Cat and Socks




Yesterday I had the privilege of taking a workshop with the famous knitting diva and designer, Cat Bordhi. The day long class was held at City Knitting in Grand Rapids and was based on Cat's book, 'New Pathways for Sock Knitters'. Now only having knit 2 pair of socks EVER.... I was open to looking at this skill with new eyes. Knitting from the toe up is new for me and I love the fact there are no heel gussets to make. A few more practice baby socks and I'll have this down pat and ready to explore other patterns. My practice baby socks was in a soft pink yarn, the same I made the baby sweater with and when I make the pair, I can send the baby gift on.


All the socks that were made in the class were posted on the wall to get photographed. See my baby pink sock at the top left?



I only found out about this workshop by reading the City Knitting website last week and on the spur of the moment called and took the last available spot. I enjoyed the class and this self-taught knitter enjoyed learning from a professional. I will keep my eyes on other classes that will come up here and at LYS in Holland.

Comfy Kimono

A friend on one of my message boards is expecting a new granddaughter, her first, and I wanted to make something special for her. I found the pattern for the baby Comfy Kimono on the Lion Brand website and thought it would be a perfect sweater for a Texas winter. I added a hat and some crochet flowers for both. I think it turned out pretty cute. I hope she likes it.

I can't really believe that it's been 7 months that I've visited this blog. I almost forgot that I had it. I've been posting semi-regularly on the blog that my DS set up for me. Go see it at: http://margo.koroknaypalicz.com. Yes, I'm my own dot com.

I really should just post the same thing on both blogs or turn one into a scrapbooking or knitting blog. I've been asked about a knitting blog as so many in my knitting group have one, but i knit so slowly, it's almost not worth it.

I created this fringed christmas tree and this card holder made from a cereal box as altered challenges for the 'Moments 2 Remember' site. That's my latest work. I really really need to get started on the Alaska cruise album. Maybe this weekend..

It's Almost Christmas

I'm one of those Christmas followers that believe that the beginning of Christmas starts on Christmas Day.... not Halloween. We don't put our tree up on Thanksgiving and put it to the curb on December 26th. We actually just put the tree up today and it will remain decorated and lit until after Jan. 6th, the Feast of the Three Kings. We have a Nativity Scene and the Christ child doesn't appear in the manger until Christmas morning. He sets outside the scene, on another table perhaps. Before Christmas, there is a time called Advent, a time of anticipation, a time for patience. You know those pretty calendars with little windows you open each day? It's not for Santa, it's for the arrival of the Christ Child.

Ah, Patience... you don't see a lot of that these days as you brace yourself against the crowds at the mall. I don't do malls. I don't have the patience or to deal with rude salespeople (albeit tired and underpaid salespeople) and even ruder shoppers. I escaped the madness and shopped the internet. What a wondrous shopping tool that is.

I look forward to this Christmas, not because the tree is up and lit, or because my shopping is done, but because my family will all be together. Isn't that what it's all about? About family and love and anticipation. It's almost Christmas and I'm ready.

Halloweenie and a Poodle Pirate

Just an inside joke between friends...... It was a meager Halloween this year as far as the trick or treaters went. We usually get around 200 kids ringing our doorbell and setting our dogs into a tailspin, but this year we had barely 40. It's a good thing we don't give out candy otherwise we'd have to eat the leftovers. It was a pirate Halloween at our house, with front porch decorations and pirate toys and goodies to hand out. Even Ginger got into the action with her own pirate costume which stayed on at least 10 seconds and hardly long enough for a photo.

Love your Breasts


This month is dedicated to Breast Cancer... to the research to end it and to the woman who have survived and to those, like my mother, who have not. This past weekend one of the scrapbooking magazines sponsored a Scrap Pink event which promoted crops and other events to help educate women. In honor and memory of my mother, I helped give a crop at my LSS, Moments 2 Remember. Even though the scrappers present weren't great, donations given were generous and all money went to the Susan G. Kommen foundation. I thank everyone who came and who donated.

To the women reading this, please get a mammogram this month if you haven't yet, read the information on self-checks, and become aware.

a prodigal friend and sister


My dear friend returned into my life after being gone for several years. Life and the things in it kept her away and due to unfortunate twists and turns, she has come back. As much as I missed her, I would much rather she be happy with the life she had for so many years. For it was an unwelcome and surprise divorce that brought her back. I am shocked and deeply saddened that she was treated this way and I hope that she will find her way out of it. I'm sure that it will take time and lots of tears shed, but I know that she'll be okay. She has her family and friends to comfort and support her. I wish for her peace.

I see what friends have gone through in their lives and I wonder if I would be able to manage if I were in their shoes. We all have our own crosses to bear and goodness knows I've carried a few and survived.

My sister whom I have missed terribly ever since her family moved to California, is moving back to the midwest. Even though she'll be a five hour drive away (or 3 hours by ferry), it's still shorter than a 5 hour flight (and a lot less expensive). I will see her more than once a year and may even get to spend the holidays together. I know it's all about the job and career and I feel terrible about my niece's life being interrupted once again, but please indulge me my little bit of selfishness wanting them to be close. I wish for them contentment.