Evan lands tomorrow!

My soldier is coming home! My oldest son, Evan, has been in Iraq for the past 14 months, and his plane is scheduled to land at McChord AFB, Washington (state) tomorrow at 1 p.m. I wish so much that I could be there to meet him. But that means that he is already out of Iraq and somewhere between here and there, and out of harm's way. I've known the call would be coming for a couple of weeks, but I didn't know that it would bring such incredible relief and emotion.

I am so proud of him and what he's done over the past year. Most Americans really don't have much idea about what's really happening over there. in fact, most of us just go through each day without really thinking about it. Yet, every day, soldiers go out and put their lives on the line for a country that many people couldn't even locate on a map. They do it without thinking twice. Many of them are wounded in the line of duty and as soon as they are physically able, return to duty. These young men and women are heroes in the truest sense of the word.

I am grateful to live in a country that raises young people to stand strong and who are willing to put their own lives in jeopardy to bring freedom to others, even those who don't want or appreciate it. God bless the USA!

Starting a doily

So, my mom's birthday is coming up, and I was having a hard time figuring out what to do for her. I tend not to do a lot of crochet in thread, but decided to break out of my comfort zone and try a doily for her for a birthday present. The picture above is four rounds of the pattern, which is from a McCall's crochet booklet. The pattern is called Trumpeting Tulips and should be about 14" across when finished.

This picture is after nine rounds of the pattern. After round eight you finish off and start the finishing rounds in a different spot.

Here's what I have done so far, the thread, and the cover of the pattern booklet, with the pattern I am making on the cover. I am using DMC Cebelia, and I really love the slight sheen to the thread, as well as the smooth touch and tight coil. It feels almost like silky, fine rope. It holds the stitch definition really well. I think this thread will block really easily. The color is a really light brown. It looks like the color of chocolate milk to me. I am making it for the coffee table in mom's basement where she has decorated in brown and turquoise. I hope she likes it (fingers crossed).

And I am finding that doilies aren't nearly as scary as I used to think.

Scarf finished, bag started233 cvbbbbn

I finished the Boteh scarf I started a few weeks ago. I used Sockotta yarn in a cotton blend. I wasn't sure I would like how the colors would pool, but I do. And I like the fact that the edging sometimes matches the scarf color and sometimes doesn't. I hadn't actually thought about how that would work, but it ended up all right. I am looking forward to wearing this scarf in the warm weather. It is colors I love!

This is such a great design, and so easy to work up, while still looking really great when it's finished. I think the design looks more complicated than it actually is.

I also joined the Haekelbeutel crochet-along on Ravelry. I've been wanting to make this bag for quite a while, and we are joining them in our CGOA chapter meeting this month. then I found the CAL on Ravelry and that was all the motivation I needed. This is the first of 16 squares needed for the bag. I really don't want to have to line the bag, so I am trying to crochet it really tight. I am using Peaches and Creme cotton (on a cone) in the pepppercorn colorway and using a size 0 steel hook (3.25 mm). I think it will be pretty much just what I want, at least for a first bag. I will probably make more than one, and on the next I think I will make the corner chains shorter so the holes are smaller.

Oh, and in case you didn't notice, Sparky helped me type the title of this post. He loves to climb on my lap whenever I get my computer out and he often lays his head on the keyboard or walks across it. This time, it was the walking.

Feeling happy

Just feeling a little happy today that next month marks my 24th wedding anniversary. Sometimes I can't believe it's been that long, and sometimes it seems much longer. All in all, it's been pretty terrific 24 years. Lots of work; some ups and downs along the way, but definitely worth it. Lovely. And even with lots of bumps and bangs, the ring has made it, too (although not without a couple of trips to the jewelry hospital!).

For cold shoulders

My sister inspired me to make a quick crochet project. You can see her version here. It's a pattern that is found in Stitch - n - Bitch Crochet: Happy Hooker. I was going to a conference on Saturday, and wanted it to wear in case the meeting room was chilly (and it was).
I didn't care for the narrowness of the original pattern. It doesn't meet at the front and has a long tie with pom-poms on the ends. The original pattern also just drops over the shoulders a tiny bit. I wanted mine a little longer and to meet in front so I could use a button and not ties. So, I made the L/XL size, and adapted it to fit one more shell motif. The size came out perfect. I used Berroco Comfort yarn, and it took less than two skeins.

I couldn't find a button in my box that I liked, so a quick trip to the fabric store netted this one. I love the little details and it is also quite lightweight so it doesn't pull on the neckline of the wrap. Overall I am pleased with the way it turned out and plan to make another one.

I started it on Thursday night, worked on it a little on Friday morning before leaving for the conference, crocheted in the car (I wasn't driving ;-) ), and finished it that night to wear the next day. I got lots of compliments on it!

Finished auction package

I finished the one-skein throw for the silent auction for scholarships for Kansas Professional Communicators. I added a book that I had two copies of and a nice mug for a cup of tea, or coffee, or chocolate, whatever the reader prefers. I think this little package will make for some 'comfortable reading.'

The book is one of the Thursday next series by Jasper Fforde. Thursday Next is a literary detective and enters the world of fiction to take of crime. It's so fun and the references to jillions of other books and characters is great.

The mug is from Barnes and Noble, and says, "Shh . . . I'm reading" all over it, in different sizes. I thought it was a perfect choice.

I do really love the throw pattern and am looking forward to making another. I used one one-pound skein plus a little more (my gauge was a little bigger than the pattern called for) of Red Heart acrylic. I started with a size K Boye hook, but it didn't feel great in my hand. I don't have a Clover comfort K, and when I tried my Crystal Palace bamboo size K, it was too big. So I ended up (after all that) using a Crystal Palace bamboo size J. Still waiting for Shelly to get a Laurel Hill Forest Palmwood size K in at the store again. When I went in to get one for this project, she was out.

I also used a double-crochet edging instead of single crochet, which was what the pattern called for. I like the extra texture and finish of the double crochet.

I hope someone pays a good amount of money for it since it goes to a good cause!

The dog on the trampoline

Yes, this is Milo on the trampoline. It is one of his favorite places. When he and Sparky are playing and running and Milo wants a break, he jumps right up on the trampoline.

Believe it or not, he also gets on the trampoline and jumps when the boys are out there. He can clear it so easily I sometimes wonder why he doesn't jump the fence. It's really not much higher than the trampoline is. So there you go. One more dog weirdness.

Some stuff, yarn and crochet

I started a new Boteh scarf. I wanted one to wear in the summer. One that I can throw on with jeans or a skirt, and is a nice lightweight, cottony yarn.

For this one I am using Sockotta, a 45% cotton, 40% superwash wool, 15% nylon sock-weight yarn. I love the feel of it. It feels more like cotton than wool, and yet the wool gives it an extra soft touch. Plus those colors just rock. Purple, green, turquoise. Just cool.

And of course, a trip to the yarn store to crochet is never complete without a purchase or two.

I am so enjoying how the Sockotta is working up, that I thought I'd like a Boteh in some summery warm colors as well. This Tofutsies in a lovely coral/pink/tangerine absolutely fit the bill. Again, a cotton, wool, soysilk blend. Mmmmmmm.

Then I was thinking about another one-skein scarf. I've been going to my closet and wanting a summer-weight scarf to wear, and coming up short. Aran-weight wool just doesn't cut it in 80-degree temperatures (not that we've had so many of those yet). So, off to the DK section of the LYS, and lo and behold, gorgeous silk in a DK weight. Lighter, breathable, and oh, so touchable. Perfect green with a little yellow and white flecking action.

Of course, I told you about the Marble I bought to make a smaller throw, but here it is so you can see the great colorway. This photo is pretty true to life. I think it will be marvelous when it's made up.

Yeah, I know it's crooked. Tilt your head. I tried to order this stitch guide off Amazon months ago, and it's been out of stock. I think Harmony is replacing it with another book. I found it on half.com. If you love books and haven't tried them out yet, I highly recommend it. It's part of Ebay, and works like Amazon marketplace. New/used books are available, sometimes old library copies. Thus far, I have not been disappointed. I even found Evan the feature-length G.I. Joe animated movie he watched 90 bajillion times from about age 8 to 10. In perfect condition. $20. Other places wanted $90. Apparently it's a big collectors item.

Love my doggies!

We were out in the back yard one day last week when it was pretty warm and the dogs were just tearing into each other and all over the yard. They get relatively wild at times and I have to kick them out of the house (kind of like the kids!). Milo can fit Sparky's whole head in his mouth. He grabs Sparky by the neck and throws him around and Sparky bites him on the legs and grabs his ears. They really are hilarious. One will grab a stick and the other will chase.

Sparky loves to sprawl out when he's chewing on toys or sticks. We call him the turkey butt dog because he looks like a Thanksgiving turkey when he's laying out like that (as you can see).


And the two of them just make such a cute matched pair. Look at those faces. How can you resist? Needless to say, they are very spoiled dogs. We love them.

To raise scholarship money

I belong to the local and state chapters of the National Federation of Press Women, Kansas Professional Communicators and Wichita Professional Communicators. Every spring the state organization holds its conference, and in conjunction with the conference is a silent auction to raise money for the organization's scholarship fund.

As I was driving from Wichita to Lincoln, Neb., a couple of weeks ago, I was tired and stopped at a Wal-Mart to walk around a little and wake up. It was a store that still has a sewing/crafts section and I found a nice (free) pattern for a throw from a one-pound skein of yarn. So I picked up the pattern and a skein of yarn and decided to make the throw for the silent auction. The pattern calls for a 'K' hook, but I am using a Crystal Palace bamboo size 'J'. I started with a Boye K, don't care so much for the aluminum, went to a bamboo K and it was too big (no narrowing on the neck of the hook like on a Boye). Hence the bamboo J.

I didn't check gauge (it's a blanket, who cares?!) and didn't get it out of one skein. But that's OK. I'd rather have it a little on the big side. So I am working the last few rows and getting ready to do the edging. I like the pattern enough that I am going to make one for myself out of a nice blue variegated acrylic that I found at Twist. It's called Marble by James C Brett. I think I will go down a hook size to an I or something that will work about the same. But the pattern is a nice quick one. Two rows that repeat. One of treble shells and one of chains and singles. Voila! That's it!

New yarn!

I got my first package from Woolgirl last week. I know; I am remiss in not posting about it until today. However, I wish I would have taken 'before' pictures so you could see how nicely the yarn was wrapped in tissue with ribbon. It was such a nice package to open!

I found this lovely Family Pendragon in the same colorway (Humperdink) as my wavy scarf. The scarf was an aran weight and this is a fingering/light sport weight. I think it will make a lovely hat or pair of mittens.

Then there was this luscious, summery colorway, Minoan Temple. I love the Family Pendragon yarns. The colors are rich and vibrant and the yarn is fabulously soft and easy to work with. I may actually try a pair of socks with this.

I couldn't resist this lovely brown from Gypsy Girl Creations. The color is brindle and I love the gold and rust mixed with the dark chocolate brown. Not sure what this will be, but if a first pair of socks is successful, maybe a second pair. If not, it would make a nice wrap or small shawl.

And one of the things everyone says is nice about Woolgirl is the little extras they put in your package. I got a sample of Soak wool wash and this lovely stitch marker. So, I guess this means there will be more knitting in my future, since this is a closed marker and I can't use it for crochet!

Trip to Lincoln (Nebraska, that is)

I took a little trip to Lincoln last weekend to go to an honors convocation for Alyx. While there, I took an opportunity to go to the capitol and I took a tour. Nebraska has the only unicameral legislature in the United States. That means they have only one legislative arm. No house and senate or anything like that. And it is a nonpartisan legislature. No one runs on a party ticket. Interesting.

And what makes it even more interesting (to me anyway) is that the state legislature actually began as a traditional bicameral one. It had a house and senate. It was in the 1930s that the state changed systems. The capitol even has two chambers. When the state changed systems, it chose to use only the larger chamber for meetings.

I love the architecture of the building. It is so different from others that I've seen. And it's actually the third building on its site. I can't remember what happened to the original. The second was built from native limestone, was porous and began to crumble. So this one was built. It was actually built in stages around the old one, and the office wings were built first, the skyscraper tower in the center was built last.

It took 10 years to build, and the state allotted 1 million dollars a year. When the money for that year ran out, construction was halted until the next year when the next million dollars would kick in. No debt. Cool.

True signs of spring?

Although today's temperature doesn't support my theory ( I think it might be 40 degrees F), I can see evidence in my back yard that spring may have actually arrived. These are blossoms on our peach tree right behind our deck. It looked like this last year early in April, then we had a bout of cold weather (like 20 degrees for a couple of days cold weather) that pretty much killed everything off. I'm daring to hope that we are past the chances of that this year. We are supposed to have temps in the upper 30s overnight, but we didn't get hit by the snow that blanketed northwest Kansas.

Behind the peach tree is the weeping willow we planted a couple of years ago. A pretty spring green on the leaves that are starting to pop up. And more difficult to see is the crazy blooming Bradford pear tree in the neighbor's back yard. I really think spring has actually sprung and might even be here to stay. My tulips are coming up in the front yard, but don't show signs of blooming yet. I hope they do, but this is the first year, so we may miss some. And the thunderstorms we've had overnight for the past couple of nights have soaked everything but good! Soggy lawns and soggy newspapers. Oh well.

Whoa, knitting

Stockinette stitch even! OK, so I have attempted knitting several times, and each time was baffled by the pointy sticks. But this time, I was determined. I was on my way to Lincoln this weekend and stopped at a Wal-Mart for a short walking break. While meandering through the store, I found this cute pocket size "Teach Yourself to Knit" kit with these adorable little needles. Knew I would have a little time while there, so picked it up with a couple of balls of yarn (not what you see here). Realized the yarn was bulky and needed bigger needles, so bought a pair of size 10s as well. Long story short, had some issues with purling. Got knitting down like a charm, and even when I thought I was purling was actually knitting, albeit in an incredibly awkward way. But I could do a great garter stitch! :-)

Anyway, called my lovely sister Chauntel, and she tried to help me through purling. Finally, she sent me to YouTube where I found this video. Lovely! Knowing that I work (and always known I would) in continental style knitting, seeing someone actually do it, made an amazing difference. So, last night after work, I grabbed a ball of scrap yarn and those cute little needles, and went for it. Got a few rows in and realized it was actually a stockinette and not a garter! Hooray! So this morning I added a few more rows, and here it is! Above is the front (obviously) and below is the back. Whoo-hoo! Man am I slow though. Think I'll have to crochet a little to remind myself that I can do something fast. . .

A finished scarf — or, instant gratification

I've been working on my ripple afghan in fits and spurts, but occasionally I feel the need for a little instant gratification. So, when I was needing some a couple of weeks ago, I turned out this nifty little scarf. It is one of those great one-skein patterns. I used Berroco comfort for this one.

It is a nice brownish pink, so I can get away with wearing it. Generally pink is not a great color for me. I love working with the yarn and it comes in a zillion colors.

The pattern is from the March/April issue of Crochet Today. When I first saw the pattern I wasn't enthralled (maybe because the one in the magazine was really pink), but the more I looked at it the more I liked the ruffled along the edges. So, I went to the yarn store (well, I didn't actually have to make a special trip, I was there for something already I am sure) and got the yarn. The pattern was easy and I was able to kick this puppy out in about 2-3 hours. Fun stuff!

So, now, I'm making flowers from random patterns that I find free online, or from patterns I have, or from Tamara's brain. I'm ready to try some embellishing, and I am learning to better work with threads. I think I will limit myself to nothing smaller than a size 10. I think I would need a magnifying glass otherwise!

A box for my parents

So I finally got a box together for my parents. The afghan was supposed to be their Christmas present, but it ended up being a 'happy spring' gift instead.

You can see the edges of the afghan (which ended up just immense!) in the lower left corner of the box. I also blogged about it here. The other items were just a few little things for mom. She always wants a couple of new towels for her kitchen, and Kyle thought if we were sending kitchen towels we should send some dish rags, too. So I whipped up the four towels, and Kyle picked out four rags. The little olive green square you see with a brown edge is Kyle's first finished crochet 'project.' He really wanted to send it to his grandparents, so I put it in the box with a note on it. Buried in the box is the "Savin' up for knitting lessons" bank I got for my sister like the one I have on my desk at work. She loved it!

A spring day over spring break

So the sun was shining and the weather was warm (and the wind was blowing 40 mph — typical). We went to the zoo. Apparently every other person in Wichita was ready for a spring day, because they were there, too.


The flamingos were happy to see the sun and the picture doesn't to justice to their bright coloring.







The meerkats were playing and running around. I loved this one in the bush.






The hippos didn't even go in the water. They just laid around on the dirt and soaked up the sun. Of course, their water is so disgusting you can't even see three inches into it. . .







The zebras must not have wanted much to do with the crowds. They only showed their back sides. :-)

Some fun new yarn and hooks

I found a great clearance place online that has a ton of different types of yarn, and some of them are available for as much as 75% off: Smiley's Yarns. So, of course I found some terrific cotton and blends that just fit for some future projects. First, there was the Jaeger Roma. A nylon, acrylic and angora blend. It is incredibly soft and has a smooth touch. I love it, and got it in two colors: mocha and leaf green. (top and second pictures) I'm thinking it will make a nice vest, capelet, wrap, or something like that. It will be a nice spring addition to the wardrobe. Now to find an appropriate pattern to make with it. It's a light worsted and I have about 1,250 yards of each color.

Then I also found these two great cottons. Lily elite cotton in a lovely buttery yellow. And it is really soft and supple. Much nicer than the sugar and cream, and will make a nice short-sleeve cardi or something similar. Perfect for summer. Another pattern hunt is in order.

Finally, there's this terrific worsted weight from Coats, TLC's cotton plus in a persimmon-y peachy color. Again, about 1,200 yards, and a pattern hunt. Soft soft soft. Mmmmmm.

I have tried thread crochet several times and have such a hard time with those short tiny hooks. Now, I know that a 00 or a 1 or 2 is a decent size hook, but the steel hooks are short and hurts my large hands. Cruising around on E-bay I found a seller who makes wood handles, and will insert any size Boye steel hook after you win the auction for the handle. I purchased 5, as you can see, sizes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 6. They are so easy to work with and I am so excited to do some thread work. I have some size 3 and size 10 thread, and am thinking I will branch out and try a couple of other sizes (but probably nothing much smaller than a 10, maybe a 12). I'm even thinking I might try a doily or two! And I saw a cute denim skirt that was embellished with little doilies in a natural cotton thread. I'd like to do that to one of my skirts. And some cute lacy embellishments on jeans or a jacket, and sweaters. Oh the fun in my future!