The Holidays Are Upon Us!

Where has the time gone? Why am I always surprised when December rolls around?

If you're stuck for ideas, here's a great place to start!! Sew Mama Sew She has thirty days of making things for Christmas. I know we're in a bit already, but there are some great ideas!

Heck, I'm still trying to work off all the yummy food from Thanksgiving and now it's time for Christmas shopping. I'm really looking forward to this year. Hope you are too!! Now to fiqure out who is 'worthy' of those handmade gifts and what the heck to make!! Hmmm. Now where's my naughty/nice list??

Halloween Carnage!!

It's a wee Harry Potter ready and anxious to start the festivities! He's soo cute!





Here is our hero Link guarding the haul and what a great haul it was!! Soooo much candy, holy cow!!(Love the look on his face, "mine I tell ya, MINE!!")



Now for the really scary stuff!! Hubby was EmoBoy and I was a school girl gone bad. I think we love Halloween almost more then the kiddies!!

I actually have been doing some knitting, but not much. I haven't gotten the camera away from my mom in awhile (in case anyone noticed a serious lack of posting, eep). Now I need to get back on the blogging stick! I miss it here! I have been teaching an early morning class for church called seminary. It's a scripture study, this year focusing on Old Testament and it takes me about THREE hours a day to prepare. Seems like that's all I've done lately- study and prepare for class. I have been getting it under control though so time to get back to other things like blogging and knitting (and maybe some laundry and cleaning toilets... Nah)!!!!

OH man! It's Been Far Too Long!!

WOW, have I neglected my poor little blog! Now I know what it feels like to be busy, but whew!

Many new changes have occured around here, not all good. We lost one of family members, our beloved little yorkie, Mindy, a few weeks back. She suddenly had a seizure and never really came back from it. The one good thing was she really never knew what hit her. We loved her dearly, she was sweet, kind and so tiny.

On a more positive note, we added a NEW family member. The stick household now has Suki, a silky terrier (we think). There had been no plans to have a second doggie again, but our dear Suki showed up unannounced, literally bounding into our lives. There is no walking with this little girl, just levels of bounce. I don't think she is much more then a year old and cute as she can be!!

This also bring me to some exciting news!! My KIP group has begun their own team to earn money and run for Wookstock in Oct. It is the yearly HUGE fundraiser for our local Humane Society. I started the team with the small goal of raising $150, I bet we can get there plus some!! You can join us or just see what's going on at Yarn Hounds

There has been a little knitting on some lovely new yarn I purchased from a friend on Etsy! You can find her yarn on Etsy at Yarndale . She uses a lovely wool, nylon blend. It is silky smooth to work with and the colors are deep and rich. I have gotten several compliments from my KIP group. The colors are even more lovely in person, give her a try!!

Happy Birthday Brodi!

I would like to proudly introduce you to my new nephew, Benjamin Brodi. Brodi was born Friday night at 12:30 and weighs 5 lbs, 4 ozs. He is a bit early, but all is well and he will get to come home Tuesday!! (He has had to have a breathing tube due to his earliness) I get to go for a visit in a week!! My sister is doing well also and came home Sunday. He looks so cute and tiny, I can't wait!!

While my sister was in labor, my family and I were doing all the Potter parties! After sending the kids home with hubby, I waited patiently for midnight like every other fan, but learned from experiance to go to Walmart and NOT wait in the huge Borders line (I waited 2 hours to pick up my copy and then pay last time). Sure enough, walked into Walmart, zipped through a super fast line and was in my car within 20 minutes. Walking past Borders, people were sitting on the floor still waiting to get their book. Hubby and I finished reading and still walking around with our jaws hanging open when we think about all that happened! (No worries, no spoilers here).

Now, since the book is read I can get on with some baby knitting. Must.. work.. faster!!

Order of the Phoenix ROCKS!

We got to see it!! We got to see it!! MAN, I know I'm not the first and won't be the last to wonder how the heck they made my least favorite Harry Potter book into, I think, the best movie!?!?" All my family and I could say was "WOW!!"

This is becoming the most exciting month for us geeks! A new Harry Potter movie with the final book nipping on it's heals (I'm part excited, sad and "concerned" about the book). Plus,my favorite RPG mod, Aielund Saga is also coming to it's long awaited finale. (It's a "Neverwinter Nights" mod in case you're wondering)

Of course with the new movie means some fabulous new knitting!!! So many cute scarves and some really awesome new sweaters. DARK school sweaters and check out Hermione's gryffindor hoodie!! I need it! OOOH BOY!!

Um, I really need to lay off the exclamation points. Yike

Best Secret Pal EVER!!

Mangy Ratso has got the be the BEST Secret Pal in the history of Secret Pals!! SP10 has come to a close (signups are getting ready for sp11).

Mangy Ratso (who has still not told me her real name) sent me the most luscious gourmet chocolates from San Francisco- Lemon Verbeana or Pink Peppercorn chocolates anyone? No? Good, 'cause I ate them! She also sent THREE hanks of alpaca to match the chocolates (YUM!!), five hanks of lucsious Classic Elite robin's egg blue cotton (my favorite color, which she knew), one beautiful hank of HER handspun, enough for socks or a scarf AND a nifty booklet on yarn requirements for many projects. SUPER handy for shopping!!


I just stood with my mouth hanging open as all of this fabulousness kept poring out. Thank you so much Mangy Ratso, you are FABULOUS!!!

Happy Birthday America!!

Hope everyone has a great Independance Day!! Keep is safe and sane. (Ugh, those 'mom' words just must be said right?)

Hope your day is full of family, friends and some good bar-b-q!!

In The Pink

These little boxes are kinda addicting!! Once you get the hang of the process, it's pretty fun!! These little puppies can be found to take home for your very own at StickchicShwag Yes, I'm trying to get you to go shopping!! Check out Etsy! You won't be disappointed with all the wonderful artisans there!!

Boxed In

Finally!! I've been working on protypes and finally!!! A finished file folder circular needle case. Designed like a camera case, but stiffer, this little fabric box is custom sized for circular needles. I found little ziploc baggies each circ fits neatly into.Now there should be no more digging for my size in my big box or losing those little plastic things each needle comes in. Also, the little baggies are great for those small things like stitch markers, pompom makers, and row counters. I stuck them in a baggy and there they sit waiting with my needles. Just like a little rolodex, just grab the size divider, pull out the baggy and get whatever needle you're looking for!! Right at your fingertips!!

I have been hoping I'm not the only one that thinks this is a good idea. I've never seen anything like it and I'm hoping that's not because it's crazy. Only one way to find out!!
These two (and hopefully some more), plus some other things, are in my etsy store. The link is over on the sidebar, feel free to use it alllll you want!! What's a little self promotion right? hehe

The Secret is Out!!

It came, it finally came!!! Poor Barb sent my shawl for the International Scarf Exchange 4 awhile ago. It finally arrived yesterday!! (I had to get the camera from my mom, some people!) It is very lovely, in shades of blue (my favs lately). Just perfect to wear with almost anything! It's small enough to take anywhere too, but covers the shoulders just right for those chilly airconditioners. Barb also included two skiens of fun verigated cotton that I haven't seen but will be putting to use!!

Thank you Barb, it's perfect!!!

International Knitting in Public Day

Be sure and celebrate International Knitting in Public Day this Saturday, June 9th!! Do it with some friends, your guild or even alone! Muggles will stare and all will be good in the world!

Knitters Unite!!!!!!!!!

Makin' a Run For It!!

This weekend went zooming by!! I ran in my first ever competitive race and WOW, was it exhilarating!!! I want to do it again!! Wichita has the RiverRun and I participated in the two mile. There is also a 10k for the real runners, but being a newbie, maybe next year (or maybe not). I have been working very hard to get into better shape and have lost 22 pounds so far.

Larissa inspired me with her Nike Run 100 miles. She is a knitter who runs (or is that a runner who knits? Hmmm). Something clicked, I wanted to be running out there too. I haven't really shared this with anyone until today, but it just sounds so right. I mean, it is my blog name and all right? RUNNING with Sticks. It started out being a joke- don't run with pointy objects like your mommy told you. Now it seems to have a whole new meaning, one I want to try to embrace. There are more small races this month and I think I will try them out, see what happens. There was something liberating, exciting, inspiring about running outside as opposed to my treadmill. The cheering, the sun beating on us, the push of the crowd and even the funny number you pin on your shirt. The idea that you are doing something different, special and by some, crazy.

I do realize this was only two miles, but my heart called out for MORE!! My soul leaped as the real runners went by finishing the 10k as we waited our turn to start. It was a siren call and I want to respond. Now if my dang knees will only hush!!! (Did you know knees can sound like rice crispies? Snap, crackle, Pop)

Chinese Take-out

Well, it's only one more bag but this is my favorite. I've been holding onto this fabric, not sure what I wanted to do with it until it finally clicked.I've been really trying to find new things to try in my Etsy shop, but these bags are so fun and keep coming. I have a new idea for a circular needle case, but I'm only starting to develop it. Now if someone would give my bags a new home so I can buy more supplies!!!

Birthday Week!!!

This has got to be the funnest birthday week ever! Presents have been coming in and my birthday isn't until Friday! Sweet!!

This DELICIOUS bag full of baby cashmerino came from my bestest friend Dawn. She is sooo sneaky!! Dawn lives in England and IM'ed me to ask where I like to order yarn for her sis. (Silly me, I know her sis doesn't knit/crochet), but did I catch on? Nope!! A few days later, this most wonderful bag arrived!! Dawn sent all these colors for me to use in the Granny Along, how cool is she?!?! She knows I'm addicted to baby cashmerino (or any cashmerino really) and like the super fabulous friend she is, feeds my yarn habit.

Yesterday, this awesome package arrived from my AWESOME secret pal, Mangy Ratso!! Isn't that the cutest name? She is soo good at being secret, but promised to tell the story of her name. I'm betting it's as great as she is!! The kit is from Pacific Wool and Fiber in Oregon. I have really been wanting to learn to spin. This is such a thoughtful gift! There is an instruction booklet, a drop spool and some silk roving. (I hope I'm using the right words, gotta learn the lingo) Mangy Ratso says the silk spins into a beautiful, translucent yarn. OOOH, ahhh! (She is so sneaky that there was no name on the package, only the invoice. Very sly, this one!!)

Last but not least!! My tote from ITE3 arrived all the way from Singapore. Cassie sent this a few months ago, in time for the final date but the mail had other ideas. I had given up hope and then TA-DA, here this beauty came. It is just perfect too. She customized a Noni pattern to fit my needs and right in time for my birthday. She couldn't have timed it better!

Thank you all my wonderful friends!! This is shaping up to be the most wonderful birthday ever and there are still a few days to go!! The surprises keep rolling in! It's overwhelming (in such a good way) to feel so much love and friendship. Truly, the land of knitting is filled with the most wonderful people ever!

International Tote Exchange 4 Coming!!

Hey everyone, it's that special time again!! Time to sign up for the International Tote Exchange 4!! You can go here to get signed up and get the questionaire to post on their blog site. It is really a fun way to get to know more knitters and really stretch those creative juices. I met my very best friend in the whole world on ITE2!!

Granny got Tipsy!?

I joined the Granny Along and found this. It is a whole new way to look at Grannies!! (eek). Not just your grandmother's crochet anymore is it? Think I'll stick to the blanket I had in mind though. I mean really, what the heck yarn would you use to stand up to swimming in the neighborhood pool?? (haha)

More Bag Love!!

I have been having big fun at Goodwill. The two bigger bags are vintage pillowcases I found and recycled into knitting totes (or anything totes). So fun and bright!! I hope someone shopping on Etsy agrees!! You can visit my Etsy shop here. Sorry the pictures look kinda dark, I took them at night. I wanted to get them on here while I was in the mood. The real purses and the Etsy listing are much better!! I'm still learning this camera and well, anyone knows nightime in your poorly lit sewing room are not professional quality. Hehe

Shhhh! Secret Knitting!

I just wanted to show off my first time doing embossed knitting. The project is, you guessed it, a secret. More later!! Sorry for the overexposed pic. I didn't really want to post a good shot quite yet though. I will take a better picture after it's done and properly blocked. It's my first project using cashmerino, so nice on the fingers!!

This little square has a wonderful destiny ahead of it!! It is for something very special I have had the honor to be asked to participate in, but it's a secret. But only for just a bit longer, I promise!! This is my very first time using baby cashmerino and MAN, am I hooked on this stuff!!

I have to kinda laugh at myself. I'm still new enough to the land of knitting that when I fill out questionaires for secret pals etc, that I can't answer yet "what is your favorite thing to knit?" So far, I love everything I've tried. It almost all is new still. So much to still explore, why limit myself to a favorite? Not yet anyway!!

Three Bags- Not so Full

Well it's about time I think!! Three bags for my poor little Etsy store!! Yaaayy!! I thought a couple of simple totes would be nice for summer. Easy little somethings to throw some knitting in or some library books. The red fabric is vintage, the horizontal blue stripe is a recycled sweater I felted. Feels good to make old things new again! The hats are things I'm making to donate. They are my very first hats!! The little blue jester (it fits my closed fist) is from "Knitting For Peace." This book is so motivational, once I quit blubbering over some of the stories. I have a small stack of things to donate, but want to do more. The pink hat is kinda big. I'm hoping there is a lady who has a bit bigger head then me or at least more hair that can use it.

Now off to try to create more and make my Etsy store not so little!! It's about stinkin' time!! Three bags is not so full!

International Tote 3 Sent!!

Finally!! After a bummer with my first bag (felted badly), this is my tote. It is on it's way to a new home, hopefully it will be loved. I would like to make this pattern again, but in different color schemes. (sorry the shape looks a little wonky, it's got pressies inside. It pinches then flares back out which I didn't photograph very well).
And I found these sweaters at a few of my local DAV/Goodwill. I see some new bags in the future!! I'm excited since it's been toooooo long since I've put anything in my Etsy shop. I have more ideas then I seem to have time. No one knows what that's like huh?And last but not least, some of the most luscious yarn I've ever felt!! These are going to be part of my Granny Along squares I think. I didn't realize I would love this yarn soooo much though. I'm seeing all kinds of things that it needs to become, not just Granny squares. So many possiblities!! Neeed more yarn!!!! Good thing I found a good store on Ebay whom I've used before. Try this if you dare!!! Yarnbow.

A lovely Tribute and Pattern

One of my favorite patterns is now part of a tribute. Larissa Brown, designer of the Meathead Hat and many other wonderful things, at Stitch Marker has set up a tribute and contribution to the Christopher Donn Memorial Fund.

Christopher was a 37 year old father and husband. He was struck by a car and killed. No one was doing anything wrong, the car that hit him was swerving to avoid another car, Christopher was on the sidewalk jogging. This is a tragedy and by purchasing Larissa's Meathead pattern, we can all contribute and show our love for a family who is hurting. I know the money won't bring him back, but at least his wife, Cassie, will not have to worry about those mundane things like bills for a bit at least while she and her family grieves.

Spring has Sprung (?)

Well, if Walmart can start getting out all the mulch and things, then spring must be near right? RIGHT!!

I have been dying to get to these beautiful yarns, like running sunshine through my fingers. One is sock weight I ordered from Etsy and have been eyeballing for sometime. I finally ordered it even though I can't get to the socks anytime soon. I will just love and touch this in the meantime right? Yup!!
I have about finished my knitting on my tote exchange tote. Time for felting is looming ever nearer. Does felting ever get less scary? The fear, mingled with the anticipation is all part of the fun I'm thinking.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I thought I would share my beautiful flowers with you!! I can't share the chocolates though, they are mine!! ALLL MINE!!!

What says "love" more then spending the day with a guy with an outrageously silly French accent I implore? (the tiger is very french, wee wee, au ha ha)

Many hugs and kisses to everyone!! May all your knitting be frog free!

SP10 Questionaire

I am so excited to do this exchange again. The last one was loads of fun!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I am not picky, I use whatever yarns are appropriate to the project I am making.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? A tupperware "shoebox" mostly.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? About a year now, I consider myself advanced beginner, intermediate if pressed. ;-) I taught myself using the internet mostly.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?Yup, I have an Amazon wishlist

5. What's your favorite scent?Vanilla, ginger/orange (Bath and body works), toffee, nothing too flowery- lilac or hydrangea

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? ooooh, anything chocolate!!!!!!!!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? smocking, sewing, all the power tools in the house are mine (I own a bandsaw). I do some woodwork (tole painting, decorative painting. I don't spin, but would like to learn someday. There is still so much to do and learn!!

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)adult contemporary, alternative. I own an MP3 player and my Hubby just bought and uploaded a whole new memory card for me.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love purples, but am luuuving robin's egg blues (or various shades) with brown. Pinks too, with brown. I really don't like brights- neon or anything loud.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married, have three sons (13,9,7). I have a German short-hair pointer (dog)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Not really, but I do like all of them. Love scarves!! We just don't get very cold most of the time here. (I say that looking at my snow covered yard)

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? no favs. Just whatever floats my boat at the moment.

13. What are you knitting right now? Baby things for my newly expecting sister, purses for International Tote Exchange 3/my Etsy shop/self.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? OOH ya!! I love the creativity of others and the thoughtfulness the time takes. Storebought is cool too though!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circs all the way if possible. Bamboo always.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? nope

17. How old is your oldest UFO? ummm, are we talking just knitting? This could be bad so I ain't telling! ;-)

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, but I get a kick out of all of them.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Not really, I think I collect sewing patterns though (hehe).

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Alterknits. No subscribtions, I just buy mags as the fancy hits so I use all the different mags at some point.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? cables. Still chicken for cables

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? weeeelll, I want to be, I can and that's some other yarn staring at me to get to. I would love to answer a big YES, but can't yet. I am a size 9 US

23. When is your birthday? May 11

I am very casual. My husband works from home and I'm a stay at home mom. I run around in track pants most of the time and look for excuses to need to dress up in jeans (except for church when I usually am VERY tailored, weird huh?). I would be happy to get to know my new pal but am okay if you would like to remain secret too.

Guess what I just Preordered!!!!!!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!
hoping up and down with glee I just preordered this on Amazon for only $18.99!! It is due in July just in time for hubbo's birthday!! OOOOOH, we are excited little Harry Potter geeks around here!!

My Fabulous Secret Pal!!

Secret Pal 9 is all finished and I am one lucky girl!! All these lovely goodies are from my awesome secret pal,Heather, over at Life on Sesame Street. She knew how much I love England so she made a vacation in a box. We have been munching on yummy jam tarts (they were gone immediately) and smearing yummy black current jam whenever appropriate (don't wanna waste such yummieness with inappropriate smearing don'tcha know). Don't you just love the little phone booth, it's a piggy bank with some English Breakfast tea in it!! Too cute!! Oh, and the toffee is to die for, you use the hammer, which came in the box, to break it apart. Heather really spoiled me and totally nailed it on the head for things I love so much.

Thank you Heather, you totally rock!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Snowed In!!

Baby, it's cold outside and we've got no place to go! Life has been temporarily called off on account of snow and lots of it!! We have cocoa, games to play and lots of knitting and sewing to do. What more does a girl need?!?! Bring it on!! These are pictures from my front porch. There should be a sidewalk lined with rocks in front of the concrete step. Snow all day today, more snow allll night and not stopping until Monday. Whew!! That's alot!!

Knitting Tote

Okay, I've made two of these small project/single skein bags out of Elvis fabric. I'm really not a fan, but my sister LUUUUUVS Elvis and says to try them on Etsy and Ebay so I am. We shall see.

Still working on the binary scarf. I'm on row 40 out of 60 and need to be done by Friday. Think I can make it? We shall see. I think I'm kind of a slow knitter and I'm reallllly getting bored with this thing. Having a heck of a time staying focused on anything lately.

Mostly, I want to make burp clothes from my new "Mason Dixon Knitting" I neeeed some bright colors. Then some bright toe up socks. That would be good seeing as I signed up for "my first toes up" and haven't been able to get to anything aside from that scarf. NO more numbers, no more numbers. Please stop with the 1's and 0's!! AHHHHH!!!

Knitting Content (?)

Okay, so it's not really knitting, but it FOR knitting. This is my circular needle case. I've seen some pretty (and very expensive cases) and thought I'd give it a shot with my new vintage reproduction fabrics. Finally something new for my poor, sad little Etsy shop. I've been sooooo slow and unproductive lately. Ugh!! This is a start in the right direction though. I haven't done any embroidery for a long time so this little vintage reproduction was fun to do. Hmmmm, what else needs some embellishing?

Happy New Year!!

New Year everyone! I hope it found everyone happy, safe and warm. We have been very slow around here and I think I'm about catatonic. The boys would disagree but I'm excited for school to start again just to get back into the swing of things. I have actually been able to do some knitting for myself and this is for Dale. I'm doing the Binary scarf from knitty.com. He is "the one" for me after all. (Matrix humor for the non-geeks out there) Hancock was having a big sale and since it's waaay past time to get back into things, I found these super cute retro copies. I'm really wanting retro in a bad way and these beauties should satisfy the bill for a bit. Thinking they will be circular needle holders for Etsy. Start there and see where we land.

This is Jordan's contribution to my blog, he picked this picture just for you!!! Awww. (or is that ewwww)?

I don't make resolutions, think it's silly since we all know we are going to break them. I do believe in honest goal setting but that's different, don't know why but just go with me on this. Goals are something you take time and honestly plan, New Year resolutions are empty promises we don't intend to keep (Hmm, little Disney Beauty and the Beast there). BUT I did decide after seeing some photos with my family that it's way past time to drop some pounds. Last week I joined weight watchers with my mom. See, did it BEFORE New Year's!! A local sports store is doing "The Biggest Loser" and having a competition. Dale signed his life away and started the same day as WW. His diet is much more restictive but he is doing well so far. They only use this diet 90 days and there are monetary prizes. OOOOhh, we like monetary prizes. We fiqure he will drop his weight then join me on WW. It will be like a treat for him by then. YIKES! I don't think I've ever drank sooooo much water. You can hear me coming, slosh slosh slosh.