Crazy Fun at Best Buy!!

It's been quite a bit since I last posted but I've been out having too much fun! For the Thanksgiving holiday, we went to our friends who moved out to Springfield,MO. Her husband is the GM for Best Buy out there. It was the MOST fun we have had as a family in a VERY long time.
My parents mentioned that I should look for them a new laptop for Dad and a new digital camera for Mom (which means for me too) to purchase on Black Friday since I happened to have an inside at Best Buy and all. Since there was such a good deal on both items, but my friend's hubby DOES NOT play favs, we decided after finding out that at 11pm Thanksgiving night, there was already a large line forming that it was worth it for us to get in line too. SO by midnight, we too were in line waiting for two laptops (a friend of my friend wanted one also), a digital camera, a flash drive (the friend's) and the new Neverwinter Nights 2 (YOU BETTER BELIEVE THAT WAS MINE!!!! GOTTA GET MY GEEK ON!!)
We sat with blankies, large poofy jackets with hot cocoa in a thermos and the new yummy candy cane hershey kisses (oh man, the new addiction) in our camp chairs. We sat from midnight until 3 am (yes, you saw right). There were the trips to the porta-potties (courtesy of our GM friend, thanks!). You would not believe the setups we saw!! Some young guys had a pop-up camper pulled onto the line with extension cords running to a pickup they used as a generator. They had TV in there with X-box!! I kid you not! There were folks with cots, sleeping bags, portable heaters. We asked the first folks in line how long they had been there- since Thursday they said. I felt silly enough waiting for as long as we did, but that's NUTS!!
We were treated to t-shirts being given (thrown into the crowd to get our blood pumping again!! WHEEE!!) and doughnuts given to the back of the line. Oh, the line was over a 1/2 mile long was what I heard. I was about 200 folks from the front and the line was huge behind me.
SO at 3am, the Best Buy employees told us all to line up single file (we complained for this was a mistake). It ensued much running in panic to keep your place and some cheating on the place of those that just jumped from their cars into the line. There we STOOD for another hour until 4am when vouchers were handed out for the items on the 7 hour sale (front page of the add). We then waited for until 5am for the doors to open.
The doors were FLUNG open and the carnage began!!!! There was the biggest push of humanity I have ever seen! (I'm in Kansas so packs of people is not a common occurrence). There was no violence, just lots of jockeying for the goodies we wanted. I stood 2 lines for 3 hours total but I got my game, a nifty laptop for $250 (yes, you saw right!!) and the spiffiest new digital camera for $189!!!
We have already put the camera to use for my mom and OH BABY, was it nice!!

This was the funnest, silliest thing my friend and I have EVER done! What a riot!!
Would we do it again? You betcha but after a nap this time!!!

Not quite knitting content

ok, so it's not even close. It is yarn, but just one stick. I saw a cute scarf made from lots of little crocheted flowers in three colors, then connected in rows. SOOO of course I thought, "oh, how easy!! I could make that!!!" I'm making one for a friend. I thought a cute little skull cap with a bigger flower to match.

MAn!! I wish my fingers could go faster!! I FINALLY finished the project of dooooom!! I can't say what it is since it's a birthday present for somebody (and I'm late, what a dork!!) Because I love her, it was worth it. I even didn't curse it with bad karma from all the bad words I uttered at it. Seeing as it was the project's fault and all, it had it coming!! Couldn't have had anything to do with me!!! NO WAY!!

I've been ooogling what to make for Christmas presents and who would appreciate handcrafted goodness and who gets store bought. Ya, you know who you are!!! I bought a Martha Stewart holidays, oooh, stuff I can make!! I neeeed to make the felted slippers! The instructions for these and lots of goodies from the magazine can be found here Martha Stewart Living

Not that she needs my help, but I reallllly liked this magazine. It's full of things I want and CAN do for normal people. Wow, usable things for normal prices from Martha. Who knew?!!

Knitting Content

I know, I know, it's another tote. It's all I've been allowing myself to make though, so sorry!! I really want to make this venture work and the ideas have been poring out of my ears! Ya gotta move it while the mood is there.

I made this one kinda for myself so it wouldn't break my heart to not sell. (are you supposed to say those things outloud,hmm, maybe not)

I think just for a break I'm going to finally get at the pattern BlackPurl sent me, but I'm going to use some black/grey regia first. I've not had the best luck with socks yet so if I biff it, I won't have wasted the gorgeous yarn she sent me. I gotta be worthy of that gorgeous yarn!!

Here's an attempt of an upclose of the colorway. It's so pretty but NO ONE can tell!! Ugh, what I wouldn't give for a better camera!! Oh well, it's better then nothing (not much, but...)

Who're You Callin' a Pansy?

We got another one!! I like how this one came out much better then the sweater one. Aww, cute if I don't say so myself. I'm kinda biased though.

Another bag for Etsy

WHOO HOO!! Look at me fly, wheee (can you feel the sarcasm). Now I have a whole two bags on Etsy. Gotta start somewhere though!! The happy news is I did sell the little black tote with roses. I'm actually pretty happy about the whole thing. There has been much inspriration flying around thanks to Dawn (HI!!) so this experiance is a work in progress. Etsy does a nice job of being very user friendly so be sure and give it a try!! What a wonderful place to get some unique Christmas presents and support the little artists with big dreams.

Like the lining? hehe

Vote 'Cause We Should!!

As good Americans, we need to vote to make our voices heard. I do wonder though if those we vote for actually hear what we are saying. This election year, on the local level at least, has been one of the ugliest, dirtiest, nastiest I've seen in a long time and that's really saying something. The funny thing is the worst mudslinging is for the Attorney General Position. Maybe I'm naive or uninformed but when has that been that important to most of us really?

I will pick but I admit it will be more of an eeny meany pick for these two. I'm tempted, very very tempted to write in Bernie of Bernie's Pizza. Quality you can count on and never snipey. I will vote because it is my duty and it's what we should do. I admit though that is not a task that brings any pleasure, but only that is my duty.

I wonder if the politicians really care that as Americans, I am not alone in this attitude? I wonder if the politicians really care about us at all or is it about position, pride and greed mostly? I'm sorry to say I believe politicians have no idea what is going on, care or are even able to truly make a difference.

I am one voice, but this is MY voice and I choose to use it. I only hope I use it wisely and to make a difference for all that is good and right.

Humbling of a Shmuck

Recently I've been going through something. I don't know what that something is, but both my parents said they noticed I've been having an attitude. I didn't know I was having an attitude, why didn't anyone tell me sooner? Why didn't I notice until I had to be crushed by someone I (wrongly) put trust in? Why didn't anyone say "hey big head jerk!! Knock it off!!" until now? How long have I been having this attitude?

I also learned first-hand what I already knew. Gossip is BAD, it can (and will) turn around and bite you square in the butt. I learned that loneliness is really, really painful. I wanted to have someone to trust and thought this someone was a friend, so I/we gossiped while we chatted. You guessed it, it came back around with a vengence when this person told what I said to the person I gossiped about. OUCH!! Very stupid, very very stupid and immature and rotten. I deserve whatever bad things that come my way for awhile. Being humbled hurts, but is necessary. I wish it wasn't though. I wish I had listened to the spirit before but now I have to eat a huge helping of humble pie. I deserve it, I have it coming.

I'm sorry if this sounds pathetic. I'm sorry to anyone I've hurt. I'm sorry I've felt so alone, but maybe I brought it on myself. Most likely. I wish I was the person I want to be; a better mother, wife and friend. A better daughter of God. I wish I could be MORE. I think I am trying, I think I'm not doing such a bad job and then your parents tell you you've had an attitude. Thirty something years old and I still have an attitude. Do we ever get smarter or just older?

At the same time I'm having this pity party, I am reminding myself of my rich blessings. The Lord has given me a wonderful family I don't deserve (not self pity, I know who I have been in the past). I have the love of a most amazing, smart, supportive husband and beautiful sons any mother would be proud to have. I have some wonderful, special friends. Dawn in particular has become more precious to me then she will know. I want to be sure to try to let her know, I never want to loose another important person again because I wasn't a good friend. We have a home of our own, good schools and plenty of food. Even the opportunity to learn and try to use my talents is a blessing. Having and knowing those talents, being able to develop them is a huge blessing. Even being inspired by so many that are so much more talented is a blessing. How wonderful to see the beauty of those that try and do!!!

I am a shmuck, but I know I am. Now I will try to become a more humble shmuck. Please hold my hand and bear with me. And please, someone, tell me when I'm being too much of a shmuck.

Another successful experiment- Single skein knitting bag

What do you guys think? I'm feeling pretty good about this one as a first sample. It's a single skein knitting bag, made on purpose to be small. It fits a cake of yarn perfectly. I think maybe tooo perfectly though. Maybe a bit bigger to fit a project larger then socks. I put a clip on the bag so the handle could be removed and the bag hooked onto a bigger bag. There is a draw string on the other side but you can't see it. The bag could be closed and hold the yarn inside as you knit along. The yarn can be secure and not flop around and fall on the floor as you pull from a skein. (I want this to keep my yarn safe while knitting so doggy hair doesn't get on the skein. At least slow the dog hair content down a little ya know!!) Just trying some ideas. Thinking the pocket either needs to be bigger or not there. Maybe a long skinny slot for scissors. I'm gonna carry it to the next open knitting day at my LYS and put it to a reality test. Sorry the picture isn't so spiffy, I was feeling lazy. The weather is windy and grey so it's not my fault. Everything is quiet and slow around the house today. I need a snack not that ISN'T candy. Who would ever think those words would ever be spoken?!?!

Finished and just for me

I finished this little tote as an experiment. I think it was a success and I learned some nifty tricks so it's all good baby!! Now to make some for my Etsy store, Dawn gave me a good idea to make them more of a diaper bag, lots of pockets. For mom, not for baby!!

HUGE THANKS!!

I recieved my wonderful smelling tote from Tote Exchange 2 this afternoon from the wonderful Lisa. It is the nicest two colors of chocolaty browns, striped. She lined it too with a big pocket just right for my phone and keyfob. I already have everything transferred over and now need to go out so I can show it off.
Lisa also included three soaps and a body whip all handmade by her. You can find her great stuff at Ozark Body and Bath and get some great things too!! She even ships for Secret Pal stuff too!!

THE BOOTIE!!!

We all happily survived the treck in search of much candy. The boys trick or treated for more candy than I have ever seen The bootie included 16 full sized candy bars!! before. Can you sense the glee in Jordan's face? And here is Jordan and Josh modeling their Wizard capes I made for them (last Christmas to be used as bathrobes or fun) (like my pretty blue hair, I love this silly wig). Notice even Halloween needs a knitted object. Jordan is wearing my first successful knitted object, a Harry Potter scarf. I got the pattern from Atypically.knit so it is the "authentic pattern" Go me!! (Ravenclaw is the best!!). Morgan was still out doing some extra trick or treating with his friends, he's too old to stick around with his parents and Dale took our picture since he wasn't really wearing a costume Tons fun was had by all! The weather was just cold enough to remind us that fall is here. The was a lot of neighborhood participation, it's wonderful to see everyone come together for something and to see the creatvity of others. There were some awesome houses! One family had a chainsaw weilding maniac jump at the kids (from a safe but still scary distance). Their house was complete with bloody chalk outline on the driveway, grave stones in the front yard with Caution tape and "Halloween" theme music blaring out of the garage. Super fun!! And finally, Dale THINKS he gets all this? We think not hehe


PS That is Jordan's arm on the left side, NOT my butt. I've been having horrible "big butt" image and this pic didn't help. I was trying to NOT stand flat on to the camera. Having turned a bit sideways, now looks like that's my rear, not his robe arm. OOOH DEAR!! No more candy for me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Halloween!

This is what you get when you steal the kids candy after they go to bed!



This was from my friend at Yarn Yenta Isn't she funny?

A second purse finished!!

I've been wanting to finish this little baby for awhile. Finally it's done and listed on Etsy with The Grey Beast!! I guess this is my blog so I can make the shameless self-promo. I finally got these two (only two but ya gotta start somewhere right?) listed on Esty.com under StickChicShwag.I hope someone besides me likes them enough to buy them. I love making these bags and shopping (there, I admit it) but am tired of ruining our bank account. We just refinanced our house and bought a car because our other car was giving up the ghost. We were making it fine but these two new things made our payments and car insurance go up enough that we are barely scraping by again. I'm tired of the constant struggle and would like to at least support my yarn/fabric habits, maybe pay for some of the smaller bills at least. I don't want to be the next Martha Stewart (like that would ever happen, hahaha!!) but I would love to ease the burden on my husband. The Lord has blessed me with these talents and it is something I love. I want to give it my best shot and see what happens. What more can anyone ask right?

Great Surprise!!

What a wonderful surprise awaited me today in the mail! My Hotsocks package came today and I had NO idea!! It was filled with wonderful things from Janet in SC. The hot cocoa she says is GREAT (oh ya, it's the perfect gloomy day for dippin into that later!!) Plus, some GORGEOUS blue varigated wool and a great pattern for socks, a super fun book, some yummy looking teas and a chocolate bar that I'm dying to sink my teeth into. Thank you Janet!! You rock!!

In other news, stay tuned for a shameless self promo. I FINALLY got the Grey Beast felted bag listed on Etsy. One lonely thing, but we all have to start somewhere. I'm done with the cutest little black bag too aside from the lining so today is kinda of a pat on the back. Took me dang near toooo long to get even this far as to allow myself to stick it out on Etsy! I think I'm scared silly someone is going to say "oh, your stuff sucks" or is not good enough. I won't know until I try and I decided after A LOOOONG time debating with anyone that would listen (sorry everyone) that I would only make things I like. At least I know SOMEONe likes my stuff even if it's just me mostly.

I worry that I am too influenced by other wonderful artists/crafters that my things won't be unique enough. I'm scared of failure and I think I'm scared of success too.
I'm so scared that I have allowed myself to quit believing my dreams, let self doubt rule me and allow the fear of failure to stop me before I ever began. I may not be the best but even the best had to start somewhere. I think I am on the right path. I am happy and creating, have the most wonderful and supportive friends and family so what more could a girl want? I want personal success, not success by how the world measures it though. I don't want millions of dollars (okay, that's a lie and we all know it) but that's not the driving force. I have something to say and I choose to say it through knitting and sewing. This is my voice!! Hear me roar (er, my sewing machine hum, doesn't sound as forceful though)

Like the lining?

Finally a finished project!!I really enjoy making purses but only need so many myself. The holidays and my two best friends have birthdays coming too but I'm thinking of trying to sell this puppy and a few of it's friends (not done yet) on Etsy. I've gotten myself into trouble with overspending and would like to try to support my yarn habit at least. It's this or I'm having my hubby put me on an allowance. I think I may try both since it will take time to find my niche and see if anyone else on Etsy likes me. Oh am I praying they do!!

And this is my version of knitty's "Loopy and Luscious". I'm using a bulky yarn half the size of what the pattern calls for a more subtle effect along with a darker colored mohair. I've gotten alot of compliments (oh sooo good for my little ego) at my LYS. It's about halfway done, I want it REALLY long I think.

Answers for SP9 fun!!

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot? On the sofa watching a good movie or at my local yarn store's open time.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead? Cry, cry some more and get the sewing done that is forever waiting for me (note to self *should quit buying fabric* HAHAHA! I amuse myself)

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why? London, it's the only place my hubby and I REALLY want to go. We want to see where punk began, buy Doc Martens cheap and visit my super good friend from International Tote Exchange 2 (she's the BEST!!!)

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it? Be a veterinarian. No, reality is a cruel mistress (ok, I was a lousy student) Life is good, just different then those childhood dreams. I think most adults would agree though.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? I don't care for ice cream, but anything chocolate is all good. Chocolate Freddy's custard is super yummy if you "force" my hand though.

A Shopping I Did Go!!

Oh ya!! Hit the yarn store hard today. This isn't a great photo of the super pretty yarns, but a couple are surprises and I don't want them to know a)which is theirs or b)how really nifty the stuff I got for them is (I think)

I took the very good advice of a very good friend and sat in my local yarn stores open time. It was sooo good for me, I got some advice on a project but more importantly, found others with similar loves and was embraced by fellow crafting sisters. There is something only those with similar passions in common can offer each other. I had lost that contact with a group that inspires me like that and feel embraced by the warmth thinking and creating brings.

If you are feeling lonely, take my smart (but tooo far away!!) friends advice and find a local group of knitters/crafters, join a quild or whatever you have!! A little effort will do wonders for your sanity (and your families too) It seems basic, kind of a "duh" but I hadn't done it since moving to Kansas. I was unfulfilled and didn't know why. I was expecting too much from those not capable of understanding the thought processes I was having and putting too much into trying to be the perfect mom/wife (what a joke, never feel like I'm anywhere close). I lost ME and that special contact with women like me. It feels selfish, can't afford it, too busy.

What is the cost of losing your creativity and teaching your children you are not the taxi service. Our children maybe need not go to all the soccer games or dance lessons if it means we teach them women are individuals with our own dreams. What messages are we teaching our children? Are we teaching them the world revolves around them and once you're an adult, you have no personal identity or dreams? Once my kids were old enough to go to school for the whole day, I became lost with nothing of my own anymore. I am still smart and creative, but couldn't tap into it. It has taken me two years and I'm still not anywhere close to what I want for myself, still lost in many ways. We have to join together as women in our communities to ensure others don't feel lost in the crowd. Women are committing suicide because of feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, it is a real problem.

Everyone is busy, but so many are lonely while they rush off to yet one more activity. Too busy being the perfect mom/wife to take care of ourselves. This is happening on a national level and no one takes it seriously. (Poor hubby, he tries so valiantly to listen when I need to talk to someone to about the virtues of my newest yarn/fabric/paint) I have been contemplating quitting my church position in charge of our women's activities. I feel so unneeded and run over currently, but last night we had a get together. After listening to the other women brought me to the realization how many others want/need what I desire to accomplish for them. The women expressed their needs/wants to have purpose, dignity and beauty in their lives, to be WOMEN.

Cleaning your Room pays off!!

I keep telling my kids that cleaning their rooms pays off. SOOO, I took my own advice and cleaned my sewing room. I dug around in the bottomless bins and found all these autumn beauties (well, they are in real life, camera sucks)just screaming "USE US!!!" Oh ya!! Can you say PROJECT!! I see a bag needing to be made. OH YES siree bob!! And to think I was having a big "whoa is me" day.

I was feeling very "alone in a crowd" today. Every now and again, I get very lonely. My two closest friends are far away from me (thank goodness for email!!) and there is no one local that I seem to have anything in common with. I was feeling sad to have no one to go out to lunch or have some hot cocoa and read magazines at Borders with. I know I am very blessed in my life, but sometimes I wish I had a good girlfriend to go out with. There is no one around me that likes to play on the internet, knit, sew, paint or anything I like to do. Heck, half the time when I talk about blogging or any of the great things I've found or do, I get funny looks. Hmm, maybe it's just me. I've always gotten funny looks so I should be used to it. I've always kinda been different then most people around me, but it gets lonely. I'm not THAT unique!! Scheesh!!

This happy discovery in my stash doesn't make the sadness go away, but it gave me that kick of inspiration I've been hoping for. Maybe I can create my own happiness. Worth a shot!! At least I'll get something nifty out of the deal!

It's rainy outside and I'm SLACKING!

Ever notice that when it is rainy and grey outside, it's hard to make yourself move? Today is that day. It is a fabulous day for watching old movies under a warm blankie with a cup of cocoa. Problem is, it's only Tuesday afternoon and there are many things crying for my attention. Aren't there always though?

So far, I've done a bang up job of ignoring the many tasks that I should be doing. I did manage to finish these stitch markers. They are Hostess cakes for my very good friend in England who cannot purchase Twinkies overseas. I know!! OH THE HUMANITY!!! So I made her permanent ones. Not sure if that's a nice thing or torture. I made others too, but won't post them until she has them. It's a surprise and she might peek!!

I've been trying to be more productive with my time. You would think that in today's world with everyone else being so busy that there would be no time for boredom. It's incredible, but here I am!! My three boys are all in school and I'm still in limbo of trying to gainfully occupy my time. I have put alot of thought into what to do with myself, but so far LAZY is winning. My aspirations are much bigger than my motivation or something like that. Hmmm, might be time to clean off the old workspace and see what we can do with ourselves. I think that pile of fabric I bought too long ago has taken over the chair (at least I remember a chair being there, uh oh).

oh so fun to bop along with!!

My husband says I'm slow in the land of music, but I just landed on this. Give them a listen and *phhfffft* at you if you already knew about The Weepies
Thanks to Shoes and Ships for mentioning them!!