Headin' South...

I just wanted to let all of my loyal readers know that the family is going down to Arkansas. My Grandmother and some of my extended family is down there and we wanted to take the boys for a visit. Ironic that I am planning this trip for the exact moment when the cool weather finally comes to Michigan. It's not suppose to last long but still... I loath the heat. Oh well, it's all about family right?

I may be able to post while down there but in case I can't I wanted to explain my absence. I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July. May we all enjoy what freedom we have left, if you know what I mean.

Awesome!

Thanks to all for the feedback you have given about my beaded stitch markers. Specifically I'd like to thank Allena, Lu, Jenn, Charleen, and Laura. To answer Jenn's question... the white and colored swirly bead were found at Meijer, an upper midwest version of Wal~Mart. Though to be fair, I think Meijer came first. Anyhoo, I will post the name of the maker when I can remember who it is, in other words, next time I buy some I will let you know who makes them.

Today we ventured out in this unseasonably warm weather to visit a LYS that has recently relocated. While I was there I happened to ask if they wanted to see the beaded stitch markers I had made. They said yes and proceeded to ooh and aah over them. One of the owners asked what I was selling them for. I had no clue. I hadn't really thought it would be so easy. I knew the other LYS in town would be interested since the owner is a friend but I hadn't decided on a price as of yet. They were definetly interested and asked that I come back with a price and they would carry them in the store. Cool, and I wasn't even trying.

When I went to Lizzie Ann's Wool Co. she was almost as excited as I was, maybe more so. I sold 66 stitch markers to her and she gave me some ideas for other markers as well as some other beaded products that she thought people might be interested in. I was so happy with my sale that I immediately went to the craft store to buy more beads. I spent tonight in front of the TV setting up 60 more markers. Who knows where this might lead. I just thank God for giving me this gift of creativity. He's so awesome!

OCD, beads and stitch markers

This week I tried my hand at making my very own beaded stitch markers. I only planned on making a few but then the OCD kicked in and well, before I knew it...


I made 155 stitch markers. So, how does this happen you ask? I wish I knew. I seem to do this anytime I find a new crafty interest. Add to that my manic nature and I am a stitch marker making machine.

Some closer views of my hard work.






Some close ups, not all that clear but I think you get the picture.










I had so much fun making these. I'm not entirely sure what to do with all of them. I was asked by my favorite LYS owner if I wanted to sell them. I'm not sure what the market is for these. Comments would be so appreciated it. If you have ever sold them I'd love all the details. For now, I will go.

Still dish clothing...

Current progress on my 5th of 6 dish cloths is coming along...


Now if you pay close attention you will notice the stitch marker... yes, I have ventured over to the land of beading.


I mean really, who could resist the urge to bead their very own stitch markers when they are everywhere on the knitting blogs. I've received beautiful ones myself as a RAOK and just had to try.

I should be sleeping, but...

I found this on Scattered Marbles while ring surfing. Found it interesting, wanted to share!

Your Birthdate: October 6

A birthday on the 6th of the month adds a tone of responsibility, helpfulness, and understanding to your natural inclinations. Those born on the sixth are more apt to be open and honest with everyone, and more caring about family and friends, too. This is a number associated with responsibility and caring - this birthday lends a degree of concern for others.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Graduation...

Last month Mitchell completed Preschool and participated in a Graduation Ceremony. He was so excited!

This is my nephew Tristan along with Joshua
waiting for the start of the ceremony.


Mitchell in his "cap" along with his diploma.


Finally this is Mitchell along with his teachers,
from left to right... Amy Fleck, Mrs. Dobbin, and
Deb McVane.


I want to say thanks to the wonderful teachers at Mitchell's school for all their hard work and caring. They seemed to genuinely care for Mitchell and they nurtured a new maturity and a love of school that I hope he never loses.

Dish Cloths

I have been working on knitting up some dish cloths for my Aunt Polly. She sent 6 skeins of yarn home with my folks while they were on vacation. I decided on knitting Mitered Squares and just kind of winged it.



I'm working on the 5th one and it's taking me more time than I had hoped. They are quick to knit I just have so many other projects going. Soon, soon I will have them complete.

Where does the time go?

I've probably written a dozen posts in my head but have not found the time to share them. Maybe it's a summer thing, perhaps the recent heatwave has caused me to be less than eager to sit in front of this computer.

I have been knitting in my absence. I am currently working on finishing some dishcloths that I promised my Aunt I would knit for her. I'm in the middle of a sock that I am working on in order to teach a sock knitting class at my LYS. I was asked by the owner but I'm just not sure.

The idea of teaching is frightening. I can't say that I have never taught anything. While in the Navy I did some teaching of computer software but nothing major. I taught my husband to knit and I don't mind sharing my knowledge when it benefits another. I guess it's the thought of me being the center of attention that scares me to death. I am not a "center of attention" kind of gal. So anyway, I am knitting on this sock while working out my plan of attack for teaching. Must face me fears!

Also on the needles is a sweater that I am working on completing for the above mentioned LYS owner. This is a sweater that she began 5 years ago and has now passed on to me to complete. It's a new experience for me to knit on someone else's knitting. I suppose it's good practice in controlling tension and understanding different styles of knitting.

I have joined the 6 Sox Along. I'm kind of nervous about the commitment but I think it'll be fun. I simply fell in love with the current pattern. On Tuesday at my regular Sit & Knit we had a new knitter join us. She was knitting the Chutes & Ladders socks and they were amazing. Thank you Lisa for joining us, it was wonderful to have you in our little group. Hope to see you on a regular basis!

So, as you can see, I am knitting even though I have no pictures to show for it. I promise to post pics soon, perhaps later this evening. Have a wonderful night!

Michigan

I found this on Soap Fiber Gal's blog! Thought it was cute... most all applies.

You Know You're From Michigan When...

You define summer as three months of bad sledding. You think Alkaline batteries were named for a Tiger outfielder. You can identify an Ohio accent. Your idea of a seven-course meal is a six pack and a bucket of smelt. Owning a Japanese car is a hanging offense in your hometown. You know how to play (and pronounce) Euchre. The Big Mac is something that you drive across. You believe that "down south" means Toledo. You bake with soda and drink pop. You drive 75 on the highway and you pass on the right. Your Little League baseball game was snowed out. You learned how to drive a boat before you learned how to ride a bike. You know how to pronounce "Mackinac". The word "thumb" has a geographical rather than an anatomical significance. You have experienced frostbite and sunburn in the same week. You expect Vernor's when you order ginger ale. You know that Kalamazoo not only exists, but that it isn't far from Hell. Your favorite holidays are Christmas, Thanksgiving, the opening of deer season and Devil's Night. Your snowmobile, lawn mower and fishing boat all have big block Chevy engines. At least one person in your family disowns you for the week of the Michigan/Michigan State football game. You know what a millage is. Traveling coast to coast means driving from Port Huron to Muskegon. Half the change in your pocket is Canadian, eh. You show people where you grew up by pointing to a spot on your left hand. You know what a "Yooper" is. Your car rusts out before you need the brakes done Half the people you know say they are from Detroit... yet you don't personally know anyone who actually lives in Detroit "Up North" means north of Clare. You know what a pastie is. You occasionally cheer "Go Lions- and take the Tigers with you." Snow tires come standard on all your cars. At least 25% of your relatives work for the auto industry. You don't understand what the big deal about Chicago is. Octopus and hockey go together as naturally as hot dogs and baseball. You know more about chill factors and lake effect than you'd EVER like to know! Your snowblower has more miles on it than your car. Shoveling the driveway constitutes a great upper body workout. When giving directions, you refer to "A Michigan Left." You know when it has rained because of the smell of worms. You never watch the Weather Channel - you can just assume they're wrong. The snowmen you make in your front yard actually freeze. Solid. The snow freezes so hard that you can actually walk across it and not break it or leave any marks. All your shoes are called "tennis shoes", even though no one here plays tennis anyway. Your major school field trip includes camping and cross-country skiing. Half your friends have a perfect sledding hill right in their own backyard. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from Michigan.

Get Your Own "You Know You're From" Meme Here


More cool things for your blog at
Blogthings

A very special Random Act Of Kindness!

Yesterday's mail included a package from Laura at Knits For Sanity! I was caught completely by surprise. Inside I found a set of beautiful stitch markers. Each one had a word on it; Peace, Dream, Believe, and Hope.



These are words/sentiments that I hold dear and feel like I've lost lately. It seemed like this RAOK was a sign to help put me back on track in a more positive way. Thank you so much to Laura, words cannot fully express my gratitude!

Beautiful weather...

Happy Wednesday to all! I am so amazed at the weather we've been having here in Michigan. It's currently 82 and sunny with a nice breeze. I'm not usually fond of the warmth but with a breeze plus shade I'm doing okay.

In honor of this wonderous day I bring you an assortment of photos! First up I have Joshua along with his dad (my DH). Since I posted Mitchell's first fish it's only fair that I post Joshua's too. Joshua only wanted a "wittle" fish and he was happy with this Catfish!



I, of course, feel obligated to post pictures of nature. These flowers are from my folks house and they are gorgeous this year!





Knitting progress... still working on my Goody Bags for Teacher Appreciation Gifts. I have given out 5 and have 2 others finished with 1 more to go. I am debating doing one for the Speech Therapists at Joshua's school but I haven't decided. Time is running out.

This is one on the needles...



and soon after, same bag complete with a partner!



The last one I completed was done in Opal Sock Yarn and I loved it. The yarn was a gift from my secret pal and I loved the colors. I am working on putting the pattern into a .pdf and then making it available to all. I'll keep you posted on my progress!