October

October as with any other month was kind of busy. As always I was busy sewing and knitting. I can't even remember what I finished sewing but thanks to Ravelry I do know what I finished knitting.
Green Sweater for myself (Brown Sheep Co, Inc. Lambs Pride Superwash in Cactus Pattern #994 from Knittin Pure & Simple) I made it longer in the sleeves and the body which turned out to be almost too long.
 

Also, finished a pair of socks, one of the two Criminal Minds Mystery Kerchiefs (still needs to be blocked) and a hat for myself (Eliots Ass-Kicking Hat by Megan Ellinger).  The hat turned out a bit big next time I will make it on size 1 needles. 

I've also been busy knitting some hats for charity.  I'll post pictures of them later. 

I also rediscovered the musical Jesus Christ Superstar (my all-time favorite musical), thanks to the Youth Minister for grades 7-12 at my church.  I don't know how Glenn Carter can hit some of those notes.  (this is my favorite version of JCS).  Glenn Carter is spectacular (as are Jerome Pradon, Renee Castle, & the rest of the cast).  However, I don't care for the soundtrack.  It's not complete. One of my favorites isn't on it, Blood Money.  It is on the 1996 recording (also with Glenn Carter but as Simon instead of Jesus). 

October also found me traveling with the mercantile, P. Palmer Drygoods, to Cedar Creek, VA.  I drove down to Fort Wayne to meet up with Kay, Marta & Major.  We did see the most amazing rainbow I've ever seen on the drive down to Cedar Creek.  Kay & Marta then continued down to Westville, GA after the Cedar Creek event. 

This year I did not make my daughter's Halloween costume (not enough time).  She went as a Gothic vampire.  A friend of her's came down and the two went trick or treating with their dads.  Both of them dressed in their  reenacting clothes (one Union cavalry trooper & one Confederate).  They all seemed to have a good time. 

I think that is about all for October.  If I think of anything else that happened that was interesting I will post it later.

Finished...Knitting.

I usually knit both socks at the same time (in a couple of days usually),
but when I have lots of cool yarn I tend to knit one to see what it looks like knitted up.  So lately, I've been busy trying to finish all of my started projects (both sewn & knitted).  Here's some of the knitted things I've finished recently.


Finished socks x ???:

Men's Socks
Started: Oct. 2008
Finished: Sept. 8, 2010
ONLine Supersocke 100
I ended up using two skeins. One wasn’t
enough, especially since I wanted them
to match as closely as possible.

Glib Socks by Bex
Started: Feb. 28, 2009
Finished: Sept. 1, 2010
Sunshine Yarn Twist Sock Yarn
Color: Stupefy (HP sock yarn club)

Pattern seemed to take forever.

I didn't use a pattern for these socks.
I had actually started a different pair of socks in this yarn and had
one done when my daughter
informed me that she wanted "plain" socks.
Started: Aug. 23, 2010
Finished: Aug. 29, 2010
(just in time for the
first day of school.)Zwerger Garn Opal Harry Potter Color: Tonks

Another "plain" pair of socks, these are mine.
Started: Feb. 5, 2010
Finished:  Aug. 23, 2010
Zwerger Garn Opal Harry Potter

Color: Ron

Projects I've also started & finished:

This is the Reid Kerchief by ThreeBagsFulled.  I ended up slightly modifying it because I skipped a row or so.  My daughter is extremely happy with it so it doesn't really matter. I used Araucania Ranco Solid Color 119.






Also, finished a hat for my daughter using leftover Fantasy Dark Horse Yarn (color: 40).  I used the pattern Zinnia Dahlia by Petra Hoy.


New(ish) projects: On Sept. 11, I started knitting a hat for myself, I'm using Eliots Ass-Kicking hat by Megan Ellinger.  I've modified it a bit so that the ribbing when rolled back is 3x1 instead of 1x3 (reverse of what she did).  I'm making it in Roasted Coffee fingering wt NatureSpun by Brown Sheep.  So far I'm 1/2 way through the second pattern set.  I am hoping to have it done by the time it snows here.

Monday I started working on a pair of mitts for my daughter (Araucania Ranco Multy Color 117). I'm using the same pattern I used for both pair of mine (Fingerless Mitts by Sandi Rosner).  I finished the first one today. It looks really nice - though kind of stiff, I'm using size 0 needles instead of the size 2 listed in the pattern.  She just tried it on and told me that they were snug.

This morning I received the third clue for the Criminal Minds Mystery KAL (Knit-A-Long).  I've finished the first 8 rows, just have to do that one more time and then the first 4 rows again.  This is the first KAL I've done and I'm really enjoying it.  Thanks, ThreeBagsFulled. Can't wait for the next clue (and the next KAL).

Where's summer gone....

It's been awhile since I've posted anything new, in fact its been more than three months.  It's been a busy three months.  I've been busy sewing for the mercantile, drafting & writing instructions for a pattern (Civil War period boys pants - which are almost finished), trying to finish all of my started projects & translating patterns for knitting, crocheting & Tunisian crochet.

Here are pictures of a few of the sewing projects I've finished since May (not all of them though - that would take up too much space.)

I will have to post pictures of the completed knitwear when I find the pictures.  In the meantime, I joined a KAL (Knit-A-Long) on Ravelry's Criminal Mind group (Like I needed another project).  However, I have finished 4 pairs of socks all of which one had already been completed (so now there are two matching socks - yippee). One of those I actually ended up taking and reknitting in a plain pattern. I also finished a hat for my daughter and started one for me so that I don't keep stealing her Hermione Cable & Bobble hat.  I will post picture of it when it is done.

On a different note, I finally got to take my horse to a Civil War event this year (it's been at least three years I think since he's been to one).  He did fantastic. 

I'm sure there's more and I'm sure I will remember after I log off.  Oh well, I guess I'll have to post it later.

New Post! Amazing! I know, it's about time.

Okay, so it's been an extremely busy couple of months. I can't believe that June is already right around the corner. I've already planted part of my garden. Bought six tomato plants, looks like only two are going to survive, the Brandywine & the Black Krim (excellent tomato!). I'll have to go back and see if I can get a few more, since I haven't had any luck this year starting my own. In fact, I haven't had any luck starting anything indoors this year (except maybe some pepper plants, fingers crossed). Most of the stuff I've direct sown in the ground are starting to come up. Speckled Cranberry beans (SSE), Scarlet Runner beans (SSE) & Marrowfat Peas (my sister picked these up at Monticello for me last year), Red Wethersfield onions (1st time direct sown no luck starting indoors), Brussel Sprouts (1st time I've planted these), Purple Cape cauliflower, Arugula, & some herbs. Planted but not coming up yet: Jarrandale Pumpkins & first planting of Watermelon Radishes. Yet to plant (waiting for my husband to rototill the garden again): beets (heirloom of course), Danvers Half Long Carrots, Hollow Crown Parsnips, Potatoes, Onions, Jenny Lind Melons, Cayenne Peppers, Tennis Ball Lettuce, Small Sugar Pumpkin, Tennessee Sweet Potato Squash, Early White Bush Scallop Squash, Early Yellow Crookneck Squash & a few heirloom tomatoes (direct sow). Will also plant at some point a second planting of peas & beans. Hopefully, everything will grow!

Now on to the sewing stuff. Last month I finished three outfits for a Civil War period wedding in France. I ended up making three white pleated front shirts, three pairs of black trousers, one silk shawl collar vest, one silk collarless vest (trimmed in black), one lined wool sack coat & one lined wool frockcoat. The jacket & vest for the youngest was made by a friend of mine.

I also finished another silk vest, white pleated front shirt, & trousers for a friends son for the Fort Wayne ball.

Boys hats:

1st: Green Silk Suiting

2nd: Wool blend

3rd: Dark Green Wool

4th: Brown Herringbone Cotton Twill

5th: Blue Cotton Corduroy

Can be found for sale @ http://www.originals-by-kay.com/

Next post: Finished UFO's (or UFP's - Unfinished Objects or Unfinished Projects)

Busy... Busy... Busy...

Sorry, I haven't blogged in awhile. I haven't forgotten. I've been EXTREMELY busy. I will blog soon.

March 20th - Fort Wayne, IN Civil War Ball

First let me say I had a great time, even though I didn't dance. It was great to see my friends, some of whom I haven't seen since last Civil War season, some I hadn't seen since the Midwest Civil War Civilians Conference in January & the few I've seen more recently. Thank you to Sue for making this event so enjoyable.

The Fort Wayne Ball is the first Civil War Ball I've been to that does a ball the right way. Dance set, food, dance set, more food, etc. I wish more did them right. Most events have "balls" which I wouldn't consider a ball. I'm sorry but I refuse to wear my good silk dresses to those sorts of "balls", most of which are outside. Enough of that. As I said the Fort Wayne ball is definitely worth going to.

Add to the to do list.....

New ballgown for next years ball!

Later everyone!

Pit Bulls! I love mine!

Okay, this is ridiculous. City of Elgin, IL to vote on banning Pit Bulls.

I am a Pit Bull owner, I'm tired of city officials thinking that the only way to deal with them is to ban them. Human beings made them what they are. We (humans) bred them & trained them to be dogfighters and what not. Most of the time good dogs. Occasionally & I stress occassionally they are not. I'm tired of the media making them out to be bad dogs, what really sucks is when the media tells you it was a pit bull and later turns out that it wasn't & they don't retract what they say.

Through my life I have owned several different breeds of dogs. My pit bull has been the best dog I've ever owned, she's well-behaved, rarely ever barks or whines, loves to give kisses & sit in your lap. She even lets my daughter use her as a pillow.

Just like any dog (and I mean any dog!) They can bite. I know plenty of people who would agree that they really don't like the little yippee dogs (you know the ones, the owners think they are oh so cute when the misbehave, because they don't bother to train them).

I don't care what type of dog you own, you have to be a responisble owner.

1. Get them spayed or neutered.
   
2. Get them trained. (There are loads of qualified people out there that can help you. Our local humane society has a Pit Bull specific class.)
   
3. Always know where they are. (Just like children they can figure out how to sneak out.)


4. Always supervise them when they are with friends and family.


5. If you have other dogs or are planning on bringing in another. Talk to a professional animal behaviorist first.


6. Beware of where you get your dog. (My dog came from the local humane society who does extensive behavior testing before letting any dog out for adoption and then rates them as to what type of home they can go to. i.e. no children, children over - insert age here, no cats, no other dogs, etc. So that people have some idea what they are in for.)

Please don't judge this breed because of the few that aren't breed ambassadors. Breed specific legislation doesn't work. The people who want these animals for the wrong reasons will ALWAYS find a way to own them!

Sidesaddle

For the second time in a week I got to spend time with a friend of mine at the barn. Last Friday, she came by and got to ride in my sidesaddle. Today she came by with her husband (who I finally got to meet!) Mark (my horse) behaved really well for Jenny again (he even let her canter him sidesaddle.) Jenny did a great job riding sidesaddle, especially considering my saddle is a bit big for her and the stirrup was too long.

Now, it's time to get back to all the sewing I have to get done.

Later everyone!

Weekend

Had a great weekend with friends. Did some planning for the 2010 reenacting season. More to come.....

Great game USA! Silver in Men's Ice Hockey!

Today. 2/25/2010

Knitting projects I'm currently working on.

• Knitted Messenger Bag (see yesterday's post for picture.)


• Stupefy Socks


• Kelp Scarf

Knitting projects on hold.

• Frankensocks + 4 or 5 more pairs of socks


• Herringbone Scarf

Knitting Projects to come.

• Civil War stuff


• Something out of the Hand painted skein of Top of the Lamb.

Tunisian (Afghan) Crochet....Too many to list.

Sewing projects.... Let's not go there. Way to many besides the corsets.

Later.

Pictures of Things I've Knitted...

The first sweater I ever finished. Made from Knitting Pure & Simple, Children's Neckdown Pullover. Yarn is Blackberry Ridge Woolen Mill Medium/Worsted Weight Kaliedoscope Yarn, Northern Lights.

These socks were made with the left over pink from the Guitar Messenger bag.

The Little Girls Shrug I made back in December for my daughter. The pattern I used is from Knitting

Pure & Simple (#288). Yarn is Dark Horse Yarns Fantasy, color 40.

The little cardigan I made for a friend for her daughter. The pattern is Kid's Top-Down Raglan from Ann Norling (#53). Yarn is Sirdar Spree in Riviera.

Later.

Knitted Messenger Bag

Finally finished the front flap, flap lining & Back. Still need to do the back pocket, front, sides, bottom and strap. Might, be able to finish it by Sunday. (I've only been working on this since December 2008!) Picture doesn't do it justice, it is a much brighter shade of purple.

Okay, back to the sewing machine. Later.

Socks are finished!

Just finished another WIP for the Ravelympics.

And one other pair that I finished back in January and finally took pictures of.

That's all for now. Later.

Another week....

Spent the weekend working on a couple of knitting projects. Both are for the Ravelympics. I've got about 12" done on my lace scarf and have part of the foot and the entire toe to do on the one pair of socks. Hopefully, the socks will be done this evening. Now it's time to get to the sewing machine. Later.

More....

Okay, I actually have three WIPs that are socks left to finish for the Ravelympics. I also have a bag to finish.

I got my Ravelympic medals for the items I've already gotten finished!

Later. More sewing and knitting to attend too.

Finished!

Last night I finally finished a knitting project that I've been working on since September 2008! Yippee!

Only three more WIPs to finish for Ravelympics, two are socks, thankfully both projects have one of them already done. Oh, then there's the lace scarf to finish (hopefully!)

In the meantime, I've got corsets to finish today so I can knit tonight!

Later!

Busy Weekend....

I didn't get everything done that I wanted to. But I did get quite a bit done. Two of these were wips for Ravelympics. The other was a new project for the sweater event. All three are done and will be for sale at Originals by Kay.

Yesterday was also Valentine's Day. My daughter and I had some fun dipping strawberries my husband had bought in chocolate.

Today's schedule - draft boy's pants patterns for a special order and work on corsets.

Later.

I haven't fallen off the planet.... Really, I haven't.

I know it's been a long time since my last "real" blog. So, here's what's been going on. The economy tanked (I know everyone knows that) but it has had somewhat of an impact on my business and that of my friend's. It does look like things are slowly starting to turn around though.

Last month was the Midwest Civil War Civilian Conference in Springfield, IL. It went really well. I think we had more people there than at any of the other ones. I hope that we keep up the momentum! We had great speakers & topics! I hope everyone who attended had a great time and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Last night the Olympics started, unfortunately, on a very sad note. My prayers are with the family of Georgian Nodar Kumaritashvili, who died during a training run yesterday.

On a lighter note, in the last couple of months I've rediscovered Tunisian Crochet and have been working with a friend to translate 1860s knitting and crocheting patterns from German to English. I'm in the process of making them into sizes that modern people can wear. Along with that I've also become active on Ravelry.com again. I've joined Team BAU (Criminal Minds fans) for the Ravelympics (http://www.ravelry.com/). I've decided to enter 7 wips (works in progress), 1 shawl, 1 sweater, & 1 lace. Here's the progress so far. I started this this morning and already have the vest & belt done. (Did I say I love Tunisian Crochet - I find it's faster than knitting!) My goal is to have this one & the other two that are wips finished by tomorrow evening. My new needles came in the mail today so now I can get started on the lace piece for the games.

Along with the knitting & crocheting I'm still doing Civil War costuming. My focus has shifted some though from period riding habits to boys' clothing (ages 8 & up).

Hopefully, I will do better at updating my blog from now on! That's all for now!

Go Team USA!

New Year....>>>

This year I'm going to try and post more regularly. We'll see.