Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

Springy, Colorful Mittens

2009-08-19T16:21:00.003-05:00

Kim, the Knitting Wonder Woman, and I are doing a KAL for the Crystal Palace Mini Mochi Springy Ring Mittens. I got my yarn here.

I think that I am ahead of her. Of course, the fact that I am doing the smallest child size and she is doing and adult size has nothing to do with it. She will probably think to be more specific with me next time.

I'm almost finished with the thumb gusset on the right one. Then I will switch to the other mitten and do the gusset on it.

Crystal Palace said that it is impossible to make identical twins with this yarn, so I decided that I could enjoy bright fraternal twins.

High School

2009-08-08T14:06:00.001-05:00

The T-man started high school yesterday.

Houston Days 3 - 6

2009-07-24T22:44:00.003-05:00

We did not do any more sightseeing. The T-man was satisfied to get to swim each night. The hotel had an indoor pool on the 23rd floor. There also was terrace with a view of the skyline. Of course, I stayed away from the windows near the pool and would not go out on the terrace. The T-man got these shots.

Houston -- Day 2

2009-07-24T22:05:00.005-05:00

The geek in me was totally thrilled. We had time on Sunday to visit the Houston Space Center. T-man was a bit disappointed that the place was designed to cater to tourists. He wanted something more educational. So, we strayed from the tour guide's directions of what we should see and made our own choices. I only had my camera phone with me, so I did not take many pictures, but I could not pass up these two:

Traveling with the T-man

2009-07-22T20:05:00.003-05:00

Need I say more?

On the Road Again

2009-07-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

This time I am traveling with my boss and the T-man. Sometimes I wonder about my sanity.

I'm at a conference that has some free time, so I decided to bring the T-man along. He loves staying at hotels.

Day one we got here early enough to visit the Houston Downtown Aquarium. As far as aquariums go, it was not very exciting, but we still had fun. Mr. T is always interested in learning about things. I did make him pose for a picture. We only have cell phone cameras with us, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity. Without further ado, I give you Deep Sea Diver T-man:

Male Logic

2009-07-21T20:29:00.004-05:00

While catching up on my blog reading, I mentioned to the T-man about my sister's post on my parents' wedding anniversary. I said we rushed off Saturday without saying anything about the anniversary.

T-man said "Why didn't you tell me? It makes it look like I forgot. You made me look like I didn't care."

July Without Central Air Conditioning?

2009-07-17T08:49:00.002-05:00

As a Georgia native and almost life-long resident, I would have never dreamed that I could go without central air conditioning in July and not be miserable. However, I have discovered that it is possible in Vermont. I was only really hot once, but that was in a yarn shop, so I made myself deal with it. The yarn fumes helped. We were traveling with carry on luggage only, so I restricted myself to just a little yarn and some patterns.

The T-man and I used some "Delta Dollars" from when I got bumped from a flight home from a conference and went to see M (blogless). She has been my friend since June of 1979. One of the best friends that anyone could ever have! The last time we saw each other was November of 1994 - shortly after the T-man was born - but we have always stayed in touch.

She is Aunt M to Mr. T. Once when he was a cute little fellow (as opposed to the dashingly handsome young man that he is now), the T-man asked if Aunt M was a fake aunt or a real aunt. Clever boy.

The only thing I forgot to take was a camera. Vermont is beautiful. I really loved how the river wound through the town.

The T-man and M spent a good bit of time in the various worlds of Zoo Tycoon. It was funny to watch them let the dinosaur out and see them laugh as the dinosaur chased people. Should I be worried about them?

It was also wonderful to travel with my teenage son and enjoy spending time with him. When we got back to the car at the airport, he said "I had fun. Thanks Mom for taking me."

No trip of mine would not be complete without some sort of crazy experience. In the JFK airport I got locked in a stall in the ladies room. No matter which way I turned the lock, it would not open. I had visions of having to beat on the door and scream "Hold my plane!" But I finally hit the lock hard enough that it opened.

Next I am taking the T-man with me on a business trip -- with my boss. I must be insane.

Savoring the Moment

2009-06-21T18:16:00.001-05:00

Yesterday the T-man and I were discussing something, I don't even remember what, but I was wrong about something. He carried on and on. I told him to get over it. He said, "Mom, you are almost never wrong. Let me savor the moment."

I Can't Believe I Said That

2009-06-21T18:05:00.002-05:00

Recently, the T-man asked if he could start driving on the country roads since he is almost 15.

I said no.

He then told me that all of his friends were doing that.

I actually said -- drum roll -- I am not their mom.

Siblings, you can stop laughing now.

We Survived Another Math Project

2009-05-05T20:05:00.007-05:00

The T-man and I are usually a good team. But that is not the case when it comes to math. There was great wailing and nashing of teeth from both of us during the last math project. I even put myself in time-out for a while. This project was vastly different. It actually was pretty cool doing it together.

We had to create a problem that required solving a system of equations to find the solution. We had to include graphs and show how to solve the system several different ways. We even had to interpret the results. I know that if my 8th grade son can do this, I will have less sympathy for my college students this summer. Here is one of his graphs:

We used the Create A Graph website.

My Little Boy is Growing Up

2009-05-04T19:45:00.002-05:00

All the paperwork was finally completed and it was time to put the tag on my new car.

The T-man did it all by himself. He even put up the screw driver when he was finished.

I'm Not at Work

2009-04-22T07:14:00.005-05:00

The T-man is in Washington DC on a class trip. Since I don't have to get him to school, I decided to take the week off.

I did end up having to work a half day Monday, but it was not bad. The rest of Monday was spent recovering from a bout of insomnia. I finally got some sleep and feel like a real person again. I was getting so grumpy from the lack of sleep that even my boss was being nice to me.

I picked up some light reading for this week. Jules and Kim -- you can borrow it when I am finished. You know you want to read it!!

On the schedule for today is lunch with Niece K. I am picking her up from school and we are going to Chick fil a. She picked Chick fil a because Aunt Sally lets her play a looooooooooong time. I have packed a book and knitting.

Tomorrow is lunch with Niece A. She picked McDonalds because her parents will never take her there.

Zip Up Hoodies

2009-03-08T20:12:00.002-05:00

Niece K wanted a purple and a red zip up hoodie for her Bitty Twins Melissa and Jack. I finished these just in the nick of time this morning and the only picture I could get was taken inside with phone camera on a purple table cloth. I tweaked the file in Photo Shop to get the pictures closer to right. But, at least I have a post with a picture of some completed knitting.

The yarns are Plymouth Encore Colorspun. The pattern is my own.

Happy Square Root Day

2009-03-03T20:44:00.002-05:00

Today is Square Root Day. Go here for more information.

More Than I Could Handle

2009-02-21T11:43:00.001-05:00

Kim sent an e-mail saying that she had done math all on her own (and it was right!) and at the same time I looked up to see my son holding hands with a girl.

146

2009-02-08T21:43:00.002-05:00

Thanks to a clearance sale at Wal-Mart, I was able to give each niece a play cookware set and a pretend food set. When you add it all up, they each got 146 items. One SIL asked where was she going to put it all. I said, "That's not my problem, I'm the aunt." I love being an aunt. We get to make our own rules.

Settling Down for Some Light Reading

2009-01-11T18:53:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite things to do when it is cold outside is to wrap up in a warm blanket and read a good book. Tonight's selection is A Graphical Approach to Precalculus with Limits: A Unit Circle Approach by Hornsby, Lial, and Rockswold. No, I'm not totally sick. I'm reading this because I get to teach this quarter!

Yes, I Am A Math Geek

2009-01-06T19:21:00.001-05:00

This was so funny to me.

I was demonstrating our new course management software to my colleagues. One of them noticed that I had posted an announcement for my students that we would be using the Math XL program. He could not figure out what Math 40 was.

I Had to Face the Truth Today

2008-12-25T22:23:00.003-05:00

The T-man is taller than me. I had suspected it for a while, but refused to find out for sure. Bebe decided to do a comparison today. He is taller, but I am still the Mom!

Off the Hook

2008-11-10T20:40:00.009-05:00

Mittens for Akkol is my favorite group to knit for. They can use a variety of things that I like to knit. There has been a real need for socks, but I just have not been able to knit socks lately. No matter what I try, nothing seems to work. Just as I decided that I had to get past that and knit some socks, another organization came through and donated enough socks to meet the current need. So I cheerfully cast on a pair of thrummed mittens towards the end of last week. I can't believe how fast I finished them. I also photographed the first pair of thrummed mittensthat I ever made. Both pairs will soon be on their way to Mittens for Akkol along with a really big pair of socks that I completed before the will to knit socks left me.

	I used this pattern, which is the first pattern I ever used for thrummed mittens. My next mittens will have a gusset thumb.
	This is me modeling one of the first pair of thrummed mittens that I started while visiting Kim.
>	Just so that Kim will believe that both are done.
	Just in case you want to know what the inside looks like.

Real Sick

2008-10-09T17:25:00.001-05:00

I have been so sick that even doing math has not made me feel better. I have missed two days of work this week and plan to stay home tomorrow. I even went to the doctor. At least the mono test was negative.

That Darn Cat

2008-09-29T17:59:00.002-05:00

Sporty is the T-man's cat. I tolerate Sporty because the T-man loves him. Lately Sporty has decided to make me miserable by hanging out under my computer desk and tickling my feet. I do not put up with tickling. Even my ex-husband could be trained to not tickle me. So, I filled a spray bottle with water and waited for the next tickle attack.

The cat actually likes being sprayed with water.

Look Quick!

2008-09-27T17:20:00.003-05:00

I'm still ahead of the Knitting Wonder Woman, but I've heard that she has cast on. I expect her to be ahead of me before long.

I Think That I Am In The Lead

2008-09-27T06:52:00.003-05:00

Hey Kim and Julsey, are you satisfied with the improved frequency of blog posts?

Ready, Set, Go!

2008-09-26T19:10:00.005-05:00

Kim and I are off on an adventure. We have decided to try some new knitting techniques. We are starting small with this pattern. I've got my yarn and and a new gadget ready to go.

The pattern calls for a thinner yarn, but I'm using what I have on hand -- Cascade 220. Hopefully it will end up fitting one of my nieces' dolls.

I need to hurry and cast on before the Knitting Wonder Woman finishes hers.

A Real Post

2008-09-16T21:02:00.003-05:00

Since yesterday I shamelessly poked fun at my dear friend Kim, I thought that I owed her a real post today.

I am test knitting a pattern for her. The yarn is Cascade 220.

What does it take?

2008-09-15T20:02:00.002-05:00

I know that some of you are wondering what it takes to get me to actually do a post for my blog. Well, something monumental happened today and I must share it with you.

Kim did math.

All on her own.

For real.

6 - 7 - 8

2008-06-07T07:43:00.002-05:00

The math geek in me can't help but notice that today is 6 - 7 - 8. It also is my birthday. The T-man is with his dad so we are going to celebrate later. I am going to knit all day.

Half Full or Half Empty?

2008-03-02T17:14:00.003-05:00

Problem solved, but frogging is in my near future. I decided to knit the puppy sweater (middle of top row). Of course, I can't ever do it just like the pattern. I'm changing the colors to a red background and the puppy and stripes to black and white. I also am knitting it in the round. At least I hope to be able to knit it like a seamless yoke sweater.

So, I started out with the sleeves by the magic loop method (one long circular). I'm using the seamless yoke directions in The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd. The directions say to use dpns and place a marker for the beginning of the round. Then to increase 1 stitch each side of the marker every 6 rounds. Well, with magic loop, I'm at the beginning of my round when I get back to "home position". So my increases are in the first and last stitch.

The sleeve on the left frustrated me. I tried several different types of increases, but I was left with a protruding bump every time I increased. I resolved to go forward and hope that washing and blocking would help. Then it dawned on me that it would not harm anything to move my increases in a stitch. The picture does not show great detail, but the sleeve on the right has a much smoother line for the increases. I ended up doing a make 1 after the first stitch and before the last stitch.

So, my glass is half empty because I have to frog the left sleeve. It just bugs me too much. But on the other hand, it is half full because I learned something that will make me a better knitter.

Grandma's Flowers

2008-03-02T15:25:00.003-05:00

These are my Grandma's flowers. I did not get her green thumb. She sent me off to college with an air fern and an aloe plant. Grandma said that I could not kill them. She was wrong. One year I wanted to grow green beans and can them like she did. I suspect that when I was away at work, that Grandma came over and took care of my bean plants. These plants have been blooming in her yard every year all of my life.

Edited to add: I was out talking to my mother this afternoon. She said that she has identified 5 different varieties of these flowers in the yard. She also told me that my Daddy remembers hunting Easter eggs in these flowers -- so they have been here a really long time.

Our Trip

2008-02-24T19:48:00.022-05:00

The T-man and I got in the car at 3:30 am on recent Saturday morning to go visit Kimberly and kids. I always seem to have some crazy things happen when I travel and this trip was no exception.

I had found a really sweet deal on the internet for parking at half what I would have to pay at the airport with a free shuttle to the airport that would drop me off right where I needed to be.

The T-man was navigating for me and reading off the directions, but we still missed the parking place and the next thing I knew we were driving into the airport parking. It was still very early and very dark and I was starting to worry about the time. For some reason, my brain thought I the trip to the airport took less time than it actually did. So, I sort of panicked and grabbed the first parking spot I could find. Since I had planned to park away from the airport, I had not even looked up which terminal I needed to go to. God was with us. We were exactly where we needed to be. Of course, it would have helped if I had paid better attention to the signs and gotten in the right line once we got inside, but we still managed to get our bags checked and get to our gate in plenty of time.

This was the first time the T-man had flown. He was sooooooo excited ...until we stepped on the plane. We had to grab a barf bag. It seemed like it took forever for them to take off. T-man was getting upset. I thought that we were going to have to get off the plane. I have to hand it to him, he was doing great in spite of being so nervous. He told me later that he had figured out that that he could get off the plane and let me go on alone. He would just wait at the airport for his grandparents to come get him. Like I would leave him in the Atlanta airport.

Once the plane finally took off, he loved it! Many hugs and "I love you Mom!" followed. We saw a lot of really neat clouds. The T-man took several photos. These are our favorites.

We landed in Dallas without any problems. The T-man was a little nervous about landing, but did really good. We made our way through the airport and to the gate for our flight on a very small plane (I think the term is puddle jumper) to make our way to Kimberly's (current) home town. The T-man is a seasoned traveler by now and thinks the whole thing is cool.

About mid-flight the captain announces that we can expect some turbulence. T-man looks a little concerned, but I explain to him that it is no big deal, just that the ride may get a little bumpy. The turbulence did not bother him at all, but I thought that I would need the barf bag. I was trying so hard to hold it all together and not let him know that I was having a hard time. After a while, he noticed something was wrong and was so sweet to reassure me that all was OK.

We did not get any cloud pictures for this flight because we flew through the clouds.

Kimberly and I have been e-pals (T-man's term) for a little over two years now, but we had never met in person or even talked on the phone, but the visit was great! T-man wants me to send him back, flying by himself, to spend the summer. Not going to happen. But, I hope we get to go back for another visit.

Caleb took a little longer to decide that I was OK.

I took a suitcase full of acrylic yarn that I would have never used now that I have touched the good stuff to Kimberly's kids. I have never seen kids so excited about yarn.

Two of the kids used some of the yarn to knit bookmarks for me from some of that yarn. Jessi's is on the left. I did not get a good picture, but it has taken me so long to get this post done, that I am going with what I have. She embellished it with some stitching around the edge. Jac's are shown on the right. He made two. Both enjoyed going through my knitting bag and asking about the various gadgets.

I have called Kimberly the Knitting Wonder Woman for some time and now that I have seen her in action I can assure you all that the title is deserved. She knitted more than me while taking care of 5 kids and 2 guests. She was the ultimate hostess -- when she would get ahead of me, she would stop and do something else to let me catch up.

The Christian Artisans group is having a KAL. The idea is to actually make something for ourselves. We are knitting the Bar Harbor Shell Bag. Mine is the purple one. I'm up to round 4 now. Kimberly hasn't mentioned hers in a while. She has probably finished and is just being nice.

Kimberly helped me with my first ever yarn dyeing project. I'm really looking forward to knitting this up and to dyeing some more. Kimberly just couldn't resist. I mean she was nice and didn't do any weaving while I was there because she knows I just can't take on a new hobby now. But, we rationalized that dyeing yarn is not really a new hobby since it is part of my knitting ~~hobby~~ life.

And here is my airplane knitting. Two sleeves for a toddler sweater. CIC is currently collecting small sweaters. I'm using this opportunity as an excuse to try out several sweater patterns and styles of sweaters. More details in future posts (yes, Kimberly, I promise to post).

Wow, this is probably my longest post ever, but it was a really great trip. Just what I needed -- a nice calm long weekend with kids to entertain the T-man and a great friend to knit with.

God Has a Sense of Humor

2008-01-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

I am acting chair of the PE department at the college where I work.

DB#2 said: "The screen writers can stay on strike with quality real life comedy like that."

Christmas Eve 2007

2007-12-24T22:37:00.000-05:00

My gift list this year did not include anything that I had to make. I love making things, but I hate doing it under pressure. I had been collecting odds and ends of neat pads of paper and pens and such for my neices for most of the year and the T-man wanted stuff for his Wii game. So, I was set. Then on Gingerbread House Day at Bebe's house (an annual tradition since the T-man was little), Niece A came running in saying "Aunt Sally, I want you to make me some doll clothes for Christmas."

Naturally, I caved.

The outfit is from Sew Today's Fashions for 18-inch Dolls by Joan Hinds. The blouse was a lot of work, but worth the trouble. The pants turned out a little big. Lots of neat outfits in this book. Niece A picked this one and many others. Now I have to start working on birthday presents. Both nieces got a new American Girl doll for Christmas from their grandparents, so I know they are expecting Aunt Sally to sew more clothes.

	The T-man is ready for paintball action. His grandparents got him a new gun and two very nice used guns and some gear. Aunt J gave him paintballs and a gift certifcate to the paintball fighting place. Mom added the vest and more paintballs.

The tree did not stand a chance.

More Cables

2007-12-20T15:25:00.000-05:00

Details to follow. I just wanted proof that I am knitting. The mate is at about the same point. Both will probably be finished tonight or tomorrow.

I Am Not Procrastinating

2007-12-03T20:02:00.000-05:00

Honest Kimberly, I said that I was going to sew doll clothes tonight and that is what I am doing. But, I had to clean the table top photography studio off the ironing board so that I could sew. I thought that I should first attempt to get pictures of my new fingerless mitts before packing up.

The mitts are supposed to look like this (scroll down for the pattern in English) or this. Mine did not turn out as good. I think that my yarn is too fuzzy to really show off the cables. Of course, the problem could be that this was my first project with cables.

Side note: Do I start with a simple little cable? Of course not! I have to do one that is crossing itself from both directions for my first cable.

My assistant photographer got spacers on his teeth today in preparation for braces next week. Therefore, he is only able to manage sitting his his bean bag chair and playing his video game or laying on the couch and eating pudding while watching TV. So, I was on my own. Some things are not easy to photograph on your own.

The yarn is a 100% alpaca sport weight from Blue Sky Alpacas. It is so unbelievably soft!

And just so that there is proof that I did both...

Things That You Should Not Say to Your Mother When She is Having a Hot Flash

2007-11-28T18:07:00.000-05:00

Mom, you need to hurry up and cool down because we only have a limited amount of time to get ready.

When she hands you your t-shirt and boxers on the way to the shower, don't ask why they aren't already in the bathroom neatly folded.

Mom, I'm failing math.

I'm sure there will be more examples before this is over with.

Mittens for Akkol Package Sent

2007-10-20T18:35:00.000-05:00

I survived Mr. T's entry into teenage years. His party was a success.

I even managed to send my package to Mittens for Akkol. The goal was to give every child in the orphanage a pair of hand knit wool socks for Christmas. We did it!

I'm having photography issues, so please excuse the poor quality of the following photos.

My contribution included 5 pairs of socks:

The big blue socks previously shown.

The socks are toe-up with an afterthought heel out of Cascade 220. I started not to finish these since the stripes were not showing up good, but Niece A who has to be the pickiest person in the world about clothes said that she liked them. She said "In fact, I would wear them myself."

The following socks were all knit toe-up Queen Kahuna style with gussets and heel-flap and with a Wisconsin Winter Socks influence. The all are made out of Cascade 220 and a sock yarn on size 8 needles -- they knit up really fast.

My package also included three hats:

The green and white hat that I did while testing the pattern for Kimberly, the Knitting Wonder Woman.

This hat was knit by my blogless mother (Bebe). The yarn is pink. I know it does not look pink. I really need to take a photography class or get organized enough to take photos in the daytime. Wait, that would mean that I would have to be home in the daytime.

Another hat using the Team Spirit Beanie pattern. The yarn is Cascade 220.

Joke from Mr. T:

What did one math book say to the other?

Answer: Boy do I have problems.

Nag, Nag, Nag

2007-09-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

Kim has been trying her best to guilt me into posting something. I finally go around to it. Here is a picture of a hat that knit to test the pattern for her. I used Cascade 220. I need more practice at carrying the yarn in both hands, but I think it turned out ok. A shot of the crown is below.

The pattern is easy to follow once you get past the cast on. That took me longer than the hat, and I don't think I actually did it like she intended, but I'm happy with it.

This hat will be sent with 4 pairs of socks (photos later, I promise! Don't look at me like that Kim) to Mittens for Akkol.

Big Blue Socks

2007-08-13T19:12:00.001-05:00

Photo taken by the T-man using his new camera

These socks are for the Mittens for Akkol Christmas 2007 challenge. We are ~~trying~~ determined to give every child in the orphanage a pair of hand knit socks for Christmas. This pair is out of Cascade 220 (you got it, I lost the label and don't remember the color). I only have a little left of each hank, so they took a lot of yarn. They were knit toe up by the magic loop method on size 4 (3.5 mm) addi turbos.

I did not have a pattern -- just did the Queen Kahuna method. These are 11.25 inches long. They are a little big on my model (Pops), but at least I can tell that I got the right proportions. I did a slip stitch heel for extra durability.

Warning Label

2007-08-12T08:17:00.000-05:00

I have been advised that the occasional extreme math content of my blog may be too much for some to handle -- especially when reading the blog before the morning cup of coffee. Since I am a responsible blogger, I will now preceed all math content with a warning label.

This is just a test. If this blog contained acutal math content, the following label would appear before the math so that the faint of heart may choose to exit the blog before being exposed to the dreaded math. Repeat, this is just a test. You are not currently in any actual danger.

This label was created at the Warning Label Generator.

Fuzzy Feet

2007-08-11T21:04:00.000-05:00

Look Kim a post with a picture.

Niece A wanted some pink Fuzzy Feet . I finally managed to get her and yarn in the same place long enough to get it done. Doesn't she look cute even when all you can see is her feet? This girl is going to be a knitter. I just have to visit without taking the T-man so that we can have another knitting lesson. When the T-man is around, neither niece will have anything to do with anyone else. And even though he is almost a teenager (see sidebar for a countdown) he is so good about playing with younger children and helping take care of them.

These were knit and felted in one day. My right hand was pretty sore the next day, but I was determined to finish. I used the Fuzzy Feet pattern just for the idea. I used Lamb's Pride bulky (Color M-38 Lotus Pink) since that is what my LYS had. I used size 10.5 needles since that is what I had with me, but I probably could have used bigger. These were done toe up with an afterthought heel. I added Little Flowers (at least that is what I think it is called, label is missing) around the ankle. I should have used two strands of it. A friend of mine had used some in a felted purse and it looked great. I'm a little disappointed with these, but since niece A is a growing girl and she has never shown any indication of changing her favorite color, I'll probably get the opportunity to use the rest of the Little Flowers to try it out again.

I know that I have not been good about updating this blog, but I could not help but noticing that my average is 3 posts per month. Now, that is not really reflective of how many times I post each month. The word average can mean many things. (Humor me here, I'm suffering from math withdrawal.) Looking back over my posts I found:

January -- 11

February -- 5

March -- 1

April -- 2

May -- 1

June -- 1

July -- 1

August -- 1

A total of 23 posts divided by 8 months equals 2.9 posts per month which I rounded to 3. This type of average is called a mean, but if you look at the data 3 posts per month is not a very good description of a good start that greatly fizzled.

Another type of average is the median. To find the median, you list the data in order and report the middle value. So, my data in order is:

1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 5, 11

Since I have an even number of data items, I have to take the arithmetic mean (average) of the two middle values. 1 + 1 = 2 /2 = 1 So, my median is 1 post per month.

Another way of reporting the average is to use the mode which is the most frequent data value.

The mode for this data is 1.

Anyway you look at it, this blog has been neglected. I'll try to do better.

I know, most everyone who is reading this is shaking their head and wondering why I don't just go and knit instead of doing silly math calculations. Sometimes, I wonder about that myself. It is so strange to not be teaching. I'm enjoying to the new job, but I miss my math. Mr. T started back to school this week, but he refuses to discuss his math with me. I begged, but he would not share.

I hope to have pictures of some other recent knitting to post soon.

I'm still here.

2007-07-07T16:58:00.000-05:00

I'm getting settled in the new job, but it has been a tough month. Learning a new job with lots more responsibility than I had before while also dealing with the transition of the old boss retiring and a completely unknown new boss coming in has been interesting.

I am finally coming home with some brain power left over for the evening and enough energy to knit. I finished up a magic loop demonstration and a sock-knitting class that I had committed to before I found out about the job change. I'm not going to schedule any more classes, at least for a while. Of course, soccer season will start again soon and that will also limit any knitting classes. Mr. T has agreed to only play for two teams this year -- one in the fall and one in the spring.

My current knitting project is socks for Mittens for Akkol. One of the current goals is to gather enough socks to give one to each child at Christmas when they get their bag of candy. When I think of how much I spoil my child at Christmas (who I am kidding, I spoil him year round) it makes me want to knit even more. I like knitting for this group, because I am sure that the kids are getting the items. I'm working on socks for the older boys. Pictures to come later.

Happy Birthday to Me! (almost)

2007-06-06T19:59:00.000-05:00

OK, my birthday is really not until Thursday, but I will have a really busy day at work, so I am posting this now. My wonderful son came home today from a visit with his dad and brought me this:

The T-man helped his dad (who owns a bakery) bake the cake. Dad did the decorating.

The Post That I Did Not Want to Write

2007-05-30T17:03:00.001-05:00

But first, Theresa, asked me to explain PEMDAS which stands for Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, or the order of operations.

I'll use / to indicate division.

What is 5 + 30 /5?

If you answered 7, you are wrong. So that we always get the same answer for calculations, we have a certain order of operations to follow. Mathematicians like for things to be precise. We do not like gray areas.

According to the order of operations, division is done before addition, so

5 + 30/5 = 5 + 6 = 11

The order of operations is applied in this manner:

Please = parenthesis -- do everything in grouping symbols, following the order of operations, of course!

Excuse = exponents -- apply all exponents

My = multiplication
Dear = division
Start on the left and work towards the right, doing all multiplication and division

Aunt = addition
Sally = subtraction
Start on the left and work towards the right, doing all addition and subtraction

So, why did I not want to write this post. After all, I love teaching math. I am on a one-woman self-appointed crusade to improve the world's attitude about math.

After 20 years of teaching math, I am going over to the dark side and will become an administrator next month. I've been flirting with the dark side and administrative work for some time now by being a department chair. Our school is in transition right now with some key people retiring and I have been asked to take on the role of Associate Dean. I have been promised that I can return to teaching after a year, but right now, all I can think of is the knitting time that I am missing this summer since I will be at work instead of at home in my PJ's.

New Title and Finishing the Last Post

2007-04-29T06:24:00.000-05:00

When I started this blog at the first of the year, I tried to come up with a creative title. I couldn't think of anything great at the time, so I just settled for "Aunt Sally's Yarns and Stuff". Well, it recently occured to me that I should have named the blog "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" so I changed the name.

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally is what many of us memorized (or should have) to help us remember the proper order of operations for evaluating mathematical expressions. Since I am a math teacher who is called Aunt Sally (not really my name, see the profile) this seems like a better name for this blog.

The math geek in me thinks that I should include an explanation of the order of operations, but the rest of me says that it is the weekend and I should be knitting. Besides, my mother and Kim read this blog and they don't like math.

And now for the rest of Niece K's birthday gifts:

Once again, I apologize for these annoying spaces. Keep scrolling. Any suggestions?

	Note the $60 lace. No, the lace did not cost $60, but the only place around here to buy lace is Wal-mart and I kept finding other things I needed. The pattern is McCall's 3261. I substituted lace for the ruffles and used top C with bottom D. I can't ever seem to do anything just like anyone else. Not that I'm complaining about that.
	More overalls. The pattern is Kwik Sew #2921. These are made out of Care Bear fabric. Niece K loves her Care Bears and has a large collection. She has assigned "Purple Heart Care Bear" to her daddy. I find it very amusing to see my tough brother (police sergeant) holding his Care Bear.
	I found this rocking chair on clearance. It was white, but needed a paint job. So I changed it to Niece K's favorite color.

So, what did she like the best? Well, I had everything in a big gift bag with the rocking chair on top. She took the chair out and admired it briefly and then returned to the gift bag which she promptly picked up and dumped out. Ignoring all the doll clothes, she went straight to the Care Bear coloring book and crayons that I put in the bottom. Having experienced life with a 3 year old, I was not surprised. She and I did have good time playing with the doll clothes later on in the day.

Niece A was also present that afternoon and she had much fun drawing on the Disney Princess stationary that I had gotten her. So I have decided that next Christmas both girls are getting an assortment coloring books, interesting note pads, crayons, markers, etc. I'll just sew doll clothes when the notion strikes. Its more fun that way.

Birthday Present Finished -- Finally

2007-04-09T20:43:00.000-05:00

I give up -- Blogger will not let me finish this post. Hopefully it will let me show the rest at another time.

*****

It seems like forever since I have had a chance to post anything here. In case you have been wondering where I've been, I'm usually at work, on the way to the soccer field, at the soccer field, or on the way home from the soccer field. For example, yesterday we drove 2 hours to the field, stayed there 3 hours, and then drove home 2 hours. At least I got in about 1.5 hours of knitting during the warmups. No knitting during the game since I am the self-appointed team photographer.

The T-man's school soccer team had an undefeated season and won the region championship this week. Now, the only soccer left is a traveling team with the local recreation department. That season is not going so great, but the coach is wonderful and Mr. T's skills are improving.

Somewhere in the middle of all this, I managed to finish Niece K's birthday present. I do not know why I am getting a huge gap after this paragraph, but if I take the time to research the problem, I may never finish the post. Scroll down for doll clothes.

	A simple shirt and short set. The shirt pattern is from Kwik Sew #2830. This is one of the easiest shirt patterns you can use. The sleeves fit in perfectly without have to adjust to fit. It also does not have any facings. I think the shorts are from the same pattern.
	More mix and match separates.
	Purchased bags for niece and doll with patches added.
	A line dress from one of Joan Hinds' books. I'm too frustrated to look for it right now to get the title.

I Was Too Sick to Knit

2007-03-18T20:50:00.000-05:00

I felt terrible at work on Thursday, 3/1/07. I thought that it was just that I was tired. Both times Pops had been in the hospital had taken its toll on me and I had worked late on Wednesday. I made it through Thursday and was still dragging on Friday. I came in Friday evening with the house to myself. The T-man was with his dad for the weekend. I went to bed at 8 pm.

When I woke up Saturday morning, I knew that it was more than tired. I was sick. I was so sick that when the T-man came home on Sunday, I sent him to his grandparents' house. I would not let anyone around me. My parents left me little care packages at my door and called to check on me. I stayed home Monday and still was not better. I went to the doctor on Tuesday. After two rounds of antibiotics and a week off from work, I finally started to get better. I remember picking up my knitting around Wednesday and thinking it was just too hard to do right then and I was only trying to knit a hat on a circular needle. I was so sick that even the cat was nice to me. (She and I have a running battle over who is in charge -- I think she is worse than a teenager, but check back with me on that one after I actually have a teenager.)

After I quit running a fever, Mr. T returned home. I really missed him. He must have missed me, because he cooked supper for me one night. We had french bread three-meat pizzas. When he wanted supper a couple of nights later, I asked him what was he going to cook. He responded that the night he cooked was just a "freak accident."

I finally recovered enough to do some things (photos follow) and return to work at about 3/4 time this week. I even made it to the two soccer games (missed the one last week.) I'm proud to report that the T-man's team is undefeated.

Kim knew how sick I was and sent the stitch markers below to cheer me up.

They came the first day that I returned to work. Kim had sent me a picture of one of the stitch markers when she made it, but Mr. T did not know this. He handed me my mail and speculated about the contents. I turned the envelope several ways and carefully inspected it and told him that I thought it was a double loop stitch marker that said "Kelly". The look on his face when I opened the envelop was priceless. I never told him how I knew.

Just in case you can't read that last one, it says "Math Geek". Kim and I are so much alike that its really funny. However, we don't agree on math. I'm working on her. She will learn to see the beauty of math.

As example of how much we are alike, guess what I was working on while she was making my stitch markers?

As I started to recover, I felt like making stitch markers. I started with one with my other name and then just kept going.

Hey Kim, since you met the challenge do you want to pick a stitch marker for your prize?

I was too sick to go to Niece K's birthday party. So, I sent a small gift with Mr. T. I want to see her get the doll clothes, and I want to sew more.

The pattern is from Kwik Sew #2921 and was not hard to make. I believe that Niece K and her parents wear denim overalls, so I think she will really like these.

The overall buckles are made by JHB buttons and are available in the button section of fabric stores.

I finally managed to finish this hat. It (and the hats below) is going to Russia to help keep kids warm.

When I was in the LYS Saturday and looked again at the hat that inspired this one, I realized that I need to start writing things down instead of counting on my memory. I like this one anyway.

Here is a close up showing the green mixed in the red yarn. Both yarns are Cascade 220 worsted weight. I saved the labels, but I don't know where I put them, so I don't know the color names.

Updated: I found the labels. The green is Cascade 220 color #7814. The other yarn is Cascade Quatro color #8440. I've been calling it red, but it really is a mixture of purple, green , and pink.

This yarn is Cascade 128 bulky or chunky -- I don't remember. You guessed it -- I don't know where I put the label. It was great recovery knitting. Super fast.

I am not pleased with these mittens. They do look better when on Mr. T's hand, but he was not available for a photo shoot today. He likes them, so I guess that I am just being too picky. I'm not sure if I just don't like the pattern or if I don't like knitting mittens out of bulky yarn. This set should fit a young teen.

This set should fit a younger child. I did add some shaping to the mittens and am happier with these.

I still had yarn left, so I knitted up a tiny tykes hat.

Finally, I’m working on a pair of socks for me. I’ll probably finish them about the time the cold weather ends. This yarn was a Christmas gift, and I actually have the label. It is On Line sock yarn. The label is not in English, but I think the color number is 886.

I divided the yarn into two roughly equal balls and cast on two different needles. Once the toe was finished on the first sock, I did the toe on the second sock. I’m now alternating between the two until I get them both the point of putting in the waste yarn for an afterthought/peasant heel. I like that heel for self-stripping yarns. Knitting in this manner helps me make them both the same and not suffer from SSS.

Getting Ready for Another Birthday

2007-02-25T13:55:00.000-05:00

Niece K is the birthday girl this time. She already has an American Girl doll that she got at Christmas. I'm working on a wardrobe of clothes for the doll. I've got until March 10th and am WAY behind.

Today's model is from the Springfield collection that is available at craft stores.

This shirt is from the Kwik Sew Pattern 2878.

One tip to help with the curved hems:

Sew a line of long stitches on the edge, just like you would do if you were gathering something. Pull the thread to help the hem turn in.

This fleece jacket is from Simplicity Pattern 5676. It is a very easy jacket to make.

Tip: Around here it is hard to find separating zippers the right length. Use what ever length you can find and cut off the extra from the top after sewing in the zipper.

This sweater was knit from a pattern I wrote. It is currently being test knit. I hope to eventually share the pattern here.

The yarn is James C Brett Marble Amethyst. One ball is enough to knit two doll sweaters.

I used size 7 needles.

Hats for Russia

I'm knitting warm items to send to children in St. Petersburg, Russia. Look here for more information on the ministry and contact me for details if you want to send anything.

I had an awful time trying to get the color to show up good and finally just gave up. Trust me, this is a very pretty purple.

The yarn is Cleckheaton Country Silk 8 ply (Color 4). It is a blend of 85% wool and 15% silk.

I cast on 88 on size 7 and am doing a k2, p2 ribbed watch cap.

The shape on this one looks weird and I started to wait to show it, but I promised the Knitting Wonder Woman that I would show a picture since these colors are a little out of the ordinary for me (OK, a lot out of the ordinary).

The pattern is based on one that I saw in my LYS. A rolled brim, then k2, p2 ribbing.

I had just finished reading "Knitting Rules" by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and I used her tip to knit the brim on a smaller number of stitches than the rest of the hat. Her book is full of lots of useful information like that and many good laughs.

I've about come to the conclusion that it would be quicker to write my posts in html than to edit what I get when trying to use the WYSIWYG tool.

He got me again.

2007-02-22T18:29:00.000-05:00

The T-man is behind on his Accelerated Reader requirement for school. Last night he felt fine when we got home. I like to let him take a little break before having to start on homework, so I let him play his Game Cube. He started homework early enough to have plenty of time to finish and time to read. However, he suddenly started feeling terrible and had to go to bed without any reading.

This morning, I made it very clear that the Game Cube would not even be turned on until he had finished an Accelerated Reader book and done all of his homework.

This afternoon he went to the library and checked out a book that is shorter than what he had left to read in the book he already had.

I have to admit that part of me thinks its funny and is kind of proud of him.

Hold all other knitting...

2007-02-20T21:55:00.000-05:00

The T-man requested a hat for soccer. The day I finished it, he thanked me twice and wore it inside until he went to bed. Today after showing it off to friends who were impressed he said "I love my hat! I love my hat!". It was too warm to wear in the game today, but he proudly wore it after the game and all the way home.

His team won the soccer game today. This was his first game on a school team. He played most of the game. Part of the time he played goalie and the rest of the time he played defensive positions. This was new for him, but he did a real good job. Not bad for a 6th grader on a team mainly composed of 7th and 8th graders.

The pattern is the Team Support Beanie done in his school colors. I did find an error in the pattern. I have written the company about the error and have gotten a nice message stating that they are looking into it. If you have the pattern, or if you purchase the pattern, contact me if you want the correction.

Updated: E-patternscentral.com has now corrected their pattern. If you have the following in your directions, you should have the correct version:

page 3: Rnd 16: With C, knit.
Add:
Rnd 17: Purl.
Rnd 18: With A, knit.
Rep Rnds 1-18.

Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash, black (#815), really red (#809), and white (#871)

Needles: size 7, 16 inch addi turbo and double pointed needles for the top. Note to my mother, you could do magic loop here if you want to knit the hat. Actually, you could do the whole thing by the magic loop method if you don't have a 16 inch circular needle. Note to myself in case I knit this one again: I cast on 88 stitches. The stitch pattern is a multiple of 4 so it could easily be adjusted for other sizes.

This was very good hospital knitting -- mindless enough that I could do it under the circumstances, but enough changes to keep it from being boring.

Yes, this was another weekend of hospital knitting. Pops is back in the hospital. To make a long story short, he had some sort of infection. Hopefully he and Bebe will come home soon.

This is all I have to say about today's knitting...

2007-02-10T22:29:00.000-05:00

My Latest Obsession

2007-02-02T21:05:00.000-05:00

Double Loop Stitch Makers

I like to use double loop stitch markers when I am increasing or decreasing in a consistent manner. Both loops on the needle indicates an increase/decrease round. One loop on the needle indicates a knit even round. I get distracted very easily, so this is an important tool for me. My friend Kim, the Knitting Wonder Woman (don't ask me how many hats she has done to my measly two), makes beautiful stitch markers, but I have trouble with the wire. Of course, it would help if I read some directions or something instead of just trying to figure it out myself. Anyway, I found a way that works for me to make stitch markers. I use 1 mm elastic cord with crimps on the end. The two on the right that have no pattern or specific colorway are very out of the box for me, but since I am over 40 now, I figure that I can be a little crazy at times.

Hospital Knitting

First, an update on Daddy. He has seen the surgeon for a check-up and is doing good. The recovery is slow, but he is making progress. We still have some new heart issues to deal with once he has healed from the surgery.

The pink purl arrows hat was finished and approved by Niece A. She often models my finished charity projects so that I can see how they fit. The yarn is Cascade 220.

I will be knitting the hat for her in a brighter pink that is washable. Her mother likes it too, but I only knit for nieces, their mothers can learn to knit.

The Purl Arrow Hat again in red for Niece K whose favorite color is red. At least it was the last time I asked. The stitch pattern does show up better in a lighter color, but I think she will like this. The child LOVES to wear hats. This yarn is Lion Brand Wool-Ease.

Notice anything unusual here?

I tried for three days to convince myself that the thumb was not too big. I was doing my usual rewriting the pattern. Converting to magic loop was not hard, but I didn't like the increase that the pattern called for, so I struck out on my own. At least I kept good notes and know what to do next time. Also, my faithful long-tailed cast on just did not look good in this chunky yarn (Cascade 128 this time). So I am frogging and will start over. Since then, I have learned a crocheted cast-on that looks great.

Stitch markers are in the partial mitten because Niece A was exploring my knitting bag and asking about everything. She now has a little container with various styles of stitch markers that she selected from my knitting bag.

I also finished a pair of socks that have been worn. I'll photograph after washing.

A New Knitter Was Born at the Hospital

Niece A brought her knitting bag, needles, and stash that I gave her for her birthday. We are still knitting with 4 hands, but she is doing more and more of the work. She is only 5. SIL B is counting on her to knit for the family. Her first project was a rectangle out of some variegated yarn that I had in my bag. Her imagination made it into many things. Then she wanted to knit something for Pops, but the variegated was "too girly" because it had pink. She used some of my green chunky to knit another small rectangle. She had me take it back to Pops. He asked what it was and I told him that he got to decide that part. So, he put it in his pocket and called it a green pocket ornament.

One of those moments that made me smile...

While on our way home from school yesterday, one of Mr. T's friends called for help with his math. Mr. T handled it himself. The conversation went something like "Dude, you write the = beside the problem, copy the first one, write the multiplication dot, and flip the second one." I know that it is not the typical mother's dream to hear her child discussing math, but it sure made me happy. Now, the math geek in me must go teach him the proper terms...

Unusual Excuses

I'm in my 20th year of teaching and I have heard a lot of excuses, but this is the first time I have gotten this one...

"I couldn't do my work because the guy that I steal wireless internet from put a password on it and I couldn't connect."

Later on in the class I assigned a problem from the book. The same student wanted me to write the problem on the board, because his roommate is taking the same course and stole his textbook. I couldn't help it. I said, "I guess you know how the guy felt about his wireless internet."

Another time, I had a student tell me that he couldn't do his assignment because his roommate's dog chewed the power cord to the laptop, the battery died, and she would not buy a new power cord.

This was the least of my concerns...

2007-01-28T08:18:00.000-05:00

Does this give you an idea of what things have been like lately?

It all started on Saturday, January 20th. I taught two beginning sock knitting classes. Both were entertaining groups and I learned a lot about structuring the classes. I got home around 5 pm, pretty much worn out. I walked over to my parents' house to find them getting ready to leave for the emergency room. Daddy had not been feeling good lately but the doctors could not put a finger on the specific problem. Saturday the symptoms changed and it appeared that we were dealing with appendicitis. I ran to grab some knitting and went with them. When you are 70 and have a heart condition, you don't go just anywhere even for routine issues. We went to Crawford Long in Atlanta. It is about an hour and a half away and I had to drive them.

We got there around 7 pm. Around 4 am, the diagnosis of appendicitis was confirmed and Daddy was admitted to the hospital. I went to move the car from the Emergency Room parking to the regular parking deck. I accidentally lowered the back window instead of the driver's side when I got the parking time thing. The window would not come back up. Here I am, its 4:30 am and I am in a downtown Atlanta parking garage all by myself with a stuck window. I moved everything to the trunk, locked the glove compartment, and parked under a light.

Daddy asked the ER nurse for a roll of tape that they use on people and told me not to worry about it until one of my brothers got there.

Surgery was delayed since Daddy was on 3 blood thinners. While in surgery, he started bleeding and they had a hard time stopping it. After several days in ICU and then finally a regular room, Daddy is coming home today or tomorrow. Since I have their car, I'll be heading out to get them.

The rest of the window story...Armed with hospital tape, Brother H, Sister-in-law B, and I got the window in place. My brother wedged in a folded-up map to help hold the window. It held great...until about the time we were merging onto the interstate in downtown Atlanta. I told the T-man to turn on the heater and deal with it. We were not stopping there, and I needed time to think. We drove on to Hobby Lobby which was a previously scheduled stop (0f course) and I thought that surely they would have some plastic that I could use to cover the window. They did not. However, I bought some poster board which they put in a really big plastic bag. I asked for an another bag. Using the rest of the trusty hospital tape, I covered the window. Mr. T was very curious about how I would manage to cover the window and was impressed with my solution (especially since that meant lunch was the next stop, not Wal-mart to buy plastic). He said "Mom, you are smart!". Music to my ears since everyone knows that when you are 12, your parents don't know anything.

This has been a rough week on all of us, but God is good and we got through it all. It was a bad week for me to miss three days of work, but I still managed to finish up two major projects. I just have to catch up on grading papers and lesson planning. I was even able to teach the second session of the knitting classes that I started last week. Hopefully things will be more like normal this coming week.

Note to Anonymous: I didn't have the title just right. The card is "A Poem for Your Birthday: All About Farts" published by American Greetings. I got mine at Wal-Mart. The T-Man (age 12) thinks it is funny.

More on hospital knitting later. I have to get a shower and hurry up to wait on the doctors to decide when Daddy gets to leave.

I Posted First

2007-01-16T22:22:00.000-05:00

Here is the hat that I finished over the weekend. This pattern has been great fun to knit. Just a step above mindless knitting with enough changes to keep it interesting.

Kimberly, Knitting Wonder Woman, said we should do a KAL. I had already started a second hat, so I suggested that she join me. I knew that she would catch up in no time. Well, not only has she finished the hat that she started after me while mine is not yet done, but she has already started designing another hat pattern. Then she sends me a cheery "am headed to bed message". Bed???? I can't go to bed. If I sleep now, she will manage to finish designing and knitting another hat before I even get to finish mine. So, I did the only thing that I could do to possibly keep up. I posted first.

P.S. Well, there is one more thing. The next son to have a birthday will get the "Dictionary of Farting" card that I saw the other day.

This is what you look like at your daughter's birthday party if you are a photographer.

2007-01-14T22:14:00.000-05:00

Because of family concerns about putting too much information on the Internet and the public nature of my job, I will rarely post a picture of a person and will try to remain pretty anonymous. However, I figure this picture is safe. This is how my brother, the professional photographer, looked 90% of the time at Niece A's birthday party. The party was at his studio. See that thing sticking out of the top of his camera that looks like some sort of remote control antennae? He had the place rigged for super powered flashes to go off in the room anytime he took a picture.

Enabling

2007-01-14T20:17:00.000-05:00

First, Niece A got her knitting needles, beginning of her stash, and a Pink Cinderella knitting bag. She was very excited. She is ready to learn to knit, but we did not have time for a lesson today. These needles are so cute.

She enjoyed putting all her knitting stuff in her bag and carrying it around. She also got a set of knitting looms and some yarn from someone else.

She loved the doll shirts. The pink butterflies was her favorite. The rest of Plan B was cookie decorating stuff to use with her Easy Bake Oven that she got for Christmas. Cookie cutters, icing, sprinkles, and edible markers. This was also a big hit.

Enabling Part 2

I am knitting this hat pattern. I'll post a picture soon, but am too lazy to get out the camera now. Mine is in purple so it does not show the stitches as good as a light color, but I was knitting from my stash. It will be a warm hat to send to Mittens for Akkol.

Now, here is the serious enabling part, check out the other patterns by this designer. I bought my pattern from the folks at Carodan Farm and then took a look at the designer's site. There are several patterns that will definitely be going on my wish list.

I hope this post turns out OK. It looks right on one screen and all messed up on another. I would rather knit than spend any more time fooling with this, so if it looks bad, it may stay that way.

Good Thing I Had Plan B

2007-01-13T23:47:00.000-05:00

I did manage to sew two more shirts for Niece A's doll, but just could not get in the groove (look Kim -- two o's). I learned a long time ago not to force myself to sew. I just end up frustrating myself.

I changed the pattern a little (no surprise for people who know me). I lowered the first button which meant I only needed three buttons instead of four. I believe that will be better for a child dressing a doll. The fact that I had fewer buttons to sew on had absolutely nothing to do with it.

This week saw the debut of the boring brown socks. I think I started knitting on these last summer. I don't even remember the brand of the yarn. It does have tiny flecks of other colors, so it is not totally boring. Unfortunately, many of the more interesting yarns will not go with my work wardrobe.

These are toe-up with an afterthought heel. This was the first time that I used Dawn Brocco's method for the heel. I love this method.

The cuffs are a simple knit 2, purl 2.

I tried knitting in some clear elastic thread at the top of the cuffs. It was not pretty. Also, I don't think that the elastic helped the socks stay up.

I really like doing the afterthought heel, but I think that the first socks that I made with gussets and heel flaps fit my feet better. I will continue to use the afterthought heel if I am doing any stranded colorwork or using a self-striping yarn.

Birthday!

2007-01-09T19:45:00.000-05:00

Our family has two special birthdays to celebrate today. Niece A turned 5 today. Her party is on Sunday, so I still have time to sew.

My Daddy turned 70 today. So, Daddy, now that I have a blog, I would like to mark this occasion by publicly saying how much I love you and appreciate you!

Happy Birthday Daddyman!

Birthday Sewing Has Started

2007-01-07T20:45:00.000-05:00

Niece A turns 5 on Tuesday. I finally found time to start sewing for her. She's old enough now for real buttons and buttonholes.

Her party is on Sunday, so I have a little more time to sew. Just in case this week is too crazy to sew, I bought a gift also. It is so much fun being an aunt.

The Fruits of my Labor

2007-01-07T15:31:00.000-05:00

I taught a sock knitting class yesterday. Three ladies attended. We had a lot of fun. It amazes me that people think I am a good enough knitter to pay me to teach them. My class project is a toe-up, afterthought heel toddler sized sock or a fingertip-to-cuff, afterthought thumb toddler sized mitten. The two projects are so similar that it does not matter to me if I have different projects going in the same group. Yesterday, all three ladies knitted socks. We do it in one marathon session. I learned after the first one, to pack a lunch instead of trying to go out for some lunch during a break. Two ladies knitting in the shop that day asked me and the owner to schedule another class. All three in yesterday's class want to take the class next month and do mittens. I think that they underestimate their own abilities and could do it on their own now, but if they want to enhance my stash, then that's OK with me. So, I am teaching again the first weekend in February.

Speaking of stash enhancement. Yesterday's loot is pictured above. I spent all but $8.06 of what I made. I guess that covers my gas.

Back row, left to right: 2nd Time Cotton for a Shapely Tank. I started knitting it a while back and even though I am getting the exact gauge, I got worried that I would run out of yarn, so I bought two more skeins. I wish you could see the colors better, but the studio is improving (more on that later). Next we have purple and red Cascade Fixation. I want to adapt Cat Bordhi's Baby Life Ring Socks to my preferred methods. The green is Cascade 128. I don't know if you call it chunky or bulky, but I think that it will make some warm Mittens for Akkol.

Front row, left to right: An Addi Turbo needle sizer. I have a Lion Brand needle sizer that does include the millimeter sizes in between US size, but I couldn't pass up another neat gadget. Trekking XXL. I made myself a pair out of this yarn before. They were too big. I frogged them and made them smaller. You guessed it. My mother really enjoys her socks. Maybe I will have better success this time. Next is two skeins of Fortissima Socka in a really pretty blue. I have a project in mind that will require some blue. Just in case it does not work, or I change my mind, I got enough for a pair of socks. Last is Regia Stretch that I have been wanting to try out.

Did I remember that I wanted to get yarn for a CIC sweater while it was all on sale 25% off? Of course not. I got there early to look around, but one of the students also got there early, and I got distracted while helping her decide what to get.

Table Top Photography Studio Update

Gray poster board is hard to find. I resorted to hanging some gray fabric (stop laughing Mama, I know that is what you suggested in the first place), but even though I ironed it (yuck), it still wrinkled. It is a temporary solution. I'll keep looking. Also, I think that I need to add some more light. Maybe brother H will get caught up enough to help me one day. He is a professional photographer. One time I got him to take some pictures that I wanted by telling him that if he did not take the pictures, then I would take them. Then I would tell the whole world that he took them. Wonder if that would work again?

Old background on the left. New background on the right. I'm not sure which one I like best.

I survived.

2007-01-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

Three weeks off at Christmas is wonderful! I could not work at the pace required to keep up with my job without some serious down time in between. Fall quarter was really rough because we had a key person unexpectedly leave with little notice and therefore no time to prepare for the transition. My boss decided that I could do two jobs "for a little while". That was August and I'm still doing both.

I had to return to work yesterday. It was a crazy day, and I felt rough at the end. However, I am back in my grove today. Unfortunately, my poor mental and physical state was reflected in Tuesday's knitting, so no pictures today.

The true test will come tomorrow when I have to get the T-man out of bed and awake and in his uniform (he goes to a military prep school) instead of just awake enough to stumble over to his grandparents' house while still in his pj's to go back to sleep in his grandfather's recliner.

I do have some thoughts to share about Christmas music:

1. The Twelve Days of Christmas sung by a rock band is different.

2. Surely the Beach Boys could have come up with a better line than "Christmas comes each time this year." I want to yell "Duh!" every time I hear that.

3. Why did I suggest that my parents buy speakers for Mr. T's ipod?

Recent Knitting Projects

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I'm also trying to learn how to use my new camera. I asked Brother H who is a professional photographer how to get better pictures of my various projects. He suggested a table-top photography studio. After extensive research (two articles: here and here), I gathered items for my own version (Mama, stop laughing). I wanted a gray background, but Wal-Mart did not have gray poster board. I was anxious to try things out, so I got black for now. I guess that this blog will also record my attempt to become a decent photographer and hopefully show improvement along the way.

My latest project has been knitting mittens for the current CIC challenge which is a special gift for Mittens for Akkol. I like knitting mittens, so I will be knitting for both groups in the future.

Worsted weight yarn, also hand dyed by Kimberly. These are a child's size small. Niece A was asked to try on the first pair so that I could see how they fit. She liked them so much that she asked to keep them. Of course, Aunt Sally did not say no.

The Kelazon!

This pair was supposed to be the Corazon from the Winter 2006 issue of Knitty. The chart for the top and I did not get along. So I listened to two friends who always tell me the truth and frogged. It was funny to watch the face of a new knitter (on her second project) in the group as I calmly pulled out my needles and frogged half a mitten. Kimberly and I were doing my very first KAL. She said it was OK to change the pattern. Check out her completed mittens here. Of course, Knitting Wonder Woman Kim finished hers, designed another pattern, and almost finished a second pair before I finished mine. I stayed up very late last night to make sure that I finished before she finished her second pair. She did all that with 5 children. I only have one.

I'm a little disappointed in the quality of work on these, but I am always critical of my work. I did learn a lot and they will be very warm mittens, so I am sending them on.

The yarn is Cascade Quatro (red) and Cascade 220 (white). My favorite part of knitting these was working on them while watching Georgia beat Virginia Tech. Then Georgia Tech lost today. Life is good.

Recent CIC Socks

These will be mailed the next time I get enough to send a box. They are the Eenie pattern of EenieMenieMinieMo (Heartstrings Pattern A23 - 5059)

On the left below is a close up of the stitch pattern. It really is easier than it looks. On the right, two simpler versions. All were knit out of Cascade 220 worsted weight.

My First Blog Post

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Kimberly has been after me for a while to start a blog. January 1 seemed like a good time begin something new.

I'll start with some of my recent projects. More to follow as soon as we get some sunshine and I can get some good pictures.

Gift doll and wardrobe for Christmas 2006 is above. I have so much fun making the clothes and imagining what it would be like to be a child getting so much for my doll at one time.

I did get a shot of one outfit. The hat, scarf and mittens were knit out of Kimberly's Bohemian Wrapsody handpainted yarn. She is so talented!

The scarf has a small opening to slide the other end through to help it stay on the doll.

Niece A and Niece K both got American Girl dolls for Christmas from their grandparents (my parents). Niece A is older and already has a more economical version of the doll and lots of clothes. But Niece K needed some clothes right away. Her mother is a nurse, so I made her doll a mix-and-match scrubs wardrobe. She also got a pair of flare jeans and a red T-shirt. Both nieces have birthdays coming up so I will be sewing and knitting more.

Hey Kim, I told a little fib the other day when you asked what I was doing on the computer. I didn't want to spoil the surprise, so I didn't tell you everything that I had been doing.

Happy New Year!