Monday is Here!!

What a nice weekend!

It was Jazzy b-day as you know and the plan went pretty smooth. The pancakes were great and he loved the fact that I got two things of his wish list. He wanted mini choppers and Pokemon cards, most importantly. We went to kids go-cart racing track and he and his bros. drove ( crashed around) for about a half hour, then on to family swim at the Y and back home for cake, ice-cream, pizza and more gifts. He was blessed with a pair of Air Heeleys, (yes the knock offs) and will use them until he gets better. maybe then I will make such and investment , but for now they work just fine....

For Mother's Day my babies cleaned my car in and out and their dad got me a Mom's ring with three birth stones . Very nice gesture. I am proud of him , he has not always been so forth coming with surprises. This was very sweet. I spent majority of the day with my mom. She helped me twist up my hair and I helped her prep food and season our fish for dinner. It was a pleasant and humbling experience.

I ended the night and started the new day (shhh) listening to pod casts. Like I said I am gearing up to do my own. I am only going to do it once a month or twice a month. for now I am becoming an avid listener...It's these little things that make life sooooo much fun .....
so although I did not touch the not so finished novel, although I knit a few rows of the scarf and made no new flyers to promote Knottie Hotties I still feel great and had a relaxing week end with the family.

Monday morning is here and in full affect. The calls are starting to come in and I am asking my self why am I here. I would like to be home and just work on my novel and work on my pod cast and just NOT BE DOING CUSTOMER SERVICE ...but that is not a real possibility right now for me... I need the money right now. Perhaps after we buy the house I can replace my income, but that house is not here yet..I must hang on longer ..I must...
and so I plan to knit my ass off this week get more writing done.

This Week's knitting plans:

Knit on lunch break 20 minutes daily
knit while on the phones at work
listen to knit pod in the night
Tue: Meet cousin an LYS and knit some more (buy nothing)
Fri: Meet co-organizer of Knottie Hotties and brain storm group plans
Sat/ Sun: work on writing and knit


Okay, I have a some ambitious goals here, some must get tootin'
Take Care and have a blessed and kniterific day !!!

Purling and Productive too....

A productive Friday and two cavities in tow.

I'm done with sweets. I can't believe that I went through my entire child hood with no issues and find it astonishing that I have them now. Well I guess that I can buy all the soda and sweets I want now , versus when I was young and mother always said " NO!" so that has something to do with my downfall. Any how , no mo' soda..
I did not enjoy the dentist poking around my mouth and beaming that bright light on my face today ...so no mo' ..
I will not , I will not , I will not ..

In more positive knote.I have been doing well with my summer scarf pattern.I sat down last night instead of brooding about not going out and did some real focused knitting . Now I am on row 15 an loving it ..I can already see the pattern forming. I am at work doing my 6 hour stint tonight and may get in few more rows before the night is done. I am keeping track too, which is great . I have yet to get lost on the pattern. I am trying a different technique.This time instead of marking up my page with lines and check marks.I am simply using a sticky note and moving it down the pattern . so only the row being completed is highlighted ..so far this is working. I learned this lil trick at the LYS a few weeks ago. Glad to share .


Yay podcasts!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been listening to Pod cast..Never thought I would .... and although I never thought I be a knitter, much less a blogger, much less a knitting novel reader , I must now add yet another claim to the list : knit pod listener...
Who knew I'd love listening to audios about knitting!!! Some say it's real pathetic...they are the same ones who rolled eyes when i got my first copy of Knit one , Kill tow..so wateva ....Hey my therapy, is my therapy....The surprises just keep trickling in ..

So far I have listened in on Stash and Burn , Sleepy Eyes, and today I came across Knitty D and the City and listed to Pointy sticks. I think this really s some thing I will try. I get more ideas and more excited the more I think of it ....A possibility ..I am truly inspired ...

My baby boy turns 8 tomorrow. I have a pretty busy day starting with pancakes and peaches , strawberries and whipped cream . Tasty huh, This is the sweet breakfast I making for my baby, xcuse me , i meant big boy ... ....Tonight I will be making his cake , so I can have that down ...I may make it from scratch although I did buy the box I need to cheat if I am too tired. Which is highly likely ...I feel no guilt. I am a good mom !

Mother's Day , hmmm, not sure what the plans are yet. I may get my nails done and I may twist my hair for the up coming week....I have to get an early start~ hair twisting takes 3+ hours ...and I do want to get my mommy some plants for the yard. She is in need of some potted plants and flowers.

My wonderful DH got me a Tiffany Bracelet ( gasp ) and has been acting very romantic and grateful for me lately .... no complaints here...so i'm good....

Happy Week's End and Happy Mother's day !

focused knitting

have gotten brave enough to attempt the summer scarf again and I got it !
I am happy to say that it was not hard at all ! I had a weird stitch to execute : the PRT2 and KRT2 ......They are harmless , just skipping stitches and knitting the one behind it first then purling or knitting the skipped stitch..So knot bad , a lot of time i need to just sit my azz down and just " Do it ! "
That usually happens when I am at work , or away from home . Why is that ? I wait until I get in a meeting, have tons of chores and errands or need to work that I want to KNIT on projects that require concentration , time and solitude ...What's my defect ? lol....
So to say the least , I figured the pattern out today at work , during a desk move and a high call volume ... worx for me ...

I had said a few weeks ago, no blogging at work or even knitting . Yeah , i through that B.S. out the door. I was getting no knitting or blogging done ..so as long as i am doing my work and not hurting any one or getting funny looks from my new supervisor, I'll be knitting....
matter fact i will make up a cute lil' sign to hang up at my desk , it'll say " I'd rather be knitting ! "
So I'll work on that a bit more today at home , I want to see the lovely little leaves and vines grow....

I have been listening to more and more Podcast and may be brave enuff to try my own. I'll keep you posted ! So far I do love listening in!!! This however is not something I indulge in while at work.
Yeah , that won't work...

So far I am happy with my knitting this week and look forward to an week end full of fun and family ..

Happy's Mama's Day !

I'm moving on down.....My list of knits......

I went to my LYS for the first time in weeks! It was good to sink into those big comfy couches and just simply knit and listen in on suburbian gossip and what is happening on the outskirts of the innercity I call home. I am usually the black sheep at the LYS, and at first I used to feel funny being the only "black" girl at the knit shop. I wondered where all the sistah were...One or two here or there, even the majority of knit bloggers are NOT black... But I have grown ok with that now. And know that I am special .... But in the beginning I'm sure I turned a few heads a few times that I walked up in there, but I could not let color or culture stop me from learning this amazing craft. So I laugh and truly consider my self the brown sheep of the flock at times. To date, No one has ever been offensive or made any comments on my being there. There is no "whites only" sign on the shop door, so I can honestly say I have always been welcomed, but yeah, it was a bit weird at first....

And now, there are more and more bloggers of culture out there! and I am grateful for the added spice.

And that is of course one of the main reason that I created Da Knottie Hotties , to encourage more people of color to pursue these fine arts and to truly give back. I have been hosting the commu-knitty knit-ups for over a year now and although growth is slow , it is a year later and I can really say I am happy with what has taken place. This year, my plan is to promote , promote, promote and get the word out ....

Happy Birthday Knottie Hotties!


The man's belt that I designed is almost done. Just need to add the finishing touches. My blog has to be pic-less for now ,I have no camera except for my phone and uhm that aint gon' cut it ...So for now , please be patient with me .

I am going to sit and attempt to work on a new pattern that one of the ladies from my LYS created. It is pretty scarf with a vine and stems and leaves and flowers. I think i'll make it for a cool summer day ...I know ya wanna see it, but i have to knit it first , no pic with pattern .Only the one hanging in the store. But it is gorgeous and I'm knitting it in
Atacama/ #504 Olive/Tan Mix . It is soft and slightly variagated for a little personality.

I have to go and search for my cotton red, gold green to add to my man belt for a little added cultural flair...Really hope hubby likes it , he did see me knitting on it and said " I like that " , Good because I was testing him out. He doesn't really know its for him. I don't think. Any how~

I hope I don't catch finish-itis and end up just having a long "strap" in my knitting basket...But nah, I'm a mature knitter now ! I won't do such a thing..thing of the past ........ C'mon, I got so far , can a girl lose it just like that ??? Shhhh, say it ain't so !

Okay time to touch that summer scarf pattern again...

lata

Peek- A- Boo

It has been forever since I last posted.
I am have missed you all heavily and have much to post.
I even went on a little vacation to S.C. and it was wonderful.
I have been knitting , but have gotten a little bit more courageous an have started my own pattern!
I am excited with and have new ideas and plans in mind.

On My Needles:
baby blanket
mans belt
self designed tube top / tank top
knotty girl's summer scarf


Finishing
self designed grey anatomy poncho ( seam up)

So I have been good in detaching and getting my knits in order. I even yanked out a few " going no where" projects.
It actually felt good to do that, kind of empowering , like I was taking back my life.

I have also come to the realization that I can only host my community knit up once a month. I and Atarah feel the same way , so I have decided to host knit up on the first Saturday of Every month. Now , to find a new venue ........hmmmmmmm? Where oh where shall our little knitting hearts lead us ?

Today I will work on my man's belt and read up on shaping for my tank top !

have a great and productive day !!!!

WOW

WOW: life has me saying wow these days. My knitting, non-complex, is a compliment to the other glories I am experiencing.
I was blessed with a performance by Queen GodIS and Rain at a local birthday party and enjoyed my self bunches. I am done with the mutlidirectional scarf and have occupied my needles with a shrug pattern i saw on Knitty Gritty ....couldn't help it , I had to cast on !!!!!!

have a great day ya'll ...
camera is busted right now.
I owe you lots of knitting porn ...I know it ....

They wrestle and play with toys..none other than knitting boys

Here's some great news :
My 7 year old son, Jazz has been knitting on and off since kwanzaa, despite the name calling from his bros, he really likes it . lol, Ree, my 9 year old, asked me a few weeks ago to teach him, (our 1st attempt years ago was a disaster) I said Ok .. I invited him to knit yesterday morning , casted on for him and showed him the knit stitch ........while watching Knitty Gritty , now airing mon, wed, fri mornings at 7 a.m in my area...

My Heavens!!!!

The boy was in pure bliss! Mind you this is my middle son, any one with a " MiD-KiD " knows the struggle. I hope this really works for him, at 9 he already needs anger management help ...He sat there after he got it, enthusiastic and watching Knitty Gritty ..He even kept going when I left for work, stopping due to a dropped stitched ...lol..

He got about 4-5 rows done !!!!!!!!! And non Jazz had a knitting pal and won't feel so isolated..Tonight Ree said " I love knitting ! " I BEAMED!!!!!!

Proud mom of two knitting sons...we'll see how long it last ..lol

They went at it again tonight, I showed both boys how to deal with dropped stitches...
Then we watched The Last Knit on you tube before they went off to count sheep and sleep...lol ...who'da thought ?




More fun stuff...


The multi directional scarf stumped me at the end. Then I realized there are two versions. The version I wanted is the symmetrical version. If you decided to make this scarf , which is a relaxing , steady knit in garter stitch you can pick how to end it. I love the triangles and the color way on the NORO kureyan. ( total scarf is like 45$) to be expected with snob yarn.... just kidding.. but Noro is pricey in bulk ... so I think I am scaling back..I am not a snob at all..just love to knit with quality ..
I am happy to be done with the mutli scarf, I can go back to the other WIP's that I left in the dust, yet once again.


KNIT ON~ 4 real wo/man !

a pop up

Been a while.
I have been knitting and trying to get my mind back in gear for beig a working mother/student. Not an easy transition after being out of school for 2 years. So I have been re-aquainting my sef with the process. I am finishing my BA which reqires me to go back to HCC and finish two needed courses. Spanish II here i come . I have reviewed a few more blogs over at BlackPurls Magazine . so check that out !
I have also been writing and have gotten an internship with Privila . We'll see how that works out.
Knitting has been a good past time in the dull moments and during tv shows like Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Houswives. I am almost done with the multi-directional scarf. One more triangle and then tassels. I was going to give it to my mom , but she said the wool was ruff. That just means she will never wear it.. BRAKES." okay mum , then you will have to wait for another scarf at another time." The multi ,and all it's Noro Kureyon glory , belongs to me. I will wear and love the harsh realities of wool. and to me it's not ruff at all...watever.
If I have and left over yarn the plan is to make a quick felted Noro belt with the remains.. Felting is fun ....

have a great Sunday !

TGIF

to do:

Finish multi -directional scarf, son's gloves and socks...
yes I admit in order to get a move on some other things in my life I had to let my knits fall to the side for a while.









These are the gifts that came directly from Australia! Thank you so much for these beauties I will cherish and wear them. You are too kind Vivien!!!

Happy Friday folks!

updrade, update ,up !

I am going back to school in June. I have to get 6 more credit in order to transfer to finish my B.A.

I am so determined to do this that I can smell it . I am professionally stuck, is how i feel...So I have been busy with all that. I met with the career counselor and was advised I need to my resume updated which is a lot harder than you think some times.

I want to be a reporter or work in an editorial department of a publication .....I can do this ...

I am definitely no longer comfy working as a Tech/ Customer support girl and watching my life, my creativity and my dreams stifle!!!

Positive steps for positive change.

I have been knitting however, I think the multi directional scarf is almost done...and it looks good. I will be done with sock too , now that i found her , she went missing at my desk at work for a while .... in my file cabinet! lol ...
I will be wearing those in no time !!!!!

truth be told.....

You are White Chocolate

You have a strong feminine side with a good bit of innocence thrown in. Whether your girlish ways are an act or not, men like to take care of you. You are an understated beauty, and your power is often underestimated!

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

The weekend is going fine.
I got a lovely package from my secret angel Vivian ..she hand spun , dyed, knit and felted a great bag for me ! I will post pics ..she sent a nice card , two balls of yarn that i am making this with. she also sent a knitting book ! WEEKEND KNITTING!!!! I am a spoild brat i must say !!!!! Vivian thank you for stepping in when my secret pal stepped off !! you are the best !!!!!


I knit on sock 2 today at the knit-up and was in a more giving spirit than usual. I have decided to go back to my original intention and make knitting a community thing and not a side job. which means I no longer charge(and get anxiety)to teach newbies the basics of knitting.. The only requirement is that one gets their arse down to the Knottie Hotties ~Knit2gether 2twice a month and show a little courage when stumped on a stitch, dats all i ask... So I have decided, through much contemplation and examination and a little therapy , yes therapy, that passing the knitting torch on,(especially to sisters and mamas in da hood) is what JAH wants me to do....It's not a $$$$ thing, it's deeper than that. I have come across sooo many who i have inspired or who wanted to learn to knit, but could not afford my rate when they inquire if I'd teach them. I hated that guilty feeling that would come over me when i hear... " I just learned garter, wanna learn purl, but just can't afford to pay you"......

So I have decided that I will be more generous with newbie knitters in my area that truly want to learn. I hold the knit 2 gethers faithfully every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. I will encourage all in attendance to offer helping hands to one another as we are all at different skill levels.... So from now on I will assist from the heart, and not expectant anything in return except that satisfaction of knowing I am doing the right thing.... Besides, newbies need love too... There also is no harm in showing basics or run a video, tell of Internet sources and point them in the direction of local fiber wizards and yarn shop divas..Because when you are a new knitter you need support , but it's easy to whine and pout and stress all else around you when you dropped a stitch ! and that is not right ....just try again , my friend ...But volunteering and helping is the least I can do. I am still taking the responsibility off of me as being the "knitting business woman" who can magically teach you for a small fee and handing the job back to the new knitter... I am reclaiming the I am a "knitter in the community" and offer help out of love... If they truly want this skill and craft under their belt, I can help with out stressing, this is my way of giving back ....... giving it all back....

happy knitting

Feelin' fine Friday !

Here is my Noro yarn and I am making it into a mutli directional scarf with it too. the colors are just sooo yummy ..So I'll use this wool to make the basic version of the scarf.
I had to cast on and get started. I have been knitting like madd the past few weeks and I am knot trying to stop...I am going to keep up this knitting vengeance!
I will use the handspun from my angel and make the version from Magnits. it's a bit more complicated and equally gorgeous....Look at this nice colorway!

Here are the socks. The pattern says stop 2" before desired foot length . that is where I am at . I may even need to frog a round or two...
Very exciting for me ....




Happy knitting .....I'll have more to show and share after the week end !!! I hope the same for you !!!

i can D 4 u

I love the Secret Pal pal programs . so far I have enjoyed three time around ! This time around was different for me , I experienced pal abandonment!!! It was sad. But To the rescue came my secret angels and I received a dandy package wrapped in love. In it was the most beautiful handspun worsted weight yarn that will become a muti-directional scarf !! Then to top that, I received some tasty hot beverages in my fav blend of vanilla..... I can smell it now ... I can't wait to try sipping the butter rum tea that has been begging me to devour sip by slow sip ..think I'll have that Sat morning before chores !! lol.

Thank you my angel .I will take a better pic of the yarn. My camera had poor lighting to work with and it was early ...I can't wait to start my scarf , CT is finally cold !!! thank you !!!!!!!!

Here the sock pic that I promised ! I am actually up toe now. I will tackle that after work today. This pic shows my heel and the start of the gusset... I am almost at the finish line now though thanks to those tech calls and sheer determination ...
I doubt I'll get the terrible "sockitis" either . Sock knitting is blissful..... who woulda thought?

Take care and have a good day !

Mile Stone

I have finished a sock heel successfully . I could kick my self for forgetting my diggie cam at work, so I have no eye candy for you put will happily upload tomorrow. For now, please let me Crow !!!!! It has taken years to figure the 'ole sock and i finally did . I have been using this basic sock pattern after many faulty attempt with other patterns and have finally and proudly reached another knitting milestone.. I walked up to my husband the moment the light bulb clicked and announced that we have "reached another knitting mile stone! " Yes, I think he doubts my sanity , but at least I'm cute!

Before this moment it was depressing...... actually....... and I almost gave up the notion of ever knitting a pair of socks .....
But after my commitment to finish the wips I started, I had no choice.
And so it is..... pushed up against the wall ...I did it !!!!

Now I am just going up, round and round until i hit the toe section, which i feel i will be able to manage !!! YAY me ...

promise 2 provide pics ....

We have had a very busy few days at work and the tech calls have allowed me to just sit and knit while walking our members through company websites.... I have learned to like the calls ...But it is time to get the dusty resume polished and pushed out.... Because really and truly customer service/ tech support work truly SUCKS . Take it from me, a 8 year veteran ...
Any how~ I'll vent on that another time ...

for now, let's spare a moment of silence, for i am now officially hooked on knitting socks....

One satisfied hooker,
Happy knitting

power of the poncho

I am very proud to present my two rectangle poncho . Very easy to make , i just lolly gagged a lot so it took longer than it could have.

I do have a home for her already. My little 9 year old cousin's closet. I do hope she wears it ..kicks around in it with some jeans .(hint , hint if her mother is reading this).....I
I've decided to release any care , stress or doubt over whether or not the receivers I knit for wears what i have made...( it would help though, huh ? )I have also established that it is truly the thought that counts..
" I was thinking of you, and here is what the out come of those thoughts were: an afghan, a doily, a woolie warmer..."
lol.. you get my point... It is truly the though that counts.
Of course, I will try to make some hot stuff so they will WANT to wear my hand made goods, but I can not control the outcome .....I have hard enough time controlling gauge ..lol...and i enjoy the latter much better any how....

I just love this ponch0~ love the fact that you can use any yarn , needles and pattern to make the identical rectangles and then you just sew up ..I found this wonderful "Poncho Pattern Helper" and I am running with it ...This is also great for newbie knitters because it is great help with seaming ...

Yes ya'll , this means yet another W.I.P has been whipped ! It Feels Good !!!!!!!!!!

I have the Ruby vest to go back to (already worked the front and 1/2 the back before the desertion period...) and tackle and the Clapotis also and the W.I.P pile is all done baby... officially !
I'll never do that again; have 5-6 unfinished w.i.ps just collecting dust in my stash! Never Again ! From now one I'll only have 2-3 knitting projects going at once, no more ..
This year i will be a proactive knitter. This Year I AM PROACTIVE !

I am officially done with typepad so please update your side bars with my link, I'm trying to link up with as much knitters , crochters and fiber folks out there! Holla at ya girl !

2007 KNITTING AND SPINNING GOALS :

*KNIT DAILY& PROUD WITH NO APOLOGIES
*BLOG WITH PICS REGULARLY
*1-3 PROJECTS GOING AT ONCE ..NO MORE THAN THAT
*MAKE BLANKETS FOR THE BOYS.... COMPLETE BY YEARS END ( that's 3 )
*SPIN THE ROVING I HAVE ON MY HAND SPINDLE
*BUY MORE ROVING /BUY WHEEL
*KEEP THE KNOTTE HOTTIES CIRCLE ALIVE AND THRIVING

That's pretty proactive, no?
What do you have planned for your knitting this year?..Do share...

happy knitting , crafting, and weekend-ing,
do it safe...
I'll pop in again before Monday ...