DECEMBER 24th, 2011

Sorry I have been away  for so long. I was knitting alot of birthday and then Christmas gifts for my family...
can't tell you about what I made until 12/25/11....

Did I mention I hate holidays and family occasions!!! Okay so I am allowed to be a grinch...It gets really dull and very boring trying to entertain myself all the time.

This past year has finally leveled out..who knew turning 62 was such crap..Early retirement my butt!!!!!
It's actually early to your grave, and yes I am smiling and knitting.

Life is better now and am looking forward to 2012!!!!!!

Bring it on cause I am ready...


Peace to all,

Darla


oh don't be shocked..my pity party is over!!!!

THANK YOU GOD & COUNTRY

On my way to sleep...if I can that is.

Finally Bin Laden is gone. I know that I shouldn't be
happy with a death...but I am glad this person is gone.

In a mansion no less..with starving people..enough said.

There is hope for us...

Darla

I almost forgot.....Happy May Day to all......

Happy Easter

Hope your Easter is a beautiful day...the sun is shining and the birds are tweeting..

Where Did It Go?????

I better mention birthday today...62????? This one is confusing me a bit.

Don't feel different but thinking maybe I could do hair violet or blue..

Okay NOT..the blonde will stay.


Peace,
Darla

Prayers needed

A friend  and family need prayers very badly. I have known them for almost
23 years.

Adam is in the hospital and in need of your prayers.

Anne and his children will be needing all the strength that can
be sent to them.

I am in a bit of shock over the news but feel better knowing
so many will be praying for them.

Thank you so much,\Darla

wrap your troubles in dreams: italian olive oil bread (no-knead schacciata/pizza...

Oh my gosh I have certainly stolen this recipe. It looks easy & delicious!! wrap your troubles in dreams: italian olive oil bread (no-knead schacciata/pizza...: "i got this recipe from xo breakfast (thanks mum).the original recipe comes from jim laheys book: my bread it looked so deli..."

GIVING And KNITTING

https://www.giveback.org/onehundreddays.aspx?refid=15

Click above to see the local foundation I have chosen to help.
The Independent Living Choices, here in South Dakota is a
wonderful local charity to give to. It was formerly known
as Prairie Freedom Center, and as we do not have a
local United Way for our county this is a great way to
give.....

I watched Oprah on Friday and that is where I found out
about this "Give Back" help. What a great and easy way
for those of us who use the Internet to shop...check it
out.....

I'm knitting summer jewelry at the moment...to hot for wool
when it's over 90 in the summer and very humid...

I will take photos when complete...

Have a great Monday,

Darla

Wool Stainless Steel

LB Collection ® Wool Stainless Steel   

Well as my birthday is April 18th, and nicer weather is arriving I feel the need to make some jewelry. I love working with clay and have sold a number of pieces at a local motel.

Annette was kind enough to sell it for me during hunting season...lots of men without their woman ....so they want something besides duck and deer (thank God) to bring home with them.

 This Lion Brand can only be purchased the New York City Store or online...Wool Stainless Steel yarn and in great colors, should be fun... I'll let you know how it knits.. Oh, by the way it's $10.00.......

. Have a great weekend,

 Darla      

THEY DID IT

#utm_source=en-et-na-us&utm_medium=new-features-link&utm_campaign=en Wow they sure did it at Google. I love my gmail account. I now can actually excercise while checking and responding to my emails... Now I wonder???? Can I use this new "body" language on Facebook under languages???? It's a beautiful day so off I go..cause there is snow coming again... SPRING..... Peace, Darla

Talent

I saw this on Ellen last week and just found it again..you must click and see this wonderful pet. It made my day for sure....No stage fright for sure.. Darla

Cotton Classic Giveaway! Win a Kit of Colorful Cotton for Scarf Knitting - Tuned In to Knitting Daily TV - Knitting Daily#commentmessage

Cotton Classic Giveaway! Win a Kit of Colorful Cotton for Scarf Knitting - Tuned In to Knitting Daily TV - Knitting Daily#commentmessage

This is a wonderful giveaway and I watched the program yesterday. Wonderful knitted
fabrics with this yarn...

Spring & summer are coming and I loved the layering for fall & winter.
So get over there & you could win 3 not 1 but 3 kits and a knitting
pattern book.. Just click the link.......

Peace,

Darla

JAPAN

Watching all that has happened in this beautiful country I am amazed

at the people. Look and admire a country with so much devastation
and horror and there is NO LOOTING or mass hysteria from those
that have lost so much.

They are actually going about helping & doing what they can for
all. Yes, I am sure they are holding alot inside but to be able to
even have a smile in this terror is remarkable.

God Bless Them All...prayers & hopes are with you.

Peace,
Darla

Windows Live

Windows Live

Alright I decided to try the Windows Live that came with my new laptop back in December. This test note will let me know if I have everything in synch at the moment….

Watching American Idol & enjoying it..Ooh, always liked Steven Tyler…just lovin the eye candy…

Peace,

Darla

A Work In Progress - WIP as we say

Well, I have the back of the sweater completed but it has now become a
WIP.....as I have gotten bored with trying to figure out the front....pullover or
cardigan style???? These actually are not easy  for me to figure out...I think a
pullover will be way too warm for me....but am not sure if I can knit a cardigan
front as I'm changing up the pattern.

I have decided that if this is my ONLY dilemma in my life that yeah all is well.

I will do 3/4 sleeves & if it's still too warm for me...Merry Christmas to someone
this year...


Peace,

Darla

Great Day

Wow, I am progressing on the swetaer back...only 10 more
rows to finish this side. I think I'll try a sleeve next..something
a little different. It will start with widerib then seed stitch...

I suppose the blocking will be a little tricky....we'll see.
I am very surprised how well it's knitting up.

Well off to knit more....

I did stop and clean my van of ice and snow.....

See ya,
Darla

A Scrumble a Week

A Scrumble a Week

I Have included this blog from Australia before but I love her Fiber Art...

This is for us knitters & crocheters that appreciate the beauty of fibers. One day I
want to make an attempt, to scrumble.

I am amazed that the artists who work with fibers (knitterrs,spinners and all the others)
love to share and have others enjoy the art.

Enjoy looking and try it...why not?????

I'm having a snowy day AGAIN!!!!!!

Peace,

Darla

THE SWEATER

I am now at  the middle of the back side of the sweater. With out weather so cold it
is the correct time to be knitting a wool sweater.....I actually have 20" up the back in 3x3 ribbing,...
I think I would like to do the sleeves next..3/4 so it won't be too much.....



2nd photo

 So far so good and it's going pretty quick...I'm really liking the
wool, Lambs Pride bulky.....



Have a great week end,
Darla

My first sweater

well after putting this off for quite awhile, I started my 1st sweater today. Yes I am maturing
in my knitting......started with a wid rib for 6 inches, 2 knit rws now some basketweave...
I will keep you informed on my progress....

Oh it's snowing again...so the 1st sweater is 100% granite colored wool in honor of our
winters.....I am using 3 different stitch patterns for interest....wide rib, basketweave & seed stitch.

Peace,

darla

MY 1st SWEATER

How to dry flowers in the microwave

Too Blessed To Be Stressed: How to dry flowers in the microwave: "I love when my husband buys me flowers. I enjoy drying flowers to use on stationery and of course with my other craft ..."

This is soo easy. Thanks Lauren for the tips..if I ever see spring as the blizzard is not great for having beautiful flowers around..

Darla

To Friends

Sale! 25% off Yak Yarn

The sale is over but do take a look at the most beautiful yarns ever..

Back in September, After 20 yrs. my cousin and friend , Jan was looking at blogs...guess what she found me.
We lost touch after my many back surgeries and my moving to Florida....

We used to ski and really be the best of friends. I thought of her often and
wondered what she was up to. Well now I know...she's knitting like me. So as in the past we speak almost daily.

She is a nurse now...and doing private duty. Gosh, missed out on alot....
We have caught up very quickly..I of course sent her to http://www.ravelry.com/. then she told me about
this specialty yarn she purchased....Mink and Cashmere.....wow.


I didn't know about it..so a few days later I go and get the mail and yes, she sent me that
beautiful 70% mink /30% cashmere from http://www.greatnorthernyarns.com/
. I do not need to tell you what a surprise and thoughtful gift from an old lost friend.

It just seems that we have connected right where we left off. Older, wiser (well???) and can't wait
to drink some tea together.

Thanks Jan..cause I have really missed you.....as Sly used to say, "We are family".......

To you,
darla

Too Blessed To Be Stressed: And The Winner Is...

Too Blessed To Be Stressed: And The Winner Is...: "Congratulations, Darla (dacg), you won my Valentine Giveaway!! As soon as I have your details I will mail the Rubber Stamp Set!..."

Oh my gosh......it is a great Valentines Day...thank you lauren you know I love your Blog from Scotland...

What fun..thank you soo much.

Peace & Love
Darla

Virus Protection

I have not run away...honest!!! Have to figure out how to get my CA virus protection on my laptop, Mediacom...It's not downloading or helping me at all.

Came to library to ck. out some emails..

I shall return!!!!!

Peace,
Darla

A Short Write

It's one os those curl up and read or knit days. I did cook a roast beef, potatoes and
brussel sprouts (brussel sprouts in oven with purple grapes) oooh good.

It's not usual that I cook a real dinner for myself...really not fun to cook for yourself.
Well today was the kind of day to cook for real.

I'm knitting a neck warmer with some Lion Brand Homespun yarn that Linda sent me.
I need a large button to use for closure....It's really cute. Will take photo tomorrow.

Oh the movie "Salt" was really dood. Did enjoy the girls' night....it was alot of fun..

Have a great start to the week to all....

Peace,

Darla

Too Blessed To Be Stressed: White Chocolate Truffles

Too Blessed To Be Stressed: White Chocolate Truffles: "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!White Chocolate Trufflesare my favorite!! You will need:1/3 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream 6 Tablespoons Butter 2 Cups ..."

Movie Nite..

Yeah am at Jennis' and we're getting ready to eat pizza & watching "SALT" with
Angelina.....okay also knitting like crazy..

Will be back tomorrow..

Peace,

Darla

What Am I Thinking Now???

So I have decided to attempt tatting. This is an art that I find fascinating and am glad
it isn't lost.
Also have started this really neat scarf using my telephone number. You knit the rows to
your number and then repeat. I'm using random pieces of all the feltable and fun
yarns that have been given to me (thanks Lou Lee & others). When finished I will
wrap sections tightly (so as not to felt) and will take loads of pics for all to see.

I 'm still making more slippers for the upcoming holidays (okay the end of the year).
Hopefully I can start the sweater for myself that I have wanted to make..Good Luck
to me on that one...

Peace,
Darla

ps: Thanks to all of  my new followers and the great comments that you have
      left. It means alot when a comment is left to read the next day...

Thruway scarf: Knittyspin Winter 2011

Thruway scarf: Knittyspin Winter 2011

I always wondered how to use the beautiful low yardage yarns. Well here it is!!!

I love this beautiful and very easy scarf. Very elegant and eyepopping.

I'll blog later today with a project I started last night.

Darla

This is Wednesday...

http://knittyblog.com/   This blog is great for many reasons. Imformative, educational and just plain ol great
                                    fun. Plenty for everyone even if you don't knit. A great place for those that want
                                    something knitted or crocheted  by those that do and will.

                                    It's nice to have an idea of something you might want handmade for you...they have
                                     great articles on what's happening!!!!! So I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

So here's the second set of slippers I am working on....soft &
comfortable...wool "Nature Spun" and mothproffed...

I'm working on pics...trying very hard...

Peace,

Darla

Too Blessed To Be Stressed: Chicken, Bacon and Cheese Bake

Too Blessed To Be Stressed: Chicken, Bacon and Cheese Bake: "Here is a low-carb recipe I'd like to share with you. Chicken, Bacon and Cheese BakeYou will need:Chicken Breast Cheddar Cheese ..."

This is a great Blog to check out. Lots of goodies..

Need More Felting

As you can see I need to felt my slippers again...

Having a front loading machine does make a difference,
so I will try a sneaker in the wash the time...

I need some puff paint to place on the bottom so I won't slip.

I'm really enjoying them & getting ready to knit many more to spread them all over to family  and friends..

Peace,

Darla

Cheyenne River Nation Prayer Gathering « Tapestry International Ministry

Cheyenne River Nation Prayer Gathering « Tapestry International Ministry

I find this blog so uplifting. My dear friend Patty is a beautiful Lakota woman
with so much faith. I admire her for the time and love she brings to all of us.

This is so interesting, thought some may want to read this.

Peace and thank you,

Darla

MY SLIPPERS

Oh, I finished them....my new slippers. Tomorrow I will felt them and hopefully
I'll wear them soon.

Not feeling well so I'll blog tomorrow...and pics of new slippers.

Peace,
Darla

Tuesday Evening

I would love to tell you are weather is great but that would be a HUGE lie. It's miserable!!!!
Temp. is -3 with a windchill of -17 or so. Oh it is snowing some. We are looking forward to
-13 as a low and am glad I will be under my down comforter!! I don't want to know what the
wind chill will be either.

Weather back east does not look good either..

So I got into my van and did some errands this afternoon. Knowing that I  don't drive far in
the winter I left the van running until it warmed up ( only in SD). Then went to my local
espresso/lunch place (Ward's Store) to say hi and have a nice cup of espresso.

I left after about 20 minutes or so and started the VAN.....no no no and it did not start.
Temp is now dropping & I have very little patience left. I phoned Scott at Palmlund Auto,
my fav person in the whole world, and he was downtown in a flash. Jumped the vehicle
and on my way HOME!!!

So I am in for the duration as Scott ckd. my battery & it's about 47%, me I'm at 10%. So a
battery lasts under 4 yrs now!! Will be saving for that investment now.

I am working on my slippers & watching tv..What a life.

Peace & smiles,
Darla

Frogging And New Face To My Blog -2011

So I did great with the first slipper but I got busy blogging, tweeting and checking
out  the other bloggers that are kind enough to follow & post replies that QUESS
what! I screwed the other foot up (no kidding), so I have frogged (for none knitters
it's to take it OUT) the entire thing.
I have now restarted knitting and hope to complete it tomorrow...cause I am
blogging, tweeting & everything else. I need a computer that I can dictate to.

Oh, by the way I did get a chance to purchase some SALE yarn yesterday.
January is a very important month for great stash building....

Alright, time to go as I need to check out FB and make some replies!!!

My Newest Knit Project

Alright I know the picture is not really pro but it is from
my phone....yeah I cheated but it is a PHOTO>>

I love this pattern that I found under Felted Slippers,
on RAVELRY patterns.

I still have to felt ...oh I also have to knit the other foot.

I used Lana Loft...so easy..on US8 needles.

Peace,
Darla

Lavendersheep's Fiber Garden

Lavendersheep's Fiber Garden

Look at her sale yarns..and roving too.
I love it, ooh so beautiful & soft.

She also has a great Blog!!!!

Check out this great MSN video: Terrier vs. alligator, terrier wins

Check out this great MSN video: Terrier vs. alligator, terrier wins

Check out this great MSN video: Missing dog returns five years later

Check out this great MSN video: Missing dog returns five years later

Changes Today

Just finished updating my Blog as you can see.

I was getting a bit bored with the old set-up. New Year
so I have a newer look. It's not too fancy but I LOVE
the sky and grass.

Now I need to begoin taking pictures. I just don't
know what my problem is with not taking pics. I used
to be pretty good and was always taking them.

It will be soon..I promise to ME that I shall begin!!!

I'm knitting a pair of slippers for myself. I found
a great felted pattern on{ www.Ravelry.com}. So I'm
working on the 1st one.

Then I will make a felted Laptop Bag, which I found
on Ravelry. I'm going to change it up a bit but that's
fine.

Speak at ya later.....
Peace,
Darla

Tatting Memories

http://tatknot.blogspot.com/

As a child I remember my Mom sitting at the table or a comfortable
chair. She had this funny looking thing with lots of string. She
seemed to enjoy what she was doing. Lots of concentration with
what she was doing.

A few days later I watched as she hung her beautiful piece that
she created to the shades. Oh, it was to pull the shades down.

For me it's just one of the great memories of my childhood.
How I wish she were here to watch me knit and how much I enjoy it.

I've thought about tatting but couldn't give up my knitting
to start something new (too big a stash now). So I was looking
at blogs and found this great one on Tatting. She has plenty
to get you started and to continue with this craft.

So go to the above blog and enjoy, hopefully you have memories
that will come to mind in your childhood.

How I wish Mom had showed me to tat...

Peace,

Darla

A Contest

So here I am for just a short quick blog. As I was checking out my Groups on
http://www.ravelry.com I found this contest for "KnitPicks DPN's".

I immediately entered and if you wish to please go to the following
blog(which is great)and enter,[http://gardenlynn.blogspot.com/].

All the rules of entering a pretty simple so go for it...

Peace,
Darla

KNITTING FOR ME

I was having a slow start up knitting this new year. I knitted a
simple pair of fingerless gloves for my daughter. She said her hands
get cold when she is at the research library late in the evenings.

So being Mom and having a request for something I can knit, I preceded
to grab my needles and some beautiful "lambs Pride Cotton Fleece", and they were in the mail to her... that was a great feeling.

Now with all the beautiful yarns I have collected and needles I have to use
I've decided to make myself a scarf. Not a complicated one with my
mink & cashmere but with an acrylic (but oh so soft) which I purchased
for $.50 at a thrift store that I love to shop at.

Oh nothing fancy in the stitches either. Just plain old reliable garter
stitch.

I figure with the new yarns I purchased the last week online I'll be
busy knitting socks and new gifts for everyone this year..

Peace,
Darla

A NEW IDEA

I am really trying hard this 2011...I  just donated  $25 to the Cancer Walk here in De Smet.
This gives me three months at the motel swimming pool for aerobics...

I love to swim and always have until I moved here 10 1/2 yrs ago. Lakes with green
floating stuff isn't too much fun trying to scrap it from your body. I also was a certified
diver in Florida (learned while working on the "Warm Mineral Spring" archaeology
underwater project. What fun!!!!!

So I'm hoping to lose 11 lbs. and get my back & leg muscles working again. Three
back surgeries in the 80's doesn't help when I'm reaching another year of my life
in April. I am a person that likes to be & do this in a group. Am very excited.

SO I AM CHEATING A BIT....hot pink ( I don't like it) one piece but being as I
checked out my dive bag & found my "Puma dive skin. Wow the entire body will
be covered including the fans under my arms..

Will keep you posted & hope my plan will work.

Peace,
Darla

CONTEST- $30 Gift Cert.

Row Counter Bracelet – Hula Girl


Oh, my gosh just beautiful ........Sorry there is a
contest...$39 gift cert.

A NEW YEAR - 2011

 It may seem late to send New Year wishes to you all but I have really been very
busy.

I made a resolution to be more active on http://www.ravelry.com/. I have changed
some of my groups and taken some away. I will have to work hard at being
attentive to my Fiber Friends. I don't know how thesee women do as much as
they do everyday.

 I made and completed many knitted gifts this year but.......
still no photos...that's the next item I need to complete! I don't take great pics
so I could practice. Just lazy I guess...

The next : to get in the habit again of writing my Blog, change up my template
(needs to be upgraded) and replying to others blogs and not just reading them.

So far I'm on track and hope I can continue......

See you tomorrow,

Darla