I am so fortunate to have such a great support system during this difficult time. I have a great family and wonderful friends, some of which I have never met in person.
One of my good friends, Coby of CJ Kopec Creations has started a knit along for me. A whole bunch of knitters are all casting on one of my patterns to knit me through these treatments. They are praying, stabbing cancer cells with their needles and sending positive thoughts with every stitch. I feel very loved and cared for.
I had my very first chemo treatment today. I am not going to lie, I was scared! It went well though, so far no nausea or reactions to anything. I did get super sleepy from the Benedryl, but hey, what's wrong with a little nap right? I did start knitting on my Manhattan pattern along with all my friends, but I didn't make much progress yet. It's a start and I'm hoping if I continue to feel well, I will have a nice pair of warm new socks to wear to chemo appts. Today my feet were cold!!!!!! I am using Bearfoot yarn, which is really warm and I love it!
So thanks to all of you that are knitting along! I can feel all the love, support and prayers and they mean so much to me!
I'll try to post a pic in the next few days if I'm up to it. :)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Curve ball
Sometimes you just don't know when you're going to be thrown a giant curve ball. Well last month we got one bigger and nastier than I could ever imagine. For a few weeks prior I hadn't been feeling the best. Nothing too bad, just some irritable bowel type symptoms, some minor pelvic pain, some bloating, reflux etc. I didn't think too much of it, but decided to call my doctor. He really didn't think it was much more than endometriosis and reflux. The very next day I happened to turn on the tv and the Dr. Oz show was on. I NEVER watch that show, but it was a God thing and RIGHT when I turned it on, they were listing all my symptoms. They were talking about ovarian cancer. I was terrified and called my doctor back immediately. They got me in for an ultrasound 2 days later. A grapefruit sized tumor was found.
On November 23 I had surgery to remove the tumor and it was ovarian cancer. Needless to say, life has completely changed around here. I have been recovering from this MAJOR surgery (who knew an incision could be so big!!!) and preparing myself for chemo starting on the 29th.
I really debated about sharing here, but a good friend encouraged me to. You can never have too many people praying for you right?
I haven't been knitting much since surgery, but I hope to get going again soon. Maybe next time I will actually have a picture!
On November 23 I had surgery to remove the tumor and it was ovarian cancer. Needless to say, life has completely changed around here. I have been recovering from this MAJOR surgery (who knew an incision could be so big!!!) and preparing myself for chemo starting on the 29th.
I really debated about sharing here, but a good friend encouraged me to. You can never have too many people praying for you right?
I haven't been knitting much since surgery, but I hope to get going again soon. Maybe next time I will actually have a picture!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Fall?
I'm not convinced. It's been quite warm here, over 70 during the day, and not cooling off enough at night. Now don't get me wrong. I love summer. I think fall is my favorite season though. I love the cool nights, hauling out the jeans and cozy sweaters, the beautiful changing colors, putting that dreaded bathing suit away. Not quite yet I guess, it's still looking quite summery here.
The yard is so beautiful yet. I know it won't be long (the weather is hinting at much cooler temps next week) and everything will start dying off, so I am enjoying it while I can. There are just a few hints here and there that the cooler weather is on the way. I'm enjoying watching those emerge too.
Finally I have a picture of the start of my new sweater. Maybe I will be close to finishing by the time I can bear to wear it.
I still have a long way to go, but I have to finish a few other things before I can fully concentrate on it. I love the colors and I'm praying it fits. It's so hard to try it on and get a true idea of how it will look on me. At least it works up quickly, so if I have to rip (heaven forbid!), it shouldn't take long to redo.
-
My knitting time was recently dominated by this:
I recently designed a sock exclusively for the Woolgirl Sock Club. The theme was ladybugs, hence the Fly Away Home Socks were born. These were really fun to knit and design. There is a gorgeous pair here on Ravelry. Woolgirl included some extra contrasting heel and toe yarn, and they look absolutely darling made that way! If you haven't checked out Woolgirl, it's a great place to get your yarnie fixes!
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Coming soon, 2 new patterns!
The yard is so beautiful yet. I know it won't be long (the weather is hinting at much cooler temps next week) and everything will start dying off, so I am enjoying it while I can. There are just a few hints here and there that the cooler weather is on the way. I'm enjoying watching those emerge too.
Finally I have a picture of the start of my new sweater. Maybe I will be close to finishing by the time I can bear to wear it.
I still have a long way to go, but I have to finish a few other things before I can fully concentrate on it. I love the colors and I'm praying it fits. It's so hard to try it on and get a true idea of how it will look on me. At least it works up quickly, so if I have to rip (heaven forbid!), it shouldn't take long to redo.
-
My knitting time was recently dominated by this:
I recently designed a sock exclusively for the Woolgirl Sock Club. The theme was ladybugs, hence the Fly Away Home Socks were born. These were really fun to knit and design. There is a gorgeous pair here on Ravelry. Woolgirl included some extra contrasting heel and toe yarn, and they look absolutely darling made that way! If you haven't checked out Woolgirl, it's a great place to get your yarnie fixes!
-
Coming soon, 2 new patterns!
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Summer Lady Sweater
I have been trying to finish up a few things around here, along with starting a couple of new projects. I recently finished a February Lady Sweater (Ravelry link) and finally got around to taking a picture.
I like wearing it, but I am not completely happy with the button band. The buttons are heavy and tend to drag on the band, making it look a little uneven at times. I might try to reinforce it in some way or maybe I will have to find lighter buttons. However, I would like to keep these because they are brown and black which gives me a lot of versatility as far as what I wear with it. In the meantime I will wear it and enjoy a finished knitting project!
----
I've been spinning a little too. I just finished a bobbin of All Spun Up fiber.
It's 4 oz of Merino/Silk/Bamboo. I was going to try navajo plying, but I'm not sure that I dare. I did a practice skein of n-ply today, and let's put it this way, it wasn't my best work. Maybe I will wind off 1/2 of it into a center pull ball and go for a 2-ply. Hey, I'm not too proud to take the chicken out route.
---
Next on the agenda is working on the Briar Rose sweater some more, working on a pattern due in October, learning to use my little loom, cleaning the craft room, cataloging all my yarn, and finishing a pair of socks for myself. A little too ambitious? Maybe. ;)
I like wearing it, but I am not completely happy with the button band. The buttons are heavy and tend to drag on the band, making it look a little uneven at times. I might try to reinforce it in some way or maybe I will have to find lighter buttons. However, I would like to keep these because they are brown and black which gives me a lot of versatility as far as what I wear with it. In the meantime I will wear it and enjoy a finished knitting project!
----
I've been spinning a little too. I just finished a bobbin of All Spun Up fiber.
It's 4 oz of Merino/Silk/Bamboo. I was going to try navajo plying, but I'm not sure that I dare. I did a practice skein of n-ply today, and let's put it this way, it wasn't my best work. Maybe I will wind off 1/2 of it into a center pull ball and go for a 2-ply. Hey, I'm not too proud to take the chicken out route.
---
Next on the agenda is working on the Briar Rose sweater some more, working on a pattern due in October, learning to use my little loom, cleaning the craft room, cataloging all my yarn, and finishing a pair of socks for myself. A little too ambitious? Maybe. ;)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Zoom
Where did the summer go? For us it went camping, it went to the beach and it went way too quickly. Next week is fair week here and then it is back to school for the kids. I am torn between wanting my alone time back, yet knowing I will miss them. I dread the schedule, yet I crave it.
----
I attended 2 fiber festivals so far this year, One was at Castle Farms in Charlevoix and the other was the Michigan Fiber Festival. I absolutely stink at remembering to take pictures, but I did photograph some stash acquisition.
This is Briar Rose Robusta that I am using to knit the Retro Cardigan (Ravelry link). The colors are actually much deeper than this. Hopefully my progress picture on the cardi will show the color better later. So far I am only on the yoke, but it is going quickly. Her handpaints are so gorgeous and I am loving how it is knitting up so far.
----
Well, blogger is being very annoying and only letting me post one picture, so I will have to post again about my other gorgeous purchases. I have some other finished knits to share as well, but I guess they will have to wait for another day.
----
This will give me the incentive to post more often right?
----
I attended 2 fiber festivals so far this year, One was at Castle Farms in Charlevoix and the other was the Michigan Fiber Festival. I absolutely stink at remembering to take pictures, but I did photograph some stash acquisition.
This is Briar Rose Robusta that I am using to knit the Retro Cardigan (Ravelry link). The colors are actually much deeper than this. Hopefully my progress picture on the cardi will show the color better later. So far I am only on the yoke, but it is going quickly. Her handpaints are so gorgeous and I am loving how it is knitting up so far.
----
Well, blogger is being very annoying and only letting me post one picture, so I will have to post again about my other gorgeous purchases. I have some other finished knits to share as well, but I guess they will have to wait for another day.
----
This will give me the incentive to post more often right?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Hello again!
I hope you all are doing well. It's been a busy spring here. Soccer season is coming to an end, the greenhouses are almost empty and the world is once again a beautiful green place.
My daughter took this beautiful picture of a tree blooming in our front yard. I'm so happy that spring is here!
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I've been busy with a couple of designs over the last month or two. Two were extra patterns for the Woolgirl sock club. This club is fabulous! If you ever get the chance to join, go for it. She puts together the best kits that I've ever seen. Every time I am amazed at the quality and creativity that goes into each shipment.
---
I've also been spinning a lot. It's so relaxing and it just makes me happy.
These two are the last 2 Spin-along fibers from CJKopec. Inquiry and Midnight Desire. Both werevvery fun to spin and I love how they turned out. Midnight Desire will eventually become something lacy, but I haven't charted anything out for it yet.
This one is the Spin-along fiber from Uniquely Yours for last month. I spun mine with some mill-ends into a bulky single. I love spinning some fat squishy yarns!
Last but not least, and because I am determined to become a good spindler, this little beauty followed me home from the Spinning Loft last week. It's a Greensleeves McKenna Lee in Bolivian Rosewood with a walnut shaft. It weighs 26grams and spins like a dream. Now to actually use it instead of just looking at how pretty it is.
My daughter took this beautiful picture of a tree blooming in our front yard. I'm so happy that spring is here!
---
I've been busy with a couple of designs over the last month or two. Two were extra patterns for the Woolgirl sock club. This club is fabulous! If you ever get the chance to join, go for it. She puts together the best kits that I've ever seen. Every time I am amazed at the quality and creativity that goes into each shipment.
---
I've also been spinning a lot. It's so relaxing and it just makes me happy.
These two are the last 2 Spin-along fibers from CJKopec. Inquiry and Midnight Desire. Both werevvery fun to spin and I love how they turned out. Midnight Desire will eventually become something lacy, but I haven't charted anything out for it yet.
This one is the Spin-along fiber from Uniquely Yours for last month. I spun mine with some mill-ends into a bulky single. I love spinning some fat squishy yarns!
Last but not least, and because I am determined to become a good spindler, this little beauty followed me home from the Spinning Loft last week. It's a Greensleeves McKenna Lee in Bolivian Rosewood with a walnut shaft. It weighs 26grams and spins like a dream. Now to actually use it instead of just looking at how pretty it is.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
St. Patricks's Day Synopsis (wordy)
Ok, I'm not Irish, I don't celebrate, but I did wear green today. Does that count? At least I didn't get pinched.
A sweet friend reminded me to blog today, so I MADE myself do it. It's been a month again, so it was definitely time.
Things have been a good and bad kind of busy here.
The bad first: We had a lot of water in our basement last week (pump failure) and it has not been fun! We have 2 bedrooms, a family room, and large laundry area all finished down there. All the carpets had to be ripped up, baseboards torn off, EVERYTHING had to be taken out of there, and a cleaning company had to come in. It was ugly. Thankfully it's all dry now, the drywall is patched and we're just waiting to reinstall the baseboards and carpet. I can't wait! All the downstairs stuff NEEDS to get out of the upstairs. The clutter is driving me nuts!
On to the good....
I've been knitting and spinning as much as time permits. I worked on a big project for quite a while. A dear friend from our knit/spin group recently lost her hubby. We wanted to do something special for her, so we all donated a skein of handspun (or commercial or hand-dyed if not from a spinner) and I knit it into a shawl for her. It turned out really lovely and she just loves it.
Here she is, sling and all. She fell and broke her shoulder too. She definitely needed a warm fibery hug from her friends. Here it is on blocking. Excuse the ugly sheet.
It's even more gorgeous in person, and I really enjoyed working on this project. Friends are good. :)
Another great friend from our knit/spin group (Coby from CJKopec Creations) has been very inspiring to me. She can spin the best chunky yarns ever and is a carding master. She recently let me borrow her carder and this is what I created.
I carded about 6oz of wool batts with bamboo and sparkle. They are gorgeous! I can't wait to spin them. So far I'm thinking fingering for a shawl.
I've done a bit of traveling this month too. The first week of March my oldest daughter and I took a 5-day cruise, for her spring break. Then last weekend I went to a fiber festival with a friend of mine (Rita, from Yarn Hollow) to help her with her booth. It was a lot of fun, but hard work. This weekend I am going to a knitting retreat with my knit/spin group at a lodge. Should be lots of fun!
The weather has been great here for 2 days. 65 and sunny. Happy Spring!
A sweet friend reminded me to blog today, so I MADE myself do it. It's been a month again, so it was definitely time.
Things have been a good and bad kind of busy here.
The bad first: We had a lot of water in our basement last week (pump failure) and it has not been fun! We have 2 bedrooms, a family room, and large laundry area all finished down there. All the carpets had to be ripped up, baseboards torn off, EVERYTHING had to be taken out of there, and a cleaning company had to come in. It was ugly. Thankfully it's all dry now, the drywall is patched and we're just waiting to reinstall the baseboards and carpet. I can't wait! All the downstairs stuff NEEDS to get out of the upstairs. The clutter is driving me nuts!
On to the good....
I've been knitting and spinning as much as time permits. I worked on a big project for quite a while. A dear friend from our knit/spin group recently lost her hubby. We wanted to do something special for her, so we all donated a skein of handspun (or commercial or hand-dyed if not from a spinner) and I knit it into a shawl for her. It turned out really lovely and she just loves it.
Here she is, sling and all. She fell and broke her shoulder too. She definitely needed a warm fibery hug from her friends. Here it is on blocking. Excuse the ugly sheet.
It's even more gorgeous in person, and I really enjoyed working on this project. Friends are good. :)
Another great friend from our knit/spin group (Coby from CJKopec Creations) has been very inspiring to me. She can spin the best chunky yarns ever and is a carding master. She recently let me borrow her carder and this is what I created.
I carded about 6oz of wool batts with bamboo and sparkle. They are gorgeous! I can't wait to spin them. So far I'm thinking fingering for a shawl.
I've done a bit of traveling this month too. The first week of March my oldest daughter and I took a 5-day cruise, for her spring break. Then last weekend I went to a fiber festival with a friend of mine (Rita, from Yarn Hollow) to help her with her booth. It was a lot of fun, but hard work. This weekend I am going to a knitting retreat with my knit/spin group at a lodge. Should be lots of fun!
The weather has been great here for 2 days. 65 and sunny. Happy Spring!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Heart Day!
Because I love you all so much, I have a Valentines Day present to share.
A new free pattern to enjoy! Thumbelina is a sportweight sock pattern with tiny twists. It's a very fun and easy pattern. Knit in sportweight yarn it's a fast knit too. You can download it for free here.
Enjoy and have a great Valentines Day!
Note: If you're not a Ravelry member (gasp - run and join NOW!!!), you can email me from the link in the sidebar and I can email it to you.
A new free pattern to enjoy! Thumbelina is a sportweight sock pattern with tiny twists. It's a very fun and easy pattern. Knit in sportweight yarn it's a fast knit too. You can download it for free here.
Enjoy and have a great Valentines Day!
Note: If you're not a Ravelry member (gasp - run and join NOW!!!), you can email me from the link in the sidebar and I can email it to you.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Over 4 months?
Where did the time go? I really can't tell you. The days fly by. The children grow up quickly. We get older. Time is fleeting, but life is good.
I decided to take a little blogging break and get some other things accomplished. I was talking to a friend today who made a goal for herself. I think it's a good one. She wanted to get back into reading blogs and blogging. I might copy her. I've neglected my blog and my blog reading, and I feel really bad about it. However, I must say I did enjoy my time away.
I've been busy spinning and knitting. Here a just a few things that I accomplished while absent.
Top to bottom, left to right.
1. Finished a pair of socks, well technically 2 and added the pattern to Ravelry.
2. Made myself a cute hat. I love that thing. Chunky yarn, super quick and CUTE! Ravelry details here.
3. Spun some Crown Mountain Farms superwash merino. This was traded to a friend for some cashmere. Oh I love to barter!
4. Spun some mystery dyer merino. I am really enjoying trying to spin a little more chunky.
5. Did some dogsitting for a friend. Isn't she cute?
6. Oh, and Brodie says hi!
I have many more projects to show you and a free pattern to share, but I will post those later this week. I'm so glad "hairy scary" is no long the first thing you will see here if you happen to visit.
I decided to take a little blogging break and get some other things accomplished. I was talking to a friend today who made a goal for herself. I think it's a good one. She wanted to get back into reading blogs and blogging. I might copy her. I've neglected my blog and my blog reading, and I feel really bad about it. However, I must say I did enjoy my time away.
I've been busy spinning and knitting. Here a just a few things that I accomplished while absent.
Top to bottom, left to right.
1. Finished a pair of socks, well technically 2 and added the pattern to Ravelry.
2. Made myself a cute hat. I love that thing. Chunky yarn, super quick and CUTE! Ravelry details here.
3. Spun some Crown Mountain Farms superwash merino. This was traded to a friend for some cashmere. Oh I love to barter!
4. Spun some mystery dyer merino. I am really enjoying trying to spin a little more chunky.
5. Did some dogsitting for a friend. Isn't she cute?
6. Oh, and Brodie says hi!
I have many more projects to show you and a free pattern to share, but I will post those later this week. I'm so glad "hairy scary" is no long the first thing you will see here if you happen to visit.
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