Wibble Wobble One

Here's a free pattern designed by Joann Conklin at http://www.rjconklin.com/keeptalking.htm

Mine is knitted in Noro Silk Garden Lite on size 8 needles, a fast and fun project. The yarn is a dream! The alternating bands of garter stitch and ribbing yield this interesting, wobbly shape. I am sending this off to my dear MIL.

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Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17

Saturday Sky -- Crisp, Cold

MY Sisters Don't Knit!

This is the inviting residence of the owner of the LYS "My Sister Knits" located in a carriage house in the rear of the property.

Snuggled in the warmth of a hand knitted band, the tree in the front screams to Stop! Buy yarn here! (Well, it did to me!)

Large yarn balls cheerfully decorate the planters in case anyone is unsure about the yarn supply.

Walking around the house, I was greeted by this miniature snowman in a festive arrangement.
Along the path is a bird house, bird feeders, and -- can you believe it?--chickens in the fenced enclosure! A charming little house further add to the quaint, snug atmosphere. I learned that roosters are banned but chickens are allowed by city ordinance!

Entering the carriage house, I went upstairs to the yarn shop where I purchased 365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar to replace one that I had given away last year. It is a small shop with a nice variety of yarns and the requisite knitting table in the middle of it all. I was drawn to visit this shop because of the clever name!

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However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. Ephesians 4:7

Booking through Thursday with Dogs

Max and Lailah stay warm in our snowy, snowy weather. Thanks to everyone who has been concerned about Lailah. She is very-very thin and still on meds. However, we can now add kibble to her prescription canned food. That is a good sign. As of this morning, it appears that the bleeding has stopped. Poor little girl, she has been through so much and remained her happy self! You can see where her leg is shaved for the two IVs she had for a few days. Two-year-old DGS calls her "WAY-lah".


"It’s an old question, but a good one . . . What were your favorite books this year? List as many as you like … fiction, non-fiction, mystery, romance, science-fiction, business, travel, cookbooks … whatever the category. But, really, we’re all dying to know. What books were the highlight of your reading year in 2007?"
Here are some books I've read in 2007 and especially enjoyed:

***Julie and Julia--A Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell (non-fiction)
in which a 29-year-old faces 30 by challenging herself to cook all the recipes in Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child. The love-hate project inspires colorful writing. She admits to "talking like a sailor" -- and she does! I had to skip right over some of her grossly detailed descriptions of preparing some unorthodox foods -- to me at least! It's hilarious, engaging, and fun read! Interest in cooking is optional. This book stands on its own.

***Blowing My Cover by Lindsay Moran (non-fiction)
was difficult to stay with at times, but I'm glad I did. This is the story of life as an undercover CIA agent disillusioned after 9/11. She struggles with the knowledge that the President wanted to go to war and the CIA had to provide information to support his decision.

***The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown (non-fiction)
Love her writing--so literate with precise vocabulary. The sham of the British aristocracy is quite revealing. In describing Diana's father Brown writes "As he aged he took on the look of raw sausage."
As I read, I was swept along in Brown's wonderful words, cadence, and tone. The story ends as we know it must. The story is full---Diana's mental health problems overwhelm her life and those near to her. The tragedy of her life emanated from deep within her.

***The Preacher and the Presidents by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy (non-fiction)
delineates the depth and breadth of Reverend Billy Graham's role with U.S. Presidents from Truman ("easier to be strident than subtle") to G.W. Bush. In moments of doubt, BG understood that he must believe the Bible or leave the ministry. We know his decision as he prayed "Father, I am going to accept this as your Word by faith."
The authors describe '50s Protestant faith as "civil religion" substituting for deep, abiding faith. BG emerged as a ministerial leader who dynamically brought the Word of a living God to the general public. He lived with conviction and simplicity. President Eisenhower believed that the courts should handle civil rights questions. He asked BG to work with ministers to raise questions from pulpits to keep politics out of civil rights.
When William Randolph Hearst decided to cover BG in his newspapers and magazines, BG became well-known. Henry Luce, himself the son of a missionary, covered BG in his premier publications raising BG to national prominence.
He had an amazingly deep involvement with the Nixon White House and the Nixon image. He was present at the two-hour meeting -- the longest of Nixon's two terms--where the infamous 18.5-minute gap occurred in the Nixon tapes. H.R. Haldeman's notes of that time reveal that there was discussion of Jews in media and ways to control them, replace them, and reduce their impact. Disappointed with Nixon's dishonesty with him, BG decided to play a lesser role regarding policy with Presidents following Nixon, though he has great friendships with them. The authors noted that "Nixon never lost the ability to look into the camera and make the truth wince."
"Just As I Am" is BG's trademark hymn.

***Schulz by David Michaelis (non-fiction)
Biography of the creator of "Peanuts" comic strip and the empire built around it. The parallels of his life events and the themes in the strip is quite revealing. Charles Schulz was depressive, petulant, and insecure throughout his life. He had four children, two marriages and countless flirtations with young -- usually blonde --women. His great success yielded great wealth and waves of fulfillment bounded by poor sense of self. He was not very likable in his latter years. Michaelis has produced a high-interest, inviting read about a haunted, unhappy man.

***Mornings On Horseback by David McCoullough (non-fiction)
Absorbing biography of Theodore Roosevelt's grandparents, parents, siblings and the personal side of his life.

***The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (fiction)
Humorous novella of Queen Elizabeth II's new habit of extensive reading for pleasure and how it leads to assumptions about her developing Alzheimer's Disease.
It is a hilarious send-up that ends with the Queen's surprising announcement of her abdication so that she can write--not necessarily publish, but write for her pleasure.
Fast-paced and funny!
***The Lumiere Affair by Sara Vorhees (fiction)
Wonderfully engaging book about a female reporter at Cannes Film Festival and her search for the truth concerning her separation from her mother at a young age. Excellent read--a true page turner.

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But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15

Holiday Greetings

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and New Year.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.Luke 2:14

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Dogs on Thursday

A word about Wednesday: I was on a flight from Dallas approaching Denver International Airport when I snapped that pic on approach. Thanks for asking.


Following a week in the hospital after ingesting 90 anti-infammatory capsules, Lailah came home yesterday to her own private nurse, Max. The next two weeks are critical. She needs lots of rest, many meds, and low activity level. So, she's on a leash or in her kennel at all times until the ulcerations in her G-I tract have healed. She goes back to the vet tomorrow for a look-see. Trying times!

WHERE is she??? THERE her is!!

Christmas shopping was wrapped up a month ago. Then, I went to Petco and got a few gifts for the doggies. Max's green stocking says "spoiled" because he deserves to be! He is a loving, mellow, wonderful boy. The giant size rawhide bone will fill his stocking!

The red stocking says "naughty" on one side and "nice" on the other for Lailah because she is a sweetheart who is a very curious puppy. She likes plush toys so the Santa and red and green bone are for her. The little mat is already in her kennel where she is sleeping at the moment. Just love the Gingerbread Boy and his dog!

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For a child is born to us, a son is given to us…And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Wordless Wednesday: Overview

Room With a View

Bright, sunshiney day -- 9 degrees

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No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. Psalm 16:9

Lost in Yarn

Oh, the luscious Malabrigo and Crystal Palace yarns from my dear SP11!! The gorgeous red calls to me...no, it's the soft to dark grays in the Crystal Palace...wait! the gold to green Malabrigo just pulls me!! I can't thank Alicia at http://www.ponyknit.blogspot.com/ enough for my final package of this swap. Once I tore myself away from touching and petting the yarns, I was tickled by her thoughtful giftie treats for my doggies. I've already sharpened my too-sweet ponies pencil. I discovered that Alicia is a horsewoman! I love the pastel ponies pencil! The Faith Notes will be a continuing blessing with adhesive notes of encouragement.

Thanks to you, Alicia, for the perfectly perfect package! :)

Booking Through Thursday

"Do you use any of the online book-cataloguing sites, like Library Thing or Shelfari? Why or why not? (Or . . . do you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking to?? (grin)) If not an online catalog, do you use any other method to catalog your book collection? Excel spreadsheets, index cards, a notebook, anything?"

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I use Library Thing just for convenience. However, the site was down not too long ago and all of my titles disappeared!! Users were assured that nothing was lost since all the data was backed up. I innocently thought that my book titles would reappear in my library. As of this writing, they haven't. :( I've added a few new titles and keep hoping the old ones will magically return!

I don't use any other catalog method.

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Every day we are called to do small things with great love. ---Mother Teresa

Wordless Wednesday : ICE!

Linkin' Lookin' and Blog

While mindlessly knitting and finishing this scarf for charity, I've come across some interesting
web sites to share. How about an advent calendar for knitters? Click in each day to find another free pattern on the Christmas tree at http://www.garnstudio.com/julekalender.php?lang=enI've already printed two patterns that I intend to make, though I do admit to being a pattern stasher like some people are yarn stashers.

Want to build your vocabulary while performing a charitable act? Go to http://www.freerice.com/ Warning!! This is addictive, but for a very worthy cause!

Here is the fantastic stripe site at http://www.kissyourshadow.com/stripe_maker.php After you plug in your colors, a stripe pattern is generated specifically to meet your color scheme. I find it very useful since I can put colors together, but the patterning gets me every time!

How 'bout some levity? This holiday site just makes me laugh at all the garish sweaters that users can create. Of course, some are quite tasteful. Since this type of sweater is not something I'd typically wear, I thought it was hilarious! Allow yourself some time at http://weloveholidaysweaters.wehatesheep.com/ and release your inner designer!!

Here's a simple knitter's ornament to make. Wouldn't it be fun to have a tree with a knitting theme? http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=211860.0

It's a snowy day in the neighborhood--sparkling, bright, and new!

Another couple of inches are predicted to fall tonight. Wonderful stay-inside sort of weather.

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Please pray for the families of the victims of the shootings at two worship centers here in Colorado.

May the glory of the Lord rise among us.***

Snowy Saturday

A bright winter day like today always reminds me of the children's book A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. Gently falling snow, icy snow packed roads, truly a day to stay warm and cozy in the house. Silly Squirrel feasted on nyjer seeds clearly not intended for him/her/it.

More mindless scarf knitting while I spent the day online. With some eyelash (that was given to me) and some Mission Falls gray cotton, I used size 10.5 needles to make another scarf for Scarves from the Heart.


Here is a typical pose with the ever-patient Max enjoying his rawhide while Princess Lailah lounges on him. She does keep her Teddy bear nearby. The surgery didn't phase her;she's doing great. Thanks for asking, Donna.

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Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. Psalm 97:11

One Day One-der

A friend and I decided to have a knitting afternoon yesterday. In need of mindless knitting --since we tend to do a lot of talking and laughing-- I grabbed a ball of Jo Sharp worsted wool and a small spool of Spice by Knitting Fever. Armed with my size 8 needles and a simple garter stitch, I managed to finish this cheery scarf for Scarves from the Heart. Now, back to the Argosy Scarf. I'm still plugging away!

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Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.
Psalm 119:1

Wordless Wednesday

Of Misaligned Merchant Ships

argosy -- laden merchant ship: a large richly laden merchant ship, or a fleet of such ships

Just wondered what the word meant. I thought it meant "rip out 12 inches even though you tried to fudge stitches to keep the pattern and it didn't work".

In other news, after my initial excitement about the Hot D blanket and several changes of needles and yarn combos, I concluded that I did not enjoy working with the huge -- size 19 and 35-- needles and the bulkiness of the knitted fabric. Hot D turned to Cold D after about three days.

Now Argosy with its simple, repetitive pattern is beating me down! Perhaps, this is why I am a process and not a product knitter!! I'm not getting anything done!

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I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!Lamentations 3:24

A Lovely Thank You Surprise

Totally astounded, I opened a thank you package from the Knitorious Mrs. B http://theknitoriousmrsb.blogspot.com/ to whom I had sent gift packages for SP11. This is the first time I've received a thank you package from the partner whom I gifted.

Thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness, Mrs. B! The Spice Cake candle is burning now and each item will be put to good use!!

He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Psalm 40:2

Dogs on Thursday: Life With Lailah

Lailah is now six months old. She often has this quizzical expression as she encounters so many new experiences. She is one peppy princess. Always into my yarn, knocking over bottles of Diet Coke, dragging things around the house. Energetic in the extreme!!

Lailah peeking to see if she's in trouble maybe?

Me: "Lailah, what have you done NOW?"

She enjoyed celebrating DGD's birthday by playing with the helium balloons. Those things were incredibly unpoppable!! (yes--new word!)

Since she couldn't manage to sink her teeth into the balloon, she decided to drag it around by the ribbon -- which was not easy---or by the knot in the balloon. Clever girl, she is!

So, this morning, DH brings her home from the vet where she had spent the night after having surgery to spay her yesterday. She got home around 10 AM after having a pain pill, so naturally I expected her to do this all day. You know pain, discomfort, anesthetic wearing off, pain pill. Doesn't that equal sleep? Lots of sleep? Nope! She was zipping around as usual--dragging pillows off the sofa, trying to get to Max's collar, distributing my yarn through the entry way, banging into things with her undeserved halo. You know, the usual. These cute sleepy pictures were taken at 9PM ! She was hustling all day!

I'm calling her "Sister Mary Lailah" now.

Wordless Wednesday: Gnome Homes

Hot D Ghan

The Hot D ghan is a simple repetitive pattern. I settled on using four strands of the yarns I have. I do wish I had used a larger needle than the 19s for a looser look.

The combination of stockinette, garter, and dropped stitches make a warm, attractive ghan. More info about this ghan is in a previous post.
We had a grand Thanksgiving. Hope you did too.

Lailah welcomed two-year-old DG#7 who chose to wear his Spiderman costume for Thanksgiving.

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He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

RAK

Sincere thanks to a fellow Raveler who made this beautiful assortment of stitch markers as a RAK. She enclosed a packet of knitting notes, as well. Thanks SO much!!

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You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth.

2 Kings 19:15

For You

~~ Happy Thanksgiving ~~

WOW, BABE!

My November partner truly gifted me expressing the theme of thankfulness and inspiration. I look forward to getting into the three books with themes of friendship and caring. Also included are a thong bookmark (very pretty), angels--glass and two small cards, a small Victorian calendar, green apple and strawberry candy swirls, and surprises for my doggies Max and Lailah!! They are bouncing around with joy! Just look at the dog cookies in the plastic bag. Wonder if she made those? The Boxer magnet is precious! And, the best for last....will you look at those glittery collars for Christmas??! I love those! The doggies will be sporting those all through December. I love the Pilgrim woman and added her to a Fall wreath arrangement on our dining room table. My deepest thanks for all the thought she put into these gifts.

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You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3

Holey, Wholly Scarf

Its nice to have a Christmas gift completed! This scarf was made with red Plymouth Encore. Since I had only one ball of yarn, the scarf is not of the long, wind-it-around a few times variety. It is just right to wear tucked in or hanging out of a coat. I know my dear friend will be thrilled since knitting is a complete mystery to her. The YOs make it holey and it is wholly complete!

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Christmas, my child, is love in action. ... Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. --Dale Evans Rogers

The Yarns -- They Have Gathered

Here we have a basket with twists, mohair, metallic, tweed, alpaca, boucle, bulky, worsted, chunky, and size 19 circs. Know why? With four or five yarns held together, I am making the "Hot D#@*" afghan. This will include some knitting, purling, and dropping stitches. It seems that this baby only takes several hours to complete --- we'll see. This is my mindless knitting for when I am tired of the Argosy pattern. I must say that the Argosy is a fun pattern. The pattern for the afghan along with info about the origin of the name can be found here:
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/found/hotdamn.html

The Argosy scarf is at http://www.knitty.com/

Happy knitting!

Saw this at http://soulfulknittingministries.blogspot.com/ and decided to do it too! The things I have done are in Bold Print.

Afghan

I-cord

Garter stitch

Knitting with metal wire

Shawl

Stockinette stitch

Socks: top-down

Socks: toe-up

Knitting with camel yarn

Mittens: Cuff-up

Mittens: Tip-down

HatKnitting with silk

Moebius band knitting

Participating in a KAL

Sweater

Drop stitch patterns

Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn

Slip stitch patterns

Knitting with banana fiber yarn

Domino knitting (modular knitting)

Twisted stitch patterns

Knitting with bamboo yarn

Two end knitting

Charity knitting

Knitting with soy yarn

Cardigan

Toy/doll clothing

Knitting with circular needles

Baby items

Knitting with your own handspun yarn

Slippers

Graffiti knitting

Continental knitting

Designing knitted garments

Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)

Lace patterns

Publishing a knitting book

Scarf

Teaching a child to knit

American/English knitting

Knitting to make money

Buttonholes

Knitting with alpaca

Fair Isle knitting

Norwegian knitting

Dying with plant colors

Knitting items for a wedding

Knitting socks or other small tubular items

Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn

Knitting with dpns

Holiday related knitting

Teaching a male how to knit

Bobbles

Knitting for a living

Knitting with cotton

Knitting smocking

Dying yarn

Steeks

Knitting art

Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously

Fulling/feltingKnitting with wool

Textured knitting

Kitchener stitch

Purses/bags

Knitting with beads

Swatching

Long Tail CO

EntrelacKnitting

Machine knitting

Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn

Stuffed toys

Baby items

Knitting with cashmere

Darning

Jewelry

Knitting with synthetic yarn

Writing a pattern

Gloves

IntarsiaKnitting

Knitting for preemies

Tubular

COFreeform knitting

Short rows

Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers

Pillows

Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine

Rug

Knitting on a loom

Thrummed knitting

Knitting a gift

Knitting for pets

Shrug/bolero/poncho

Hair accessories

Knitting in public

Knitting with buffalo yarn

Knitting with pygora

Dying with food dye/drink mixes

Dying with chemical dyes (acid, etc)

Oh-my-garsh!! Just lookit that list!! Is it obvious that I have been knitting for decades??! I still enjoy it, probably even more than when I first started in high school!

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"Be excellent at what is good! Be innocent of evil!"

---Bob Fitts