Designer Shirley Paden is Coming

Once an executive in the corporate world, Shirley Paden left it all behind 15 years ago to pursue a career in knitwear design. Today Shirley is the owner and founder of Shirley Paden Custom Knits in New York City. She teaches master knitting classes for the fashion industry and conducts seminars on lace, entrelac, cables, color knitting, and finishing techniques. Her designs have been published in Interweave Knits, Vogue Knitting, and Knitter’s magazines and she was the subject of a profile in 2004. She has been a guest on public television’s Knitting Daily TV (2010). Knitwear Design Workshop is her first, much-awaited book. She lives in New York City.



My friend Melodye and Annece have joined forces as 2 Kraz Knitters and will be presenting Shirley Paden the author of Knitwear Design Workshop: A Comprehensive Guide to Handknits (Interweave, 2010) on June 4 – 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Md.

Here is an excert from Melodye's blog:
The weekend includes a book signing and talk, Friday night starting at 6. On Saturday there will be an all day workshop with Shirley working through the principles in her book. There will be a short break for lunch and you’re asked to bring your lunch. We’ll provide beverages and desserts.

Friday evening is free, but you must have your own copy of the book and R.S.V.P. not later than May 28, 2010. I haven’t seen the book locally, but I know Amazon has it.
You may attend the book signing without attending the workshop. Once paid, there will be no refunds but substitutions will be allowed.

If interested send me an email to mbray fifty four@comcastdotnet. Don’t forget to make the appropriate conversions.

Update

Can you even believe it! One month since the last post. Where does the time go??? Here we are three months into the new year and I feel like I can't even keep up. I know that all the snowfall that we've had this year has a lot to do with it. I ended up with aches and pains that I am still trying to recover from. I have been knitting ever chance I can get. I am currently working on the 198 yds of Heaven Shawl. I have started it in a few different yarns, trying to see which one I like best. I am also trying to finish some already started(and should have been finished by now) projects .
Here on the east coast Spring has sprung. We had a gorgeous week weather wise. I am so happy to have spring. It was up in the high 60's and low 70's all week. It has almost made me forget about the trying winter that we just had.

Yesterday we attended our second HomeSpun Party in Savage Mill. It was a blast. I enjoyed seeing some of the same vendors from last year. Our favorites were Folktale Fibers, Cosy Knits, and of course The Sanguine Gryphon. We met up with Arthella and Cheryl and got there around 11am and was able to get a good spot in line with only a few in front of us. I always enjoy seeing what everyone is working on. We never mind waiting when we have our projects with us. The doors opened around Noon and we headed over to Sanguine to see if there was any Bugga♥ and their was...we Scored! Everyone had the same idea and within seconds it was a mad house grabbing all the yarn. I am very happy with my 3 skeins of Bugga(I started out with 5). Chelette scored 6 skeins of Bugga. Next stop was Cosy Knits. She has the most beautiful handspun. Then off to Folktale. Once I visited all my favorites, I then could take my time and visit some of the other vendors. I loved being outside on the porch where the weather was simply beautiful.

The best part was seeing some of my favorites peeps. My hat goes off to BunnySquirrel for all her hard work. This year was a big success. I hope she was able to get some sleep after-wards.
It's always nice to Somebunnyslove, and Jessica they was working really hard. I soon ran into Carol, Evelyn, Ava, Shelly and Sandra, Connie, Barbara, Deb, and Deb, Debbie and Susan, Deb, Jana, Tiaree, Melodye, and Pam, Karida and Jillsey, and Jennifer. I am sure I have forgotten to mention someone.

I was pretty good at not over buying yarn this year. I am going to wait until MDSW before I buy anymore yarn.(that's the plan anyway). I'll let you know how it goes.

I guess you could say I have been way behind in posting, sorry about that. I really need to get caught up. And when I find my camera that has been lost for months now, I will post some pictures of our latest projects.
Happy Spring♥

Enough Already / Happy Love Day

♥♥♥HAPPY LOVE DAY!♥♥♥ Hiya everybody. I know, I know, it been awhile and I know you missed me:). I sure missed you. It has been a trying couple of weeks. I bet a lot of you are probably sick of snow, I know I sure am. Can you believe how much snow has fallen in the past few weeks?? I heard that 49 out of 50 states have snow on the ground. I don't remember in my lifetime if the government has ever shut down 4 days in a row. It has been a challenge for many of us. They are calling for more snow on Monday, but nothing like we've had. Accumulation, only a couple of inches is forecasted. Every time in the past that we've had snow, I was frightened and dreaded it. Hopefully, I' ve ended my fear of driving in snow and icy conditions. Many of you know that I am a mail carrier. This year has been one of my most challenging winters in all my 2o years of carrying the mail. I didn't think I was going to make it a few times, but thankfully I did survive and feel stronger because of it. Each day after delivering the mail, I would go home and rest up until for next day. I sure hope that we have seen the worst of it.

I have been doing some knitting and can't wait to show you my latest project.

Come on Springgggggg♥ I am so ready for it!

I want to thank fellow blogger One Woman for helping me realize that it was time to post again. Go wish her a Happy Blogiversay One down, many more to come. All the best to you!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I received this blog award from my dear friend Darcy

Here is how it works:
1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
2. List who gave the award to you and use a link to her blog (or hyperlink).
3. List 10 things that make you happy.
4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blog to let them know!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1. Spending time with my family
2. Going on vacation(at this point any time off would be great)
3. Being able to knit to my hearts content
4. Sleeping late with breakfast in bed
5. Having a fabulous dinner at my favorite restaurant
6. The satisfaction of a completed project
7. When I have caught up on all my favorite TV shows
8. Chocolate covered chocolate chip cookies with pecans
9. Visiting my local Yarn Shop and seeing what new yarns have arrived
10. Having a knitting date with my favorite knitter girls♥

Passing The Award On:
1. Lupe. 2. Libby 3. Cheryl 4. Jana 5. Barbara
6. Niki 7. Carolyn 8. Beate 9. Ria 10. Stacey

Happy King Day

Here's a "Martin Luther King" journey map created by Mibazaar.
It maps out important events in Martin Luther King's life. The map automatically moves on to the next event in Rev. King's life. You can however manually move forward/back by clicking on the arrows located at the bottom left on the map.

Enjoying my day and trying to get some knitting in. Me and my girls are playing Scrabble as I try to get this post in. Sunny and bright here. I haven't played Scrabble in ages. It was my most favorite board game growing up. I am leading at the moment. Guess I still have it!

Hope you all have a great day♥

Mobil Giving

The Mobile Giving Foundation called it a "mobile-giving record" for funds raised for a single cause. Donations are rising swiftly. They are receiving up to 10,000 text messages per second. The foundation said more than $11 million has been donated.

Cellphone users can donate $5 to Haiti-born hip-hop musician Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund by texting the word "Yele" to 501501, or they can donate $10 to other nonprofit organizations, such as the American Red Cross, by texting the word "Haiti" to a specified number, like 90999. The donation is charged to a user's cellphone bill.

Wireless carriers Verizon Wireless, AT&T Inc, Sprint and T-Mobile USA, and a unit of Deutsche Telekom AG, have waived fees for customers wishing to send mobile donations. Carriers are also letting users know they are not taking a cut of the donations.

This devastation will unfortunately be a lasting one. It will require years and years of rebuilding efforts. Let's support the Haitians in the rebuilding process.

May we not forget them and their plight as time passes and our lives move forward♥

Do What You Like/ All About Me???

How is everyones New Year going?? I have decided that, it's important to take time to do what you like. If you don't then someone will decide for you. I don't really do resolutions. I do try to think about what I would like to accomplish from time to time. I just have problem with long term goals. I am better at one step at a time. Looking back on 2009, I can't say I completed as many projects as I would have liked. I can't even give you an exact number. I can say I had fun knitting and I do have a few things to show for it.
I am hoping that 2010 is going to be an abundant year of finished objects. I am not good at doing more than one project at a time, is what I'm noticing. I tend to be a monogamous knitter. But when it comes to buying yarn, I think I am way to loose. At the present I am off the chain with more than I can possibly think of using up for at least years and years.
So I vow to not buy yarn until The Homespun Party coming in March. I have lessened my visit to yarns sites and shops, in hopes that I won't be tempted. I have some beautiful yarn in my stash and if I want to go shopping, all I need do is look into my stash. I am trying to figure out a way to display my yarn so that it's in my face sort-a-speak.

Today I pulled out this yarn and I am going cast on for a hat and hopefully finish it tonight. I am using the "One day hat" by The Rainey Sisters. It's a free pattern.










I asked Chelette to join me on the post because we were discussing this earlier. Here is her entry:

Cici and I are so connected-- she sent me a BBM text and it was exactly what I was thinking . We needed to do a new post about knitting more in 2010. Earlier today we were doing our new favorite thing --video chatting --via Oovoo. We went through our 2009 projects on ravelry. This of course got our minds to focus on projects we would like to complete in 2010. At first, I said I would do a list of things that I wanted to complete in 2010 and then I thought nooooooo our knitting is supposed to be fun, stress free and all about me.

As I looked back, I see that I knitted quite a few things for other people. Cici wanted to know what was the last thing I actually knitted for me? And I couldn’t even think of what it was –I said it was the Cherry Garcia hat, but then was reminded that was by default because it was originally for my daughter. So as I looked in my projects the last thing I have done for me was my Central Park Hoodie(CPH) which was finished in February 2009…….I will not focus on that revelation.


I just finished a hat for DH and let’s just say this is the very first item I have knitted for him.

Also, yesterday when DD and I were out she pointed out that she didn’t have any fingerless mitts….hint hint you have made 2 sets for other people. LOL… the guilt set in and off to LYS we went and got yarn for her fingerless mitts. The fingerless mitts will be done in a day or so. Then there's one sock that is hanging over my head which is a joint belated birthday project with Cici for our baby sister.
After those commitments THE FUTURE WILL BE DEFINITELY ALL ABOUT ME:)

Thank you Beverly for showing me how to add ravelry projects to my postings.

!!!!!85 YEARS!!!!!

Happy Birthday to our Mom, who celebrated her 85th birthday this past weekend. My mother is a plain and humble person, who doesn't like a lot of fuss or recognition. She would have never agreed to a party. So we had to make it a surprise.
She loves her family and is at her happiest when we can all be gathered together. Her second favorite thing to do is go to church. She has been a devote catholic all her life and never missed a mass. She has worked and served her Church for over 60 years. She is the best cook in the world and she enjoys gardening and flowers.
In her earlier years her main hobby was embrodery. She has done an excellent job raising her 6 children. We owe everthing to her! She has been our everything♥

We love you MAMA!!! Thank you for all you do! I know that I speak for all my brothers and sisters. She tells us she doesn't want another party until she's 90.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

glitter-graphics.com

Merry Christmas

glitter-graphics.com

Winter Storm/ New Blogger

Hello all. Here on the east coast we experienced a major winter storm this past weekend. It is probably the worst I've seen since 2003. Its the snowiest December on record for DC. Nearly 2 feet of snow has piled up in MD/DC/VA.

It sure looks like a lot of folks have gotten their wish for a white Christmas. The federal government in DC was also closed today. So you know it must be bad. I know a lot of kids are happy for no school and Christmas being only a few days away, it's like a child's dream come true.

I would like t0 welcome to the blogging world a very good friend of mine. Her name is Cheryl. She has been featured here a few times. She just started her very first blog. Take a minute to go check her out. She has some beautiful and inspiring words. She is a new knitter and long time writer. Welcome Cheryl!!! I am so happy you have decided to join the world of blogging♥ I know you won't regret it♥

This past weekend with all the snow. I was able to get some knitting in. My daughter and I sat around all day on Sunday and had a knitting good time. My daughter was able to complete the Cherry Garcia Cowl. I continued to work on my Autumn Vines Stole and do the fabulous Jeny's stretchy bind-off for the Diagonal Lace koigu socks that I finished a couple of months ago. I had taken them a loose because I thought the bind-off was too tight. So now they turned out just perfect. I am loving this bind off♥ and will use it every time for toe up socks.

Chelette was also very busy knitting this past weekend. She completed the Marsan Watchcap for a friend of her daughter's. It turmed out really well. Photos to come soon.

News you can use!

Toe-up sock knitter's here it is, best news since Judy's Magic Cast-On. Ever since I started knitting socks from the toe-up binding off has been a challenge for me. Jeny Staiman has come to save the day! Jeny is a genious to come up with this one. Please try this technique, you will love it♥ Cat Bordhi, grande dame of sock knitting, made this video tutorial of Jeny's bind-off. Enjoy.

After doing research on the bind-off I also found that Jeny made a video of an accompanying cast-on. So I have added it here so that I can have it handy. Jeny says "It is the most elastic cast-on I know -- more elastic than the classic long-tail cast-on. And this one is not a long-tail cast-on so you don't have to worry about how much yarn to leave for the tail". Can you see the possibilites are endless with this one, cuffs and sleeves will be a ease.

Are You Ready?

Are you Ready? For Christmas that is :). I'm not. I've just been overwhelmed. I can't believe the long hours that I have been putting in this year. The Post Office has changed plants where our mail comes from and they have been sending us more letters than I have seen in 20 years.

So to think about shopping and preparing for Christmas feels like too much. I am hoping things will let up soon. The only good thing is that hopefully my paycheck might be fatter♥

And knitting?? What's that?? I haven't been able to knit all week :(

Here is Chelette's tree all ready to decorate. She says it was easy this year to pick one. Frazier Fur's this year are plentiful. Although they seem to be getting smaller.

Hope you all have time to do everything you need for Christmas. Right now I need to start planning for next Christmas, because this one is coming to fast for me♥

10 on Tuesday

10 Great Things About the Holidays

1. Getting together with Family..this year will be especially grand because of our new family members Jeanette and Lil Marc

2. Having time off work... well atleast I get Christmas and New Years Day

3. receiving presents... not really exspecting that many since I have shortened my list

4. Decorating the Christmas Tree... A live tree is a must in our household(although I have found the best smelling candle that smells better than a real tree)

5. Egg Nog...this is the only time of the year I drink it. I hear StarBucks has one

6. Oysters... Well I guess by now everyone knows oysters are my favorite

7. More Church Services.. Love going to Church during the holidays

8. Buying presents...My list this year is shorter

9. Driving around to see Christmas Decorations...my mom and Kayla really enjoys this every year.

10. oh my, those 9 were easy. Now at 1o i'm blank.. let's see how about
Giving Thanks! and counting my Blessings♥

Happy Sunday

This is our first snow! I was so happy that I didn't have to work. I did go out and do a little shopping. There are only a few more shopping days left before Christmas. It was a perfect day to sit and knit and watch the snow fall. I have decided this year's Christmas i'm doing the bare minimum, Christmas has come to soon and I'm not feeling it.

My nephew Marc who is in the Navy will be coming home today from Hawaii and he will be bringing his son Little Ray( 6months old). We are anxious to meet him. It will be exciting for sure. Marc will be here for 2 weeks. Nerry his mom, my baby sister(1st time grandma) will be watching "Lil Ray" for a week until Jeanette(Little Ray's Mother, Marc's wife) arrives. It's going to be a great Christmas this year with the new family additions♥

ps. If you are in need or want of addi needles. Pamela(Trillian42) at Katydidknits.com is destashing♥

Ten on Tuesday

Here I go agin. I couldn't pass up this weeks Ten on Tuesday because it's an easy one

10 Things You Want, but Wouldn't Buy for Yourself'

1. Jaguar with chauffeur..really setting my sites high huh/

2. Trip to Germany...still dreaming about that trip to Wollmeise

3. Plastic Surgery... I need a all over. Head to toe

4. New house...cause right now I'm renting

5. Personal Body Trainer...that's for after the makeover, I'll need to keep it up

6. The Mentalist 1st Seaon on dvd...well I have been eyeing it but not willing to spend 45 dollars.

7. Bed with the sleep number ....You know that one you see on TV commercials

8. John Hardy Bracelet....Been eyeing these to, but way outta my price range

9. 52 in TV.. I don't even know what you call them now. HD somethin' I wouldn't even have place to put it lol

10. A Family Cruise Reunion...wouldn't this be grand♥ me and my family on a cruise I would probably need for at least 50 people

I think I made my own rules for this 10, You can see I choose all the things I want but couldn't afford at this time♥

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!

Day 30....Happy Dance

This is it! the last day of the month, last day of my posting for nablopomo. Yay..I'm doing the happy dance♥ I completed 25 days out of 30. I have enjoyed posting. It was stretch a few times. I think I did better than last year. I might try it again next year♥

Day 29 .. Sunday

Thanks for all your well wishes. I am feeling much better. I got lots of rest and took it easy all day. I am happy to report that I will be able to make it to work tomorrow.

Only one more day of this month and believe me, I am glad of that. I am proud of myself for being able to post most of the days. I only missed a few. Who knows maybe one of these years I can make it each day. I can tell you some of the days weren't easy. I struggled with what to write. I do think, that the more I do it, the easier it would become. I always think of my favorite quote "Practice is the mother of skill". Even though this blogs theme is about knitting, I found it hard to stick to just that. So I hope you haven't minded all the extra. I have used this blog as a way to keep the memories of what goes on in my life from time to time.

I would highly recommend blogging. The main and most important thing that I have gotten out of it is that the world must be getting smaller and as different as we all are, we are also the same. I can post and it can be read all over the world in minutes. We are all connected like a Human Web. Thus the friendships and communication made as a result of this blog is phenomenal. And that's a good thing:). I am thankful for each and everyone who has stopped by to see what's going on with the Sistahs. We appreciate your readership and look forward to a happy future♥

Day 28,, short and sweet

I've made it through another day and I am tired, sneezing, sore throat, achy body.. Guess it is full blown and official I have the flu. I took some Nyquil last night and going to do it again tonight. I did not get to knit at all today. My work load was heavy and I'm glad I made it through. Tomorrow will be a better day. Hope to get some rest, knit, do laundry and get ready for the new week.
That's all I have for now. I am going to upload some Thanksgiving photos to flickr. Take care hope your day was great♥

Day 27......BLACK FRIDAY

Finally, I am helping my sister out with a post, sometimes we collaborate, but 95% of the time all of the credit goes to her and she does a fine job.

In all of my years, I have never ever gone out for Black Friday. It has never crossed my mind to get out the bed at 4:00 am for the madness. My record was broke today, because at 4:30 am I was on my way to the Black Friday sale at Fibre Space and a big THANKS goes out to Arthella, I dont think I would have gone if she had not offered to pick me up. I really could not believe that CiCi was not going with us, we tried to get her to go but she actually had to work. Everyone knows she would have been there first in line with camera in tow-- as her tshirt says "I am blogging this". So now I was charged with filling her shoes...wow those are some big shoes to fill. I am just glad I had my camera because when I talked to her she just could not believe I wasnt taking pictures. SURPRISE Sister.. you taught me well.

Arthella's goal was to arrive at 5 am and to be first in line......mission accomplished. I had no idea what we were going to do for the next chilly hour because the store was opening at 6am. Danielle had it all planned -- coffee and donuts for us to enjoy while we waited. It was a great way to start the holiday season off.

We ran into Susan, Barbara, Deb, Niki and even Olga was there-- ladies sorry to put you on blast, but it was great seeing you. It was lots of fun-- we went to breakfast afterwards....the Black Friday sale was very much worth it...would I do it again...OF COURSE... the things we do for yarn.

Sister here are a few pictures.. didnt get as many as I would have liked but I had to focus on my purchases... I didnt take pictures of my purchaes, maybe tomorrow. this was wayyyyy to much work. I got yarn to make 5 hats, 3 fingerless mitts and our lexie barnes needle cases... which I am very excited about. Sorry you could not join us, but we are going to make sure we get your vacay days scheduled for 2010 ASAP

Day 26 Happy Thanksgiving

My prayer is that everyone have a blessed Thanksgiving!!!!! I have so much to be thankful for. Many of you have touched my life through your blogs, comments and support. Thank You♥

Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving; and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him; and bless His name.; For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations; ps 100♥