Oh Joy!

I've done it! My sock pattern is posted on my new pattern blog. Rather ambitious, don't you think? I had so much fun creating this pattern, I'm hoping I'll have lots more in the future. For once I actually wrote down what I did rather than winging it and making a one-of-a-kind.

My socks are called Twitterpated, a word I first heard in the Disney cartoon, Bambi. It seemed right. I even looked it up and was surprised to find it in the dictionary. But it does define how I feel about these socks. Yeah well, we all have our little quirks.


What better time than now to give back to a wonderful group of people who are so giving. Which brings me, once again, to thanking everyone in the blog community and on the internet who give throughout the year. We inspire, share ideas, our creations and passions. And some days, no matter how rough it's been, I can count on reading something funny and forgetting my worries, even if briefly. We stick together through the highs and the lows, the good and bad, and continue to connect through common interests.

And now a little about my latest aquisitions. I finally received my copy of Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts. Lovely, lovely. I may not attempt every project in this book, but there are plenty to choose from.

MaryJane's Stitching Room is another book I just love. So many wonderful things in this one too.

Pretty Little Pincushions. The title says it all. I've already started a couple of these.


From my sister, a pre-Christmas gift, The Harmony Guides 300 Crochet Stitches.

Lace Style. Perfect. So many things I want to make from this one.

And finally, from my daughter, Subversive Cross Stitch. With her special requests for what she wants from this book. Some of those are done too.

Normally, I'd post pictures of my books, but I didn't have time to do that, and besides, you get a better idea from the links. But I will have pics of my finished projects after the holidays. Maybe before.

Needless to say, these projects will keep me very busy for a while. Or will these books just join my ever expanding library and increase my dusting duties? Who knows.

I Have Learned... Part II

1) To back away when I don’t “feel it” anymore (Blogging, crafting, etc.).
2) I really love knitting socks (but I knew that anyway).
3) My mind and body can’t handle 1 & 4 am feedings anymore (more on this below).
4) Swiffer WetMop leaves a dull film on my new floor.
5) “Speed Checked By Radar” is real.
6) I really dislike the frenetic holiday madness (but I already knew that too).
7) I can ruin a toaster oven by turning it to ‘Oven’ instead of ‘Off’.
8) I love bamboo knitting needles.
9) Hand sewing ain’t so bad after all.
10) My daughter is more brilliant than a diamond!

So.... I'm minding my own business, or lack of, pondering my inability to knit, sew, craft or do anything creative. Suddenly my sister tells me about 2 abandoned kittens in the yard. She's frantic... I know this means trouble. We put them in a safe place, waited for the mommy to retrieve them, but to no avail.


These beautiful babies were about 2 or 3 weeks old. Very cold and hungry. While I've had indoor cat companions for the past 15 years or so, I had no idea about the care of baby kitties. Research, contact animal rescue agencies, disappointmemt at the lack of available help... PANIC!!!

About 3 weeks old.

Long story short, or longer, we ended up having to keep the babies and nurse them to health and growth. Of course, I ended up with the babies 24/7, due to my flexible schedule, with a lot of help from my sister. The first 2 weeks were madness. Constant attention and feeding was needed. Which brings me to the 1 & 4 am feedings. Have you ever bottle fed an animal? It's a most precious experience, but I tell you, for someone who thinks sleeping is a waste of time, I have never felt the need for rest and sleep as much as I did for those first 3 weeks of care.

We built them a 6x6' playpen, since I had to isolate them from my senior cats. Fed, loved, cared for them for 5 weeks. When they started to jump out of the playpen, which was about 3 feet high, it was time for adoption. I found a great agency that took my little ones in. It was an emotional but much needed move. I miss them dearly.

About 8 weeks old.

Speed Checked By Radar... Yes it's true, I was clocked at 86 mph in a 65 zone. Picture depletion of bank account. My first ticket in about 25 years. I hope they take that into account.

And finally, I've written a sock pattern. Yes, yes, I have! The kitties were inspiring (or maybe it was the lack of sleep time and needing something to do). The socks are all knitted and ready, the pattern is checked and double checked. I will post this as soon as I get pictures, hopefully in the next day or two.

I Have Learned...

1. I am not Superwoman. Anymore.
2. Five day work weeks suck the big one.
3. I can let things go and not worry about them so much.
4. I can get so relaxed, I don't give a damn about anything. (without the aid of drugs or alcohol)
5. Chrome coffee carafes make crappy tasting coffee.
6. Time flies much too quickly.
7. Home renovations are a pain in the ass. (but worth it!)
8. White floors are a also a pain in the ass. (not so worth it)
9. Letting go of material things gives me a great feeling.
10. My daughter is a priceless gem!

There's more, but that's quite enough for now.

My Chevron the Sequel is done!. Presented here ends still not weaved in, jelly roll style, because I still don't have the appropriate space to do the blocking.

My Gentlemens Socks are still languishing, but will be done. Eventually.

And up top, my "next sock" yarn. Fleece Artist hand dyed merino. I may start them before I finish the above socks. Who knows.