Knit and Pray

Number 3 Blanket in 2012

2012-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

This big blanket measures approx. 40" in diameter. I used the usual US6 dpn and circulars. The yarns used are Baby Bee Hushabye ombre in the crayon colorway and Plymouth Yarn Dreamland in an off white. I cased off 620 sts on this pretty blanket that will go wait in the box until it's time for donation either to our local Newborns In Need or the Iowa chapter of The Preemie Project.

Pesky Trials And Tribulations

2012-01-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, we've got them here my friends. My dear hubby has been suffering from a dreadful sinus infection and cough for over a month. My youngest is suffering from the same thing and has missed a week of school. I've been diagnosed with diabetes and have been having horrible side effects from the new meds for a week. So a whole new attitude toward foods(which I love to eat and can't) and not feeling very well from the side effects of new meds has left me with a lot of time to deal with my weakness as a human and how swiftly life can change for the worse. It's times like these I think a lot about Job from the Bible. How he endured whatever trials and tribulations were sent his way. We aren't meant to understand or know the reasons why at times but it's so good to have hope in Christ from one moment to the next.
I'm not one to stay depressed but it is a big struggle at times when I physically am in distress. It hurts worse in a way to see Norm and Michael suffering.
I ask that you remember us in your prayers. Thanks!!

Warm Hats For Wee Noggins

2012-01-24T11:24:00.000-08:00

I got this booklet for Christmas and have made a few hats from it already. So many CUTE ideas for those sweet preemies (small up to 2.5 lbs, medium 2.5-4 lbs, and large 4-6 lbs) AND for sizes small-newborn, medium-3-6 months, and large-12 months. Ordered mine from Amazon and am very happy with it. The author Glenna Anderson Muse works here in Springfield and her blog Knitting For The NICU is up on my sidebar. It's all good 'cause it's all for the sweet little noggins:~D

Just A Few Gathered Thoughts

2012-01-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

Found in Catholic Digest January/February 2012:
Let us not paralyze our capacity for good by brooding over our capacity for evil.~David Sarnoff.
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Winter is necessary for us to practice self-denial and the thousand and one small beautiful virtues that one must practice in time of sterility.~St. Padre Pio.
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There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor polite, nor popular-but one must take it because it's right.~Martin Luther King Jr.
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A tree is known by its fruit; a person by their deeds.~St. Basil The Great.
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The reason why we cannot keep our good resolutions is that we count too much on ourselves.~St. John Vianney

Second Blanket Of 2012

2012-01-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

This round blanket measures approx. 37" in diameter. Using US6 dpn and circulars. The yarn is Baby Bee Sweet Delight Baby in the crayons ombre, Baby Bee Sweet Delight Baby in the surfmommy, and Bernat Softee Baby in soft fern. Nice and bright:~D

First One Of The New Year

2012-01-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

This round blanket is approximately 36" in diameter. I used the usual US6 dpn and circulars with Plymouth Yarn Dreamin', and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Baby Sport in pink. This year will be the year of the blanket. There are three more round blankets on the needles and I'm close to finishing another. It's so interesting to see how different yarn makes up different looking blankets. I'm knitting down the stash and oh my, what a stash it turns out to be!

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-03T10:49:00.000-08:00

A PRAYER OF PRAISE
Praise to You, Father
for the innocent eyes of children
for sunlight and flowers and snowfalls
for the muscles of men who build houses
and hospitals and harbors
for the minds of scholars
who unfold the truths of the universe
for the hearts of parents who teach us to love.
We praise You for what we have.
We praise You, too, for those things that
Your wise love has decided
to withhold from us.
What we are and have is from You.
And our grateful response can only
be to share these treasures
with all Your children.
And praise to You, too, Father
for so many brothers and sisters.
Amen.
(from The Catholic Devotional booklet)
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I hope everyone has had a wonderful and blessed Christmas season so far. It's been busy and we've had some sickness but the Christmas tree has been taken down (a stationary bike in it's place), and today is the first day of school and things are starting to have a feeling of being normal again. I get mixed emotions this time of year thinking of all the people who have passed and who may pass, it's so sad to see so many divorces and people who are struggling with the economy and with addictions and those they love with addictions. It so warms my heart to see the many ways people try to help during this season too. I cry tears of joy to hear of people helping strangers with no thought of being paid back. People made in the image and likeness of our God. They are the ones who shine with the light of God. It gives me hope in these trying times. To think that God's light is not completely snuffed out. That faith, hope and charity are still out there in the world so full of everything else.
I've stopped making resolutions but I hope to be able to continue knitting for The Preemie Project and our local Newborns In Need. I'm so sad that my favorite local knit shop has closed and hope that Carol will find more fulfilling work. The focus this year will be blankets so as to reduce more quickly the massive yarn stash. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have the first fo of the year to show. Currently there are two shawlettes and three round blanket on the needles.
I'm hoping to be more productive on the blog as well. There will be less news listened to especially this year of election. God help us!! We should be spending more time in prayer and less watching all the opinions of people who have their own agendas. May Mary's Immaculate Heart conquer at this time. May the Holy Trinity bestow upon us not what we deserve but great mercy. May the scourge of abortion be eradicated and the hearts of stone be turned to flesh again. May the family as God has ordained from the beginning be strengthened and cherished by all. Oh, let this time be a time of great grace and blessing!! Amen.
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A Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-24T13:43:00.000-08:00

A Glimps Of Our Christmas Tree

2011-12-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Silver, gold, white and blue are the colors Eric chose to decorate this year's tree. He's Mr. Christmas at our house and with some help from his friend Cory got the tree up and decorated pretty fast. He has colored lights strung around his room which Michael enjoys just sitting in while admiring the soft lights. There are a few gifts already wrapped by Eric sitting patiently waiting to be opened.
The decorations at the church are just so lovely and the spirit of Love is felt. Come Lord Jesus, come!!!

Kitty In A Basket

2011-12-05T17:45:00.001-08:00

Bobby thought the basket we had out to put strips of paper in for every prayer or good deed for baby Jesus to lay upon was good enough for his bed. He sure is a cute kitty loaf;~)
We are almost half way through Advent. So far this is how many strips of paper we have. I hope we can more than double this amount before we celebrate Jesus' birthday.

19 Years And Counting

2011-11-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

Here's my dear hubby wearing the vest I made for an anniversary gift with love in every stitch. I used Kertzer Northern Worsted in navy tweed(98% acrylic, 2% viscose) and Caron Simply Soft in dark country blue for the border. I used the Lion Brand Unisex Vest pattern. It replaces the one I made years ago using Lion Brand Wool-Ease which the moths made a meal of. The buttons are the same though.
Thanking God for the blessing of this wonderful man!

NOOOOOOO!!!

2011-11-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

After seven years Simply Fibers is closing. It will be sorely missed! It's not like I have about four bins stuffed with yarn or anything;~) Oh well, I guess now I can knit down my stash and not feel guilty about not supporting my local yarn shop. Thanks Carol for a great little shop.

Lego Pride

2011-11-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Michael is so proud of his latest Lego creation I had to share:~D

Hat And Cardigan For A Baby Girl

2011-11-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

Using the James C. Brett pattern and Berrocco Comfort yarn this sweet cardigan will fit 3-6 month old. I just made up a matching hat. The buttons are cute cat heads. Really like how this turned out. It's for a sister-in-laws' first grandchild. It's fun to knit for little girls:~D

My Precious

2011-11-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

Here's Bobby with his precious mouse toy which we fill with a little catnip. It looks like he's thinking, "Don't even think about touching my precious!!". Oh, how he loves this toy!!!

Winning

2011-11-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

I won the latest contest held by The Preemie Project by knitting up the most pumpkin hat/bootie sets! Yea!!! I won a beautiful necklace made by lia sophia, the Alpine Necklace to be exact.
I won't be entering the next contest as I am still working on Norm's vest(the back is done and over half of the left panel) and an unexpected baby sweater and hat that needs to be finished asap. Then all other projects on the needles needs to get finished. I'm still yearning to get started on a cross stitch project too, but first things first.
Enjoyed getting some nice gentle rain yesterday even though I had to get out in it. Did some early Christmas shopping and Norm and I tried a new place that makes Korean food. The soup was good but I didn't much care for anything else though Norm ate well. God help me but I'm more of a Paula Dean kind of gal. Getting to spend time with my dear hubby is the best part of it all:~D

Halloween Donation

2011-11-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

These are the 20 girl & 20 boy micro burial buntings for those 9 oz and less and 1 boy burial bunting fitting 7 lb or less that I donated to a local hospital St. Johns in honor of my baby brother Jimmy Lee Grantham b/d July 1968. I pray these items bring a bit of comfort for those who are grieving.

Thursday At Simply Fibers

2011-11-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I asked Eric if he would play his cello for the ladies who come to crochet and knit on Thursdays. He consented and though not many got to listen to him those who did enjoyed the lovely soothing music. Thanks Eric for making this mother proud:~D

Rutledge Wilson Farm

2011-10-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

A hay ride, turkeys, chickens, sheep, goats, small horses, cows, bunnies, more hay than you can shake a stick at, more things to look at and play on than we could do in one visit. Really nice pumpkin patch, music on the porch, bungee ride, haunted trail, etc. makes this farm a real nice family friendly place to go.

Touring The Cola Plant

2011-10-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Coca-Cola is celebrating 125 years so the local bottling company held an open house 1-4pm today. It was very interesting and loud. The goodie bags and kettle corn treats were fab:~D The boys both liked to get up into the big rig truck as you can tell by their smiles.

Micro Burial Buntings

2011-10-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

These are what I've been and currently am working on. So far I have buttons for 34 evenly split between boy and girl buntings. Just need to make up the hats for a little over half of them. The patterns can be found at The Preemie Project pattern pages.
The top one shows a bonnet but that's the only one I intend to do that way. There are other different buttons and ribbons as well for a little variety. The baseball buttons are my favorite for the boys and the rose buttons are my favorites for the girl buntings.
I'll be very glad when this project is finished. Then I will work on Norm's vest.
Yesterday we got the starter on the pellet stove fixed and have ordered pellets for the year. We are as ready for the cooler weather as we can be. The leaves have been so pretty to look at. It will be sad to see them all go not too long from now.
Today is I LOVE YARN DAY. I certainly have enough of it in the stash!! Lol! It will be interesting to see what knitting will be in store for 2012. Lent is the time I usually knit the burial items but this year I'd like to do something more spiritual since I'm being a sponsor for a lady going through the RCIA(rite of Christian initiation for adults) process.
Yesterday my Grandma Josephine would have been 101 years old! I still miss her.
Hope all is well with you and yours. Can't believe it's been so long between posts! Hoping to get to a pumpkin patch soon.

Hawkeye Blanket

2011-09-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

Using I Love This Yarn in the yellow and black sparkle colorways and the usual US6 dpn and circulars, this blanket measures approx. 33" in diameter. This is in the box to be delivered to The Preemie Project in Iowa.
I'm currently knitting on the burial buntings to be delivered to our local St. Johns Hospital, and on my dear hubby's vest.
This year has gone by so very swiftly so far. I think after I finish Norm's vest and the buntings that I may take the time to just finish up what I have on the needles already and then work on some hats. I'd like to take a bit of time to do one cross stitch project too. The way things are going it may be early next year before I'm through with all those projects;~D

With A Little Shimmer

2011-09-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

Using Plymouth Yarn Dreamin', Red Heart Shimmer, and Bernat Baby Sport; this round blanket measures approx. 38" in diameter. I used the usual US6 dpn and circulars. You may be able to see the little bit of shimmer from the Red Heart. This is a sweet little blanket for some sweet little girl.
*ps. I won the 40% off coupon at Simply Fibers which I promptly took advantage of. Ohhhh the wonderful yarns:~D So I'm stocked up with yarn for a good long while.
*pps. I've got Norm's vest on the needles and have knit up about a dozen burial buntings. I've got buttons for 17 boys and 17 girls burial buntings. Want to get the knitting out of the way before sewing on the buttons.
*** Need to get another round blanket off the needles soon and off to The Preemie Project by mid October.
Goodbye and God Bless until next time:~D

40 Cloths

2011-09-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

In honor of Our Lady's birthday I donated 40 cloths with Ivory soap to our local American Red Cross for their comfort kits.
Also made a donation of several blankets and some baby hats to our local Newborns In Need.
Dropped by Simply Fibers to knit and chat with all the Thursday ladies:~D
Working on some pumpkin hat/bootie sets, some burial buntings, a couple of round blankets and a rectangular one as well. Knitting night and day...very happily thank you:~D

Look Who Turned 7

2011-08-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

And got the Spongebob Lego set that he was specifically wanting. He had the best birthday ever:~D

Monkey Decor

2011-08-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Happy monkey hanging around:~P

My Current Pile Of Cloths

2011-08-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

As soon as I finish with this cone of Peaches & Cream I'll weave in the ends and put these cloths in a baggy with a bar of Ivory soap and donate to the local Red Cross. I haven't stopped to count them yet, I want to be surprised. I may need to purchase a few small balls to get to a number ending in zero:~P
I have a couple of round blankets on the needles as well as a rectangular blanket that I may end up keeping. I finally found a place (fabric.com) that sells the baseball buttons that I like to use on my burial buntings so will be making some of those up too in between working on the blankets. Norman has also requested that I make another vest for him since the moths have eaten into the one I made a few years ago:~(
Daniel began 6th grade and Michael is in 1st. Both are liking it pretty well. Eric has decided to enroll at OTC (Ozarks Technical College) in the spring. He has been fortunate enough to have gotten into the Drury Civic Orchestra on a trial period. Between Daniel and Eric there should be some really nice music in store for us this year:~)
I have felt the Holy Spirit move me to be a sponsor for someone in the RCIA program this year. I entered the Catholic Church in April of 2003. I thought then that I'd like to give back and be a sponsor but life got in the way. Without really thinking about it I have felt the call that this year should be the year. If you are a Catholic in good standing you should prayerfully consider becoming a sponsor for someone entering the Church.
This year has flown by. There is no want of yarn or project to knit on. I suppose when you are happy and busy in knitting for others the time just speeds by. This poor blog doesn't get the attention it deserves but since my dear hubby uses the computer to work from home it isn't as available to work on as it once was. My goal now it to post at least once a month if not more. Since I've been knitting on various projects at the same time the finished projects will not be as frequent. Hope you who visit here will keep stopping by every so often and leave a message;~)

Wish You Could See This In Person

2011-08-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

This latest round blanket measures approx. 35" in diameter. I used the usual US6 dpn and circulars. The middle yarn is Giada Trends Adriafil and has transparent sequins which glitter so nicely. The next three yarns are Cascade Yarns Cherub Aran which is nice and soft for this elegant round blanket in soft spring greens. I'll be entering this blanket in the contest at Simply Fibers being held August 22 through September 17. I might just keep this one for my Grandma's hope chest;~)

The Blanket At The Fair

2011-08-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

This is the round blanket I worked on at the Ozark Empire Fair. I measures approx. 37" in diameter. I used the usual US6 dpn and circulars. I actually broke my nice Addi Turbo circulars at the join after I had about 430 sts on the needles. As in any accident the key is NOT to panic!! I calmly held my breath and gently closed up the blanket and waited until I got home and surveyed the damage. I picked up the stitches with my US7 circulars and only dropped a couple of stitch markers which were recovered. I then went to Simply Fibers to see if they had the correct needles which they didn't but had a larger 60" which I used until I could find the appropriate 40" or there about. Last Tuesday after Daniel's violin lesson we stopped in at A New Yarn and purchased the correct size. Yeah!
I used two skeins of James C. Brett Baby Marble Double Knit yarn (293 yards each)(purchased at Simply Fibers) and Lion Brand Yarn Baby Soft for the border. This makes for a nice pretty blanket which got a lot of nice comments during my time knitting at the fair.

One For The Hawkeyes

2011-08-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Measuring approx. 45"x45" I used US8 and US10 needles. The yarn in the middle part is I Love This Yarn! in yellow and black. The border is I Love This Yarn! in the black Sparkle. I really like how this one turned out. It was sent today along with a few other items to The Preemie Project for their annual Hawkeye donation.

Knitting At The Ozark Empire Fair 2011

2011-08-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Above are Eric's friend Cory (his first time at the fair), Eric and his friend Julia. Next is the amazing woman who sewed my wedding dress (it will be 19 years in November), she is an Historic Clothing Specialist and created the dusty pink dress behind her, Nancy Farris-Thee. It was such a wonderful surprise to see her again!
Next are two new friends Emily and Mary who knit:~D
Here I am knitting on the same kind of round blanket that I had displayed before me. Many nice comments on all the knitting at the table.
Not pictured were the lady doing Hardanger and the other ladies who were making bobbin lace. Wow oh WOW what artists!!!!
After knitting from 11am-3:20pm(it was supposed to be 11-2 but time flew while having fun;~)) it was time to get out in the HOT HEAT and get a BBQ Backyard Burger and some cajun fried mushrooms for Norm and a funnel cake for the other boys. We then braved the growing traffic to take Cory home and get home ourselves to take a cool shower and try to cool off the best we could. Hope you get to go to the fair where you are. It's a lot of fun if it's not too stinkin' HOT!!!

This One Is Square

2011-07-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

It measures approx. 35"x35". Made with Bernat Baby Sport and Bernat Softee Baby and using US6 needles. I used the Grandmother's Favorite cloth pattern in the blue and then picked up the white and knit 20 rows and then bound off and picked up the white all the way around. Nice and simple but it does take a little bit of time to finish.
I'm currently working on some booties to match the hats I've finished. Also on the needles is another blanket using the Grandmother's Favorite cloth pattern only I'm using US8 needles.
Can hardly believe it's the last week of July!!! Tomorrow is the feast day of Sts. Joachim and Anne the parents of Our Lady. I'm hoping to make it to an early Mass as Saint Anne is my patron saint. Not that I'm worthy mind you, but I figure since my paternal grandmother raised me I thought it only natural I should ask my heavenly maternal grandmother to finish the job;~D

Mostly Made Of Donated Yarn

2011-07-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

This round blanket is measuring approx. 37" in diameter. I used the usual US6 dpn and circulars. Except for the Caron Simply Soft the various yarns (mostly cotton and acrylic) are those that have been donated for the cause. It's always interesting to see how these scrap blankets turn out.

Knitting Cool

2011-07-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

So yes, of course there is a round blanket on the needles but there are also medium preemie hats that are cool to knit that are waiting for the matching booties which are also a cool knit since it doesn't sit on the lap. Oh, my dear readers, it is SO HOT that it's hard to have anything sitting on the lap, even lightweight cotton. Yes, the air conditioning is on but so is a fan. I so remember growing up in a house that did not have air conditioning. We had window fans but it only circulated the very hot air. I'm so very thankful for air conditioning!!! I've got some really pretty things on my list of knitting to do.
This year is just flying by!! This week has been busy with company and we have certainly enjoyed them but right now in this hot weather I'd just as soon stay put in front of the fan and knit a little hat or bootie:~D
I'm slowly working on my missing links. It's so hard to even be online with dear hubby working during most of the day (he's taking a lunch break now) and the children wanting their time online too. Thanks for stopping by and hope you are keeping cool!

Pretty In Pastels

2011-07-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Made using James C. Brett Baby Marble Double Knit(100% acrylic, 293 yards)(2 skeins); Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby D. K.(50% acrylic, 50% nylon)yellow; and Lion Brand Yarn Baby Soft(60% acrylic, 40% nylon)pastel pink. It measures approx. 36" in diameter. Used the usual US6 dpn and circulars. Really like how this turned out. Have enough yarn to make another but with a different boarder. Am signed up to knit at the E-Plex at the Ozark Empire Fair on Wednesday, August 3. You might be able to see this in person(if I remember to bring it;~P) and hopefully watch me knit sometime during my three hour shift 11am-2pm.

One Cool Fellow

2011-07-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our #1 son and his new cello playing lawn ornament. Happy 18th birthday Eric! You came 11 weeks early at 1lb 14oz. Your birthday is a very special one in which we celebrate Our Lady Of Carmel. We know you are wrapped under Her mantle.
You are the pioneer child who gets to experience our parenting skills first. There is a gap of about 6 years between you and your next youngest brother and an 11 years gap between your youngest brother and you. You have been the best big brother and have contributed so much joy and happiness to our family. I hope you have a wonderful day and the beginning of an amazing year. Love, Mom:~D

Through My Own Fault!

2011-07-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

I have done a boneheaded thing while fooling around with my template. I've lost all my links but my dear hubby at least got me my previous posts back along with some of his links from his abandoned blog. He will help me later with trying to clean up the mess I made here. Oh, how quickly a mere push of a button can erase so many things!!! Please pray for me!

Daniel's Lego Creations

2011-07-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of a two story house Daniel created. He did a very nice job too:~)

Proud Of His Lego Creation

2011-07-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

Michael says it's a creation based on Super Mario Brothers. OK son if you say so;~)

Going Round Again

2011-07-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

This blanket is made using the usual US6 dpn and circular needles. It measures approx. 36" in diameter. I used Bernat Baby Coordinates in the Candy Baby colorway, Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly baby sport in the soft mint colorway, and Bernat Baby Coordinates in the soft blue colorway.

Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary #2

2011-07-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

(for private use only)

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Pray for our dear country. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Sanctify our clergy. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Make our Catholics more fervent. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Guide and inspire those who govern us. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Cure the sick who confide in thee. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Console the sorrowful who trust in thee. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Help those who invoke thine aid. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Deliver us from all dangers. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Help us to resist temptations. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Obtain for us all we lovingly ask of thee. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Make our family life holy. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Help those who are dear to us. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Bring back to the right road our erring brothers. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Give us back our ancient fervor. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Obtain for us pardon of our manifold sins and offenses. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Bring all men to the feet of thy Divine Child. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Obtain peace for the world.  

Let Us Pray 
O God of infinite goodness and mercy, 
fill our hearts with a great confidence 
in our Most Holy Mother, 
whom we invoke under the title of 
the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 
and grant us by her most powerful intercession 
all the graces, spiritual and temporal, 
which we need.  
Through Christ Our Lord. 
Amen.

Smilin' Boy

2011-07-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Snaggle Tooth Boy

2011-06-30T16:42:00.001-07:00

My Guys

2011-06-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

One For A Girl

2011-06-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

This pink blanket measures approx. 41" in diameter using US6 dpn and circular. Yarn used is Baby Bee Sweet Delight Prints in the kitty colorway. The solid pink is Bernat Baby Sport.

14 Cloths For Warmth For Warriors

2011-06-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Sent these off today. They are accepting 100% cotton cloths until August 31. I intend to make up and send a couple of 100% wool caps before too long.

More Photos Of Artworks 2011

2011-06-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Artworks 2011

2011-06-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

This year Daniel participated in the 29th year of Artworks. It was held at Sequiota Elementary School. He signed up for Hold Everything with Susan E. Rich and Bobble Head Blast with Michelle Mathers. He had a lot of fun for nine days and I believe everyone who went had a great time being creative as you can see by just a fraction of other items pictured. I also had to post some of the amazing artwork on the walls of the school. It's one of the nicest looking schools I've ever seen:~D

Something For Warmth For Warriors

2011-06-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Grandmother's Favorite cloth pattern is what I will be using for these cloths using Peaches & Creme in the Pagentry colorway. I intend to send about a dozen to Warmth For Warriors. They are requesting 100% cotton cloths until August 31. They are also requesting 100% wool caps. I will be sending a couple of those too.
I found out about this group when knitting in public. Another knitter shared her enthusiasm for her cause. It's so cool how things like this work out. There are no coincidences:~D

Something For Newborns In Need

2011-06-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

This round blanket measures approx. 38" in diameter. I used Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly mini dots in Rain Drops colorway, the blue is Lion Brand Yarn Baby Soft in the Bluebell colorway, and the green is Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Baby Sport in the Fresh Green colorway. The usual US6 dpn and circular needles were used.

A Little Bit Of Help For Joplin

2011-06-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

After the terrible event May 22, 2011, of the tornado in Joplin, I bought a little more cotton and knit up 21 cloths and put them with Ivory soap in baggies to donate to our local American Red Cross for their comfort kits. I'm currently working on a round blanket for our local Newborns In Need and have a light blue blanket that is intended for a bereavement blanket that's almost halfway done. So much I want to accomplish but it's just one stitch at a time anyways.
Our family and some friends worked a few days at the Convoy of Hope warehouse (HUGE! 300,000 square feet= seven acres. Reminds one of the warehouse the Ark of the Covenant was hidden in Raiders of the Lost Ark) for a couple of hours for four days. They have open volunteering every Tuesday 6:30-8:30. We may go again but we have other things going on right now. SEAS (Saint Elisabeth Ann Seton) is having their garage sale which ends today.
Michael has summer school and Daniel has a couple of weeks worth of art classes coming up. I will be a busy mom.
There's been an incredible outpouring of kindness for those in Joplin. I hope as the months and years go on we won't forget to, at the very least, send up some prayers for their recovery. We do not journey this life alone. Let us always be of thankful hearts and open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Log Cabin Blanket

2011-05-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Measuring approx. 36"x37" made with various colors of Caron Simply Soft and using US8 knitting needles, I love how each Log Cabin blanket is so unique. Thank you Ann and Kay of Mason-Dixon Knitting for sharing this wonderful pattern.

Bumblebee Blanket

2011-05-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

This round blanket measures approx. 46" in diameter. Made with Caron Simply Soft and using US6 dpn and circular. This one is to go to The Preemie Project in Iowa since it's in their Hawkeye colors. I've got a log cabin blanket started, this time with pastel colors, that I will work on next.

Family Photo

2011-05-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

We were all so glad that Norm's sisters Mary and Paula got to make it to the graduation.

Class of 2011

2011-05-18T05:45:00.000-07:00

Our #1 son is a high school graduate:~D Thanks be to God!!!

Round Blanket In Sorbet Colors

2011-05-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

This pretty blanket is made using (donated) Big Value Baby DK (peach and light yellow), and Loops & Threads Snuggly Wuggly Baby Sport (light green and light pink). I used the usual US6 dpn and circulars. It measures approx. 42" in diameter. Makes me want a dreamcycle;~P
This one will be going to the local Newborns In Need.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

The top photo was taken by my 6 year old and the bottom by my 11 year old. I'm truly blessed by all three of my sons. Thank you God for making me a mommy!!!

Largest Baby Shower On The Planet

2011-05-07T12:55:00.001-07:00

Daniel and I went to our local Newborns In Need as they were having their annual baby shower. We donated some diapers, onesies and a cotton blanket. We bought six tickets to win at least one of the many nice prizes. We had a hot dog and Daniel chose a nice gift for his brother Eric who will be graduating high school in 10 days(amazing how time flies!). I picked up some yarn to work up a blanket and then after having also run a few errands we made it safely back home. I love to go places with Daniel. He's game for just about anything, but he was ready to make it back home too.
Just to note, behind the first picture(smile Daniel)the black plastic is to protect the super cute sewn blankets from getting sticky from the cotton candy machine. If you can I would recommend a tour at your local Newborns In Need. They do such super things for so many of our neighbors. This is a new location for our local chapter now located at 712 West Sunshine in Springfield, Missouri. The web site can be found HERE. It's so exciting to be a part of such a wonderful organization:~D

This One Will Glow In The Dark

2011-04-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

In the middle is Bernat Glow In The Dark blue and green yarn using Grandmother's Favorite cloth pattern. Surrounding this is the Log Cabin pattern in light blue Caron Simply Soft. It measures approx. 38"x38". This is just one of the projects I began last year and need to finish up.

Happy Easter 2011

2011-04-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

He is risen!!! Hallelujah!!!
What's next for knitting? Well, I have about 14 skeins for knitting up some round blankets this summer. I don't want to start on that until June. So, for this last week of April I'm finishing up a blanket I began last year. I also am looking at finishing up a sweater(finally) and another baktus scarf. May will likely be a month of catching up with smaller projects.
I am planning on getting up at 3 am this Friday and watch the royal wedding. An aunt traced our ancestry back to England and so in honor of that; the memory of the late Queen Mother( who sent most gracious regrets when we invited her to our wedding in 1992); the memory of Princess Diana; and just for the plain fun of it all. Will you too be virtually joining in on this happy occasion?

Cotton Blanket For The End Of Lent 2011

2011-04-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Measuring 34"x34" using US7 needles and 100% cotton, this is the end of the Lenten knitting. It uses the Grandmothers Favorite cloth pattern and elements of the log cabin blanket. On with the liturgical season of Easter:~D

Another Cotton Scrap Blanket

2011-04-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

This blanket also measures approx. 45"x45". I used US7 needles and the Grandmothers Favorite cloth pattern without using the yarn overs, increasing to 220 stitches, making good use of more scrap cotton. This will go to our local Newborns In Need.

Another Finished Blanket

2011-04-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

This blanket is made with donated Sirdar Denim Sport Aran yarn 60% acrylic, 25% cotton, and 15% wool. Using US10 needles I co 220 sts and knit 20 rows making 10 ridges and then k1 row and p1 row until I came to the end of the 5th skein. I attached the next skein and then k1 row and p1 row for 10 rows and then knit 20 rows and then bound off. There was not much left of the 6th skein after this. It measures 64" in length and 42" in width. This one will go to Comforts from the Heart, a group that meets up at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and then carpools to The American Legion on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
I've been working on and off on this blanket for some time, so no I'm not an ultra fast knitter. I've decided that since I'm going to have to buy Ivory soaps to go with any cloths I knit up I'm going to stop at 60 cloths and then just make up some more blankets with what cotton yarn I have left over.
Will be sending graduation announcements for #1 son who will graduate high school on May 17. Time has surely flown swiftly!!
I came across my "Life Is Worth Living" book by Fulton J. Sheen. It's an enjoyable read so far.
Hope your Lenten journey is bearing good fruit.

Cotton Scrap Blanket Completed

2011-04-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

This cotton scrap blanket is completed and measures approx. 45"x45". It is going to our local Newborns In Need. It's the basic Grandmother's Favorite pattern without the yarn overs using US7 knitting needles.

Super Michael Mario

2011-03-31T07:43:00.001-07:00

He hasn't played Super Mario Bros. but has seen the Super Mario Bros. cheesy movie. This is his version of being a super Mario brother:~)

57 Cloths And A Scrap Blanket So Far

2011-03-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Yep. We are about half way through Lent and I've cranked out 57 cloths and am about half way through a scrap blanket. Not too shabby.

Live Hummingbird Cam

2011-03-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

I hope the link works here. It is mesmerizing to see these tiny birds. ENJOY!

The Gates of Hell Shall NOT Prevail

2011-03-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

What we need to do is PRAY. HERE is an article worth reading about the situation with Fr. John Corapi.

Knitting For Lent

2011-03-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

So here I am knitting up another cloth for Lent. There are cloths with flowers, a cat, a turtle, a shamrock, a sailboat and others. It keeps it fresh to have a variety of patterns. Hope you are having a productive Lenten season too.

Hopping To It

2011-03-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Made with Lily Sugar'n Cream, using US7 needles and Melissa's Waving Frog Knitted Dishcloth pattern.

Beginning This Lenten Journey

2011-03-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

I will not be playing any computer games. I will be knitting wash cloths for my local American Red Cross. I will be reading more about the saints. So grateful for the many blessings, graces and mercies shown each and every day. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! King of endless glory!!!

Cool Blue and White

2011-03-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

This round blanket measures approx. 36" in diameter. The medium blue is Lion Brand Yarn Baby Soft, the white is Bernat Softee Baby, and the light blue is Lion Brand Yarn Pound of Love. I used the usual US6 dpn and circular needles.
It's getting close to the beginning of Lent and this year I plan on knitting up wash cloths for our local American Red Cross. I've got another round blanket on the needles and a rectangular one as well. I'll probably focus on the rectangular one for now.
March came in like a lamb here so it won't be surprising to have some kind of weather as the month progresses. Trying to count my blessings and not my trials. Thank you God for loving us and giving us the graces to face each trial that comes our way. Amen.

Mellow Yellow Round Blanket

2011-02-21T09:40:00.000-08:00

This round blanket it made with Plymouth Yarn Dreamin' and Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby D.K. for the border. The Dreamin' is white with yellow speckles and the Dreambaby D.K. is a nice creamy light yellow that when I used up all the Dreamin' I used about 2 skeins of the Dreambaby to make 12 ridges for the border. It measures approx. 36" in diameter. I used the usual US6 dpn and circulars. It's a nice light blanket for spring, ahhh, spring!

Diamond Pattern Baby Blanket

2011-02-21T09:05:00.001-08:00

DIAMOND PATTERN BABY BLANKET
Directions are for a baby 3 to 6 months old. It measures about 27"x32". Using US8 needles.
Cast on 119 sts. K8 rows for garter stitch border.

Row 1: K4 for garter st border, place marker, k7, *P1, K7, repeat from * across to last 4 sts, place marker, K4.

Row 2 & All Even Rows: K to marker, sl marker, then K the K sts and P the P sts as they face you across to marker, sl marker, K4.

Row 3: K4, *P1, K5, P1, K1, repeat from * to 7 sts before marker, P1, K5, P1, slip marker, K4.

Row 5: K4, K1, P1, *K3, P1, repeat from * to last st before marker, K1, K4.

Row 7: K4, K2, P1, K1, P1, *K5, P1, K1, P1, repeat from * to 2 sts before marker, K2, K4.

Row 9: K4, K3, *P1, K7, repeat from * across to 4 sts before marker, P1, K3, K4.

Row 11: Repeat row 7.

Row 13: Repeat row 5.

Row 15: Repeat row 3.

Row 16: Repeat row 2.

Repeat these 16 rows for pattern (I repeat another 9 times). K 8 rows. Bind off. If desired, sc around size H crochet hook.

Ps. Sorry I couldn't get in touch with you Emily. Your link doesn't work but I hope you and others can enjoy making these sweet blankets:~)

Baktus Made With Batika

2011-02-11T15:03:00.001-08:00

This Baktus was made using 2 skeins of Batika yarn 100% Polyacryl using size US3 needles. The length is 10" at it's widest point and 54" wide. I'll have to lay off knitting a few days as using the smaller needles has given my left hand a cramp.

White With Pastel Flecks

2011-02-11T14:55:00.001-08:00

They are hard to see in this photo but the pastel flecks are so pretty. I had a partial skein of even bigger flecks and that is seen more easily against the all white border. This round blanket measures approx. 34" in diameter. The middle yarn is Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby D.K. and the border is Cascade Yarns Cherub Collection D.K. It's a nice light blanket for some sweet little boy or girl. With all the white that's outside you'd think I might get sick of white but the sweet pastel colors break up the starkness. Glad we are going to get some warmer temps to see less of the white stuff.

This Time In Blue & Yellow

2011-02-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

This round blanket is made using US6 dpn and circular needles. The middle part is made with two balls of Cascade Yarns Cherub Collection Kaleidoscope D. K., the blue is Cascade Yarns Cherub Collection D. K., the yellow is Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby D. K., and then the Cascade Yarns Cherub Collection D. K. It measures approx. 40" after binding off 600 sts.

Invocation To The Immaculate Heart of Mary

2011-01-23T12:51:00.001-08:00

INVOCATIONS TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
(For private use only.)

Heart of Mary, pray for us,
Heart of Mary, like unto the Heart of Jesus, pray for us,
Heart of Mary, united to the Heart of Jesus, etc.
Heart of Mary, Instrument of the Holy Spirit,
Heart of Mary, Sanctuary of the Divinity,
Heart of Mary, Tabernacle of God Incarnate,
Heart of Mary, always exempt from sin,
Heart of Mary, always full of grace,
Heart of Mary, blessed among all hearts,
Heart of Mary, Illustrious Throne of Glory,
Heart of Mary, Abyss and Prodigy of humility,
Heart of Mary, Glorious Holocaust of Divine Love,
Heart of Mary, nailed to the cross of Jesus,
Heart of Mary, Comfort of the Afflicted,
Heart of Mary, Refuge of Sinners,
Heart of Mary, Hope of the Agonizing,
Heart of Mary, Seat of Mercy.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray
Almighty and eternal God, Who prepared a worthy dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to grant unto us who devoutly keep this commemoration in honor of the same most pure Heart, the grace to order our lives according to Thine own Heart. Through Christ Our Lord. R. Amen.

Filler Knits

2011-01-23T12:40:00.001-08:00

The full size hat/booties are made using Cascade Yarn Fixation and Caron Simply Soft. The Fixation is 98.3% Cotton and 1.7% Elastic. It's a bit fiddly to work with because of the elastic but it looks and feels nice. The pattern is the one I almost always use from Careware, their basic hat pattern.
The bottom hat is a favorite of mine to make. This particular hat is made using Cascade Yarns 128 tweed. LOVE this color. It's a more bulky weight and I used all of one skein and part of another. It's for a friend of Norm's and didn't take long to make up. The pattern can be found here.