Stitch It!! Podcast

check out the little critter box i got from Katri in Finland!!!

Meet Suei (i think that’s how it’s spelled) her name is a poetic word for summer in Finnish! and she’s just TOO CUTE! i love that she has a little sweater and a matching headband! so stylish! her green yarn is from a local sheep farm and the blue yarn is done by a local dyer and spinner.

she also included some chocolate from a small company near her, gummies with real fruit juice, some sweet little buttons, and a cute little broach she made from felt (it’s SO cute!). she also translated a bread machine recipe for mefor Finnish “Pulla” complete with little photos! i can’t wait to try it!!!! sounds so yummy!
AND she had a sweet little note written on a postcard with LILACS! love it!
i’m a happy swap partner!

work this week was good. i got to meet lots of people, and have been slogging through some online training manuals (which is OH so entertaining!). lots of this job after the manuals will be following people around and memorizing their routines on how they explain things, monitor cases, etc. then you take a little piece from everybody’s pie, add some of your own techniques, and invent a system that works for you! the only thing is i’m very much used to managing things with a computer, so it’ll be a change. we’re going to be getting new cell phones, and the black berry styles have come down in price quite a bit…so i might see if i can get one that has a planner on it. not sure, but i thought that’d be helpful. we’ll see!

today is the 4th of july. and as tradition holds, i’m sick. what is with me and holidays?!?! i ate some cherries yesterday afternoon…about 10 of them, and i think i got food poisoning…because i’ve been sick ever since! so, i was SUPPOSED to go to the zoo with the boys, my dad (mom is out of town), and my mother and father in law, but i’m home where a bathroom is close at hand. so, i think i’m going to get my knitting bag and some jane austen movies i rented, and go upstairs and watch those. i’m hoping whatever this is it will pass soon, so i can go to my sister in law’s house tonight….i doubt it, though… being sick sucks!

now, off to put feet on my critter so i can get my box in the mail!

Episode 29: “Presentation is Everything!!”

Brown-Eyed Mom Podcast go check it out! LOVE IT!!!

Knitting on/off:
-Little Critter Swap is in effect!!!! Critters are in the mail!
-Fibra Natrua Yummy! superwash sock yarn
-Interweave Sockalong Group by Erqsome. JOIN!!! the first sock they are doing is the Seduction Sock for July
-Oh Scrap! Wrap has been…..scrapped! Cast on for Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl

Babble:
-Carson City, NV Lake Tahoe trip
-First day on the job
-Little man is going to school….eventually
-Little man eats hearing aid, i explain venting
-Little man and the race car, and “tickle, tickle, tickle”
-Hollyhocks, Shasta Daisy, Delphinium, and something else….

Spinning:
-Wheel shopping with no money! looking at Majacraft and Schacht
-THE FLEECE HAS ARRIVED!!!!
-Midwest Fiber and Folk Festival……SpinningNinja’s might have a booth! if so, AWESOME! if not, AWESOME!!! I GET TO GO TO A FIBER FESTIVAL!!!!
-1/2 way through sweater yarn

Favorite Thing:
-My pretty little china tea cup and saucer:

Thanks to BethanyG for the great idea! I’m putting in my request for a fairy tea party now!

So today is the first day of my new career! i have to leave in about 15 minutes for my 8 minute commute up the road. my hair is done, my makeup is on, my clothes are nice (aside from random cat hairs, but i abandoned that battle YEARS ago! they’re EVERYWHERE!),  i have to pack my lunch, and, most importantly, i have to pack my knitting bag!

i’m not actually all that nervous. i guess i just feel like because it’s so close to home i can tolerate just about anything. i also think that compared to getting screamed at by sales people or waiting to have your office shut down or sitting in airports for 15 hours at a time just to travel to jobs that never happen, this is going to be a nice change of pace.  i’m so looking forward to our new way of life!!

well, gotta get that lunch and knitting bag packed. i think i’m gonna take along the feather and fan comfort shawl i started for my aunt yesterday. i’m using assorted sock yarns and thin handspuns.

if this one turns out nice, i’m going to start one for my sister in law. her father passed away this past weekend, and i’d like to do something nice for her too.

okay…time to start my day (and my new career!!!)

okay, i’ve talked about them enough, but here is an update of the little man’s blanket:

15 down…..another 33 or so to go!

and here’s the yarn i’ve gotten together for the Oh Scrap! wrap i’m knitting for my aunt:

some handspun, some leftovers from prior projects. i think i’ll end up adding a bit of the stuff i’m spinning right now too. we’ll see! okay…that’s all i have for now! hahaha

today i’m worried. about what? something that won’t happen for another 7 or 8 months.

i’m worried about the first day little man goes to pre-school.

little man’s transition packet came in th email yesterday, detailing everything that the school district is obligated to provide him due to his hearing loss. it even has a little book about everything a parent should be asking, thinking, considering, etc. just flipping through the pages, and i’m freaked.

i know this will be wonderful for him. it’ll be like daycare, but with other children with hearing loss, activities focusing on getting him to talk, and saturating him with language. i’m excited for that.  i know when he’s put into a classroom like this, he’s going to advance quickly and start talking more and more, and what a wonderful benefit it will be for him.

but i’m still worried.

i’m worried, because i don’t have a way to explain to him what’s going to happen. i can sit him down and tell him aall sorts of stuff. i can even use sign language to explain it to him. but i know in my heart of hearts, the little man won’t understand what’s going on. one morning, i’m going to strap him into a carseat of a stranger’s car/bus, and they’re going to drive with him for 45 mins to a place he’s never been before, with people he doesn’t recognize, and he’s going to be very confused. and he’s going to be very frustrated. and he’s going to be very scared.  and i don’t have a way to explain to him that it’s going to be okay. that he’s going to come back home. and that he will eventually LIKE to go there and see his classmates and his teachers.   and that he’s going to learn SO much while he’s there.

i just wish i had a way to tell him.

for now, i’ll just snuggle and hold him, tell him i love him, and hope that will be enough for today.

I’m joining the Hush-Hush Handspun Hootenanny, so i’m going to answer their questionnaire on my blog here! just incase you don’t know what it is, it’s a secret swap between hand spinners, and i can’t wait!!! i will spin some yarn to swap, and i will also give some fiber to a lucky swappee. then the person who has me will send me the same thing. all the while, we contact eachother ninja style! anyway, here’s my questionnaire. i figured it’d be a way to get more people to join, and share a little more about me!

1. How long have you been spinning? What skill level do you consider yourself? i’ve been spinning for 6 months, and i’d say i’m an advanced beginner…

2. What kinds of yarn do you create (singles/2-ply/3-ply/art yarn)? all of the above!

3. What do you spin with (spindle/wheel/both)? i have a single treadle lendrum that i spin with…although, i’m lusting over a new wheel…

4. What are your favorite fibers to spin with? Anything you don’t like? i haven’t found one i DON’T like yet. favorite right now? rambouillet….mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

5. Who are your favorite crack dealers fiber sources (etsy or otherwise)? so far i’ve had luck with spunky eclectic, butterfly girl designs, spinningbunny.com, and esther’s place. i also dye my own fiber.

6. What kind of fiber do you want to try? i’m game for anything! the world is my proverbial oyster! although, i’m hoping to try processing my own fleece soon!

7. Is there any techniques you would like to learn? ohhh so many things….cable sock yarn, how to navajo ply well, and the long draw technique.

8. Do you dye fiber? If not, would you like to learn? yup!!!

9. Do you have fiber prep tools (and like to use them) or would you prefer ready to spin fiber? i don’t have any fiber prep tools, but would like to use them. i might try to get some hand carders soon, anything that isn’t prepped would be a great excuse to buy them!

10. What do you do with your handspun? What projects have you completed? i’ve knit some, some i have skeined up and i look at them. i’m finishing up a shrug, knit my son a hat, and am starting a handspun shawl for my aunt.

11. Are you in need of any spinning gadgets (WPI Gauge, threading hook, etc)? i’d love one of those WPI cards with the pictures of the yarn thickness, but i have a wrap around one that works well. and cards or a flicker would be great, and used is totally fine!

12. What colors “fall into your shopping basket”? Any colors you just can’t stand? i’m open to anything! i do love me some jewel tones. blues, greens, and deep reds

13. What is on your wheel/spindle right now? right now i have some rambouillet which i will ply with some of my spunky eclectic club corriedale in “roses”

14. What other crafts/hobbies do you have? i knit, i crochet, i garden and i bake. i love them all!!!

15. Other than crafts, what are you passionate about? being a mommy!

16. Do you have an online wishlist? nope, but i can get one!

17. Is there anything that you collect? i’ve actually just started collection old tea cups and saucers. i want to get a set of them in all different patterns and styles. oh, and i need a sugar and cream service! you can get them from goodwill, resales, garage sales, thrift stores, grandma’s attic, your attic, anywhere! as long as they are pretty, i’ll give them a good home!

18. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What magazine subscriptions do you have? a fine fleece and color in spinning. as for magazines, right now spin off is it.

19. When is your birthday? December 17th

20. What book or movie character do you most resemble in personality? uhhhh…..i have no clue! hahaha

21. What is the climate like where you live around this time (need to know for careful shipments of anything meltable)? humid and hot!!!

22. Tell us one weird fact about yourself! i like to eat my colored candies in order. i make sure there is an even number of each color, arrange them in rainbow order, and then i gradually go through eating them one color at a time. don’t laugh…you asked for weird!

Favorites
favorite painting/picture(link): Starry Night

Candy: Frango Mint Chocolate

Food: French Toast

Drink: when it’s cold out? Mint Hot Chocolate (aka christmas in a cup!), when it’s hot? rootbeer floats

Movie(s): Lord of the Rings (all of them), Pirates of the Caribbean, Princess Bride, and Amelie

TV Show(s): The Office (British version) and Scrubs

Book(s): Mystery novels

Guilty Pleasure(s): being a total silly dork…i’m supposed to be an adult, i’m supposed to be mature, i’m supposed to be a mother, i’m supposed to be a roll model for my child, but that hasn’t stopped me from being silly!

Episode 28: “Don’t Mess with his Cookie!” 

On/Off the Needles:
-Little Critter Swap Patterns
Knitty.com for Bubby, Sheldon, and others
Craftyhedgehog.etsy.com -biology 101, lab rat, frogs, bunnies, etc
Yvonneknits.etsy.com -sock monkey, robots, monsters, etc
Fuzzymitten.etsy.com -siamese cats, cows, monkeys, bears, really cute faces.
Amybaines.etsy.com -gnomes, weather mobile, seasons sets, etc.
hansigurumi.etsy.com -underwater creatures, etc
squidoo.com/crocheteddolls -great list of amigurumi
roxycraft.com –mushroom, monkeys, dolls, gnomes
Anapaulaoli.etsy.com -robot, critters, critters in homes, hot chocolate & cookiei, etc
Owlishly.etsy.com -little kids in costumes
Eureekaswindow.etsy.com -fairy, tv, flowers in vase, alarm clock, etc
Mariascrochet.etsy.com -crocheted food and sweets
Needlesnoodles.etsy.com -zombies, skeletons, monkey in a fez, ninjas, etc
-Oh Scrap!! Wrap for my aunt
-Need yarn for Melly’s Cousin Bag
-Shrug is nearly done! 10 rounds left!
-Squares, shawl, & shrug will be my travel knitting this week

Babble:
-Connecting flights and fears
-Donating blood
-Little man is being 2 again
-Don’t eat his cookie!

Spinning:
-my biking adventure…..
-merino tencel is done and navajo plyed! wahoo!!!!
-New project started
-Rambouillet wool….i’m in love….mmmmmm
-EZ February Lady Sweater for spin to knit?
-thoughts of a new wheel?!?! and plans for the casino!
-Preparing for SOAR=research!!!

Favorite Thing:
thanks to holly, it’s A&E Pride & Prejudice
mmmmmmmmmmmm…..Mr. Darcy!!!

okay, as requested (by several people) here’s the recipes for Beignets and Rock Band Donuts for your bread machine. Enjoy!

Beignets

1.5 lb machine (2lb machine)

2/3 cup (3/4 cup) buttermilk

1/4 cup (1/3 cup) water

1 egg (1 egg)

1 tbs (4 tsp) butter  chopped

1 tsp (1.5 tsp) vanilla extract

3 cups (4 cups) bread flour

1/4 cup (1/3 cup) sugar

3/4 tsp (1 tsp) salt

1 1/4 tsp (1 1/2 tsp) active dry yeast or bread machine yeast

cooking oil for deep frying

sifted powdered sugar

add all ingredients except for cooking oil to your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s directions. select dough cycle. when cycle is complete, remove dough from machine, punch down, cover and let rest for 10 minutes.  divide 1.5 lb dough in half (divide 2lb dough into thirds). on a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 9-inch square. cut each into 2 1/4 inch squares. then fry them up, drain on paper towels. sprinkle with powdered sugar, and enjoy!!!!

Rock Band Donuts

1.5 lbs machine (2 lbs machine)

3/4 cup (1 cup) milk

2 tbs (2 tbs) water

1 egg (1 egg)

3 tbs (1/4 cup) butter chopped

3 cups (4 cups) bread flour

1/4 cup (1/3 cup) sugar

1/2 tsp (3/4 tsp) salt

1 1/2 tsp (2 tsp) active dry yeast or bread machine yeast.

cooking oil for deep frying.

add all ingredients except for cooking oil to your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s directions. select dough cycle. when cycle is complete, remove dough from machine, punch down, cover and let rest for 10 minutes.  divide dough in half. on a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 1/2 inch thickness. cut with floured donut cutter, reroll trimmings, and cut those. cover and let rise for 45-60 minutes. then fry them up, drain on paper towels. sprinkle with powdered sugar, and enjoy!!!!

for my rock band donuts, i admit, i don’t let them rise again often….i just roll it out, cut with a pizza cutter into  squares, wait a little bit (while the oil heats up), and then i fry. drain on paper towels, then i toss them in a bag of sugar until coated. mmmmmm……

Episode 27: I stayed on the 13th Floor

Travel/Knitting:
-Survived Minneapolis!
-Traveling with needles was a success!!
-Forgotten sock pattern & ordered Melly’s Cousin Bag pattern from She Knits

-Shrug is still on the needles. Loads of squares were knit for little man’s barn raising quilt
-My take on Minneapolis…beautiful and clean!
-Foiled meet up with LJWT and Jillknits. so bummed…
-My Uncle Tony
-My Single Servicing Friends
-My room on the 13th floor

Babble:
-Little man bounces to the door
-My new career choice. Life first, work just pays the bills
-Carson City, Nevada here i come!
-Little man talks and LOVES cars
-Bob update

Spinning:
-Meghan vs Merino Tencel….is it the fiber? or the method? or the weight yarn?
-Thinking of another wheel…no longer a possibility
-Weather & wood
-i heart spin-off…my current forbidden fruit!

My Favorite Thing:
my bed!

podcast didn’t get recorded today, but i’ll get it done tonight when little man goes to bed. please be patient!

i’ll post shownotes as soon as it’s uploaded!

thank you

the management