tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-312817412012-02-15T23:55:37.070-08:00Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.comBlogger5461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-90291483951085677612011-10-24T14:17:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:17:37.108-07:00

Some time ago... so long ago that I don't even remember when... I pre-ordered Soctupus by Alice Yu.  I love a good surprise, but I really haven't been knitting socks lately so my first thought when it arrived this morning was that it was going straight back.  Because seriously, the last thing I need is another sock pattern book.  I almost had the willpower to not even look inside.  Almost.  But I

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-40036937331351486072011-10-23T14:44:00.000-07:002011-10-23T14:44:05.063-07:00

The blob... (This is the closest to the actual color.) The soak... The blocking... The Maia Shawl... I love these pearly beads! The pattern is from Rosemary Hill's 7 Small Shawls.  It is the second one I've knit from this collection... the first was Taygete back in June.  The yarn is Madelinetosh Sock in Olivia (and is a stunning olive that is terribly difficult to capture with a

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-72938856907727762962011-10-21T15:25:00.000-07:002011-10-24T17:21:02.241-07:00

I simply must get rid of some yarn.  Most of it is yarn I love, but has marinated too long in my stash and has no hope of use in the near future.  Most, but not all, of it is worsted weight, and time has taught me that I have very little use for such yarns here in So Cal.  I really just want to get it into loving hands so I'm unloading it all for cheap.  It is all as pictured.  As you can seem

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-78150968872671470382011-10-15T14:23:00.000-07:002011-10-15T14:23:19.365-07:00

With the weather on a cooling trend, I think it's safe to share the last of my trio of lightweight cardigans... Connie Chang Chinchio's Austin Hoodie.  I had purchased the yarn, Madelinetosh Merino Light, over a year ago but once it arrived, I was too intimidated by the thought of knitting over 1200 yards of fingering weight yarn into a sweater to cast on.  But once I'd conquered Vitamin D and

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-15887411210857682282011-10-13T14:28:00.000-07:002011-10-13T14:28:04.051-07:00

I wanted to post pictures of the other cardigan I recently finished, but out of respect for, or more possibly fear of, the gloating sun which is beaming down on us with a harsh 103 degrees, I will post the little things I'm working on. Maia from the 7 Small Shawls to Knit collection by Rosemary Hill The yarn is Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in Olivia and although the beads don't show up well in the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-11074791024358418092011-10-11T23:33:00.000-07:002011-10-11T23:33:02.804-07:00

After discovering the wonderful, lightweight feel (and getting over the fear) of knitting a fingering weight cardigan, I've been on a bit of a cardigan kick.  About a month ago I finished Dahlia from Interweave Knits Fall 2011. I was immediately drawn to this cardigan because of the gorgeous lace panel and interesting construction.   Here is the lace panel with the beginnings of the top and

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-21939217074016123462011-08-29T18:55:00.000-07:002011-08-29T18:56:55.381-07:00

The Camp Loopy Project 3 challenged us to knit a project using at least 800 yards of yarn in one month.  My first thought... "Yikes!" But the prize... Wollmeise.  So I started searching for a pattern.  And searching. And searching. Vitamin D was already on my list of favorite patterns, but I seriously doubted my ability to knit a fingering weight stockinette cardigan in a year, let alone a

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-3472641763677727832011-08-22T17:24:00.000-07:002011-08-22T17:24:53.731-07:00

The prospect of knitting a fingering weight cardigan in 30 days greatly intimidated me but I'm flying (special thanks extended to Doctor Who). I have 24 rows of stockinette left (with some 350 stitches on the needles) plus the garter stitch trim.  The pattern is Vitamin D by Heidi Kirrmaier and makes clever use of short rows for front shaping.  The yarn is Madelinetosh Sock in "Ink"... the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-67235218565675563212011-08-16T19:40:00.000-07:002011-08-16T19:40:53.616-07:00

Over the weekend my alien/sci-fi loving son discovered Doctor Who which I had never seen before either.  Our search for a way to earlier seasons led us to Netflix... the depths of which was another new discovery for us.  Of course I'd heard of Netflix before, but had no idea what all it had to offer. Even better, this discovery coincided with the cast-on date for my Vitamin D cardigan, which I

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-53748950498559124302011-08-14T15:34:00.000-07:002011-08-14T15:34:53.149-07:00

After the NFL lockout and questionable forecast for the new season, we were definitely ready for some football!  Even more exciting was the call that our nephew, who had recently graduated from the University of Texas, had been picked up by the Seattle Seahawks and would be playing in their first pre-season game in San Diego... a mere 3 hours from us! Football and Family in one fine day?!  One

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-32567834026447270022011-08-02T17:31:00.000-07:002011-08-02T17:31:04.074-07:00

I got a bit hooked on the crochet thing and found myself spending whole afternoons trying new stitches, making potholders, and discovering the granny square. Exhibit A: Easy-Peasy potholder (I'll be making more of these!) Exhibit B: The Granny Square and Friend: In which I discovered that, unsurprisingly, Tahki Cotton Classic is much nicer to work with than Peaches and Cream cotton. I had

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-81439799572475921522011-07-27T14:20:00.000-07:002011-07-27T14:20:20.762-07:00

Not too much here to get excited about, but after four years of collecting dust (I know cuz I blogged about it when I bought the book in July 2007), I finally pulled a how-to-crochet book off my shelf and did it.  I crocheted an almost square. We'll call it a dishcloth. It was fun to use a different technique... a bit addicting even.  So, please, if you have a favorite dishcloth/hot pad

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-67468403231731152592011-07-21T18:42:00.000-07:002011-07-21T18:44:54.711-07:00

I haven't been camping in years... at least 6.  But in a moment of what I can only describe as profound forgetfulness, I exclaimed to one of my friends (who just got a new tent trailer), "Hey!  Let's take the boys camping next week!"  And within 24 hours she had managed to snag a spot at one of my favorite local beaches.  Favorite, in this case, meaning two things... very local and one of the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-54665224323760054342011-07-14T15:24:00.000-07:002011-07-14T15:24:46.188-07:00

Tonight's the night!  Harry Potter fans everywhere will participate in the insanity of forgoing normal resting hours in order to be among the first to see this last installment at a midnight showing.  Not me.  While there was a time, back in the day, when sleep was just a novelty with no real significance and midnight movies were all the rage... I am now much too old and am doubtful that any

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-57936007592555870812011-07-09T17:28:00.000-07:002011-07-09T17:28:23.946-07:00

I've developed a possible addiction to knitting with beads recently.  It took me a couple of projects to learn that if I buy beads that match my yarn perfectly... they will completely disappear into the pattern and offer no amusement beyond the sound they make when I lay the shawl on a table.  So when I started my latest project with some Malabrigo Sock yarn, I tried to pick something that would

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-54274053161572984642011-07-02T15:17:00.000-07:002011-07-02T15:17:29.950-07:00

The Unique Sheep creates amazing gradiance yarn collections for socks, scarves and shawls.  They dye the skeins in a series of complementing colors which, when knit in an overlapping series, create a beautiful gradation of color. I got this sock set in the colorway Nox from Simply Sock Yarn. The pattern pictured is from the book Sock Club which is a collection of different patterns from a

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-72534569392222444842011-06-30T15:54:00.000-07:002011-06-30T15:54:50.894-07:00

 Considering the last shawl(ette) I knit turned out way too small and had to be frogged, this is a bit ironic. But it is so soft and squishy... Any awkwardness could only result from my own.... Grace and finesse. The yarn is amazing so wrapping away. Taygete by Romi Hill String Theory Caper in Jade and Fusion Lake Size 4

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-67999492491389932862011-06-17T16:49:00.000-07:002011-06-17T16:49:00.654-07:00

Camp Loopy started on Wednesday and I didn't waste any time diving into my new yarn. I chose Taygete for my 2 color shawl/scarf because, being a fan of Rosemary Hill,  I've been wanting to knit it for a while now.  It's part of her collection of 7 Small Shawls to Knit that she came out with last year.  The whole collection is gorgeous and I plan to work through most of them.  I also intend to

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-16634742222474708322011-06-15T20:19:00.000-07:002011-06-15T20:19:37.688-07:00

That's what's going through my mind these days as I read Anna Karenina.  Expelled with a sigh, this thought goes through my mind in regards to Anna herself as well as in general regards to Tolstoy's love of verbosity and farming. Don't get me wrong, for the most part I am enjoying the book... but it is clearly a book that is meant to be enjoyed, savored, lingered over.  I am mainly disappointed

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-19324210767599289392011-06-10T13:57:00.000-07:002011-06-10T15:53:59.197-07:00

"Character Building"... the great parenting buzzwords.  Last night we watched our oldest son graduate from high school.  It's been a week of emotions and reflection for me.  As a homeschooler, I feel a bit of pride/relief that he successfully transitioned to public high school after 8 years of homeschooling.  I hadn't ruined him.  Yay!  As a mother, I'm feeling incredibly proud of the young man

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-45552050099246120152011-06-09T14:14:00.000-07:002011-06-09T14:14:36.619-07:00

Count me in!  Discounts, challenges, prizes... how could I not?   If you're interested, find out more here. This is my yarn for the first challenge, a two color shawl, wrap or scarf. String Theory Caper Sock in Jade and Fusion Lake.  :) Eventually I'll get around to posting some finished knits... but right now I need to prepare for my son's high school graduation! Blessings to all.

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-14854329300149327352011-06-07T18:17:00.001-07:002011-06-07T20:25:42.861-07:00

So, it's been a while. But I realized a couple of things earlier as I was perusing some old blog posts… (1) I'm a complete dork at least half the time, and (2) I have recorded a wealth of history and photos here. Since I'm not into journaling, scrapbooking, or even photo album-ing, this blog is quite the treasure trove for me.  For example, here's a photo of my oldest snapped not long after I

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-14781919100287945222010-02-24T09:14:00.000-08:002010-02-24T09:42:28.332-08:00

Hellooooo!So I lost my camera some time ago, apparently around the end of November, and didn't want to blog without pictures. But over the last couple of weeks, I've gotten some of the nicest notes from people wondering where I'd gone and if everything was okay. I was so touched that people even remembered I used to blog, let alone care enough to reach out and check on me! (Thank you!) And

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-88886911955030777492009-11-23T17:32:00.000-08:002009-11-23T17:39:03.385-08:00

I have a child who wants me to knit him some socks!So of course I must oblige.Hot Rod Socks by Pink Lemon TwistStranded knitting on socks is new to me, but you know what they say... 4th (or 5th) time's the charm.

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-1403191321240138122009-11-16T16:59:00.001-08:002009-11-16T17:22:53.284-08:00

I finished this a while back but never got around to taking pictures.Ulmus by Through the Loops Designs I used 1 hand of Malabrigo Sock in "Ivory" and 2 hanks of Claudia's Handpainted Fingering in "Rock, Paper, Scissors"I love this shawl!!!!I agonized over color choices for weeks before casting on (as evidenced by the bold colors I settled on). I finally grabbed several possible variations and

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-77392092003236188342009-11-10T11:17:00.000-08:002009-11-10T11:38:06.508-08:00

In spite of all my best intentions, I have been unable to get my act together enough to blog over the last week (or two... at least). My boys are keeping me crazy busy with football and school, and I've been using my free time to try to finish up my February Lady Sweater (which should be done today!)However, I was just swept off my feet by news that I had been nominated for a Homeschool Blog

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-33023746171627718342009-10-27T19:12:00.000-07:002009-10-27T19:38:53.230-07:00

If I had a dollar for every cardigan I currently have on the needles, I'd have like 4... no... 5 1/2 dollars. Yeah, it may not seem like much but heck it's 1/3 the cost of the new Interweave Holiday Knits magazine that I had to buy today in order to keep my IK collection complete and my psyche balanced. (I'm still trying to process and justify my purchase so bear with me.)Let's see... I have a

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-24369438593288896422009-10-25T12:43:00.000-07:002009-10-25T13:07:59.961-07:00

This is my view in the car these days.Yep... I have two (2!) teens learning to drive. For some reason, my oldest seemed rather unmotivated to get his driver's permit. He took Driver's Ed, got all the paperwork and signed up for Driver's Training... but was always too busy to go to the DMV and take the test. Until the day after his younger brother turned 15 1/2. Travis, being rather competitive

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-71067532195415985972009-10-22T19:02:00.000-07:002009-10-22T19:35:36.286-07:00

We hopped a train to Santa Barbara for the day and had a blast. Beautiful weather, lunch on the pier, a tour of the oceanography museum (with plenty of hands on exploration)...and then to the beach for some real life exploration.Wyatt had the most amazing find of the day...Vertebrae! The scientist said they were either from a dolphin or a seal, but the really cool part is that they were still

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-382051242053518552009-10-20T22:49:00.001-07:002009-10-20T23:29:52.483-07:00

First of all, I was very blessed by all your kind words. Thank you!I used to do a lot of my blogging late at night when I couldn't sleep, but lately it seems that I spend from about 2:00 on just trying to stay awake until bedtime. I've had a headache since, well, about August so that's been a bummer and pollen is not my friend.But tonight I couldn't sleep because I kinda have something on my mind

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-74131572552081853812009-10-19T19:01:00.000-07:002009-10-20T10:15:40.066-07:00

It's me. I'm still alive and kicking... just not blogging. Most days I can't decide if I want to keep blogging or not so I don't blog at all. Plus, finding the time is hard... taking decent pictures is a skill that still eludes me... and typing with a youngster who never (ever) stops talking isn't easy.Truth is the whole internet experience has soured a bit for me as well. When I first started

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-88526972405717042422009-09-16T12:53:00.000-07:002009-09-27T19:10:53.387-07:00

Ooooh... how I loved this knit! It was one of the fastest shawls evah! Actually, I started it over the summer during swimming lessons, then put it aside until I picked it up and finished in a couple of days last week... but really, I feel like I hardly spent any time knitting it.I made the smaller size because I really wanted a nice little scarf to wear with a certain brown jacket I have. I must

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-51670619731126871212009-09-14T09:57:00.000-07:002009-09-14T10:20:41.274-07:00

The finished knits are actually starting to stack up so I finally grabbed my husband for a few pictures yesterday. I am presently attempting to coax my youngest through a phonics lesson explaining as we go that I'm not the one who needs to learn to read so it is useless for me to read the sentences in his workbook for him. I'm not sure if we'll ever move past short vowels at this rate.While I

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-13994020046603106472009-09-06T21:32:00.000-07:002009-09-06T21:53:17.259-07:00

I am thoroughly enjoying all of your responses to my last post! I can relate to so many of your reasons and I think that's what I love so much about knitting... the variety! From dishclothes to sweaters or stockinette to lace there is a project to suit just about any of my many moods. I've never stuck with a hobby so long before and I'm certain it's this variety of options, fibers, and techniques

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-91492249233954601152009-08-31T18:23:00.000-07:002009-08-31T18:43:34.335-07:00

So I was trying to break my record for longest afternoon nap when I was rudely awakened by my cell phone. (Piece of advice.. never take your cell phone to your room for a nap.) On the phone was my 10 year old who had been locked out of the house as a joke by my 15 year old. Not funny.I grabbed a Diet Pepsi, growled at my 15 year old, and plopped down on the couch. Now my allergies have been

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-40020951291499655892009-08-30T18:37:00.001-07:002009-08-30T18:55:14.461-07:00

I think this is the 4th pattern I've knit out of Cookie A's Sock Innovations... and I have no intention of putting the book aside yet.Knit with Fiesta Baby Boom, these are the Kai-Mei socks which feature a gusset uniquely decreased across the top of the sock along the lace pattern.These socks are going to a good friend of mine who has shown true appreciation for the hand knit sock by wearing the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-27583157632086935242009-08-27T18:42:00.000-07:002009-08-27T18:52:21.007-07:00

My current WIPs were all sidelined last week so I could knit a gift for a very special friend of the family.Foliage Shawl by MimKnitsMalabrigo Sock in Alcaucil on size 6 needlesI added one repeat to the body before beginning the knit-on border. This knit up very quickly, but I think the border took as long as the body. I'd never done this type of border before but found it rather enjoyable.I

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-63208011207835966062009-08-20T15:45:00.000-07:002009-08-20T16:07:08.634-07:00

Yep, that's me! Although the fact that I must cook dinner still blind-sides me every day at 5:00 (and way too often involves a trip to the grocery store), I almost always have at least 1, 2 or 5 things lined up that I want to knit next... and have usually acquired the necessary yarn as well.So, in spite of having 3 shawls, 2 pairs of socks and a cardigan on the needles (at least)... the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-4871208267057767302009-08-18T18:04:00.000-07:002009-08-18T20:53:14.026-07:00

A few weeks ago, my dear friend Keri took me out for my birthday. It was wonderful. She picked me up and took me up the coast to a yarn shop and then out to a funky restaurant (with terrific margaritas) for lunch.Keri is an amazing artist and a capable knitter although she doesn't knit a lot. While at the yarn shop we found a fabulous sample of this lace scarf knit with about 600 yds of a

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-29905132696091485822009-08-13T09:50:00.000-07:002009-08-13T10:14:26.579-07:00

I can't really say this summer has been a busy one... no big vacations... no rushing or chaos. No, I'd have to say it's been a pretty relaxing one. The kids have kept busy riding their bikes all over town except for JoJo who had something far more important to do.... learn to swim.After spending July 4th floating in a jacuzzi with a life jacket...we coaxed him into some lessons. Last year he

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-24874115637355555962009-08-02T13:14:00.000-07:002009-08-02T13:39:18.219-07:00

It's hard when you have a large family with such a wide range in ages to find things you can do together that are age appropriate for all and not too expensive. As a result, we tend to do things in smaller groups. I'll take the younger boys to the movies... while the older boys tend to do the movies with their buddies now. Or maybe I'll take a couple of boys to an amusement park and leave the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-69651687552122839702009-07-31T18:14:00.000-07:002009-07-31T21:52:03.863-07:00

To tell you the truth... when I put this away last summer after knitting only one sleeve, I never expected to actually pull it out again. The fact that I not only pulled it out again, but finished it is nothing short of a minor miracle! Even more miraculous... it fits and I love it!"Martha" from Rowan Magazine No. 37And yes, I can button it! But I probably won't wear it this way.So there you

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-75115114277925521652009-07-23T17:30:00.000-07:002009-07-23T17:45:00.636-07:00

As I near the end of the first sleeve of my if-it-doesn't-fit-I'll-never-knit-another cardigan, it's the little things that keep me going.I've been wanting to knit this Fruit of the Vine scarf since Anne first started it and grabbed the pattern as soon as she was done. The merino lace is the "Rubicon" colorway from Fearless Fibers... and it's perfect.BTW - I would understand if all the 4-ply

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-6029463072091898472009-07-21T17:02:00.000-07:002009-07-21T17:27:11.271-07:00

With the help of The Lace Reader on my Ipod, I'm making great progress on my Rowan Martha sweater, aka the Perfect Summer Cardigan (hopefully).But I do have a splash of color going too.Ishbel is providing a nice alternative.The yarn is not completely smooth providing some nice texture and color variations. Unfortunately, I can't remember what the yarn is so I'll have to do some digging to figure

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-13927571706587871992009-07-15T17:49:00.000-07:002009-07-15T18:05:23.650-07:00

Oops... I showed you the blocking of Caricia, but forgot to post pictures of the finished knit in action. I don't think I've ever mentioned this before, but very few things make me feel as goofy as modeling a finished knit. Add a 10 year old photographer to the mix and well, you get what you get... but here it is.(I just hate the back of my arms... cropping above the elbow is becoming essential

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-3837946126108517132009-07-14T18:53:00.000-07:002009-07-14T19:11:36.604-07:00

So I was contemplating the various household chore opportunities facing me today and I thought, “I know! I want to sort through all my yarn bins and make a spreadsheet of available quantities in different weights and colors!” I had already been to a VBS wrap-up meeting and a swim lesson, so diving into bins of wool in an un-air-conditioned hallway seemed like the natural next step.I like to think

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-9550807056213723782009-07-10T19:28:00.000-07:002009-07-10T19:37:48.231-07:00

I'm afraid to say it... but I think it's gonna fit!(Just try to ignore the toilet paper and dirty laundry in the background. I was very in the moment.)Okay, so I've done a little pinning to get a feel for the fit. But so far so good.I have the left front almost complete from last summer, so that leaves me with the right front and 2 sleeves. I think I can... I think I can...I also got a great

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-24234818062351942162009-07-07T19:29:00.000-07:002009-07-07T19:56:03.319-07:00

Lazy blogger... lazy knitter... lazy in general... soaking up the summer for a bit. My allergies have been terrible so it seems that when I sit down to knit in the afternoon, I end up napping instead.With so many WIPs, I've resisted starting a new project but I did download yet another shawl/scarf pattern today. Meanwhile, I decided to work on the one project that I'm least likely to ever finish.

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-8016786093501335852009-06-30T13:26:00.000-07:002009-06-30T14:11:14.658-07:00

Along with the many other works dangling on my needles, I always have a bit of lace. However, in addition to the Malabrigo Caricia that I had in progress, I was really itching to knit a Girasole lap blanket with some deep red Malabrigo sock I have on hand... and of course there's still the Sea Silk that I had to have for the Trevi Shawl. What to do...Well, I really wasn't comfortable starting

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-61162667539622320562009-06-20T19:04:00.000-07:002009-06-20T20:00:14.453-07:00

Every summer I get the same itch... the desire to knit the perfect summer cardigan. Actually itch is a rather weak word to use here. Obsession would be much more fitting... as in an unhealthy, life-disrupting, brain-soaking, possibly expensive... obsession.This summer is no exception, except that I have recently been informed by my dear hard-working husband that my yarn budget for the next couple

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-14902057668157812722009-06-16T18:07:00.000-07:002009-06-16T18:28:06.893-07:00

It is a common fact of my life that the less I have to do, the less I will get done. Some people use free days for knitting or reading, but I use them for wasting. But this week, I am swamped with preparations for next week's VBS, the great de-clutter of 2009, and trying to learn Geometry to get a son through summer school... so it seemed like the perfect week to get a couple of blog entries up.I

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-53496094956493819902009-05-27T15:56:00.000-07:002009-05-27T15:57:26.163-07:00

"Wanida"

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-77962053543671582462009-05-22T18:44:00.000-07:002009-05-22T19:04:09.853-07:00

Whew... what a blast! These socks were too fun to put down.Like I said, Maizy wasn't my favorite yarn too work with but I won't mind knitting this pattern again sometime. Maizy is a corn fiber and elastic blend that is quite splitty and actually doesn't feel very elastic. But really, what should I expect from corn? The texture of the yarn added to the bulkiness of the pattern as well. So my

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-1547624935300545312009-05-19T10:07:00.000-07:002009-05-19T10:28:39.127-07:00

Saturday morning was spent surrounded by sock yarns and patterns. I pulled out many seasonal colors from solids to stripes... wound at least 1/2 dozen hanks into colorful center-pull skeins... and spent much time pondering the perfect spring pattern. Finally, dizzy with options and color, I settled on...white. Afterall, one can always use white socks... and I thought the wool alternative might

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-63986115734066533712009-05-16T09:12:00.000-07:002009-05-16T09:44:11.594-07:00

My brains are scrambled. That's the only way I can describe my head as of late. So I'm going to send you to visit one of my favorite designers... Anne Hanson. She has such an eye for beauty in the everyday things as well as being an incredible designer. I especially love her lace and socks. (You can see all her patterns here.)I recently started her Caricia after weeks of agonizing over the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-45252784000329326442009-05-12T17:01:00.001-07:002009-05-12T17:29:37.519-07:00

As I mentioned before, I recently picked up one of the much anticipated Knit Kits.You've most probably seen them around by now, but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents just in case. I must admit two things up front... (1) I really didn't need this, and (2) it's much bigger than I expected. For some reason, I expected some little key chain size doo-dad full of microscopic gadgets. But that doesn't

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-9913177733325160462009-05-11T12:55:00.000-07:002009-05-11T13:06:57.579-07:00

I really enjoyed knitting these socks. They were the first toe-up pair that I really felt comfortable knitting (and didn't have to re-do the heel numerous times).The pattern is Ribbed Ribbon Socks from Wendy Johnson's new book, Socks from the Toe Up, using Oceanwinds Knits sock yarn (in a forgotten colorway) on size 0 needles. Very nice yarn by the way.The actual color is somewhere in between

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-36840303239824632622009-05-10T22:22:00.001-07:002009-05-10T22:32:48.430-07:00

What can I say, boys will be boys. (BTW - This next photo was taken less than a year ago.)The difference just blows me away!

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-11921317835700219372009-05-08T13:08:00.000-07:002009-05-09T08:57:31.975-07:00

I saw the new Kollage Square Needles while on my recent trip and, well, how could I not try them out for myself? I decided on a size 0 circular for magic looping a sock since there is no such thing as too many size 0 sock needles. Really.I really love these needles! They are exceptionally lightweight and addicting to knit with. I cast on for this sock just to give them a try and couldn't put it

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-55549769871625142102009-05-04T17:47:00.000-07:002009-05-09T09:11:38.911-07:00

One of the greatest stresses before I left for my BIG trip to St. Louis was deciding on a sock pattern to start. I bet you think I'm kidding... but I seriously couldn't pack until a pattern was decided. I had two knew sock books to choose from (plus at least a dozen others on my shelf), but it had to be just the right pattern. I wanted something interesting but with a chart that would be fairly

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-46993148154161055832009-05-01T10:44:00.000-07:002009-05-09T09:16:25.117-07:00

In the midst of a rather bad few days last month, I did something that I have never, ever done before in my life... I got on Expedia and booked a flight to St. Louis to visit my dear friend Julie who moved away last September. If you've read my blog in the past, you'll know that I don't travel well... and that's putting it mildly. So to make travel plans of my own free will is absolutely unheard

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-43654892124935752132009-04-30T17:40:00.000-07:002009-05-09T09:18:15.359-07:00

Soon I will post. Really.What can you look forward to? Travel, friends old and new, finished knits, new WIPS, new yarn and gadgets, reading, kids and computer disasters. Oh... and a bit of TV of course!I've missed so many of your blogs and am trying to catch up.For now I'll leave you with a sneak peek:See you all real soon!

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-51938650003037020792009-04-18T11:29:00.000-07:002009-05-09T09:22:39.579-07:00

I've been meaning to blog for a while. Really!But my laptop crashed hard and my desktop computer is sooooo sloooow and unreliable that it takes extraordinary patience just to check my e-mail let alone communicate in blogland. Since I am not a woman of even minimal patience, obviously extraordinary patience is way out of reach for me. But I have a bit of time this morning and my computer is

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-68922600849581105662009-04-04T23:00:00.000-07:002009-04-05T21:30:54.456-07:00

Finished: One pair of Under the Sea socks in Handmaiden Casbah (the ultimate in sock yarn I might add). The color was a special dye lot for The Loopy Ewe sock club and the pattern was especially designed for the yarn by Sharon Hart.I am crazy about Handmaiden yarns... not only are they all high quality but they manage to blend beautiful colors that never pool.Ongoing: The 2009 family flu... 4

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-17131132266052144762009-03-29T17:56:00.000-07:002009-03-29T18:54:53.392-07:00

We just returned home from three days at an annual Homeschool Basketball Tournament in which 3 of our boys were competing. We stayed at a hotel with at least 30 families from our homeschool group and caught as many basketball games as we could. While the adults filled the hotel lobby late at night following the last game of the day, the kids filled (and I do mean filled) the hotel pool for a

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-56679247177130101242009-03-24T20:06:00.000-07:002009-05-09T09:29:37.984-07:00

I swear, I have spent the last 48 hours driving in circles... classes, practices, home, repeat.But I did finish my first Under the Sea sock. I probably shouldn't admit that I shaved my legs just to take this picture.And I started Slinky Ribs from Custom Knits. I have wanted to knit this since I got the book... I even had the yarn in my stash. I have no idea what took me so long.I'm using the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-75357714455885980832009-03-19T19:40:00.001-07:002009-05-09T09:26:39.684-07:00

Well, it just occurred to me that I promised you a glimpse of my first installment of The Loopy Ewe sock club awhile back but forgot to follow through... so, here it is.The yarn is one of my favorites... Handmaiden Casbah in a special colorway. Also included was a pattern designed just for the yarn and a few other goodies. Check out those key chains! The blue thingy is a combination tape measure

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-9040317266543021432009-03-18T14:33:00.000-07:002009-03-25T00:40:27.941-07:00

Many years ago, our refrigerator broke. It just stopped working with no warning, no buzzes, no thumps, it just quit. DH and I made a visit to a local department store and after a couple of hours (I'm terrible at making decisions) we picked out just the right replacement. This was before stores actually got competitive and started offering same-day delivery and such... so we had to wait three days

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-35639255301225648282009-03-16T19:54:00.000-07:002009-05-09T09:33:09.619-07:00

On a much more positive note...I am in love with this latest finished knit.Ene's Scarf from Scarf StyleApx 1.5 hanks of Malabrigo Sock in Alcaucil on size 6 needles.(Alcaucil is Spanish for artichoke btw, and it does have a greenish tint in certain lighting.)I loved every single minute of knitting this shawl.Here's my best dealing-with-a-teenage-photographer expression.After the photo shoot, I

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-30156036848068739522009-03-14T21:57:00.000-07:002009-03-15T15:35:02.666-07:00

I was so excited a couple years ago when I got my Ravelry invite. We had to wait weeks back then to get in, but once you were in it was like a knitter's heaven with access to patterns, yarns, finished items, and new friends to meet.Thinking back, I guess my first clue should've been the personal profile page. It had all the typical questions: birthdate, years knitting, kids, pets, favorite curse

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-73948698831810964972009-03-06T15:36:00.000-08:002009-05-09T09:37:11.486-07:00

Here's a picture that I've posted before, but it's one of my all time favorite pics of Son #2. It was taken... hmmm.... 6 or 7 years ago:And here he is recently on his 15th birthday (he loves having his picture taken. not.):DH was out of town so I took the boys out for a pasta dinner. They were all well behaved and I thoroughly enjoyed the time with them, in spite of the lady who sat across the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-10509581633897377872009-03-04T20:50:00.000-08:002009-03-04T21:08:46.964-08:00

I'm boring. There... I'll just say it right up front. DH was out of town for a week, basketball season is in full swing, we've been enjoying some rainy days, and I've watched Mamma Mia at least a half dozen times. In other words, I've been busy.I'm over halfway done with Ene's Scarf (and loving it!) and about halfway done with my Noro Clapotis. Both are great knits but not very exciting

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-77306808756908992892009-02-22T11:19:00.000-08:002009-02-22T11:33:58.191-08:00

A couple hours in traffic yesterday with a few of the boys and we talked about all kinds of silly things. I didn't have all the boys so we were able to avoid all the elbow room fights and chat. As the conversation turned to TV and such...11 year old: "Mommy is going to leave Daddy to go be Hugh Laurie's maid."15 year old: "Yeah right... you know how much mom likes to clean."So glad to know he's

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-56301408753877820912009-02-20T18:25:00.000-08:002009-05-09T09:44:55.006-07:00

So in the middle of an especially crumby day last week, I got a phone call from my LYS informing me that they had received their much awaited shipment of Malabrigo Sock yarn! Fortunately, I was in the car and only a few minutes away so I swung by and got to search through the newly arrived boxes full of every color! I picked out a couple for me and one for a friend.But over the last week, I've

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-38981473456413342122009-02-14T15:13:00.000-08:002009-05-09T09:47:50.197-07:00

I'm actually not entirely comfortable with the term ADD because it implies a fault or disorder. In reality, most situations in life are just too dull to hold the attention of our active minds. We need stimulation... in some form or another (and no, I'm not talking economic... although I could say plenty about that too). Now a couple of my sons have the "H" factor in the equation so they're always

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-78009513557681597052009-02-13T15:17:00.000-08:002009-02-13T15:28:10.165-08:00

You know what happens when a grumpy mommy comes downstairs with a puffy sinus infected face and angrily informs her 5 sons that her brain is going to explode if she's hears another sound so they'd better be quiet as mice OR ELSE!?!?!?Nothing. Nothing at all.I'd go back to bed but somebody already spilt soda in my room. But of course it wasn't his fault.My son who was supposed to put the towels

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-77361959530703668102009-02-05T21:51:00.000-08:002009-05-09T09:49:51.861-07:00

First I want to thank all of you for your kind words about Amelia. Our weather has turned cool and rainy (yes! rainy!) so I will even get to wear it soon.A couple of you mentioned an interest in knitting it as well... and I think you should! Just fyi, I knit a 34" which would be zero ease for me without any modifications. I also knit to gauge! With blocking I have a perfect fit... although I

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-89578168504437316012009-02-04T21:06:00.001-08:002009-05-09T09:51:26.226-07:00

I don't have it.I'm not a photographer. As a matter of fact, I struggled through both high school and college photography with barely a C. For a (mostly) straight A student this was pretty humbling. I just never had an eye for it.I was a graphic design major so I took my share of art classes ranging from drawing to print-making. I worked hard and was rewarded with good grades. I took a typography

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-55171238583833787392009-02-03T19:36:00.000-08:002009-05-09T09:54:51.042-07:00

Sorry these aren't the best pictures, but the yarn is really hard to photograph... and I didn't know if I'd have a chance tomorrow to try for some better outdoor ones. Since patience is not one of my personal virtues, I'm just gonna give you what I got. We'll call it... the bathroom series.Amelia by Laura Chau from the winter KnittyMiss Babs Yowza in "Obsidian"I knit the size 34 without any major

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-83589241431236294872009-01-26T22:40:00.000-08:002009-01-26T22:53:30.245-08:00

I finished the Flower Basket Shawl on a... get this... cool rainy day last week. The last rows of the shawl flew off my needles as the temperatures dropped and wool was in my hands by Friday. It's just a blob of silk though still because I'm awaiting the arrival of some blocking wires to make the blocking easier.The lower body of Amelia is finished and I'm working on the first sleeve which

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-34781881892782741232009-01-16T23:22:00.000-08:002009-01-16T23:44:54.693-08:00

It would seem that my selfish knitting has resulted in divine intervention.While the rest of the nation is freeeeeezing (I can't believe some of your posts!), we have been experiencing unseasonably high temperatures and, well, you just can't knit with wool when you're sweating... so that leaves me with my sister's lovely sea silk shawl. Luckily, the luxury of sea silk will not be impaired by any

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-43230893751301146902009-01-13T17:21:00.000-08:002009-05-09T09:59:30.256-07:00

As I mentioned, last week I cast on for my sister's Flower Basket Shawl. This was actually quite exciting as I had been waiting since long before Christmas to get started on her shawl. See, while she had mentioned she would love a gold shawl, she has such an incredible sense for color and style that I was way too afraid to pick a color and pattern for her on my own.I ordered the Sea Silk about a

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-10179174310909616282009-01-06T22:51:00.000-08:002009-05-11T11:47:02.575-07:00

As I clear off a few sets of needles and try to decide what to start next, I'm trying to look back as well and see what neglected projects may be lurking around. I assure you there are no shortage of hidden WIPs, but the decision is... frog or finish.Well, the first decision was easy because I've promised my sister a golden silk shawl so today I cast on for Evelyn Clark's popular Flower Basket

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-24335153799922728802009-01-05T16:43:00.000-08:002009-01-05T17:11:11.153-08:00

Don't fall of your chair... but I have another finished knit to share. Rattlesnake Creek Socks (how could I resist?)Fleece Artist Merino 2/6 from The Loopy Ewe (my favorite addiction)Fun... fun pattern! And free.Now I must run. It's a BIG night for us. DH and a few of the boys are at the Fiesta Bowl where our wonderful nephew...will be taking on the only college team I've ever rooted for my

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-81938338208924773122009-01-04T17:19:00.000-08:002009-01-04T17:32:18.176-08:00

Actually, I finished Baby Cables and Big Ones Too... but I'm thrilled with the results. A cotton sweater that fits and that I'm sure to wear! Knit on the round with size 6 needles and 8-9 balls of Rowan Calmer. No seams... Just fun!My only modification was to eliminate most of the sleeve decreases so I would have a wider bell style sleeve. Yay!

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-59378168446396177672008-12-29T19:57:00.001-08:002009-05-11T11:58:36.021-07:00

I only have time for a quick post because I'm busy, busy, busy! But it's been a while and I've finished a few things so I wanted to try to get back in the swing of things.With Christmas successfully behind me (whew!), I have turned my attention to a myriad of abandoned projects and am trying to conquer a few WIPs before the year ends. What can I say... I'm definitely a wait 'til the last minute

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-26782004347283084622008-12-17T18:33:00.000-08:002008-12-17T19:08:38.178-08:00

And yes, that is big news for a Southern California afternoon. We even live high enough above sea level that we have an actual possibility of snow tonight. Snow! Here! It's rare, but it has happened. I woke up to snow one morning about 20 some years ago and nearly fell over at the sight. It was a pretty decent white coating too... definitely enough for a fair snowball fight. It was pretty much

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-90731047676698186572008-12-12T22:37:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:45:31.159-08:00

Today was an extremely lazy day... but I did manage to engage my youngest in arranging our first and most important Christmas decoration.Then he told me the story and acted it out over and over again... very gently with the ceramic pieces. The tree will wait another day.

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-38101645074486308012008-12-11T23:38:00.000-08:002008-12-11T23:56:53.898-08:00

I'm gonna be up front and tell you all a little something about me. I'm not a fan of big holidays. I especially don't like the big ones that slip up on me when I'm not looking. I found myself at a loss for words today when trying to explain to a friend how I could not know that Christmas was only two weeks away. But such is my life.I was chatting with one of my son's teachers this morning (one

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-89005687445963547232008-12-03T16:09:00.000-08:002009-05-11T12:04:54.726-07:00

So, I took my oldest son to the DMV last week to get take his written permit test (don't ask)... and while I was there I discovered that I am no longer able to pass their vision test without my glasses on. Actually, I think it's time for a new prescription because mine are starting to give me a headache. This time I want to get a pair Kawasaki 704s... otherwise known as the Sarah Palin glasses.

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-59300803196741675242008-11-27T13:25:00.000-08:002008-11-27T13:59:13.585-08:00

I truly can't believe that it's Thanksgiving al-ready!I woke up feeling so thankful for my family... and have spent the rest of the morning trying to remember that I'm thankful for all these noisy little boys. All here together. Watching football and taunting each other. Throwing footballs (in the living room) and leaving dirty dishes everywhere. Ahhhh... I suppose these will someday be the good

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-17754772892768375032008-11-15T11:50:00.001-08:002009-05-11T12:06:46.824-07:00

I actually finished these socks a week or so ago, but was trying to pace myself with blog fodder.Pattern: Alana Socks by Wendy JohnsonYarn: Tempted Yarns fingering in MoonlightSize 0 needlesIt's a toe-up pattern which I'm starting to like but it still doesn't come as naturally to me as the traditional top-down. I really like the style of the socks and think they'll look great with my black

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-23917914716091718792008-11-12T22:12:00.000-08:002008-11-12T22:44:31.661-08:00

I love this picture!Did any of you see this episode? When Wilson takes House to his father's funeral? It was so good! And House was superb in this scene.And remember the scene when the two of them got arrested? Do you? Less than 5 miles from my house. Seriously! We recognized the location right away. And you know if I'm going to stalk sets and dress my children like the man, I would've been

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-45405718177079040702008-11-11T16:54:00.000-08:002009-05-11T12:10:39.484-07:00

I have two new loves... Handmaiden yarns and Knitspot patterns by Anne Hanson!This is her Rivolo scarf.The yarn is Handmaiden Casbah in "Smoke"... knit with size 5 needles.As you can see, there was no pooling, just gentle transitions in color.Now we just need it to cool off a bit more.

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-79173407883109358752008-11-03T18:54:00.000-08:002009-05-11T12:13:04.945-07:00

I'm rather obsessive by nature and can easily become completely consumed by items of interest. Now, for the better part of the last 3 or 4 years, knitting has been able to feed this obsession. Shopping for yarn, choosing patterns, blog reading, casting on and, of course, actual knitting has kept my pretty busy. Until lately.My rather neurotic, yet peaceful fibery world has been interrupted in the

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-36536431859979518232008-10-23T16:57:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:54:59.116-07:00

I'm just dropping by to amuse you with some knitting, wit, and charm!Actually, that's a lie. It's been hot (98 today), dry and windy which means I have itchy eyes, a runny nose, and want to take a nap in the worst way.But I have yarn!!! And new bags!!!I've been really drawn to these beautiful autumn colors (probably because they're sorely lacking in my natural habitat).The multi-colored one is

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-7495657914437865832008-10-16T10:07:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:56:29.811-07:00

We have been fortunate... the winds have kept the smoke away so we only have to deal with the itchy skin and eyes from the hot dry winds. To lift my spirits, I am knitting my own clouds with some lovely grey Tempted Sock yarn, and imagining cool grey skies.So I watched the final presidential debate last night... I think at this point I would've been fine if they had just flipped a coin at the end

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-6536966492631150852008-10-13T13:17:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:57:45.655-07:00

Unfortunately, here in Southern California, we only get to see the colors of autumn in the sky.As if the dry, pollen-filled Santa Ana winds weren't enough... fires, whether intentional or accidental, are always a part of the season as well.If there's any question about the efficiency of wind source energy, talk to me... because nothing energizes a child more than some gusty wind. Unfortunately,

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-30240858048861757972008-10-07T21:28:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:59:33.334-07:00

With a little inspiration from The Big Bang Theory last night, we took on a bit of a science project today.2 parts corn starch to 1 part water...Plus 1 speaker...And turn up the bass.Ta-Da! Dancing Goo!(It's a liquid concotion that changes between a solid and liquid as it's handled... and will entertain the kids for hours.)

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31281741.post-73313795856005531592008-10-06T18:23:00.000-07:002009-05-28T15:15:12.489-07:00

First of all, I must thank all of you who reassured me that I'm not alone in my spellcheck joy. I feel much better now. So on to my 2 things...New books...*A thick book of patterns from Classic Elite (that I haven't had time to look through yet)*A new Agatha Raisin book (the latest in a mystery series featuring the abrasive middle aged Agatha set in the English Cotswolds)*The House of Lanyon (

Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623913436571068154noreply@blogger.com7