A New Book..

Oh the blizzard is on the way..8-14 inches (at least I hope it's inches) starting this evening. So I will have lots of time to knit and read. Can't wait for the dogs tomorrow morning with all the snow. The puppy goes out & wonders where all the blowing leaves have gone ( oh, to be one of my dogs..).

I found a great book for all three methods of knitting socks...."How To Knit Socks, Three Methods Made Easy" written by Edie Eckman. It's got great pictures and instructions. And some new patterns for more socks. I found the instructions so much easier to understand and it is cuff down for "Magic Loop".

I love that I am learning more and enjoying it. I am almost done with the 2nd pair of socks and I can wear them in the blizzard as it seems we will also get more snow on Saturday. Whatever, where is Spring and those pretty little flowers we all look forward to. I just love the help I get on , so many wonderful groups with many knowledgeable woman. They know how to knit and keep friendships going forward.

So have a great evening and look for your spring flowers..cause I can't!

Peace,

Darla

A Second Pair Of Socks

Yeah, I got it...almost finished with my second pair of socks.
I am hooked...now I have to figure out making them together on the Magic Loop.

I am amazed that I can learn something new everyday with my knitting. I really enjoy
creating new items.

Well I will have lots of time this week as we have snow headed our way AGAIN!!!
I am over it. No more winter please....

I would like spring to be sprung for sure.


Have a great Sunday to all as I must finish a few more rounds....and have a cup of tea.

Peace,
Darla

I Love Socks

I am definitely hooked into socks...cannot think about anything else.
What yarn to use..waiting for my new Kollage square needles to arrive and what pattern can I create for myself.

You guys were right it is addictive. I am half through the first sock of my 2nd pr.
Ooh, it is great when you finally get it.

Our weather is holding...a little chilly (cold) but no snow here.

I need to catch up on my blog reading tomorrow. Don't want a relapse for sure.

Hope spring comes really soon...

All tulips & crocus to everyone,

Darla

My Socks

I'm hooked...I wore my 1st handmade socks today & actually walked all over and taking my shoe off to show them off. I am proud and can't wait to start another pair. It is addictive but what a great addiction to have.

Knitting with a finer yarn is challenging in sock making, I think when my new square Kollage dpns' when they arrive is what I will use for spring/summer socks. I understand the needles won't roll as much as the round ones. I'll let you know how they work out.

Under tornado watch til 10pm so I will make this short (even though I have my red shoes on) cause I PAY ATTENTION to tornadoes. I get laughed at alot around here but on would miss me if I were gone...he he....

Peace,

Darla

I Am Back With A Vengance & I Won

Oh my goodness..first I want to thank all who kept me in their prayers & thoughts. So much for simple as I ended up with pneumonia and 104 temp.

I still have some of a cough but am finally up and feeling better.

Guess what??? I made my fist pair of socks....YEAH!!!! Couldn't knit or read when I was sick..much too weak but 2 days ago I said I will win and the socks will not.

I will take pics tomorrow and post on www.ravelry.com and here on my blog.

I really missed writing and cannot believe it has been since March 2nd. I couldn't even sit down to the computer & read..it was awful. I did receive 2 packages from my swaps which I need to respond to each of the ladies. It kept me going for sure.
I actually used some of the beautiful yarn that was sent to me by Cheryl...ooh she is great and has really gotten me hooked on Milagro kettle dyed yarn from Uruguay..I love it and can't wait to but some.

Well now I have to get going & catch up on my blog reading as I know I missed out on so much while being ill.

Thank you again for caring,

Peace
Darla

Time Off !!!

Tomorrow is the day...surgery !!!! Am a little nervous but have a friend driving me there & home...can't wait to take the dogs out after this...

So this is not the vacation I imagined but this procedure needs to done and winter is the best...

I will write when I feel better..

Peace,

Darla

Socks on Saturday

I am so excited I think I understand the concept of the gusset!!! I'm getting ready to start that in a few minutes. I used beautiful yarn but I'm not what it is as yet.

I'm going to put batteries in the camera and I will take pictures & upload them...FINALLY. Not tonite but tomorrow...


So I am off to complete one of two socks. Really excited as I will be down & out for awhile and as I surely will still be knitting...socks here I go!! Tuesday is the surgery day...

I've been looking at some beautiful lace projects. Lots of work but loads of gratification on finishing a work like this. When I could still crochet I made a lace table cloth from thread (2 pieces held throughout) for my daughter. I used my own knowledge & made a design from that. It was lots of work but a great gift to her. I remember it took me almost 6 months to complete. Have to find a pic of that also.

Okay, the picture above is a couple of years ago close to where I live. I just loved all the little lambs with the moms. I have a few others I will share at some point which have the babies skipping & jumping around. They do smell alot...but are still cute.

Have a nice Sunday.,..
Peace,

Darla

Knitting And Technology

I am here trying to paste my Ravelry Badge to my blog. So much to learn and just not enough time. I do feel guilty making this statement as I no longer work outside of my home..

I am finding if I sit at the computer to interact with other human computers I cannot knit. I will find a balance (ok maybe not). I am surprising myself and helping my mind stay very active as I am learning so much daily. It's either knitting or the blog. No dusting, vacumning or even reading (which I am addicted too). I actually have a surplus of books to take on...looks like lots of summer reading to catch up.

I'm playing with changing up my blog a bit. Time to advance a little. I read so many wonderfully written that I need to improve a bit more..

It's lousy here...-12 with the windchill...oh, can't wait for spring.

Have a great week end as I need to work on my SOCKS....

Peace,

Darla

I Won An Award!!

I am privileged to know so many wonderful women in the blogging world. My intention was to blog so my grandchildren could see what I am doing in my life far away from them. I don't want this blog to be political (even though I might touch on it gently) or too deep. I am in a year that is life changing for me..I will be 60 and am having a great time of it.

To open ones self up to the world is not easy but I am lucky to know people like who gave me this wonderful award from http://www.blogger.com/www.craftygryphon.blogspot.com/ "The Helping Hand" fromhttp://www.sojournersplace.blogspot.com/ she is a wonderful example to follow in blogging. She also is great at knitting and keeping life fun.

Go here after reading the remainder of my post to get your instructions on "Paying It Forward".

http://www.soujournersplace.blogspot.com/2008/01/helping-hand-much-obliged-and-paying-it.html

So now I get to "Pay It Forward" to those of you who have helped me in my new adventure of blogging & knitting. You all have so much to give and I have so much to learn from all of you. So the first of you that I would like to receive this wonderful Award is:


CiCi, http://www.2sistahsknittogether.blogspot.com/you are always there for me whether it is blogging or socks or your fun trip to Chicago.

Elle, http://www.toliveistopray.blogspot.com/ for your inspiring posts during your personal trials and losses. Keep your spirit young woman you will come out of this much stronger. You give me hope.


Sinje ,http://www.knityoursocksoff.blogspot.com/ your blog is wondrous...I love going to Yarns Shops with you on your blog. I have learned much about blogging and fibers from you and miss NYC.

So thank you all for your help and please enjoy your achievements of being there for others.

So now you each must "Pay it Forward" and the rules can be found at SojournersPlace (see above for link). I know you will enjoy this as much as I have. Keep mentoring Ladies...Good job.

I am also going to make a list to encourage other new bloggers to continue their quests into this wonderful media. I'm actually thinking of doing some fun things here on my blog.

Peace Darla

ps. thank you http://www.blogger.com/www.ravelry.com for the new friendships.

Sorry I have not felt up to my usual fun self..Hurting..pain and of course not getting the SOCK thing.

I watch to much news.. Last night was great. I am upset , as we all are with what is happening in our great Country. I feel I have been here before though and know we are a great people and will come together and help as one. If I gave up I would never knit the socks I want. I won't give up and as bad weather is heading right for me it'll be a great excuse do just concentrate on SOCKS.

Thanks to all for the encouragement and I am not giving up but am going to read about socks (again) tonight.I thibnk I'll get some decaf-espresso!!!

Hope all is well in your lives..

Peace,
Darla

Sorry it's been a few days since I have blogged but I am having a terrible time knitting a sock!! Just can't get the hang of it yet.

I have made a few more fabric purses for some women in town. Also have gotten my Swaps out in the mail...but no socks.

Today it was 52 degrees here...oh how wonderful but thursday doesn't look good.

I have been reading other blogs and enjoying the exciting things they have been doing. Please feel free to go to their blogs (right hand side of my Blog) as so many interesting women.

I'm listening to our new President and it is a pleasure to here him speak. All my hopes our with him in these terrible times. I wouldn't want to take the world on my shoulders...besides I can't figure SOCKS out.

Have a great evening & I will have much more to say tomorrow..

Peace,
Darla

Oh, That Sock !!!!

Here I am again..never thought one little sock could be my death...okay, so I got to the heel flap & then the gusset is what messed me up. Maybe a tube sock????
No, I am not giving up yet..it is snowing (a little) and cold and tomorrow is Saturday and I will work this sock until it is finished.

See I had gotten too cockey about the little thing last night..it fit correctly and I loved it .....then the gusset ( I never called that thing near my ankle that before) happened and it was downhill from there. It is harder using smaller needles to knit with and of course that beautiful Lily Chin yarn..uhmm..Patience and it will happen.

So my small surgery is postponed until Tuesday the 3rd of March.. figures it took me all this time to finally go and now the date has changed. More time to work on "The Sock"!!!

Have a great day tomorrow and I'm going to sock the sock...

Peace,
Darla

The Eleventh Hour

Okay, so it's only going on 10PM here...I am an east coaster though so my inner body clock says it's the 11th hour...where is the NY news??

I tore the test sock out and have started knitting the REAL one. I actually am half way on the heel flap. I am really excited as I never thought I would have the patience to knit any object much less a pair of socks. Good for me, I guess this is my year to fly out of my mold (kidding..I don't have a mold Mom Said they broke it when I was born).

I feel terrible that I have no time in my days to vacuum, dust or even cook my delicious meals anymore. Knitting and blogging have taken over. I needed a substitute for the physical & spending I used to do. So I have found my way...

Being a hippie (still.. but more mature) I took all my batik an created a knitted fabric purse of my design for ME!!! This is the first piece I made for ME, not the last for sure. I really have surprised myself it's professional looking.
I do make time for the dogs as they are my kids. I love talking to them..my words are very important to them for sure.

I even have a surgery (not plastic) coming on Monday..so I guess I will be away a few days from blogging. It's nothing serious but has taken me years to get to the point of having it done. Be brave and go for it....I am.

Have to go now as I need to work on my socks.I do need to get more (different sizes) knitting dpn's and some Options tips (7US seems to be my fave).

Thanks to all of you who have encouraged me along the way. I love your blogging and especially your knitting.

Peace & tomorrow is Friday!!!!!

Darla

Oh, That Sock !!!!

I can't tell you how much it means to me when someone has written a comment on my Blog. It really isn't hard, you can even be anonymous. I actually have people in my immediate family who believe I will virus them. Well, I am older and wiser and much happier in my life this year because I have found blogging. It gives me an opportunity to meet other people throughout the USA and the world.

I know I am not a published author but I read...ALOT...and I have thoughts that I can share and experience is always on my side. Besides reading other blogs with interests similar to mine open up the gateway of learning from others.

Oh, I don't have to agree with anyone in this world but it is great to see others opinions who are as passionate as I am but they have another way of knitting the patterns together for a different spin and that's great.

I love the groups on, http://www.ravelry.com, as it has really expanded my world. How much more positive can you be than when giving & getting in knitting (or crocheting). I've learned so many wonderful things from the women here...about fibers, fabric knitting....skills and just plain fun and encouragement with every step.

I started my 1st sock yesterday and I think I get it....it was too small for any human I know but it worked. So tonight I'm going to do it for sure (correct size & all). Wish me well as you might receive a pair from me some day!!!

Peace and I'm watching "Lost" tonite,

Darla

SOCKS!!

I did it I have now started my first sock. Yes, I am using DPN's because even though I have the book "Magic Loop", I cannot figure it out as yet. I think it is because I haven't tortured myself by making a pair on DPN's.

I have been very busy making fabric knitted purses...they are great. I created my own design and went to work. They are now complete and I love them.

So 20 minutes ago I started a sock...I have 4 rows complete (ribbed pattern)..panicking a little over heels & gussets but I'm not even close yet. No worry I shall seek HELP!!!

I certainly hope everyone has started Monday well. I did! So far so good.

Going to knit those socks and will have much more to write tomorrow.

Peace,

Darla

Friday the Thirteenth

So what is it in all of us that we want to be more than we are. Blonde or dark hair, brown/ blue eyes, thin or over weight we want to change & we can...hair dye/contact lenses, diets & excercise. Are we then another person..NO, we are the same inside.


The outside cannot change the inside..the heart of each of us. Why then do some think they are superior to others?

Today was a day to make a check list in my mind and see what I could change inside..
be kinder, not so critical and try to listen more to the people around me. They may be only acquaintance's but they are a part of my world...we all live here so let's try one at a time to not look at the differences but at the things in which we have in common.
So I will be kinder and look for that forgiveness and compassion as I knit the new life I have decided to have. I may not make it 100% but I am human and hopefully I will remember what I wrote.

Happy Valentines Day and Peace,

Dar

Tention Too Tight ....

Sometimes when we knit we must keep the tension on our yarn tight, not too tight but enough to keep the stitches together. It reminds me of the times I have had in my life....keep it loose but not to loose as to have the stitch fall off or not mingle and blend into the other stitches.

Sometimes it is alright not to blend....just keep going and trust that as I knit and gain more experience and knowledge of this craft, I will be more comfortable
and I will knit socks one day.

Peace,

Darla


Do me a favor and keep a friend and her family in your prayers as they have lost their Dad...

The Contents of a Gift

Oh..everyone who loves tea must go here (http://www.adagio.com/teaware). Elle what are you doing to me...Blueberry Tea, Merino Hand dyed Wool yarn...dark chocolate etc. etc. etc.....I loved the mailman today. All of these wonderful gifts to brighten my day because I read a blog that was so interesting & it happened to be her 3 yr. blogiversary..(http://toliveistopray.blogspot.com/) what a pleasure .

I found the Adagio teas on Elle's blog and she has an Etsy shop..how do you do all of this & home school??

I can't even start socks yet. Ok ,
Ok, so the socks are still an issue. I think it's because I'm an April kid. I have made three fabric purses though..completely finished. Yeah, I know get the batteries for the camera and take the pics and show us!!!! I will but am doing laundry today so as Scarlett said, "tomorrow is another day...". My motto

Have a sunny day to all,
Darla

A Touch of Spring

It rained, it snowed (a little) and rained again but I can see green grass...spring is coming. I really have been knitting like a crazy woman.

I have 3 purses that I designed made from fabric that is knotted at certain lengths & then knitted together. Oh, this has been fun!! If it wasn't for www.ravelry.com
and http://heatherknitz.blogspot.com/ who happens to do this for a living I would have never thought I could do it.

Thank you Heather as I am having a great time creating...

I have a new friend on a blog who is going through a life changing ordeal at the moment. I have lost my Mom & Dad so I know how hard it is when one of them is so sick. Keep her in your prayers and her family. Keep strong it will all be fine no matter what we have to keep faith.

Okay, so I did watch C+SPAN2 today & yes it drives me crazy watching & listening to
"The Hill". Remember that song "what's going on....", well that's what I kept saying all today. Enough just get on with it.


Have a great day tomorrow and

PEACE
Darla

Fabric & Rag Knitting/Crocheting

http://heatherknitzpatterns.blogspot.com/

Oh another wonderful contest to enter...You have to all look at Heathers' inventory & blog.

I am in a Fabric Knitting group online & I have learned so much I actually have made a Rag Clutch (purse) for my daughter out of beautiful material I had. I ran downtown with it today to see if there is a market in our little shops here. I'm hoping so I better get knitting different bags for the summer months.

I am enjoying www.ravelry.com & writing my blog so much. I cannot tell you how much this has opened up my life again. I received my package for the 1st swap ($10.00) today. Oh I was like a 12 yr. old. Redcurtain handmade a knitted piece that says "SCOTTIE" on top and a scottie dog in the pattern of the work. She sent a great book to read & she did so much research to find what I liked that she hit it spot on!

This definitely is a turning point in my life for the good. More friends all over this world...
We knitters are very special as we have the spirit of making others happy. I know that for sure. I am making friends for the rest of my life...

Peace,

Darla

The Fabric in Our Lifes

I started knitting a fabric piece today. Nothing like taking old clothes (even jeans) & cutting them up to make a new rug or other interesting piece. I've had some fabric that is really bright and fun..so that is where I started...on 15 US needles...Have to get a rotary cutter though
that will work better than tearing or scissors.

I bet I can use that $5,000 old wedding gown too. Let's see...that is a fabric of my life so , why not...always wanted a very expensive one of a kind rug.

It's Sunday and have been cooking & knitting all day..oh I did take the dogs out too.

Have a good week....yeah Monday!!!!!! I actually saw green under the snow so spring is
on it's way......

Peace,

Darla

A Cloudy Day In More Than One Way

So it's Saturday and why am I watching C-SPAN2 !!! I had to hear the voices myself cause I certainly didn't want to take any one else's word for what our Senators were saying......

I wonder if they are in this world & how one side (not mentioning who) cannot come forward to make a difference & help for a CHANGE. Come on, for 8 years they were not conservative or fiscally responsible, so what makes them think waiting & not adding their names to a vote in a responsible manner will make the last 8years to go away. Wake up!!!!! America is watching and we will respond in elections. They still have jobs, homes and health care. So what......

Okay, I'm working with fabric today...cutting then rolling into balls and knitting. Now I know what to do with all that fabric I have in two totes...it's great 15US needles and go for it.

Have a great nite.....

Peace,

Darla

Sorry, about the rant but I am watching closely & would love to see our Country as one...

A Swell Day

Gosh, it's still 35 out here. Almost spring....not yet though. I mailed my 1st Swap package to Amie today..can't wait till it arrives. I know she will enjoy it.

I ran lots of errands today as sitting outside & enjoying the weather really wasn't an option. I'm still trying to knit socks...either not the right needles or the wrong yarn (well wrong for me....too skinny) but it will all come together in time.

The TV was crazy today...watching the Hill just gets me going. Make a decision already, after
8 yrs. of putting America in this situation (losing jobs that will not reappear and much more), the majority of the GOP has decided to be fiscally responsible....where was that before??? Please someone tell me......will they ever get "We Are The People"...just one!!!!!

Okay on to pleasant thoughts so I don't stay up all nite fixing Washington. I love my children & Family. It's very difficult to be so far away from all. The grandkids just are such a blessing for me. They are great people...Mom & Dad are doing a good job. Even though we are so far apart the kids always say or do something to ping my heart. I treasure though moments.
Besides, I'm the one that taught them how to roll down a hill at West Point Academy and get are clothes full of mud & dirt. They will never forget that.

I am going to leave for now as I am going to make the attempt again to knit the darn socks, they really can't be that hard...you can usually buy them anywhere. Even the corner store in a rural town.

Have a great weekend.
Peace,

Darla

Another Chance to Win ..

Here's another chance to win something for free no $$$$$.
Go to the following link... very easy (I promise) see below!!!!!
It will be fun & then go to Esty Shops as instructed & look at Gem Junkie

Thanks and have fun,
Darla



http://mommatudes.blogspot.com/

Beautiful Yarn

Oh my gosh..go here and see the most beautiful yarn ever http://craftygryphon.blogspot.com/. She also has a great blog that I am enjoying following. As Mom said "a little knowledge is dangerous" so I must keep up & learn more.

So it was almost 40!!!!! So today was the time for a new hairdo..My local shop "Vintage Hair Parlour" is great. The shop feels as if you have stepped into the 1800's.

Now I have to say Melissa isn't even close to that age (25 ha ha) that she would remember the Good Ole Prairie Days. She has a great sense about her. Thanks for the style kid..I'll be back so you can tough it out with me again.

She's going to get a surprise of an art piece I am knitting. It can hang on her wall at home. I actually have seen some old framed pieces here in SD that are made out of hair (past loved ones). Nooo, I am not going to do that but thought it was interesting.

So see you later...

Peace,

Darla