Really long time away...

I'm a horrible blogger. Really, I can't remember to do it.. it's been what, a year and a half since I said I had a nephew. I mean, I've been blogging elsewhere since then. Over on the blog for my Art Collective, One Stone Collective, but that is just my work for the group shows.
Our First was in June of 2009, "Compass"
This shot is of one of the 2 pieces I made. In this piece, Compass Drawings in 3 parts, the drawings are mounted on 3 found windows.

Our second was in March 2010, "Archetypes: These Role(s) We Wear"
I made 5 portraits of strong women of war using traditionally feminine craft techniques.
This is the WWI- Red Cross Nurse, who is embroidered


I've been making and working on millions of other things as well. For example, we moved & bought our very first home about 2 months ago.

The house has a disputed age, but our best guess using town records is that it was built in 1923. It's 3 stories, thought the 3rd or attic level has no heat, it does have 4 rooms and a large closet. 2 of the rooms are guest space, while the other 2 are our dirty & working studios. The second floor has our bedroom, with what was and will hopefully be again, a sunroom that we'd like to also make our library. Next to it is the hubs Office and the remaining room is my sewing, knitting, paper studio/office. The house has not be updated in a good 20 years, so there is tons of work for us to do, but i has a yard, so we're all happy, including the dog.

We've also been doing lots of fun things, like attending my brother's paper wedding. He and his wife are now living in Anchorage, Alaska; and before they moved they had a civil ceremony so they would be legally married on paper, for emergency's. They plan on having a real celebratory wedding with all their friends & family in the next year or so.
Don't they look happy on such a chilly January day!


Lastly, I'm getting ready to attend the wedding of my BFF from High School. I've been doing a bunch of embroidery as wedding gifts for her & her HS sweetheart. This is the smaller of the 2 pieces.


I'm hoping to make more regular posts, but who knows if I'll be able to remember to keep it up.

I Have A Nephew!!

Well he was almost 2 weeks early, but today my nephew was born. Yes, he turned out to be a boy! He was born at 8:22am and shortly after named Elliot Warren. We are glad to add him to our family and my mom got to be out in Pittsburgh when it happened.


He is a pic of him added, he's wearing the outfit I made, and as you can see it's super big so he can grow into it this winter!! I can't wait to meet him, but it probably won't be until November at this point. I have my Braking the Cycle HIV/AIDS ride the end of September, and then the Hubs and I head off for vacation mid October.

I really just want to be able to smoosh those cheeks though!

Can a girl get a hug?

I wish so today. I could really use one. Man days that start bad and that you know are gonna go late suck... like you know it's never gonna end and the rest of the day is just shot cause your morning was ruined. Is it Friday yet?

Niecphew Outfit & SoS 08

So I finished the requested outfit to bring home my niecphew from the hospital in September. I made the Presto Chango Sweater and Pants I really liked using the Malabrigo yarn for these items. I want to make some matching booties to go with it and a hat to bring it all together... just in case it's cold the day they head home.


Plus I finished my first pair of socks for Summer of Socks 2008

They are house socks I made for me to match C-A's b-day socks from last year. It's School Products Wool Tweed (chunky) on #8's Toe-up improvised pattern with short row heel. I'm already almost done with my next pair of socks too. I guess that's what being home sick is all about. I almost finished an entire sock in 2 days!! Too bad I slept for 12 hours yesterday or I just might have!

Now back to the great Primary Care Physician search! It's so hard to find a good Dr. in Brooklyn. It's not that they don't exist, it's just that if they do, they have to take your health insurance, and be excepting new patients and have an opening on the day you find them while home sick. I've got calls into a couple. One comes highly recommended by a friend who just happened to call while I was looking today, and the other is in a part of town I think should have better doctors. Plus a few I've gone too either treat me like a child or only take 2 minutes with you. I'm sorry I'm a small town kid who had the same Dr. from birth until the last time I went home to visit him.... I like a personal touch.
Wish me luck!

Baby Shower a Blanket and a Niecphew

One of my older brothers is going to be a dad this coming September. This will be the first grandchild for my parents and the first niecphew for me. The reason I say niecphew is that my brother and his wife do not wish to know the sex of the baby until the little bundle of joy is born. Now for the parents and grandparents this does not harm, but to us aunts and uncles it does. There is no generic term for your niece or nephew. There's baby or child for the parents, and grandchild for the grands, but we what do I get. I am able to tell people that my brother is having a baby, which is a longer sentence than I will soon have a XXX. Okay, maybe it's not longer, but you get my point.
Well having started with the last I will now move onto the second. I have been working for quite a while on a great blanket. It is knitted from cotton. I knit 80 individual fish. Then I sewed them together in columns. Then sewed the columns together. After this I crocheted a border around the edge, 3 times. Now it is a blanket fit for a wonderful niecphew.

*** INSERT PICTURE HERE WHEN TAKEN ***


Finally the first. The Baby Shower. Now I live in Brooklyn. I grew up in North Central Connecticut (about 2 1/2 hours between NYC and Boston) My brother and his wife live in Pittsburgh. So of course I am the one planning and throwing a shower for them in CT at my parents (thank goodness I didn't have to book a location!!) Mind you it's a bit hard to organize when your not there, and most of the guests RSVP to your mom instead of you like they were supposed to. Needless to say the shower is Saturday. I'm excited since I get to see the tummy for the first time, but worried I haven't done enough. Especially so since my sister-in-law likes things her way. Not a bad thing, but when your called and told your throwing someone a shower in a state you no longer live in, it's a bit to take in. It will be fun though. I'm excited, and if I don't suck I will remember to take pictures and show off all the wonder that is my far-off party planning.
For now.. it's off to knitting headphones covers since mine disintegrated and the plastic hurts my ears...

Which came first...

... the Meghan or the Moa?

Well historically the Moa. But I sure didn't know that as a kid. I was 4, my older brothers 6 and they were obsessed with Dinosaurs. So I was looking through a book and apparently I picked the Moa out. I named myself Moa. It was easier to spell, only 3 letters to my 6.
My one brother drew me a picture of a Moa and my mom wrote the name on it. It hung on my bedroom wall my whole life. Now it is finally framed and hangs over my desk at home. Though at that tender age of 4, I had chosen my name, and now I stand by it.

Some days are good for stories.

Round 3 of the Hand Dyed Yarn Swap Recieved!

So I got my yarn in the mail on Thursday or Friday of last week but was sorta sick this weekend. I forgot to take a picture and then my neighbor's 7 year old who LOVES knit nite at my apartment was sad that her sister got to wind some yarn, so I asked if she'd like to wind my new yarn. I had showed them the yarn for Kena before I mailed it out and they were excited to see what I received.
Needless to say she was 1/3 the way through happily winding when I remembered that I hadn't taken a picture yet. Soooo here is the yarn wound into a cake instead.
I love the colors, so foresty and snuggly looking!

Plus Kena sent these pretty blue stitch markers( my favorite color) and the cutest sheepy card!

Thank you, Thank you! I loved it all so much. These will definitely make some great RPM socks (the pattern Kena sent me)
Now I just need to finish the others I'm working on!

Lost blogger returns...

Well it's been a hell of a time since that Lazy Sat. in November. After that weekend DJ and I created our Christmas gift.... A cookbook we designed from scratch with all the recipes our families have given us. Then we had it printed for delivery on the day we were to leave for the holidays. Needless to say it was a period of 4 straight days of work to design the book and upload it a few days prior to the holiday cutoff deadline. Sadly no where did the site say that if books were printed in quantities over 20 (we made 35) there would be an extra week to two of processing time!!! WTF! So we only received the books on Dec. 26th. Though by that point we had lost our holiday spirit, or at least I had.
That was the day my paternal grandma passed away. She was 90, we had just had a huge birthday party for her back in March with all of her friends, her college roommate and it was wonderful. I'm glad we had that before she starting her downhill slump that led to the end.
Okay and then from there the holidays were a bit sad. We did New Year's Eve back in Brooklyn, cuddled on the couch.
Sorry for the sad ending, it's just been that kind of start to 2008

Lazy Saturday........ for once

I enjoy sleeping in. I wish the boy could sleep in with me on Saturday's, but starting last week and for the next 4 after this, including today, he is teaching a class in the a.m. in the city. It means he gets an extra hour than a work day, but it's still not the same knowing you have to get up. I got up as he was leaving and walked the pup-a-doo. Then I toasted waffles, ate them watching a cartoon and hand washed my bras. Then I came online. And here I am. Oh but I did do the dishes. And I knit a bit on C-A's 2nd sock.

I have to say this past week has been a blur. Starting a new job and all will do that I guess, except that the job is a bit of a slow one. It's a low stress environment and I get a bit sleepy in the afternoons. But it's a job and it's mine and I get full health insurance and dental with no cost to me from day one! That's a bit abnormal, but I'm not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth.

Well now I am preparing to dye yarn to Rnd. 2 of The Hand Dyed Yarn Swap. My partner will be Debbi And since I told the Boy that the next time I dyed, he would get to dye his yarn for the first socks I will make for him. So we just have to find time to dye soon. Our free time fills up fast. Next week we already have plans for Monday with Sheri, Tuesday is the BTC reunion, Thursday is dinner with Shelley & Damien, Friday with Tara, Tomorrow is Art Day with Christin, and Mark is coming this time.

Plus on top of it the Boy and I still need to make the mock-ups of the book for the BTC reunion, and start designing and getting together the stuff for our Christmas gift (we are making a cookbook). And all this before Thanksgiving. Oh and I should finally (2 years later) upload all our digital photo of the wedding to winkflash and order the prints my mom's been asking for every time I see her and maybe make them part of her Christmas, though she did say she would pay for her copies....

Now I'm feeling like a lazy bum, and need to do something productive. Off to the Grind.

Oh before I go.... Cass is having a Contest. Go play along and mention me and we all get chances to win stuff. It's her 333rd post. I think I'm getting close to the 15th!

Gratuitous Photo time!

Day of the Dead & my Ancestors Gave Me a Job

So now that it's the Day of the Dead, what do I get you ask? Well along with some half priced candy, I got a new job. For real. I start on Monday. It's awesome. I love new jobs. Not in a way that means I go out of my way to start new jobs on a regular basis, I just mean that when I don't have a job I like new jobs. Thank you ancestors!

In other news the boy, the pup & I will be heading out of town this weekend to visit one of the twins and his girl in VA. It will be good.
Plus I am half way through the 2nd of C-A's birthday socks. I took a picture of the first one but I don't know what the boy did with the camera. I do enjoy the yarn, and since I bought 5 skeins (for $2.50 ea.) And each sock only uses 1 skein, I will have enough yarn to make myself a pair of these awesome looking wool, silk, cotton socks.

This picture comes from when they were starting to be leg warmers, but I didn't like them as that. I love them as socks, and I hope C-A does too when her birthday comes around the end of November.
Well now off to work on that 2nd sock and revel in the fact that I have a job to start on Monday!

Temping and Potential

So I started a Temp Job today. They said it's for 3 months plus. So at least I have work for the next 3 months if nothing else comes along. Also yesterday I had an interview with a stationary and greeting card company, today I got the call for a 2nd interview to meet the Owner/Head Guy. That's exciting. Now temping and admin stuff (which is what the greeting card place would be) are all good, they aren't my dream job, but they will do for now. I just want to not hate the people I work for. Is that so much to ask in the world? I guess so, but it's what I want.
On the knitting front, I made 2 bibs for the little girl that was just born down the hall. I made them up as I went along, and then crocheted around the edge twice to neaten them up and finish them off. I swear I'll take pictures and post them. Along with that 2 weeks ago I finished my own version of the Anthorpoligie Inspired Capelet. Really it's just a basic top-down Raglan. I made it with 3/4 of a skein of Joseph Gellar's Peruvian Alpaca. I double stranded it on #11's added a button and wore it to my interview with the temp agency.
Plus I'm super excited because we are supposed to carve pumpkins this weekend with our pals Joe & Dawn. I love carving pumpkins!
Also then 2nd round of The Hand-Dyed Yarn Swap in in sign-up stages. I'm all signed up and ready to go. Especially since in the GetStitchy Yarn Swap I was picked as a prize winner and will be receiving a skein of BFL Sock weight yarn! from Shelia at Wool2Dye4 I never win anything, so that made me all excited. I have 2 skeins of the KnitPicks Bare Sock weight left from last time I bought and got the dyes too. So as soon as I have my partners info DJ and I will have a dyeing day. One for my pal, one for him, and the BFL for me! Photos of the Zombification will follow.
Now off to make a big ole salad for dinner, I bought croutons!

Work and WIPs

So looking for work is never fun. But it's especially not fun when you are not quite even sure what it is you want to be doing for work. This is my dilemma. I need a new job, but I don't know what I want to do. I signed up with a temp agency for now, but so far no work from them. I also had an interview the other morning, just waiting to hear back. I've sent out tons of resumes and cover letters with very little response. Now all of these jobs cover various fields from admin work to sales to teaching art. So far no response. Now I know I've only been actively looking for 2 weeks now, and in the past I was unemployed for months at a time, but this is starting to wear on me. I just want a job that I don't get yelled at and a good work ethic is respected and appreciated. You would think that this isn't a lot to ask, but my track record proves otherwise.
Plus the longer I'm home the more random projects around the house I want to start. Like sanding and staining the new to us used bookcase we got. Or Binding off and seaming together all the yarn company sample squares to mail out as a baby blanket to a preggers girl in need. Or taking everything out of the closets and chucking stuff we don't need and reorganize what we're gonna keep. Then there are the knitting projects I want to do, or the cookbook for Christmas, or working on Mom's Photo boxes for Christmas. So many things, but what projects are too big and just distracting? What projects can I walk away from for interviews and job hunting?
For now I'm working on a trial run sweater for the puppy.
I need to line the bag I just finished so I can sell it to the lady in the next building and make some needed cash.

Tom's mitts now that he tried on the first one and it needs to be resized.
Now I guess I should get back to it so I don't feel so guilty not getting anything done.

What a way to go

So after Braking the Cycle, and all it's support and love and good times, I realized something. I was unhappy. So I talked it over with mr. man and I gave my 2 weeks notice at work last Wednesday. I was still scheduled to work this week, actually it was the first time in a while where I was scheduled to work a full week. It's Sunday nite at 7:20 pm when I get a call on my cell phone while DJ and I are driving back from our celebratory outing to The Gilded Otter in New Paltz for our 2nd Anniversary fun day destination (more on this in a bit), when I'm told I've been taken off the schedule for the week so there is no need to come in. And they aren't sure if they will need me next week or not.
So whatever. I'm done. I no longer work in a knit shop. I currently don't have a job, part of the reason I gave 2 weeks instead of walking out the door was to have a job for 2 weeks while I looked. Oh well. But I did interview with a temp agency yesterday and I have a few feelers out there as well so hopefully something will come along sooner rather than later. I don't know if later will work well for us. Soon would be nice, but that means more resumes and emails and phone calls. More reading postings and ads, searching for something good-ish. I'm not looking for the perfect job because honestly I don't know what that would be at this point. I am looking for something to do, something that doesn't make me hate myself, or feel like I need a hot shower to wash off the icky-ness of it when I get home. So I'm off to find just that.
So long Knit shop and all the icky jobs I had to do there!
So long crazy hours and unknown weekly schedule changes!
So long working my butt off to get under appreciated!

I will miss all the students I had in my knitting classes and all the loverly people whose projects I helped them pick out and do and just a lot of nice people that came in on a regular basis. Though I loved my job, I despised the people I worked for.
Adieu! And Goodnite!

Good way to end a Bad Day

So I had a horrible day yesturday, not only because Braking the Cycle was over, but because I was at work until 10:30 pm after having no sleep for 4 days straight! But a good way to get back in a good mood is to come home and find out that your swap packages have arrived. Thats right I said packages with an "S" and that is because my buddy was so generous that she sent me 2 boxes full of things! I felt so much better knowing that people rock, and you would think I would have remembered that in the 24 hours I had been home from the ride!! Shame shame on me!
Well here is my swag!


Right now I just have one more item to get for my own buddies' package and then I will be able to ship it out soon. I should send her and e-card to let her know I haven't forgotten about her!
And on top of it all I found out that I won in the drawing for the Get Stitchy Yarn Swap!
I can't wait to see what the prize is!
Now that I've had a day to relax and finally do some of the computer things I needed to get done, like looking for work and such, I feel better. Too bad my laundry, dishes and other house work were ignored today. Ah, I'll always have those to do...
Til we meet again.

Braking The Cycle

So this is my third year doing this. Tomorrow I leave for Gettysburg. I will be crewing a 3 day AIDS ride. The loverly riders, my husband being one for the first time this year, will ride 275 miles from Gettysburg back to NYC to the LGBT center in Manhattan on 13th street. Each rider must raise a minimum of $3,500.00, and all of the money goes to benefit the AIDS programs of the center. For more info, or to maka a donation to a rider, or my hubby: David Brungard, visit www.brakingthecycle.org
Last Year, as the year before and this year, I will be on the Sweep Crew. Our job is to ride around in vehicle up and down the route making sure everyone is okay, cheering them on when they need it, giving them a lift if they get a flat tire, or just need a break to the next oasis and giving them lots of hugs when we can. This year I will be the navigator for Susan, and she and I will be dressing in some good costumes. I will bring pics when I get back. But imagine me as a bunny, a hula girl and giving my regards to Broadway on the last day. It is my favorite time of the year, because it is a small ride, only 140 riders at most, and 45 crew. It's like seeing family. It's uplifting, and makes me smile, but we cry too. We Cheer, we hug, we hold hands, we do something to make a difference in the fight against AIDS. If you want to make a difference too then come on by. We're always looking for more help and more extended family.

I was Zombifiied

So I dyed yarn for the first time about 2 weeks ago. But I couldn't post about it because I didn't want the reciepients to see it online before the did in real life. Well now both of them have arrived in the mail so I can show off my hard work here.
First for Jessica my partner in the Hand-Dyed Yarn Swap She said her favorite colors where blue, green and purple, royal colors. So I tried to stick to that color palette.
Secondly for the Get Stitchy Swap I was dyeing for Heidi she likes blue, green and orange. I think it came out a bit rainbowy, but I did my best to make it just those 3 colors. I was using the Jacquard Acid Dyes and Knitpicks Bare Fingering weight yarn. I can't wait to see what the ladies make themselves or to dye more yarn. DJ and I just bought some mason jars this weekend in the Poconos visiting his family and I'm ready to mix up another batch of color and watch my hands change colors again!

Yarn in the Mail!

So I am currently participating in 2 swaps that are finishing up right now.


Firstly-
The Hand Dyed Sock Yarn Swap
I recieved Yarn from Sabrina Here it is in all it's glory!

I am sending my yarn out to my partner Jessica today. It was my first time dying and I don't want to give away the surprise so pics to come after she recieves it.








Secondly-
The Get Stitchy Hand Dyed Yarn Swap.
In this I was sent yarn dyed with Kool Aid by Sinnomen in PA The package smelled so yummy when opened!
So for this swap our partners don't know who we are until they get their yarn. SO HRMRMRHRM dosen't know that her yarn is also on it's way as of today.

Also I spent some time over at Raverly and Get Stitchy today updating my FO's and such. But for another day... I must go to the Post Office before they close at 7 pm and I still have much to do today.. how the internet can suck up your time!!!

Knit 1 Tea 2 Swap

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

1.Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try?
I prefer loose tea
2.What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)?
I love Harney & Sons Paris Blend right now, and SerendipiTeas Once Upon a Tea blend
3.Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white).
I normally drink blacks or greens, But I'd really love to try some white teas
4.Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind?
Winter time tends to be for tea pots, whereas the rest of the year I go for the hot shot.
5.What tea accessories would you like but have never purchased for yourself?
I'd love to have a set of clear cups for art teas, but I know I wouldn't use them often, and space is a commodity in Brooklyn. I'd have to say I'm not sure on this one!
6.How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc).
I love a good day at home, an afternoon nap, a comfy chair. But if I'm pressed for time it's got to be a good hot bubble bath, with a good book and a small chocolate treat.
7.If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why?
I'd be superyak. Mostly so I could touch myself but because I love it's warmth and durability. I want to be dependable.
8. If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why?
I would go for the sweater. I despise fun fur, and booties are such a small project. Right now I'm wanting to make sweaters and big things.
9.What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?)
Mostly work. I work in a NYC LYS, and teach classes, often late at night. But puppy play dates take up time too.
10. What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?)
Gotta have something sweet. Small pastries and mini bitties. But for some stamina I'd toss is some fusion style mini sandwiches. For my Grammy's 80th Birthday this year we threw a tea party and I brought Asian inspired mini chicken wraps to add some zing!
11.When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute?
I substitute. I like to look at the yarn they're using and if it's something I know or like already and can get easily i might use it, but I think substituting is the fastest way to personalize a project.
12. What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go?
I have 2 small zippered shapes with clear soft plastic fronts for viewing. I need them to be compact enough to fit in my bag and take out on the subway between strangers.
13.Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting?
Anything I've seen a thousand times, Princess Bride, John Cusak films, period pieces, but the best are musicals. Singing along and adding joy to the project.
14. Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match?
Give me a big ole' mug. I love handmade ones with thick bottoms so the tea stays warm while knitting. And I was raised with the idea that if they match it's harder to not be upset if something gets broken. So that's a non-matching set for me.
15. Favorite childhood birthday party?
I remember a lot of friends having rollerskating and bowling parties, mine were circus inspired, arts and crafts parties. I loved them all though!
16.Favorite type of scone and jam?
At work we have these chocolate chip scones. So good! But I like a plain scone with a bit of citrus zest and a pot of thick jam, any kind that we got from the farmer's market
17. If you use candles, what is your favorite scent?
We don't use them much but I like the baking scents
18.If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead).
My grandpa I never met (father's father passed before I was born), The guy that built my parents house, and Mr. Thonet, the designer of the original bent cane chair in 1920's France.
19.You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)?
I want a 1950's button front shirt dress in a blue shade, white gloves, straw hat, pearls, and little white kitten heels. (don't worry it's before labor day)
20. Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to?
No allergies.
21. Anything we missed that you want your pal to know?
Not that I can think of, but feel free to ask if you want clarification on anything!

Death , Hand Dyed Swaps and Raverly

So it has again been a while... I was never good at writing in my diary as a kid and it seems that that is carrying over to my blogging! Well Of late I have died. I've been playing Death by Socks, a yahoo group based off of the Yarn Monkey's Sock Wars. I have once again died. Killed off by Clare in Australia, who ironically was my first assassin in Sock Wars. I received a loverly pair of green socks in the cable pattern for the game in a wool, silk, alpaca blend yarn from a local shop by her.


I had to take out the toes and rip them back a bit to get them to fit just right, but now they are perfect!
Also I am now participating in the Hand Dyed Yarn Swap And I just received my yarn and dye in the mail. It was my first time ordering from Knitpicks and I enjoyed the speed in which I received my order! Now I just need to dye the yarn for my pal Jessica of Alabama. Though I was informed by my partner that my yarn was already on it's way! I am so looking forward to receiving it! It will definitely brighten what has of late been a bit depressing time. I've been a bit overwhelmed by work, We just had a big yarn sale over the weekend.
And Lastly I was just invited to join Raverly
which is exciting. Now if I could just find the time to knit and sew the projects I have in mind I would be peachy keen!

Puppy of Love

Having been busy lately I haven't had time to write about the new pup-a-doo. Her name is Bailey and she's about the bestest birthday present ever! DJ and I went an adopted her on my birthday from the North Shore Animal League.




I'm in puppy love! Though she has grown about 6 inches in the month plus that we have had her..... Apparently a German Shepard-Doberman mix ends up as a big girl!
But I love her, and the fact that DJ is the one who gets up in the morning to take her for her first walk of the day (which sometimes is 6:30 am)is wonderful!