Self Unemployed

Random Things about Me

2010-05-08T11:43:00.002-04:00

When I was younger I'd always wanted a 4 year college degree. I'm now enjoying sewing and knitting classes more than I'd every enjoyed college classes!

I was able to study and obtain a 2 year degree while our children were also going to college, thanks to a VERY great hubby.

Chocolate Carvel is in my top 10 favorite foods. Winter or summer, my car can frequently be seen at the local stand.

I teach machine sewing at our local adult ed and thoroughly enjoy it.

Pool or not, summer is beach time. I still enjoy packing a picnic lunch and my book and head to the beach for R&R.

I resent having to pay the entrance fee at the state park which is less than 1 mile away. We pay huge taxes and feel the fee should be offset for local residents with proof of payment of property taxes.

I'm not liking the snow as much as I used to.

I've set up monthly goals for myself for 2010 - one sewing project per month. So far, this has been a big failure.

Whenever possible I try to get a book from the library on cd, tape or download to an MP3. That way I can knit or sew and read at the same time.

I was lucky to meet my love and best friend at a very early age. We've been together for 45 years and our birthdays are the same day.

The GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY

2010-04-10T20:51:00.003-04:00

The GOOD

Classes in MA. Learned the EASY way to slipcover a couch cushion

The Hampton Inn in Worcester - clean and comfy, micro and fridge, free parking and breakfast - and a 2 block walk to the convention center

WEBS - a 'quick' stop before going to Worcester

Being prepared for the allergy problems

Pulling into the ferry dock and catching an earlier than anticipated ferry - 2 times!

Torrential rain but only about 15 minutes

The BAD

Allergy problems w a constant headache and hurts

Too much great yarn at WEBS - restraint was difficult but achieved

The UGLY

Really missing hubby - not as much fun as when we convention together

Torrential rain on Mass Pike

Fun and not so much fun

2010-04-06T09:41:00.003-04:00

Fun

New BBQ grill - and grilling by hubby. Tastes and flavors enjoyed

Sew Expo in Worcester - taking classes and refreshing techniques

Chatting w Grandchildren on phone and skype

Not 1, but 2 Fall Weddings

Not so much fun

Allergies - walking around with my entire head in a clog and a constant headache

Grandchildren living so far away

Never getting to ski this year - for some reason never got to VT. This can't happen again.

Laundry - it's neverending

Thoughts

2010-03-31T19:23:00.003-04:00

The new migration from blogger is more confusing than necessary - tried it and can't figure it out

I love my dishwasher - dishes actually CLEAN!

Upgrade your computer - mess up the ability to download books to your mp3 player - need help!!
Tomorrow I visit the library.

Allergies are the pits - eyes swollen AGAIN - so tired - trying to keep my eyes open wide enough to see everything is stressful

Planned to be in NJ shopping at Waterford and Lennox. Rain cancelled plans - better to be safe

Cell phones lost and found

Collections.....

Pleasures and Sadness

2010-03-28T19:50:00.002-04:00

Pleasures

Grandchildrens buddy birthdays! JE is 6 and CH is 2!

Portugese chicken spit roasted on hubby's new grill

Replacing a dishwasher - no more crud!!

Finishing gray shrug made for a friend - glad she will get it before summer

Staying in pajamas all day on a Sunday

Teaching machine sewing at adult ed

A happy birthday to my little sister

Sadness

Virus setting low our Pittsburgh family

Passing of a friend, my first knitting teacher. She taught me a lifelong craft - a joy to be savored for the rest of my life, and introduced me to 'knitters'. These caring, knowledgable people are everywhere, and always willing to teach and share. While P was on a 'sabatical' I taught her knitting/crochet class at adult ed for two semesters until she returned. It got my foot in the door and enabled me to meet the correct people and I now teach basic and advanced machine sewing in the same school district. Thank you, P. RIP

On, Off, UFOs and To Be On, the Needles

2010-03-19T08:22:00.005-04:00

Off

Heirloom Christening Blanket for Godson Thomas made by Bonnie

On

Elsie's almost finished gray shrug
CH's 3/4 finished afghan
Baby surprise jacket - technique project
Pilerine Pointue - by Susan Esser - ponchette

To Be On

Gray Capelet on the cover of Spring Vogue
Harlequin Jacket - Jane Slicer-Smith - Knitters Winter 2006

UFOs

Medrith Glover's Voluminous Vest - ran out of the yarn and need to rework neckline

Today's Thoughts on Happiness

2010-03-17T21:03:00.002-04:00

Sunshine and 64 degrees
A friend's two newborn baby daughters - after a long time waiting
Corned beef, cabbage and potatoes - perfectly cooked
I finally cooked something in the crock pot which turned out great - I made notes!!
Smiley's yarn trip with knitting pals
Yesterday's walk on the boardwalk with a friend

Random Thoughts

2010-03-10T14:42:00.002-05:00

How can Bon be 37 years old? Happy Birthday, Bon
Spring is in the air - the chipmunks are chasing each other around the yard
I'm finally knitting a Baby Surprise Jacket
The inside of my car looks as if I live in it - it needs to be cleaned out - maybe tomorrow...
Change of weather/season allergies stink
Took a walk in the sunshine on Sunken Meadow boardwalk
Smiley's - here I come - sale next Wednesday!
Time passes too quickly
Going to the sewing room to cut out JE's skating outfit

Fundamental Pleasures

2010-03-06T10:01:00.002-05:00

JC's birthday - he's 9!
Sun shine - melting the snow
Successful registration for Sew Expo classes
Pizza on a Friday night in Lent
1 fat tuxedo cat - snoring....
Teaching sewing classes on Monday and Wednesday nights]
Learning to use a long arm quilting machine

Old Cat

2009-12-14T20:17:00.001-05:00

Rest in peace Old Cat - you are missed.

It's What Month???

2008-09-01T07:18:00.023-04:00

Recently I've received a few "when are you going to update your blog" inquiries. After checking back it was a surprise to see the last posting was in March. So, with summer almost over, I'll give my blogging the old "back to school" organization plan. To those who have lived in our house, remember vitamins, vegetables and healthy eating. Hopefully blogging will do better!!

This top is "Shrug This" from One Skein Wonders done in Lion Brand Cool Wool on the left - added about 4 additional length inches. Same item in a silk blend on the right - only added about an inch to the length.

Our family is well - some projects for the growing children have been completed.

A new pumpkin hat for Miss JE and a candy corn hat for her birthday buddy CH rounded out the Halloween knitting. Children are still deciding on costumes - soon the machines will be humming and the fabric flying so all can be finished in time. My favorite sewing has always been the costumes - so creative.

Miss JE's sweater has been completed and it's even more adorable when worn by a special cutie. I loved the smocking - something I've never done before. I believe it's a Sirdar pattern, color obviously purple.

The socks turned out well - two knit at the same time on two circulars. A new tecnique for me from Antje Gillingham's book "Knitting Circles around Socks". It worked and I happily completed the two - no longer suffering from 'one sock' syndrome.

Sewing class will begin soon and I'll be teaching a lined vest this semester. It's going to be interesting to see the look on the faces of people who have never used a sewing machine before - planning to make a lined piece of clothing!

Fresh off the needles (last night) One More Row pattern by Jill Vosburg "Hearbeat Sweater". The yarn is Summer Soft by Filatura Lanarota, a worsted weight rayon/acrylic color 202.
Some charity baby hats, a 'flag bag' for scout flags for our son-in-law, FINALLY finishing repairs and reworking of nephew Phil's quilt from Grandma, and two pink modular knit baby carseat blankets rounded out the recently completed craft list.
The past few months have been exciting. Our youngest grandson, CH was christened and within a few weeks, he and his parents moved further west - out where the snow and sun are one.
We visited JC, JE, BD and their parents and had fun seeing our first professional soccer game with them. This August they spent some time with us and had a great time experiencing the south shore beaches.
We've all installed webcams on our computers so that we can see the family and just how quickly the children grow (ok, some new laptops come with them built in). BD was quite surprised to see me on his mom's computer - didn't quite understand it yet. JC is missing his two front teeth (they fell out naturally) has started school - already in 2nd grade. The time goes so fast! JE has orientation on Wednesday and class starting on Thursday. She's ready to go! BD will be spending time with his mom and missing JE and JC. Out west, CH is eating cereal and trying other new foods. He spends lots of time with mom and dad and has made a friend in his daycare program. He's sporting at least 1 new tooth!
BBQ season has been in full force and we're just back from New Holland, PA where Chris was a judge at a BBQ competition. Good food, good people, good time.
The next few months will mean more commuter traffic for Chris, now that school is in session.
Some fall plans for me include sewing classes, knitting classes and reorganizing our genealogy files (recently completed is my portion of a database documenting the Kings County Deaths index for 1881).
Summer has been a corn lover's delight - we thought last year's crop was good, but this season it was even better! We're looking forward to the cool nights and have decided to keep fuel costs down by using our coal stoves this winter. A bit more work, but so cozy! Till next time....

Too small!

2008-03-29T20:46:00.002-04:00

JC's socks are too small! The same size I made him at Christmas, but I forget how fast kid's feet grow! I've brought them (the socks) back home and will expand the foot portion - thank heavens they were not toe up! Will have to quickly repair them - JC took them off his feet (not happy about that) for me to make bigger - "Grandma, I'm growing!!"

Expand on, Grandma! Deb

How Lucky Are We???

2008-03-28T12:23:00.012-04:00

This past Tuesday, my husband and I became GRANDPARENTS for the FOURTH time! A beautiful healthy baby boy, CH, was born to our son and daughter-in-law. We welcome CH into our family with love. CH joins our grandsons JC and BD and granddaughter the Divine Miss JE. We are very blessed.

What have I been doing? Knitting for me! This is the EZ Rib Warmer, partially finished. I plan to do an attached ICORD edging - hopefully will start that this evening.

Socks for CH (so tiny in blue print), BD (white multi), Miss JE (purple of course), and JC (who likes "Crazy mixed up socks") for Easter.

OTN - 2 socks at 1 time on circs - hoping to eliminate 'second sock syndrome' - these are for me!

A new smock for art class for Miss JE is fresh out from under the sewing machine needle.

Have several items almost at the completion point - now that we're home, will try to make completion a reality.

Thank heavens for grandchildren - they are the reminders of how good life really is! Knit on! D

WIPs and other Stuff

2008-02-24T08:52:00.011-05:00

Here we are celebrating our birthday (both the same day, same year) at Killington. Took it easy and only skied one day, but had a good time. Who ever thought we'd still be skiing at 59! I love being in VT - I find peace there.

This past week brought the passing of a good friend and father figure - Roger. Friend - neighbor - dad and grandfather - an all around good guy. His passing leaves a huge empty spot in our lives. Be in peace with those who have gone before you, Rog.

Baby boy car seat throw - modular - on the blocking table! Bernat Softee chunky yarn in color Circus. I love the way the varigated yarn flows when done in this modular throw. ( Update 3/08 - This blanket was made for our new grandchild CH)

Update on J's sweater. Putting it together today, then need to add the hood. Miss J has requested a zipper rather than buttons - her wish is my command (happily)!

OTN is an EZ Rib Warmer. I'm attempting to understand "Pithy" directions on my first EZ project. Yarn being used is Caron One Pound "Pure Fisherman". I don't know if they still make this color - I dug VERY deep into my stash for it.

Also OTN is the EZ Baby surprise jacket. I'm using Plymouth Encore Colorspun for this project. I always try to use machine wash/dry yarns for baby items - quite honestly most mom's don't have the time to hand wash anything! I've only just started and will need lots of help with this one.

Completed this Crochet Pot Scrubber yesterday just for fun. It's made out of nylon and it will be interesting to see if it actually works!

Also completed and being blocked is my version of the 2008 St. Baldrick's hat made from Karabella yarn. I'm thinking of putting some 'curls' on the top. (Didn't figure out how to flip the photo yet - sorry it's sideways!)

On the sewing front, I've gotten a new dressmaking model. My Double Deluxe arrived this past week and I'm thrilled. I've had models before, but never one which was my size, which made them more of a 'coat rack' rather than a dressmaking asset. I've twisted the dials to my size ( no photo here - no one needs to see that size), gave Trudy a fancy hat and I'm ready to sew. First on the list are a few summer tees. Also thinking of a few summer dresses - when the weather is hot, they're so much more comfortable than shorts and tees. Then the almost impossible - pants that fit the way I want them to! If I EVER get that pattern perfect, I will have attained nirvana.

Until next time, knit (and sew) on! Deb

Can it be 2008??

2008-01-08T08:40:00.005-05:00

Can it be 2008 already? I can't imagine where the year has gone - it seems as though it was only yesterday we were worrying over the less than major computer problems of Y2K!!

As you can see, I've been busy craftwise. Most of these items have already been given as gifts, so I'm able to finally show the photos. I'm still trying to figure out how to publish a vertical photo, so unfortunately until I do, we'll have to look at several with a 'head tilt'.

This basket lining (no I didn't make the basket) and bunting are for Brian and Jenny's, Baby K, expected in March. The little green sweater and yellow booties are also for Baby K.

The yellow booties are Debbie Bliss' Moss stitch slipper, made in a baby yarn left in Mom Ks stash when she passed in 2004.

The little green sweater is made of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece - I just love the feel of this yarn!

These two items were for BD - he loves the fabric books and I was so happy to be able to find a new one. I don't like the new "premade" packaged ones currently being sold, so finding a new book pattern is like the gold at the end of the rainbow!

Isn't the sock monkey cute?? I recently found the pattern and socks at the Vermont Country Store after we'd been to VT for a meeting. I remember the sock monkeys my mom made and thought this would be a cute gift for BD. We also added a book about sock monkeys, so he could identify one with the other.

This is a multidirectional blanket (pattern from Iris Schreier's multidirectional Yahoo group) recently made - you can see it's still on the table being blocked. After seeing the high prices of blocking needles, I decided to be creative. There had to be an alternative - so off to Michael's I went - to the floral department. These are floral wires - I think about 15-20 came in a package for $1.99 and they seem to work just fine. Why, oh why didn't we save the old wooden curtain blocker's my grandmother had? I can still see my grandmother and mother stretching the ninon curtains into shape!! Ah, another lifetime ago.

My version of a popular scarf being touted this winter. These three were Christmas gifts, the red for my daughter, dark blue for my daughter in law and the denim for my nephew's girlfriend. They were such fun to make - all in Plymouth Baby Alpaca - and sooo soft!

Now who are the pink booties for? Really, they were on the needles and needed the last 4 rows completed for about 2 years. Instead of losing the pattern, taking them off the needles (which I NEEDED for another project) and putting them in the UFO basket, it was just easier to finish them.

My brother's hobby is woodworking and he made me two intarsia cat wall figures - the woods are so lovely and the finish is beyond belief. Now what can I make for the guy who has everything? The HAT - with my own version of intarsia! The paw print on the front is very appropriate as my brother volunteers at Bide A Wee in Westhampton - he takes the senior dogs out for walks and runs. Being longer around the ears and neck the HAT will keep him warmer - the winds out in Westhampton can get very intense. (Could this be why my two resident cats are from Bide A Wee?)

I made this cute little basket for my sister in law. We visited she and my brother on Christmas Day and I wanted to take a little something special for her.

My knitting plans for the new year include finishing my Sample Stitch Kimono, finishing Josie's sweater (just need to make the hood and then stitch it together), finishing Ben's colors blanket, work on an EZ Rib warmer and try to understand her technique.

May 2008 bring you good health and happiness and lots of yarn! D

Knit till I drop!

2007-11-13T07:16:00.002-05:00

Here it is - my version of the new scarf touted to be the best thing since sliced bread. In all honesty, it's warm and practical. Rather than having reams of lengthy scarf hanging over one's shoulder this scarf takes care of the important part - the neck!
I've made it out of Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande - SOOOO soft! Notice the buttons - made a trip to NYC for button shopping and lunch w hubby. Have several scarfs in the works - planning to make them the gift of the holiday season.

Crazy mixed up bed socks were completed for someone special - someone w cold feet. These are a plain tube sock - ribbed for 5 inches and then stockinette for 5 inches, before starting to decrease. The yarn was worsted weight - leftovers from some previous projects, but perfect for that special guy with definite ideas on color.

In design is an intarsia puppy paw print in gray on a blue winter hat. More about the recipient after the holidays - again a gift which I hope to keep a surprise.

JE's purple sweater is progressing nicely. Working on two fronts at the same time - up to the decrease point. Will then work the two sleeves at once to avoid "second sock (sleeve) syndrome".

Also making good progress on BDs blanket - this month's cable is a bit thought provoking for ONE row only. The rest is easy knitting, but make a mistake on that row necessitates the dreaded FROG.

If you think all I do is knit, the answer is NO - I occasionally leave the house to buy yarn!

TTFN, Deb

Where Does the Time Go?

2007-10-28T09:08:00.001-04:00

Can't believe that it's almost Halloween! What have I been doing with my days? Since September, we've been to Vermont (for a meeting) and Baltimore (for 2 days of knitting classes and 3 days of great food). Chris has been back to Baltimore for a genealogy meet and I took a bus ride to Rhinebeck, NY for the Sheep and Wool Festival. Heard that the Maryland S&W is MUCH better (and larger) - wonder if I'm brave enough to try that next spring?!?

Coming along well on BD's 'colors' blanket - strip one is finished and I've started on strip two. Liking the pattern designs - from Liesure Arts Sampler Afghans #932 using Patons Canadiana.

JEs sweater (Sirdar Snuggly 3936) in purple with a hood. This is a new technique for me - a mock smocking pattern.

It's coming along great and the color is SOOO JE! Working with chunky yarn makes the stitches stand out (also shows any errors so accuracy is important) and it is going so quickly. I should have the back finished this weekend!

Ok, so I've been working on items for BD and JE, but what about JC? The boy of many hats - Do I make a hat or some crazy kind of scarf? Does he even wear a scarf? In the planning stage, but need a consult with his Mom.

And here we have a photo of our last adventure! Sayville NY, Chris' first BBQ judging event! Yes, Chris is a certified Kansas City BBQ Judge - and the perfect weather was only enhanced by the opportunity to try food cooked by teams of BBQ specialists!

Judging is quite a science - it's more tasting and reviewing than eating en mass. These people are very serious. If you ate everything you were served, you wouldn't be able to get off the chair at the end of the day. Suffice to say, leftovers can be taken home and are VERY welcome.

Jeff, if you're out there, you missed a great time. We'll sign you up for the next judging!

Can this be Alice in Wonderland?? Yes, it's JE in disguise - costume I made for Halloween. I believe this costume came into being as JE liked the shoes! Amelda in the working!!

Count Dracula (aka JC) is primed to hoot and spook with his great cape and vest- in this photo he was awaiting his "fangs" but trying on the outfit to show how it fits!

The parties have begun and the grandchildren are treating and tricking - quite a difference from on our street where we MAY have one or two visitors on the 31st!

This year BD will be the well loved "elephant" - Great costume - keeps the babies warm and a favorite of Mom's until the children are big enough to decide what they want to be.

Next year we'll have 4 trick or treater Grandchildren! Jenny and Brian are expecting in March - right in 'birthday ally". Wonder what the costumes for next year will be?? I know we'll need at least one more knitted Pumpkin Hat!

Other projects in the works are convertible mittens (the first knitted item I'm making for Chris); A sewed fleece vest for me (project we're making in the machine sewing class I teach at Northport Adult Ed). Also finished handmaking a few items which will be revealed toward the end of the year as they are Christmas gifts for family members.

'Till next time. D

So Many Plans, So Little Time

2007-09-19T09:46:00.001-04:00

Do I finish it or not? This sweater is for me - well it was supposed to be finished for summer 2007. I just love the colors, and yarn texture but became sidetracked. I refuse to let it become a UFO (unfinished object) hanging around in a knitting bag stuffed in a closet. Even if I don't wear it until next year I'm going to spend the next knitting hours finishing it!! The technique was very interesting - multidirectional - always working with live stitches which means there's NO sewing together! Love the patterns by this designer - Jill Vosburg (JustOneMoreRow.com).

August strip for the SSK (Sample Stitch Kimono). Yes, I am behind, but have finally figured out the pattern to my satisfaction. It wasn't difficult, but summer brought on a brain drain and the words and hand motions didn't coordinate. Working feverishly - the September pattern has already arrived and I'm anxious to be back on track. The SSK is a year long knit-along where you get one pattern per month and the completed project is a jacket. If you want to see the finished jacket, check out http://www.knitability.com/

And here we are with BD's blanket in progress- I'm just loving the colors and patterns. Using Patons Canadiana a worsted weight acrylic (wearable and washable) yarn great for children. I'd made this blanket twice before and was tired of the same stitch patterns, so I've switched the patterns to blocks from Leisure Arts#932 - 60 Easy Knit Pattern Stitches to create Sampler Afghans. Enjoying the new designs and always anxious to complete a few more rows.

JC's "color" blanket on the left, JE's is on the right.

Thinking about Sirdar Pattern 8465 as an in-between jacket for me. Do I dare start it now or will it become a fall pattern which I finish next summer?? I think it would look great in Wendy X-Treme - the color is a purple ,blue ,pink ,green and teal twist which I've had for quite some time. If I use this yarn to "destash" do I get to buy more yarn?

All this computer time will not get the WIPs completed so, bye for now and NEEDLES DO YOUR STUFF!

Here are the photos!

2007-09-04T18:03:00.000-04:00

Well, I've managed to download the photos of the completed shrug and the August strip for the kimono knitalong. Thought they both came out quite nice.

We had a bit of a problem with our female kitty Gremlin last night. As I was trying to work on the blog, she nicely sat in the solarium and CHOMPED on one of my Christmas Cactus plants! After frantically checking the 'poisonous plants for cats' website, she was shooed out of the room and the plants were rescued. I've finally gotten them not to DIE and she chooses to CHOMP! I spent the afternoon hanging the pots from hooks hopefully higher than she can jump. Wonder what tonight will bring with this minx!!

Enjoy the photos!

Can it be September?

2007-09-04T09:03:00.001-04:00

Can't believe it's September! The weather this weekend was perfect - a hint of cool things to come. We celebrated the weekend with bbq's - Jeff and Connie visited on Sunday and we visited Carolyn and Steve on Monday. Enjoyed seeing our sibs and spending the time with them. Guess I'd better call to have the pool closed before the leaves start to fall.

Knit wise I've made some big strides. Completed the July strip for the SSK (Sample Stitch Kimono) - OK I'm late and should have finished the August also but.. Anyway, I also finished a shrug from a class I took at my LYS. It came out so cute - I'm going to try to download a photo to this post so wish me luck.

This coming weekend is a bday gathering for our youngest grandson BD. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Trying to keep up with technology - Chris gave me a Samsung I-Poddy type thing so I've been busy downloading some knitting podcasts I found on line. Now if only I could figure out how to pick up messages from my cell phone!

Enjoy the beautiful weather and good health to all. Deb

Summer 07 update

2007-08-25T10:33:00.000-04:00

Woops, that should have been ROUTINE colonoscopy! D

Summer of 07

2007-08-25T08:49:00.001-04:00

It's almost over! Can't say I'm disappointed though. Chris had some medical problems this summer - during a routing colonoscopy, colon cancer was discovered. He had surgery and we spent the summer in recoup mode. As it was caught very early, the outlook is very good. While this has limited our swimming and visiting, it's given me more time to knit! We were able to spend some time with family - great time for all! Can't believe how quickly the grandchildren grow!

Completed summer projects:

2 Harry Potter Griffendor bookmarks (knitted)
1 Griffendor black school robe - sewing for granddaughter
1 short and top set - Harry Potter cars fabric - sewing for granddaughter
2 pairs shorts - HP car fabric - for grandsons

Knitting WIPs:

The Diamond Patch Sweater (just one more row pattern) for myself-almost finished
Colors Blanket - BD- Leisure Arts Sampler Afghan - lots more to do before weather gets cold
Crayon Box Jacket - class taken at Stitches - MUST work to finish it before this October to wear at class
Shrug - Three Black Sheep class taken in August - almost complete
Sample Stitch Kimono KAL - lagging behind - need to finish July and August strips QUICKLY!

Looks like I need to get off this computer and put the needles to work! Deb