The making of Boo Bat amigurumi

My partner, Pam from a Coffee and Chocolate Swap sent this cute Bat amigurumi pattern
and I fell in love with the little guy. So, I spent two days and several pics later
documenting his birth. I changed up the pattern and I am happy with how he turned out.
Happy New Year!

coffee & chocolate swap '09

coffee & chocolate swap '09
Originally uploaded by knittergurl56.

Knitting Sutra-Ohmmmmm

Busy, busy, busy: Applying for College- Paralegal studies, looking for work
weekly, knitting for the Holidays. This has been a good time overall for me
to catch up on things that need to be done at home. I love my home and am so
grateful that I can manage to pay all my bills. I'm even able to help out others
this is a good thing. This particular Ohmmm knitted piece will be my comfort
pillow. I plan on filling it with lavendar as soon as it drys from being blocked.
It is probably one of the few things I have made that I will keep. On the needles
is a Celtic Braid knit handbag- will post pics soon.

My SP 14 Reveal

I have been such a lucky duck with my SP and my Coffee and Chocolate
Swap partners. My SP is the lovely Mary Graham from England and here's
some beautiful wool and silk blend that she made just for me!! I so
loved everything you chose Mary; you have been so awesomely generous
too. I am blessed! Thank you so much for all the gifts and I am using
my little stock card journal: my first poem and doodle in over a year
so I chose "Forgive" as my word of inspiration. I will post more pics
soon! Big Hug to Mary and Sherri my sisters in Creativity.

Coffee and Chocolate swap

The awesome Sherri of queenofcheese from a swap hosted by Ravelry has
generously gifted me my favorite things in the world. Hello Kitty mini
notebooks, pen and pencil set (also Hello Kitty), 2 new knit zines which
I had been eyeballing at my LYS, 2 skeins of Panda Palace in Stained Glass,
2 skeins in Ketchup, one skein of Lana Grossa in blue, a set of Red Currant
candles (they smell so divine), mini pen & pad set, a regular sz pad, Numi
Golden Chai Tea, Cherricup Ceylon tea, also by Tea Lady a Xanadu Chai,
some yummy organic Dharma Beans coffee, several types of chocolate (not in pic
I ate them straight away) :) a cute little box, an instant Starbucks coffee
which really tastes exactly like brewed Starbucks, several sheets of scrap
booking paper (which I have already started to use), some honey sticks, and
something that I had been looking for for a long time Mission Falls Quinte
Scrapbook: there's a sweater in there that I have wanted to make and thank
you so much Sherri!! It feels like my BDay and Christmas all rolled into
one.

Sp Love your Sense of Fantastic

I took the beautiful Bamboo that my SP sent and converted in a ball and as
I check out the color lot I see that my SP has not missed a thing as the
color is called "Sagittarius" as you can see it is definitely hot, Fall colors
so I quickly checked the second skein of blue and you'll not quess which
Zodiac sign it is. Aquarius! I am definitely a Saggitarius and my rising
sign is Aquarius.
Since I will be having some immense down time
until after the New Year when I start school I've decided to teach myself
to juggle. In the pic with the Sag skein are 3 juggler's balls. It looks so-o
easy but it's not all it seems. There is a method to the keeping all 3 balls
in the air at one time. Looking forward to accomplishing this. We have a local
circus act that has fire jugglers, sword swallowers and trapeze artists!
I have wanted to go to their Saggitarius party this year and watch all the
things that made me so happy as a kid; the circus.

Royal Mail and my SP

I so love the energy and generosity that my SP has given me. I was so down and
out today then I went to my mailbox and there was a sweet package from my SP.
In it I found a tube decorated in skulls (my favorite pirate icon) and inside
are some awesome coloring pencils along with 2 skeins of bamboo in some
beautiful colors. Thank you so much SP!! It made me smile and smile...;0)

Yikes! more of them there washcloths

I much appreciate whomever designed this washcloth.I am using the beautiful purple
cotton from my SP. Hope she can recognize it in the cloths. I am getting ready for
the Hooopie Holidays! Hopefully this year I can take a real vacation & go
for an adventure. Had to give up on my idea of changing the blog language
to French for the time being. I love language; what a gift from the divine.

Welcome this is my Around the World Tour

Bon Jour! So, I've had this idea to keep me keen is to change
the language settings so that I need to read to know what I am
doing within my blog. I will stick to the Romantic languages;
I am not good with scripted language! This is exciting since
I want to explore the world of the translator. It's a scarrry---
job! I also want to keep looking at changing my perspective.
I am on a path to knitting lace. I am both nervous and excited.
I also want to do the Hula; it is by far one of the most exquisite
ways of physical expression of all. I so love Hawaii... aahhhh
Wishing everyone much PeaCE, jOYeux and AMouR

Emma

Take the Quiz here!

Over Ralvery I've joined a few groups. My favorites are those that have
swaps or those that have "period" clothing or vintage as the theme of
the group. I took this test and it says it all. LOL!

Crazyman, Terry Fator and Voodoo Doughnuts

BF & I were watching the teley when we hit on CMT
comedian of the night, Terry Fator. What talent;
maybe you remember him from America's Got Talent
Winner. His ventroquilist act is superb; he sings!
Not just any old song either: Sony & Cher, Roy Orbinson,
Pussycat Dolls. I laughed so much I ached afterwards.
Check out his websites: Blogger, MySpace and Twitter.
My other love is Voodoo doughnuts, Portland, Oregon.
Yummy! Love the quirky and
great flavors they add; you can even get married at Voodoo!

Amy Butler and Travel

I am being laid off and of course it's nothing personal however, I would like
to thank the Universe for freeing me and my soul! Yea! I've worked since I was
15- I am now 52 and I've never collected unemployment; now's the time. It had
been sketchy at work at best; so many people afraid of what was coming and not
preparing themselves. Not me. I sat down and looked on-line for jobs that I don't
need to sell my soul for- also, am glad to have some creative time, finally!
Who says that the Universe doesn't give us what we want has never seriously tried
to be optimistic when a so-called crises arrives at their door. On a more important
note! Amy Butler, she's a go-getter with lots of great ideas. Here's a pattern
that reminds me of the halters I used to make in High School. Last but not Least--
Annie is going to a Tuscan tour in Italy. I would so love to go!

Karma, Tinkerbell and Custom Knits

Reading materials are varied from mysterious to serious. I love to read biographies
and travel logs but lately I've down graded to simply silly like Tinkerbell
Hilton's Diaries. Previously having looked through Custom Knits I found one
of the more popular tank knitted from the bottom up; Ralvery has many in great
fibers. Thought I would incorporate the knitted lace sections from the previously
frogged skirt; nothing ventured, nothing gained. Tomorrow is Saturday! Market,
laundry, lots of knitting and maybe a little reading with a nap towards the
end of the afternoon.

Royal Mail from my SP!

Hail! to my wonderful and very generous SP- you ROCK! I love the purple mohair
and I plan on making something for me and only me with it. I love the cotton
in a heather; those lovely skeins of soft cotton will be great for a few of
my favorite Mason Dixon Washcloths. I adore the little journal in Mulberry
it has the creamiest colored card stock great for mini drawings or watercolors.
I love the bright colored pen and the chocolate was to die for-- I love the little
"Do not Disturb" sign for chocolate indulgence; it came with a beautiful creamy
bar of white & dark chocolate with little hints of raspberry and a Lindt bar
with orange zest and little slivers of almonds. SP you know how to spoil a
girl!;0) Thank you so much, I know time is so precious these days and the little
blue mohair ribbon you knit is sweet; I plan on pulling up my tresses with it.
You have a wonderful and fun weekend SP and know that you are appreciated.

Mason-Dixon Ballband wash cloth Extravaganza

I love the multi use of this great pattern. It's fast and easy and the
color combos endless. I use them for spa care, dish washing floor scrubbing
on my Swifter. I can't say enough about this pattern- I love it!

Love Summer!

Was it ever hot today!~ I was thinking of all the things I need to start
for Christmas presents and I got chills thinking how hot it was; no air
flow and how knitting seemed a little extreme since I associate knitting
with colder weather.I live near the water the briny humidity was at it's maximum.
Worse than when I lived on Maui and Okinawa. Phewww... Good to sweat and
clean up the old cogs. I have been riding mass transit now for 13 years and
really I hadn't missed having a car until my daughter gave me what my BF
endearingly calls "The Bucket". It is 4 speed and I laugh for it has no
power steering so that by the end of Summer I should have really buff arms!
How much freedom having a car has given me. I am content.

SECRET PAL 14 QUESTIONNAIRE

What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely not like? I like Alpaca blends, Cotton blends, Bamboo, Corn Fiber not too crazy about
Wool. Wool blends are great.

What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? They're in my basket with fiber.

How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for 12 years; I
taught myself using library books. I would say I am intermediate knitter.
Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes I do. Amazon: keila gonzalez
Ravelry: Knittergurl56

What’s your favorite scent? Lemongrass, Roses and Lilacs

Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I love chocolate! Bacci; I think they're
Italian.

What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I haven't
learned to spin yet, I do plan on learning. I make semi-percious stone jewelry,
Cross stitch, Scrapbook, Crochet, Embroidery, Sew, Paint and draw.

What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)I love all kinds of music especially dance, Reggae, Pop,
Classical, World Fusion anything put out by Putumayo company. Yes, my computer
can play MP3's.

What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand? I love all colors;
Right now I have a penchant for Red, Wine and Burgundy not too crazy for Yellow
or Orange.

What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a live-in BF & he
has tarantulas.

Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I do wear scarves, hats, mittens
never have tried on a poncho.

What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Anything that has cables, pirate-theme
or has a function: washcloths.

What are you knitting right now? I am knitting an unholy amount of washcloths;
can't have enough of them.

Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I love receiving handmande gifts.

Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer
straight wooden needles; bamboo are my favorite.

Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, I like doing the whole hand and arm
exercise you can get when doing by hand.

How old is your oldest UFO? I have no UFO's; don't like leaving things undone.

What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe? I love
Christmas and I observe any and all Holidays that allow me down time away from
working!

Is there anything that you collect? I collect mini bears, thimbles, mini teas
sets & buttons

Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I subscripe to Knit1 & Crochet
World. I would appreciate any Amigurumi patterns.

Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn? Sock making!

Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I have never made a sock
before. I wear a size 11-12 shoe.

When is your birthday? 11-24

Are you on Ravelry? If so, what’s your ID? Yes, under Knittergurl

Pink Cookie tote and the Kids Fishin' Derby

I couldn't help myself I need a new book bag and found this on ebay. Good price
and it's got so much space and personality! Fairest of All is what it's called.
My sweet grandkids did a fishing derby and here you can see who's catching the
fish. They are so funny!Waiting for SP14 to start... It's been so much fun in the
past six that I have done. WoW, I hadn't really thought about it before. It's the
weekend and I am off to sample cherries, tomatos, flowers, honey and soap all local
grown and made. I love the Famer's Market; it's loud, crowded and busy...

Finished Pirate Top & wip Wash cloth fav

Still need to block Pirate Top and love the colors on the Mason Dixon Wash
Cloth. I have made so many without taking pics that now I wished I had kept
up with how many have been whisked off the needles and straight to someone
else. My container garden this year is limited to poppies and sunflowers, stargazers and geraniums, lettuce riot, basil rosemary, mint and thai basil, columbine and
dahilias. Very late start for the Hollyhock babies hope they have strong roots
so that next Summer they'll bloom.Hope to get tomato starts this weekend. I want
some local heirlooms and have the seeds. It had been unusaly cold this last Winter.
Spring sort of rushed through and left quickly and Summer slowllly crawled out
not too soon. It hasn't rained in 25 days. TeeHee on the needles sooonnnn...
The Pirate Panda given to me by a real cool, local gal from Fairhaven knit
group. I love her, she's a kind & giving soul; she loves to knit like crazy.

Posh Girl Vintage-- Girl Power

I love these vintage dresses found at PoshGirlVintage.com
They have other things from frilly underwear to period shoes; I love this site!

Pirates & my home town

In fort Walton they have a curious festival that involves the landing of
a legedery pirate by the name of Billie Bowlegs. It's great fun; a parade
with booty thrown into the crowd. Families dressed up as pirates. Just another
day in Paradise. On that note I just started a skull & cross bones bikini
halter in alpalca silk (maroon) and cashmere (cream colored) with a crochet
halter skirt done in alpalca silk. I will probably want to end it with lace
since it won't be long enough to suit me. Frogged the skirt made from the
Debbie Bliss DK cotton & managed to save the lace panels (6) for something
else. I completed the skirt, waisted it with elastic and didn't like the
heaviness of it all. I learned a valuable lesson. Don't be too avante garde
about fiber choices.

Lucky me!

I so love Mama Mia; I hadn't known that the grandfather is a local
area actor who I have seen around my little town of BHam. I have
waited for years to get his autograph. So-o, when he came in the
other day I ventured forth to ask if I could have his autograph.
I was so thrilled when he said "Sure." He's handsome and very suave.

Mermaids and Bunnies

I so love my new found Needle felting; there's so much you can do!

eesha and aaron

eesha and aaron
Originally uploaded by knittergurl56

Lucky me that I have 2 beautiful adult children;
Lucky them that they survived my parenting skills!

aaron and summer

aaron and summer
Originally uploaded by knittergurl56

My son and his beautiful, very smart and
wonderful girlfriend. Miss seeing them; they
live in Maui--Hmmmm, good excuse to go again!

Taylor playing violin

Taylor playing violin
Originally uploaded by knittergurl56

Our little Taylor has gone from Ballet to Soccer to the Violin!
At 10 she is very self-determined!

I am so excited to know my SP!

Her name is Nicole and she is from Germany and I love,love her blog! Lots
of Happiness to you Nicole. I have really enjoyed this swap and hope to stay
in touch. Once again thank you for everything; I love Hello Kitty--She makes
me smile. I recieived some beautiful light periwinkle cotton skeins, a HK nail file,
a HK key chain, HK notepad and HK pencil (so sweet), a delicious treat made of
hazel nuts and so much more!

Just Not Enough Time

Since starting my amigurumi animals I have decide to learn how to do the
needle felting animals as well. The girls in my knit group don't want to
learn to crochet but are very interested in needle felting too. What great
fun~ I still need time to make a beautiful set of fingerless gloves from
my new book sent to me by my awesome SP. Yikes! I need more time...

Complete Harmony

Here's BF holding up our pride and joy; very rustic,piece milled and
from scraps of fiber his nephew's baby blanket. Hurrah!