Here I am!

 How many of you did that loom thing with the stretchy nylon loops to weave your own potholder?  I did.  I went to hobby lobby a couple weeks ago with my sister inlaw and we came across one.  Mine looked exactly like the one in the picture.  Actually... I don't think it was mine.  I think it was my sister's originally but like most toys you eventually grow out of them and hand them down to your younger siblings if you have any.   I'm not big on growing up and so I decided I needed to purchase this immediately and head home to make myself a fancy potholder.  It had been about 15 or so years since I made my last one but It was like I had done it just the day before.  It's not like its rocket science or anything but sometimes it takes a little bit retraining of the hands when it comes to crafty things.   I made 2 of them and gifted one to my sister inlaw because potholders are an awesome gift!   I encourage you all to go and be potholder making machines.

On facebook a couple of days ago I noticed that "All Free Knitting" had posted a tutorial on how to make t-shirt yarn!  I had never heard of such a thing and imediately clicked on it to see what I needed to do and if I'd have the patience for it.  It looked pretty simple and so I dug through my clothes looking for t-shirts that get little to now wear.  I'm not a huge t-shirt wearer and so it was pretty simple to find one to cut into.  Tie-dye!  Thought it would make for an awesome varigated t-shirt yarn!  so after much cutting, stretching, and winding... I made t-shirt yarn.  I did a little test knit to see what it would look like and I think it's pretty cool!  Having a hard time deciding what to make with it because it's not a very large amount.  Maybe it could become another potholder.  ???  If any of my readers decide to do this it would be fun to see what you make out of yours!   My friend Shauna talked about getting a hole bunch of her family's soft t-shirts, turning it into yarn, and then making a blanket out of it!  I love her idea and have considered doing the same thing.   My suggestion when doing this is to make sure that your tshirt does not have any screen printing done on it.  The ink used to print on the tshirt itself does not allow for proper stretching.

I'm sorry for not writing in a while.  (If anyone really cares... lol)  It has been pretty busy over the last 3 weeks. 

My sister inlaw, Becki came into town from NY state and was here for a week.  Seriously a blast!  I had never actually met her in person but I have been intouch with her through phone, email, and facebook over the last 5 years.  There was no awkwardness or discomfort that some people find when first meeting their inlaws or someone new.  It was like we just clicked and everything all of a sudden became so much more fun.  KMart trips, Dollar Store shopping, Hobby Lobby dancing, drives, crafts, watching movies.... You name it. We were laughing.  I did teach her how to knit and she picked it up so quickly.  In about a 3 hr sitting she learned how to knit and purl AND she comleted her first cup cozy!  She even knit a little scarf on her way home in the airports!  I'm so proud!  She did share her craft with me too and taught me and a couple of my teens from church how to make friendship bracelets with embroidery thread.   I always thought those were cool and had intended to learn a few years go but never did.  So it was fun to swap crafts and enjoy our time in front of the tv knitting and making bracelets.  :)    It was hard to see her go but we are hoping to get our fams together soon. 

I am back on the schedule at the Dancing Sheep to teach beginner knitting classes.  Looking foward to doing that!  It's been a while since I've taught there so it will be fun doing it again.  Charlotte got some new yarn in recently and I'll probably be spending the money that I earn on that.   I pretty much work there to support my habit but there is nothing wrong with that!  haha!

I had intended on doing a giveaway to celebrate the one year anniversary of Sereknitty And Purls.  Haven't gotten to that yet but I will... Eventually.  My bad.  Just have a lot of knitting that I'm trying to get done and a lot of knitting that I want to do.  It's been a while since I last knit something for myself  (aside from a cup cozy) and am thinking that once I finish a couple of things I am starting something for ME.  I also want to do a couple of baby projects.  I love knitting for babies and know a couple that are on their way :) 

I had a thought that I would start taking questions from my readers or post requests of maybe something you may want to read or learn about.  You are welcome to write me at SereknittyandPurls@hotmail.com  !  I hope to see something in my inbox soon!

Well after writing this long blog with little correct punctuation, grammer, and paragraphing, I should go.  I hope you all are doing well. 

Love you ALL and Blessings!

Caren

A calling to help and knit mustache sweaters

There is a lot in my life that I can honestly say that I feel compassionate about.  For as long as I can remember I have always found myself wanting to fix the hurting world, save the whales, save the dolphins (See "The Cove" if you haven't.  Its on Netflix) and befriend the outcasts.  There is just something within the very depth of my core that has cried out even before Jesus became my moral compass and encourager.  I often times look at places, peoples, and things and ask myself "how can I help this situation?".  Often times I can't and I am on the sidelines cheering on those who can!  I am infact only one person that wishes I had the capability of doing the work of an army.  I lack the education.  I lack the funds.  I lack the TIME.  and it saddens me to know that when I walk into an old folks home to visit a loved one that I am incapable of visiting with every person there that is capable and holding the hands of those who aren't. That has been my most recent experience where I just felt like there was such a need that I am incapable of filling because of all those other needs I'm trying to fill. But when I saw this video I felt an urge to do something and knew that I could step up and get this done.

This video was a facebook annoyance.  You know those youtube videos that EVERYONE on your friends list has pretty much watched (or at least heard of) and shares it encouraging you to watch and repost.  Well this was that.  I thought I would rebel and go against the grain and constantly scrolled past it.  For a couple of days at least... until my brother posted it.  I thought "well if Rob finds it important to watch then I guess I can take 30 mins and watch it too". I watched it.  It spoke to me.  I reposted it.  Not just once BUT TWICE!  Three times if you can't this post.   I encourage you to watch it if you haven't already.   You can find it at the bottom of this post. :) 

I have ordered a kit and will be one of thousands of people to make Joseph Kony famous so that he may be recognized and brought to justice in the year 2012 for the hell on earth he has created for the kids and the families in Uganda.  I don't know if my work will make a difference but I can at least say that I did something in attempt to better the quality of living for those who live in fear of this man every. single. day.

As for my knitting.... I did finish that sweet mustache sweater for miss Saiya Papaya!  I learned a few new things with this project which seriously makes me happy because I am working to expand my knowledge (and memory retention of learned things).  I learned how to do Intarsia colorworking and the Magic Loop method.   For you non-knitters, I am sure it is nothing exciting for you.   Thought I'd post the picture that I took with my wonderful camera phone. (I don't know what I'd do without my camera phone. seriously)

    It did turn out a little big for her to wear right now.  I really love the length of it but the neck just seems to be a little too stretchy.  If I were to make it again I would have done the shoulder and neck shaping sooner and decreased more stitches around the colar so it fit better.  The ribbing around the neck is cute but way to stretchy.  I'm hoping it will be perfect in a few months.  For now it is sweetly hanging above her changing table so I can admire it multiple times a day while I change her dirty diapers. 

I realized the other day that I have had this blog up and running for a year now and was thinking that it is time to do something special.  Keep your eyes pealed for a special posting within the next couple of weeks.  I am hoping sooner than later. 

I currently don't have any personal knitting projects going right now.  I have been mainly knitting for Bread & Butter and am hoping to get something in soon.  I still keep thinking about that Newport Beach Sweater that I posted a few blog postings back and I really need to get a start on that.  With the rate I am going these days with my personal knitting, I may have it by the beginning of fall if I start it now! 

Off I go.  I hope you all are doing well and appreciate you taking the time to read.  Don't forget about the video below! 

Love you ALL!
Blessings,

Caren

Groggy Bloggy

Seriously could use a nap today. Seems I could use a nap every day.
I have been a night owl for as long as I can remember. For some reason regardless of how tired I am, I will stay up just because that is my time do things that I want to do.
Knit, watch Grey's Anatomy, clean...
As a result my days consist of massive amounts of caffiene intake.
I think a change is needed.

I did mention in my last post about a company that I was scheduled to meet with.
The meeting did happen and was full of great conversation, product design, and ideas.
Technically I will be a vendor for them and will be knitting product as yarn is provided.
It was a serious relief when they acknowledged the time it takes to make things and want to pay me what my work is worth.
Their business is a craft in its own and so they are well aware of the work and time that goes into creating something.
Looking forward to providing knitted goodness to "Bread and Butter".

I did finally start something that is NOT an order.
I posted around christmas time this adorable sweater...
Well I have cast on and have just started the sleeves.
Learned a cool new trick with the color work and will get some practice with the magic loop method for the sleeves.
Being that I am making this for my daughter I have chosen a rather girly color..

And the mustache is this color...

I am seriously anxious to get it done.
After that I will be ready to start a couple of knits that I am gifting.
And then start another project of my own.
I'm trying to balance here if you haven't noticed.

Time to get my work on!
Just wanted to keep you posted!

Blessings!
Caren

Lately

So I was suppose to have a meeting on monday (2/27) with a locally owned business.
It Sadly didn't happen but has been rescheduled for this friday.
This business is owned and opperated here in Casper by a man, his wife, and his best friend and handsews all of their clothing within a downtown studio.
They have recently incorporated hemp jewelry and crocheted accessories made out of organic materials such as bamboo, hemp, and cotton.
Well, they have been looking for a knitter to add onto the team and was directed to me by a mutual friend of ours.
So I will be meeting with them over sushi (their idea :) ) to discuss a possible "partnership".
I'll write more when I get more details.

Lately I've been planning and mapping out future projects.
I have bought a hat pattern that I am anxious about starting that uses a provisional cast on and is knit flat. Also uses a new technique called welting which I have not done on any knitting before so it should be fun.
I have yet to start that sweater I mentioned a post or two ago.
Other projects have been more pressing lately and has taken away from my personal knitting time but as soon as I finish this one hat then I will start it.
I'll just have to hop between projects because if I dont do that then I will never get in any knitting time for myself... or my family..

I'd been patiently awaiting for the comic strip post by my friend Gilly on the Knit Princess website.
Yesterday was the day but sadly there was a technical issue and I had to wait. It wasn't a very long wait though and Gilly made her debut on my favorite comic strip!

I wish I knew how to make the picture larger and I am sure I could figure it out but I don't sadly don't have much time till I pick up my son from Preschool.
I absolutely love it though! And based off of the comments the readers really enjoy her style! The last artist was talented but it was such an odd look that it was hard to get into.
So glad to have Gilly and so very proud of her!
So cool to see where God is taking her with her artistic ability and to know that her talent isn't going to waste.

Well off I go.
I will be posting soon.
I've had a lot on mind lately.

Love you ALL!

Blessings,
Caren

p.s. spell check did not work for me today. I am sorry for any type-o's! Or poor grammer. It happens sometimes and my fingers don't always move as fast or translate as fast as my brain does. :)

Thoughtfulness and Celebration

Just to warn you...
If we are friends on facebook you have probably already seen 3/4 of these pictures! :)

Valentines day was just another day.
It's not like how it use to be when I was younger.
I remember waiting for the day in Junior High just so I could see who I was compatible with out of my classmates through this thing called "data match".
Then in High School it seemed like a competition of who got the what from their boyfriend or girlfriend.
Valentines day was always a nice excuse to dress up, be romantic, indulge in sweets, and enjoy flowers, and hug onto stuffed animals.
Now that I have kids.... the holiday is more focused on them and making it special like how it was made special by my mom when I was growing up.
They both got a heart shaped box of chocolates just like how my mom STILL does!
David though... He did something super thoughtful this year.
He made me this...

While in California for a few days over the summer, David and I had the opportunity to go to a beach. We played in the water fully clothed, took funny pictures with the seaweed, and of course combed the beach for cool seashells and rocks.
I found the perfect stone and thought it would make an excellent pendant for a necklace and worked extra hard to find another one like it so we could both have one.
We packed them up in a baggy and took them home but sadly had not been made into anything.
Well, David made me my necklace complete with romantic initial carving and awesome wire wrap job on the stone.
He clearly put a lot of work into it and I'd have to say that it is by far one of my most favorite gifts from him.
Homemade gifts are the BEST!

Speaking of homemade gifts I did manage to knit Brodey is Wiggles Scarf for his birthday!
I also knit a smaller version of it for his new stuffed bear.
Honestly he was not thrilled when he opened it and his lack of enthusiasm was slightly disappointing seeming as how I'd spent hours knitting this for him but over the past couple days he has been spotting playing with it.
When he gets older I think he will really come to appreciate this but for now its just another thing he owns and will occasionally pull out to play with.
I'm okay with that.

I stayed up super late the night before and wrapped all this.
I know it doesn't look like much but its hard work for me and I'm not awesome at it but I am trying harder now.
Someone once told me that how you feel about the gift you are giving is reflected by how it is wrapped. Makes sense I guess.

So after Brodey tore through all of his gifts and got balloon shopping done with...
we went bowling!
Had a ton of fun with friends and family and Brodey could not have been happier as he welcomed those who came just for him.
He knew the day was about him and I made sure he knew just how big of a blessing he is to us all. He hugged me as I told him just how special he is and how I am so lucky to have him as my son.
We bowled, laughed, ate cake, and celebrated the gift of Brodey Lee Williams. <3
i LOVE him.

After bowling...
POTTERY BY YOU!

He had never painted there before.
I painted all the time there when I was pregnant with him and brought him with me a lot when he was a baby.
This kid pretty much grew up there his first 3 years and over the past couple years I'd cut back on the painting and focused mostly on the knitting.
I thought it was time to break him into one of mom's favorite things to do.
He painted a car and called it "The Wiggles Big Red Car" though it was a mix of color (4 colors in particular) and reminded me a lot of tie-dye.
I did manage to write on it for him like he had requested.
A Wiggles car would not be complete without his name and a giant number five on the top to mark his 5th birthday!

It was a busy day.
It was a blessed day.
It was a Brodey day.

I love that little boy so much more than I think I could ever express.
There is no love like the love between a mother and her child and
I had no idea just how strong that love was until i held him for the first time.
What a blessing he is to me and our family.
So glad we were able to celebrate the little twerp!

I may or may not have exciting news in the near future in regards to my knitting.
It will have to wait for next weeks post being that things are uncertain and undecided at this point.
Either way it's pretty cool!

Hope you all are doing well!

Blessings,
Caren

My "CAN'T WAIT" but will post

In the midst of all of my knitting there is one project that I am really wanting to start but haven't yet because I want to make sure that I can dedicate a good chunk of my time to it guilt free.
I have an incredibly hard time starting projects for myself when I have orders that need to be done for other people and so I'm busting my butt so I can get started on this...

It's a Newport Beach Sweater.
I love the neck on it and I think it would be perfect to throw over a tshirt or tank top. It calls for fingering weight yarn and I believe is knit on size 6 so hopefully I won't lose interest being that it's knit on smaller (but not the smallest) needles.
I managed to score some yarn on clearance in this color...

I ordered it from knitpicks which I don't really ever do.
I would much rather go to my LYS because at least I am investing my money into a local business and can touch and feel the yarn before I purchase it.
I figured at a little over 2 bucks a ball that I would give it a try though.
Cheap doesn't always mean good and I haven't knit with this yarn before so we will see how it goes.
I CAN'T WAIT to get it started!

Brodey's turns 5 yrs old in 9 days!
I have been brainstorming on what to knit him that will be quick and simple and yet will get a lot of use and love out of it.
I think a simple ribbed scarf in his favorite Wiggle colors (yellow, red, blue,and purple) would be perfect for him.
He plays with this Spongebob Square Pants scarf that I got like 10 years ago and I think he would love one that is made in his favorite colors. So, I will be starting that tonight when he goes to bed cause I would like to surprise him if I can.
Should be a fairly quick knit :)
I think I'm just as excited for his birthday as he is.
I'm pretty sure we both....CAN'T WAIT!

If you are a nerd and enjoy comics in addition to your knitting then you've probably already heard of "The Knit Princess".
If not the link is here: http://www.knitprincess.com/
anyway.
They were looking for a new artist a couple of months ago and had posted it on their facebook page. I shared that page with my friend, Gilly, who is an incredible artist and has done some work for the famous Comic Con and various other things.
She sadly didn't get it and it was handed over to a chick that was capable of getting the job done and honestly can do a better job than I can but it totally messed with the feel of the comic.
Welp, that person is out and Gilly is in!
Her comic debut for The Knit Princess will be on Feb 28th so keep your eyes pealed!
I CAN'T WAIT!

Kids go in for a re-check on their ears so wish us luck!
I really hope that Saiya does not need tubes in her ears and am keeping my fingers crossed that we can dodge that one.
Until then though I will be working and then picking up munchkins for a quick lunch and nap before we have errands and the dr. visit.

Hoping your day is a good one!
love you ALL!

Blessings,
Caren

pish posh blog of randomness

Ugh I know.
Super Sucky at writing lately.

I did you know that it is cold and flu season?
Did you know that the months of January, February, and March are the worst months for it?
Well my family seems to know this all too well and I can't wait till it is over.

Saiya has had fluid on her ears for the past 3 months now that keeps getting infected. I think within that time her ears have been clear once.
She has been on 3 different kinds of antibiotics and has gone in for checks and re-checks in addition to her milestone check-ups.
This has kept me on my toes.

Brodey has been pretty healthy but this season he has had numerous colds, pink eye, an ear infection, the start of strep, and we just recently found out that he may be going in for surgery in a couple years to have his sternum pushed out because it is slightly concave right now (which makes, what looks like a hole in his chest) and may get worse as he grows. Guess we will cross that bridge when we get there but it has just been nuts with all of these doctors visits!

I have had what I believe to be tonsillitis twice within the last 3 weeks. I know its bad to self diagnose but when I go to webmd and every symptom I have matches up exactly with tonsillitis... I'm going to put my money on that.
Thanks to a stock of antibiotics and a ton of vitamin C... I feel like I am on the mend finally.

My husband.... he feels great!
good for him.

Anyway. I've been thinking about collections lately. I know a lot of people who collect things. And often times I read blogs where people actually post their collections on there. And then I start to think... what do I collect? Well I have a nice "collection" of yarn and an awesome variety of coffee mugs! but that is about it.
One collection I think would be fun to start would be of nesting dolls.

Maybe someday I will start a collection of my own.
But right now I am just too cheap.

Within the last year my yarn has been forced out of my knitting corner. My one corner in the entire house that I spend knitting, contemplating the meaning of life, drawing up my escape plan, and figuring out quantum physics. Well.... I knit there at least.
This corner has seemed to transform quite drastically as I've acquired new yarn, books, and more responsibility.
It's become more of a little office area than anything which holds all my paper work, Celebrate Recovery Resources, mail, and of course all of my knitting resources and supplies.
It no longer looks like this little picture...
It looks like this now....

I'm not in it a whole bunch while I'm knitting but I still do enjoy it.
I've claimed this little spot on the floor that has a massive pillow for me to lounge on with a whole bunch of throw pillows and an electric heated blanket which is where I do most of knitting now. It's cozy. :)

What have I been knitting?
ORDERS!
I will be starting a project of my own here soon. Just need to knock out another earflap hat and a couple of neckwarmers.
ALSO
I am going to knit something for Brodey for his birthday which is on the 18th of this month. He is going to turn 5 years old and I just can't believe it.
It seems like it was just yesterday that I saw him for the first time. I intently studied his face and looked over every little bit of him to find his features that were most similar to mine. I immediately fell in love with his sweet little heart point chin and completely soaked in the feeling of finally being a mom. Not just a mom though... HIS mom.
He was the biggest adjustment I ever had to make but has by far been the biggest joy I have ever had. Even just this morning as we were hanging out before school he said "Mom, I love you. Want to know why? Because you're my favorite. Want to know why? Because you're mine!" I am so glad to be HIS mom but most of all I am blessed to have a son as wonderful as him.
This little boy deserves something special and of course it has to have the same colors as the Wiggles. Haha! It just wouldn't be right if it wasn't!

Off I go to get some work done.
Have a busy day today with kiddos.

I hope you all are doing well.
Love you ALL!

Blessings,
Caren