The Big Adventures of Mama -E

I've Moved!!!

2006-05-19T00:20:00.000-04:00

Here is my new, improved blog!!!!

www.mamaespot.com/blog

www.mama-e.com

There is a contest on over there... right now!

there is a subscribe button for Bloglines on the sidebar

I will be there from now on!!!

See you at the new place!!! Margaritas on me!

Lost Your MOJO? Knit a SQUARE!

2006-05-17T23:34:00.000-04:00

I have been reading about the knitting blahs... the loss of the knitting mojo. I, myself, have felt the non-mojoesque like feelings as of late. I have whined... I have *sigh* ed... and now... I am enamoured. I knit a square. Mind you not just any square... a log cabin square from the Mason Dixon Book.

There is something so soothing about the patterns in the book. I am doing a log cabin baby blanket for a friend who is due any minute.
Here it is:

I am using cotton fleece by Brown Sheep. It is soooo loveley. Lolly just finished a tank in cotton fleece and inspired me to run over to my LYS and pick some up.
I love the way the back looks so neat... not a seam to be found! I like the simplicity of this. It allows me to work out some gauge issues that I have, yet it allows me to watch tv while doing so. Ann and Kay have really brought some things to light for me.

I have also been feeling my mojo may lie in the principles of this book:

The patterns are so inspired. I am going to try my hand at some natural dyeing for the patterns in this book. I am so needing to further combine my art with my knitting. That is why I love color so much.

Once upon a time, Mama-E dreamed of being an artist. I studied art pretty seriously through high school I even went to art school afterwards. I lost my mojo at school.. and took an extended hiatus in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nope, the mojo was not there.

I went back east and kicked around the tri-state area... working in or on the fringe of the art world. I have many, really talented friends that are still working actively in the arts. I considered myself an artist once..and then... the thing with the mojo happened. I abandoned the search and moved to Charm City. (That link is for my soapy friend Laura...go check her out and ask her why!)

Now, Charm City has given me so much. For a city that I chose by throwing a virtual dart at a map, I am in love with her. I have found a career that I care about and can be passionate about (depending on my stress level). I have my D and my COWBOY. Enough said. I have a city that is just southern enough for my New York/New Jersey sensibilities ( you can take the girl outta Jersey...but .... ). I have been home for 10 years and think I may be finding the mojo.

I found the mojo in the knitting. The act and craft of taking a linear piece of spun fiber and making into a 3 dimensional object (I was a sculptor at heart in school). Now, I throw color into the picture. The act of dyeing and the art of color theory combined with the sculpture of the garment/object have been just what I have been searching for. How do I describe the complete joy I have for this without sounding as if I am a complete whack? Well... I know I am a whack. Enough said.

I also find that the act of knitting and spinning have drawn me closer to this feeling of something that has existed since the first person in history created and donned a loincloth or something. Well, maybe not the loincloth. I hope you know what I am trying to get at. It is a connection to history. (OK, I can't help myself.. HERSTORY). It is a loving connection to my Grammy Irene. Who is now gone but lives in the act of my knitting. It is a smooth connection to my mother that exists even when our interactions aren't so smooth. It is the common thread (I couldn't resist!) that ties me (still, couldn't resist!) to my new friends the sucky knitters. Or Marie.... or Julia....or Ginga

So friends, that is why I dye yarn and sell it. I am coming to realize that it is my mojo. It is a constant form of art that is expressed and shared. I get such joy from your emails and your kind words on how much you like it. I love your suggestions for colorways....
I love the challenge of trying to bring your vision to fruition. I also get a kick (still can't help myself!) that you are wearing my art on your feet.

So again, thank you to my village. I know that I am a sap... just roll with it. It's not every day when a girl gets to find her MOJO again!

June Bug is HERE!!!

2006-05-17T11:02:00.000-04:00

Hey PS Participants!!!!

Here is your June yarn... she is in the dyepot as we speak!!!!

I am custom dyeing her for non-PS Sock Club folks. So.....

Email me here if you want a single skein of June-Bug

20.00/skein handwash

24.00/skein superwash

Feeling Less Wonky

2006-05-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

I saw my knitting sisters tonight... yes... those sucky knitters. (Minus Eunny and Lolly ...missed you!)

And I had a fantastic time. A refresher spinning course from RoseByAny. (Tourmaline went to live at her house tonight. ) It was a sight (and may be a real vision over at LightingChickKnits ... she took a picture!) to see Amy and I spinning in the middle of the Panera Breads. I brought yarns to fondle... new faces were there... and I felt better. Even better after a "come to Jesus" meeting with Coleen and Laura. Well.... just a good ol'fashioned girls and margarita bonding session. I feel that these two are almost my long lost sisters... almost like I have known them forever!

Oh! and about the soap turtle..... she makes the best and almost medicinal hand salve ever. And the kicker is... every jar is lovingly crafted for the user. Each ingredient is specifically chosen to meet the needs of the consumer. Go check her out here. Tell her what you need.... she will make you some magic.

So... thanks friends. I am feeling less and less wonky.

Feeling Wonky...

2006-05-15T14:02:00.000-04:00

I was so excited for Maryland Sheep and Wool... and now...*sigh*.... it's gone. I have been reading that a lot of folks are loosing their knitting MOJO...and...alas.... I may be joining the posse.

I have my dyeing... that always makes me happy. June's colorway is fun!

And... I have my new turkish drop spindle. And the sucky knitters.... but... still feeling wonky....
Maybe some good knitting mojo will come back with the sunshine. Maryland has been kinda grey and cold lately.
Off to knit on the log cabin baby blanket....
*edit* WANNA SEE THE WEATHER FORECAST???
AGGGGGHHHHHHH!

Currently at 2:30 PM		[More Details]
	mostly cloudy	Temp: 65° F	RealFeel®: 62° F
Monday, May 15		[Details/AccuPOP]
	Mostly cloudy with a shower or thunderstorm in spots. Winds from the NE at 9 mph.	High: 67° F	RealFeel®: 66° F
	Monday Night: Mostly cloudy with a shower. Winds from the N at 1 mph.	Low: 49° F	RealFeel: 52° F
Tuesday, May 16		[Details/AccuPOP]
	Intervals of clouds and sunshine with a shower or thunderstorm in the afternoon. Winds from the WSW at 8 mph.	High: 68° F	RealFeel: 69° F
	Tuesday Night: A passing shower in the evening; otherwise, partly cloudy. Winds from the WSW at 4 mph.	Low: 51° F	RealFeel: 51° F
Wednesday, May 17		[Details/AccuPOP]
	Intervals of clouds and sunshine; breezy in the afternoon with a shower or thunderstorm possible. Winds from the W at 8 mph.	High: 74° F	RealFeel: 74° F
	Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Winds from the W at 9 mph.	Low: 51° F	RealFeel: 47° F
Thursday, May 18		[Details/AccuPOP]
	A blend of sun and clouds with a shower or thunderstorm possible; breezy in the afternoon. Winds from the WSW at 13 mph.	High: 72° F	RealFeel: 68° F
	Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm. Winds from the W at 10 mph.	Low: 51° F	RealFeel: 48° F
Friday, May 19		[Details/AccuPOP]
	Variably cloudy with a shower possible. Winds from the WNW at 13 mph.	High: 70° F	RealFeel: 67° F
	Friday Night: Mostly cloudy with a shower possible. Winds from the SSW at 10 mph.	Low: 53° F	RealFeel: 49° F

Take Me!!! I'm Yours!

2006-05-14T20:09:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody! Here are the latest C*EYE*BER FIBERS!!

driftwood - 1 skein

napa- 1 skein

ella- 1 skein

coleen- 1 skein

grapevine- 1skein

sand and skye- 2 skeins

koi- 2 skeins

tourmaline - 1 skein

100% superwash wool 350 yds

$24.00 with shipping

and here is a sneak peek at

JUNE BUG

(aka the June Project Spectrum edition)

email me here to purchase a skein!

Wanna See my Biggest Yarn Update EVER?

2006-05-13T17:16:00.000-04:00

check this out!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

My Sock Pal Rocks!!

2006-05-12T21:23:00.000-04:00

I got an email from my sockpaloooza pal, Karen. She was apologizing for not finishing my socks on time (FOR VERY VALID REASONS). She said she put a "little something in the mail" and had her husband pick it up for her. Nice prezzie, huh? There was chocolate..ummm....didn't last long. That is SWEET GEORGIA yarn in River...YUMMY! A fantastic journal, some very cute notcards and a notepad... flip-flop magnets and a sweet card wishing me a happy mother's day.

You did great, kid!

I dyed 15 (count them!) 15 skeins of superwash. They are drying as we speak! 3 skeins of driftwood, 2 sand and skye (more stormy this time), 2 koi, and some brand new colorways.

Check the C*EYE*BER FIBER MARKET for an update!

Maryland, MY Maryland......

2006-05-10T23:19:00.000-04:00

(think of the theme to O'Christmas Tree when you read this)

The actual state song for MD is "Maryland My Maryland". D. (born and bred Charm City Man) has educated me in the facts of my adopted homeland. (I can also do a rousing rendition of the TERPS fight song!)

Anyway....
I am not a native of Maryland. I hail from the land of the Tri State, big cities, roadway jokes, and pizza..... oh wait! The point...
I realized this weekend that I am home. Most likely for good. I love this place. I love Charm City. I love that my backyard is on my roof, I live close to a working waterline, the diversity of the people and the landscape, and the subtle nuance in language. I love that I can pick a crab better than most ( in size , price, and in the actual act of eating the pre-historic steamed beast).
My family is here. My boy and my D. My extended family is elsewhere.... but that's ok. The cowboy and D are more than I could have ever wished for.
I realized I was actually home when I found my community. I saw some fiber lovin Marylanders at sheep and wool. My spinning teacher... the women from the LYS... greetings from friends and new friendships created with the common bond of fiber (and the fact that they didn't mind I had to continuously wipe the drool from my mouth when I got within 20 feet of the Brooks Farm booth. I promise I will post pics of all my purchases soon!)
I spent the Saturday with my girls Cam and Ginga... they are such a joy to share this knitting thing with. There are my new friends Coleen, Laura,Lolly, Eunny, RoseByAny,Jolene, and Puppymomma... I am so glad that I have found a group of women to connect and knit with. Women who share in the fiber passion... the all consuming fiber passion.
So...for all of you in my Maryland who I know and love... thanks. You help me get better at what I do.
And .... for all of you that I met this weekend and those of you that I communicate with regularly across this great bloglandia of ours.... thanks to you too!

Enough said. Nite.

SP8 Questionnaire

2006-05-08T15:11:00.000-04:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love sock yarns... vesper, brooklyn handspun, scout's yarn,koigu...small batch handpaints are my favorite. I also want to try hemp/linen/bamboo yarns.NO ACRYLIC... I am a yarn snob. I also do not like novelty yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I made the wrap case from stitch n bitch nation.....
3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I consider myself advanced and addicted! I learned to knit when I was six.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

not a current one....
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Vanilla and citrus

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
chocolate, chocolate, and oh? CHOCOLATE! I love all kinds of music from elvis costello to the blackeyed peas to jack johnson to 10000 maniacs, to alexi murdoch to REM.....I can play MP3's in my car

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love the autumn palette....rusts browns greens oranges....

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my husband and young son... I have a cat. I am not a cat person, though. I like her... but no pins/cat motifs.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

All of the above!
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
socks,hats,mittens...baby stuff.

13. What are you knitting right now?
a clapotis and socks and odessa hat

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
sure

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I want some addis... and soe brittany DPN's
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
yes and yes. I also have a skeiners and various other beginning spinner tools.

17. How did you learn to knit?
my grandmother taught me

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
2yrs....maybe 2.5!

19. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween
20. Is there anything that you collect?
YARN???? no not really.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I was gifted IK from my pal last round. I would love the Knitting Nature book

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

not really.... maybe entrelac?
23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yup... I love socks! circumference: 9 length: 10.5 lower calf: 10.5 in inches

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
10/09

Farewell, Sheep and Wool!

2006-05-07T19:26:00.000-04:00

Day 1
Another year has gone by *sigh*.... and another Sheep and Wool is over. I had a great time...but little photographic evidence to show for it. So I will have to rely on Lolly an Colleen(aka the new woman in cowboy's life) for that! Lame Mama-E... I know. I even left my camera in the car for the KNITBLOGGERS BALL... I was so damn tired after 5 hours of walking that I could not imagine going to get it.

Not so long after Cam, Ginga, and I arrived to the fair we headed out to Cara's knitblogger meetup!
See what Amy is knitting with...huh???? Lollygirl. That's right...it's lollygirl. I love seeing people knit with my yarns! Amy is sooo nice too!

This is my girl Soap Turtle and her shmoo. I have 2 things to say about them.

1. Soap Turtle makes THE BEST (and I swear medicinal) hand salve magic EVER! My hands are horrible from all the dyeing and she made me this whipped shea butter that has healed them!

2. Shmoo is one of the funniest people I have ever met...not funnier than my D. But...he is damn funny!

Lolly and Coleen enjoying the day.....

I also FINALLY met the Atlanta knitblogging posse.... Mouse, Hockeymom, Jane and Jodi! Y'all rock sisters! 13 hours in a car to go to S and W!

So... I went on from the meetup to start buying some GOOD things! I got the new book from MOREHOUSE FARM and it was signed by Margarit, Kelly, Erin and the Morehouse Ram. Very cool. I need to make the bug mittens for Cowboy this year and the others for me!

I got me a new Turkish drop spindle. I am excited to start spinning some more. I got some corriadale roving to go with... not a lot... but enough!

I bought a needle felting kit! I am so excited to play with this. I want to make some critters... a felted lamb... I told D I was going to felt a sheep and he thought I had to bring a live one home to do so... he was about ready to put his foot down about livestock in a city row home! Too funny!

I ordered a new meter to tell me how much damn yarn can come off a cone! Susan is awesome! Check her out... she soooo knows her stuff and has everything!

I bought some limited edition Brooks Farm yarn... they were ...by far.... the most amazing yarns at the festival. (I was so mesmerized by them that I went back and bought more today!)

After a long day of ooohing and ahhhing over fiber..... we headed over to the Knitbloggers Ball. The Atlanta crew was there knitting socks a pleanty! It was so nice to get to know y'all a little bit. I think that the Hockey Mom and I may be the same human being... Thanks to the Sucky Knitters who came out... I love being a sucky knitter too~!

Thanks to everyone who came out! I had a great time...and .... I need you all to email me your blog URLs ! Mama's brain is like a sieve! (well... I also may have sipped a few margaritas... and the heat... you understand)

Day 2

I woke up bright and early today and headed back for day two! D, the cowboy, and I had a fun day. Much livestock to see..... deep fried oreos to eat (I know they are bad for me! But they taste sooo good!) ... and more friends to meet. Marie and E got to MD safe and sound! We met up for a little while over lunch... so nice to finally meet them. Marie is possibly one of the nicest people that I have ever met... and has helped me out sooo much with my dyeing endeavours... goota love a sistah! Talk to you soon!

Ok.... and I think the cowboy had a good time......

judging by the look on his face.......

I'm Off....

2006-05-06T09:34:00.000-04:00

to MD SHEEP AND WOOL...... Knitbloggers Ball tonight!!! PIctures/evidence to follow!!

This is......

2006-05-05T15:50:00.000-04:00

my backyard...kinda.

This is sand and skye in my backyard.

Any questions?

Psssst! Over Here......

2006-05-04T22:04:00.000-04:00

click here if you want to know more......

Whaddya Think of That???

2006-05-03T23:22:00.000-04:00

KOI
(SOLD)

knittin'mom

(sold)

These 2 lovelies are up for grabs!

20.00/skein including shipping!

Handwash 440yds

Emil me to get yours!

SUPERWASH...WE HAVE SUPERWASH!!

2006-05-02T22:36:00.000-04:00

Mama scored over 50 skeins of superwash, friends. Ahhhhh...finally!!!
So, I now am going to offer all of my colorways in both superwash and handwash! If you have a custom order request... get it in now.... these babies are hitting the dye pot as soon as tomorrow evening!!!

Email me to place an order.
They are 350 yd skeins of superwash fingering weight yarn.
24.00 a skein with shipping

So Much to Say, So Much to Say.....

2006-05-01T11:13:00.000-04:00

(Dave Matthews Band in the background)

Well... Day one of full-time Mommy week in progress. My wonderful provider has a week of vacation... and I am on duty. I have plans.... and I am not above using bribes to make this week go smoothly!

This weekend was nice..... Saturday was a full day of work but was kicked off by a breakfast meeting with Lolly and Colleen! How nice was that! Really gave me some get up to put in my get up and go... if you know what I mean.

And.... my little brother popped up from out of state to take his big sis out for a drink ( or three... or more...) My brother... my baby brother... is 21!! It was a little surreal, but great! The cowboy got some good time in with his Uncle Keddin', too. He was a very happy boy.

Sunday was a day of recovery for me.... late night + alcohol = hangover. I was good though.... I dyed a ton of yarn to be shipped tomorrow. Whew!!!!!

Tonight.... the Sucky Knitters meet @ Borders in Columbia...7pm!

Sheep and wool this weekend... counting the days......

I Went with a Man to See a Horse.....

2006-04-27T16:35:00.000-04:00

and a pig, and a cow, and brand new baby sheep.....y'all love some sheep, right?

That's right.... I took my cowboy to go to Clarks Elioak Farm today. That place is an amazing labor of love... the way they have refinished the old Enchanted Forest sculptures... it is a great place for kids.

Anyhoo...... I had this mommy moment. (CAUTION! SAPPY MOMMY RAMBLING AHEAD!)

And I realized that my baby is growing up. He was riding the pony and looked so big to me. He was waving at me and so excited... and then he was able to tell me WHY he was excited ( I wuff da brown horse my mommy.)

Half the time when I see him I see the baby that I was holding when I woke up from my c-section. The one where D and I cried these tears of joy for our little man. And today I saw this strong, independent spirit being kind to the other kids and trying to share as much as a 2 1/2 year-old is capable of. I saw this little boy running from pen to pen talking to the animals and telling me about the animals and telling them all he would be "right back!" and running to the next pen.

So.... for as increadibly proud as I am of my beautiful little boy.... I sometimes miss my baby.

Here is my boy a little less than a year ago...

This is my cowboy at his 2nd Birthday Party in September of 2005.

and here is a recent picture.....

And here is my cowboy in March of 2006.

I have to remember to enjoy this ride....... it goes by so fast.

Knitbloggers Ball... WHOOO HOOOO!

2006-04-26T23:06:00.000-04:00

We have plans..... we have plans!!!!

After much deliberation, plan changes, and consultation..... we have nailed a date/time/place for the KNITBLOGGERS BALL!Whew!

We are going to Clyde's Bar!

Saturday, May 6th at 7pm

Clyde's of Columbia

10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044

Phone: 410.730.2829

Clyde's is non-smoking establishment. It is roughly 20 min from the fairgrounds. They have a wide range of menu items and a full bar. I can't wait to see you all! Thank you all for working so hard to meet up. I am really excited. Post on your blogs!!!!! The KNITBLOGGERS BALL is rollin' into town!

And... order your shirts/ thongs (yes I said thongs!)today!!!

I got mine... and it ROCKS!

It's a shirt if you are wondering.......

Yarn Updates...

2006-04-26T18:03:00.000-04:00

I would like to start off by saying a big

congratulations to scout!

Why you ask????

check this out!

go buy her stuff...OK??

I am always so impressed with new dyers! (like I am old....)

I love to see how different all of our styles are... it is so much like painting. Monet and Picasso have their own thumbprints on their respective styles..... and a lot of us in the hand-painted yarn world do too.

I also feel that it is really important to support each other (again... with my village theory!)

Marie and Scout have been so great to me! So... check them out and buy their stuff!!!

As for my C*EYE*BER FIBERS.....

I am finishing the May-Belle dyeing and have some individual skeins to sell. Will post this week.

Here is the dyejob I did for A Rose by Any's 2000 sox contest

My Evening with ELVIS

2006-04-23T15:14:00.000-04:00

Ginga and her man, D and I went to see Elvis Costello last night. He played with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra..... it was VEDDY WOMANTIC.

I have not seen Ginga and DP is so long.. we have been eagerly anticipating this since Xmas.

Music... amazing. A date with my husband... amazing. Time with friends.... amazing.

Snapping this picture and shaking Elvis' hand because you stumbled on the only exit door and knew he had to come out sometime... priceless!

Here is how the performance ended... a sing-a-long :

Couldn't Call It Unexpected No.4

I saw a girl who'd found her consolation
She said "One day my Prince of Peace will come"
Above her head a portrait of her father
The wilted favour that he gave her still fastened to the frame
"They've got his bones and everything he owns
I've got his name"

Well you can laugh at this sentimental story
But in time you'll have to make amends
The sudden chill where lovers doubt their immortality
As the clouds cover the sky the evening ends
Describing a picture of eyes finally closing
As you sometimes glimpse terrible faces in the fire
We'll I'm the lucky goon
Who composed this tune
from birds arranged on the high wire

Who on earth is tapping at the window?
Does that face still linger at the pane?
I saw you shiver though the room was like a furnace
A shadow of regret across a young mother's face
So toll the bell or rock the cradle
Please don't let me fear anything I cannot explain
I can't believe, I'll never believe in anything again

Again with the TURNIP TRUCK!

2006-04-20T22:55:00.000-04:00

And I couldn't figure out that BLOGGER would let me respond to comments if I just turned the stupid notification on?????? Really.... I have to get a handle on this blog thing.

Did you see the KNITBLOGGERS BALL shirt. OMG! Mouse rocks. Go tell her that you love it. OK?

The final destination is being planned for the ball. Looking like dinner for about 20 and drinks after. The GA Knitbloggong POSSE is staying around the mall... so we will end up in that vicinity.

3 spots left in the Sock Club Part Deux.......

My Inner Martha....

2006-04-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

I have been long known to be "mini-Martha" of the Gen X set to many of my friends that have known me forever. I specificaly state "OF THE GEN X SET" because I am fluent in IKEA Swedish and have crappy housekeeping skills. I can make stuff... I can buy supplies to make stuff. I can buy house cleaning stuff.... and for the life of me I can not figure out how to use them.... I digress.

I was going to title this post "GOOD THINGS"... but thought better of it.

So.... here is my list of "SH*T THAT ROCKS!!!!"

.

I am now a SUCKY KNITTER. I have been welcomed into the fabric of this great, ecclectic group of knitters (of the sucky variety) who meet 2x/month. Feels like home SUCKY SISTERS.... feels like home. Eunny, Lolly.... so can't wait to meet you! The rest of you..... I will be venturing from CHARM CITY often..... can be bribed with a trip to Alexandria or All About Yarn....
May-belle, the green PS Sock Yarn, is almost finished. I am still in love. Green is the color of all good things......and Lollygirl has left the building (literally.... today.... INTERNATIONAL ORDERS leave on Friday)
MOUSE... graphic goddess...... is doing some SH*T THAT ROCKS! T-shirt style... stay tuned!EDIT: http://www.cafepress.com/knitblogger1 Here it is...OMG! I bought one already!
Elvis Costello , D and I have a date for Saturday evening. A threesome...... hmm.... well... more like a couple thousand of us at the Meyerhoff. Loverly.... Ginga and her D are coming too. No children to be seen (or heard from.. means my mom is coming.......breathe. BREATHE.)
The cowboy is doing great in his THOMAS room. Will not leave the bed in the morning until I come in the room. Love that! He reads quietly until Mama drags her big tail into the room.
I am heading to the Bronx Zoo soon. I love the zoo! Should be fun to see what the cowboy does.
My copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting is in route... I can't wait to see it!
SHEEP AND WOOL. Enough said.
Knitbloggers Ball..... ditto. Please email me asap to reserve a spot. I am thinking dinner at PF CHANGS or the like? Maybe some libations after???
SUPERWASH........ in the works. Be patient. Mama knows what you want.

EDIT: I am opening up 5 more spaces to the PS Sock Club. I have had requests and can't say no. (Well... you asked VERY nicely!)

Email me for your spot. First paid first served!

OK... I Fell of the TURNIP TRUCK...

2006-04-15T22:55:00.000-04:00

Now.... I should preface this post by saying that I am an east coast girl raised 30 minutes outside of Manhattan. I lived around the Tri-State area until the late 90's.....

Why did I not see RENT????? I have seen La Boheme' at the Met in NY.
I missed RENT?
So.... now I am ADDICTED to the movie. The music is amazing.... I have seen another Jonathan Larson play... TICK TICK BOOM! My buddy was actually the bass player. I cant believe it took until 2006 for me to see how amazing the story is.

It helps that I think Jesse L. Martin is amazing.

On the knitting front... I am actually taking a break from socks and knitting the felted messenger bag from Knitty. I can't wait until I can felt it.

OK.... I am going back to watching RENT. I think there is something wrong with me.

Sheep and Wool

2006-04-12T16:48:00.000-04:00

I am so damn excited for sheep and wool.... as soon as the buds are on the trees and my allergies kick into high gear... I start thinking about SHEEP AND WOOL! Let me break the fesitval down for you all:

Free admission and parking ( no pets)
Tons and tons of livestock..... sheep, alpacas, some bunnies????? Maybe I was dreaming about that.
More wool and fiber than you can ever imagine.... barns and exhibition halls full of fiber and fiber related tools.... ahhhh......spindles, wheels, cards, roving, top, dyes....(eyes glaze over and drool drips from mouth....)
Craftsmen. Artisans...I bought D a handcrafted leather belt from Lanny Tewell... he makes pretty purses too.....
KETTLE CORN. yup.... that would be the cowboy's lunch/dinner when we go. He does not object.
Sheep dog competitions.... we will be reliving highlights from "the pig movie"

Sheep to shawl competition..... they sheer, clean, card, spin fiber and weave it into a shawl in 4 hours!!

Now there is the new addition.....

Come and party 'til the sheep come home!

Email me if you want to meet up! I would love to get a chance to meet you all!

Lollygirl has left the building....

2006-04-11T22:31:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all,
Thanks for ordering so much LOLLYGIRL.... she is a fun colorway... but.... alas is retired to make way for May-belle. (Working title).

In Sock Club News..... there are no more spots available. You guys are amazing! You can expect your Lollygirls to post on Monday... and your May-Belle's to post the following Monday. Whew! Mama better get to dye-ing. Look for single skeins of colorways coming up this week!

Speaking of DYEING.... Scout has started a dye-along! Crazy sister!!!! She is always up to something! Go check it out! I'm in..... I so can not resist an "a-long"....

MOUSE ROCKS!

2006-04-11T10:25:00.000-04:00

Look at what MOUSE did:

Warning... do not open among colleagues when you are supposed to be in a meeting! The first one made me laugh so hard!!!

Project Spectrum Sock Club:
There are TWO spaces left.... sign up quick! They are going fast!!!

On Friendship and Knitting

2006-04-09T22:31:00.000-04:00

Did I ever tell you that my grandmother taught me to knit?
My grandma, Irene, was this tiny little lady with the loudest voice and most colorful language that I have ever encountered (even to date). We lived with her when I was younger, and she and my great aunt Helen, became my babaysitters by default. Anyway....grammy probably was fed up with a 6 year old running around and messing with her yarn... and she taught me to knit. She taught me by sitting across from me and having me mimick her hand movements. She was a left handed knitter and was an effective teaching tool.
I picked up knitting again as an adult and have discovered this amazing community of knitters in bloglandia.
I have gotten to know some of you like sisters... and really appreciate all of the kindness I come across in cyberspace. I wish I lived next door to some of you.... and have met folks that I actually live near that are becoming new friends. I am grateful for all of you and your support in this fiber spiral that I am in. It is a good ride friends..... Mama is so not complaining.
That makes start thinking about Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I know that a lot of you are coming to Columbia for MD Sheep and Wool. And wouldn't it be fun to meet up? I think so. Maybe dinner on Saturday night??? (My husband has been calling this the KNIT-BLOGGERS BALL)
If you are interested in meeting up... email me here. I really want to get together! Maybe MOUSE the button-goddess wants to make a "KNIT BLOGGERS BALL" button? hmmmm......

And ... speaking of kindness.... Mama got some KOIGU-Love from her friend Scout. If anyone has ever interacted with this lady you would quickly come to understand that she is a dynamic and kind woman that is so very passionate about fiber. So this is what she sent me:

Much love and gratitude to you mama!

Jill sent me a beautiful skein of orange Manos, a groovy MOM calendar and a pattern for felting flowers.... all for leaving a comment on her BLOG-VERSARY! Thanks Jill... I already felted the Manos into an Easter basket for the cowboy!

PuppyMomma bought me lunch on Friday... and now I have a new friend!!! How cool is this blogging thing?

So... back to Irene. See... I feel that my knitting and connecting with other knitters and the kindness of other knitters is all because of Irene. I feel like I am honoring one of the best parts of her with my knitting. Her willingness to be kind and be giving. She was no saint.... but she was a really great lady. So, Irene has a hand in this fiber-love of mine and I can hear her say" Dolly, your doing O.K."

Where oh Where is the CEYEBER Fiber????

2006-04-05T21:12:00.000-04:00

I am getting some questions as to where to find my sock yarn....

http://mamaestuff.blogspot.com

is a good place to look. I am in the process of building a website and have set this up in the meantime.

I have not been able to keep yarn at the ETSY store.... you all buy it before I can list.

(BTW.... Mama is so not complaining!)

Check out the May colorway for PS... I am in love.

Lollygirl is Leaving the Building.....

2006-04-05T20:49:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all of you that are so enthusiastic about the PROJECT SPECTRUM SOCK CLUB.
There are 9 spaces left.... sign up soon!

And now that the April Spectrum Knitting is underway... I am blinded by all the ORANGE AND YELLOW I am seeing around bloglandia.... and I must say that Lollygirl is making her final curtain call. Order by Friday.... she will be retired after then.

The May colorway is in development. Let's just say... I am in LOVE. OK... she will be up for sale starting sometime next week.

Email me if you want to join the club or order a single skein of Lollygirl.

On the personal front:
Look who lives with us now!!! The cowboy is ever so pleased and goes right to bed ALL NIGHT!
Thomas does not come cheap.... but he sure is worth EVERY penny! Nite Nite Cowboy!

Did I Ever Tell you that I am a KNITTER???

2006-04-04T23:40:00.000-04:00

And you thought that I just dyed yarn??? No... I actually knit my yarn. This is my colorway, Mama-E. Gotta love a Jaywalker.

Project Spectrum Sock Club

2006-04-03T14:36:00.000-04:00

It was suggested to me that I do a PROJECT SPECTRUM SOCK CLUB! (Thanks Bev!)

So.... here are the details:

I will dye and send you your PS colorway for the month :
April: Yellow/Orange
May - Green
June -Blue
July - Violet / Purple
August - Neutrals / Black & White

You can choose to start in April or May. (A lot of you already have Lollygirl!)
The fee is : 75.00 for 4 months. (95.00 for all five months)
*****You can add a 15.00 fee for priority shipping... otherwise... 1st class shipping is included to the U.S.)... international members email for a shipping quote)

There are 15 spaces in the club... after they are filled I will put folks on a wait list to see if I can open more spaces. Club slots are filled on a first come, first paid basis.

Yarn will ship the week before a new SPECTRUM month begins! I will only make 10 or less extra skeins of the SPECTRUM colorways to sell as single skeins.

Email me if you are interested!

There are:

11 spaces left....

Questions.....

Do I have to be a member of Project Spectrum to join?

Nope.... just have to love color. And know that each month's colorway will be inspired by the PS colors of the month.

Can I make partial payments?

Hmmmm.... you can tell me a date that you can pay (like your next pay, etc.) I can hold your spot until that day. Mama is soooo understanding of the financial stuff.... email me and we can talk.

What is the international shipping rate?

What I will do is quote you based on your country/region code. Email me and let me know where you are!

And the Winner Is.....

2006-04-02T21:01:00.000-04:00

And the skeins go to.....

Bev from PoMoGo Lightly

and

Sheepish Annie

Thanks to everyone for leaving a comment!!

The winning knitters can email me here to choose their colorway!

Off to put my hands in the dyepot. More yarns up for sale later this week!

Kids Say the Darndest Things...

2006-04-02T09:14:00.000-04:00

We took the cowboy to see "George the Monkey" movie yesterday. I loved it! The cowboy and D. liked it too. It probably is the best kids movie I have seen in a while... well Wallace and Grommit was good too. The Jack Johnson songs were so sweet. We will be adding that to the iPod soon and deleting the Wiggles.

So...right next to the 3.00 Movie Theater in our area there is a great Egyptian resturaunt. The cowboy loves "dip-dip" (hummus, babaganoush... anything similar) so we figured why not?

We sit at a table and start to order. The belly dancer comes out and starts her act. The cowboy is so rivited.... she comes over to him... lets him touch her scarves... whatever.

We get our food and the cowboy is still all about the "other woman" ummmm... I mean the belly dancer. He says, and I quote" Wook at her bum bum, Mommy. I see her nip-moles"

Now... she had on her costume. There was no flesh to be seen. But, to my 2 1/2 year-old creative wonder... he was watching a strip tease. Yup, he's all boy.

Contest winners posted tonight!!!

Said Dreamers.... Part Deux

2006-03-31T14:01:00.000-05:00

So, I awoke this morning frantic to find LUKE SPENCER's bags.... he had to get on a plane and I had to pack him up. No Bags.... no bags.... shit! Where are the bags????

"Honey... what time do you have to make it into work today?????" D. is rousing me from my slumber.

What was it that I said in my previous post about anxiety and dreams????

Thanks for all of your posts. I am so glad to know I am not the only one with crazy dreams!

Remember... the contest to win a skein of C*EYE*BER FIBER is still open until Sunday!

Said Dreamers....

2006-03-28T23:06:00.000-05:00

Well... here is post 100! I know... it is small compared to some... but a (silly) reason to celebrate!

Some thoughts...
Did you ever have that dream that you were giving a public address naked? Or maybe the one where your high school/college calls and says that you didn't really graduate because you missed a PE credit?

I believe these dreams are produced when said dreamer is overly anxious.... there is something that said dreamer needs to work out in the dreamstate. Well..... this said dreamer is a little anxious but extremely pleased that my little sock yarns are getting such rave reviews from you all. Thanks.... I really love this and appreciate all of your ideas and support. There are some REALLY discerning knitters out there that have skeins in the mail/ in development... makes me a little anxious, BUT extremely pleased.

See, this said dreamer really believes that it takes a village to do anything in life. Thanks to you all for being a part of that (for better or for worse!) ... I have gained such valuable skills and insight from corresponding with you all. So Mama wants to say Thanks!
And as a thank-you to all of those who read/lurk and comment..... I am having a contest!

Leave a comment on this post by Sunday April 2nd and I will put your name in a raffle to win... you guessed it!

One skein of C*EYE*BER FIBER yarn

in the colorway of your choice!!!

Drawing to be held on Sunday, April 2nd!

(UPDATE: Mama is so pleased that you all are de-lurking and chiming in with kind words and the like. I wish I could be like OPRAH and give everyone a skein.... but unfortunatley... I am not Oprah. I may add a second skein to sweeten the pot though!)

In other news:

I have a couple of personal things to report....

Did Mama ever tell you that I have never had a babysitter outside of family and villagers...EVER...in 2 1/2 years! All of that is going to change! And... she came to us through the power KNITTING! I met the sister at my first SNB (well... they call it a knitting meetup)... and was intrigued by this amazingly intricate blanket she is making for her boyfriend. (She is 16!!!) I sat with her and it finally dawned on me that she may babysit.... set up 2 (count them) 2 dates in April!!! Gotta love a sister who knits! I had to discourage her from taking partial payment in yarn!!! You see the road she is heading down????.... Go give her a HOLLA and check out her blanket!

And... even though all of you read Scout..... go wish her a happy Birthday!!! Butter that nose mama... may you have a great year!

Gotta Love Public Opinion

2006-03-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

I am trying to keep some colorways "in-stock" and need helpin determining the most popular ones. Sooo.....

When Mama is not Hocking Her Wares, She is.....

2006-03-26T20:22:00.000-05:00

I know that most of my posts lately have revolved around the C*EYE*BER FIBERS... so tonight I thought I would post about my recent non-yarn dyeing activities.

My Jaywalkers are coming along quite nicely. I have turned the heel on sock 2 and the girls are looking mighty fine! Gotta love a Jaywalker! (well... with a subbed short-row heel).

My SP7 sent me a VEDDY NICE package. I got a new knitting mag... some cute magnets and buttons... a skein of OPAL dreamcatcher and some ARTYARNS merino... My god do I love the ARTYARNS! It is so damn soft! Thanks SP7... whoever you are! I also got my first INTERWEAVE from her gift subscription. Made me VEDDY HAPPY!

Oh...there was A TON of chocolate in the package... do you see that it is missing? I actually had it for dinner one night... and fought the cowboy for it! He is a big fan of chocolate (that's my boy!)

I am thinking of what to do with the artyarns... I am taking suggestions. Email me to put your 2 cents in.

I am spinning the top that I dyed... Keohinani, I am a park and stop handspinner , too. I love the spinning and the top really is amazing. I am hooked! I am counting the days until

Sheep and Wool

(BTW... that would be 41 days!)

oh... and if you were interested... I still have skiens of scout, emms, and supergirl up for grabs!

Wanna See More YARN????

2006-03-23T20:31:00.000-05:00

I wanted to say thanks to you all for your kind words and enthusiasm for/about

Mama-e's C*EYE*BER Fibers!!!

Here are my latest colorways up for grabs:

carrie

(SOLD)

emms

cheryl

(SOLD)

mermaids

(SOLD)

scout

supergirl

(sold)

PoMo

(sold)

lollygirl

(taking orders for Project Spectrum)

puppymomma

(SOLD)

all skeins 440yds 100%merino wool
20.00 including shipping in the US.

email me to make special requests or order yarns posted

or...if you prefer....

http://mamae.etsy.com

OH BOY!

Either way works... and I will continue to sell through the Big ADVENTURES Blog as well..

Business aside... here is my latest project...

I experimented with dyeing some roving.... I can not wait to spin it!!!!

Mama is off to work on her jaywalkers!!!!

Busy Mama... Tired Mama

2006-03-22T00:24:00.000-05:00

Mama has been busy this week. The shout out for suggestions on colorways has yielded results!

JessaLu suggested these colors. They are inspired by her blog colors.

(SOLD)

This is PuppyMomma. Inspired by those cute boys.

(SOLD)

Here is Mermaids. Stephanie suggested the colors in watermelon tourmaline. We named it for her daughter. She loves a mermaid!

(SOLD)

Here are some items for sale:

cheryl

lollygirl

(SOLD: But will take orders for more)

This is my PROJECT SPECTRUM colorway for April .

I will take orders and dye accordingly. I know that there are a lot of us in Project Spectrum that love to knit a pair of socks!!!

all skeins 440yds 100%merino wool

20.00 including shipping in the US.

Email me to place your order and I will send a paypal invoice.

In other news....

I made some knit totes tonight. One for my SP7's final package and one for me. I may put some up for sale soon... I will keep you posted.

And Now for Something Completely Different.....

2006-03-19T17:33:00.000-05:00

My handspinning class was today. I LOVED every minute of it and the time flew by soooo fast! My yarn isn't a lot to look at... but it is YARN! I am so amazed that I learned the beginnings of making yarn. I can make yarn.... OMG! I am hooked!
I carded fiber (and even liked it!) I saw limitless possibilities for color.... I am such a fiber Junkie!

Maybe I will create a ring called the FIBER JUNKIES? ummmm...I digress.

So... when we started the class... the instructor Jane Hyland (who is a great instructor at Cloverhill Yarn Shop... if you can... take a class with her!) asked us to introduce ourselves, our fiber history... etc.
I went last and said" Hi. My name is Erin. I am a fiber-holic."
Without missing a beat, the other five members of the class and Jane said "hi Erin!"
I so knew I was in the right place. The most awesome thing was.... everyone in the class had this intense desire to learn more about fiber and the craft of spinning. I had such a great time... and I am so hooked. Did I mention I have an obsessive personality?

Ahhhh... YARN! My Love for you Will Never DYE!

2006-03-17T13:57:00.000-05:00

Well... I am having a great day! I just came home from work and had a new shipment of undyed sock yarn waiting for me..... ahhhhh.... the possibilities!
I love looking at a HUGE (I did get a lot) pile of blank yarn. I start to think about color.....

So here are some of my thoughts:

Along with some of my more successful colorways (scout, keohinani, mama-e, and bird), I will be reproducing lolly-girl... a beautiful mix of yellow/orange for Project Spectrum's April theme.

I was also thinking (thanks PuppyMomma!) that I would take suggestions for colorways. If you suggest an interesting combo... I will dye it and name it after you. Keeping with the whole C*EYE*BER Fiber mentality. I gain a lot of inspiration from my virtual "village " of fellow fiber-holics (scout!)

And finally:
the last skein of yarn standing is emily . Email me if you want her. I think she would look BEAUTIFUL as the Embossed Leaves socks by Mona Schmidt.(UPDATE:SOLD)

More Yarn, Anyone?

2006-03-15T22:23:00.000-05:00

Mama dyed some yarn this week!!!!

keohinani

(SOLD)

emily

(SOLD)

nessa

(similar to scout minus the blacks and greys)

(SOLD)

scout

(SOLD)

bird

(SOLD)

20.00/skein with shipping!

each skein is 440 yds and is more than enough for one pair of socks

email me to place your order

Thanks! Stay tuned!

Holiday with Mama

2006-03-12T20:00:00.000-05:00

So... you know when you have had enough of work, and stuff, and headaches, etc. when your 2 year old says he wants to go downy o-shin'. (down the ocean).
D and I made plans about a month ago to take the cowboy away sans family, internet connections, and work. Little did we know we would get such amazing weather. The temperature in Ocean City , MD was in the 70's and sunny until we started driving home.

Now, I used to think those surry pedicab things were a complete nuisance on the boardwalk. D ( being a bicycle enthusiast) thought them silly and a PITA. Well.. then there was life with a child. The cowboy LOVED our ride up on the boardwalk. He got to sit right up front and ring our little bell to his 2 year-old heart's delight. (Which , for those of you who might not know... that is alot.)

Here he is challenging the opposing cyclists...

And, we lost the challenge because D spotted a yarn store and I made the boys pull over for a pit stop.

I found some Lopi... in case I finished my knitting and needed some real yarn to start a new project.

We gave back the bike and headed to fly our new kite..

a very cool purple shark.

The cowboy has never walked on a beach barefoot...

really... that is how warm it was!

D and the cowboy flying the kite

I love this picture! I think that I will get it printed and frame it.. black and white?

My jaywalker on the beach...

All in all... an amazing weekend with my men. It is so funny to me that the cowboy is a walking , talking, willful little boy now (exhibited by asking for "clifford.the. big. red. dog "ride in the damn hotel lobby over and over and over again).

It is nice to be home and ready to climb in your own bed!

Yarn update:

I have one skein of the SCOUT colorway available (UPDATE: SOLD)

Jaywalking with Mama-E

2006-03-09T22:29:00.000-05:00

I could not resist the urge to cast on the jaywalkers. I used yarn I dyed in the colorway "mama-e". I am so loving this pattern. I subbed a short row heel (because I always do ). The short row heel allows for my big feet to have some room in the socks. Grumperina is so talented!

This is my most recent colorway "scout". Why "Scout?" Well.. when I started thinking about hocking my wares(so to speak).. I enlisted the help of some of the finest knitters I know (or have read!) Scout eagerly signed on... as did lolly , Chrissy, keohinani, and emms. So... if you see colorways named after them (or their offspring that covet them!) you know why. They are giving me great feedback so I can fine tune my dyeing. Thanks friends!!!

Where in the World are Mama's Friends?

2006-03-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

Newport News, Virginia

United States
Baltimore, Maryland

United States

United States
Puyallup, Washington

United States
Baltimore, Maryland

Unknown Country

United States
Washington, District of Columbia

United States
Bronx, New York

United States
Canterbury, Connecticut

Estonia
Tartu, Tartumaa

United States
Stockton, California

United States
Hacienda Heights, California

United States
Lake Orion, Michigan

Unknown Country

United States
Baltimore, Maryland

Canada
Qubec, Quebec

United States
Whittier, California

United States
Baltimore, Maryland

United States
Stratford, Connecticut

United States

These are the last 20 visits to TBAM-E.... according to my sitemeter.

I see you are out there!

Show Mama-E some love and list yourself on my map! :)

More yarn in a brand new colorway (SCOUT) available soon!!

Since You Popped the Question

2006-03-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

The answer is yes. I was wondering when someone was going to ask me if I was going to sell my hand-dyes.
I have some fantastic knit friends that are testing the goods as we speak. I am also making myself a pair of Jaywalkers with my colorway "Mama-E". And since I am pleased, and the gang are liking their yarns...
The answer is yes I have some to sell now.

Here are your choices:

cheryl -SOLD

cate -SOLD

ginga -SOLD

keohinani - SOLD

20.00/skein (440 yds)

shipping included

Email me here if you are interested

More to come in about a week!

Thanks everyone!!!!

The Bad Men Came Back

2006-03-05T23:50:00.001-05:00

Just as an FYI:
If you hit someone else's car... like my really frickin' cute 2005 Scion XB... leave a note dammit.
Yes... the BB (my car) was hit while it was parked today. D took the broken window last week well... this one... not so much. Mama's house is a little tense tonight. Damn I hate breaking bad news to my husband... I hate getting him upset.
Well... it is off to the adjuster for the repairs.

Show Me Your Stash:
New stash pics up for your enjoyment. This is our international edition from the UK and South Africa... yummy stuff!!

Jaywalking in Baltimore with Hand-Dyed yarn:
Oh Jaywalkers... how I love thee! I am knitting my jaywalkers as part of Lolly's Project Spectrum. I have used my handpaints in my colorway " Mama-E". I have started to name my colorways after the folks who have gotten them...Stay tuned!!!

I hope my Car-ma gets better soon! (I could not resist!!!)

All DONE!!

2006-03-04T21:32:00.000-05:00

Embossed Leaves is finished! I hope my sockpaloooza pal digs them!
I really liked working the pattern. Easy repeats... I subbed a short row heel for the heel in the pattern.
Off to work on my Jaywalkers!

A Friday Funny...

2006-03-03T10:09:00.000-05:00

So my AMAZING boss was telling me this story...
Her 7 year old goes to a private school that focuses on a hands-on creative curriculum... and they are teaching her to knit and crochet. It is actually in the curriculum!
So "little Missy" my boss' daughter took to it right away and knits all the time at school. My boss thought it would be a good idea to get her knitting needles and yarn for Christmas.
Sooo... off to JoAnn fabrics my boss goes and gets her neeldles and (dare I say) acrylic yarn.

Little Missy casts on at home and starts to knit.... then she frogs what she knits and casts on again... (my boss is not a knitter so she has no idea why little Missy is getting frustrated).. after casting on and frogging for the better part of the morning and starting to yell at her knitting my boss asks Little Missy what the problem is.

Little Missy replies " I can't knit with this crappy yarn!!!"

Little Missy is getting a bit of my stash just for saying that!!!

Mama-E and Bode still ROCK!

2006-02-28T08:52:00.000-05:00

FYI:
There are no pics in this post because Mama-E pulled a Bode. I did not medal in the Olympics either! But, just like Bode, we had fun tryin' and maybe partied a little along the way.
But.... my girly GINGA did! She knit this great fair isle (YES I SAID FAIR ISLE) poncho from some yarn she got when she was visiting Iceland. Show her some love and go and look. I am so proud of her!!!!

ON THE KNITTING FRONT:
I am knitting my sockpalooza pals socks... I am going to try to be done with sock 2 today... gotta get the February pair done by midnight pst. I think I can.... I think I can....

I found a SNB group here in Baltimore... yea!!! I am going to my first meeting on March 7th. I am excited... my girls CAm and Ginga are coming with. We have been meeting in my living room once a month for roughly a year or so... I still want to continue with that. That would mean 2 knit nights for Mama!!

ON THE DYEING FRONT:
I have more yarn to dye.... I started a pair of jaywalkers with my yarn.... ooohhh... I am in love. I see what the deal is about!!! Thanks Grumperina for sharing this one~ I love it!!
I am going to do more this weekend... will post more pics then.

SHOW ME YOUR STASH:
Please feel free to email Mama- E with your stash pics... we will resume next week with an updated stash.... I think we all were freaked by the Olympics... I have a very good finale pic for next week.....

WHAT'S NEW WITH THE COWBOY?:
The cowboy is in his first day with Thomas underwear.... I bought lots o'pairs to accomodate accidents!!! Think kindly of Mama while she is in potty-land!
We are skating on our own after 8 times on the ice. At our group lesson last Sat I handed the cowboy his PVC walker support- thingy (yes... that is the technical name for it) and the cowboy promptly said "No Mommy" and skated on to the ice! I am proud!!!

ADVICE FOR MAMA-E:
If anyone wants to chime in on the Blogger vs. moveable type discussion... I would love some feedback. Do you like MT more than Blogger and why?

Thanks all! Peace!

Meme's and Bad Men and So- Called Friends

2006-02-24T10:37:00.000-05:00

The ever meme-loving Scout tagged me for this one.

Here is the view from my front door.

(see... I told you that my house was the size of a shoebox!)

And here is where the bad men come into play..

DAMN!!!DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!!!!!

Nothing stolen... just vandalism. PITA vandalism.

D has a stomach virus... my car is broken... the cowboy is REALLY pissy this morning (so I think he is next to have to go through the ol'heave misery) and I get a call from a friend.... now known as Ms. WHY ME.

Conversation as follows:

Ms WHY ME: "Hey... we still doing lunch today?"

Mama-E: "Sorry... D is sick and my car got vandalized. I need to try to figure this out."

Ms Why ME: "Oh...that's too bad... I was so looking forward to it. (sigh....)"

OH?!!! Like I can help this? Or... this is more fun than having lunch? It is a hell of alot more expensive. ( About $495. more expensive! That is alot of damn yarn!!)

Well... I think that Ms Why Me and I will come to blows again. I don't even know if it is worth the energy to try... This has been a rocky friendship at best over the last 3 years or so.

UPDATE.... 6 hours later.....

In true Mama-E fashion of making lemonade from lemons...

there was a bright side to today.

1. Got out of lunch with Ms. Why Me

2. I got to catch up with my buddy the bass man via my cell and computer.

3. I got to cast on my second sock for my sockpalooza pal.

Now off to dinner with the fam.... oh, BTW....

Scout is driving me NUTS with her secret she won't tell me!!!

Hello Sockpaloooza!

2006-02-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

Here is my progress on my sockpalooza pal's socks.
The pattern is Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt. The yarn is my handpaints in 100% merino.

I love, love, love working this pattern. The chart is easy to work and the repeats are really easy to remember. I also dicovered the joy of a tubular cast on and the twisted rib.
They produce such a nice look and feel to the ribbing. I bet they also don't stretch as much.

Scout tagged me with a meme... I will get on it! The view from my front door is rainy and grey today.

The cowboy is stil CRANKY from the cold... Spring please? I love Spring... we are outside... it is warm (not hot) ....baseball season....we can go to the park everyday... SHEEP AND WOOL festival comes to Maryland... ahh... only 43 more days until the Orioles first home game.

Whining is over.... off to knit some more on the socks!

Alive and Kicking

2006-02-20T12:25:00.000-05:00

Any day you can use a SIMPLE MINDS song as your title is bound to be a good one.

Well... posting infrequently makes me nervous.... but I have been super busy with my parents (OH GOD!) in town all weekend and the cowboy's skating lessons and his new cold... did I mention my not so clean house and my job (I SWEAR someone pays me to do SOMETHING other than blog)....

Anyhoo...

Mama-E has updated SHOW ME YOUR STASH... late, but updated. Got some good stash showings this week.
(FYI) The yarns pictured here are my new hand paints...

SOCKPALOOOZA: UPDATE

2006-02-12T23:18:00.000-05:00

My sockpalooza pal will be receiving this in the form of socks...

Now... what to knit her? Any suggestions?

The Cowboy's Snowy Surprise

2006-02-12T10:48:00.000-05:00

Snow has finally come to Charm City. We woke up this morning to an amazing blanket of wet,heavy snow.

The cowboy could hardly contain himself... this is the first time he has seen that much snow and realized he could play in it. The winter Olympics have helped him to realize that snow sports are cool. He stood up on his little sled like a snowboarder and I had this sinking feeling that he would one day do extreme sports. I must remember to stay current on my RED CROSS Instructor certification...beacuse I will need to use that in my personal life.

In knitting news... I am making steady progress on D's year (2 year) long blanket project. My knitting olympics goal is to finish the blanket and Frida...leaving me with no UFO's. I am on track and making good progress. Snow days are great knitting days.

Off to watch Thomas the "blue nain" for the the 10 millionth time. (The satellite went out with the snow... dvd's it is!)

Thanks to my SP7!!!

2006-02-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

My SP7 ROCKS!!!

Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!

What Has this Hand Been Doing?

2006-02-09T00:21:00.000-05:00

redhand
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Have I ever explained that I really suck at surprises? Giving them... Getting them... Planning them. The anticipation drives me NUTS! I have a fairly obsessive nature ( can anyone relate?)and I really like to do stuff. I get a hair up my ... bum bum... and I can't shake the obsession until I start doing something and try to master it. Especially all things that are creative.
I knit obsessively... I blog obsessively... the whole nine.
So... I get the itch to spin yarn... I sign up for a class that does not meet until mid-March. MID-MARCH? That is just about killing me. KILLING ME!
So I am talking to Ginga and she says she gets a shipment of yarn to dye. I tell her that I am so in. I order yarn... it comes...I start to think about dyeing it. And I go to bed thinking about kool-aid, vinegar, schedules, and the like.
Tonight, I cleaned my kitchen. I was a good Mama-E. Clear out the MILLION dishes in my not so shiny sink. (Yes, every former roommate of mine knows what I am saying). My sink shines and my yarn calls.
It says "Mama, I am so pale. This winter thing is getting me down. I wish I had some color."
"But, oh pale friend, I promised Ginga I would wait for her. This is a joint project between friends that rarely get to hang out and create together."
"Mama, it's so cold. And we are so pale...c'mon... just a little color?"
"Well, I did do the dishes... how about 2 of you get some color and 2 wait for Ginga?"
"DEAL"
I have a very red skein of merino sock yarn that turned out amazingly well. My sockpalooza pal requests red... she got a slightly varegated red with tones of orange.
Now skein 2 is for me... and I can't tell how it turned out. I will reskein and see.
So... I STILL HAVE 2 SKEINS TO DYE.
WILL...NOT...THINK...ABOUT...DYEING...YARN....
(PICTURES OF THE GIRLS WILL APPEAR AT SMYS ON MONDAY!)

Common Threads... a top ten list

2006-02-06T21:34:00.000-05:00

See the members of our little STITCH AND BITCH (yes...I said it!) group shop.

Their identities have been concealed by the FIBER POLICE to protect the indulgent shopper!

My LYS had it's yearly SUPERBOWL BASH on Sunday. I was bound and determined to get only 1 skein of Trekking XXL sock yarn and a niddy noddy...(because I purchased a laptop the VERY same day). The girls loaded up on some good stuff!

As I was taking pictures of knitters and fiber lovers alike.... fondling yarn and wiping drool from their mouths.... I heard the same phrases spill from their mouths over and over again.

Here is the top ten list of things said at a much anticipated YARN SALE:

10. I wonder how I can get this in the house without my husband seeing it?

9. OH... SUPERBOWL'S on... NEVERMIND!

8. MANOS...ooooooh I love MANOS!

7. I'm just a beginner.... I don't know what I am buying...

who cares? It's pretty.

6. I will have to go on a YARN DIET after this...

5. You can never have enough STASH!

4. I can't stop looking... I want to buy everything!

3. I feel like I am not buying enough!

2. When is SHEEP AND WOOL? I can't buy anything until SHEEP AND WOOL!

And the number one phrase falling out of these fiber hoarding goddesses...

1. I LOVE THE SUPERBOWL!

Thanks to the gang at CLOVERHILL. I hope you all had a stiff drink after the festivities!

HOCKEY MAN

2006-02-02T19:55:00.000-05:00

cowboyskate
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Well… here is the cowboy on ice. Well... laying on the ice. He did great for a 2 1/2 year old. He loved every minute of it. I went and bought him a mini pair of CCM skates... I got a matching pair. I love PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS.

I promise I will post knitting pictures soon! I am knitting a scarf for my little sister that feels downright brain numbing and I am not so enthusiastic to finish! Only 20 " to go. I think I can... I think I can....

In other news...
SHOW ME YOUR STASH is accepting pictures for week 2... c'mon y'all... YOU KNOW YOU HAVE STASH!!

SWAP ME SOME STASH has 2 swaps up! Check it out! Email me if you have stash to trade. I will post a picture and put the wheels in motion!

His First Game

2006-01-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

cowboycaps
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Check out my boy at the CAPITALS game today. He sat (the ENTIRE game) in a seat. He cheered, BOOED, danced, and yelled all at the appropriate times! He was riveted by the game. I think he fell in love. I think I will have to practice getting up at 4:30 am for hockey practice!!! He is going ice skating for the first time on Tuesday... we'll see how he does.

Every man in the stands around us had the EXACT same facial expression as the cowboy... and check out the sippy cup in the beer holder! That's my boy! (Makes my dreams of moving to CANADA not so far fetched!)

The day was started by a trip (at D's suggestion) to Springwater Fiber Workshop . Oh, I love that man of mine! I picked up some merino/tencel handspun for another go at the Clapotis (mine turned into a WRAPOTIS, remember?). Pics are up on SHOW ME YOUR STASH.
Speaking of SMYS... some GOOD yarn p*rn this week. Head over and check it out... I about couldn't stand it when I got all of the pics. I am very jealous of the masses some have collected! If only my house were bigger....

FLASH YOUR STASH MONDAY

2006-01-26T20:03:00.000-05:00

So... this FLASH YOUR STASH MONDAY thing is starting to take off. I am very excited. I created a ring on ringsurf ...SHOW ME YOUR STASH "join" on the link on the sidebar.

I had some thoughts and would love some feedback from you all. There are lots of places that sell yarn... and I would love to flash the stash of handspinners and dyers alike. I love to show off some of the stuff that I am recently obsessing on... (most recently Marie's stuff from Brooklyn Handspun)

Then I thought... what ever happened to the good ol' swap meet? Ever want to trade? Not buy. Not sell... just trade? Patterns, yarns, stitch markers, needles..... just a thought. Email me or comment with your thoughts.... may be a good idea?

On Letting Go

2006-01-24T13:48:00.000-05:00

jayjay
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Wendy, over at Knit and Tonic, recently posted about life being easier if you let go a little when it comes to your kids. Why fight your child when they insist on wearing an outfit that is, um..., creative? It only sucks energy and time away from you and frustrates them.(and robs you of precious knitting time!)
I totally agree. Why fight it? Why not give them some room to make decisions?

Well... here is my most recent experience with letting go.

The cowboy, adorable preschooler that he is, has a fixation on Jay Jay the Jet Plane. (See exhibit A). Last evening, the cowboy was getting ready to start his bedtime ritual of cleaning up the million toys all over the play room/office/guest bed room/family room. (have I ever mentioned that my house is the size of a shoebox? I digress...)
So he rounds up the Tarrytown troops... Jay Jay (pictured above)

Big Jake

Revvin Evan, Hurky the Helicopter, and Tracy (she really just is a purple Jay Jay... don't you think?)

So the cowboy gathered up the whole family and trotted off to bed.

(RED FLAG WENT UNNOTICED: NO PROTEST AT BEDTIME)

After a rousing version of "Go, Dog, GO!" the little man said "Nite-nite, mommy" and gave me a kiss... unprompted.

(RED FLAG WENT UNNOTICED: KISSES WITHOUT ME ASKING)

Out went the light. Ahhhh...quiet. I can get some work done. (Contrary to popular belief... I actually have a job that does not include KNITTING or BLOGGING ABOUT KNITTING... yet)

Fast forward to 11pm....

A desperate cry from the cowboy is heard coming from his room. I quickly tromp down the stairs to see what is wrong. I think, "dirty diaper? bad dream? sick?"
None of the above. As I get closer to his door I hear "I need help, mommy! Jay Jay. JAY JAY!"
The little plane fell out of the crib onto the floor. It woke the poor boy up. I handed him back the Jay Jay and he fell back asleep.

(RED FLAG WENT UNNOTICED: I THOUGHT THIS WAS CUTE. D AND I BOTH LAUGHED)

Fast forward to MIDNIGHT....

A desperate cry from the cowboy is heard coming from his room. "I need help, mommy! Big Jake. BIG JAKE!" I think, "oh sh*t... oh sh*t..."

(RED FLAG NOTICED: I DID NOT THINK THIS WAS CUTE ANYMORE . D AND I BOTH PANICKED)

The cowboy asked for milk and we brought him into our bed.

(RED FLAG WENT UNNOTICED: AND WE THOUGHT BRINGING HIM INTO OUR BED AFTER WHAT WAS ESSENTIALLY A 6 HOUR NAP WAS A GOOD IDEA?)

The cowboy jumped and played and got on both of our nerves until I got up and sent him back to bed... minus the Tarrytown crew.

Do you know what the child did? He spent the entire evening going between cat napping and yelling for those damn planes. Until 3:30 am... "JAY JAY? BIG JAKE! TRACY! HURKY! I WANT MY JAY JAY!"

Finally, I noticed the RED FLAGS. It was time to take action. I TRUDGED INTO HIS ROOM, FLICKED ON THE LIGHT, AND LIED TO MY SON.

"Jay Jay and his pals are at the Island of Sodor with Thomas. If you do not go to bed RIGHT NOW, there will be no Jay Jay's or Thomas tomorrow. GOT IT?"

His response... " Bamas? BAMAS? I WANT BAMAS!! (TRANSLATION: "Thomas? THOMAS? I WANT THOMAS!")

I take full responsibility for this one. I should have seen it coming. But, NOOOO... I tried to let go. I think I just chose the wrong thing to let go of! I AM OFF TO TAKE A NAP.

Yarn P*rn Monday

2006-01-23T19:41:00.000-05:00

SP7gift1
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Anyone need a pick me up at the start of another long week?
I propose we start YARN P*RN MONDAY. Motto: Show Us Your Stash!
Who is in? Check out Aloha and Oreos... she has the idea! I am envious of that sock yarn stash.

Speaking of yarn p*rn...

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU to my SP7! Two GORGEOUS skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock arrived at my door today. (Don't worry.... I opened the package from Yarnbow and fished out the yarn and nothing else. I have no idea who you are... but I really, really like you!)I could not have chose better (that is the colorway I always am looking at!)

This SP7 thing rocks... who wouldn't love a thought ful gift from a fellow Knitter to arrive at your door.

Here is my Brooklyn Handspun.

Pretty amazing, huh? Show Marie some love and visit her site: Brooklyn Handspun Yarn . She has more for sale!

So about thsi YARN P*RN MONDAY thing.... who is in?

This Just Crossed my Mind...

2006-01-23T14:30:00.000-05:00

Just looking at the last picture I posted...
i wonder what is whiter? The text box/ border of the picture or MY LEG?
Damn winter!

Happy Monday... Here is Your Sock P*orn

2006-01-23T11:31:00.000-05:00

cablesox
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

They are done and I love them.
Again, I bow to Julia of Knitterlythings ability to dye some kick A** yarn.
A pleasure to knit with and even more of a pleasure to wear.
Glad to report that the cowboy was well enough to go to the sitter. Yahoo! I do not need to jump out of my 3rd floor window after all. I was seriously thinking about it with all the night waking and snot blowing!
Back to work I must go. I haven't gotten jack done in a week..... UGH!

Deep Thoughts by Mama-E

2006-01-19T11:20:00.000-05:00

Greetings from the land of sick! You know that magical place of runny noses, congestion, body aches, grumpy children, and utter chaos. Oh how I love thee. You are not a great place to visit, and I sure am tired of living there!

Yes, the cowboy apprently has the flu. Sucks lots, I tell ya! I am making a lot of head way on the Rockin Cabled sox though. He is glued to Disney channel/PBS/Nogin and I am in the chair knitting and wiping noses/bum bums/tears. (I do put the knitting away when the wiping starts.... ewwww.....)

What the hell did parents do without constant hours of children's television programming and DVD/VHS movies? Drink and smoke I think. I vote that a Pall Mall and a manhattan took the edge off pre-electronic babysitter. I am glad that I have the Doodle bops/Little Einsteins/Elmo/Calliou to help me through this. I can't start smoking again.... I quit a while ago. And the drinking thing would make it really hard to knit.

This little magical world of sick has made me appreciate my blog and YOUR BLOGS soooo much more. (OK- side bar- I never put so many damn o's on to the ends of the word "SO" before I started writing about my yarn addiction. Come to think of it... I use the word "yummy" a lot now too. hmmm...) I love that I feel connected to all of you that I either a) know personally or b) have started making connections with through the powerful world of the cyber Knitter.

Sometimes it feels like I am back in art school... I feel like I am beginning to be a part of a community with a common goal. The goal is to create. (I think this is why the SNB groups have really taken off over the globe.)I really missed that over the years. I feel pushed to make stuff and to get better at my craft. I want to spin and dye and knit new and interesting things until (heaven forbid!) my hands can't do it anymore.

So, this sleep deprived Mama-E sends a big thanks to all of you out there. My new friends to the north, the southwest, the big apple, and right here at home in charm city.... I love reading your stuff. I really gets me through living in the land of sick.

New YUMMY Yarns from Brooklyn Handspun

2006-01-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all....
Check these out (sorry to inform you the BEAUTIFUL one on the far left is MINE!)

Marie has dyed some beautiful sock yarn. I know.... more yarn....

My Vesper socks are 1/2 done..... they are so comfy and pretty. Perfect for early spring.
I will post pics later.
Check out Marie's yarns. They are FANTASTIC!

Weekend Update

2006-01-15T20:43:00.000-05:00

tinycables
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

This has turned out to be a very lovely weekend. Wasn't all work for us and we got some down time to watch playoff games and eat bad things. I got a chance to cast on the Knit and Tonic Vesper, too.
Little known fact about Mama-E. She really likes football. Even though the teams that I would normally root for are out (Ravens, Eagles), there is somethng really exhilarating about playoff football. Maybe is ha something to do with my dad... he played pro ball years and years ago for the Eagles... I don't know. I just know that I like it.(Sure was glad to hear Scout is a football watcher, too!)

So... I cast on the Vesper to make a YO cable pair of sox. Mama-E's Rockin' Cable Sox are in the works. I still want to know about this 2 sox at one time bit. Feel free to offer advice in this area. I feel like a dope 'cause i am mystified by the short row toe. I am a toe up convert, I think.

Her is D modeling the Papasox. He is really happy with them. I am glad that they are done! Don't say i never FINISHED knitting you something! The blanket will get done eventually or you will get a new one. Promise.

Here is a great shot of the cowboy in D's shoes. he is oh so fashionable. He insists on wearing daddy's shoes whenever he can. He never ceases to surprise me.
There is still one thing on top of all of this goodness... Ginga came over for lunch on Saturday. It was so nice to see her. The cowboy is in love with his "AUNT GIN". It is really nice when your friends and your kid like each other. Thanks for coming over sister!

10 Things I Know for Sure.... a MEME

2006-01-14T23:19:00.000-05:00

Yes everyone... a MEME. What are 10 things you know for sure?

There are a 10 things that I know for sure.....

1. A sock is much easier knit from the toe up with a short row toe. Why have I not tried this before?

2. Vesper sock yarn is soooo yummy... I am ruined for most other yarns... for now anyway.

3. When you start knitted gifts for your husband, you should finish them in a timely manner (see X-mas gift from 2004). The papasox have made D. a happy man.

4. Retainers are damn hard to find. I am an adult with braces and loose that damn thing at least once a day.. (I don't know where i is now!) So parents... be easy on your orthodondia-laiden offspring.... If I can't find my midevil torture device and I am in my 30's...they can't help but misplace theirs on occaision.

5. Ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery is yummy.

6. A 2 year-old can make you very, very tired.

7. Being very, very tired beacuse of your 2 year-old is worth it.

8. Having an organized home helps my brain to not hurt.

9. Cheap, aluminum needles suck. They make my hands hurt.

10. Sometimes, when you are alone, you should blast a song (mine is They Might Be Giants "Ana NG") and dance around your house. One feels much better after a solitary romp to some 80's music.

Tag everyone.... YOUR IT!

Oh VESPER! My Love for You Will Never Die!

2006-01-13T20:47:00.000-05:00

Special deliveries
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

I went out for a wee bit this afternoon to pick up an new tablecloth as a reward for my table that has stayed uncluttered for the better portion of this week. She deserves a pretty party dress, don't you think?
I was off to get the cloth and the cowboy. I got the cloth (on sale! FYI Bed Bath and Beyond has it's January white sale on. ) I digress.... OK so I get the cloth and pick up the cowboy. He is in a VERY good mood because his Mama-E remembered to bring the colorful goldfish crackers that are his latest food obsession. He chirps away (and does not scream at me once) on the way home. I didn't think the day could get any better.
Lo and BEHOLD...it does!I open my storm door to find 2 packages for ME. My travel guide and my VESPER.
.
OK.... I am in heaven. Perfect sock yarn heaven. This stuff is sooooo amazing. I am sitting and pawing and drooling over the stuff. I am trying my best to remember that one skein is a gift.... but I love them. How can I give one away? I see what everyone was talking about even before I cast it on.
All hail Julia, the yarn dyeing queen!

One small Step for Mama-E, One Giant Step for Organization

2006-01-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

kitchen
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Here is my 1940's Chambers stove. She is a pretty stove. Kind of like Lucille Ball. Shiny with a lot of character.
I have not always been kind to her. She, and her sidekicks the Counter sisters, have been subjected to being piled up on, cluttered to the point there was no room to cook, and downright caked with last night's spaghetti sauce splatters.
My 2006 mantra hails true, "I am an organized person."

And, as further proof of the power of positive thinking, see my former corner that never got any attention and was piled up with crap. She is now a showpiece of family photos and a place to hold writing implements. Ahhh... the power of clean.

A Little Bit of This, a Little Bit of That...

2006-01-11T10:25:00.000-05:00

I am happy to say that I recived my SP7 match. I have some fun things in mind for them! It is nice to branch out and network with other Knitters.

I am also happy to report that I have 3 skeins of VESPER SOCK yarn coming as we speak! Oooooh.... yummy. Julia is so damn nice! Kpixie will be receiving some shortly. I got mines directly from Julia. Aqua Melon, Midnight Knitter, and Knit and Tonic are all arriving shortly. That is a stash in and of itself.

My wonderful D ;) asked me the cutest thing the other day. He asked me if I preferred ADDI Turbos to other needles. He cares AND he listens to me! I think that may call for an extra pair of socks for him. I am actually finishing up D.'s papasox and will have enough yarn left over to make the cowboy a matching pair. I will post a pic of the two of them wearing them.
I am getting ready to cast on a couple of projects. They are:

Sister Bird's School Spirit Scarf
Mama-E's kimono Sweater
Mama-E's Cabled Rockin' sox

Wish me luck with the cables.

At home on the range:

I have decided that 2006 is the year of organization. Really folks... my brain hurts pretty badly when I think of how disorganized one shoebox -sized rowhome can get. My mantra: "I am an organized person. " D. chuckled a little when I told him.... but... I then proceeded to tell him, by default, that he needed to be an organized person too. I can hear him muttering the mantra under his breath. Why he puts up with me I will never know sometimes.

The cowboy went to Orioles fanfest with D. last Saturday. I can't believe how much of a little boy he is. He truly is a preschooler... VERY independent. Gets that from the Mama. Some would say stubborn... I prefer INDEPENDENT. I am amazed at how amazing he is. I am amazed that I can handle the continuious multi-tasking that is motherhood. And, keep my sanity. Well, the latter part of that statement is still questionable.

Secret Pal Questionnaire

2006-01-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

Hello SP7:
I am so excited to participate! Here is the questionnaire.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
I am a yarn snob. Life is too short to knit with yarn that you don't love.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I am taking a beginning handspinning class in March. I also knit, but do not crochet.
3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I store my needles in a fabric case I made for them (the pattern is from one of the SNB books).
4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned to knit when I was 6. I picked up the sticks again about a year ago. I consider myself an intermediate knitter.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes... Amazon and Froogle.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Vanilla or citrus
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I can also sew. I love art. I love jewelry, but don't make it.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I really love it all. From Collective Soul, Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, REM, They Might Be Giants, Lyle Lovett, Alicia Keyes, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Merchant, 80's New Wave/Punk... SURPRISE ME! I can play MP3's at home and in my Scion.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love color. I love it all! I can't wear yelow by the face... but the feet works! All colors are loved here!
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my husband and son and (because she came with the marriage)cat.
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
No hats (messes with the already unruly hair). All of the rest.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Mountain Colors Bearfoot, Cascade fixation Cotton, Manos del Uraguay, Noro Silk Garden, Kureyon, or Silver Thistle
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Acrylic or novelty
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Socks, socks, socks.... and cables
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks
17. What are you knitting right now?
Socks
18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Either... I have a decent selection of both.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo for straight, aluminum for DPN's and circulars
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Both
22. How did you learn to knit?
My grandmother taught me. She was left handed and sat across from me and did everything in reverse. She was a smart cookie.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Embarassingly enough... it is D's Xmas blanket from 2004. Bad wifey!
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Favorite animal: monkey. Favorite animated character: Anything from Tim Burton movies... Nightmare before Xmas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...Cartman from South Park.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween
26. Is there anything that you collect?
My husband would answer yarn.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None currently.
28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Vesper sock yarn, koigu KPPM,Brooklyn Handspun, Lorna's Laces and Lamb Shepherd Sock, Cherry Tree Hill
29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Knitting 2 socks at one time on circular needles
30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
circumference: 9 length: 10.5 lower calf: 10.5
31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
10/09

BIG Thanks to my Girl CAm

2006-01-05T22:14:00.000-05:00

Well friends....
I have started to overhaul the ol' blog. I have been thinking about sprucing her up for awhile. Let me know what you think of the changes (they are subtle... I know).
My friend CAm gave me some tools to create images, etc. I am DOING MY TUTORIALS slowly. And it seems to be paying off.
Don't get me wrong.. a blogger template is perfectly fine. I actually like my old one. I just want to try to customize as much as possible.
Muchas gracias, CAm!
On the knitting front...
I just had my world rocked by the mention of this book:
Knitters', Crocheters', Weavers' and Spinners' Travel Guide 2006
I ordered it. (Sorry D. I will try not to drive you crazy with stops along the way). I am soooo excited.
I made a hat for the cowboy's little friend, spider. She turns 4 this month and requested the same hat that I made for the cowboy. I will cast on mittens tomorrow.
(D. asked if he would only get one sock because he only got 3/4 of a finished blanket) I will cast on the other sock as soon as her mittens are done.
I got some Cascade Fixation in the mail today (Thanks Wendy for the recommendation). I am going to attempt a mini cabled sock (not tru cables... YO's I think). I will try a bigger pattern for my first attempt at true cabling.
On the parenting front...
The cowboy is making attempts at going on the potty. I have a feeling that we will be all consumed with this process shortly. Any advice from the masses will be considered (did I ever mention that I used to do behavior -mod with kids with autism. It is SO much different with your own child).
And lastly I leave you with this...
As the cowboy and I were driving home from the sitter, and playing and intense game of "I SPY...", I stumbled across the funniest thing that I have seen in awhile. I had to look again to make sure I was actually going to bear witness to this sight once in my life.
You know those scenes in the movies where two people are having a wild, ummm... encounter .... and the woman's husband comes home? The guy always jumps out a window in not much other than... oh... a pair of socks and maybe... ummm, let's see... a trash bag to cover up with.
Yeah... that's right. I saw a guy walking down the street in athletic socks and a trash bag. Not running... walking when it is 30 degrees out and starting to rain. I am very lucky that I did not get into an accident when the trash bag blew off his... ummm...BUM BUM.

The Sour Puss

2006-01-03T14:32:00.000-05:00

sourpuss
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Before I had a child I believed in the nurture part of the Nature vs. Nurture debate. I believed that we are more proned to learning behavior (including mannerisms) than being born wih a personality that is pretty rounded.
When D. and I started dating, some of his college buddies (especially Rocket Girl) talked to me about the "sourpuss". D has this doubting look of disapproval sometimes. He has no idea he is doing it unless you call him on it.
Well... so does the cowboy. He has given me this look so many times in the last 2 years. He started giving me this look when he was only weeks old and will continue looking at me this way when he is a grown man. (I do know that for a fact).
Here's to nature, kid! I am glad that you have your Daddy's wicked sense of humor and kindness to round it all out.

A Simple Question...

2006-01-01T23:39:00.000-05:00

Is it me, or....
does being called "crafty" send chills up anyone else's spine? Knitter... yarn hoarder... obsessive stash builder... they all work for me.
Crafty? Crafty denotes making things to cover things that a) should not have a cover (toilet paper, tissue boxes), b) get given as gifts that go right to the top of the closet never to be seen again or are given as gag gifts at a white elephant gift exchange, and c) get made out of materials that probably never had a natural start to any bit of it.
Is it being a snob? Is it wanting too much to be seen as an aspiring fiber artist? or simply "creative" ....Just throwing it out there....

Mama Got Her Groove Back!

2005-12-28T23:42:00.000-05:00

papasox
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

So...here is the start of D's Papasox. I am so happy that my finger has healed enough to knit. Well... I never stopped knitting... I just knit INCREDIBLY slow. PAINFULLY slow.
At least that is improving.
I am happy to report that the cowboy had a pretty good holiday. He got LOTS of stuff, and I have reorganized our living space to accomodate.
D wa sincredibly sick on Christmas Day and actually spent the whole day alone in a hotel room. The cowboy got the bug right on schedule. I am praying that I am not next. We are off to the Garden State again this weekend to visit with my brother from the southwest. The cowboy is also excited to go to "Mammie and Grump-Grump"'s house. (He named them that... and I am sooo proud of him).
Off to knit to Project Runway!

Is IT Over Yet?

2005-12-23T21:50:00.000-05:00

finger
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

So... I have strep. I feel like crap all day and actually try to spend some time with the cowboy when he comes home from the sitter.
We have a fine time playing with his "bomas da blue nain" (Thomas the Blue Train). We went down to dinner. All was well, D had arrived home from the market with a precooked meal, we were excited for Festivus (D and I got engaged on December 23rd, aka Festivus).
The boy made a gurgling sound and puked. D and I went into high gear. Me on clean up detail and D on bath duty. We have been through this detail before, and we have the drill down.
The boy comes back to the high chair and actually asked to eat. OK... have a little juice and goldfish. (Side note: the cowboy's first real sponatneous sentence, "I love goldfish.")
So goldfish we are eating. D and I ate our rotisserie turkey. The cowboy asks for "OHNINGE CHEESE". I pull out the block of cracker barrel. I take a steak knife to the cheese, miss, and gash my finger. Blood everywhere. The knife lands on the cowboy's highchair tray. D whisks the knife away and I start to inspect my wound.
Not good. Not deep, but, not good.
I start to clean and dress the wound like the Red Cross taught me. (Did I ever mention that I am a first aid/ CPR instructor for the Red Cross?)
What is my first thought?
"I sure am glad that I finished CAm's sox yesterday."
Second thought?
"Damn, I will have to wait to knit D's sox... oh ... I CAN"T KNIT!"
What will I do for the 3 hour ride to NJ tomorrow or the way back?
I am a sad puppy on this Festivus Eve... hopefully... I will be able to pick up the sticks in a few days.
Happy holidays to all... knit a row for me!

The Obsessed Sock Novice Has a Question

2005-12-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

Ok cyberKnitters...
I have a question. I am obsessed with knitting socks and have gotten my hands on a lot of GORGEOUS wool sock yarns to play with. Now, I am interested in cotton socks for spring. Anyone out there have any suggestions on cotton sock yarns? Opinions, resources, places to buy are appreciated!
Thanks!

Ridin' that Train....

2005-12-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

cowboytrain, originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Well... after bribes of M&M's, playing on an indoor playground, and fast food... we got this holiday shot. (Did I mention that he ran out of the mall photo place and made a beeline towards the ecsalator?)
He would not get off the train, so I knew, we would get a shot. I even think this was the first one taken.
Now... the trek to the Garden State. Oh the comforts of home, I mean, the Courtyard by Marriott! Every year a hotel for X-mas eve... I hope the cowboy likes this idea (who wouldn't want to swim on X-mas morning?)
I have some sort of sinus/throat ailment. Got the Z-pak this morning. Always something!
I am almost finished with Mama-E's Rockin Sox III: en fuego! Good thing since they are an X-mas present!
Happy holidays to all... and to all a stiff drink!
(Yes... in case you were wondering... he is wearing Cowboy's Rollneck. Now...it is documented for prosperity!)

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

2005-12-19T22:19:00.000-05:00

For the record.... SOCKS are not a crappy gift if they are handmade (or are novelty like my sushi socks!)

You Are Socks!

Cozy and warm... but easily lost.
You make a good puppet.

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

What Type of Food Are You?

2005-12-19T08:35:00.000-05:00

I love a cheesy nacho....

You Are Mexican Food

Spicy yet dependable.
You pull punches, but people still love you.

What Kind of Food Are You?

Mama-E's Rockin Sox II

2005-12-18T19:28:00.000-05:00

rockinsoxII
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Here they are... grafted toes and woven ends! They are really comfy on a cold winter day!

The Big Picture

2005-12-16T09:48:00.000-05:00

So... I was in the Trader Joe's the other day. I was buying some lunch and nuts to make these glazed spicy nuts for holiday giving.
My arms are loaded down with stuff as I stood in line. Before me there was a group of ladies, one who was in a wheelchair and looked to be not much older than I am. She looked like she was in the 30-something to forty something-ish category. There was a woman pushing the chair and a woman paying for their sundries.
The woman in the wheelchair turned around and greeted me. I said "hi" or the equivelent polite greeting. She slowly stated her name was Wendy and asked me mine.
I told her my name was Erin and said I was happy to meet her.
She then said, more slowly but more clearly, "Bet you want to know why I am in this wheelchair."
I suddenly thought,"Did my face give it away?" I pretty much lay all of my thoughts on the line from my facial expressions. That's why games like bullsh*t or poker do not appeal to me.
I asked her why she was in a wheelchair.
"I have MS". I stopped... maybe a second.
"How are you hanging in there?" I ask.
Her reply.... "I am doing great."
I said that I was glad to hear it, my step-mom has a good friend who was recently diagnosed, and that she was planning on doing the 3 day walk in September in Boston.
Wendy said, "You know... it's not such a bad life."
I told Wendy that I was so very glad to meet her.
In that moment, and subsequent moment's in reading MC's accounts of her beloved friend's passing, I am starting to get a glimpse of the big picture. That is the best holiday gift I could ever receive.

Happy Holidays to All...

2005-12-11T09:14:00.000-05:00

mame snata, originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Well... can't always have the classic photo with santa....

Scout's Knitting Meme: Tag Your It!

2005-12-10T15:45:00.000-05:00

meme1, originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Here is the prime knitting spot in my household. Only problem is... it is D.'s man-chair that we got for his first father's day. It is supposed to be his refuge... and now I knit in it. I think we have to change things around.
We only have 1 television in my shoe-box sized row home... and lots of nights D. works late. He is a saint and never complains. I try to at least get out of it when we are together.
This room also doubles as the family/play room and my home office. You would think it is VERY big... but, no! It is roughly 11x25. Did I mention that it is also the guest room if someone stays over?:)
Thanks, Scout! Ginga and Jacqui... you're it!

k2tog

2005-12-09T09:51:00.001-05:00

Ginga came over last night for the monthly k2tog and some chili dinner.( CAm was unable to make it.... long days at work coupled with the threat of snow... she was missed!)
The knit together was very nice. I kept the cowboy up so he could see Ginga... he loves her and she loves him. It's nice when your kid loves your friends as much as you do! Makes for pretty pleasant evenings.
The cowboy sang us some very loud, umm. I mean BEAUTIFUL, and creative songs with his little tykes keyboard/microphone contraption. I swear he is a musician. He has a snare drum and some percussion instruments... I am surprised he did not call to strike up the band with Ginga.
He finally went to bed and we knit.
Ginga is working on the most beautiful chevron patterned scarf out of Manos... I LOVE MANOS. Seeing the scarf made me want more... I will restrain myself for now. I have sock brain.
"Mama-E's Rockin Sox II" are living up to their name. I would post a picture of the progress up to the shaping of the toe... but my feet are severely in need of a pedicure and I would hate to scare off any readers by looking at them. I will post the finished version. Toes covered and scariness avoided.
After that... I will knit more socks. i am going to attempt the knitting 2 socks at one time on the circular needles technique. Wish me luck! Anyone who has mastered this technique has stated how really easy it is. Let me know any pointers! I am always open to suggestions.
I have signed up for SP7... I am sooo excited. I am always looking forward to connecting with other Knitters and fiber lovers. I can't wait!!
Well... believe it or not... I don't sit and knit and blog all day. I have a day job to attend to. (I wish that was sitting and knitting and blogging all day!) Off to the salt mine...
Thanks for coming over Ginga! We love you so much!

The Rockin' Sox Tragedy

2005-12-06T14:27:00.000-05:00

I SWEAR I followed the pattern. I thought that everything was going swimmingly. I tried on sock #1... I thought there was no problem. I was so excited. I finish sock #2... big problems. The heels don't line up with my heels. They slip off when I walk... bad sock creation #1 is under my belt. (They are warm to sleep in)
I liked the yarn a lot. I used some stuff called On-Line. It's German. I have another skein. I will try again with that stuff later.
I am trying another pattern. One from "The Purl Stitch". It makes it all sound very easy. I took the time to swatch and find my gauge. I have the right sized needles and cast-on the right amount of stitches. We will see how "Mama-E's Rockin' Sox II" turn out. This is my new quest. To knit socks that fit.
That aside... I am preparing for the impending trip to NJ for X-Mas. Looses it's appeal when you spend X-Mas Eve sleeping at the Courtyard. I hope the cowboy sleeps... sometimes, in hotels, he climbs out of the crappy port-a-crib until D. and I almost loose our brains. Then, the cowboy passes out from exhaustion. Merry, Christmas to us!
I like seeing my family. My brother and sister-in-law are flying home from the southwest for New Years (another stay at the courtyard... or the holiday Inn???). I will be goodd to see them. I have not seen my brother since my dad's funeral in 2003. Too long.
I think I am going to knit him a guitar strap made from Noro kureyon. I will felt it. That should be nice. Amy should get a knit wristlet with the oriental brocade lining.
Off to the bad post office to get more yarn..... I think I may wear sunglasses and a big hat. They don't like me much these days.

Happy Deliveries.... bad postman!! (part II)

2005-12-04T18:40:00.000-05:00

goodyarngirls
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Today was my day to teach First Aid/CPR for work. Sundays are tough! We do one Sunday every couple of months... I am so glad it's over.
The cowboy and D. got to spend the entire day together. Apparently, by the size of D.'s headache and the amount of Advil he took... things were a little off with the boy. Poor D. Poor cowboy.
I, on the other hand, got a Sunday Happy Delivery! Whoever the bad mailman (I am still wishing inclement weather on him!) delivered my yarn to was NICE ENOUGH to drop it off in my door! The girls are home, people! Now... I will have 4 extra skeins of the Debbie Bliss cotton angora... but who cares?! My girls are not being neglected in limbo-land! (All that rescue breathing has gone to my head!)
Good thing to come to. Not better than D. and the cowboy, though.

Happy Deliveries.... bad postman!

2005-12-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

swift
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

My darling D. bought me this as a surprise. My very own yarn swift! Isn't she beautiful? Good thing that I went to my LYS today and bought new yarn that needed to be wound on a swift! This is today's happy delivery.
I sypmathyze with Wendy from Knit and Tonic about her postal mishaps. My regular mailman was away for 2 weeks and the bad mailman came and mis-deliverd... OF ALL THINGS... the yarn I needed for my kyoto kimono pattern. HE LOST MY YARN AND SAID HE DELIVERED IT To MY HOUSE. On the delivery date in question... I was home. All day. The day before Thanksgiving...I was pretty traumatized that I had to track down 4 more skeins in the same dye lot. I have them on their way.... and my saint of a mailman is back. I just have to put the whole incident behind me. Bad, bad mailman! May dogs bark at you and may you deliver in the rain and snow for always!

I was so traumatized that I bought this...

And started these...

And topped it off by buying a Rebecca Mag.

So much for the yarn diet....

Mama-E's No Fingers "Hot Tamale" Glove

2005-11-30T21:54:00.000-05:00

glove
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Here they are. Made with Bernat's Sox yarn in Hot Tamale color. I am surprised at how incredibly easy (and quick!) they knit up. On US 3 DPN's : cast on 52 stitches... work in a 2x2 rib for 2 inches. Switch to stickinette for 3 inches or so... cast off 8 stitches for thumb hole... work in straight rows for 4 rows (knit one row, purl the next). At thumb hole cast on 4 stitches to rejoin the round... knit for 3/4 inch...switch back to 2x2 rib for 1 inch... cast off.
Voila! Mama-E's No Fingers Hot Tamale Gloves! (Great for keeping hands warm while fastening car seats and such!)

School's Out for the Winter

2005-11-29T19:37:00.000-05:00

school
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Today was the cowboy's last day at his mom and me preschool program.He made great strides this semester. We went from back arching/blood curdling screams when it was time to clean up the Legos.. to putting them away with a small protest. He loved the activities with music... hated anything stationary. (Did I mention that he only is still for a video.. maybe). He said "bye-bye school" and went on about his day. I was pretty proud of him. We are off until April. I think I may try to locate a mom and me yoga group.
On the knitting front...
I am making fingerless gloves for moi. I am 3/4 of the way through glove one (hoping I did the calculation on the yarn yardage correctly). I will post pics when they are done.
I am off to enjoy a tall steaming mug of Fragelico flavored coffee with a jigger (or two) of Bailey's liquer. YUM!

Mittens....Rollneck Sweaters.... Thanksgiving... Yada, yada...

2005-11-27T22:24:00.000-05:00

goodrollneck
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Here is the picture of the cowboy's roll neck sweater. I finished it way before I thought I would. I would post a picture of him wearing it... but it makes him cry. He promptly said "no, NO!" when I tried to get him to wear it. Takes the thunder out of knitting for him a little.
He actually wore it on Saturday and only tried to take it off a couple of times (mean mommy would not let him)He'll get used to it.
I still am very proud of it.
Thanksgiving was nice. Always good to see D.'s family. The cowboy was a trooper with his cold. He speant the entire day in a house made of beautiful glass things and expensive native american art and did not break a thing. I was very tired at the end of the day. No rest for the weary. At least the cowboy didn't throw up like he did at Passover.
I speant the better protion of the holiday weekend hanging in the house with the family and perusing on-line yarn deals (so obsessed with sock yarn). I also knit the cowboy his mittens I have been trying to get around to. here they are.

It's back to work tomorrow.. oh.. and a filling at the dentist. Yea, Monday, YEA!

What John Cusak Movie are You?

2005-11-25T21:33:00.000-05:00

Ok... how scary is it that my life is like "Being John Malcovich"?

Your Life is Like

Being John Malkovich
What John Cusack movie are you?

Hula Wings and Such

2005-11-23T14:48:00.000-05:00

Picture149_17Nov05
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Here is a pic of the cowboy in a grass skirt and butterfly wings.
He was dressed up with his friend Charlotte running around the house pretending that they were butterflies... he loved it.
Think he will love this picture when he is 16?

Embracing the Experience

2005-11-21T20:12:00.000-05:00

elephantpic
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

I love this picture.. I was 9 and riding an elephant at the Bronx Zoo.( My dad and step-mom took me very cool places when I was a kid.)
I love the expression on my face and my hands up embracing the experience. I remember being like that as a kid. Life was NEVER picture perfect (or even sane) when I was a kid. But, I distinctly remember being the type of kid that liked to be creative and embrace new adventures. Somehow I forgot that. Somehow I settled into a ho-hum kinda just gettin' along mentality. A reality of "maybe I'll do something if I can muster up the energy... oh nevermind." Boy, that kinda sucks.
So... as the year closes, I made my fall visit home to be with my sister, brother , and step-mom. I still expect to hear my dad's voice boom "hiya, kid!" from the living room as we arrive. I feel and see and smell him all around me for a couple days. I get to tell "daddy" stories with my family... my family that truly understands my loss because it is their loss. My brother and sister that miss their dad just as much as I miss mine.
My sister finally found the elusive "ELEPHANT PICTURE" (thanks bird!) and I get to carry it home with me. And I tell my family it is the cover to my 35th Birthday party... but... it really is a reminder that I need to reclaim that spirit. The spirit that takes things on and creates and loves with all of their soul. The spririt that is passed from father to daughter. The spirit that honors the father and his memory.
You see, my dad was a man that did. He constantly was doing something. Coaching, working, DJ-ing... something. He laughed loud and often, played hard, forgave readily, and loved big. I am told by those who knew him well that I remind them of him. (I am also told that the cowboy reminds them of him.) I take this as a compliment.
So... as the year ends... I am going to hop up on that elephant and learn to ride again.... and I will definatley embrace the experience.

OOPS! I DID IT AGAIN!

2005-11-16T22:18:00.000-05:00

kyotoBEAUTY
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

I caved. That's right... caved....
I was busting through my stash. I finished the koko kimono for my little friend emma. I knit my holiday stash scarves and clutches (still needing to be assembled)... I finished shawls, my "wrapotis" and started to really make headway on the overdue X-mas blanket for D. (that was last X-mas)...
Then...... I bought a new book. IT ALWAYS STARTS WITH A NEW BOOK!
Style Your Own Kid Knits.... I felt bad that the only knitting I was doing for the cowboy was one winter hat. So... to the LYS I ran to buy some superwash (he is far too goober-y to use cotton yet). On the sticks went this beautiful blue/green roll neck "J CREW" like sweater for the boy. I could've stopped there... I bought a teeny-weeny little bit of inexpensive yarn for a sweater for my boy. A St. Pat's sweater to wear to the yearly gathering with the family. The proud irish mama knits a wee sweater for her son.... yeah, yeah, that's the ticket.
Then... I felt it again. I wanted a sweater for ME. Oh no... I am a lot bigger and like a lot nicer yarn. The cowboy doesn't discriminate from fiber to fiber... his qualifier for his sweater was "BOO". Well at least he got one that is sorta "BOO" ( and I swear it is only blue because he is stuck on Thomas the Tank lately).
I started looking at yarns on eBay. I had a paypal credit for selling some stuff... what better way to spend it? I ended up with a number of Debbie Bliss cotton/angora skeins for the kyoto swater from Karen Stockton.
Mine will be beige with a baby blue stripe....add length at the end too.... Merry Christmas to me. I didn't break the bank or anything..... but... (hangs her head.... ) I bought yarn.
My name is Mama-E... and I am a yarn addict....

Little Emma's Koko Kimono

2005-11-16T22:16:00.000-05:00

IM001484
Originally uploaded by Mama-E.

Here is the finished Emma's Koko Kimono! I am so proud of it. I actually changed the closures to buttons and resized it all by myself. The gauge is right on and consistent. I hope I can post a pic of her wearing it soon!

Five Idiosyncracies...I luv A Ginga

2005-11-06T19:30:00.000-05:00

Ginga posted her 5 idiosyncracies on Roomination and passed the challenge on to me... so... here goes:

1. I have a hard time accepting parenting advice from folks without children. Yes there are times I give in to the cowboy and he eats 5 packs of Elmo snacks in a row so I can get a business call done. Yes there are times we eat McDonald's... and yes I did see SUPERSIZE ME.

2. I still have a New Jersey accent (try as hard as I do to deny it.) I can hear it in the cowboy when he asks for more (MOH) of something. You can take the girl out of Jersey....

3. I frequently have dreams about being freinds with famous people.... Lyle Lovett and Oprah are very close friends of mine in the dreamstate.

4. I like reality television. Boy am I stuck with watching anything remotely voyeristic. I love to watch the Donald.... (it is when I say this that I turn extremely red and hang my head. i swear that I am a reasonably intelligent person)

5. I am queasy around nature... well... bugs and camping scare me pretty bad. I am against sleeping in a tent and find mountainbiking very unappealing.

Thanks Ginga!!!

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