tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53612122130397674042024-02-19T04:43:25.236-08:00Skip 2 My LuThis is a blog. A blog about a Christian. A blog about a Christian mother who has an inclination to knit....alot.Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-15991978261280416742010-08-13T09:18:00.000-07:002010-08-13T09:33:41.756-07:00Pics of My Lutea and A New Project!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/33790634/document_upload20301-2_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/33790634/document_upload20301-2_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This is me enjoying my Lutea! I am very happy with the fit and drape of the garment although I think I made it a tad too long but.....whatever! I like it! I have worn it several times since this picture was taken and I have found the armholes to have stretched a bit. I'll be putting a nice round of single crochet there to reinforce it this weekend.<br />This is what it looks like from the back. I love this color. The King Tut Cotton has given this tank great crisp stitch definition and the heaviness of the fiber actually works for this design (except around the armholes of course) I got 21st/4in gauge which is alot tighter than the pattern gauge called for so I followed directions for the 44" inch size to compensate. It doesn't have too much negative ease. I haven't measured myself since I started loosing weight to I kinda winged this one. I used to be a 45" bust but no longer. My bras have been getting smaller. That makes me sad! Why can't my hips and but just get smaller? I'll just have to live with it and hope that eventually things will balance themselves out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/33790584/document_upload23271-0_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/33790584/document_upload23271-0_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I originally wanted to where this with brown since brown and blue are one of my favorite color combinations. But I just couldn't find a brown belt that I like! I have 3 black belts (no, not in any martial art unless you call shopping one) and I've been looking for that belt in the perfect shade of brown. I have the shoes already so it can't be that elusive, right?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/34104601/document_upload7530-0_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/34104601/document_upload7530-0_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/34104656/document_upload24402-0_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/34104656/document_upload24402-0_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Any guess what this latest finished object is? Yes, I know its a hat but does the pattern seem familiar? It's EZ's Very Warm Hat! Done all in Noro Kureyon on the outside and for the inside I used about an inch worth of Cotton Ease so that my sensitive daughter won't have a scratchy forhead while trying to keep warm this winter. I started on Sunday and finished it up on Friday. Took way too long to complete but things like work, sleep and general tiredness kept me from finishing sooner. It's a good thing I am starting winter knitting in August or I'd have some cold kiddies!<br />Until next time. I still don't know what my next project will be but I promise I will announce it as soon as a I do!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-24908371163688228732010-08-04T09:56:00.000-07:002010-08-04T11:19:41.652-07:00August Update 2010I've mentally prepared lots of posts since my last post in July. Too bad mental isn't actual since I've forgotten half (ok most) of the things that I wanted to tell you about.<br /><br />I am almost finished with my second project in my year of "Rediscovery". Rediscovery of yarn already in my stash, and rediscovery of all the wonderful patterns that I once fell in love with and vowed to knit up yet somehow languished in a seemingly endless que of knitting projects that keep amassing on top of those once beloved patterns.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/31307656/document_upload16135-0_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/31307656/document_upload16135-0_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I am loving the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lutea-lace-shoulder-shell">Lutea Lace Shell</a>. The pattern is wonderful and a pretty quick knit! I made it in some King Tut mercerized cotton that has been hanging out in my stash for years! It was previously knit up in a free form type of raglan t-shirt but the armholes were too big so that project was sent to the frog pond while the yarn went safely back in my stash. Its such a gorgeous color. The labels have long been tossed out but I would describe it as a shiny cadet blue. (Cadet blue as I remember it from my Crayola crayon box as a kid).<br />I finished the back and am just starting the front. I plan to be done by tomorrow but wouldn't it be fantastic to have it done so that I could wear it for tomorrow?<br />But I must wear it with just the right outfit. I am picturing a cute chocolate brown belt, a brown pencil skirt and brown shoes. Why so much brown?, you ask. I want the top to be the star and not get lost with competing accessories/colors! I was thinking of doing a little embroidery but...... would that take away from the top or enhance it? There is only one way to find out and that is to try and try some more.<br />I'll be posting pics soon of the finished product on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Skip2MyLu/lutea-lace-shoulder-shell">Ravelry</a>. It's so much easier to post and update on Ravelry from my iPhone than it is to post and update my blog. For some reason blogger is just not feeling iPhone posting. If you know of any way to get around that please shoot me a message. I really only get access and time to a computer very rarely. I am kind of stealing a little time right now so ..... gotta go. Same bat time, same bat channel!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-12533103101996046372010-07-08T19:26:00.000-07:002010-07-08T19:41:17.105-07:00Highs and Lows7/4/2010<br />It just occurred to me that maybe I should have a name for my year long knitting project.<br />Hereby am trying to tag my ravelry projects accordingly but I have no official identifier. I can't just go around calling it "my yearlong <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1278642264_0">knit patterns</span> only from my magazine collection and only from my stash adventure" it just doesn't roll off the tongue that well, you know?<br />So I was thinking of<br />"the rediscovery project" since I am rediscovering patterns that I once loved and yarn that I always wanted to knit with all at my fingertips in my stash. The best way to be happy is to be content with what u have right?<br />Mods on the Whisper Cardigan<br />I used 3 different yarns that were already in my stash. Believe me there was some serious temptation to buy more of the ultra alpaca when I ran out. But I held myself back.<br />Begin Side Note:<br />After all it's compulsive buying of yarn and other things that I didn't really need that landed menin serious debt to begin with. I've already paid off 2 credit cards of which j am very proud of and I am not about to mess that up!<br />End Side Note.<br />So like I mentioned above I used 3 different kinds of yarn all in the red/black family. The last yarn was a no name red/ black sock yarn that left my fingers red after knitting with it and bled like a stuck pig when blocking. I didn't mind too much though since the ultra alpaca was already reddish and the jawoll is black so no harm no foul. I do have some left over which I was thinking if making a skinny scarf for but after seeing how red my fingers got by jut knitting it I am going to have to rethink that thought. The last thing I want is to end up with some scary looking red line across ny neck and throat. Not attractive.<br />The other mod I made was to pick pick up fewer stitches for the ribbing. I wanted a snugged fit and that is just what I got. All in all I am very pleased with the results!<br />7/08/2010<br />Sad, sad, news.<br />Yesterday I got ready to where my whisper cardigan for the first time. I was in Atlantic City with my husband on a very impromptu trip where we were trying to re-kindle our romance. I packed the cardi cause in the restaurants it's just stupid cold. Somewhere between the hotel lobby and the parking lot.....I LOST THE SWEATER! Talk about sad. It fit so perfectly and I didn't even get any pics of it while I was wearing it. I do have pics of it blocked as you can see here:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/31293094/document_upload31583-0_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/31293094/document_upload31583-0_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A sad iphone pic. I am hoping that eventually the Borgata Hotel and Casino will call me up and tell me someone found it. In the meantime I will be e-mailing and calling as often as possible. If I never get to see it again, I pray that someone out there is actually using it. I put over a month's worth of work into it and fell in love with the fit and color. Something that is hard to say about any other project I've made.Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-12648622003021249932010-07-01T18:47:00.000-07:002010-07-01T18:50:00.801-07:00Getting creativeThe following are two posts in one. I had one prepared but never posted it. So, I decided to combine the two.<br /><br /> 6/27<br />Ok so I am still working on the whisper cardigan. I really thought I would be done by now and here it is a month and still not done yet. Well not exactly a month but three days shy of it anyway. I am finally on the skirt part of the cardigan. I finished the ribbing and founf that I did not have e nough of the black to complete the skirt. So now k have introduced a third yarn into the mix. A no name variegated red and black yarn. It's gonna be funky but I am ok with funk. I said I wouldn't buy anymore and I am determined to stick to it.<br /><br />7/1<br />Holy unending project, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1278035148_0">Batman</span>! When the heck is this cardi going to be done???? I bound off the skirt last night and it seems too short yet I don't want to undo the bind off and knit down. Although... That is probably what I am going to end up doing anyway. I like the thought of the cardigan and if I am going to do something I might as well do it right. Today I missed my bus so I took the later bus being all grateful that it was an express but then my train is late. Yikes! Not a good start to the day since I wanted to leave early.<br />When I get home I will be working on lengthening the skirt and hopefully put this project to rest. I post some pics tomorrow with the announcement of my next project!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-2648558384631085982010-06-13T18:23:00.000-07:002010-06-13T18:52:04.321-07:00Whisper Cardigan Day 13I was really hoping to have it done by now. I really have a high opinion of my knitting speed, don't I? I start a new job <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1276478578_0">on Thursday</span> and was kind of hoping to wear it. Oh well. I must keep plugging along. It is a pretty straight forward knit so far. I finished knitting the right sleeve and am half way through the back. I am a little past the back gathering. I like this pattern. It's easy to read.....well the part about what needles to change to could be a little more clear. For example instead of saying "change to largest, longest circular needle" it should read "change to Size 4 24"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">circs</span>". It's shorter and much more specific!<br /><br />I am tempted to make the gathering in the black yarn but after careful consideration I don't know how I feel about a black stripe going down the back. I could always duplicate stitch it in later on if I change my mind.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/30060615/document_upload20651-1_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 373px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/30060615/document_upload20651-1_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Please ignore the awful flooring in the picture. My "new" apartment has nasty flooring and a grimy dropped ceiling. The nice thing is that in July there will be a renovation of the apartment. New floors and the ceiling will be sheet rocked. Of course that means I will be somewhat displaced for at least a month but it will be worth it. My momma and daddy are going to let me stay upstairs with them. They are the greatest parents ever. I am so blessed that they are helping me out through this trying time in my life. <br /><br />I want to share my new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">obsession</span> with you. Ready????<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Get Out of Debt!!!!!!<br /><br /></span>I had an epiphany when I went to Georgia back on Mother's day weekend. I was walking around early one gorgeously warm morning in Fort Gordon when I started thinking about money. I was and still am pretty scarred about being on my own with my kids to support but I have come to a point where I get to do things right. This is like a second chance to clean up my act and become a more responsible momma and woman. I have a bit of debt and not so much of an income but it's do-able. I want to do things God's way. I mean lets face it....I spent that money. I should be paying it back.<br /><br />I am going to follow the Dave Ramsey plan and do those baby steps he talks about. I've also been listening to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pod casts</span> about personal finance and I've especially enjoyed one called <a href="http://www.reboundpodcast.com/">"Rebound"</a>. It's a husband and wife talking about their personal journey through foreclosure and getting out of debt.Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-66009518240396861812010-06-01T18:17:00.000-07:002010-06-01T18:36:40.642-07:00First magazine to review<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/interweave-knits-spring-2009"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Interweave Knits</span></a> Spring 2009<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ok</span>, so why in the world am I starting with a mag so recent? I am just in love with the Whisper <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cardigan</span> pattern! I have seen it made from sock yarn and ultra alpaca fine <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">which</span> happen to be two yarns that I already own.<br /><br />The whole issue has some beautiful patterns. There are very few magazines that I own where I like more than <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">one thing</span>. Usually I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">purchase</span> a mag for just one pattern, one article or just plain old inspiration.<br /><br />I like the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-tee">sweet tee</a> also. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hmm</span> I might just park <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">it on t</span>his issue for a while... Now what <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">kind</span> of yarn does <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">that</span> call for?<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/petal-halter">petal halter</a> and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/posy-slip">posy slip</a> are two more that I have been eyeballing. I can't wait to get access to my yarn in order to start "shopping" for my new projects. It's so nice to get excited about what I already have.<br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/betties-lace-stockings"><br />Betty's lacy stockings</a> is also a pattern that I would like to try. So that makes it a total of 5 patterns that really catch my eye. Do I have the yarn for these? Do I have the inclination to knit all of them? What kind of order am I putting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">to this</span> whole knit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">your</span> way <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">through</span> yo<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ur</span> mags project? Do I have the time? What's reasonable?<br /><br />There is plenty of time to answer all those questions later. Today I have decided to work on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/whisper-cardigan">Whisper Cardigan</a> by Hannah Fettig. I am making it in a gorgeous shade of red Ultra Alpaca Fine by Berroco and a perfect deep black sock yarn by Lang called Jawoll. I plan to make the shrug part of the cardigan in red and the ribbing and skirt sections in black. Can't wait to see the results!!! I've already swatched and blocked and washed. I am happy to say I got gauge and I am ready to start full speed ahead! Well, off to cast on. I will post pics of my progress tomorrow. Until tomorrow spidey friends, same bat channel same bat time!!!<span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1275441372_0"></span>Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-41707714578101790882010-05-29T17:01:00.000-07:002010-05-29T17:19:59.875-07:00Contemporary Baby Blanket......DONE!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/29247353/document_upload10142-5_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 401px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/29247353/document_upload10142-5_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This took me almost two months to complete simply because of the new and busy schedule I've been keeping. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Whaddaya</span> think?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/29247342/document_upload6726-0_medium.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 406px; height: 407px;" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/Skip2MyLu/29247342/document_upload6726-0_medium.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Excuse the crappy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iphone</span> picture. My regular camera isn't working well. So as previously stated I used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Berroco</span> Comfort for this. Precisely I used 1 1/4 skeins of white and red and a little less than 3 skeins of the black. The blanket measure about crib size at 33x46 inches. I am very pleased with the results.<br /><br />What I Would Do Differently:<br /><br />I would put in an extra panel to make it 4 instead of three in order to make it wider.<br /><br />When blocking I would only use cold water. The red bled a little making the white slightly pink. I should have know better but it really doesn't take away from the overall look of the blanket.<br /><br />Work on it more frequently instead of letting the project languish for days. (This really should have been done 3 weeks ago!)<br /><br />And last but not least I would like to have put more embroidery on it but time is running short since my little niece will be putting in an early <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">appearance</span>. Baby is healthy but the Doctors are saying that the baby needs to come out. Baby wasn't due until Father's day but it's close enough to the due date to avoid many complications.<br /><br />I am currently working on my first post for my year of knitting through my stash of yarn and magazines. Can't wait to show you what I've got cooking!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-861910384824027122010-05-02T04:07:00.000-07:002010-05-03T18:37:51.067-07:00Whoop, WhoopThat's the sound of da police. JK it's really the sound of me finally having my yarn all around me. I've decided that no matter how tiny my apartment is I can't run the risk of not having access to my yarn. So, how did I do it? you ask.<br /><br />I had to fill out a form at the storage place in order to have the lock cut and of course purchase another lock. And wouldn't you know it.....the day AFTER I had the lock cut I found the keys. In a jacket. I left at work.<br /><br />This just confirms my philosophy that the best way to find something lost is to replace it. Goodness, I hope that doesn't apply to relationships. There are some things that are better left lost, ya know?<br /><br />Currently I am working on a baby blanket for my little brother's first daughter!!! Yay! I am going to be a Titi again. She is due at the end of June. My SIL told me she liked black and red so I asked her if she would mind if I made a baby blanket and added white to it for a little contrast. I must say that at first I didn't know how I felt about those colors. You know how we knitters are.....especially when we are knitting for a little relative not our own child. I had ideas, I had aspirations and they all included pink and brown.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbLI63-ye7i7NqrBqbRFM-55WqmRRWPwzpUC_UM5pFXvK7lLSSmJgas312gBk1t6NlWWIxLb_uCJ_hSJwMtNQbvD3hRhCyVr0na-OJ95MzE4-P8TXE4aSBHG81MTH5MsDNPGQMjBdrcs5/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbLI63-ye7i7NqrBqbRFM-55WqmRRWPwzpUC_UM5pFXvK7lLSSmJgas312gBk1t6NlWWIxLb_uCJ_hSJwMtNQbvD3hRhCyVr0na-OJ95MzE4-P8TXE4aSBHG81MTH5MsDNPGQMjBdrcs5/s320/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467222892552244562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, in keeping with her wishes I started out on a yarn quest. Which yarn will hold up to years and years of use? which yarn will be soft on my little niece's skin? At first I was going to go with Berocco Vintage which I have been dying to try out. But when I went to buy it my lovely LYS had just run out of the red that I wanted (that's what I get for trying to buy after a big sale....when will I learn?) Then I remembered my go-to yarn for long wearing projects....Berocco Comfort. I love this yarn. The colors are so vibrant and there are so many to choose from. I went ahead and started the knitting and I am loving the color combo. So much so in fact that my very first project for my year long knitting from magazine project is going to be in red and black. Let's just say I imaging myself looking super hot in this.<br /><br />You know, H-O-T!<br /><br />and not the sweaty kind of hot either.<br /><br />Since October I have lost 30 pounds. I lost it through a combination of weight watchers and extreme stress. Weight Watchers has really helped me to stay on my points when I really didn't feel like eating. Many, many days I would eat way under my points and I started feeling worse so I make it a point that no matter how aweful, stressful, distracting my day is to make sure I eat a minimum of my points. Another way I've been coping with stress is to excersise. Usually I power walk, occasionally I jog. This really tires me out to the point that the issues that I am dealing with don't affect me as much. And I am finally able to sleep at night. Praise the Lord!!!!!<br /><br />In Psalms 4:7-8 it says:<br />Thou hast put gladness in my heart, More than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.<br />I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, For thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.<br /><br />These verses are incredibly cool. The first part about putting gladness in my heart..... well, to be honest when things get overwhelming I am anything but glad but I start reading my bible or hanging out with the kids or talking to my mom and friends and the gladness is there. God's word brings me comfort and reminds me of all the blessings that I have now even in this valley that I am going through. And this time of my life is much more meaningful because of the relationships I am able to establish. More than my time of "corn and wine". You know, when things were going well. Or at least I thought they were going well. God has been my fortress and at night I lay down in peace and sleep just like the verse promises.<br /><br />Being in God's word is not easy because many times there are things that I just do not want to see. But.......I want to be in His will. I want to be what He wants me to be. Because it's nothing but good!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-44307175761438678422010-04-23T18:47:00.000-07:002010-04-23T18:59:04.259-07:00Ch-Ch-ChangesLots and lots of changes have taken place since I last blogged. Lots of sad changes but God knows what He is doing and all things work for good for those who love the Lord. I might talk about those changes in later posts but for now.....<br /><br />Drum roll please....<br /><br />I am pleased to announce a <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1272073732_0">new direction</span> that I am going to take this blog. Cause really if u think about it it really hasn't been going in any direction.....<br /><br />I have been going through my knitting library and have noticed that although I have a huge stack of magazines that I constantly drool over I haven't really made a thing out of any of them. Ok so maybe I am exaggerating, I probably made one or two projects out of the 53 magazines that I have. Here is my idea.... I will be going through these magazines one by one and knitting a project out of each one and commenting on the patterns in general as I go through them. All the while I plan to blog about my experiences and thoughts. I also plan to use stash yarn for this and comment also on each yarn that I use for each project. Waddaya think?<br /><br />There's just been one itsy bitsy little snag in this whole plan. I lost the keys to my storage room. I just want to cry my eyes out because I have so much yarn that I haven't even had a chance to put on Ravelry yet. Now I have to either wait for the district manager to come with some lock cutter thing and cut the lock whenever he happens to be in the district or rent one from Home Depot and cut it myself. Sigh.... I'll have it all figured out soon.<br /><br />Because of the slight difficulties with gaining access to my yarn I have decided that I will be starting June 1st. This is a commitment. I am documenting this and I am setting up my alarm on my iphone to alert me when I should be doing each step of the process. This is so exciting!!!<span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1272073732_1"></span> Pics to follow shortly. My next post will be in one week!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-31027782302103768332009-06-12T15:54:00.000-07:002009-06-12T16:12:13.468-07:00This past Thursday the 4th I went out to lunch with a new found knitting friend for my birthday. We were chit chatting and somehow the subject of wedding rings came up.<br /><br />My husband and I were married in January of 2000. He bought me this beautiful white gold band surrounded by leaves with diamonds set into the leaves. Absolutely beautiful and the apple of my eye. I'm not really into jewelery but this one was very special. About 5 yrs ago I took my ring off to sleep. In the morning I looked for it and couldn't find it. I tore up the house and looked all over but it was no where to be found. I was very sad. My finger always felt naked.<br /><br />So, I told my friend this story then we parted after lunch and I ran some errands. At dinner that night (which my children prepared with my mom...yum!) My 5 yr old was all figety. My oldest was practically sitting on him to keep him quiet until the presents were given to me.<br /><br />The dinner alone was wonderful but when I opened up my one singe solitary gift my heart just melted......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LUnZSOgLTFRz-IvUUwaNgKmbko3MZMKwD7uWNCA9_E1F5o2nncvvkqLvRhANLcfoQFbXQZv2GggTpolT0FCltDtiIUBlRqX5W1CaeidLLC35ZN6ohv9TNXQDBGy39R2bcsnJih21M5M1/s1600-h/HPIM0764.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LUnZSOgLTFRz-IvUUwaNgKmbko3MZMKwD7uWNCA9_E1F5o2nncvvkqLvRhANLcfoQFbXQZv2GggTpolT0FCltDtiIUBlRqX5W1CaeidLLC35ZN6ohv9TNXQDBGy39R2bcsnJih21M5M1/s320/HPIM0764.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346582300555802722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They've been squirreling away allowance for this...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">yeah, my kids are great!<br /></div>Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-38322350232296364702009-06-01T08:10:00.000-07:002009-06-01T08:40:28.599-07:00New Patterns in the Works......There are new patterns in the works....oh, yeah, that's what the title said...<br /><br />the first one I am working on and it will be a FREE pattern....yes....I said FREE pattern is the Mamma Wolf Tee Shirt. I am just waiting for a couple of my wonderful test knitters to send in their final notes. The pattern should be ready by June 10th or so...<br /><br />The next pattern that I am working is a scarf pattern for a wonderful line of handpainted yarn called <a href="http://abstractfiber.blogspot.com/">Abstract Fiber</a>. The yarn is beautiful!!! It has a beautiful sheen and the colors work up so pretty. Go check her out and see for yourself!<br /><br />I'll be checking in soon with progress and pictures after this weekend. I will be in Wildwood NJ celebrating my birthday with my family. I am looking forward to it. I'm not a big beach goer since I can't stand seeing people in their bathing suits. But I plan to early enough to enjoy the beach and by the time it starts to get crowded the kids will be tired and we'll be on our way to an early lunch and naps. After that we hit the boardwalk and get on some rides. I can't wait. It's very pretty down there and the beaches are clean (I know it's NJ but we do have <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> clean beaches).Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-52192473524379402672009-05-19T11:39:00.000-07:002009-05-19T13:35:40.856-07:00A Design's Journey From Concept to Publish.... Jacob's LadderLots of good things have been happening! (some not-so-good things have happened too but such is the way of life!)<br /><br />First of all, my Jacob's Ladder Sweater for Yarn Forward Magazine has been published in issue number 14. Take a peek...what do you think?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE9c99BjhZfZ_dZotOi9kk6ZcaPKFajZeeVhI9NkVHmU36H2QJB1i-4-fY3_Hm-UNSOqV4sqRaOKqbVFpb1vEw22Dp8IlkaCDcZFvA3L0KBahYkgvICVVM1zeYhuuG5xy-yjdGGofCCNC/s1600-h/YF14-luanda-jacobs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmE9c99BjhZfZ_dZotOi9kk6ZcaPKFajZeeVhI9NkVHmU36H2QJB1i-4-fY3_Hm-UNSOqV4sqRaOKqbVFpb1vEw22Dp8IlkaCDcZFvA3L0KBahYkgvICVVM1zeYhuuG5xy-yjdGGofCCNC/s320/YF14-luanda-jacobs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337607504004085090" border="0" /></a>Each design that I work on teaches me something new. I really love this sweater!!!! It's something my son has asked me to knit for him.<br />Long before I ever dreamed of ever designing for publication we were looking at the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary 2 with all the cables in it on day. Of course I was boring the poor child out of his mind but he really like the name of this stitch pattern...."Jacob's Ladder"<br />So I started swatching and this is what I started out with:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZDFp8mAB9KExJ7GqwHIJ2gHQzvO82MsQCFn5ZbUtetknj7DdaQZeVn3rvFHxlEGKBitiCny8YUGwvku_yEwvVqMzdUZBzYX1aK9VU7Mj6aXSNj4z5GVPjamkdjv1EJE5sHGWGqWPgRxy/s1600-h/jacob's+ladder+swatch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZDFp8mAB9KExJ7GqwHIJ2gHQzvO82MsQCFn5ZbUtetknj7DdaQZeVn3rvFHxlEGKBitiCny8YUGwvku_yEwvVqMzdUZBzYX1aK9VU7Mj6aXSNj4z5GVPjamkdjv1EJE5sHGWGqWPgRxy/s320/jacob's+ladder+swatch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337609596761043282" border="0" /></a><br />It's a 3 over 3 cable with a bunch of garter stitches in between. I purchased the wool in my son's favorite color (the bright red you see above) and just when I was starting it he decided he didn't like the color any more. I put the swatch away and pretty much forgot about it.<br /><br />One day in January (this year) I started going through some old swatches and started sketching out a design idea for this particular swatch. It was just begging to be a boy's/men's sweater! I wrote down my notes and put that to the side to work on some other patterns.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQpSl9zpNv_0mHu7w5bbS3yGV47U54ZDiJ1nYNdH91OnsBzsI8WPXrfbtUrcyNmKDddIh6rf8ikraELcjMWppgktep3VPnFB_cH2fRnBpMLVDRp5SvZO1rDxzJTtHP7T7U0UsKhRDrS25/s1600-h/jacob's+ladder+sketch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQpSl9zpNv_0mHu7w5bbS3yGV47U54ZDiJ1nYNdH91OnsBzsI8WPXrfbtUrcyNmKDddIh6rf8ikraELcjMWppgktep3VPnFB_cH2fRnBpMLVDRp5SvZO1rDxzJTtHP7T7U0UsKhRDrS25/s320/jacob's+ladder+sketch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337613763509433938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then in the middle of February I found out about a call for submissions for men's sweaters to be published in Yarn Forward.....<br />well, well, well! I was ready! It felt really good to have something ready.....especially something I've been wanting to knit!<br />I sent over this and another idea (which will be revealed at a later date....I promise). I was just so excited and giddy when Shannon Okey(YF's editor) said she liked the Jacob's Ladder!!!!! SQUEEEE!<br />(Why, yes.......I am that famous international knitwear designer. Thank you for asking....Autograph your pattern....of course my dear) Yes, I have a rich fantasy life....moving on<br /><br />We decided on a summery yarn and I was quite excited to work with Rowan Denim which is a yarn I've wanted to try. I swatched:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPMVkbhwv2xKPdlm_T0HeUe8knYKkpgGcpdZNtilVaX8qfpqtU3ef5BflatQdtaMz81ByTKrXv1lI4tesD1MwMoMr6YQNZu3684_bi_KldhErbxk60XbAZs89QVle30Fl-yF8scI4Go0c/s1600-h/HPIM0586.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPMVkbhwv2xKPdlm_T0HeUe8knYKkpgGcpdZNtilVaX8qfpqtU3ef5BflatQdtaMz81ByTKrXv1lI4tesD1MwMoMr6YQNZu3684_bi_KldhErbxk60XbAZs89QVle30Fl-yF8scI4Go0c/s320/HPIM0586.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337616463000586994" border="0" /></a>Now...I encountered a knitting challenge. (I don't call it a problem...it's depressing)<br />Knitting challenge number one:<br />The cables were looking a little skinny and my husband said he would never wear that....it's too "funny looking"<br />Solution: Changed the cables to 4over4<br />Knitting challenge number two:<br />I have a history with making mistakes and miscrossing cables and I was on a tight deadline to have this sweater ready.<br />Solution:<br />Keep all the cables crossing the same way.<br />Knitting challenge number two:<br />There wasn't enough "crispness" between the cable and ladder<br />Solution:<br />Change the knit stitch into a twisted stitch<br /><br />All that from just one little swatch!!!!<br /><br />So now it was time to start writing the pattern.<br /><br />I blocked the swatch. Let it dry and turned the math involved in pattern writing into a homeschool lesson. (I homeschool my 4 children....in case you didn't know;-)<br /><br />First we took stitch and row gauge. I taught them how to do it then had each of them measure the swatch and give me stitches/rows per pattern repeat. Since they were all extrememly close we took an average.<br /><br />Then we decided what size we were going to knit the sample and how many repeats were going to fit into the sample size. It was a fun and practicle homeschool lesson. The kids were happy to help as long as I promised them pizza for lunch.<br /><br />From there I used yarnstandards.com to help me figure out the rest of the measurements.<br /><br />I went ahead and started writing up the pattern and knitting up the sweater.<br /><br />Now there is something that I learned the hard way with my knitting...... My Gauge Changes As I Knit!!!!<br /><br />It really wasn't until I was knitting on the first sleeve that I realized this. Remember the saying "to save time take time to check gauge"? Well, I should have done just that....<br />By the time I realized the mistake the deadline was looming so close I knew I didn't have time to re-knit it.<br /><br />Between all the great advice between Shannon and Alexandra (the fabulous tech editor for Yarn Forward) and all the self-discoveries I've made I learned many things that has helped me develop as a designer.<br /><br />I thoroughly enjoyed working with this magazine and I really liked the photography.<br /><br />Well, this is my story on the journey of the Jacob's Ladder sweater. I hope you enjoyed it!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-47006441692838734602009-03-16T13:51:00.000-07:002009-03-16T14:16:09.510-07:00New Patterns and New Happenings!The first time I saw <a href="http://yarnforwardmagazine.co.uk/">Yarn Forward Magazine</a> I was at my local mega Barnes and Noble hanging out with my kids. One feature that really stuck out (beside the beautiful patterns) was the options they offer as to what yarns you can use for a project. They give you ideas of what you can use if your a bit tight on the budget or are wanting to splurge.<br />Since I became part of <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a> a whole new world of knitting has opened up for me! Ravelry has many groups one of them being a designer's group where some magazines, yarn companies, or other publications send out a call for designs. When I saw that Yarn Forward was looking for some things I jumped at the chance!<br />In an issue coming soon look for a men's sweater made of Rowan Denim....that would probably be (guess who?) ...ME! It's really exciting and I am almost done with knitting it. When the issue publishes I am going to give a nice little photo graphic bio of the sweater. It's fun, simple and quite nice. You might just want to knit one for yourself!<br />In other news I have a new pattern for sale. It's called the Little Wolf Baby Sweater. I named it because my friend (whose last name happens to be Wolfe) just had her first son. Apparently the first boy in a long time in the whole family. She's such a fan of my knitting that I just had to make her something special.<br /><br />So I came up with this pattern.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwWuR8IEhKRdeoS6Q9i2o-SYqDBXTXTbnA8f4I3WF3NoJocDD2Sn6Y4h4vqp40R_FyeOSEZig_03pN7EXDUHWS1X37d9rm_VMN8XJFBpNrM405F6cw1Hv-_Aj46I39t9lLp0LoJyM9RfA/s1600-h/littlewolf+%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwWuR8IEhKRdeoS6Q9i2o-SYqDBXTXTbnA8f4I3WF3NoJocDD2Sn6Y4h4vqp40R_FyeOSEZig_03pN7EXDUHWS1X37d9rm_VMN8XJFBpNrM405F6cw1Hv-_Aj46I39t9lLp0LoJyM9RfA/s320/littlewolf+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313895258306819634" border="0" /></a>It's really simple to knit. Right now it's available in size 3months but I'll be adding more sizes really soon. By April I'll have them ready to go. Any one who purchases the pattern now will get the other sizes for free as soon as they are available.<br /><br />It's available for purchase for $5.00.<br /><br />I'll be posting more as time permits. I have so much on my mind that I've been wanting to share!<br />Happy knitting to all and to all a good night.Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-28791329139547335422009-02-05T12:21:00.000-08:002009-02-05T12:57:08.308-08:00My Pattern in Knitscene Has Come Out!!!!Yay! The pattern I sold to <a href="http://knitscene.com/issue/spring-2009/Artemis-Tunic.asp">Knitscene </a>was published for the Winter/Spring 2009 issue!!!! I am so excited. I can't believe that it's working out the way it is!<br />There are some things that I would do differently next time I knit this, though.<br />I had a serious gauge crisis when I knit up the sample. Once I blocked the finished garment the look changed alot.<br />That just goes to show you that blocking a small swatch is quite different than blocking a full garment.<br />Anywho, Here are some pics.....what do you think?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd57WmrGFeOLdt9MH43lk3TlLQuDU_J9by74GDWaq1dThRCaGvTzHAJyvtZe_LgEMdcy7VIZPWJZtGMyuMIni1cK4oer9sbv1P0_NB4OYB2IXBxg1sUEi5CiKiG9abLQuzyRpQfxs0xu3/s1600-h/HPIM0345.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd57WmrGFeOLdt9MH43lk3TlLQuDU_J9by74GDWaq1dThRCaGvTzHAJyvtZe_LgEMdcy7VIZPWJZtGMyuMIni1cK4oer9sbv1P0_NB4OYB2IXBxg1sUEi5CiKiG9abLQuzyRpQfxs0xu3/s320/HPIM0345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299414389782795362" border="0" /></a>This is pattern number 2 that I have been able to sell. This is exciting.<br /><br />I also just finished working on another pattern but it will be sold individually.<br /><br />It's called Spiral Mitts.<br /><br />Here's a pic of the mittens fingerless and otherwise.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnuYxEQDae5iWC14KVyepsLu0dJ-CY0874Jq3kQaVYgqjQVRsoJ8mCaAzku9XvJlfCyrs8heAeybsxfke1rTWA4BuJy7H4xBNM09Bm7ChkMkSzG8J86gY_0McsOPUqzK9WUUR2vTRIZJW/s1600-h/HPIM0561.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnuYxEQDae5iWC14KVyepsLu0dJ-CY0874Jq3kQaVYgqjQVRsoJ8mCaAzku9XvJlfCyrs8heAeybsxfke1rTWA4BuJy7H4xBNM09Bm7ChkMkSzG8J86gY_0McsOPUqzK9WUUR2vTRIZJW/s320/HPIM0561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299417719373848914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg8dcqh6u84aaNT96OfmZpq-TnkQ83aXTgaNQRjB_JxNORnqUGW7PeLBU68zZKbAwDC-Ey-Xz6l82Xn2TcEoDYd4OIsWwE7PQVkSYChWOta2MwvjORzUy1vjsed-FH7WQNiD1FfTTqWmi/s1600-h/spiralmitts2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg8dcqh6u84aaNT96OfmZpq-TnkQ83aXTgaNQRjB_JxNORnqUGW7PeLBU68zZKbAwDC-Ey-Xz6l82Xn2TcEoDYd4OIsWwE7PQVkSYChWOta2MwvjORzUy1vjsed-FH7WQNiD1FfTTqWmi/s320/spiralmitts2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299417717677863298" border="0" /></a>Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-16259371207528264842008-12-29T09:29:00.000-08:002008-12-29T09:41:58.849-08:00Long Time Between PostsWell, well, well. Its been a long time between posts. Things have been very busy and much has changed!<br />I'll start with the work situation.<br />I am now a full time homemaker. I am very happy about this. It's where I feel I am most needed and most useful. Of course this means lots of cutbacks but it's been worth it.<br />Cut backs have included going from 2 cars to 1. (1/2 the insurance, gas and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">maintenance</span>)<br />Making more things from scratch.<br />Eating more veggies and grains and less proteins and prepackaged foods.<br />(this last one hasn't made much of a difference because the cost of food has really gone up the last couple of months)<br /><br />Next is the knitting.<br />Knitscene purchased another pattern for the Winter/Spring issue. I don't know yet if they will publish it until the issue comes out. It's not my best work there were alot of factors that contributed to that. Mostly time. I've definately learned much that will help me out for the next time. Such as writing the pattern before I get the yarn. In the past I would wait for the yarn and design from there since I wanted to get the feel of the yarn first.<br />I do hope this design makes it into the magazine. I'm on pins and needles until I find out.<br /><br />Next is the kids.<br />I am homeschooling full time..YAY!!!!!! It has been an uphill treck but a wonderful one. I think I am learning more than the kids.<br /><br />Pictures of projects to follow soon.Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-86736005901412763522008-06-07T17:53:00.000-07:002008-06-07T18:03:26.621-07:00Making Myself Crazy....Take OneWhy am I making myself crayz you ask? I mean crazy. Actually I think that typo looks kind of neat.<br />Anyway back to the crazy.<br />I love to knit. I love designing knitwear. I love to teach my kids. I love to reorganize rooms. I love to have a clean house. I love deadlines. But when you stir them all in the same pot at the same time you don't get love, you get....you guessed it......crayz.<br />I think that for the next few months I will be doing strictly Christmas knitting.<br />Finish organizing my classroom area. (must be done by 7/31/08)<br />Finish my general lesson plans for the first 3 months of school by 8/15.<br /><br />Since I can't stop cleaning my house all together I'm going to start a chart system again that lets the kids know what needs to be done and when so that mom can have some help.<br /><br />There is so much that I want to do just right and I get all afraid that I am going to mess it all up but then I have to remember that God says to be anxious for nothing, but come to him with prayer and suplication and know that He is in control and He will make things work out one way or another.<br /><br />What was that quote?.....<br />Pray as if it all depends on God and work as if it all depends on you.<br /><br />I also like....<br />Courage is not the absence of fear but feeling the fear and doing it anyway.<br /><br />God Is Good.Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-9320319297932264742008-06-03T13:45:00.000-07:002008-06-03T13:56:57.710-07:00Dear Diary,Dear Diary,<br />Tomorrow I turn 32 years old. Where did all the time go? In just 4 more years my darling daughters will be 18 years old. It seems like just yesterday that I was pregnant with my Kayla. I was so young and scared and although I now know I could have done better I also know that I didn't do too badly either. I can look back at all the things wrong I have done up until now...(like complaining about the past.....wait a minute....d'oh![<em>smacks head</em>] ) But I've made sacrifices and I am starting to see the fruit of those sacrifices.<br />Thank You, God, for blessing me when I had no reason to be blessed, and for being merciful to me when I had no right to receive your mercy and for Your grace in those times I had no right to that either....which is like all the time, let's face it. We both know how imperfect I am and how I am sure I don't know how You don't loose your patience with me.<br />Thirty two years of blessing and trials, and blessings through trials. I know You are not done with me yet (thanks for that because there is still so much I want to do) so although I may complain and pout (sometimes) keep using me for Your Glory!<br /><br />Sincerely You Servant,<br />Luanda<br /><br />(for those that don't know, God is my diary. I just thought you like to see a little slice of that)<br />Keep Knittin!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-10150701437321007352008-05-20T11:25:00.000-07:002008-05-20T11:34:38.878-07:00Patterns in The Works<div>Well, on Thursday I overnighted my submissions to Knitscene and today I got the comformation that they received it. I had everything ready a week in advance of the deadline but at the last minute I decided to hold on to some of them and I replaced them with new. It's only three submissions but I felt very strongly about them so I sent those in. Hopefully one (or all three) would be accepted but that's not up to me right now. I will be sending in some other design ideas to JCA and another source. </div><br /><div>I am currently working on a little eye candy exclusively for my blog. I can't give too much detail but I'll be posting a sneak peak in just a few days. </div><br /><div>In the meantime here is my finished hourglass sweater fresh from the blocking table.</div><div>enjoy!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202530103805985138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8zvlVAHUtDUltVtswVm1PZkVwkaPtLv17Q3RbBnonzFpFADZ7W1i_QyHto_RWvXMQYSlLvjUHCIc98YsbtcJzpUw1DWd0ubX819PBJbjWiBAjC4dQQNDoAJIJqg-oUSoUeSA62lI4QJT/s320/HPIM0223.JPG" border="0" /></div>Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-66639802084519226552008-05-17T07:13:00.000-07:002008-05-17T07:33:05.692-07:00It's Been Far Too Long...<div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>and I have many, many things to show you! There's been quite alot of knitting and finishing going on. </div><br /><br /><div>First let me present to you ... Mikey's Tomten. Made in shades of grey Lopi size 10 needles (or was it 9?) The only mods I made was that I made the sleeves a little shorter (the Mikester doesn't like rolled up sleeves). I loved the pattern and I have yet to put on the green border and buttons but he likes it just like that. He just clutches it closed... as shown in the picture.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201351238362448066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUPwsTt4fxKjLRoHL_VRju4ZrQJXzw0-XFLFmZbhZuaSrrvnyK6FuDCB7_N6dBeBMBM_N9Vc9DwzYHirJIyfGRj7AGlZeBTXBtXn1Ep2nAntB2bCtp_bymMW_mc0vfrdqZOPM4pUI33ef/s320/HPIM0207.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201351225477546162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3vwD96SQdEnPjOPMW7NlFz3GudFbUKyB-fBXoxmxqLvq2S8E2lxUO1ncJxcYUm-SjJwpcavwJBMlUSBGrkVB-aVTub2agTcnCia2wzwR5ex60TyA_YgDxrmjpljdecvW5FZbcXhnu88S/s320/HPIM0206.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p></p><br /><p>Next, is a little magic show where I (insert famous magic name here....Luanda the Great Perhaps....naaa too pretentious) take 7 skeins of this yarn<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201351246952382674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7LJEISwEgrjjhkcovg2jVd70ax9YBQ_ifilH4m_rUA1kw0JvFNUcl6iS2WPro-_RC974kH6t9CFbThcsygM3dDjGiqmtP4PrlgQ8rbotCczDkaMu2XNXztJ51f0LfdAo-oUmwonyjdqp/s320/HPIM0209.JPG" border="0" /></p><br /><p>Follow this pattern.....<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201351255542317282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0_yjXuiNsMRvy0UiMAdwvah7w8jKY7JJrVsbZoPLJoxd1Iu_ew5ANkGU5Pg3K4ksznKKO2vDKGcHx5F-sAHRZbWFvg38cRsSf5F94V3C6S9X2mwTTEBkttSCfi01x3YcADxZIh0vAnLd/s320/HPIM0210.JPG" border="0" />And get these results.........</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201352926284595442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="8" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiec0wEZtLooEMFvaMmaRb_0Z5cA-h3uziPeY4DFHa54jPVqaXsYEPX4mpdqId3GHlgegQvVdq0Zi06fO7ZTbeFeHOTsKYW34WhMe6mn3h4KuCklQ3fUmLcSId9ZRc4KZrzpfX7pNAsVL7g/s320/HPIM0215.JPG" width="5" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201352947759431938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnB9IlUeex-0C_SHzhsgGNLM4IMuKYOIA7ADmx7PX_cvFDwRL9HGUbqmmwP0KNOcC3mgTSoSsd-CvXqg8Xq0onK3fz8UEmNdUwrebzOBFZNLGxw3_7FsOhXTk3aeokNpl5XDLFzmdLKrZp/s320/HPIM0216.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201352964939301138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrroYIDFpxMyD9VrNGV6FG_i2LQVxKq3qPkoXQ9-Nh-7sYdqz58zIzieYWSRs9ymCJCd8nnrn5msumswyyON_3gVY_jQ5k4xBz3h3SDZbU0r05i3YiZCAt6MxZ11_mrs-XEm1bFlOBX2Jo/s320/HPIM0219.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p></p><br /><p>This was a sample knit for one of my favorite LYS's...Stix-n-Stitches, Montclair, NJ. Here is a picture of the sweater among the other yarns of it's kind in the shop.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201352977824203042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1nQd-cy-Gjq3ufNSkVwFrXl9sNvDTMrFJ-hbHwk42UF5SQBCn_lc9FMH6FBFeDYhqn7717J_OcGu0HDDSUXOo9uN76u2eHw3sLdbfgyYrRt4fT8Q-IvkarlgJx2PmJ2FUaTxf1ww7ZkY/s320/HPIM0221.JPG" border="0" /></p><p> I have to say it was an easy knit. The pattern was interesting and well written. The yarn was soft and yummy. The colors are not my favorite but they really work well with the sweater. It was a quick knit at 14 st/4" on size 10 1/2 needles. </p><p>Confession time....this is my very first sweater worked in pieces. I usually work sweaters in the round because I really don't like the sewing up. But I must admit it wasn't so bad. Maybe because it was new to me but I found this to be very quick for me. The whole project from swatching to weaving in the ends took me about one and a half weeks. I was tempted to keep the sweater but instead, I'll just knit another for myself. Maybe out of wool this time?</p>Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-24858481643398874262008-04-21T17:38:00.001-07:002008-04-21T17:57:52.687-07:00Lots of Good Stuff Going On!Ok so my last full day of work was on Friday......YAY! so there are lots and lots of plans being made around here. I had alot planned for this week and little by little am getting it done. Today I spent the day with my mom and we went over curriculum for my daughter that she has been homeschooling. My youngest son and my youngest daughter will be home with me for now and my oldest son and daughter will be starting homeschool in September.<br />This week since my other two have off from school I decided to make it a week vacation with lots of work planned and field trips to parks and museums and libraries..... I love it!<br /><br />On knitting related news.... I have not purchased yarn since November (for myself...I did for swaps thinking that didn't cound against my yarn diet but...well, that was cheating and that's that) Anyway I have been really good until this Friday and Monday. On Friday I went to Stix-n-Stitches just to pick up a book and saw sale yarn.....good sale yarn. So I spent about $50 on good sale yarn. I will be posting pics soon.<br />This week end I showed my sweater in progress to my hubby and he suggested that he thought it would look nice a little longer (my impatience has caused me to knit short sweaters for myself and others...he is so tactful, I love him for bringing me back to reality) I then told him that I didn't have enough yarn to make it longer ..I mean I had exact yardage. So he said words that I never thought would come out of his mouth...."Don't worry, just get some more" So I headed down to AC moore to pick up 2 more skeins of cotton ease in Stone and lo and behold what did I see?<br />Sugar-n-Cream was on sale for 99 cents. So I purchased some to make seat covers, rugs and place mats for my kitchen and dinning room. So there went another $50. That was exactly the amount I was going to allow myself for my birthday in June.....I almost made it to my birthday...so close and yet so far!<br />Well I told my husband what I did because we have agreed on full disclosure on all spending and I said that I was going to return it (I clearly wasn't thinking clearly with all those project ideas and yarn on sale distracting me) He was really good about it and told me to keep it but in the future stick to buying what I had on the list only.<br />I so don't deserve him. If the circumstances were reversed I don't think that I would have been half so gracious. I have alot to learn.....Ain't no man going to be more gracious than me...I've got to start working on that ASAP!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-6097983936444973392008-04-03T07:05:00.000-07:002008-04-03T07:12:09.589-07:00On the Road Back to Where I BelongI have truly been blessed! I am not totally caught up with my bills but I am getting really close to paying off my debt and living on a cash basis (no credit for me, thank you). My last full day of work will be Friday April 18th. (Can I get an Amen?) I will still be working somewhat mostly from home so that I will be able to have a little income for the family (Can I get an AMen?) I'll be able to get my home to rights. (AMEn) And the best thing of all I will be able to start homeschooling again in September (AMEN!!!)<br />The days are full of promise! It's been very hard these past few months and I must say it was really in a fog for what seemed like a long time. I must admit that I was loosing faith. How stupid of me to ever doubt my Lord and Saviour. He loves me and I just needed to wait for Him to work his miracles in my life. Me being so impatient almost missed the blessing.<br />Until next time my friends, I now go to do some curriculum research.Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-88542090195301627042008-03-29T17:33:00.000-07:002008-03-29T17:46:55.103-07:00Some Things About MeI have been reading some of my favorite blogs and I came to the realization that there are some things about myself that I would like to share.<br />My darling step-daughter is an artist! She has always been a sketcher and a dreamer. Well, my mom has arranged to have her take art lessons from an artist friend whose work has been sold around the world.<br />I was a little concerned about this out come because of finances and the lack of dedication many children show when presented with these kind of opportunities. However, it's been a blessing to see my daughter come home after an art class and display her work proudly to us. She has produced many wonderful and beautiful things above and beyond what the teacher has assigned. She had been lacksidaisical (sp?) about it at first always claiming that she didn't have the time but once we set a time every day to work on the techniques taught to her she has surely blossomed. That girl is very much like a little child in a 13 yr old body (by little I mean 5 yr old) in that she is very forgetful and her though process is not what you would expect from someone her age. I sorely want to see her happy and successful as an adult and I think we've found something she really enjoys and is really really good at. Of course the las thing I want is to limit her to any pre determined vocation (this is a problem that many times produces unhappy, unproductive, rebelious kids, right?) however I think that the qualities most needed in any occupation is attention to detail, determination, and pride in work done well)<br />Alright so maybe the above narrative is not about myself but we all are proud when someone we love and have worried over is doing well, aren't we?Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-83040085476123992662008-03-27T18:32:00.000-07:002008-03-27T18:46:51.769-07:00Wow, It's, like, March and stuff....You must imaging this post with a sufer dude accent...if you please.<br />So, like anyway, I blinked and all of a sudden it's like March, and not just March but like almost April, dude. Like so much has happened in that time I totally forgot about my blog... Sorry dudes and dudettes.<br />Back to normal now.<br />April 18th will be my official last day as a full time employee..........(can I get a whoop-whoop?) At that point I will be working one day a week @ the office and I will be doing little things here and there at home.....yeah!!!<br />I am sooooooooo excited there is so much to plan and do!<br />My Goals are as follows(by the way don't you just love goals?)<br /><br />#1 I will be using the month of May to put my home in order again (routines and cleanlinesswise)<br />#2 I will plant a small garden for tomatoes and herbs ( to start off with)<br />#3 I will make it to ladies prayer meeting every Wed morning ( I so miss this!)<br />#4 I will start planning next school year so that I can officially start homeschooling again<br />#5 I will keep an account book for any and all money I spend and share it with my husband on a regular basis in order for us to reach our financial goals.<br />#6 I will work on forming a habit of looking for real bargains when shopping and making things from scratch as often as possible.......<br /><br />The goals are basically to simplify and strenthen our home base.<br />Thank You Lord for listening to my prayers. Please let me use this opportunity to do Your will with this family You have entrusted me with!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-85803814865513289762008-02-14T02:20:00.000-08:002008-02-14T02:34:38.433-08:00Mid Febuary Check InI was looking at my goals and I must say I have not kept two out of the three financial goals I set for myself so far. I haven't done too bad but I've done bad just the same.<br />This entire week I've been eating out for breakfast and lunch at work which has cost me quite a bit of cash. And I have not done my tithes and offerings. This is a classic example of setting goals but not setting up a plan to meet these goals.<br />Knitting has been just ok. Nothing major has been done.....the little guy in my life has been sick for almost a week now and I haven't been able to stay with him at home (thank goodness for my mom!) because we are short at work. When I am home I have no creative energy left for knitting. Vegging out on the couch or reading a story to the kids is just about all I have energy for. Then I find myself waking up at 3 or 4 inthe morning and not being able to go back to sleep until a few hours later....hence this post at 5:30 am.<br />I gave my notice at work that I will be leaving but that won't take into effect for anther few months. I figured that giving my boss a heads up in advance would make finding a replacement easier. I would still like to work there but the hours are too long and the environment is not the best. Most of all I miss being home with all my heart!!!!<br />The one thing that would make coming home for me possible is re-financing our home to include our big bills. By doing this we'll be able to free up alot of cash to help pay my credit cards off sooner. Once that is done I'll be able to take my kids out of school and start homeschooling again.<br />One thing is for sure I am not going to allow one week of not meeting my goals to discourage me and keep me from trying. Well I am finally getting sleepy again. Until next time my bloggy friends!Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5361212213039767404.post-79144559146951889052008-02-02T05:31:00.000-08:002008-02-02T05:47:51.013-08:00Fabulous FebruaryMy goals for January were a bust. Well, not a total bust because I did make some headway on them. For February my financial goals are as follows:<br /><br />#1 Lunch from home......I will give myself a $5 budget FOR THE WHOLE WEEK for little things like gum or an occasional soda. Otherwise my lunch will be brought from home and whether or not I like the left overs I am going to eat them. So much food wasted it's disgusting!<br /><br />#2 My stashalong goals were fulfilled in that I did not spend one penny on yarn I did however purchase a $5 knitting book on clearence which I regret because it was quite crappy. It's almost like I needed a fix or something. But as far as needles and yarn are concerned I held out. Each time I felt the urge I went ahead and spent some time with my stash and plugged away at my current projects. My goals for February are the same except that I do need a set of good wooden double pointed needles. I split my #2's. Any suggestions on some hard needles that hold up to much abuse?<br /><br />#3 Use my paycheck after paying my tithes, offerings, gas and groceries entirely to payoff credit cards.<br /><br /><br />Now for my knitting goals.....<br /><br />#1 Finish my husband's socks for Valentine's day.<br /><br />#2 Finish the Master Knitter program and send it out b4 the 20th<br /><br />#3 Start the hourglass sweater in cotton ease<br /><br />Spiritual Goals.....<br /><br />#1 Read my Bible every morning<br /><br />#2 Study what the Bible has to say about marriage and family<br /><br />#3 Be faithful to my tithes and offerings<br /><br />These goals are relatively simple but the way my life is right now I must keep them so in order to be able to simplify it more.<br /><br />Until next time my bloggy friends.....Luandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01964707462323020345noreply@blogger.com1