Knit, knit, and knit some more

Sadly I will not be able to attend Stitches this year. However, I have been drowning my sorrows in fiber and it seems to be doing me much good.

I have finished a sweater vest for my son to wear for the holidays and am quite proud of it. It isn't anything super intricate, but it is the first object I've knit that has been entirely of my own design. . .so naturally I'm showing it off here.

If there is interest I'll traslate the chart into a pdf or excel file. . .

Anway, not much time to chat but I'll try to update soon!

Canine Good Citizen. . .here we come!

Well, I finally convinced the hubby that taking Vashty to CGC training would be a good idea. We start November 13th! She is generally a very good girl, but could definitely work on her leash manners a bit. I would love to take her and Duncan to the hospital as therapy dogs some day. Vashty loves attention and is a big kissy face. . .but we've never done any formal training with her.

Being a pitbull I think that she should be the best breed ambassador she can be. There is so much prejudice against this 'breed' it is heartbreaking. They are so eager to learn and love and I think that we owe it to them to make the world as safe a place for them as we can.

If Vashty can change just a few minds in the course of her life I feel as though we could potentially save a few lives. Maybe a couple who meets her won't pass by that pittie at the shelter because of his block head. Maybe a city councilmember out for a stroll will watch her playing with my son and a light will go on in his/her head. Maybe it won't happen. . .but if I don't get her out there then it definitely won't.

Apple Festivals!!

Well, last Saturday my little family attended a lovely Fall Festival at the Steppingstone Museum in Havre de Grace. Apple cider, pumpkin decorating, and hay rides made for a wonderful family day out.

Today my best friend and I took the little guy up to the Darlington Apple Festival. What a treat!! If only the pups could have come too. . .they would have loved all the attention! This little town transformed into an enormous fair. And what should I happen upon but a fiber booth!! Gorgeous handdyed fiber from her own animals (mostly) as well as goat milk lotions and soaps. Alas I hadn't budgeted for this. . .but I did take a card and will be sure to keep an eye out for this farm at MD Sheep and Wool next year. They are called Rose Spring Farm, near the PA/MD border. They also have a blog: http://rosespringfarm.blogspot.com/!

Knitting day!

It's Thursday. . .probably my favorite day of the week. It's my night out at the LYS to knit with the girls. It's only 2 hours but it goes a long way to refresh a tired Mom of 6. (OK, only one is a human child but I'm telling you they all count!)



I am currently working on a wrap for my sister (Wisp by Cheryl Niamath), a cardigan for my mother (self designed), and some Bare Sheep Yarn Co. longies for my son (the non-fuzzy one).



I have about 8 other projects lined up that I'd like to do, and 8 skeins of acrylic that I don't know what to do with. Perhaps crochet some quick blankies for some shelter pups to put on their beds?? I'm concerned that they might eat them. . .only one way to find out I guess!





And the picture of Graham and April is just for fun. . .she's not a kitten, he is just a behemoth and about 6.5 lbs heavier than her :)

Happy Birthday to the Princess!!

How fitting to begin blogging on a birthday, even if it isn't mine. Today is the day we celebrate the birth of Vashty, aka Boo-boo, aka Vashee-Princess, Boo-boo princess, you get the idea. She's royalty and expects to be allowed to lounge about all day, be served regular meals, and be doted on when the mood strikes her. Today she turns 4.

Vashty was rescued from our local animal shelter at 1.5 years old, 20lbs underweight, and starved for attention. . .She's come a long way in the last 2.5 years, and let me assure you she is not starved of anything any longer! She lives happily with 2 kitty siblings, a canine brother, a white fluffy rabbit named Buddy, and one super energetic 18 month old boy. She has brought joy to our life and is working hard to convince people that "pit-bull mix" is code for "Mushy, kissy-face lover."