Latest Projects

This is part of the pattern of my weaving project. I enjoy weaving and seeing how the patterns are going to turn out.  It is almost done.

Here is a bag I made for the baby wrap I knitted for my brothers son. It has their kids names on it. It was made out of organic cotton. 

Here is my mom's project. She made these scarves. You go knittin kitten Momma. I love you and I am very proud of your scarves. I would make this a longer post, but I have to finish up my Christmas projects. I can't post them for obvious reasons. Craft on!!

My Many Thanks

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This Thanksgiving I want to make a point to show my appreciation to those that greatly impact my life. My husband is the one that really keeps this family going. With all the many directions our family goes. Barry holds us together. I love you Barry with everything that I am. I am blessed to share my journey in life with you. Events in our life have been difficult and you are always there to pick me up. You are an amazing Husband. My Father, he is the strongest man I know. He just keeps on going no matter what is going on in his life. He warms my heart with all the kind and thoughtful  things that he does. He has filled my belly full on many occasion as well as fun playing golf. Your selfless acts do not go unnoticed. I also want to thank you for guiding me and giving me knowledge over the last several months. You are so smart. It blows my mind all the things you know. I love you Dad!!  You are special and dear to my heart. My mom... she is an amazing women. She can do it all and get it done. She has been a major part in my life since I had my daughter Ashley. I have grown very close to her over the past 12 years. She is also very selfless. She helps so many people and she is very talented. I am blessed to have her for a mother. My twin sister Cindy, There are no words that can really explain how Cindy means to me. She is my other me. Only twins really can understand the bond that we share. She has been there with me since day 1 literally. She has recently moved out of state and because she isn't in the next town anymore I feel a great emptiness in my heart. Words can't express the sorrow I feel knowing I can't hop into my car to go and spend the afternoon with her. I love you Cindy and miss you deeply. All my kids.....Ashley, you bring such joy to my life. I love the person you are and growing into. You are a beautiful thoughtful daughter. Austin, You give me fun and challenging experiences everyday. Meaning, I get to be creative in raising you. You drive on excitement. I get the opportunity to come up with different ways of doing things, so that you don't get bored. I love that you find many things interesting and want to learn more about them. I am blessed with having to opportunity to home school you and to help your mind grow.It is heart warming to me that I taught you how to multiply, and many other concepts. You are very special and dear to my heart. I am very blessed to have you for a son.  Aidan, you are so vibrant and love to do many things as well. I enjoy your energy, I just wish I had some. You make me want to get up and dance, run around, and raise cain when we play around. You are amazing. My In laws.. Barry and Linda. I have learned many amazing things from you over the last 11 years. You guys are amazing with everything that you do. You always think of others before yourselves. You are very special to many people. Thank you for all that you do for me and my family. I love you. My friend Jill. There are so many joyful words that I can say and be thankful for Jill. This past summer Jill really helped me deal with my sister's move. Jill has helped me get back into exercising. I am not working much in my stunt roles or doing as much landscaping so I don't get as much exercise as I use to. Jill is Jill. She is vibrant and always makes me feel happy even if there is nothing to say. She means so much to me. She is a good listener even if I am rambling on about yarn, or whatever she will still listen. Jill you rock. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you all for being there for me. All my family members bring smiles to my face. I wish we could all get together more often. I do miss how close we use to be.You all mean so much to me. May your lives be blessed as my life is blessed with you all in it.

Born Again Americans

Born Again American from Born Again American on Vimeo.


Wow I was overwhelmed with emotion watching this video. I am over here in Florida doing my day to day activities while there are American's overseas fighting. Washington keeps spending money like we have it growing on trees. Unemployment  keeps growing. Our country is in economic trouble. I pray that we can get through this time and that our Government will work for the people and bring us some much needed hope. So far all the change I have seen our government do is spend money we don't have and our kids are going to suffer because of it.  Here is the link to the video's web site  http://www.bornagainamerican.org/index.php   pass it along if you like.

Knitting, Swimming, Running,and Weaving Oh My !!!

This is the first scarf that my mom has ever knitted. You would think she is a pro by her knitting and talking on the phone at the same time. She quickly finished this scarf and promptly started on another one. I think she is hooked. I thought I took a picture of her scarf, but I can't find it anywhere.

The first weekend in November my friend Jill and I swam for charity. We've been practicing all summer for this moment. My first lap of the summer I didn't know how I would be able to even finish this race, but I did. All 500 yards of it. You may not think it is far, but it is. I am so proud of us.

You can see Jill coming up on the left toward the end of the video. My Hubby was so encouraging. You can hear him cheer me on. They also ran a 5K. I wanted to run it, but I haven't ran in awhile, so I thought it was best to skip it. No I didn't skip the whole 5 K, I just didn't run in it. I did run a mile last night. It only took me 12 min and 21 seconds. It is amazing how time can change things. I use to run a mile in 5 min. 50 seconds. I need to practice more. My knees were hurting and sore when I finished. Does this mean I am getting old or just out of practice?

Another woven bag project. I haven't been knitting at home for a while now because I've been working on this beautiful woven bag. All my knitting is done on my rode trips or when I'm at work at Universal or on my way to Disney.
This is the strap for the bag. This yarn was dyed with natural plant dyes and spun by Jennifer from  http://www.goshyarnit.com/  This is where I got the yarn for other bag I wove. It took me 6 hours to make this strap.

This is the start of the bag 4 hours into it. The yellow yarn was really tangled up and it took almost 2 hours to untangle it. You have to wrap the yarn in the heddle. This is the purple looking thing hanging in the middle. You go around once through the slat, then the next time around you go through a hole. Warping, or wrapping the yarn around takes the longest to do in my opinion. The rest of the project should be smooth sailing. It will be difficult for me to let this peice go. I love the colors and textures.

This is day number 4. It took me another 3 hours to get this far.

I can't wait to start weaving it to see the patterns that it will make. I wrapped the yarn around in a certain way so that It will make a nice pattern.

I hope to start weaving it by Sun. I want to apologize to Eli for taking so long to make this bag. It does take awhile to make and my schedual has been very limited at home. I am dedicating more time to this now, because I know Christmas is coming and I want to make sure it is done in the next 2 weeks. Well, you know what I'll be doing the next two weeks.

Funny and Some Crafting A Little Too Far!!!!!

This video made me laugh!!! I hope you enjoy!!!

I had posted a photo of someone that made a teddy bear from their own placenta. I couldn't look at it any more so I took it off.  It really bothered me. I did enjoy the video.

The Kentucky Trip

This is (The Wagner's) property in Kentucky. There are 3 families that own this 38 acre land.

The property is really beautiful. I can't wait till I get some Alpacas, Icelandic sheep, and of course my favorite chickens!!!!!!! We are not sure when we would actually live there, but it is there for when we want to move there. There is no I-4 traffic going up to the road to this property.

 

I found deer scat on the property. Whoa watch your step!!

 I can't believe how big this place is.

We also went to a Fort. This was a working fort, where they were dyeing clothes using chestnuts. This was important because you needed to be able to blend in with the woods so that the Indians couldn't find you. The people would hunt for deer hides in Kentucky and take them back home to sell. It sure wasn't easy living this way. 

They had a spinning wheel and a giant loom. They would hang herbs around their home upside down to dry. One of these herbs is tansy to keep away bugs.

This was the weaving loom. The lady told me I could pick one up at a town auction for a good price. I would like to know where these auctions are. They also do soap making demos. As well as making candles and brooms made from broom corn.

On this trip we saw amazing fall colors. I wanted to take this tree home with me, but Barry said there was no room in our Honda.There was a working farm that had Alpaca yarn for sale. I wanted to buy some but at $32.00 a skein I just couldn't do it. I still have all the other yarn that I haven't  made anything with yet.

No trip is complete until you visit a Fort, yarn shop,Cracker Barrel, and a cave. This is Ruby Falls. It is in Chattanooga Tenn. It is beautiful as always. One of these trips we are going to go to Rock City which is up the rode from there.  All in all it was a fast weekend trip. Packed with many sites and adventures.

FO My First Pair Of Knitted Socks

I can't believe I finally finished. Thank you Ria for the yarn. I love my first pair of knitted socks. I hope my next pair doesn't take this long to make. I bought some Addi turbos for my next pair of socks to knit. I think this should go faster. This pair I knitted on bamboo needles. I am surprised I didn't break them. My next FO is a knitted hat for my sister. I made it with Alpaca yarn.

Through the excitement of giving her the hat I didn't take a specific photo of the hat. I hope this is o.k. until Cindy sends me another photo. I also have another FO. A baby wrap for my new nephew Matteo. The photo is not Matteo. It is my neighbor Angela and Eli. Matteo was sleeping  the whole time I was there just about, so I didn't get a photo of him in the wrap. Soon I hope.

This wrap was made of organic cotton yarn. You can make it skinny like how Angela is wearing it or you can make it 18"wide. Like all the other wraps you see mommies wear.

Here is Matteo, with his Pappa. Aren't they cute!!!!! I think this photo is very sweet.  I miss how my Dad use to hold me this way. I am way to big for this now, but now I'm big enough to play golf with him. We did this the 2nd weekend in October.

I love to play golf with him. He was smacking the ball down the fairway to. He even let me play with some of his clubs. I was able to smack some balls my self. It was an awesome day. Thanks Dad for taking me to play golf!!!!!
There is so much more to write about. I've been busy doing so much. I am also busy today homeschooling my son, so I better get back to it. My next post will be about my Kentucky trip. It was very beautiful up there with all the fall leaves changing colors. Until next time. Enjoy your weekend and Happy Halloween!!!!!

Sand Art

Barry showed this video to me and I thought I would share this beautiful video with you. This is not your typical sand art in a bottle. It is absolutely beautiful.

This artist is amazing!! I never knew you could make such beauty with sand. I hope you enjoy.

The Knitting On My Trip

On my trip I saw many artists doing their crafts. Below is a lady making baskets In Williamsburg VA. I would like to learn how to weave baskets. I will have to put it on my to do list for next year. I enjoyed watching her weave the baskets. So soothing.

This is embroidery made in the 17th century. Isn't it gorgeous? This is a paper quilt. Amazing work. I can't even count how many hours they must have put into this piece. I am only showing 1/8th of this piece.

I accomplished another resolution. I learned how to spin merino top from a lady in Williamsburg.

The class was an hour long and I was amazed at how much I learned in an hour. My mom on the other hand had some trouble not letting go and letting go when your not supose to let go. I ended up with her supplies. I guess she is going to stick to Fine Arts. She is an amazing painter and can draw anything. I did enjoy her being there with me.

Yeah for Barry who suggested to take the class. He is so very thoughtful. Thank you, Thank you!!!!!

This is me right after I just started. Can you see the euphoria?

This was in the museum in Williamsburg. Maybe I will spin yarn on a wheel one day?

On my trip I finally finished knitting my first sock. Whew. I had to start on the other one right away, because when I put it on my foot it felt amazing. Now I understand why knitters knit socks. I can't wait to finish the second one. I am on the decrease gusset. Not to far to go now.

/I can do it!!!!! I can do it!!!!!! All most there!!!!
Ahhhhhhh sweet bliss!!!!! There are some imperfections in the sock, but at least I learned from my mistakes. I didn't have anyone to teach me how to knit a sock, so I think I did pretty good. Maybe I could take a class, I don't think I understand picking up stitches. My second sock where I picked up stitches looks odd.

> I went to a real Yarn shop in Charlston SC. called Knit. I got some Koigu, Noro, and Addi Turbo needles so that I can knit 2 at a time socks. So exciting. Then my mom got me artyarns Beaded Mohair and sequins yarn it is so yummy and soft. It has silk in it. I couldn't believe the cost. Amazing yarn. it is so beautiful. Thank you mom. I held the yarn in the car for a while. I even cried. I couldn't get over how beautiful it is. It is resting in between the Noro yarn and koigu.

Thank you so much mom once again. Geez I am gonna cry again, I just can't believe she bought it.

It doesn't say Joann on it that is for sure!!!!

I sat in the car awhile with the yarn all around me. I think I may have issues. I am an addict. There I said it I have a problem. I am addicted to yarn!!!!!!!!! and I love it!!!!!!!

I will have to do another post on the rest of my trip. This one I just had to get out.

I'm Back From Vacation

I'm back from vacation. I did so many things!!!! I can't wait to show you pictures. I did want to say that I finally finished one sock and started the other right away. I am at the decrease gusset. It is amazing what you can get done when you are riding in the car for hours. I also took a spinning class and spun some yarn!!!! I will post pictures soon. I also went into a real yarn shop. It was amazing. I will write a new post soon, I just wanted to let everyone know that I was back and leave some sort of update.

I Didn't Even Rip It

Alright, you may be wondering what the heck is going on, Well I had a day off today, I haven't had one in a while, so I was a little kooky. I asked my son to put on his shirt, and he said no. I proceeded with, well then I guess I will wear it. Holy cow would you believe it, I put it on.

This is a size 4T. It is a little short, and it made my chest size look small, and I didn't rip it. Well , my son went crazy, so I took it off. He finally put on his shirt, but didn't want his picture taken. This event made me laugh and I thought I would share it with you.

May be I should get more days off. My thought process on getting my son to put his shirt on was perfect. I didn't want to go through the whole Did you just tell me No? with my son. This made us both laugh and he put his shirt on without a No.

A Better look at The Baby Wrap

Alright here is a better look at the baby wrap. It is almost finished. I should be able to finish it at work tomorrow. I will have to see if I can borrow someones baby to take a live picture of the wrap in use. If not I will have Aidan my 4 year old hop in it really fast and take a quick shot.

I do like how it feels light, and airy. It gets really hot in Florida, so I think this will work awesome for moms down here, or anywhere that it is hot.

Well, I always go and check to see if my kids are asleep......... Well he is. I couldn't help but wonder how he got all these items around him!? I just had to take a picture. This will make a good picture in the future to show all his girlfriends I meet. :) Must keep knitting!!!!!!

My Baby Wrap Pattern

Here is a preview to my next pattern: It is a baby wrap!!!! You can wrap your baby up in this light organic cotton yarn from Bernat and be close to your pride and joy. I couldn't take a photo of the length of the wrap, it was to long. It is the same width the length of the wrap except the ends. Because I live in Florida, I wanted to make the stitches bigger so that air could get through. I am writing the pattern up as I go. If you click on the picture, you can see it better. The color in the photo is tricking my eyes. I have been working on this for quite some time. I can only work on this at work or if Barry is driving. I am making another woven bag similar to my other bag and I can only work on that one at home. So my knitting goes away at home. I will post a photo of my wrap when I am finished, then post a link to get the pattern. I think it would make an awesome baby gift. Moms love these types of baby carriers, slings, or wraps.

I can't believe I haven't posted the pictures of the beautiful yarn Cindy gave me. This ball here comes from Indiana. I love the rich deep colors. I can't wait to make a pair of socks with it.

This next ball is so soft and yummy. It comes from the beautiful country of Greece. This yarn is from Cindy as well. I think it is a 50 gram ball. I will need some help. I don't know what to make with it. I only have one ball and I want to make many different things with it. Can you suggest anything? What would you make if you could only make one item with this pretty yarn?


Thank you Cindy for the wonderful yarn. I love you and can't wait to see you!!!

PJ's

Here is Krystin making her first sewing project. She needed little guidance. I told her what she needed to do, and she went to town. I was amazed. It was as if she has been sewing for awhile. We just finished cutting out the fabric pattern. Next on to the sewing machine.

She is a sewing prodigy. Her stitches were very straight for her first project. I was so very proud of my student. I didn't even have to do that much teaching. She just sewed away. I also made a pair of pj's. for my sister Cindy. The pj's were so comfy. I told Krystin I wanted pj's. When I came home from work the next day, She had pj's waiting for me. Awe. That was so sweet of her to do for me. I just love them. She made mine special. I have a pocket on the front, which by the way I didn't even tell her how to do. Cindy received her pants today. I wish she could be here so that we can wear them together, and get some popcorn and watch movies all night.

Thank you so much Krystin. I just love them. A couple of days before We made the pants I cut Krystin's hair. Did I mention I have a cosmetology license. I love the layers I cut into her hair.

This is the front:)

This is the back. Cutting these layers in her hair made me miss my long hair. So, I am growing it back out again.

I know I said I would post my knitting projects, But I haven't taken pictures of them yet. I am making one purse, one woven bag, and a baby sling. The baby sling is one that I've been wanting to design to for a while now, and I am doing so whenever I have a spare moment. Pictures soon to come I promise. I only had maybe two or three days off in July. I need a break!!!! I will be off work on Sunday, so I will take some nice pictures. Happy knitting everyone.

I Had a Birthday

Duna, duna, duna they say it's your birthday, It's my birthday too yeah. It was mine and Cindy my twin sister's birthday on July 1, 2009. My mom and Barry also went with us to Epcot. Unfortunately John Cindy's husband could not go. He was missed. We will get to celebrate with him next year on our Birthday. They moved to Minnesota two months ago, so it will be difficult for us to get together more often.

We had beverages around the world at Epcot. We also went on a mission for Kim Possible and captured the evil villains.

Behind us was a tribute band for Bon Jovi. They were pretty good. they played all the favorites, so they played them all. I think every Bon Jovi song is a favorite.

Knowing me, I just did something to make Barry say why me? and then I just had to hug him. He got us reservations at the restaurant in Canada. One of the reasons why we chose Canada is that our birthday is on Canada Day. Oh Canada!!!!!

Ahhhhhhh look out a big golf ball is headed our way. Oh wait, It is Spaceship Earth. Yikes I was worried. I had so much fun on our birthday. Thank you Mom, Dad , Barry and Cindy for spending time with me on that day.

A couple of weeks ago we went to St. Augustine. At the visitor center they had a weaving loom. I had to have restraint because I wanted to sit down and start weaving. They had some yarn that was made of linen there.
The weaving was very beautiful. I wish I could meet the artist. I have some info on the guild there. I am going to try to get in touch with them and find out about how to get in touch with other guilds. I would love to learn some techniques from a real live person. So far I have learned everything from books or video.

This place looks cool. It is near Flaggler College. We took a tram tour of the city. It was very entertaining and we saw the city without having to walk around it.

This is St. Augustine Beach. It was very pretty, but not a lot of shells. In all the years that I have been married I haven't ever been to the beach as much as I have this summer. I am so glad that we've had the opportunity to do this.
Awe I just love this man.
Next is Tarpon Springs. We went here this past weekend. We went on a boat tour to see how they got the sponges out of Tarpon Springs
This diver went out in the water every hour to dive for sponges. His suite is very heavy. The hook he is holding is what he uses to pick up the sponges with.

Everyone has to have one of these pictures. Trick photography, I think not. Ha Ha. Despite the many days I've been working this summer, I have enjoyed the times I am getting out and going places with my family. I promise I have been working on knitting projects, weaving etc. I will make that my next post.