunt - his grandmother).

So all in all, it was a good year. I read somewhere recently that some years are for questions, and other years are for answers. I think there's some truth to that. I started a journey last year on a path towards Simple Abundance. I asked a lot of tough questions. Sometimes the answers were painful, sometimes they were so simple that it was almost funny, and other times I had to fight my tendancy to deny the obvious and to recognize that my procrastination is not born of too much to do, but of lack of focus, downright laziness or fear.

And I've started getting some answers. Really good ones. For the first time in my life, I honestly believe that I know who I am, what I want, and what I need to do to make it happen. Now is the perfect time to start making it so. It's not about focusing on what I don't have, but recognizing and appreciating all that I do have, and realizing that I can and will bring abundance into my life on many levels.

So I went away for a few days of rest and relaxation. I visited with family and friends, which was great, but I also spent some quiet time reflecting on my accomplishments and lessons learned (not always from my accomplishments) in the previous year. Then I spent some time thinking about all the things I'd like to do this year It was hard, but I narrowed the list down to my top 10 goals for the year.

I used a modified version of a process I've been using for the past several years that came from a book called Best Year Yet . After identifying each of the many hats I wear, I was able to define my roles as: Authentic Self, Wife/Partner, Mother, Friend, Business Owner. Each year I pick one role to focus on. In the past several years, I've picked each one except my Authentic Self, which I noticed wasn't even on any of the previous year's lists. How interesting is that? No wonder I struggle with the other roles. How can I take care of anyone else if I'm not taking care of myself? I'm reminded of the instructions from the flight attendant each time I board an airplane. In the event of an emergency, should the oxygen masks drop, we're always instructed to put our mask on first before helping other passengers with theirs. There's a reason for that!

I believe that true commitment to our intentions means putting them "out there". So for me, out there is right here:

To continue to strengthen my relationship with Christ in all that I do.
To have a love affair with my Authentic Self.
To develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To write and self-publish a book.
To buy a baby grand piano, and play the hell out of it. :)
To be a more thoughtful and more focused wife, mother and friend.
To get and keep my home clutter-free.
To at least double invoices (and collections) in my business over 2004.
To get completely out of debt.
To be a better steward of my finances.

I think that about sums it up. That's enough for one year. To make sure that I meet my goals, I also came up with a series of specific action steps that I can take to make sure that I reach them, including measures of success. I know I can do this. I'm looking forward to the journey. This is going to be my Best Year Yet!

New Button

2005-01-03T22:45:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my new pal Prudent Purl, I now have a button for my blog. It's on the right side of the page underneath my profile. Isn't it beautiful?

Thanks so much Prudent Purl.

A knitting Christmas

2004-12-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

It's been a knitting Christmas in my house this year. I didn't realize that I'd gotten as far as I have on my sweater. I've only got about an inch more to go on the back. The front should go a lot faster now that I know what I'm doing and now that I've converted the tricky little chart in the pattern book to a full-blown 120-row/42-column pattern in Excel! It's so much easier for me to recreate the entire pattern, then use a highligher to cross off the rows as I knit them. It's also where I put my notes on where I started the armholes, and other really important stuff.

And just in case you wanted a closer look...

Next up on the needles and other ramblings on a sad day

2004-12-22T19:21:00.000-05:00

Whew! Now that Christmas gifts are out of the way, it's all about ME again. I don't mind knitting an occasional gift for a friend or loved one, or even something that I know I'm going to donate to a charity, but there is something wickedly delicious about knitting for myself. I've been pining over this sweater for months now and I'm finally getting down to business.

It's called "Lea" and it's a cropped mock turtleneck from Jamieson's #2 collection. I tried taking a picture of the pattern to post here, but it really didn't do the sweater justice (small picture, wrong color, too far away. etc. etc). So, you'll just have to trust me on this one. It really is awesome. And since this is a contemporary twist on "traditional" Aran knitting, I'm finding that the pattern has some very challenging and unique details.

For example, the entire front and back of the sweater is in what I'm calling a leaf pattern. You can barely see the beginning of it on the left side of the picture above the moss stitch border. But what's really cool is that there is a thick double cable winding up both side seams. The way the get this affect without a giant seam running right up the middle of the cables is to knit the cable onto the right side of the back of the sweater and on the left side of the front of the sweater, so when you sew it together, the cables run right up the middle, but the seams (which you don't notice anyway) are off-center. The sleeves are mostly moss stitch, with the same double-cable running up the middle. The cable continues from the shoulder of the sleeve up to the neckline (a strap, I believe they called it). So the shoulder "seams" are not where you'd expect them to be, because the beautiful cable is there.

The neatest detail though is the neckline. It's a mock turtleneck. It's a cable that's knit separately and sewn on at the end. But what's interesting is that you knit the neck piece twice the required width. One half is the cable and the other half is straight stockinette. When it's done, you fold it in half and sew it onto the sweater. For those of you who sew, it's actually knitting a self facing on the turtleneck so that when you look at the inside, instead of seeing the back of the cable pattern, you see a nice, clean, neat strip of stockinette stitches. Cool, huh?

On a sadder note, I'd planned to do some work on my book tonight, but it's been a very sad day. One of the sweetest people I've ever met in my life (seriously!) was killed in a tragic car accident early this morning. We think she had a stroke while driving to work. She ran through red light into an intersection and hit a State Trooper that was rushing to another accident or crime scene or something. The cars collided with such force that the trooper's car rolled three times. Witnesses at the scene said that she was slumped over the wheel before the accident according, but that she was going close to 60 mph. Last I heard, the trooper will be okay. I'm thankful for that. I can only hope that she was gone before the accident and that she didn't suffer. My heart goes out to her family and her many friends. She was truly an angel and will be sorely missed.

I'm not in the mood to work on my book tonight. I need to be in a positive and uplifting mood for that, and I've been either crying or on the verge of tears all day. So instead, I've fixed a cup of hot tea and I'm going to curl up in my knitting chair and do the one thing that's sure to make me feel better... knit.

Tim McGraw sings a wonderful country song that's popular right now. It's called "Live Like You Were Dying". It's a great song and it is so true. Days like today remind me of how much time I spend getting all worked up over things that are so insignificant in the big scheme of things. I'm constantly telling my husband that I hate going to bed angry or leave for work in the morning without saying "I love you", because you just never know. I think he thinks I'm a sap when I say that, but I really believe it. And... I keep telling myself that there are things I want to do, and places I want to see while I still can... and it's about time to start doing them.

If I were to really take Tim's advice, here's 10 things that I'd do before I die:

1. Go on another cruise - a long one - maybe through the Caribbean.
2. Publish a book and make enough $ to fund my retirement.
3. Have a big closet full of sweaters that I've knit.
4. Buy a baby grand piano and play the heck out of it.
5. Write letters to a few people from my past and tell them what they really meant to me.
6. Buy a house by the ocean, sea, lake, river, pond - even a little house would be okay, as long as it had a water view.
7. Visit the Mediterranean, especially Italy and/or Greece.
8. Donate a lot of money to charity - maybe fund a foundation of some sort.
9. Rent a villa somewhere warm and wonderful for a week and take my closest girlfriends on a vacation - like a week-long pajama party.
10. And the last thing I want to do just before I die is to go to sleep, quietly, and just not wake up.

Okay, enough. I'm gonna go knit. Take care. Be safe. Go hug someone and tell them that you love them. Even if they don't say it back.

Multidirectional Scarf

2004-12-22T18:21:00.000-05:00

At last, I'm finished my multidirectional scarf and I LOVE it!!! Actually, it's my 3rd, but this one is the charm. I found out about the pattern from my LYS, bought the yarn and took in about 10" 2 days later. The shop owner liked it so much that she asked me to make one for the shop. Then I got the brilliant idea to make my DH one for his birthday which was on 12/20. He collects African artifacts and loves African-inspired prints. So, together we went on line searching for mudcloth patterns and designed a pattern that was predominantly black, with random stripes of beige and white. In theory, it was a good idea, but changing colors on a two-sided scarf is NOT a good idea. Once I realized that the yarn that I carried-over for my color changes would show, I knew that drastic measures were needed. I can hardly believe that I actually did this, but I ended up making another scarf, solid black classic cotton, then sewed the 2 scarves together, so the black one would be like a lining.

He says that he loves it. We'll see. The test will be whether or not he wears it. Personally, I think it was a disaster, but it's the thought that counts, right? Technically there's nothing wrong with it, I'm just not "feelin' it" as my teenager would say.

But now, back to MINE. After knitting DH's, I couldn't wait to get back to this little beauty. I used Gedifra Stripe , color #4606. The yarn is 51% wool, 49% acrylic, but it's soooo soft and the colors striped beautifully. I LOVE this yarn! I used most of 3 hanks in order to make it nice and long.

The Boyfriend Sweater Curse

2004-12-21T19:50:00.000-05:00

Since Prudent Purl asked about the boyfriend sweater curse which I am a victim of, I thought that rather than try to explain, I'd try to find a definitive explanation. There's a pretty interesting "editorial" about it at knitty.com. I'm not normally superstitous, and I pooh-poohed the thought of the curse when I decided to knit my former fiance a sweater.

The really ironic thing was that we'd been best friends for months before we started dating. He'd been going through a difficult time and went "home" to Canada for Christmas. I made a blue and white striped scarf for him in honor of his favorite hockey team - the Toronto Mapleleafs, and shipped it to his parent's house. He says (and his parents confirmed) that it was receiving that scarf that made him realize the depth of his feelings for me, and when he came back, well... let's just say that we were no longer just "best friends". :)

He loved that scarf so much that the next Christmas I decided to knit him a sweater. It was a navy blue wide-ribbed mock turtleneck. Pretty cool, I thought... and so did he. He wore it all the time. Of course, I was thrilled. So much for curses, right? Four months later he dumped me! It's a bit more complicated than that, of course, but that's the gist of it. So, I don't need any more convincing that the curse is true! As a matter of fact, I won't buy my husband shoes or a watch either. Has any one heard those (i.e., buy a man shoes and he'll walk all over you)? Any other curses I need to know about?

The Interview With God

2004-12-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. If you haven't already seen it please take a look. Click on the link above and then click on "View Presentation". You'll be blessed.

100 things about me

2004-12-17T21:01:00.000-05:00

I've seen several other bloggers try this, most recently my new buddy over at Prudent Purl. So I thought I'd give it a try. Believe it or not, I found it really interesting reading what other people have written about themselves. I don't know if anyone will find 100 things about me interesting, but that's okay, I think it's a useful exercise for me anyway. If you think it's silly, just skip it... hopefully I've posted something more profound elsewhere on this blog.

Anyway, here goes...

1. I was born in Washington DC and lived there until 1997.
2. I've lived in 3 states and another country (Canada) since then. Okay, so I'm a nomad.
3. Of all the places I've lived, I loved Tampa-St Pete the most.
4. I've traveled to Canada (lived there for 9 months), Jamaica, Nassau, Barbados, France and Spain.
5. I spent the summer in Spain between 7th & 8th grades.
6. I'm not Catholic, but I went to an all-girls' Catholic high school.
7. I'm a Christian.
8. I wish I'd been a pediatric nurse.
9. I love to knit and read.
10. I like lots of different types of music, including classical, jazz, gospel, and "easy listening".
11. Although it would surprise all of my friends, I LOVE country music.
12. I'm the only Republican in my entire family - ever.
13. I love puppies, but don't like dogs, unless they're really little.
14. I'd love to have a kitten.
15. I'm a "fall" person when it comes to clothing colors - I look best in "vegetable" colors.
16. I've always secretly wanted to highlight my hair. I finally did it when I turned 45.
17. I took classical piano lessons for 13 years.
18. I've always wanted a baby grand piano. I plan to have one before I'm 50.
19. I want to retire to a small waterfront town and live like an eccentric artist.
20. I've wanted to write a book for years. I've finally started it.
21. I own my own business.
22. I put the earpiece of my cell phone in my ear when I'm driving in the mornings so I can pray out loud and people won't think I'm crazy.
23. I love to watch movies - especially good dramas... the ones that make me laugh and cry at the same time.
24. I just saw "Under the Tuscan Sun" and now I'm ready to move to Tuscany. I bought the DVD on ebay as soon as I finished renting it from Blockbustser.
25. I read self-help books all the time. I still need help.
26. I'm usually reading at least 3 books at any given time.
27. I love a neat house, but I hate to clean.
28. I love to cook for dinner parties, but hate to cook just for myself or my family.
29. I'm much more introverted now than I was when I was younger.
30. Orange is my favorite color.
31. I once went horseback riding in a foot of snow in the mountains.
32. I had a fairy tale romance with a tall, dark and very andsome Jamaican man raised in London. His accent was to die for! I definitely got my groove back, at least for a little while.
33. I had a miscarriage. My daughter would have been 22 this year if she had lived.
34. I still miss her.
35. I knew I was getting "old" when I realized that I knew the words to most of the elevator music.
36. I want my next car to be a convertible.
37. I was my class valedictorian in high school.
38. My first boyfriend was a hoodlum, but he was very, very cute!
39. My ex-husband was a minister. I didn't like being the Preacher's Wife.
40. I love flowers.
41. I thought I'd like gardening, but I hated it.
42. I wish I could paint.
43. I can read any music, but I can't play by ear at all.
44. I wish I could sing, but I can't.
45. I sing in my car anyway - loud.
46. I love being near water, especially the beach.
47. Being in nature makes me feel closer to God.
48. I don't like living in Richmond, but it looks like I'll be here for the duration.
49. I'm very emotional. I even cry for commercials.
50. I can be moody, but I try not to be.
51. I'm very impatient around incompetent people.
52. I'm a sucker for love.
53. I've had major surgery twice in 2 years, and both times everything turned out fine.
54. I was diagnosed with lupus when I was 34 and didn't expect to live to see 40.
55. I'm almost 46 and I've been in remission for years.
56. A boyfriend broke up with me because his mother had lupus and he said he couldn't stand by and "watch me die".
57. I cry at weddings, even if I don't know the couple getting married.
58. I'm afraid of bugs, snakes and heights.
59. I'm terrible at saving money.
60. I sometimes shop at designer consignment shops.
61. I try to tithe. I wish I could give more to my church.
62. I'm not good at keeping secrets.
63. I have a terrible memory - I blame it on early menopause.
64. I want to travel more.
65. I'm afraid to fly, but I do when I have to.
66. I've had insomnia off and on for 10 years. It used to terrify me. Now I try to use the extra time to get more done.
67. I like to pray while I'm falling asleep.
68. I try to knit every day.
69. I usually read (fiction) at night before going to bed.
70. I love chinese and thai food.
71. I'd love to live on an island in the Caribbean.
72. I haven't saved for retirement and I'm getting scared.
73. I've been unemployed twice in my adult life and it's an awful feeling.
74. I was a whistle-blower at the last company I worked for. That's why I'm no longer there.
75. I voted for Bill Clinton twice, then voted for George Bush twice. Go figure!
76. I thought I'd be a much better mother than I've turned out to be.
77. I don't like talking on the phone. I used to be able to do it for hours.
78. I wish my husband and I talked more.
79. I love dressing up and going out to dinner.
80. I want to learn latin dancing. I think it's the most romantic thing.
81. No matter how hard I try, my home office always looks like a hurricane just passed through.
82. I hate liver and brussel sprouts.
83. I've made some wonderful new friends this year.
84. My teenaged daughter would be very surprised if she knew some of the things I've done. She thinks I'm so conservative.
85. I can't dance, but I like to anyway.
86. I love to blog
87. I've wanted to write a book for the last 10 years. I finally started.
88. I like to spoil myself.
89. I'd love to win the lottery, but that would be kind of difficult since I don't play.
90. The curse of the boyfriend sweater is true.
91. I have fibromyalgia.
92. I feel much better when I follow a healthy diet, but it's hard for me to do. My favorite foods aren't good for me.
93. Public speaking is one of my biggest fears, although people say that I do it well.
94. I'd love to go on a cruise - maybe on the Mediterranean.
95. I hate cold weather, but I wouldn't mind going on a knitting cruise to Alaska.
96. I wish I were taller (I'm 5' 1-1/2")
97. I want to lose 12 lbs. I feel best when I weigh between 108 and 110.
98. I think communication is the most important thing in making relationships work.
99. I played the piano at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC with the DC Youth Orchestra when I was in high school.
100. I'm happiest when I'm being/doing something creative.

Whew. That was tough! :)

What's up with me...

2004-12-17T16:43:00.000-05:00

Here's a *slightly" better picture of my Christmas present to my friends. I think I waited too late in the day to take it because my flash is showing, but oh well.

I was up at 5:30 this morning (insomnia). So I decided to put up my little tree. I gave up on the big ones years ago. It was just too much of a hassle for me, especially since no one seems to want to help. But after visiting my girlfriend's house Wed night and seeing how beautiful and Christmasy it was, I decided to give in and do a little something. My compromise was to get a tabletop tree. I found this one, already decorated and lit, AND 50% off. You can't beat that.

So, I have it in a corner in my office and it's merrier around here already!

I've been suffering from a variation of NKSD (Non-Knitting Stress Disorder) the past few days. I'm knitting, but it's feeling a lot more like work. I'm making a scarf for my DH which is turning into a nightmare. It's a multidirectional scarf, mostly black with some taupe and creme. But because of the color changes in the pattern (based very loosely on an African mudcloth print we found online), I knew that he wouldn't be happy (and neither would I) with the underside of the scarf showing where I carried the colors. SO.....

I thought about taking some fabric and making a lining, but didn't think that would look too cool either, so now I'm actually making a SECOND scarf - solid black - which I'll sew onto the other one to form the underside. Well, with two-scarves in one, at least he'll be warm! I'm also making a scarf for my little 2-year-old cousin too, but I'm not having much fun with that one either. I guess it's just too plain. I think I just don't like knitting for men (of any age). Maybe it's that old curse of the boyfriend sweater thing. It's true, you know.

Anyway, I just got back from Blockbuster. I got 2 movies that I'm going to watch back to back tonight. I'm determined to have a knit-a-thon until I can get these scarves finished and then I can get back to all of the wonderful WIPs for ME! Yes, I'm very selfish when it comes to my knitting.

Yesterday, I decided to completely re-do my home office. It needed some feng shui action in here because the energy was AWFUL! Anyway, part of the task involved reorganizing my stash. I discovered that I have yarn/patterns for 12 sweaters, 2 ponchos and a shawl. Wow! I knew I had it bad, but I didn't realize how bad. The good news is that I've listed the rest of the yarn that I didn't absolutely love on ebay and I'm so ready to get back to knitting the yarn that I have. I'm really pleased with it. Besides... I have to make room for more in the spring!

But first, I have to finish my multidirectional scarf which is absolutely awesome. I'll post that one soon. I want to wait until it's done before I show it off.

Okay... I've procrastinated long enough... fade to black (scarves that is!)

Christmas with the Sock Sisters

2004-12-16T22:04:00.000-05:00

Well, last night was girls night out and we had an absolute blast! Instead of going out to dinner like we usually do every other Wed, we decided to have a big Christmas pot-luck party at Carolyn's house. Her house always looks beautiful, but last night it was spectacular - she had all her Christmas decorations up, the tree was lit, Christmas CDs were playing, and she had candles burning everywhere. It was so beautiful that I almost started crying when I walked through the door. (Yes, I'm a wimp!) She can find a piece of furniture in a dumpster and turn it into something you'd see in a home decorating magazine. It's no wonder that we call her "Martha".

We ate so much of the "finger food", that we barely had room for dinner. We had spinach dip, cream cheese w/pine nuts, carponata (see my previous post... it was excellent, if I may say so myself... and I just did!) And then there was Corlis (the Southern Belle) of the group, who brought her brand new recipe for pepper jelly. It sounds disgusting, but believe me, it was TO DIE FOR!!! She used some weird kind of pepper that I've never heard of. It must be really hot because she said that she ignored the warning to wear rubber gloves while mincing the peppers and her hands were on fire for the next 24 hours! Anyway, the peppers must be yellow or orange, because the jelly was pale yellow, with little tiny specks of orange (the peppers). She served it over cream cheese. To my surprise, it was very sweet. It wasn't "peppery" at all, but it had a surprise little *kick* at the end. I LOVED it! Corlis is so sweet. I told her that my dad is a gardener and that he loves to grow his own fruits and veggies and then can them or make jelly and that he would LOVE this. She asked if I was going to see my Dad on Christmas. I said yes. Then she told me, in her beautiful southern drawl, that since she couldn't spoil her Daddy anymore (he died a few years ago), that she'd help me spoil mine. She promised to give me a jar to take with me when I go to see my Dad. Of course, I almost cried again.

Carolyn had all her fine china out, with more candles and poinsettas on the table. We all took turns praying, thanking God for all of the blessings that He's brought us, for the challenges He's faithfully brought us through, for our families and our health, and especially for our friendship and the ways that He showed His love for us through our love for each other. Then we pigged out some more!

For the main course, Martha (I mean Carolyn) fixed a huge salad with her signature secret recipe salad dressing which is AWESOME - no kidding - she's started selling it! Then she served lasagne which was also great. For dessert, Corlis brought "Cherries in the Snow" which is a dessert that as I child, I swore that my Aunt Mag made up just for me. It seemed as if she made it every time she heard a rumor that I was crossing the VA state line on the way to her house! I don't think I'd had it in 20 years!

After dinner we exchanged gifts. Although we didn't plan it that way, we all made gifts for each other, and each had a special significance to the group. It was pretty awesome.

Here's a picture of 4 of the 5 of us. Carol's taking the picture, so she's not in this one. :( I'm the goofy-looking one in the green sweater. As you can tell, these women, not cameras, are my friends!

Here's a picture of us in our Christmas socks that Corlis gave us last time we ate out. She made everyone promise to wear them, but of course, she was the only one who didn't. She elected to wrap her Christmas scarf around her ankle instead.

And last, here's a picture of my gift to the group. I took this picture outside of my house and it's not very good. I couldn't quite get the lighting right. I'm going to keep trying (the fact that I haven't figure out how to use my new digital camera isn't helping), but at least it'll give you an idea. I know it's corny, but I kinda liked the shadow of the tree that's superimosed on the image. Believe me, it wasn't intentional.

I knit the scarf on #3's, I think. Which is the approximate size of the needles, which I made myself. The writing says "Live. Love. Knit." I made 6 - one for the 4 girls last night, one for my other knitting buddy who I'll see next week, and one for me :). They're all signed and numbered like the real artists do. I really enjoyed making them, and my friends seemed to love them, so that was great.

Holiday Cheer

2004-12-15T17:01:00.000-05:00

Tonight I'm off to an informal little Christmas dinner party with "The Girls". We really must come up with a better name for ourselves. It's 5 of us (all 40-somethings with teenage kids). We get together every other Wed night for dinner out. On alternate Wednesdays, 3 of the 4 others have joined the knitting group at church that I started.

Tonight, in celebration of the holidays, we decided to dine in. We're having dinner at one girl's house and we're all bringing dishes. I made a giant cheese ball (because that's what they wanted) and then I made my very special caponata, which takes 3 hrs to make. Needless to say, I don't make it often anymore, but the minute I tasted it today, I remembered why it was worth the trouble. I'm assuming "caponata" is italian... it's got eggplant, onions, black olives, tomatoes and pine nuts, all sauteed separately in olive oil, then together in red wine vinegar and seasonings. I serve it with triangles of toasty pita bread. Yum. I'm making myself hungry! I'm glad I get to leave in 20 minutes. :)

After dinner, we get to exchange gifts. I'm making them open my gift tonight because I can't wait to see their faces when they see what I made for them. I'll take a picture tonight or tomorrow and then post it for the world to see!

I'm a Guru!

2004-12-12T13:02:00.000-05:00

I finally gave in a took the What Kind of Knitter Are You? quiz. I must admit that I was pleased with the results! It's true.... even the part about the vacation would be true if I ever got to take one!

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting
and do it all the time. While finishing a piece
is the plan, you still love the process, and
can't imagine a day going by without giving
some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation
involves leaving ample space for the stash and
supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn
ends and you begin.
http://marniemaclean.com

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Prayer Boxes

2004-12-11T13:31:00.000-05:00

Looking for a wonderful gift for a young girl or woman on your Holiday list (or a great for yourself for that matter)? How about a prayer box? Apparently these have been around for a while, but I just discovered them last night at Kohl's. I bought one for myself and for my teenage daughter. They had the charms on either a silver bracelet or an 18" necklace. We both chose the necklaces in order to keep our prayers close to our hearts.

When I got home, I wrote 4 very special prayers, in the tiniest writing that I could still read. I cut the paper into little strips - one prayer on each, and folded them up and put them in my prayer box, which I'm now wearing. What an awesome way to enhance your prayer life or that of someone else!

Click on the title link for a picture of just a few examples. I'm not recommending this particular site, but the pictures were good examples for those who haven't seen them. I know Kohl's carries them and I believe Target does too.

A Christmas Letter

2004-12-11T10:25:00.000-05:00

This morning I was reading my favorite book, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort & Joy, and the topic of the day was Christmas Letters. I was reminded of an old boyfriend, Derryl, who's parents were kind enough to include me in an old family tradition of sending an annual letter to their friends each Christmas. Being a military family, they moved around a lot and made friends around the world. This was their way of keeping in touch and sharing things that had transpired throughout the year.

I enjoyed being a part of the Christmas letter that mentioned Derryl and I as an "item". Sadly, we broke up before we could spend a second Christmas together. The next Christmas letter didn't seem quite as wonderful when I read that Derryl had married another woman named Pat with a daughter named Lindsey (my daughter's name). What are the odds of that?

Anyway, that was another lifetime ago, and in the spirit of that wonderful tradition, here's my version of A Christmas Letter for 2004:

Dear All,

It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone. Is it just me, or does time seem to by passing much more quickly as we get older? Seventy degree weather in December in Richmond doesn't help remind me of Christmas, but holiday traffic and long lines at the checkout counter certainly do. I haven't heard as much Christmas music on the radio this year, and decorations seem more subdued, but in my heart I know there is much to celebrate this year. First and foremost, I am thankful for the most precious gift of all... the gift of Jesus and the ability to call him my Saviour.

A lot has happened this year... It's been a year of wonderful of news... new friends, new business opportunities, a new school for Lindsey which has made all the difference, and a new church, including a new Knitting Ministry which I started there. It's also be a year of renews... a renewed commitment to an intimate relationship with Christ, a renewed passion for knitting, a renewed appreciation for my family, both immediate and extended, and a renewed attitude of gratitude for things I often take for granted.

Sadly, we lost my Aunt Alice suddenly in August. We will miss her beauty, her grace, and her quiet but strong presence. She was the "clothes horse" of the family, and I was honored to receive several of her beautiful outfits which I will proudly wear in her honor. As sad as Aunt Alice's death was, God saw fit to bless us in our time of grief in a very special way... again. Unbeknown to us at the time, a baby boy was born exactly one week before Aunt Alice died. Less than 3 months later, that beautiful little boy was adopted by Aunt Alice's only child and her husband. Our times together are now filled not only with tears of sadness, but tears of joy as well. This is the 3rd time that God has blessed our family in this way. The day I brought my adopted daughter home, my only sibling was murdered. He never had a chance to see his niece and most of my family met my daughter for the very first time at my brother's funeral. Then, two years ago, a cousin who had been like a brother to my brother was killed in a horrific car accident. Within a month, another cousin and his wife gave birth to a beautiful son who is quite the star.

Then there were several months that I lived with the fear of breast cancer, but miraculously things turned out fine. My father was thought to have prostate cancer, but he's fine too. My mom got re-married (obviously, my parents are divorced) and another cousin's husband got an 11th hour reprieve from deployment to Iraq.

All in all, it's been a great year. Our family has a lot to be thankful for. Of course, it hasn't been perfect and we've all had our share of disappointments, but how can we know to appreciate the sunshine without the rain?

Now, as we look forward to another new year, it's time to start thinking about priorities and goals for 2005. I've decided this year to keep that list short and focused. With God's help, 2005 will be my personal best year yet. More to come on that one soon!

In closing, I hope your year was safe, productive and happy. I pray that you have been able to weather your disappointments and your triumphs with equal grace and gratitude, and that you have become a wiser person because of them. For the coming year, I wish you all the love, happiness and peace that your heart and soul can handle.

God bless,
Pat

2005 Knitter's Calendar

2004-12-08T15:18:00.000-05:00

My 2005 Knitter's Calendar just arrived and I must admit, it's even nicer than I'd imagined. I know I'm biased (I took the picture and the needles were handmade by my husband), but the quality of the print and calendar are wonderful and it's a good quality glossy paper stock. The dimensions are abou 11x17".

I ordered 15 for family and for my knitting buddies. I think they'll make great gifts. And they're very reasonably priced (even more so if you buy them in quantity). There's still time to order for delivery in time for Christmas. If you're interested, you can purchase the calendars at my shop at Cafepress.com. There's also a neat little knitting journal there for keeping notes on projects, patterns, design ideas or whatever.

Enjoy!

Synchronicity

2004-12-07T18:18:00.000-05:00

There are no random "coincidences"... no accidents. I believe that everything happens for a reason, even if we can't comprehend the reason at the time. Our daily lives are full of synchronistic events that defy logical explanation, miracles that don't seem possible, blessings that exceed our expectations. Large and small, they are happening around us all the time, yet because we are usually unaware of them, when we do recognize them, they somehow seem special or unique.

I've been praying recently for "miracle-mindedness", which I define as a mindset and an attitude of expectancy that I will witness, receive and/or be a vessel for delivering miracles. As I do so, I find that I'm witnessing them more every day. I do not believe that I am suddenly the lucky recipient of blessings that I wasn't getting before. I simply believe that I'm finally beginning to take notice and appreciate what's truly happening around me. And what a wonderful thing that is.

This afternoon, just as I was leaving for a dentists' appt, I noticed a message from my LYS that a pattern book I'd been interested in had arrived. As I was walking out the door, I made a mental note to stop by on the way home, but then remembered that my daughter's appt was first, then mine, and by the time we both finished, the yarn shop would be closed. We arrived at the dentists' office 20 minutes early. Our hygienist had just finished up with her previous patient - early. Another hygienist was also finishing up - early, so instead of having our appts back-to-back, we had them early, and at the same time... which left just enough time to go get into trouble at the LYS! :)

As I was walking into the shop, I nearly bumped into a woman who was leaving. When we stopped to apologize to each other, I realized it was a woman that I'd enjoyed knitting with on several occasions at the LYS over the summer. Although I'd tried to reach her several times since then, she'd lost my number and never returned the call. I'd thought of her often over the past few months and wished we'd gotten to know each other better. As it turns out, today was her first time back in the shop in ages and she said that she'd been hoping that somehow she'd end up running into me - and she did - almost literally!

She was in the process of leaving, feeling a bit overwhelmed, because she'd promised to make scarves for a friend's college daughter and her 2 friends for Christmas. All 3 girls happened to belong to a sorority and she was struggling with choosing the right shades of pink and green (AKA for those of you in the know!). Although I must admit that I haven't been active in years, I pledged AKA, which she vaguely remembered from our chats, so I spent the next half hour helping her pick the PERFECT yarns for her scarves. We both left thrilled that we'd connected again and that together we were able to solve her gift dilemma.

I know this seems like such a little thing to get excited about. But you see, that's the thing about miracles - there is no order of magnitude to them... Big or small, they all are reminders of God's love for us and acknowledgement that there is a much bigger plan than we could ever conceive or control. When I think about all of the events that had to coincide at just the right moment for me to run into Linda today - the message that the pattern was in, getting to my appt early, getting out of my appt early, traffic being exactly the way it was, Linda's schedule that put her there at exactly the same time... 5 minutes longer on any of these activities could have caused us to miss each other. When you stop and think about it, that's pretty amazing! At least I think it is.

When we focus on the huge, magical, almost supernatural-type miracles that don't happen often, we tend to miss the subtle but none the less powerful blessings that surround us each day. The more we exercise our "soul muscles", the stronger, more observant, and more powerful they become. Slowly, we move from living life to experiencing it. What a difference that makes.

Just think about it... I bet you experienced a miracle today too. If you didn't catch any of the ones that occurred in your life today, be on the lookout tomorrow!

Somthing to live for...

2004-12-05T20:40:00.000-05:00

Okay... it's been one of those days. I found a similar photo on another knitting blog, and followed the link to a site called Tombstone Generator where I decided to create my own. Just couldn't resist posting it here. Nothing like a little reminder that I can't go anywhere soon... I've got too much knitting to do! :)

tombstone

Vittadini Trina

2004-12-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

It's not the greatest photo, but here's my Vittadini sweater that I made in the "Vittadini Support Group" at my LYS back in September (Click on the picture for a slightly better image). It's made with Vittadini Trina, in a beautiful chocolate brown. It feels wonderful and knit up quickly. I love the ribbed detail on the sleeves and neckline. I wore it for the first time on Thursday and got loads of compliments!

Completion Issues

2004-11-29T21:24:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or is the inability to commit to one knitting project at a time a natural phenomenon. I always start projects with such enthusiasm, and I promise myself that I'm going to work on just this one until I finish. Then inevitably I see another pattern to die for, or a yarn that I fall in love with, and the process starts all over again. I don't think I've ever had just one WIP at a time, and I'm almost afraid to count how many I have now...

There's Blaze, which is about 20% completed - I decided that one could wait awhile since I can't wear it now anyway. It's definitely a spring sweater;
There's the Multidirectional Scarf which is about 75% complete - that was an unexpected last-minute addition, along with the Rowan chunky print "A La Gap" scarf;
Then there's the Celtic Star turtleneck from an old Vogue Knitting magazine which I just started last week;
There are countless charity knitting projects in various stages of progress; and if all that wasn't enough,
I just bought Jamieson yarn to make an awesome leaf and cable patterned sweater (in Granny Apple Green wool).

And let's not talk about my stash, which has enough yarn to make at least another 5 sweaters.

So many projects... so little time.

I need to "try" to take the same approach to knitting that I take to my work each day. I need to prioritize my projects, decide which one is making the most "noise" (I got that term from a feng shui class). It may not be the one that I can wear the soonest, or the easiest one, or the most challenging one, but usually, there's one that needs to be finished sooner rather than later. And when I listen, I can hear which one that is. The challenging is being true to that calling, and realizing that the others will come to be at their appointed times.

Another tip that helps me get unstuck at work is to focus on how much I've accomplished for a minute - there's plenty of time to think about how much there is to be done. So, while I learned how to knit as a child, I've only been "serious" for about the past year. I didn't realize it at the time, but I've really been pushing the envelope and taking on more and more challenging projects - things that I wouldn't have had the courage to tackle even a few years ago. So here's my list of my accomplishments during this past year:

Developed a stash, including making some impulsive purchases, admitting my mistakes and unloading most of them
Found and frequented most of the local yarn shops in the area, and a few outside of the area
Finished quite a few projects, including 4 sweaters, a poncho, a few things for gifts, and about 100 scarves that I sold last year (NEVER AGAIN!!!)
Developed an extensive pattern collection of patterns that I love. It would take me a lifetime to knit them all, and I know I'll keep collecting even more!
Learned a lot of techniques from more experienced knitters
Taught several women to knit
Experienced the joy of knitting with other women
Appreciated the serenity and mindfulness of knitting alone (without the tv)
Started a knitting ministry at my church
Knitting some items for charity
and perhaps most importantly, developed some wonderful new friendships with women who share my passion for knitting.

Not bad for the first year, huh? Should be interesting to see what's in store for 2005!

Sometimes Bigger IS Better

2004-11-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

I was in my LYS last week and couldn't resist the brillant colors of a Rowan chunky print yarn, Sriek. I wasn't in the mood to make a sweater with it - I thought it would be too bright. But I decided that it would make a great scarf... and it did.

It's 100% wool, in wonderful shades of orange, pink, fuschia and lavender. I used 1-1/2 hanks (110 yds each), on #17 needles. Who needs The Gap when we have a LYSS? :)

Blessings

2004-11-23T18:25:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that another year has come and practically gone. With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, now is a good time to take a few minutes to acknowledge the many blessings I have received this year. Of course, there are too many to list, but here are some of the highlights:

A renewed relationship with Christ that is stronger and more personal than ever before, along with the support and encouragement of a new church family and friends.
A beautiful new nephew, Phillip ("PJ") to the family. He was adopted nearly 2 weeks ago, and ironically, was born one week before the sudden death of this would-be grandmother. It's ironic that when one soul leaves us, that another one often comes to ease the pain a bit.
A wonderful group of new friends who have provided me with more fun, support, encouragement and prayers than I could have imagined... Carolyn, Janeen, Carol, Corlis, Nim and Ann. And then there's Annalece who has helped many in so many ways on my journey to become the person that I want to be.
An even greater passion for knitting, including a fairly rapid transition from an average knitter to a pretty darn good one, with a huge stash to prove it!
New clients for my business, which of course means more $$$
Finding and being able to afford a private high school education for my daughter, which has made all the difference in her grades, her friendships, her self-esteem, and her overall attitude.
Making it through the the first two years of marriage (we've both been on our own for a long time and old habits are hard to break!) and knowing that we're going to make it.
A renewed appreciation for my extended family and finding opportunities to spend quality time with them (besides funerals).
Discovering Simple Abundance, A Course in Miracles, and Loving What Is, three books that are changing my life.
Surviving a harrowing breast cancer scare, finding that the tumors (which have been removed) were benign.

That said, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to officially acknowledge our blessings, but my on-going goal is to recognize and give thanks for daily blessings, both the big ones and the small ones, that are happening all the times. It's easy to get caught up in the drama du jour and focus on the negatives, but how much easier our lives would be if we could turn that around and really find the silver linings in those thunderclouds.

I read somewhere that we've generally been taught to deal with stressful times by taking a deep breath in a blowing all of that negative energy out. But just imagine what a world this would be if we took all the negative energy in, turned it around, put it in its proper perspective, saw only the truth and the lesson in each situation. If with an attitude of gratitude, we exhaled positive, uplifting, and loving energy. That is my personal goal, and my prayer, for the coming year. Care to join me?

2005 Knitters Calendar

2004-11-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

Last year I made scarves for all of my sisters-in-law for Christmas. Fortunately for them, but unfortunately for me, they've all since learned to knit and are knitting like crazy. Now I'm stuck with coming up with another idea for this year.

Well, here it is... my own 2005 Knitting Calendar. I took the picture myself, using a handcrafted bowl that was given to me by a friend years ago, some beautiful Manos Chunky yarn in my favorite fall colors, and most importantly, the handcrafted rosewood knitting needles made for my by my husband. I call the photo "Knitting Noodles".

I've decided to make it available for sale, if anyone's interested (only $5.99 + S&H). If so, please visit the link above.

Happy Knitting!

Breast Cancer Awareness Knit-A-Long

2004-11-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

Although Breast Cancer Awareness Month was officially last month, the subject continues to be heavy on my mind and heart. If you've been following this blog, you know that I I'm just recovering from breast cancer scare... I even have the scars and bruises from a bilateral lumptectomy to prove it. But I was one of the very lucky ones, my biopsies came back benign.

Nonetheless, while I can't say that I know first-hand the challenges of facing breast cancer, I do know the fear that surrounds the very thought of it. During my ordeal over the past few months, I've realized that there are many many resources available for women who need them, as well as support for their family and friends. I have a deepened understanding of the need for regular breast self-exams and annual mammograms for women over 40 or in high risk groups. I have discovered that many women that I know have been touched by breast cancer - either themselves or their loved ones - and new and/or deeper friendships are developing as a result. Most importantly, I know that there is much that needs to be done, and there is no shortage of opportunities to encourage and support those who are fighting it, celebrate its survivors, and support efforts to find a cure.

Take my friend Paige, for example, who recently cut her nearly waist-length hair in order to donate it to Locks of Love, an organization that provides wigs for women who've lost their hair during chemo... or Lois, who spearheads a local knitting group that knits chemo caps and other items for cancer patients. Then of course, there are my girlfriends (5 of them), who brought food, gifts, flowers, essential oils, a cherished hankerchief, a beautiful poem about Faith, a book of daily devotions, and of course their company both before and after my surgery. They laughed with me, they cried with me, they knit with me. They were and continue to be there for me.

So now it's my turn. I believe this experienced happened to me for a reason, and I'm determined to find some small way to make a difference because of it. One of the first things I'm doing is joining Think Pink a breast cancer awareness knit-a-long. I'm planning to knit some chemo caps for the Cancer Center at the hospital where I was treated, as well as encouraging the ladies in my church knitting ministry to do the same. I also want to use this forum to remind people to do their monthly BSEs and to tell-a-friend.

If you're interested, be sure to check out the Think Pink site.

FYI - Here are the links to some sites that offer free patterns for chemo caps:

http://www.headhuggers.org/
http://www.pillarsofhope.org/favorite_pattern.html
http://www.3gcs.com/adcock/free%20patterns/chemohat.htm
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/chemo_cap-scarf.html
http://www.chemocaps.com/page3.htm
http://www.martaschmarta.com/chemocap.htm

Baby Sweater update

2004-11-14T19:34:00.000-05:00

I think they liked it! :)

Baby Set

2004-11-14T09:18:00.000-05:00

I'm on my way to DC for an "emergency baby shower" for my new nephew who came to us (via adoption) on Friday. He's almost 3 months old and quite a cutie from the picture I've seen.

I'll be meeting him for the first time today and can hardly wait. In honor of the occasion, I knit up this adorable little cardigan and hat from Debbie Bliss' Baby Knits for Beginners. It's done with cotton classic (100% cotton) and knit up in a weekend.

Miracles

2004-11-12T11:40:00.000-05:00

I went back to the surgeon yesterday for the much-anticipated biopsy results. They came back benign! Thank God. I expected that if the tumors weren't cancer, they'd be fibroids. NOT. According to my surgeon, they appear to be scar tissue. Considering that I've never had any breast trauma or surgery before last week, I can't figure out, and my dr can't explain, how I ended up with scar tissue in both breasts! If I had scar tissue BEFORE surgery, watching what happens after surgery should prove interesting.

Two of the many wonderful friends that have been praying mightily for me since this ordeal started are convinced that this is a miracle. The more I think about it, the more I tend to agree.

Often we think of "miracles" as these huge, larger-than-life, mystical and perhaps even magical occurrences. I've just started reading A Course in Miracles, but already I agree with it's central thesis that miracles occur around us all the time. They are they ultimate act of love and are designed to bring us closer to God and each other. The key is being aware of and receptive to accepting the lessons of love that they represent.

Here are a few thoughts on "miracles" from the book:

"Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle."

"Prayer is the medium of miracles. It is a means of communication of the created with the Creator. Through prayer love is received, and through miracles love is expressed."

And finally...

"Miracles reawaken the awareness that the spirit, not the body, is the alter of truth. This is the recognition that leads to the healing power of the miracle."

That said, I recognize that this experience has brought me closer to God and to my family and friends. I have seen their love and concern in ways, and to depths, that I did not recognize before. I know without question that I am loved. The many expressions of thoughtfulness - cards, gifts, flowers and lots of great food - were all welcome, but in the end, what meant the most was the heartfelt thoughts and prayers that I received from so many people. And that, I believe is what changed the outcome and created another miracle in my life.

Down to the wire

2004-11-04T04:52:00.000-05:00

After 2 difficult weeks of waiting, tomorrow's the day for surgery. I alternate between a calm sense that everything's going to be just fine and an overwhelming anxiety that I'm going to be diagnosed with breast cancer. I think it's cruel and unusual punishment that women have to wait so long for the answers that could change their lives in irreversible ways. As frightening as a diagnosis would be, at least I'd be able to spring into action. I'd know what I need to do and could focus my energy on beginning the healing process. But alas, I've got at least a week or 2 to go after surgery before I know what this struggle is really all about.

So, in the meantime, I've organized my stash, prioritized my projects, and am planning to settle in for at least a week-long knitting marathon while I wait for the results. If anything can calm me down and take my mind off the wait, it's knitting.

Of course it could change at any time, but here's the plan:

1. Debby Bliss baby blue cardigan for my brand new 6-week old nephew who's being adopted and will be home in about 2 weeks (made with Cotton Classic).

2. Finish the brilliant fall colors of the Vittadini mock turtleneck with Magico (the back is already done - it's a very quick knit if I can remember to count my rows. The yarn is so textured that it's almost impossible to count rows after they're knit).

3. Start on Noro ribbon-neck cardigan with Manos and Nature Wool.

4. And then of course there's Blaze, which will probably have to wait for a little while. Since I don't know how to cable without a cable needle, I'll probably have to wait until I heal a bit before I can tackle that one again.

So today I'm off to run errands, get things straightened up, and the relax (yeah - right!) for the rest of the day. Then, like Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind, I'll remind myself that tomorrow is another day! :)

Grace Cardigan

2004-11-02T16:34:00.000-05:00

OK...Here it is at long last. My Grace cardigan. Definitely the most complex pattern I've done to date. I knit it with Grace yarn by Paton (100% cotton), which was very inexpensive (relatively speaking), but with a beautiful feel. I wasn't thrilled with the placement of the buttonholes, but I know what to do differently next time. It's still wearable and doesn't look too bad, I don't think. Now, on to Blaze...

Blazin' Along

2004-11-02T16:33:00.000-05:00

I'm making good progress on Blaze. I was hoping for a bright orange color, but couldn't make gauge with the orange yarn I had, so I went with the next best thing on hand - coral. I think it's coming out nicely. The pattern is very easy wants you get the hang of it, but it does require some concentration. This is my first sweater knit in the round too, so that takes a little getting used to.

The saga continues...

2004-10-21T19:23:00.000-04:00

Well,

It's been 3 months since my first visit to a cancer specialist concerning a lump in both breasts. The first time, he did a quick manual exam and sort of blew me off, saying it was "nothing to worry about." I was so dumbstruck by the entire experience that I didn't press him about it, but for the past 3 months have been wondering why I wasn't more aggressive about finding out what's going on.

I started 2 days ago psyching myself up to go in and be polite but forceful about getting the necessary tests. I rehearsed in my head a hundred times how I was going to say that I'm sure he was probably right that it's nothing to be concerned about, but with all due respect (that always seems to soften things a bit), how could he be certain without doing any tests? The dr that walked into the exam room was like a different person. He was gentle, kind, understanding and very supportive. This time (since the lumps were still there and I guess given a family history of cancer), he took things a lot more seriously, and it was he who suggested a biopsy. I felt so relieved that at least I would know something more concrete.

Not to leave without another surprise though, what I thought was going to be a needle aspiration done in his office is turning out to be a "bilateral lumpectomy" of both breasts! I'm sure that sounds a lot worse than it actually is, but it's hard forcing myself not to freak out. His nurse has cautioned that I'm not going to feel like doing much of anything for a few days - especially because he'll be removing tissue from both breasts, and that's okay - I can use a few days off (I'm self-employed and haven't had any extended time off since my hysterectomy nearly 2 years ago!), but I just have one post-op question (other than the obvious about the results of the pathology report)... How soon will I be able to KNIT?!?!? " :)

Blazin' Along

2004-10-16T15:29:00.000-04:00

Just when I thought I knew what I'd be working on next, a wonderful surprise comes along.

I just happened to click on one of those little "next" links in one of my webrings and stumbled onto a Knit-Along (KAL) which just happens to be starting this weekend! While I've never participated in one before, this project was too beautiful to pass up - especially since I think I'm going to need plenty of moral support!

I have a wonderful pistachio green angora/lambswool blend that I bought last spring on ebay. I'm going to swatch it tonight and hope that I can make gauge. If so, I'll be Blazing Along with the other ladies. If you're interested, visit the Blaze Knit-Along blog

Blaze

Knitting Ministry Update

2004-10-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

It's been a few weeks since I've posted, but I've been busy knitting nonetheless. I've finished the Grace Cardigan at last and am almost finished the Vittadini turtleneck. That still leaves plenty in the queue though! And of course, I'm still adding to my stash. I just can't seem to knit it up fast enough! :)

Wednesday night was the first night of the new Knitting Ministry at my church. I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, but I felt very strongly led to do it, so I figured that it was the right thing to do and as a result, things would turn out as they should.

Well, we started with 6 VERY enthusiastic ladies, and 4 more who are committed, but had prior engagements on opening night. I ended up having to teach all but one, but that wasn't nearly as overwhelming as I feared it would be. Everyone was in a wonderful mood and there were plenty of laughs to go around.

I think everyone will be furiously trying to get the hang of things in time to knit at least a few scarves for Christmas. Then, they all seem to be looking forward to joining me in some charitable knitting projects as well. Preemie caps and chemo caps seem to be the most popular. I've already connected with a wonderful woman who spearheads a much much larger charitable knitting project in this area, so I'll be working with her to identify specific needs and making things happen. Wish us luck!

Slubby Nubby Cardigan

2004-10-02T19:30:00.000-04:00

Today my friend Nim and I went to the Fall Fiber Festival in Montpelier Station VA. The drive was relaxing, the scenary was beautiful, the weather was perfect, the conversation was delightful. It was a perfect knit-lover's day!

We were determined that we were going to buy some yarn, and secretly hoped we'd find something suitably divine to commemorate our outing. We both fell in love with a wonderful nubby hand-painted yarn in a stylish cardigan. The yarn came from Dancing Leaf Farm in Barnesville MD.

Here's my darling friend Nim modeling the sample. Doesn't she look great? She bought that colorway and I bought one with yellows, oranges, greens and taupes. We're planning to conduct a two-woman knit-a-long during our bi-weekly knit-ins at Starbucks. Here's hoping I can wait that long! :)

Making Room

2004-09-25T15:50:00.000-04:00

I believe it's true that it's difficult to bring new things into our lives (jobs, relationships, clothes, attitudes) when we're holding on to old *stuff* that just doesn't fit anymore. Perhaps it's that jacket that was on sale this time last year, or the job we hate getting up for in the morning, or that relationship that seems to have lost its spark so long ago that you can't remember when. It felt like the right choice and that time... and it was. But that was then and this is now. What worked for the person we were yesterday doesn't always work for the person we've become today. We can choose to hold on to those things that no longer fit, drain out emotional energy, or simply cease to bring joy to our lives. Or we can choose something that suits us better now. Without fail, whenever I'm able to let go of the past, cleaning out the emotional cobwebs that lurk in the dark shadows, new blessings are not far behind. It's as if God knows that I've done my part, making room in my life for Him to do his.

What's especially comforting is to know that this same theory applies equally as well to the small things. Today, I remembered this lesson after a visit to my LYS. I fell in love with a wonderful new yarn, Magico, which I'd never seen before. I wanted it desparately, but knew I just couldn't spend that much money on more yarn given the stash that I already have (yes, I'm a yarnaholic!). So I headed home disappointed, with a clear image of the sweater I wanted to make in my mind. Then it hit me - I went home, marched into my office to confront my stash, and there it was - sitting right in front of me - the 10 skeins of aptly-named Softee, that I just hadn't been able to start knitting. I loved the feel of it, but the color just wasn't right for me. I don't know what I was thinking when I bought it - but maybe that's just it - I wasn't thinking.
I'd gotten so tired of berating myself for such an expensive "mistake" that it was difficult to even look at it anymore.

So, I put it all in a bag, poured through my pattern collection to find the pattern for the sweater I had envisioned, and drove right back to the yarn shop. I made the exchange, paid only $6.35 more, and came home with yarn that I can't wait to start knitting with! The picture below doesn't quite do the yarn justice, but here it is. Be back soon with a new sweater! :)

Magico

Yarn Noodles

2004-09-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

I was playing around today with the digital camera and some of the yarns I've purchased lately. I was drawn to the warm and rich fall colors in the Manos hand-dyed yarn that I bought to make a Colinette cardigan sweater with.

Here's the result, including the handcarved rosewood knitting needles that my husband made for me.

"Yarn Noodles"

Meeting People

2004-09-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me what an easy ice-breaker knitting in public is. Nearly every time I knit in a public space, especially if I'm knitting with a partner, someone inevitably stops to ask what I'm working on and to share something about themselves and their knitting experience, or lack thereof.

Usually it's a woman, but tonight a man also dropped by my table. He told me about a "beautiful young girl" (about 22) who showed up at a bar he was in last night wearing a sweater with sparkly beads that her best friend had knit for her. He proceeded to go into much more detail than I needed about her and her sweater, but it was quite funny to hear him tell the tale.

Isn't it interesting that knitting brings out so many things in so many people... a desire to learn something new, a sense of comradarie among strangers, a nostalgic memory from childhood. It seems that even non-knitters sense the special qualities that attract those of us who are addicted to the craft.

Speaking of "craft", I saw a great quote today...

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
- St. Francis of Assissi

Dragonflies

2004-09-15T22:00:00.001-04:00

There are days that I enjoy knitting alone... Then there are days when it's just more fun to do it with a buddy. Today was one of those days. I look forward to knitting nights with my friend Nim. We meet every 2 weeks or so at Starbucks. She orders tea, I order coffee, and then we both pull out all of the neat stuff we've brought to show each other. After that, things get serious. That's when we chat and knit like crazy!

Tonight I got to show off my new dragonfly stitch markers. I'm using them on the sleeves for the Grace cardigan. I was getting confused trying to remember which direction I was going when trying to knit both sleeves on the needles at the same time, so I picked up another neat trick at my last knit night at my LYS. I pinned the sleeves together with a plastic stitch marker. Now, even though I'm working from 2 balls, I treat each row as one continuous row across both sleeves and it suddenly very easy.

Here's a picture of the markers in progress. There's a picture of the entire sweater on a previous post.

And a close-up of my dragonflies.

Prayer Shawl

2004-09-12T22:13:00.000-04:00

This evening I finally finished my first prayer shawl. It was more time-consuming than I'd hoped, and I'm not sure I like the way the yarn self-stripes, but it works. I wasn't sure who I would give it to when I started it, but figured out pretty quickly that it belonged to a woman I met in Sunday school about a month ago who was recently diagnosed with lupus. Considering that I have lupus also (though thankfully I've been in remission for years), my heart went ont to her. I know what she's going through and I know how important support and encouragement are going to be to her over the coming months and years.

I think it was fitting that I finished this shawl while sitting outside at Starbucks, enjoying a cup of iced tea, watching the sun begin to set. While sitting there, it finally became clear to me why I love the beach. There's something about a vast, open sky that reminds me of the majesty of the world. I'm reminded that there is something that is so much bigger and more important than I could ever be. It's evenings like this that I'm so thankful for so many things. Being outdoors, and really *being* there - in the moment- seems to put everything else into perspective.

So I prayed as I knit... first prayers of gratitude... for my life, for my family and friends, for my church, for God's grace. Then I prayed "into" the shawl, hoping that when Kim wears this shawl, she will feel the love and support of God, her family and her friends. I hope she will wear this shawl like a hug, and receive comfort and peace surrounding her. I pray that this shawl will be a reminder that she is loved and that others care for her.

The pattern is a very simple one, compliments of Knitting for the Ministry. It's a modified seed stitch, aptly called a "trinity stitch" which is K3, P3, on a multiple of 3 stitches that is an odd number. Since there's an odd trio at the end of each row, each row ends with K3 and the subsequent rows begin with K3 to give it the moss seed effect.

This is not a great picture, but here it is.

Hand-Crafted Stitch Markers

2004-09-11T20:15:00.000-04:00

Now that I'm using stitch markers, I can't imagine how I ever got along without them. I find them invaluable for keeping track of repeating patterns, especially cables. They're also great for keeping track of increases and decreases. I've used safety pins, rubber rings, bits of yarn, and even straws cut into slices, but in addition to being downright *ugly*, they all seem somehow counterproductive to the artistic and creative atmosphere I try to create when I'm knitting.

Unable to find the right markers, necessity as has become the mother of all inventions again, and I decided to make my own. I love them, if I may say so myself! :) They're lightweight, colorful and fun. They add just the right touch of flair to my handiwork!

If you'd like to buy a set of your very own, simply click on the PayPal button below. (Note: Please add $2.00 for S&H). If you need markers for smaller needle sizes, or wish to purchase in larger quantites, please send an email to me at knit4soul@hotmail.com.

A great poncho pattern

2004-09-10T20:32:00.000-04:00

For those of you looking for the ever elusive free poncho pattern that's fashionable, simple to make, and NOT your grandmother's style, here you go! Follow the link above to a wonderful poncho pattern I found on another blog, complements of Mrs. Who.

Posh Poncho

Yardage Meter

2004-08-07T15:26:00.000-04:00

Today I'm going to give new meaning to the concept of "organizing my stash". I've bought a lot of yarn on ebay lately which is coming on cones or in extra large skeins. I wanted to wind them into smaller balls for easier knitting, but also wanted to keep track of the yardage.

After scouring the web for an AFFORDABLE yardage meter for weeks, I finally found the perfect one at Nancy's Knit Knacks. I tried it out last night with the yarn on the floor, then the yardage meter on my desk, followed by my yarn winder, and it worked like a charm! I counted and wound 7 skeins in no time. I even got really creative and created my own yarn labels. Now each skein that I wind has a lable with the yarn name/color, content, yardage, care instructions, etc. I did the lables in PowerPower (4 to a page). Send me an email if you'd like a copy of the file.

I'll post a picture of my new and improved stash once I'm done.

Knitting Ministry

2004-08-04T01:24:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday I decided to join a local church. I'm very excited about it and looking forward to developing a much more intimate relationship with Christ. When asked what gifts I'd been given that I'd like to share, the first thing that came to mind is the knitting ministry that's been on my heart for the past month or so.

To my surprise, the pastor was very receptive to the idea and is encouraging me to pursue it and make it happen. We discussed taking one or both of two paths:

First, we'd develop a core group of knitters who would meet on a regular basis. I'd teach anyone who doesn't already know how to knit. We'll spend most of the time knitting and chatting, and will contribute at least some of our efforts towards making preemie caps, chemo caps, scarves, hats and mittens that we can donate to charity.

Then, perhaps we can expand the ministry out into the community by forming a knitting group at a local women's abuse shelter. In addition to formign relationships with women and children in need, by soliciting donations of yarn and needles and teaching them to knit, we can provide them with a creative outlet to help take their mind off their troubles, even if only for a little while, and at the same time make love gifts for their families. It would be the biblical "teach a man to fish" theory in action.

I'm praying on this and asking the Lord to use me to plant this seed in our church if He sees fit for me to do so. In the meantime, I'd like to do some research on other knitting ministries, starting with Knitting in the Ministry, by Susan Izard :

Size DOES Matter

2004-07-30T01:03:00.000-04:00

I thought that subject line would get your attention! ;)

Yes, you guessed it. I'm talking about that dreaded "S" word... Swatches! I understand the need for swatches to measure the stitch gauge before starting on a new project. But I'd always thought, and been led to believe by some pretty experienced knitters, that row gauge didn't matter. After all, you just keep going until the piece is as long as it needs to be. Who care how many rows that is, right?

NOT!!!

I found a wonderful pattern with raglan sleeves that extend all the way to the neckline. Here's a picture.

Raglan V Sweater

I did a swatch and the stitch gauge was fine. I did the front, back and all the way to the armhole shaping on both sleeves (knit at the same time), only to find that my sleeves were at the right length for my arms, but according to the pattern, I had many more rows to knit in order to get the correct number of increases. Go figure! (I wish I had).

Anyway, I've shared my dilemma with some of the "old school" knitters at my LYS and I'm going to take it with me to the next knit night and hope that they can help me figure out a way to save my project.

Taming the Stash Monster

2004-07-10T22:51:00.000-04:00

Okay... I'm finally going to get my stash under control this time. Honest! I've gotten a few more absolutely wonderful yarns lately, so I have more than enough to keep me going for a while. But how to deal with the big dilemma... so many yarns... so little time!

First, I've catalogued all of my patterns into 2 large 3-ring binders, complete with plastic page protectors. (Yes, I'm a geek!). They're organized by sweaters, scarves & wraps, and accessories.

I bought a scrapbook so I can keep a visual log of my projects. With a page for each completed project, I want to include a color photo, a piece of the yarn, content and care instructions, project cost and any specific project notes, such as where the yarn came from, things that were going on in my life at the time, prayers knit into the project, etc.

I'm so excited that I'm off to start knitting right now!

Finishing Touches

2004-07-07T19:30:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day. I finished the work I needed to do for the day at 10:00 and instead of going home and finding more work to do, I decided that this was going to be a mental health day. Of course, this meant going to my favority LYS to sit and knit.

I took a couple of projects, one of which just needed the dreaded finishing that I've been putting of for weeks. Not only did I get the cable shell finished, but I learned a beautiful finishing technique in the process. Here's a photo...

cable shell

I made some progress on the cable/lace shell also. I can't seem to bring myself to spend a lot of time on the linen summer poncho. I know it's going to look great when I finish it, but I'm just not "feeling it" right now. I'm about a third of the way done, so I've convinced myself that I'll have it done in time for cooler weather in the fall.

While at LYS, I met a new knitting buddy... It didn't take long for us to discover that we both have an adopted child, we are both expectant godmothers, and that we are both interested in starting knitting ministries at our respective churches. We took a short break for lunch, and then returned for an afternoon of knitting. Now that's the life!

Make Lemonade

2004-07-07T01:05:00.000-04:00

I learned a valuable lesson about knitting (and about life) today. My husband and I decided to take a drive to VA Beach and of course I brought along my knitting. I was happily knitting alon in the car on my olive green cotton cable shell when I noticed that I'd missed a cable twist at about the halfway point from the begining to where I am now, which is at the end of the bindoffs for the armholes. Talk about a major bummer!

Well, I sat there in the car considering my options: (1) leave it alone and pretend that it doesn't exist (2) make this the back instead of the front and keep going - after all, if I make a mistake but I can't see it, is it really a mistake? or (3) rip it out to the point of the mistake. Once I realized that this was about 40-5o rows, I suddenly had one less option to consider!

We ended up finding the new knitting shop in Williamsburg (fantastic, by the way). I brought the sweater inside and asked if anyone had any suggestions on what I might do. Fortunately, they didn't like my option #3 either, which was a major relief.

A wise lady there reminded me about "Persian Flaws". The story is that the finest artisans that create priceless heirloom Persian rugs always include a "miskae" somewhere in each piece. The "imperfection" distinguishes a handmade pice from one that is manufactured by a machine. Ironically, it's in our imperfection that we find a hint of our humanity!

She then told me of a famous knitwear designer, whose name I can't recall, who swears that some of her most inspired patterns began with "mistakes" that took on a life of their own, resulting in her sweaters having an unusual, creative, if somewhat quirky, flair. Instead of trying to remove or hide them, she celebrates them by adding embellishments or other fun touches. Sometimes she even adds a few more intentional "mistakes" in random areas and the sweater ends up looking like it was designed that way! What a neat idea.

Needless to say, I left the shop much happier and much wiser, and with a renewed enthusiasm about finishing my sweater. Not only has my sweater been saved, but I think it will end up being even more special because of the experience.

I think Jonathan summed it up when he first learned of my mistake. He said simply "Knit Happens". So when my knitting gives me lemons, I'll make lemonade!

The Care and Feeding of Sweaters

2004-07-04T01:36:00.000-04:00

Here are a few links on caring for those handknit sweaters in order to get years of wear for all of your hard labor:

How to Launder and Care For Handmade Garments by Fiber Images
Natural Fiber Care by the Natural Fiber Coalition
General Care Guidelines by The Crochet Network - (a great resource!)

Happy Knitting!

Summertime... and the knitting is easy

2004-06-20T21:13:00.000-04:00

My teenaged daughter left today to spend the summer with relatives. Don't get me wrong, I love her dearly, but the last few months have been *challenging*, to say the least. I think we both need a break for a while, so I'm thankful that she has the opportunity to spend the summer away - and I'm sure she is too. I hope she'll have a lot of fun.

That said, I've got more than enough to keep me busy while she's away. It's time to start whittling away at my ever-growing stash. After all, I need to make room for some new yarn, right? Today I start on my summer poncho, another origional from my favorite LYS. Well, maybe it's not quite an "original". I was in the shop chatting with some ladies there when a woman came in wearing a gorgeous mauve-colored poncho (a la Sex in the City). She wore it with blue jeans, a white tee and some very sexy-looking high-heeled slides. She looked fabulous!

She had purchased it from a trendy shop in the city and was wondering if someone could help her figure out how to make another one for herself. Of course, we all jumped at the chance to take a closer look, after asking her to take it off! :) After trying 3 different yarns, 3 different stitches, and at least 3 different needle sizes, I've finally got the look I'd hoped for and plan to start knitting as soon as I finish blogging.

I'm using Maggi's Linen in a beautiful deep mustard color. It should be a quick knit. Since I intend to do nothing else today except knit, I should get quite a bit done.

Rumbalicious

2004-06-14T22:44:00.000-04:00

Here it is, the one I've been waiting to wear... My Rumba sweater. The pattern is a Lettuce Knit original (my favorite LYS - local yarn shop). The yarn is called Rumba. This one was truly a labor of love. It's knit in all one piece and although the yarn is beautiful, it's not the easiest to work with. And don't drop a stitch because it's impossible to pick up! I was about 4" from the end when I noticed that a join had come undone. I had to unravel the entire sweater and start again. That's the bad news... the good news is that I love this one so much that I'm going to make another one in black! This time I'm going to be knitting it along with my buddy Nim, who's going to be knitting my sweater's twin, so we'll have each other along for moral support.

Me Knitting

2004-06-13T19:07:00.000-04:00

A picture of me knitting...

Magical Needles

2004-06-13T18:10:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of one of my prized possessions... handmade knitting needles from my husband, Jonathan. Most people would make needles from wooden dowels, but not my DH. He started with a plank of rosewood, which he cut into 2 "strips". Hours of sanding (by hand) later, those strips were transformed! Now I'm on a mission to find the perfect project with which to christen my new needles.

Welcome

2004-06-07T04:12:00.000-04:00

I've tried journaling before, but never had much luck with it. Perhaps I was intimidated because I didn't believe I had anything profound to say. Or maybe I was afraid that someone would find my journal and read my most private thoughts. And many times, I just didn't *feel* like writing.

But this time it's different. I'm on an incredible journey and although my insights may not be profound, they are significant (at least to me) and I want to record them in some way... and since I type much faster than I write, this seems like the perfect way to do that.

At 45, I've finally found a passion in life, in a most unexpected format - knitting. It's become so much more than a pastime or a hobby. It's become a way of life. For me, knitting is relaxation, release from stress, meditation, prayer, functionality, creativity, philanthropy, gift-giving, and just plain fun! Through a variety of colors, textures and patterns, I create things that please my eyes, soothe my skin, and massage my ego - all at the same time.

It's about creating a vision and making it happen... it's about understanding that giving a gift can be as great a joy as receiving one... it's about practicing the principles of simble abundance... it's about realizing the awesom mystery of creating a piece of wearable art from a single piece of string.

I knit from my heart... I knit for my soul.