So much has happened!

Wow, was I shocked when I got on here and realized how long it had been! Many things have happened since then. My husband is very involved with the True/False Film Festival here in town. It's a weekend long festival filled with documentaries, music, events, etc. It was shortly after my last post that he got busy with that and now it's finally over! Maybe I can get back to normal instead of feeling like a single parent. I really can't complain too much though. He loves doing it and I'm happy he's able to. So, let's see what's been happening... Here's a picture of Lainey in one of the Ripley's that I made... for me! (Just in case anyone wonders, her little red eye is due to a sty... she gets them all them all the time.) I'm hoping to have enough yarn to make a bigger one for myself. She requested a pink Ripley too, so that was in her stocking Christmas Eve. I have been looking at some patterns from Lil Blue Boo for quite some time. She has some adorable recycled t-shirt patterns and I finally bought several. I made one for Lainey for Valentine's Day. Here she is playing in the snow before I even got the neckband put in (that happened during her afternoon quiet time.) It's fabulous! The pattern was so easy to follow and I can't wait to make more. I also got the halter dress, but it's not quite warm enough to play outside with one of those on yet.Here are the Hello Kitty pj's I made for her for Christmas. She loves them (yeah!) and I hope they'll fit for at least one more year (I left them quite long, so I can drop the hem later on.) I freezer paper stenciled on the shirt.It turned out great and I've had a request from my husband for a matching Hello Kitty t-shirt. I need to get on that! Hayden got fingerless mitts in his stocking. I don't have a picture of him in his pjs.

I have some other projects that I've worked on, but no photos. I finished a Shalom for the Knitting Olympics. (I've since made a few changes to the cuffs and bottom of the sweater. I'll post a picture after it blocks.) My February Lady Sweater was too small and will probably be frogged to be re-knit. I think I've been on a gathering spree instead of finishing things. I think that's changing though. Once we're through the birthdays in March things seem to be a bit easier.

(Almost) Ready for Christmas! (another old post)

Here's another old post that never made it to the blog...

I've been working like crazy trying to finish up gifts, etc. I knit up a Cairn for my FIL and have a Ripley ready for my MIL, a pair of Hello Kitty pj's ready for Lainey (they are so cute! I freezer paper stenciled Hello Kitty on a long sleeved white t that she already had and I used the pattern from Oliver + S to make flannel bottoms -- Hello Kitty, of course!), I'm still working on Hayden's Mizzou fleece bottoms and the 2nd in his pair of fingerless gloves. Doug is supposed to be getting thick wool socks for Christmas, but I won't have time to start them. I think he'll be happy with what I got him though (and the socks will be started in 2010.) I also worked up a few handmade gifts for others, but better not post just yet.) I'll be baking chocolate chip cookies AND oatmeal scotchies for Santa because each of my kids is POSITIVE that they know what his favorite is! Luckily, my mom is continuing her tradition of taking the grandkids to look at lights tomorrow night. Once the house is quiet I'll be rushing to accomplish as much as possible.

Apples Galore - (old post that never got finished)

I've got several old posts that I started and never added... not sure why. I decided I'd go ahead and add them, so here you go!

Well, I made 4 apple pies weekend before last. It would have been 5, but some came back from my husband's meeting. I've canned 29 pints of applesauce so far. I've still got about 20 pounds of apples left and am thinking an apple crisp will be made very soon! Hayden was a bit under the weather last weekend, so there wasn't too much cooking going on.

I'm knitting along on Lainey's socks... I think I'm ready for the toe, but need to try it on her when she gets home. (These are going to be too small -- she's going to have huge feet, just like me!) Hayden wants rainbow socks, so those will be started next. (Never were... he changed his mind). I make them each a pair of socks to go in their stocking, but this year Lainey decided on a hat and Hayden wanted fingerless mitts. I'm also making pj's this year (vs. buying them like I've done in the past). I'm using the Bedtime Story Pajama pattern from Oliver and S. I'm planning to just make the bottoms for Hayden and find a matching t-shirt.

My Ishbel is now further than when I had to frog it back. The Malabrigo lace is so soft! I've been holding it to my neck and I think this is the first wool that I'll actually be able to wear right next to my skin.

Some knitting, etc.

I'm feeling all better and have been knitting, crafting, etc. this week. I (finally) finished a little pair of socks I started for L. They were way too small, so I gifted them to a friend. I started a new pair for L in Patons Stretch Sock in Plum. I also cast on for an Ishbel with my friend, Aimee.I'm using Malabrigo lace in Hummingbird. It was a lot bigger, but I found a mistake and wasn't able to drop down to fix it. Luckily, I'm in the stockinette section, so it shouldn't take too long to catch back up!

I finished up L's book bag. My husband asked what MSG stood for... I had to explain that it was L's monogram (L is from her nickname)! I think it turned out well for my first freezer paper stencil attempt. I've got t-shirts for both kids that we're going to work on Sunday afternoon while Doug is gone to a meeting. I can't wait!

I can't get ahead of myself though. My nephew is spending the night tonight and we're making turkey burgers. I also rented Monsters vs Aliens as our Friday night movie. Then, we'll be going to the market in the a.m. to pick up several bags of apples (a mix of gala and granny smith) for pie and applesauce making tomorrow. (I'll probably be going alone while they watch cartoons, but that's okay!) I've still got all my canning equipment out and just need to wash the jars and lids and get organized. I made more pickles last weekend and may get a few more canning tomatoes tomorrow, if they're available. I feel like a little squirrel stocking up for the winter! So far I have...

17 pints and 1 quart of dill pickles (spears and sandwich slices), 7 pints and 10 half-pints of apple butter, 8 pints of salsa, 5 pints of hot sauce (for Black Bean Chilequile, a Moosewood recipe), 6 quarts and 9 pints of pasta sauce, 14 quarts of tomatoes, 6 bags of frozen red peppers, 2 batches of frozen pesto, 6 bags of shredded zucchini, 25 pounds of frozen blueberries and 1 bag of frozen corn!

Luckily, we have a huge freezer that is also filled with beef from a friends family farm, salmon, sausage, bread (when it's on sale), some frozen veggie lasagna and a lot more. That reminds me, I need to get a few more veggies when I get the apples and make a double batch of veggie lasagna (a Moosewood recipe). We have some friends that just had a baby and I'm planning to take them a pan along with salad and bread. Looks like it will be a busy weekend!

Now, for a quick pick up of the house and a little sit down with my knitting! L and I are volunteering in the library at H's school during his library time and will be working for his teacher for an hour or so after. I'm so glad that I'm able to do things like this! I remember my mom being there to help when I was in elementary school and I hope my kids have the same fond memories!

Ugh!

I'm not sure if I'm having side effects from my flu shot or if I've caught a bug, but I feel terrible (which is a bit better than yesterday!) I had a low-grade fever, but enough to make me feel bad and have chills. Aches, pains and I won't go into the other issues! Lainey slept all night though and came in my room at 7 a.m. to see if I was feeling better. I feel like I got hit by a bus, but other than that, I'm fine!

I have to say though, I have THE MOST FABULOUS kids on the planet! School got out early yesterday. Hayden remembered to meet me in the circle drive (so I didn't have to infect anyone) and I took them to McDonald's so that I didn't have to stand up for too long fixing their lunch. When we got home I went back to bed. Hayden turned on cartoons in the family room for Lainey and turned on the Wii for himself. I'd hear Lainey come upstairs and they'd check on me occasionally. No fighting! Only nice, helpful words. Lots of "I love yous" to each other (and me). I was able to sleep away the day. We got out around 6 to pick up dinner and Hayden informed me that he couldn't wait for me to feel better because fast food is his least favorite. He'd rather eat the things I fix for the family! I just about cried!

Doug got home around 8 from sand volleyball and put the kids to bed for me. I was in bed then and didn't wake until Lainey came in... I'm going to go get a big glass of water, 4 ibuprofen and the rice bag for my back. I think I might even be able to knit today! I don't feel quite right when a day goes by that I don't do something "creative" (includes cooking for me. I don't usually follow a recipe.) It's been about 24 hours since I had the fever, so if I can beat the aches and pains into submission we might go out to the library today. I have a couple of books on hold. Hayden doesn't have school and I hate to have him stuck in the house... although he's made a preschool under his bunkbed for Lainey. He told her yesterday they could have pajama day and he'd teach her about frogs! He's such a sweetie!

I also received an award from my BKB, Kristin! I'll post about it after I feel a bit better.

Still around...

But not knitting much... although I see my slump coming to an end! I've been tending my tiny garden (which didn't do much), started a compost bin, cooking all the yummy stuff I've been picking up at the farmer's market and canning pickles, salsa, pasta sauce and plain tomatoes. But not much knitting... I even went to our LYS's annual sale and left without yarn! I have so much stash that I don't really need anything. I've picked out yarn (from my stash) and patterns to knit up a few baby things for a friend that's pregnant. I'm still working on my Lady February Sweater in Dream in Color Classy and have a few other things on the needles. I'm hoping to start a pair of socks for each of the kids and maybe Doug too!

Instead of knitting, I've been sucked into this...

It's the Bubble Dress from Oliver + S. I had looked at this pattern for a long time, but just couldn't spend the money on it (since it's been years since I've sewn any "real" projects.) BUT they had a no shipping special and I finally gave in. I decided to make this for a wedding that we attended over Labor Day weekend. It turned out so well! The instructions were fabulous and it was a lot of fun! I also got a pajama pattern and plan to make several pairs for the kids in some great flannel.

Now, for some knitting....

So much fun going on!

Now that I have a laptop I'm hoping to keep my blog updated a bit more (okay, a lot more!) My problem right now is being able to download photos from my camera... My usb cable seems to have gone missing.



On the knitting front, I've started a couple of small projects that I can't mention. I'm also plugging away on my second Lady February Sweater. I'm using Dream in Color Classy in Spring Tickle, although, the more I look at the color chart on their website, the more I think they mislabelled it and it really is Happy Forest. (I had originally ordered Happy Forest, but when it came it was marked Spring Tickle. It's just not that yellow though.) I'm also working on a sample for Teva Durham's next book! I was so excited when I got the yarn recently. I finally finished my gauge swatch and am hoping to cast on for the actual project very soon. I can't show pictures, etc., but once the book comes out I'll let you know which one I worked on.



And, I got a new knitting bag! It's a Namaste Zuma bag in lime. Thanks to my BKB, who originally was coveting it! Although, she quickly asked them to order her one as well.

I'm working on the cable for the camera and will post some pictures once I get one!

Out of a knitting slump??

I was in a big Christmas knitting kick. Knit the Haruha scarf for Doug's mom, a sweater for Hayden that was finished just in time and a hat for Doug's dad (that didn't fit. I don't have anymore Noro Kureyon in the right color, so I'm debating a stripe of something else.)... then I started reading the Twilight series (it's all my BKB, Kristin's fault... hahahaha) and didn't knit for about 2 weeks. I finally dug into the knitting bag last Tuesday in order to attend Knitter's Guild and actually knit. Then, Kristin proceeds to start discussing a pair of mittens on Ravelry designed from a pair worn by Bella in Twilight (the movie.) which we had seen just a few days prior. I bit! I looked them up as soon as I got home and got the yarn Friday. I've got one finished and have cast on for the other. I am obsessed! But, I'm back on the knitting bandwagon!! Yeah!

I have a problem

I just can't seem to make myself write a blog post! Finally, I got a kick in the pants from Kpiep since she referenced my blog in hers. I was too embarrassed to have anyone see how long it had been since I'd been here. So, a brief synopsis of the goings on here since I last posted...

L is completely potty trained and keeps telling me she's "growing up" and is getting "bigger". She's at a fun stage (unless you count the whining and fits... I'm trying to forget them and just focus on the fun.)

H is in kindergarten and (fingers crossed it continues) all is going well! He seems to like it. He's also lost 2 teeth and is such a sweet boy. I vary between missing him horribly and being glad to have the time alone with L.

I finished my tuscany. I was planning to wear it on our trip to Chicago, but the trip was cancelled when my husband's grandfather passed away. We drove to Alva, OK instead, but I'm glad it happened the way it did since we already had childcare lined up and were both able to attend.

I also finished a February Lady Sweater for myself in Charcoal Cotton-ease. I think it's going to be a great grab and go sweater this Fall. (and will be easy to wash up when one of the kids uses me as a napkin.)

I've ordered enough Dream In Color Classy in Happy Forest to make another February Lady Sweater, but I'm still waiting for it to come in. I'm unsure what to do until then. I am still working on socks for myself (first one completed), but they just aren't what I want to work on right now. I started a Dragon Skin Wrap for Lainey, but I'm a bit stalled out on it as well. I really want to knit sweaters for myself!! I ordered the Something Red pattern from Knit and Tonic and am waiting to receive it. I also like the Wisteria pattern from Twist Collective (if you haven't checked out that website, do so now!!) I'm also finding that I'm gravitating toward patterns I can used a machine washable yarn for. I don't mind hand washing at all (in fact I just bought some soak I'm excited to try!), but since I have little ones and am a "walking napkin/kleenex" I don't want to do it everyday. I'll post pictures of the finished projects soon (cross my heart!)

Fini

Pixie's sweater is finished! I'll gift it to them today when we meet up. Here are a couple of pictures with Lainey modeling...

I need to make another for her. They work so well with most of her outfits. I don't think there's any rush though. It's supposed to be in the 90's and humid for a while!

We thought about walking to the library today, but I think it's just going to be too hot. Now, back to the Tuscany!

My weekend

We had a garage sale (that wasn't as well attended as I had wished. There's still a bunch of stuff left.) this weekend and I was busy with that. I did get out for World-Wide Knit in Public day on Saturday afternoon. The little project I mentioned in my last posted was shown to the recipients mama. I can't wait to get it finished for her. I'm knitting another February sweater for my friend Kristin's little pixie. I'm using Cotton-ease in taupe (they show a new hazelnut color on the website, but they didn't have it here in town yet.) She's a little red head and I hope it looks cute on her. Lainey has gotten tons of use from hers. I really prefer natural fibers, but there comes a time that having something that's easy to wash and won't be ruined if it gets in the dryer comes in handy. I'll try to post a picture soon.

We got out on the trail today and walked 4 miles with some friends. It was gorgeous out and we had a great time!

My House Exploded

I keep reminding myself that it's all stuff for the garage sale, but it looks like my house exploded! Even my knitting room has garage sale items covering the futon. I can still make it to the computer though!

It's supposed to be sunny here again today, so I thought I'd get out and take a picture of my Tuscany. I'm using the SWTC Bamboo in the Tequila colorway. I love the way it's turning out, but it's going to have to share my time with a little something I'm making for a little friend. I'll show you after it's gifted. Let's just say it's a very late birthday present for a little girl we know (and love)! I had planned on making her something else, but hadn't run across what I needed. The new plan popped into my head this a.m. I think it will be good garage sale knitting as well.

Ravelry Strikes Again

I've been sticking to my yarn diet recently and the longer I go, the easier it seems to get. I did get some "free" yarn from a fellow Ravelry member. It's a beautiful cotton/linen boucle and I can't wait to knit up a swatch. I've also sold or traded some yarn. I've finished the Uptown Boot Socks for my mom (no picture yet, but mom loves them!). I was working on my Indigo Ripples skirt and found out there was errata and I had to rip back 15 rounds. BUT, it's now finished! I've worn it several times and here it is....

I'm now working on a Tuscany shawl from No Sheep for You out of SWTC Bamboo in the Tequila colorway. I like how it looks, but it's slow going. I'm trying to keep my projects to a minimum, but am tempted to start something a little faster too. Maybe I'll pick my sock back up.

Anyway, on other fronts... I've been trying to get out and walk 3-4 times a week. There's a circle around the neighborhood that is a little more than 2.5 miles. It has several big hills and enough other stuff that it doesn't get boring. Unfortunately, it's quite hot and humid here right now, so the best time to go is early. Today is spotting rain and I have to take the girl and stroller. I'm going to skip it today. I've been steamcleaning carpets, cleaning house/doing yard work and baking. It's all stuff that got pushed to the side when I was working on preschool graduation and finishing my Indigo Ripples. I'm also working on gathering stuff for a garage sale in a week and a half. I'm getting rid of tons of baby/kid stuff! It would be so nice to find something when I want it!

I think we're getting into our summer schedule, so HOPEFULLY I'll be posting here a little more often!

One of those moments...

Have you ever had one of those moments when you start knitting a new project and you have a bad feeling about yarn/pattern/color? Something just doesn't work for you, but you just don't want to admit it? I just finished my Juliet and it's horrible! I love the pattern, but my yarn choice stinks! I know that it's been done with Cotton Ease on Ravelry, but mine is way too bulky. I got that feeling once I got into the garter stitch, but poo-poo'd myself. I'd love to knit it again (at some point in the future) with a different yarn. Once I get over the trauma (sniff, sniff) I might post a picture.

As for other knitting, I'm still working on my mom's socks. I broke a dpn working on them the other night. I really torque on my sock projects (especially if we're watching an exciting movie. A friend loaned us I am Legend. Not the best movie in the world, but I'm sure I was burning a lot of calories the way my heart was racing!)

I also started the Indigo Ripples skirt out of Interweave Knits. So far, so good. I'm using Rowan Denim that I got on sale specifically for this pattern. I started the pattern a little lower (I have an issue with things close to my waist. I don't like them too low either. Hopefully, I got it right.) and am knitting further before starting the lace repeat. I'm also planning to make it right below the knees.

My husband has an annual meeting for work that is being held in Chicago in August. We're taking the train there (so excited!) and I'm hoping that I have several projects finished to take with me. I'm also hoping to get a little souvenir yarn to bring home. I may have to sell off some stash on Ravelry to justify it since the yarn diet is going quite well!

Sorry for the lack of pictures! I'll try to take some for the next post. It's supposed to be pretty here for a few days and I should be able to get some good light.

Baby Booties and Birthdays

We went to a baptism for twins recently. Doug is the godfather for the little boy (Baby W) and another friend is the godmother to the little girl (Baby E). We are the godparents to their other daugther. They've been friends of Doug's for years now, so I felt the need to make a little something special. I knit up little silk slippers for Baby E and added a few beads and organza ribbon. For Baby W I knit up little cream alpaca slip-ons, but added a button for decoration and ribbons to help keep them on his little feet.

We also had several birthday celebrations at our house during the month of March. Hayden turned 5. He had a pirate party with 15 preschoolers at our house. It went off without a hitch! Here's the cake I made for the party (6 cake mixes and a lot of frosting later...) and the pirate and his friends.

Lainey turned 2 and had a tea party with her little friends. They all played very well together.Then we had little finger sandwiches, juice, fruit salad and birthday cake. I borrowed a couple of little tables and chairs (we had enough seating for 4) and had them in the kitchen for easy clean up. There were 9 little kids (a few of them were bigger siblings) and she seemed to have a great time! (Hayden dressed up too!)

On the knitting front, I still have pictures to take and post of my fingerless mitts. I'm working on a hat for my husbands birthday (today!) that is almost finished. I'm also working on Uptown Boot Socks for my mom's birthday (which was Monday), but I only have the first sock finished. She's tried it on though and loves it!

We had another trip to the ER last week for our littlest monkey. She fell off a kitchen stool and hit her head. About 30 minutes later she threw up on me, so off to the ER for a CAT scan. Everything looked okay, but we got up every 2 hours through the night to make sure it was still that way.

We also registered for kindergarten! I shed no tears, but find myself thinking about his baby years a lot. He's excited, which makes it a lot easier for me. It's raining here again today, so pictures may have to wait a bit more.

Lost

Wow! Time flies by. We've been sick (off and on), to the ER, visited the Dr., contemplating food allergies, had a first haircut, had my birthday... It's been a bit crazy, but that's no excuse! We've got birthdays for both kids coming up this month as well. A pirate party for Hayden and a tea party for little miss. On the knitting front I've finished the first sock of the pair I'm making for myself. Doug's clogs are done and being used. I started, frogged and restarted Uptown Boot Socks for my mom. My Juliet is so close to being done, but has been put aside for everything else. Pictures of these things will follow soon. A photo shoot is in the works.

I do have pictures of a BSJ that I made and then gifted to a beautiful little girl! I used SWS and love it (even if a little splitty...)

I've been making tutus for Lainey. She's quite a girly girl sometimes and loves to dance!

And, here's the first haircut! A sucker at 9 a.m. really took her mind of everything!

If anyone is still reading, I hope you're very patient!

Jenn

Christmas Knitting is FINALLY Finished!

My SILs socks fit and were finished the day before they arrived for their visit! I have now officially started making a pair of socks for myself. They're just stockinette, but I'm using CTH mill ends in black/grey/plum colors. I think I'm going to love them! It is so soft.

I'm also getting ready to start felted clogs for my husband. He was so patient while I finished them up for his father and brother! I'm hoping to have them ready by the weekend. (I guess they're technically still Christmas knitting, but I feel better fooling myself.) I'm trying to decide what my next project will be. I'm planning on making something for myself. Here are a few in the running....

1. Tangled Yoke Cardigan - Eunny Jang
2. Indigo Ripple Skirt - Kat Coyle
3. Ariann - Chicknits
4. Shedir - Jenna Wilson (I've done this one before, but would love to make another.)

I have the yarn for all these (important when one is on a yarn diet!) If you want to help decide my first project for myself this year, offer up a vote! I'm feeling a bit indecisive! I also plan on knitting a lot of socks for myself. After the first pair is done I'm planning a pair of Cookie A. socks!

Goodbye to 2007

Wow! I can't believe that when I wake up tomorrow it will be 2008! Hayden will turn 5 and start kindergarten, Lainey will (hopefully) potty train, I'll turn 38 and have my 8th wedding anniversary, and I'll have my 7th knitting anniversary! It does and doesn't seem like it's been that long. Most of the friends that I took the class with don't knit anymore, in fact, I think there's only one other out of the six of us. I have to say that I'm completely obsessed with it and can't understand why anyone would quit!

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's Eve and 2008! I doubt I'll be up until midnight, unless I'm knitting.

As for knitting progress, I'm still working on my SIL's socks in STR G-Rocks. The first is finished and the second is on the needles. I'm not sure that she'll like them, but we'll see. I stopped the sock progress to quickly knit two little hats for our friends that just had twins. They were early, but healthy and only in ICU one day! I didn't take pictures yet (I was knitting right up until we headed to the hospital to visit), but will hopefully get pictures of them on the babies next weekend. Both were from Itty Bitty Hats. I used Cotton Fleece and did the newborn size on each, but think they should come closer to fitting than the hats they had on yesterday.

I got together with several friends at a new coffee shop last week to knit! They had great chai (and other things from what I heard) AND they have a fireplace! I love fireplaces (not that you'd know it... we have two. A woodburning and a gas log and we rarely use either. I guess I worry too much with two little ones around.) Anyway, the fireplace was going and we sat at the back of the shop right by it on the leather furniture. It was fabulous! We're hoping to get together next week at the same place.

Well, here's to another year of knitting gone by and (hopfully) another to come! I'm on a yarn diet that I'm hoping to be faithful to for 2008. The only yarn I'm able to purchase is if I don't have enough for a project. I'm planning to make a vest like Hayden's for each of his cousins, but I don't think I have enough Cascade 220 (unless they want them to be pink and green striped!) I won't be knitting them until closer to their birthdays, so I won't need the yarn until June or so. I'm hoping to have a complete lack of yarn purchases from January 1 until June 1. Then we'll see if I am still knitting gifts, etc. My "carrot"is $20 a month that I don't purchase any yarn. That could be a nice amount of STR if I'm able to stick to it! I am planning to make a small purchase from Knitpicks sometime soon though (without yarn). I'm hoping to order the sock needle set. My bamboo DPNs are on their last leg.

See you in 2008!

Jenn

PIF Exchange

I've got two takers on the PIF exchange. You can check out Sydney and Stacie on their blogs. Sydney is new to my blog, but Stacie was my sock pal for Sockapalooza 4. Thanks to each of them for "signing" up! I still need one more person to complete my three.

Not much knitting this weekend. Hayden has had a stomach bug most of the day. I've been trying to keep Lainey out of his way. Guess we'll see if we all come down with it. I'm hoping it will be all over by Christmas Eve, if we do.

Hayden wore his vest to his school program last week. He looked so handsome and he's asked when he can wear it again. I told him that after Christmas Eve it's all up to him!

Well, off to knit!

Pay It Forward

I was reading Chrisknits blog recently and she decided to take part in a PIF exchange. She decided to send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who left a comment on her blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. (I actually got in on this!) She stated that she didn't know what the gifts would be and it may not be received tomorrow or next week, but it would be received within 365 days. The only thing you had to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. So, here I am making the promise! The first three people to respond with interest will receive a handmade gift from me sometime within the next year (I'm shooting more for sooner rather than later, but don't want to rush any presents I'm sending.) But, by responding and being chosen you also agree to pay it forward on your blog (if you don't have a blog you can do the same thing with a local charity or knitting group, etc.)

Now we'll see if anyone reads my blog! Thanks Chris!

Jenn