Spinning Sandy's Ditsy Drivel

Celebrating Agatha Christie's Birthday

2011-09-15T23:01:00.001-04:00

Today was Agatha Christie's 121st birthday (she was born September 15th, 1890).

I decided to celebrate with Hercule Poirot, various other Agatha Christie characters, and Miss Marple style knitting. :)

First on the agenda: "Murder on the Orient Express", starring David Suchet as Poirot.
Unintentionally, it was next on my Netflix queue. It arrived yesterday, just in time for the birthday celebration! :D

Next: "Endless Night" streaming on Netflix. This is a more contemporary Agatha Christie novel, written in the 1960's. The movie stars Hailey Mills in one of the major roles. Unlike "Murder on the Orient Express", this story does not involve Hercule Poirot. No sign of Miss Marple either. You won't even find Tommy and Tuppence in this one! All the characters are unknown, and the story is very interesting. I'm so glad I read the book before watching this particular movie, because the ending is a MAJOR surprise, and makes the book one of my favorites. I've read that this story is Agatha Christie's favorite as well!

While watching both movies, I'll be knitting a project that involves Miss Marple. The pattern is the "Diddle Dumpling" baby sweater from a vintage Bairnswear pattern book. There is a nice little story involved in this project. It's a MYSTERY even! :D

A few years ago, I was watching a Miss Marple episode on PBS called "A Caribbean Mystery". Joan Hickson was playing the part of Miss Marple, and did a great job (as usual). During the show, the cameraman took a shot of Miss Marple knitting a baby sweater. The camera view was over her shoulder, and I saw the actual knitting pattern in front of her!

My eyes were immediately glued to the screen, and I noticed that the name of the pattern was "Diddle Dumpling". I jumped up from my chair, and ran down the hall to look up the pattern on the internet. But, I was disappointed. No such pattern could be found. Not even by doing a "dogpile" search! :(

Seque to 2011, and I was browsing Ravelry. I was a member of a Ravelry group called "Mystery Book Talk", and mentioned that I wished I could find the "Diddle Dumpling" pattern. Some of the members responded that other people had been searching for the pattern as well, with no luck. We continued the discussion, and someone eventually figured it out! She had a DVD of the episode, so she was able to watch the scene over and over again. After several viewings, she decifered the name that was at the top of the pattern page - BAIRNSWEAR. Then, she searched for Bairnswear patterns on the internet. Finally, she found the actual Diddle Dumpling pattern!! We all rejoiced!!!

Pattern Book: Bairnswear #107
Link to purchase pattern: The Vintage Knitting Lady

Ravelry Pattern Page: "Diddle Dumpling"

I've decided to knit my sweater, using some vintage 100% wool in my stash. It's called "Rochelle Sweater & Sock Yarn", and is a lovely turquoise color. I think it will make a sweet cardigan. :)

I've only knit a tiny portion so far, but I'm loving how it looks.

If I can pay attention to the pattern tonight, I hope to get further along in the pattern. But, those two movies might just peel my eyes away from my knitting.

Talk soon!

Sandy's Candy - Almonds, White Chocolate, Peanut Butter, etc.

2011-04-16T21:37:00.004-04:00

Tonight, I had a sweet tooth. And there was not a cookie or piece of candy to be found in the whole house. I had already had a bowl of cereal, and I didn't want another one.

So, I looked through the cupboards and found some things I thought would work together well in a recipe. I was in a hurry to have it made, so I didn't want to spend 30 minutes looking through recipe books, or surfing the internet recipe boards. SO, I just started throwing things together. Luckily, it turned out very well!

I started out by melting 16 ounces of white chocolate in the microwave. When it was melted, I poured it into a medium mixing bowl. Next, I grabbed a jar of peanut butter and dug out a very large spoonful to mix with the white chocolate. Then, I walked over to the cabinet over the sink, and chose a can of cocoa. I then stirred up the white chocolate and peanut butter, with a generous spoonful of cocoa.

When this was well blended, I poured in an entire can of whole natural almonds. This looked pretty good, but it wasn't thick enough. So, I reached over and opened a big container of whole oats, pouring in about a cup and a half. After stirring all that together, it was looking much better. Just the right consistency.

Standing there, looking at the big bowl of gooey goodness, I wondered what I should do next. It tasted great, but I wanted it to be easier to eat. I mean, I could just stand there and keep eating it with a big spoon, but I knew it would start to harden up after awhile. :P

SO, I tore out a large sheet of waxed paper, and poured the entire bowl out on it. It made a big pile....not too appetizing. Next, I tore out another sheet of waxed paper, and placed it on top. Then, I smushed it down, until it was spread out evenly all over the paper. It was easy to do, since it was between two sheets of waxed paper.

Then, I decided to let it sit and harden. I watched Netflix while I waited, and licked the bowl clean. Yum!

After about 30 minutes, my treat was set. At first, I thought I would just cut it into smaller pieces, and store it in a covered bowl. But, then I remembered that I had some confectioners sugar in the cabinet. So, I cut the candy into pieces, and then put about a dozen pieces at a time in a small ziploc bag filled with the confectioners sugar. After shaking the bag around, I took out the pieces and placed them in a bowl. NOW it was finished. Just beautiful! I picked up a piece and popped it in my mouth. OH YUM!!!

Now, I just need to come up with a name for it. Almond Oat Delight? Almond Sugar Bites? Almond Peanut Butter Oat Sugar Heaven? (tee-hee)

Here are the ingredients:

16 ounce package of white chocolate for melting
8 ounce container of whole natural almonds
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup cocoa
1 1/2 cups whole oats
1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Romantic Rendezvouz

2011-03-05T06:56:00.006-05:00

My hubby and I have been married now for almost 10 years, and have settled into a comfortable existence together. Some people would say that it's boring, and I guess that sometimes it is. But, we still love each other. I mean, you can't have CONSTANT romance and excitement, or you would be exhausted!

Our days are usually pretty much the same. We say "good morning, how are you feeling?" every morning, and share a cup of coffee, a kiss and hug, then say, "have a good day!" When the day is over, we say, "how was your day? what do you want for dinner?" and share another hug and kiss. Next, we eat dinner, then settle comfortably in our living room, and watch our big screen tv.....he on his laptop, playing online poker.....me on my desktop pc, searching the internet, or doing some knit or crochet work on the sofa.

Yeah, predictable and boring.

My husband is actually more of a romantic than I am, but I have trouble figuring out how to inspire his romantic tendencies toward me. I'm just not very creative with emotions.....never have been.

But yesterday, I decided to try something new.

I sent my hubby a text, saying, "47WF redhead, looking for available WM for relaxing Italian dinner".

He responded IMMEDIATELY! :)

We continued our conversation, pretending that we had never met before. Silly, but fun. Eventually, I texted, "If you are interested, look for me at such&such restaurant at 7:15 tonight." He agreed, saying that he would be carrying a flower.

SUCH EXCITEMENT!

That day, we avoided talking on the phone or sending any more texts. I think we both wanted to continue the mystery. The day went slower than normal, because I was anticipating our dinner together.

When my workday was finally over, I drove to the restaurant with butterflies in my stomach. (does my hair look okay? maybe I should touch up my lipstick....) When I arrived at the restaurant, I was surprised by how excited I was! I walked in, and asked for a table for two, telling them that I was expecting "someone". ;)

After being seated, my date arrived, carrying a flower as promised. He then proceeded to walk across the room and kissed me on the lips in front of everyone! Before he kissed me, I exclaimed, "But we've just MET!" (tee-hee)

We both had a light in our eyes, and smiled, enjoying our time together. We then shared a small pizza and a plate of lasagna. Mine, with a glass of Italian chianti.....his, with a Corona Extra. (we NEVER drink together like that!)

Soon, we settled into our usual dinnertime conversation, and I noticed that he was getting sleepy. He worked a LOT of hours that day (as usual).

But, I was still VERY happy with our romantic rendezvouz. I actually got my husband to a restaurant ON TIME, with a spring in his step, and a flower in his hand.....and a sweet kiss for the whole restaurant to see. This was definitely a night to remember.

(photo from our beach trip a couple years ago)

(photo from our honeymoon almost 10 years ago)

Flowers and Cookies

2010-01-26T11:22:00.002-05:00

About a week ago, I was shopping at Walmart, and noticed that they had several bouquets of flowers on sale half price. I got this gorgeous arrangement for just 5 dollars! It really makes my craft room look better.

As you can see, there is a stack of folded clothes beside the flowers. I just haven't been feeling well lately, so some household tasks are being pushed aside. At least I'm able to stay on top of my knitting! (Read more about that in my knitting blog.)

In addition to the flowers, I found a deal on some Christmas stuff too. This time, at AC Moore. This cookie tree kit was marked down to just $2. Instead of making a tree, I just mixed all the frosting together, and coated the stars as cookies. Then, I got decorations from my cabinet, and made them look festive.

Merry After Christmas! :)

Christmas Service at Church 2009

2009-12-20T14:47:00.002-05:00

This morning was our annual Christmas celebration at church. Our big choir musical was last week, and this week was very laid back in comparison. But still lovely.

Our impromptu Memorial Band did a great job of performing the prelude and hymns.

I snapped this photo before rehearsal to get a shot of my former high school band director (on the left). I think it's so cool that he attends my church.

We also had a piano/trumpet duet for the offertory today. So nice to have them as a part of the service.

Our sanctuary was decorated very nicely.

Here are the poinsettias at the windows:

Our Chrismon Tree:

And here's a view of the back of the church:

It helps to put us in a nice Christmas spirit to see our church dressed up so well. :)

Nice Visit with My Family

2009-11-02T09:03:00.002-05:00

Last night, I was able to visit with my parents and my two sons, Josh and Noah. It was nice!

We went to Hops restaurant, and had a very nice time.

Here are my sons, sitting with their grandpa:

Of course, Noah had to make a silly face. Crazy guy!

And here's a photo of me with my boys. They are all grown up now! (21 and 24)

New Blue Chair

2009-10-22T21:58:00.002-04:00

I am such a happy girl now. I finally have a nice chair for my craft room. It's the nicest chair I've ever had in my life. And it's all because I had a sore back.....

Recently, I was having some real pain with my back, and went to the doctor to see what was going on. He did an xray, and told me that I have a slight curve in my spine. So, I've been taking pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and steroids to help deal with the problem.

I do a lot of knitting in my craft room, and haven't had a good chair to sit in when I'm in there. So, I knew I needed to find something FAST to support my back better.

After looking at 4 different stores, I found my chair.

It's GORGEOUS!

It was at my local consignment store (Consignment First in Matthews, NC) for a great price.
I'm so glad I got it. Now, I have a beautiful chair that supports my back well. Life is good.

Stuck in Bed with a Bad Back

2009-09-25T20:38:00.003-04:00

This week has been such a drag. Somehow, I hurt my back....can't figure out how.
Anyway.....I've been laying in bed on an ice pack for 6 days now, and the pain is just as bad. I have only been able to teach a couple piano lessons this week, so no money for me! :(

So, today I finally went to the doctor. Yeah, I know....it took me too long to make that decision. The appointment went fine, and the doctor gave me 3 prescriptions. Pain, Muscle Relaxer, and Steroid. I dropped off the prescriptions at the pharmacy, then picked up something to eat at KFC (chicken pot pie). I also got a cone of ice cream at a local ice cream shop, since I was a good girl, taking myself to the doctor. Ha! (Mint Chocolate Chip in a sugar cone - YUM!)

After picking up my prescriptions at the pharmacy, I drove straight home, and carried in everything. That was a lot of work, since my back was still hurting.

Ah...finally home. But I couldn't rest yet. Still had to figure out all these medications. Of course, none of them have the same time schedule. I went ahead and took the first dose, then carried the bottles down the hall to my bed. I then grabbed my little laptop computer, placed it on the bed, and settled myself in. After considering all the prescriptions, I decided to make an Excel spreadsheet to help me keep track of my dosage schedule. It took a few minutes to get it all sorted out. I color coded the spreadsheet, then marked the bottles using 3 different colored markers. When I finally finished that little task, I settled down for a LONG NAP.

After 8 hours of glorious, painless sleep, I was finally rested. I think it was the first time I've actually had a deep sleep in 10 days. Wonderful....sweet rest.

My back is still hurting, but not as bad as it was. Now, I'm waiting for my hubby to get home from work. He's bringing dinner from Captain D's. After I eat, I'll take another dose of medicine, and hit the sack again.

I have to play piano for a wedding tomorrow, so I'm going to get as much rest as I can now. I'll probably have to skip a dose of medication tomorrow, so I can make it through the service without falling asleep. Ha!

He's B A C K........

2009-09-16T12:25:00.003-04:00

Today, I needed to run some errands, so I grabbed my purse, and some other things, to carry them to the car. After opening the kitchen door, I was promptly accosted by the same black cat I saw a couple weeks ago. He was demanding food again. The nerve!!

So, I made sure I pulled the door shut so he wouldn't go into my house, then carried my stuff to the car. He must have thought I was coming out to feed him, because he quickly walked straight to the food dish I had placed outside for him on that earlier day. (Yes....I must admit I didn't bring it back in yet.)

I rolled my eyes, and announced to him that I am NOT his owner, so he can't expect me to feed him. I mean....REALLY...he can't just prance back into my life and demand my servitude. Unbelievable! Reminds me of some other male interactions in my past.

This time, I wanted to snap a photo of him, so I could PROVE that he is real. (One of my friends said that I must have imagined this cat - and likened me to Alice in Wonderland, with a "cheshire cat".) Ha!

Well, here you go, my friend. PROOF that it's a real cat.

Here he is defiantly claiming that he is my cat, and demanding food:

And here he is sniffing the bushes by my house, trying to charm me into thinking he's a gentle cat.

Once again, showing his "true" nature, demanding attention and food with a wicked, cold stare.

I'm not breaking down this time. I know his game now. He's not starving, and he hasn't lost his way. He's just out to take advantage of me again.....MEN!!

Homemade Waffles

2009-09-15T06:03:00.002-04:00

I have some nice buttermilk in our fridge today, so this morning, I decided to make some homemade waffles. I grabbed my 1974 Betty Crocker Cookbook, and turned to the recipe.

It called for two cups of flour, and I decided to substitute one cup with whole wheat flour.

They turned out very nice!

My hubby took the first bite, and said, "These are MUCH better than the ones at Waffle House!"

What a sweetie..... :D

Unintentional Cat Owner

2009-09-01T01:09:00.001-04:00

For the past week, there has been a black cat continually greeting me at my driveway when I come home. He acts like I'm supposed to be his owner or something. "Fusses" at me for not letting him in the house. I speak to him, and say, "Listen, I'm not your owner, and I'm allergic to you anyway. Go home."

But, he has persisted. This morning at 5 AM, when my hubby was leaving, the cat was there. My hubby said, "Whose cat is that?" I replied, "I think it's ours now." Anyway, it was time for me to sleep, because I had been up knitting all night. So, I said goodbye to my hubby, turned off all the lights, and went to bed.

When I woke at about noon, I looked outside, and the cat was sitting on the steps, staring up at me. Unbelievable.I had my lunch, got dressed, then put my stuff in the car for piano lessons. Then, I heard a little "meow". I walked to the mailbox, and carried the mail to my car, and heard the "meow" again. I looked all around, and finally found the cat sitting on our ROOF! I looked up at him and said, "I don't know how you got up there, but I can't deal with you right now. Besides, you don't even live here!" And I left to go to teach piano lessons.

I got back home at about 7:30, and was promptly greeted by an irate cat. I very clearly said to him, "Listen you....you're not my cat!" He ignored me of course. So, I went in the house and put down all my stuff. The cat was staring at me through the door, meowing loudly. I figured that he must be hungry. So, I opened a can of tuna, put it in a small bowl, and carried it outside, placing it on the edge of the driveway. The cat POUNCED on it, and quickly devoured it all. Poor thing. I wonder where he came from?

Anyway, I walked outside after a while, and rinsed out the bowl. Then just stood there, looking around the neighborhood, looking to see if anyone would come and claim this cat. No such luck. The cat is VERY friendly, and was rubbing up against my legs, stretching up to touch my hands occasionally. I didn't pet him, because I'm allergic, you know.

I looked online, and didn't find any mention of a lost black and white cat in my area. He's really a gorgeous cat. Tall and regal looking. Shiny black fur, white face and neck and paws. Pretty. He still has claws too, so he can protect himself outside. (I noticed the claws when he stretched up my leg.)

I wonder where he came from?

My New Cell - Verizon Blitz

2009-08-31T02:55:00.004-04:00

I've been having trouble with my cell phone, because it hurts to text. It's a very simple phone, with no bells or whistles. So, I was having to click buttons several times just to get one letter typed for texting.

I have arthritis, and my cell phone was just making it worse.

So, my hubby decided to try to find a better phone for me. He's such a sweetie.

We were out on a date night at our local mall, and he said, "Let's go look at the phones at Verizon." We already have an account with them, so they were quick to help us.

I didn't like the look or feel of ANY of the phones on display, so I kept asking to see more. The sales rep brought out 3 other phones from a cabinet in the back of the store.

After looking at all three of them, I decided to go with the Verizon Blitz. Easy to use, and it has a full keyboard for texting. The phone is very small - about the size of a make-up compact.

The cover slides open easily to reveal the texting keyboard.

This little phone is just right for my arthritic hands. The buttons are easy to push. So long old phone!

Sick at Home :(

2009-08-21T19:27:00.002-04:00

Bummer. I'm sick again.
I'm so sick of being sick. I just seem to catch EVERYTHING now that I'm in my 40's.

It's probably because I teach piano to my students in their homes. I'm exposing myself to different germs several times a day. You'd think that it would make me build up an immunity to different sicknesses, but it seems to work in reverse in my case.

Anyway, I always get sick when school starts back again. All my piano students are back in town, and I have several lessons a day again. So, I'm hoping that I will work this sickness out of my system quickly, and be back to normal.

I have a fever, sore throat, backache, headache, achy joints, and exhaustion. I've been taking the Walmart brand of Effervescent Cold medicine, just like Alka Seltzer Plus. It helps me rest, and makes me feel better immediately after taking it.

I slept most of the day today, and was only able to knit a few rows before collapsing. It's been a good day for the internet though. :D

Sandy's Scrumptious Sausage Stew

2009-05-06T22:47:00.002-04:00

YUM!!!

Today, I made a new stew, using ingredients I had in my kitchen.
My hubby and I love it!

Here's how I made it. I'll add more details on sizes of cans, etc. later.

Sandy’s Scrumptious Sausage Stew

Brown 1 pack of sausage in frying pan
Drain off all oil, and press between thick paper towels to remove more oil
Put sausage in large pot

Add the following:
1 can tomato soup & ½ soup can of water
1 can of sliced okra, drained
1 can of corn
1 can of green beans
stir these ingredients well

Season with:
Sea Salt
Basil
Curry
Paprika
Sage
Cumin
Black Pepper
1 small packet Splenda
Stir seasonings into stew

Cook (covered) on medium-low heat for about an hour
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes

Add:
small basket of whole mushrooms
Half of a large sweet onion, chopped in big chunks
Can of diced tomatoes
Stir and continue to simmer for about 45 minutes

Knitting with Some of my Handspun Yarn

2009-04-11T03:06:00.001-04:00

A long time ago, I spun some beautiful blue merino wool on my spinning wheel.

This week, I actually used some of it to make a nice hair scrunchie! :)

Here's My Little Teapot....Short and Stout. ;)

2009-03-28T15:58:00.000-04:00

This morning, I had a nice little pot of hot tea. Good Earth Vanilla Chai. Very yummy. I was able to get more than 4 cups out of my small teapot, and it stayed hot the whole morning. I covered it up with two kitchen towels.

I think I'll make a nice handknit tea cozy. :)

The teapot is EXACTLY like the one my mother had in her kitchen when I was growing up. I found this one at an antique store in Charlotte. The cup and saucer set was a Christmas gift from my step-children.

Sheep Shearing Day at Rising Meadows Farm in North Carolina

2009-02-17T15:10:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, on Valentine's Day, I decided to go to a sheep shearing day with a friend. It took place at Rising Meadow Farm in Liberty, North Carolina. It was a wonderful day, and the weather was perfect!

We rode in her little Smart Car, and really enjoyed talking and looking at the scenery.

When we got there, we went straight to the sheep barn to watch the shearing.

Here are some of the sheep, waiting to be shorn:

More sheep:

Here's one of the sheep, about to be shorn by the master shearer. It just quietly let the shearer grab him, lay him down, and cut his hair without complaint.

Here's the shearer, hard at work, giving the sheep a good haircut.

Here's the sheep after his haircut.

And here's the big fleece that came from that sheep.

We also saw a brown lamb being shorn. Once again, it was quiet and patient during the haircut.

There were severals bags of fleece, ready to be purchased. I think it was cool that they included
the name of the sheep each fleece came from.

After watching the sheep shearing, we wandered over to the next field, and saw some alpaca or llama. (It's hard for me to tell the difference between those two animals.)

They were so friendly, and would just walk right up to you. This one went straight to Brenda and stole her heart on Valentine's Day.

I got a visit from that one as well. I think he liked the way my handknit alpaca wristwarmers smelled. :)

After walking around the farm, we went into their little shop. I checked out the roving, to spin on my wheel at home. I decided to buy 4 balls of Corriedale in a light natural shade.

Brenda bought some of the handspun yarn the farm had prepared.

After our long drive and walk, we were tired, so we sat down outside to eat the picnic lunch Brenda had prepared for us. Thanks Brenda!! Next, we drove to her place, to sit and knit for a while. It was a perfect way to end our day together.

Spears Weaving Loom Instructions

2009-02-13T04:14:00.003-05:00

Several people have asked me to mail them copies of the Spears Weaving Loom Instruction Book I have with my size 4 loom. I'm tired of copying it and mailing it, so I've downloaded it to my Flickr photo account.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59646927@N00/sets/72157613723481111/

I think it should be fine, since the instructions were printed so long ago. I don't think a copyright applies. But, if anyone hears differently, please let me know, and I'll remove the link.

Take care, and happy weaving!

Cooking and Eating

2009-01-25T22:12:00.003-05:00

Last year, I was on a low carb diet for most of the year, and 3 months of the year before. I plateau-ed, and never lost more than the 40 pounds I lost in the first two months of the diet.

Since I was discouraged, I put the low carb diet aside, and quickly gained back all the weight I had lost. Discouraging, but that's the breaks.

Now, I'm eating cakes and cookies and bread again. Eventually, I'll get back on a diet, but I'm not sure which one I'll choose. Maybe low carb, maybe something else.

In the meantime, I'm eating cake. Ha!

Here's the one I made a couple weekends ago. My hubby and I loved it.

The following week, I made a "Cranberry Kuchen" from my very old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.

My Meme

2008-12-02T08:08:00.004-05:00

I'm considering myself "tagged" by Nancy Knits. She made a list on her blog, answering questions for a "meme". I'd never heard of a meme before, so I read her link to a site that explains it. I still don't completely understand it, but I'm going to answer the same questions she answered. (tee-hee)

10 Years Ago I:
looked like this:
Was a lonely single mom, looking for "Mr Right"
Was the Organist at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church
Was engaged to "Mr Wrong", who cancelled the engagement a month later
Enjoyed playing games with my kids on Nintendo NES and Super Nintendo
Was lucky to find good deals on necessities at thrift and consignment shops
Was reading most of Jules Verne's works (my favorite was "The Mysterious Island")
Had just finished reading The Bible all the way through for the second time

5 Things on Today's "To-Do" List:
Have breakfast with my husband :)
Run errands: Cancel wireless internet & gym membership, pay car insurance
Teach 5 piano lessons
Work on knitting Christmas gifts
Computer time: Knitting Help Forum, Ravelry, Facebook, Yahoo, eBay, Flickr, Blogger

5 Snacks I Enjoy:
Almonds, Pecans, Cashews
Hot Tea or Coffee
Combos (Cheddar Cheese Pretzel)
Skor Toffee Bars
Breyers Butter Pecan Ice Cream

5 Things I Would Do If I Were a Millionaire:
Give some money to charity
Pay off all our bills
Buy a solar-powered house, and a cottage in the mountains
Visit Ireland, Scotland, Hawaii and Alaska
Finally have a new car, preferably an electric one (charged with the solar power at my house)

5 Places I Have Lived:
Indian Trail, NC
Wingate, NC
Charlotte, NC
Belmont, NC
ending up back in Indian Trail

5 Jobs I Have Had:
Piano Teacher
Independent Insurance Agent
Executive Assistant at Aetna/US Healthcare
Church Secretary at Mulberry Baptist Church
Telemarketer & Receptionist for Dr. Paul Homoly

Teaching an Embroidery Class

2008-10-13T00:04:00.003-04:00

Recently, I taught a crewel embroidery class to a group of home-schoolers. It was a lot of fun!

I started off by gathering together lots of sportweight wool yarn for the students to use:

Next, I stitched a simple design, using the stitches I would be teaching to them:

Next, I traced a simple design onto linen fabric and placed them in hoops for each student.

I taught 8 young girls how to do the following stitches:

Straight Stitch
Stem Stitch
French Knot
Couching Stitch
Padded Satin Stitch

I think the class went well, and several of the girls were asking lots of questions. A success!

Embroidery Work - Nice on Hot Days

2008-06-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

Recently, our air conditioning was not working, so our house was SUPER HOT!!! (It was over 90 degrees overnight, even with 10 fans running in the house.)

Since it was so hot, I could not bring myself to knit or spin. So, I got out my new needlework stand, and pulled out some embroidery kits that have been waiting for me. I decided to work on a candlewicking kit called "He Loves Me Knot". Very nice. I just love my new needlework stand!

Here's what I've gotten done so far:

I really enjoy doing embroidery for a change. :)

Relaxing Day at Home

2008-05-17T18:58:00.002-04:00

Today has been a wonderful day.

My hubby and I started the morning with a nice hug and kiss. I'm so glad I found my soulmate. We are good for each other. :)

He is a restaurant manager, so we usually don't have the chance to have breakfast together. But, today he scheduled himself to go into work in the afternoon. So we had breakfast!! He's on a low cholesterol diet, and I am on a low carbohydrate diet. So, needless to say....cooking breakfast took up a LOT of counter space!

Real eggs for me..."Egg Mates" for him.
Real cheese for me..."Smart Beat" cheese for him.
Real butter for me..."Smart Balance" spread for him.
Sausage for me.....turkey for him.

We were able to share the mushrooms, spinach, herbs, spices, red bell pepper and onions, though. It was yummy!!!

After breakfast, my hubby spent some time on the internet, and I went to knit in my craft room. I've really been enjoying Librivox lately. It's a really cool website, with free audiobooks online. All of the books are in the public domain, and recorded by volunteers. I'm listening to all of Frank Baum's books about the Land of Oz. I had no idea there were so many books about that place!! It's really cool to listen to it for free.

While I was knitting and listening to Librivox, my hubby was taking a shower and getting ready for work. Before he left, he went to check the mailbox, and returned with a small package for me. It was an embroidery kit I had gotten on eBay. It's really cool! It's a crewel embroidery design of a knitting bag, with an initial on it. I'll probably use an "S" for "Shandeh" or "Sandy". :D

After my hubby left for work, I listened to the first three chapters of "The Wizard of Oz", and got a good bit of knitting done in the process. Then, I started getting drowsy. So, I took a 3 hour nap. How wonderful!!!

When I woke, I made myself two cups of hot tea.

My absolute favorite tea is on the left. It's "Good Earth Organic Original Sweet & Spicy Tea". If you let it brew long enough, there is no need for sweetener at all. It's naturally sweet, and is a natural source of antioxidants. :)
The tea on the right is one that I occasionally have. I must really be in the mood for it though. If I drink it too often, it reminds me of furniture polish. :P It's "Twinings Herbal Revive", with lemon and Chinese ginger.

I think I'll go back to the Land of Oz and knitting for a while. :)

Sewing for a Friend

2008-05-13T11:43:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine from the Knitting Help Forum asked if I could sew a dress for her granddaughter. She chose a pattern from my collection, and specified the type of fabric she wanted. I took my time choosing the fabric, because I wanted it to be just right.

Then, I started sewing. It took a while, because I am a slow worker. I just want things to be right, you know?

I'm always careful to press open each seam as I sew it. I handsew certain parts, just to make it correct. And I read the directions WAY too many times....always afraid that I'll miss something.

I was a bit frustrated with this particular pattern, because they made a mistake in the bodice instructions. At the end, I had to rip out a couple seams and re-do them properly. If I didn't have sewing experience, I would have been thoroughly confused. I'm glad I've been sewing for 30 years!

Last night, I finally finished everything. The zipper is added, the snaps are attached, and the hem is sewn. It's lovely!

Here's the front:

And here's the back:

Hey! I MADE some Spinners on The Sims!

2008-04-08T14:38:00.002-04:00

I've been a Sims fan ever since the first "The Sims" game came out. I have every single expansion pack for the original series of games.

When I received "Makin' Magic", I think I only played it for one week before "The Sims 2" was released. At that time, I just removed all the old Sims games, and installed The Sims 2 instead.

I've spent the last 2 years struggling through LONG waiting periods.....waiting for the game to load.....waiting for the Sims neighborhood to open......waiting for my Sim to walk across the room.....waiting for my Sim to ride the taxi to another neighborhood.....waiting, waiting, waiting.

And not really enjoying it, I might add. :(

So, last night, I decided to REMOVE the Sims 2, and put my OLD Sims back on. Boy, am I glad I did!!!

I installed ALL of the old games. The Sims, Livin' Large, House Party, Hot Date, Vacation, Unleashed, Superstar, and Makin' Magic.

When I started playing, I waited for the game to load. And that's the only waiting I had to do. :D

After spending a few minutes with the game, I realized that I never really played "Makin' Magic" at all. I opened up the "Buy" screen to put some items in my little Sims house, and I found a SPINNING WHEEL!!!!! Oh My Gosh!!!! I was so excited, I was about to BUST!!

So, of course, I decided right then and there to make a castle full of ladies in long dresses, so I could have them all spin at the same time.

:)

Yay! I Found Some Spinners!

2008-03-14T02:00:00.003-04:00

Today, when I was at Cottage Yarn, in Mint Hill, North Carolina, I was talking to one of the friendly shop clerks. She told me that there are a few spinners that would like to get together this weekend in Mint Hill.

I'm so excited!!!! FINALLY, I have found some spinners that I can sit and spin with. I'm really looking forward to it.

:D

SAFF Purchases

2007-10-29T13:38:00.001-04:00

I didn't have a lot of money for my trip to SAFF this year, but I did buy a couple spinning things.

A pretty, buttery yellow sweatshirt, that says, "I Spin to Knit".

Here I am wearing it (I couldn't smile, because I was exhausted after SAFF):

And another 8 ounces of beautiful "English Garden" roving from "Shepherd's Corner". I already have 8 ounces in the same color, which I bought last year. Now, I have a pound! :D

I also bought some yarn for knitting, a pattern book, and a bar of handmade soap for sensitive skin. Here's my total haul this year:

SAFF 2007

2007-10-28T16:50:00.000-04:00

I had a WONDERFUL time yesterday at SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair) in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.

The weather was perfect, the yarn was gorgeous, the animals were sweet, and the spinning wheels were beautiful.

More Roses

2007-10-16T12:44:00.001-04:00

I still haven't spun a thing. I'm a BAD spinner. I've mostly been knitting and sewing lately, but that will soon change. I'm going to SAFF in a couple weeks!!! (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair in the mountains of North Carolina.) I'm sure that seeing all that fiber and handspun yarn will light a fire under me. I'm so EXCITED!!!!

Last night, my hubby walked in the door with a dozen roses for me. He's in the dog house right now. I'm still pondering whether to let him out or not. ;)

Roses for Healing

2007-09-29T19:17:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted anything in this blog in SO long, so I decided to show that I am still alive.

I was sick for the past week with a stomach virus, but I'm finally on the healing road. Last night, I bought myself some roses to help cheer my heart.

Aren't they gorgeous in my new craft room?

Cashmere Yarn

2007-08-22T03:24:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I never posted photos of the beautiful cashmere yarn I got after unravelling that sweater.

The first thing I unravelled was the turtleneck:

After that, the front and back of the sweater went fast!

In the end, I had 14 ounces of heavenly soft cashmere yarn!

I did a search on Google, and realized that I have about 100 dollars worth of cashmere yarn now. And I only paid $3.79 for the sweater at Goodwill!

Waiting for New Craft Room

2007-07-29T03:53:00.001-04:00

I'm in the process of re-modeling my craft room right now, so all my stuff is piled up in the living room.

Since I can't spin, I've been concentrating on knitting and playing PC games in my spare time.

Tonight, I got a decent score on Chuzzle. Over 800,000 in classic mode. That game is too fun.

Weaving & Unravelling Old Sweaters

2007-06-30T23:32:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in FOREVER, because I've been busy doing knitting projects, and learning to weave, and buying sweaters at thrift stores to unravel for the yarn.

I've started a HUGE project in the Knitting Help Forum, where we are making blankets for charity. Each of us knits a portion of the blanket, then mails it to the next person so they can continue knitting with the same needles. We always include gifts for them also, just because it's fun to do!
http://blanketfinder.blogspot.com/

Right now, we have 5 blankets in progress, as well as 6 shawls!
There are almost 100 knitters involved in the projects! COOL!!!

Learning to weave has been an interesting challenge. I've been thinking about weaving for the past two years, but didn't think I would be able to afford to do it. The nice looms are so expensive! I've been watching some auctions on eBay, hoping to one day get a floor loom, but no luck so far. I did get a table loom, though! Not a fancy new one, but it still works!

It's a Spears Weaving Loom, Size 4, which will weave items up to 16 inches across. I won the auction, and was able to purchase it for less than 40 dollars, with the shipping included.

It was easy for my hubby to put together for me, but the actual weaving has been quite a challenge.

I've been trying to decifer the instruction booklet, and looking at websites for the past two weeks. I've also been reading a book I won on eBay a while ago. It has LOTS of great information. I'm so glad I got it.

I've decided to try making a simple cloth, using some cheap cotton yarn I've had in my stash for a while. (Aunt Lydia's Crochet Cotton)

To start off, I had to cut 84 warping threads. They are each 87 inches long. THAT took a while!

Next, I put all the threads on the loom, according to the directions in the book.

Then, I realized that in order to wind up the threads on the top bar, I would have to unhook the threads from the bottom bar! (Oops!)

Finally, I had the warp threads all put on the loom, and tightened up.

All the work I had done so far took quite a while. It was time consuming, because I didn't really know what I was doing yet. So far, I had spent about 4 days trying different things.

Today, I finally tried the actual weaving of the cross threads (the "weft"). It's not perfect, by any stretch of the imagination. But, HEY! I'm still learning!

Originally, I was going to use this cloth as a bath mat, but now I can see that it will be too thin and open for that. So, I'll probably use it as a kitchen towel. I will probably have to sew the edges to make it look right.

It's fun to learn to weave! :)

In other news, I was lucky enough to find an AMAZING deal at the Goodwill Thrift Store the other day. A 100% Cashmere sweater!!!! OMG!!!!

I also got some other great deals, but this cashmere sweater just blew my mind! My knees went weak when I read the label inside the sweater!

Now, I'm unravelling the sweater to get the cashmere yarn.
I wonder how many ounces there are?

The Silver Grey Alpaca is SPUN and PLIED!

2007-05-07T23:03:00.000-04:00

Tonight, I finally finished spinning all the silver grey alpaca. SO SOFT. I really enjoyed working with it.

I started out with 8 ounces of roving. Now, I had 8 ounces of a spun single. So, I decided to ply two singles together to make a nice, chunky SOFT yarn. BEAUTIFUL!!!

And SO SOFT! I can't stop touching it!

I'm planning on making a hat and scarf set for myself. After all, I deserve it! :)

I had a tiny bit of alpaca left after plying, so I plied it with a confetti wool single I had in my craft room. It turned out nice too.

Silver Grey Alpaca Top - Handspun by Me!

2007-05-05T00:30:00.000-04:00

Last night and tonight, I've been spinning some beautiful silver grey alpaca top I've had in my fiber stash for a long time. It is GLORIOUS to work with!

More Spinning!

2007-05-04T23:36:00.000-04:00

I've really enjoyed spinning in the past week. I think a fire must have been lit under my spinning chair! I can't seem to do anything else! I haven't even been KNITTING this week!
ALERT THE MEDIA!

Here are some photos showing my spinning this week:

Purple Merino on the wheel

Purple Merino on the bobbins

Purple Merino wet and drying to set the spin on my PVC Niddy Noddy

Purple Merino finished, and ready to be mailed to a friend on the Knitting Help Forum

A one ounce sample of merino silk, in the color "Autumn", handspun on my Ashford Traditional spinning wheel

Tonight, I'm working on some beautifully soft silver alpaca I've had in my stash for a while. I'll post some photos of that soon.

Confetti with Blue Merino

2007-03-31T23:17:00.001-04:00

Confetti with Blue Merino, originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I did a spinning demonstration today at Cottage Yarn in Mint Hill. While I was there, I worked on spinning some "confetti wool" roving I got on eBay from Copper Moose Productions.

I'm VERY pleased with the results. I spun two singles, then plied them together to make this pretty yarn.

The photo shows the confetti yarn, along with some deep blue merino yarn I made earlier this month.

I'm finally getting this spinning thing! :)

Winnie the Pooh Dress

2007-03-10T21:22:00.001-05:00

Winnie the Pooh Dress, originally uploaded by Unkoine.

This morning, I started working on this little dress for our grandaughter. I used some Winnie the Pooh fabric I found at Walmart, and NewLook pattern 6578. It only took a few hours to make, and now it looks so cute! I added some bright red heart-shaped buttons to add just the right finishing touch.

Here's a closer view of the buttons:

Dora Explorer Top Shorts Finished!!

2007-03-08T15:12:00.001-05:00

Dora Explorer Top Shorts Finished!!, originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Yay! I finished sewing the Dora Explorer top and shorts for our granddaughter Hailey. She LOVES Dora the Explorer, so she should be a happy girl when she gets this. :)

I used Butterick pattern B4776

It was quick and fun.

I changed one thing, though. The directions called for making button holes on the straps, and sewing buttons inside the flap on the front of the top. I didn't want to do that, because then, you wouldn't be able to change how long the straps are. I like it better this way, because if she needs more or less room with the straps, all you have to do is move the button.

Plus, I really like the "Ritz Cracker" buttons I found, and I want them to be seen!

My Wish List

2007-02-16T12:03:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, I like to dream of what I want for my birthday or Christmas. Other times, I forget what I dreamed about. :P

So, here is my list for my future reference.

Knit Picks "Options" knitting needle set.
Some soft Malabrigo wool yarn. (I like the colors Vaa, Forest, Bobby Blue, Emerald, and Cinnabar.)
Knit Picks "Essential" Sock Yarn, in sets of two skeins, in the colors Dusk, Navy, Black or Cocoa.
Knit Picks "Memories" Sock Yarn, in sets of two skeins, in the colors Redwood Forest, Yukon, Fly Fishing, or Cape Cod.
Knit Picks "Gloss" yarn, in the colors Dusk, Woodland Sage, Cocoa, or Black.
Knit Picks "Shadow" yarn, in the colors Sunset, Lost Lake, or Campfire.
This knitting pattern for a pretty cape.
"Big Girl Knits" knitting pattern book.Sally Melville's books
"The Knit Stitch" and "Color"
See the fall foliage in Pennsylvania.See the BIG mountains in Colorado.
Go to Scotland and Ireland and Hawaii.
Go to several beautiful art museums.
Meet Craig Ferguson.
Get a photo of Columbo, signed by Peter Falk. Or better yet, meet Peter Falk, and get him to sign the photo I already have!
Learn how to make a quilt, and work on it with a group.
See a Broadway play, preferably one with Nathan Lane in the cast.
See some historic homes, like Monticello.
Take art lessons, and learn to paint and draw.
Learn ballroom dancing with my husband.(I'll need to get my knee fixed first)
Go to a "fancy-schmancy" hotel with my husband, and get room service!
Go to the "behind the scenes" and the "candlelight" tour of the Biltmore Estate with my husband.
Ride the "gourmet dinner train" at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

Sockintines Socks

2007-02-08T13:40:00.001-05:00

Sockintines Socks for the KH Forum Sock Swap, originally uploaded by Unkoine.

FINALLY!!! I finished making my partner's socks in the Knitting Help Forum Sockintines Sock Swap! Yay!!!

I used Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn, and knit the socks with the free online pattern "River Rapids Socks" by Sockbug.

I'm really pleased with the final result. I hope my partner enjoys her new socks!

It took about a month to make them, because I was using fingering weight yarn for the first time, with size 2 needles. And of course, I was actually living my life at the same time. :)

Sockintines Socks - Legs and Heels

2007-02-01T06:40:00.001-05:00

Sockintines Socks - Legs and Heels, originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I'm making socks for our Sockintines Sock Swap in the Knitting Help Forum. (www.knittinghelp.com)

In this photo, I had finished both legs, and turned both heels.

Last night, I finished both gussets, and started making the long, boring foot. The only excitement left is the kitchener toe, which is actually pretty easy for me now.

I just LOVE this beautiful, velvety soft yarn goodness. Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn in the colorway Sonatina. GORGEOUS! I found the free sock knitting pattern online by Sock Bug. It's called "River Rapids", and is an easy design that turns out quite lovely!

I'll hate to say goodbye to them when I mail them to my sock partner. (But I do have two more skeins of that yarn in another color for ME!)

My Fuzzy Furry Steering Wheel is Famous!

2007-01-15T10:17:00.000-05:00

I'm such a proud knitter. :)

A little over a year ago, I designed a fuzzy steering wheel cover for my car, because our summers here in the south get SO HOT! (It gets kinda cold in the winter too) I also wanted to find a use for all my skeins of furry eyelash yarn. Why did I buy so many skeins of that yarn?

So, after making my wheel cover, and getting compliments everywhere I went, I thought, "Hmmm....maybe I should make a pattern for other knitters to use as well." So, I sat down at my computer, using my handwritten instructions as a guide, and made a nice looking document with the pattern instructions and a decent photo. I also published the design on my blog and website.

I had NO idea it would become a popular knitting pattern, but it did!

This month, my "Fuzzy Furry Steering Wheel Cover" is being featured on Fiber Femmes:
http://www.fiberfemmes.com/pattern4.htm

Cheers!

New Year's Resolution 2007

2007-01-02T02:44:00.000-05:00

I have never made a New Year's Resolution in my life. But this year, I am.

I resolve to exercise, and eat nutritious food.

I've written all about it in one of my other blogs:
http://sandyhealthlog.blogspot.com/2007/01/new-years-resolution.html

Christmas 2006

2006-12-26T07:28:00.000-05:00

I was SO blessed this year by our church musical. I had mentioned to the choir director that I really love "The Winter Rose" by Joseph Martin. He listened to me play some parts of it, and decided to do it! I was SO pleased. That work is absolutely gorgeous. The last time I performed it was in the year 2000 at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church with Lisa Bremner as the director. It has such beautiful melodies and is very well written. It is so satisfying to play at the piano.

The choir loved it as soon as they heard it, and we practiced the work for 3 months. A string quartet was hired, as well as flute and oboe. Our director, Todd Henry also brought in a guest organist to help with quietly supporting choir parts. I gladly performed at the grand piano, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The choir did an excellent job. Our performance was superb, and the congregation was enthralled. I've never heard more comments from them before. It was perfect. :)

After all the church music was finished, I had a nice, relaxing Christmas at home. On Christmas Eve, my sweet hubby drove to visit his parents and kids without me, because I'm allergic to their cats. (His parents have four, and his kids have at least one.) I decided to visit my parents the same day.

So, since our family visits were over, we decided to stay home for Christmas Day. We slept until about 11:30, then I got a phone call from my son Noah. He wanted to come and bring our Christmas gifts. So, I hung up the phone, and rested for a few minutes. I was just about to get out of bed, when the doorbell rang. (3 rings in rapid succession. Then 3 MORE rings in rapid succession. Then repeated BANGING on the door.) What an impatient son I have! :P

I jumped out of bed, threw on a housecoat, and went to the door, while I heard Marvin groaning and throwing on some clothes behind me. (Merry Christmas!)

After letting Noah in, we sat in the living room, and opened our gifts. He gave me a Starbucks gift card, and Marvin got some baseball cards. While they opened the packs and looked through the cards, I went to throw on some clothes. We sat around talking for a while, and Marvin invited him to have breakfast with us. So, Noah went to pick up his girlfriend and their new puppy Oreo, and I got to work making breakfast.

I made country ham, eggs, biscuits, coffee, juice, and Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls. (The Cinnabon version - YUM!)

Marvin and I waited for a while, then decided to go ahead and eat without them. (They are still young, so they tend to be late everywhere they go.) When they finally arrived, we played with their dog while they had their breakfast. Then we all sat around talking in the living room again. We had a good time. :)

In the afternoon, they said that they would like to go see a movie, and asked if we could watch the puppy for them. We agreed, and they ended up staying out for quite a while! (They finally came back to get him after 10 PM. :P) It wasn't that bad, because their puppy is a real sweetie. "Oreo" is his name, because of his black and white coloring, and he is a mixed breed of Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, and something else. (can't remember) He is full of energy and so CUTE! He didn't have any toys with him, so I knit a little tug toy for him, and he LOVED it! :D

I took some videos of him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tpstx-kG84
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzLzFp-qItg
He was fun, but I soon started wheezing and having trouble breathing. Bummer. :(

It sure would be nice if I could have a pet that didn't make me sick. Life just isn't fair.

On a happier note, I got lots of fun gifts this year. My church choir, and the men's quartet each gave me some very much needed Christmas money! :) We also had some really nice dinners. My piano students gave me gift cards, Sim City 4, chocolates, and some sweet trinkets. Friends at church gave me pretty ornaments, christmas treats, a kitchen gadget, and a candle. My parents gave me a Target gift card. My oldest son, Josh, did the same. Noah gave me the Starbucks gift card. And Marvin's kids gave me some candles.

My hubby Marvin gave me some sweet, fun gifts: The Sims 2 Holiday Edition, Animal Crossing for Nintendo DS (I'll get the system for my birthday), and Season 4 of Columbo.

So, now I'm home alone again. Whew! All that holiday socialization took it's toll on me. I'm pooped, and I've caught a cold. :( I guess I'd better stay inside and recuperate now.

Hey, I know! I'll KNIT! :D

I lost my glasses!

2006-11-27T19:59:00.000-05:00

I had a bit of an adventure today. I was going to just stay home and knit, but I was putting things away, and couldn't find my glasses!!!!!

I mean, I REALLY need my glasses, especially when I'm playing organ or piano at church. So, I went berserk. I was frantically searching EVERYWHERE.

Then, I started thinking and thought that maybe I left them at Showmars Restaurant yesterday when Marvin and I had lunch. So, I decided to run some errands, grabbed my shopping list, my purse, and ran out the door. I also grabbed my knitting bag, just in case I had time to stop by my cousin's yarn shop.

I had to squint my eyes to see the road and signs clearly, and I was getting a headache from the strain. I stopped at the post office to mail a letter for Marvin, then stopped at Peace of Yarn to grab a couple skeins of yarn I HAD to have. (They were rude this time. I guess I was under-dressed by their standards.) They didn't even offer to help when I was straining to read the color numbers and lot numbers on the yarn I was looking for. I only bought ONE skein, just for spite.

I got back in my car, and carefully drove to the restaurant, then went inside to ask if anyone had turned in some glasses. The girl at the counter didn't want to look for them. I almost had to BEG her. Finally, she grudgingly looked around the register, and said, "There's nothing here." I stood my ground, and told her that they are valuable glasses, costing about 250 dollars, and I can't afford to replace them. She then went to ask someone in the kitchen if they had seen any glasses turned in. Then, she looked where they indicated for "lost and found" items. Not there.

So, I left my name and number on a slip of paper, describing the glasses. (Gold rims - NICE) Boy, was I pissed. There I was, with no glasses, and the choir's Christmas musical will be coming up in just a couple weeks.

So, I drove straight to my eye doctor's office to order a new pair. It took about 45 minutes for me to look at glasses, and for them to try to get verification of coverage from my insurance company. They were never able to reach my insurance, so I was left with having to pay out of pocket. So I asked for the "thrift box" of frames. I chose a pair, and the lady marked them for my prescription. Then, I told them that I would try to confirm the insurance coverage myself, because they were closing.

What a rotten day. Here I was going to have to pay over 100 dollars for glasses, when we really need the money for our kid's Christmas. So, I called the insurance company...finally got through after holding FOREVER. The lady at the insurance place said that my coverage is fine, and she faxed a copy of it to the eye doctor for me. Next, I called the doctor's office again, and said that I will try to come back in tomorrow morning, so I can choose the glasses I really want, and hopefully get an appointment with my doctor to confirm that the prescription is accurate.

Whew! What a day so far!

Next, I stopped at KFC to grab a chicken pot pie, then went to the grocery store to grab a few things we needed. (Dove Hairspray was on sale for 2 bucks!)

When I got home, I carried in all the groceries, then took my dinner down the hall to the computer. After a quick trip to the bathroom, and washing my hands, I put away all the groceries, then fixed a glass of orange juice and grabbed a paper towel. Finally, I was able to relax at the computer and have my dinner. I reached over to pick up my PDA sitting on the printer, then noticed......

MY GLASSES!!!!!

Memories of the old Krispy Kreme in Charlotte

2006-11-13T02:20:00.000-05:00

We used to have a very old Krispy Kreme in downtown Charlotte at Hawthorne Lane and Independence Boulevard. http://www.krispykreme.com/history.html#

My parents took me there when I was a little girl, and I continued to go through the years. It was hard to get to, because of the location, and it got worse when they took down the stoplight and closed the intersection because of freeway traffic. But I still went, even taking my own children there when they were very young.

I really liked that location, because it had that old 50's diner look to it. The stools and tables were always full, and there was a constant line going out the door...even if it was raining or freezing outside. Whenever the door opened, you would feel this RUSH of cold air from outside.

When I was little, I would stand and stare at all the different donuts in the display case, right at my level. I would place my hands on the display glass, and my eyes would be huge round circles. All the different donuts, with sprinkles, icing, or cinnamon just amazed me. And the smell of hot cocoa captured my mind. My mama would order a cup for me, and then only let me drink it by dipping it out with a plastic spoon and sipping it a little at a time. It was always SO HOT! But the chocolate tasted like heaven in my mouth.

We would always try to sit at one of the tables where you could look through a window to see the donuts being made. That was SO fascinating to me. The donuts would pop out of the bottom of a big stainless steel bowl, ride on a long conveyor belt, then take a bath in hot oil. When they finished cooking, they would ride other belts to different ports where they would either be coated with honey glaze, iced with chocolate or vanilla, or filled with cream. I could have sat there all day watching that.

When Mama said it was time to go, I would look around the store to see all the other customers, waiting for a table. The place was always packed with EVERY kind of person imaginable. I mean, EVERYONE could afford to buy a DONUT!

My childhood trips to Krispy Kreme were a highlight of my life. I was so sad the day they tore down that location. I felt like a part of Charlotte's character was being erased.

Now, we have other "newer" locations, but they just don't have the same "magic". Sometimes, you'll find a photo hanging inside that shows the old store, and I'll look at it with a wistful eye. Then, reality snaps me back when I hear someone saying, "I don't like the way that hot chocolate tastes. Yuck!" or "Excuse me, can I get a refund on this donut? It's not cooked evenly." I miss simpler times.

Christening Gown Completed!

2006-11-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I never posted any photos of the completed Christening Gown. Silly me!

I finished it about a month ago, and my cousin was thrilled with the final product. I'm certainly proud of it!

Here's the gown being modeled by my full-size baby doll. After putting it on the doll, I realized that the skirt is so lacy that it is a bit too revealing.

So, I sewed in a lining of white satin:

It looks MUCH better now!

Here are the pretty buttons on the back:

This was my first attempt at buttonholes, and I'm very pleased with the result!

My yarn purchases at SAFF

2006-11-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

Rebecca asked what I bought at SAFF this year, so here's my answer!

The HUGE skein of blue/teal yarn is 8 ounces of RIATA (Wool/Mohair/Silk) from Brooks Farm Yarn.

The cream skein is 1750 yards of 100% Extrafine Merino Wool from Yarns Forever.

The roving is Merino Wool from Shepherd's Corner.
(8 ounces "Forest" and 8 ounces "English Garden". )

Last is a Lanaset Starter Set from Earth Guild, so I can learn to do acid dyeing with my yarn!

My Spinning is Getting MUCH better!

2006-10-31T23:14:00.000-05:00

Now, that I have taken the spinning class at SAFF, I feel much better about my spinning. There was plenty of information swimming through my head during the class, plus it really helped to see other spinners in action. Now, I am finally able to make a yarn worth using. Up til now, all my yarn has been too thin. Tonight, I was able to make a worsted weight yarn for the first time!

Beautiful Spun Yarn at SAFF

2006-10-31T23:07:00.000-05:00

I had a WONDERFUL time at SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair) this past weekend. There was gorgeous yarn EVERYWHERE, and I really enjoyed taking my spinning class. I bought some yarn, roving, and dye so I can REALLY get better at spinning.

Sandy and Angora

2006-10-14T17:59:00.000-04:00

Today was my first spinning demonstration. I spun angora yarn from an angora rabbit named "Miss Priss" at the Mint Hill Historical Society Fall Festival. I had such a wonderful day. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the people were so nice!

I never imagined that I would be doing this kind of thing so soon in my spinning experience. I really just started learning to spin about a year ago. I always tell people about how much I love knitting and spinning yarn.

My cousin called me this week, and asked if I could possibly take my spinning wheel and spin at the Mint Hill Historical Fall Festival. I said, "I'll be glad to help. Just make sure they know I'm still learning!" She said, "No problem at all. I just want our yarn shop's name to get mentioned at the event." (She owns Cottage Yarn in Mint Hill, NC.)

So, I said, "Sure thing." Then I asked who I would need to talk to about details of the event, and she gave me the number of Farmer Rhonda from Black Swan Farms. http://www.blackswanfarm.com/

When I spoke to Rhonda, she told me that I would be sitting with the angora rabbit, and spinning angora! I had never spun angora before, so I grabbed one of the bags I had gotten on eBay, and took it out to work with it. I studied what I could find on the internet, and finally figured out how to do it. (You have to set your wheel tension VERY loose!)

I've been spinning angora almost every night this week, just to get used to it. It's not perfect, but it's angora yarn!

Yesterday, I worked on getting everything ready for the event, including making a fiber display for my table. That was fun to do! I got a sheet of balsa wood and put some little bags of fiber and yarn on it. I used some alphabet stickers to put a title on the display, and stuck on some wood cutouts of a sheep, knitting basket, and rabbit. It looks pretty good!

Today, I got along just fine with the angora rabbit, whose name is "Miss Priss", even though he's a male! I held him on my lap, and got comfortable pulling out his fiber. It was hard to get just the right touch at first. (You have to pull the hair pretty hard!) Then I put him in his cage, and used the hair to start spinning on my wheel. I finally got it going good, and then the crowds of people started pouring in.

It was non-stop from 9:30 in the morning til 2:00 in the afternoon. It was fun and exhausting! At one point, about six children were watching me, and they all got into the act of pulling hair from the rabbit. I put the rabbit in the cage, and they would pull hair and bring it to me to spin. It sure did make my job easier!

During the day, several people asked for my card. (Thank God I made some last night.) They were also asking if I teach spinning or knitting lessons, so I referred them to my cousin's yarn store. I might start teaching spinning there. Who knows? In addition, several people said they would like for me to come and do a spinning demonstration at their event!

When the crowds died down, I took everything down, and spoke with Farmer Rhonda and her husband Farmer Will. I asked them if they needed the angora yarn I spun, and they said that I worked for it. I got to keep it! A whole bobbin full! Farmer Rhonda also gave me a free bar of homemade goat milk soap!!

All in all, it was one of the best days of my life. So much fun, and very interesting.

BEST Fudge Bar!

2006-09-20T23:24:00.000-04:00

BEST Fudge Bar!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

When I was a young girl, my mom used to buy the BEST fudge bars. I could sit and eat them forever, because they were so yummy and fudgy and chocolatey. When I got older, I bought some fudge bars myself, expecting them to taste just as good. NONE of them tasted right. They were all too light in color, and just melted away too fast. I think they were made with chocolate ice cream instead of fudge. I was SO mad.

I looked for years and years, trying every brand of fudge bar I could find. They were all so disappointing. The box usually ended up in the trash can before they ran out, because they just tasted WRONG.

Well, tonight I saw a different brand of fudge bar, and looked at the box long and hard. I was very tempted, but was thinking, "They'll probably taste awful, and it will be a waste of money."

I brought them home, stuck them in the freezer and started dinner. A few hours later, I went to the kitchen for a glass of water. I opened the freezer to get some ice, and saw the fudge bars sitting there. I decided to try one, expecting to be let down.

I opened the wrapper, and my eyes popped open. DARK fudgy chocolate was peeking out at me from the wrapper! THIS looked like what I had as a little girl. I smelled it, and it smelled rich and chocolatey. By now, I was almost jumping up and down. I took a bite, then threw my arms up in the air for joy!

FINALLY!!!!! A REAL FUDGE BAR!!!

Thank you, Mayfield Dairy Farms!
http://www.mayfielddairy.com/products_icecream.html

Chick-Fil-A Cow

2006-09-13T12:26:00.000-04:00

My husband Marvin is a manager for Chick-Fil-A. He has just been relocated to manage a brand new store in Charlotte. During the grand opening festivities, there was a special visit from Dan Cathy, the President of Chick-Fil-A.

The Chick-Fil-A Cow was there too!! I got my picture taken, AND a hug! I just wanted to take that cow home with me. So cuddly!

Choir Retreat 2006

2006-09-09T20:30:00.000-04:00

We had our annual choir retreat today at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. It was a nice day, with lovely music and fun fellowship. :)

The mural on the wall behind us was just beautiful!

This Christmas, we plan on sharing "The Winter Rose" by Joseph Martin with our congregation. I really love that work of music!

Good Ol' Country Cookin'

2006-08-26T21:58:00.000-04:00

Tonight, we had a meal to remember. My parents had given us lots of nice, fresh veggies from their garden. So, we decided to put them to good use.

Marvin bought some pork chops at the grocery store, and I put them in a ziploc bag to marinate. I used Old Bay Seasoning, Sea Salt, Thyme, Sage, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, and Lime Juice. While it marinated in the refrigerator for an hour, I prepped the rest of our dinner.

After shucking the corn, I put a few of the tender green shucks in the water with the corn and added some salt, pepper, and butter. I turned the burner on low, and let it simmer with the cover on.

I washed the okra, then sliced it in big chunks, and seasoned it with salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning. After dusting it with cornmeal mix, I stirred it up real good. I put about 1/4 cup oil in the baking dish, poured in the okra, and topped it with small chunks of butter. It was cooked in the oven at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. (I stirred it once after it cooked for 20 minutes)

When the okra was first put in the oven, Marvin fired up the grill, and I brought out the pork chops. We use the "indirect heating" method. You turn on one side of the gas grill, and cook your meat on the other side. This makes the meat so tender and juicy. We love it! I put the meat on the grill, closed the lid, then set the timer for 15 minutes. When the timer went off, I turned over the meat, and set the timer for 10 minutes. After that time was used up, I moved the chops to the heated side and fired the meat on both sides for a few minutes.

The meat turned out perfect, and the okra was superb! Marvin loved the corn, and the sliced tomatoes added just the right touch. Yum!

Me and Josh 1985 or 86

2006-08-14T16:06:00.000-04:00

Me and Josh 1985 or 86
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here's another shot of me in my "fantasy" years. Josh was just a few months old, and I still believed that his dad would love me forever. The dream ended in just a few years.

Thank God I found Marvin 7 years ago. He saved me from my life of loneliness.

Josh as a Baby

2006-08-14T16:04:00.000-04:00

Josh as a Baby
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

This was my son when he was a little baby boy. I can't believe he is turning 21 this week!

Christening Gown Lace Skirt

2006-08-14T16:02:00.000-04:00

I've been working on this Christening Gown for the past few weeks, and it is turning out so nice. I am using a pattern I found online, but I've had to do so much tweaking and re-designing, that I really feel like I should claim the design as my own.

My cousin asked me to make this as a sample for her yarn shop. www.cottageyarninc.com/

Great Deals on Books - And a GIFT!

2006-07-19T10:34:00.000-04:00

The other day, I was playing piano for the men's quartet at a local church. When the concert was over, my hubby and I were walking out of the church, when we noticed a LOT of books in a little side room that were for sale. Needless to say, we couldn't walk past without taking a look. Good thing we did!

We found the COOLEST books in there, selling for a dollar each. The paperbacks and audiobooks were 50 cents! We were thrilled. We found the Better Homes and Gardens Sewing Book, the BH&G Handyman Book (never saw that one before), the Vogue Sewing Book, Erica Wilson's Embroidery Book, and Patricia Cornwell's "The Hornet's Nest" on cassette (Cool! A story based in Charlotte!). I can't believe we got all those books for less than 5 bucks. Unbelievable!

And the GIFT? See that nice tote bag? (Nautical KIP) The men's quartet gave it to me, just because they like me. How cool is that?!

The Memorials in Concert

2006-06-27T22:52:00.000-04:00

The Memorials in Concert
Tonight, I played keyboard for our church's gospel quartet, "The Memorials". It was fun!

They sang for the Hornet's Nest Chapter of the American Business Women's Association in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Gotta Touch It" Baby Blanket

2006-06-24T21:24:00.001-04:00

I just finished making this super-soft baby blanket. I designed it using all chunky yarns that are machine washable and dryable. I just can't keep my hands off it! I'm sure the baby will enjoy touching it too.

Sandy's "Gotta Touch It" Baby Blanket
Gauge: About 2-3 stitches per inch. (Chunky yarns)
Finished Measurements of Blanket: About 36 inches square.

Yarns: (you can substitute any color combination you like)
Color A - 1 skein Red Heart Bright and Lofty – Beach
Color B - 1 skein Lion Brand Velvetspun - White
Color C - 1 skein Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick – Pine 182
Color D - 1 skein Lion Brand Velvetspun - Light Blue ("Bluebell")

Needles:
U.S. Size 13 circular needles (21 inches long)

Start by casting on about 50 stitches.
Knit every row, with this color plan:
20 rows Color A
10 rows Color B
10 rows Color C
10 rows Color D
6 rows Color A
10 rows Color D
10 rows Color C
10 rows Color B
20 rows Color A

If you want, you can add a border of single or half-double crochet all around with one of the yarns. (I used the Wool-Ease Thick & Quick for my half-double crochet border.)

Beautiful, Fast and Fun to Touch!

Here is a view of the blanket, before weaving in the ends and adding a border:

And here is a close-up of my half-double crochet border:

Listen to Me Play Piano!

2006-06-23T04:33:00.000-04:00

FINALLY! I have been wanting to put sound files on my website for the LONGEST time. I worked and worked, and finally figured it out.

http://www.geocities.com/unkoine/Midi_Files.html?1151049856310

Last night, I stayed up all night recording pieces that I wanted to put on the website. It was hard, because I kept making mistakes and had to record them over and over again. I'm still not completely satisfied, but at least I have some music files completed.

I'm most happy with "Venetian Boat Song" by Mendelssohn. I just love that piece.

I've been playing piano since I was 11. I'm 42 now, so that's a pretty long time, I guess. Piano is my best talent, I think. I also play organ and I sing. I just thank God that I can make my living doing something that I love to do. It's a real blessing.

I've been a church musician for the past 27 years, and a piano teacher for the past 7 years. I also perform for wedding, funerals and special events. Life is good.

I won!

2006-06-19T13:07:00.000-04:00

This past week, I entered a "contest" of sorts. A friend of mine from a knitting forum (www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/) was giving away an extra copy of Interweave Knits.

I won! :)

http://whimsicalknitting.blogspot.com/

You know, this makes me want to give away some things too. It sounds like fun!

Finished Handknit Saguaro Top!

2006-06-15T22:43:00.001-04:00

Finally! I've been working on this sweater now for over a year. I put it away over the Fall and Winter, and pulled it back out this Spring. Now, it's finally done! My very first sweater. I'm proud.

The pattern was in last year's Knitter's Magazine (Spring 2005). It's called "Saguaro".

Handknit Sweater Close-Up

2006-06-15T22:43:00.000-04:00

Here's a close-up of the detail on my first handknit sweater. There is a half double crochet border on the sleeves, collar and hem. I'm happy with the final result!

The pattern was in last year's Knitter's Magazine (Spring 2005). It's called "Saguaro".

Handknit Socks - Stripes

2006-06-05T07:46:00.000-04:00

Here is the updated progress on my handknitted socks. I've finished the heel and gusset, so now I just have to get the length to match my foot before I do the toe shaping. It's going well! I love how the stripes are matching up color for color.

I'm a happy knitter!

Easy Summer Grilling

2006-05-23T19:20:00.000-04:00

I have found the EASIEST way in the world to cook on our gas grill. The method is called "indirect heating", and it always makes perfect meats. My husband and I have been cooking this way for the past month, and we can't get enough of it. I have made pork chops, steak, chicken and fish - and they have all turned out PERFECT. The finished meat tastes like it came from a restaurant. I'm not kidding.

Here's how you do it:

Choose the meat you want to grill (steak, pork chops, chicken or fish)
Marinate the meat for at least 15 minutes. (I usually marinate it for an hour for better flavor)

Make sure the grill is nice and clean. Then, turn on both burners, close the lid and let it preheat for about 5 minutes on high.

Now, turn off one burner, and put the meat on that side (YES - the side that is not lit. Trust me.) Turn the other burner down to medium, and Close the lid.

Walk away, and prepare whatever else you want to go with the meat, letting the meat cook with indirect heat for 10 minutes.

Now, turn over the meat, leaving it on the unlit side. You can brush on some sauce now if you want. (Don't use the marinade sauce, since it had the uncooked meat in it.) Close the lid, and cook the meat for 15 minutes more.

Continue preparing side dishes, beverages, bread or salad.

When you come back to the grill, check the meat for doneness, and put it over the flame for a little while if you want, just to get those black grill lines. You can also add more sauce now if you want. I usually "flame" it for about a minute or so. Now, the meat will be done - grilled, moist, and tender - PERFECT!

Here are my variations for marinating the meat. I use a gallon size plastic bag, mix all the ingredients, then add the meat and shake it all around. Then I put it in the refrigerator and turn it over a few times for the next hour or so. When I put the meat on the grill, I put a little of the sauce on top of the meat, then I discard the rest.

2 or 3 Cuts of Steak: 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice, 1 teaspoon Minced Onion, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of each of the following: Sea Salt, Coarse Ground Black Pepper, Oregano, Sage.

2-4 Pork Chops: 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of each of the following: Sea Salt, Coarse Ground Black Pepper, Basil, Sage, Oregano, and Ginger.

2 -4 Pieces of Skinless Fish: 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of each of the following: Sea Salt, Black (or White) Pepper, Basil, and Thyme.

2 -4 Pieces of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of each of the following: Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Sage, Cumin, and Basil.

If you want, you could use your favorite salad dressing as a marinade. You could also use barbecue sauce on the pork chops or chicken while you're grilling.

Happy Grilling!

Noah and Danielle

2006-05-13T18:39:00.000-04:00

Noah and Danielle
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Today is the senior prom, and my son Noah is taking his girlfriend, Danielle. I can't believe that Noah's senior prom is already here. He sure has changed over the years, but he's still just as full of himself as he was when he was just 2 years old!

Me at 5 years old - 1969

2006-05-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

Me at 5 years old - 1969
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Memories, like the corners of my mind....

I just found this old photo in a chest of drawers in my house. I was 5 years old I think - in 1969.

Hand Knitted Lacy Summer Purse!

2006-05-08T22:42:00.000-04:00

Hand Knitted Lacy Summer Purse!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I just finished making this sweet little purse. I used Berroco Cotton Twist yarn and a free knitting pattern I found on the internet.
http://www.freepatterns.com/fp_pdfs/Other/Knitting/lacy_summer_purse.pdf

Baby Hailey in the Hospital

2006-04-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

Baby Hailey in the Hospital
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here is sweet little baby Hailey Nicole right after she was born. Isn't she precious?

Jessi at the Art Institute

2006-04-23T14:28:00.000-04:00

Jessi at the Art Institute
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here is my step-daughter, visiting the Art Institute of Charlotte. She is considering taking some classes there. We enjoyed visiting with her and her sister and little baby Hailey Nicole!

Irish Hiking Scarf

2006-03-26T18:34:00.000-05:00

Irish Hiking Scarf
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I decided to learn to make cables, so I found this free pattern on the internet. The Irish Hiking Scarf. It's a very easy pattern, and looks so nice! Marvin was watching me knit some of it last night and said, "Cool -you're using a different needle now!" He's so cute - watches every thing I do. I just love him.

I got the yarn at Hancock Fabrics 50% off, because it's been discontinued. Lion Brand Chunky USA in Fisherman.

Furry, Fuzzy Steering Wheel Cover

2006-03-22T14:22:00.002-05:00

Furry, Fuzzy Steering Wheel Cover
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Skill Level: Beginner
For ANY SIZE steering wheel!
(Real Car, Toy Car, Lawn Mower, or Grandpa's Tractor!)

Yarn
· 1 skein Eyelash Yarn (I used leftover scraps of Lion Brand Fun Fur for a cool, funky look!)
· 1 skein Worsted Weight Yarn in a coordinating color (I used Red Heart Kids Yarn - Pink)
Both yarns will be held together throughout

Materials
U.S. Size 10 knitting needles, yarn needle for sewing

Directions
Before you start knitting, take a piece of string (one that WILL NOT STRETCH), and measure around the outside edge of your steering wheel. (Area to measure is shown in green in the schematic link.) Cut the string about one inch longer to allow room for a seam. This is the perimeter of your steering wheel. It’s not necessary to measure it, because you’ll just hold your knitting up to it later to see if it’s the right length. You should also cut a piece of string to measure around the thickness of your steering wheel. (You will NOT add an inch to that.)

Using one strand of each yarn held together, loosely cast on 10 to 15 stitches. (as many stitches as it takes for the thickness of your steering wheel.) Knit a few rows and check again to see if it’s the right width. (Use the short piece of string that you cut earlier as a guide.) If it’s not the right width, start over, because the cover has to be TIGHT around the wheel for safety!

Knit every row. Occasionally check to see if your knitting is long enough by stretching it out and measuring it against the longer string you cut earlier. (Don’t forget to STRETCH your knitting, since it needs to be tight around the steering wheel for safety.)

When it’s long enough, bind off loosely, and weave in the end of the eyelash yarn. Leave a long end of worsted weight free so you can use it for sewing. (The loose end of yarn should be at least 30 inches long.)

Connect the short ends of your knitting and sew a strong seam. Weave in any short ends. Remember to leave the long end of worsted weight yarn loose for sewing the cover to the wheel.

Put your creation around the steering wheel, making sure it’s arranged the way you like. (Be sure the seam you sewed earlier is not showing on the outside of the wheel!)

Using the long end of worsted weight yarn, sew the cover together along the inside edge of the steering wheel. I sewed a stitch at each ridge, and then pulled each stitch nice and tight (shown in red on schematic). When you get to the bars on your wheel, just weave the yarn through the back of the wheel cover (shown in blue on the schematic), then start sewing again at the next open section. When you go full circle to the beginning of your stitching, sew a couple stitches on top of each other to secure your yarn. Weave in the loose end and cut.

Put your hands around your furry steering wheel and smile!

April, 2005 - Designed by Sandy Davis

Hailey asleep with blanket

2006-03-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

Hailey asleep with blanket
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here's my new grand-daughter, asleep in the blanket I knit for her! She's so sweet! We had a very nice visit yesterday. Marvin and I drove up and got a hotel room so his kids could visit with us and bring the baby. I couldn't go to their house because I'm allergic to the cats they have. We sat in the room for a while, then Marvin and the kids went to eat lunch, leaving me alone with the baby. She was so easy to take care of....she fell asleep almost as soon as they left. At first, she was a crying a little, so I started singing a lullaby. She stopped crying and really watched me as I sang. It was so sweet. The Sandman must have sprinkled dust in her eyes, because she soon fell asleep in my arms. So precious. I laid her down on the hotel bed, and she had a good nap.

Baby Bonnet and Blanket - Feather and Fan

2006-03-16T18:36:00.001-05:00

Baby Bonnet and Blanket - Feather and Fan
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here's the finished Feather and Fan set for my new step-granddaughter. It took a long time to knit and I had to re-design the pattern for the bonnet, but it worked out in the end!

Here's the pattern for the bonnet:

"Feather & Fan" Baby Bonnet
Revised by Sandy Davis

Materials: Knitting worsted weight yarn. approx. 2 ozs.
US #6 straight needles
US #6, 16” circular needles
Gauge: 10-11 sts to 2"

Directions:

Top of bonnet
Using straight needles, cast on 60 stitches. Knit 2 rows.

Feather and Fan pattern:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: K6 (garter st. border) K2tog 2 times, (YO, K1) 4 times,
*K2tog 4 times, (YO, K1) 4 times* - (repeat between * 2 times MORE)
K2tog 2 times, K6 (garter st border)
Row 4: Knit.Repeat these 4 rows 8 more times.

Back
Row1: *K8 K2tog, repeat from *
Row 2: *K7 K2tog, repeat from *
Row 3:*K6 K2tog, repeat from *
Continue in this manner until you K2tog across the row. (6 sts remaining)
Break yarn, thread through stitches and tighten to close. Sew crown seam.

Neck band
Using small circular needle, pick up and knit 38 sts around bottom of bonnet – 19 stitches from each side of center seam. Do NOT join.
Knit 3 rows back and forth (garter stitch).
(Eyelet row) K1 *YO K2tog, repeat from * to last stitch, YO, K1
Knit 3 more rows and cast off very loosely. (I use a larger needle)
Run pretty ribbon through eyelet holes and tie to close. (Not too tight or you’ll choke the baby!)

4-5-08: Edited to add the word MORE (in red), to avoid confusion with the feather & fan portion of the pattern.

Finished Booga Bag!

2006-03-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

Finished Booga Bag!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Well, I have crossed the line and actually felted something. I swore I would never do it, but it was fun!

Noisy Neighbor

2006-03-14T10:48:00.000-05:00

My neighbor is always very loud and annoying. His porch is just beside my bedroom window.

Well, as some of you know, I had a hysterectomy recently, and I'm still stuck at home recuperating. I can't do any lifting or housework because of the stitches all across my belly.

Yesterday morning, my hubby left for work, and left our bedroom window open so I could enjoy the nice spring breeze all day. It was wonderful....until my neighbor got home. The loud engine, the loud rap music on the radio....my blood beginning to boil.....and then some FRIENDS show up in his driveway.

They were all out there talking as loud as possible, using very course language, and telling really raunchy jokes. I was fed up, so I tried to close the window, but of course I didn't have the strength. After looking around the room and considering my options, I grabbed one of my Charlotte Church CDs. She can sing as high, clear and pure as a bird, you know. I put on the CD and turned up the volume as loud as I could stand.

It was hilarious! I think they all must have stood there with their eyes open wide, thinking, "What the...?" They decided to go inside to continue their "discussion". Smugly, I turned down the volume and got back in bed to continue my knitting, while enjoying the rest of the CD.

Charlotte Church is my GOOD friend now.

Handspun, Dyed, and Knit!

2006-03-12T21:49:00.000-05:00

Handspun, Dyed, and Knit!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

This was my very first FULLY made project. I washed and carded the yarn, then spun it and dyed it with Kool-Aid, then knit it. I was so proud!

Here's the pattern:
http://www.sweaterscapes.com/pursepat.htm

Yellow Knitted Easter Bunny

2006-03-11T16:21:00.000-05:00

Yellow Knitted Easter Bunny
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

It's almost time for Easter, so I've gotten out my pretty pastel yarns to make some Easter Bunnies. So cute! I'm using Unger Fluffy yarn. I have lots of that yarn, in several different colors, so there's no telling how many bunnies I'll have!

Pink Afghan Getting Longer Now!

2006-03-02T21:53:00.000-05:00

Pink Afghan Getting Longer Now!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I'm still working on that pink baby afghan. So far, it's 30 inches long, but the pattern calls for 44. Will it never end? I put my new baby doll with the afghan so you can see how big it has become.

Sandy's Wrist Warmers from Sock Yarn

2006-02-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

Wrist Warmer #1 is complete!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Sandy's Wrist-Warmers from Sock Yarn

Materials: 1 skein of Sock Yarn.
(I used Fortissima Colori Socka Color yarn, 50 gram ball.)
Size 2 double-point needles.
Size 2 straight needle for casting on.

Gauge: 30 stitches and 42 rows to 4 inches using a Stockinette Stitch on US Size 3 needles. (from the yarn wrapper)

With size 2 straight needle, cast on 64 stitches.
Divide stitches on 3 double point needles (20 sts on 2 needles, 24 sts on a third needle), join. Place a marker at the beginning of round.

Work in ribbing of k2, p2 for 3 inches.
Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round). Work 8 rounds even.
Next Round (Thumb Gusset) - Work to within 3 sts of marker at end of round, place another marker, inc in next st, k1, inc in last st.
Knit 2 rounds.
Next Round - Work to marker, inc in next st, knit to last st, inc in last st.
Knit 2 rounds.
Repeat last 3 rounds, working in same manner having 2 sts more between increases in thumb gusset until there are 21 sts in gusset (between markers).
Next Round - Work to marker, and place the remaining (gusset) stitches on a small holder or safety pin or thread.

Cast on 5 sts at the end of working needle, and join to beginning of round, skipping the thumb gusset.
Knit every row for 1 inch.
Bind off. Edge will roll.
(If you prefer, you can do ribbing instead for an even bind off edge.)

Place the 21 sts from holder on 2 needles.
Pick up and knit 5 or 6 sts from body of finished mitt.
Knit 1 round.
Next round - Knit even, knitting 2 sts together at the section where you picked up stitches earlier. This will help the thumb gusset lay nicely.
Knit every row for 1/2 inch. Bind off.
This edge will probably not roll since it's so small and fits nicely around the thumb.

You're done!

Wrist Warmer #2 on the needles

2006-02-27T15:23:00.000-05:00

Wrist Warmer #2 on the needles
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here is my finished wrist warmer, and the second one started on double points. I love the way the yarn sparkles! I also love the way the stripes make "piano keys".

Marvin and Granddaughter Hailey Brooke

2006-02-19T04:25:00.000-05:00

Marvin and Granddaughter Hailey Brooke
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here is my sweet husband, holding his even sweeter new grandbaby, Hailey Brooke! I couldn't go to see her because I just had my hysterectomy surgery this week. I'll be going there soon, though! Until then, I'll be knitting and sewing baby things.

Baby Hailey Brooke

2006-02-19T04:23:00.000-05:00

Baby Hailey Brooke
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Baby Hailey Brooke is finally here! She is the daughter of Katie Davis, who is my step-daughter. So, that means, I'm a granny now. Neat! My husband Marvin is the proud grandfather. Hailey weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 22 inches long. Way to go, Katie!

Blue Velour Pants - Finished!

2006-02-13T10:46:00.000-05:00

Blue Velour Pants - Finished!
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I finished sewing these blue velour pants last night. They are so soft, and super comfortable! They were such a pain to sew, though. Golly, I didn't realize how hard velour would be to manage at a sewing machine. I had to push the fabric along to keep it going with the presser feet, and it caused so much static electicity with the thread! Whenever I finished a seam, I had to wet the thread to keep it from sticking to the body of the sewing machine.

Vintage Glass Collection

2006-02-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

Vintage Glass Collection
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here is most of my antique glass collection. I don't have a lot, but I really enjoy looking at it. Marigold or Amber Carnival glass are my favorites. I also like Peach Lustre Fire King dishes. I also have 4 teacups and saucers in that design. I love to have a cup of hot tea every day, and when it's poured into a fire king cup, I enjoy it even more!

Josh with Afghan

2006-02-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

Josh with Afghan
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here is my son, Josh. He came to visit me today from college. We had pizza for lunch, and had fun talking. I was on the computer in my bedroom, and Josh came in and relaxed on the bed to talk to me. I said, "Can I take your picture with your afghan?" He said, "I don't care." So, down the hall I went to grab the afghan and throw it on him. I don't think he moved an inch. :)

Cutting Out Pants Pattern

2006-02-09T23:54:00.000-05:00

Cutting Out Pants Pattern
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here I am, cutting out a pair of pants to sew. It sure is nice to have a fold-away cutting table in my new craft room. Thanks Mom!

I'm making the pants for my recuperation at the hospital and at home after my hysterectomy.

Thick Warm Socks for My Hospital Stay

2006-02-07T15:04:00.000-05:00

Thick Warm Socks for My Hospital Stay
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I've almost finished knitting these nice warm socks for my hospital stay. I know I'll be needing them, because my feet always get so cold!

Hysterectomy Time!

2006-02-07T02:14:00.000-05:00

I called my doctor's office today to schedule my hysterectomy for the end of February, and told them that I would like to get the surgery as soon as I can, because I want to be recuperated in time to play organ for Easter! I would hate for the church to have to settle for a substitute during that holiday.

So....now my surgery is just one week away! My uterus will be removed on Valentine's Day. (Talk about a romance-killer!) But, at least it will be taken care of now and I can move on with my life.

The other option for surgery is the first of March, which is just too far away. I'm sure I would not be ready for organ-playing by Easter if I choose that date.

So, circumstances are dictating my life now. I'd better get cracking on knitting those socks! I'm almost finished with one pair of very thick socks with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick yarn. They look just like Christmas stockings! I don't think I'll finish my wrap in time, but at least I'll have plenty of things to knit during my recuperation.

I'd better resort to sewing instead - it's faster. I'll make some pajamas and house dresses to wear while I'm healing. Those will be easy to make.

I'll miss playing the organ at church, I'm sure. The good thing is that when I go back, we'll be playing exciting Easter music!

Wish me luck.

Getting Ready for Surgery!

2006-01-31T11:35:00.000-05:00

Bummer! I went to the doctor yesterday, and found out that I have to have surgery at the end of February. I have two massive fibroid tumors in my uterus and an ovarian cyst. They have been causing a lot of pain and trouble for me, so it's time for a hysterectomy. I did some research on the internet yesterday, and found some support groups. I also joined some yahoo groups to help me through the process.

I've never had surgery before, so I'm quite nervous about it. The only time I've gone to the hospital was when I delivered my three sons. Now, I'm going to deliver a uterus instead. lol

I found a knitting pattern on www.knitty.com for making a knitted uterus, so I might try to knit one up before I go. I can hang it on my door as a decoration just for fun. I'll need something to make me smile when I'm there. Here's a link to the pattern: http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTwomb.html

I'm looking for some other things to make as well. I might make the really long socks that go up to your thighs. (I know that hospitals get really cold sometimes). http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTverytallsocks.html I'm thinking that knitting lots of socks would be a good idea. I might make some of these basic tube socks as well. http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/tubesks.htm I think those would be quick to knit. I just found another quick knit sock pattern that looks toasty also: http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/quicksocks.html But, I think the Cottage Slipper Socks on the Lion Brand Webpage look the warmest and thickets. http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/kwe-socks.html

Heck, I might just make them all!

I think I'll make a wrap or throw also to keep my body warm. Those hospital blankets are pretty lousy.

Back to the knitting room!

Lego Knitting Machine - Way Cool!

2006-01-25T16:06:00.000-05:00

I just found the coolest knitting machine on the internet. It was made with Legos!

Here's a link to the video of the knitting machine in action.
http://homepage.mac.com/aklego/iMovieTheater23.html

Valentine's Day Knitted Baby Hat

2006-01-23T21:22:00.000-05:00

I was just doing some searching on the internet to try to find some free knitting patterns for Valentine's Day. There is not that much available really. Then I remembered the cutest hat pattern I used once for making a roll-brim baby hat with a top knot. Here's the link to the pattern: http://www.vintageknits.com/babyhat.html

I think that pattern should be available when you do a search on Google for Valentine's Day patterns.

Moda Dea Cache - Poncho Plan

2006-01-20T23:43:00.000-05:00

I just got some Moda Dea Cache yarn on sale tonight at Michael's for $3.00 a skein! I usually sells there for about $9.00 a skein, so it's quite a deal. I got 3 skeins, but I'm going to have to go tomorrow to get 2 more skeins, because I just found a pattern for a poncho that I HAVE to make! I think it will be gorgeous with this yarn. It was designed for a different yarn, but it looks like this will work. They are the same gauge, and they are both wool. Here's hoping!

Here's a link to the pattern: http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/charles/charles.html

And here's a link to my yarn (same color as the ones I just bought - Wink):
http://www.herrschners.com/products/product.aspx?sku=710064

Cool Old Lady

2006-01-17T14:27:00.000-05:00

coololdlady
Originally uploaded by Kae Tay.

I found this photo on www.flickr.com How cool is that old lady? lol

Cornbread and Buttermilk

2006-01-16T22:12:00.000-05:00

I know I'm a country girl, but tonight it has been confirmed. One of my favorite foods is cornbread and buttermilk mixed together in a bowl. It is SOOOO GOOD! I thought it was something that lots of people ate, because my whole family ate it when I was growing up. We had lots of country food though, because my step-dad raised all kinds of vegetables in the garden.

My sister and I had to help in the summer heat, planting seeds, "dusting"* plants, watering plants, picking beans and snapping them, picking and shelling peas, picking corn and shucking it, picking okra and slicing it to be fried, following the tractor and picking up the potatoes that popped up from the plows. It was torturous work in the southern heat. There were occasional breezes that came through the field, and we would each stand with our arms raised to welcome the coolness. Yes, the work was hard, but the food was wonderful.

My mother would can and freeze everything she could. She made homemade pickles, canned vegetable soup, tomatoes, and tomato juice, froze corn and peas, canned green beans. That pressure cooker was constantly whistling during harvest time. On the days she made pickles, the entire house smelled like vinegar - yuck! But the pickles were good, as well as everything else from our garden.

Tonight I decided to make some cornbread, and was getting so excited about it, because I knew I had some whole buttermilk in the fridge. I set the buttermilk out on the counter so it could come to room temperature while the cornbread was cooking in the oven.

I went down the hall to talk to Marvin while he was watching tv and playing on the computer. I laid on the bed and said, "I'm making some cornbread." He said, "Oh no! You're going to have cornbread and buttermilk again aren't you?" I said, "Of course - it's one of my favorite things to eat!" He was completely grossed out.

When the cornbread was ready, he followed me to the kitchen and watched me take it out of the oven. I cut off a big slice and put it on a plate for him, and helped him butter it real good. Steam was rising from the bread, and the butter melted fast - it was delicious! I had some with him, and we both gobbled it up.

Then, I reached for a bowl to get some more cornbread and Marvin just ran out of the room yelling, "Yuck! I know what you're going to do." I ignored him, cut off some cornbread and crumbled it in the bowl. Then I picked up the warm buttermilk and poured it over the cornbread, stirring it up with a spoon. When the buttermilk mixed in with the bread, I added a little more buttermilk to make it the right consistency.

I carried the mixture to the craft room, so I could sit in my rocker and eat it while watching HGTV. Marvin came in the room saying, "Gross! I love you, but I can't stand to watch you eating that." I said, "Then why did you come in here? Go away, so I can eat my delicacy in peace."

I thoroughly enjoyed my cornbread and buttermilk. The cornbread was just right - no sugar added, just natural. If you add sugar to the cornbread, it doesn't taste right with buttermilk. I've had that sugared cornbread before, and it only tastes good by itself. You have to follow the recipe on the mix that doesn't call for sugar. That's the only way to make it right if you intend to add buttermilk after it's cooked.

After my meal, I decided to look on the internet to see how many others out there enjoy cornbread and buttermilk like me. Not that many, apparently. The only references I could find were "soul food" websites. lol

Oh well, I don't care who likes it or who doesn't. I'm gonna keep eating it until the day I die, because I love it!

* for those of you who don't know, "dusting" plants is putting "sevin" dust in an old sock and shaking it over the plants to keep the bugs away. Yes, it's a pesticide.

My First Real Skein of Homespun Yarn

2006-01-16T15:30:00.000-05:00

My First Real Skein of Homespun Yarn
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

I have been learning how to spin now for about 6 months. After many ugly attempts, I finally have spun enough to make a full skein that looks decent. I got the wool in an auction on eBay, and initially spun it WAY too tight. Last night, I ran it through my spinning wheel again in the opposite direction to loosen it up a bit. Then, I stretched it out in a swift, got it wet, and let it dry overnight. This morning, I was able to take it off the swift and it looks pretty good! It's just a single ply, but it's thick enough to be a worsted weight, so I guess I'll just use it as it is.

Josh's Afghan with Chenille Border Added

2006-01-16T13:57:00.000-05:00

Josh's Afghan with Chenille Border Added
Originally uploaded by Unkoine.

Here's the final photo of Josh's afghan, with the chenille border attached. The border is so soft, so it adds a a nice textural quality.