KNIT A HAT, SAVE A LIFE

I just received my winter 2008/2009 Knit Simple magazine and ran across this interesting article:

There's still time to contribute an infant hat to Save the Children/Warm Up America's "Knit One, Save One" campaign, which has extended its deadline until January 31st. To download a hat pattern, visit www.savethechildren.org/knitonesaveone.

If you are looking for a charity project, this one is well worthwhile.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FINALLY

I have finally made myself get the scarf for the 2009 Special Winter Olympics ready to be mailed. I don't know why I haven't taken care of it before now - maybe because the deadline isn't until January and I had so many other things to do first. Well, now that packages are wrapped, the tree is up and cards are mailed, I guess it was just the thing to do. Also, I think I kind of thought it wasn't that great to even send, but hey - I made it by hand - which was the main requirement - and I made it with love. The excitement of sending something handmade to these athletes in hopes that one of them might wear it and one of them might just feel a tad better after receiving something from a total stranger because that stranger wanted to make a difference.....on that note...................

If you missed the first post about this....The Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project got its start at the 2008 Special Olympics Invitational Games - held last February in Boise to test-drive various sporting venues - when organizers decided to give out hand-stitched scarves as gifts to the athletes. The first goal was to provide the athletes with a memento of the occasion.

The second goal was to encourage involvement and support for the upcoming games across the host state. They locally asked for 600 scarves and received more than 1,000. The 2009 goal is 5,000.

You are requested to place your finished scarf (made with Red Heart Supersave Yarn in Delft Blue and White - colors of the Special Olympics) in a plastic bag along with a card with your name and address. You also need to include a second card with an inspirational message for the athlete. Package this up and mail to:

2009 Special Olympics Scarf Project

3150 West Main Street

Boise, ID 83702

Deadline is: January 15, 2009 - GET THOSE NEEDLES CLICKING.

OUR HOLIDAY GATHERING

Yesterday, the Knitting Souls Together group met at Ren's house for a holiday gathering. What a gracious hostess Ren is and what a beautifully decorated home!!!! She is definitely the hostess with the mostest!!!!!!

All brought finger foods and a knitting project and gathered cozily in Ren's absolutely wonderful sunporch.

What a view - we all basically decided that we were just going to stay and would be perfectly happy to just stay in this room - of course the wide array of finger foods displayed made it an easy decision.

We played, under Ren's direction, number bingo and ALL ended up winning and picking a gift from the enticing gift basket.



All games and knitting aside, prior to eating, Ruby was presented with a birthday surprise goodie, including a chorus of "Happy Birthday". Ruby's birthday is actually next Thursday, the 18th, and was totally surprised. I won't reveal her age, I'll just tell you, she has definitely aged with total grace and beauty - oops the secret is out - the picture reveals all!!!!!!


AND, speaking of birthdays, I made a PROMISE YESTERDAY that I would not say a thing, however, I DID NOT promise I wouldn't say something on the blog. Sorry, Ren - you are just too nice to let this pass. I would like to wish Ren a very, very Happy Birthday from yesterday!!!! Yes, you read that right. Yesterday was Ren's birthday and we did not know it. Later in the day, I was standing in the kitchen door talking to Ren and her daughter, Lindsey and spotted a slew of birthday cards displayed in the dining room. When I asked Ren if she had just "HAD" a birthday, she shushed me quickly and made me promise not to say anything because it was on that very day. She did not want to take away from Ruby!!!! That's how Ren is - thoughtful of all around her all of the time. I know the others would want to say this also - again - HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE KNITTING SOULS TOGETHER GROUP!!!!!!!!!

Moving right along, we had a very special, renowed visitor - I shouldn't say visitor, as this is his abode. FONZIE!!!! What a delight to meet Fonzie in person after following his antics on Ren's blog. He made sure to make everyone feel welcomed as he checked us out individually. He is definitely a cutie.


It has been a great joy knitting together as we did throughout the summer and fall. Ren and I both hope that everyone joins together at the H.B. Stamps library in January 2009. The new librarian has graciously invited us to knit together on Friday mornings and hopes to see our group grow. Currently, there is a new knitting group at the library on Tuesday evenings. Perhaps those knitters might visit us on a Friday and us visit them as well on a Tuesday evening. The possibilities are endless. All we know is we want to knit, as I'm sure every knitter feels the same and wants the camraderie of other knitters.

By the way - I know I haven't been posting very much on this blog - I will try to do better after the holidays. What I would really like is for some of our knitters that are online at home - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE - to email me some of your projects that you are working on. It's not just about me!!!!! So, think about it and let me brag on your projects. Have a subject you want to know more about - email me and I'll definitely do my homework and see what I can find out. I'm sure there are others out there that have the same questions. So, let's all try together to keep this going.

THE KNITTING SOULS TOGETHER GROUP WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE OUT THERE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BLESSED NEW YEAR. ALSO, KNOW THAT WE MISSED THOSE SPECIAL MEMBERS OF OUR GROUP THAT COULD NOT JOIN US ON THIS DAY - YOU WERE WITH US IN OUR HEARTS. RIGHT NOW, THERE ARE SEVERAL FAMILIES THAT ARE DEALING WITH A CRISIS IN THEIR FAMILY - PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS.

GATHERING

Knitting Souls Together Christmas Gathering
Friday, December 12, 2008
At the home of Ren Tolbert
165 Forest Hills Road
10:30am – 2:00pm
Bring your favorite finger food and a knitting project
423-272-7241
RSVP
Directions from Rogersville:
Take Hwy 66 South driving past Pizza Plus
Turn on the third road to the right after Pizza Plus
This is Forest Hills Road
There is a navy blue Day Care building
Drive to the very top of the hill
We are the only brick house and have double blue doors

Directions from Persia:
Take Hwy 66 North
Cross the Holston River
Turn left at the second road on the left
This is Forest Hills Road
Follow above directions

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS - MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

KNIT IT, TEAR IT OUT, KNIT IT AGAIN?

I had to laugh reading Ren's - Fonzie Knits - blog - "Three rows knitted, four rows out". That is SO common in almost any craft you do. I made a comment on Ren's blog that whenever I have to take something out because of a mistake, after taking it out, I just pretend that I never did it in the first place and just go on with it. It's a mind thing - ha ha.

This leads to a scarf that I'm now knitting. Prior to this scarf, I was using this yarn, Lion Brand Wool-Ease, to knit the Diagonal Lace scarf that Ren introduced to our knitting group on one of the first classes. She had one that she had knitting and I feel immediately in love with it - I HAD TO KNIT THAT SCARF. Well, I started on it, it was a new technique to me and believe me, if you took your mind off of it for a second, you were either starting over and trying to figure out just where you were. So, needless to say, I got pretty good at this technique, because I believe I took it completely out 3 times. Then I really started moving on it. I probably have about a fourth of it completed and for whatever reason, put it aside. Not a wise thing to do. When I picked it up about 2-3 months later, maybe not quite that long, I couldn't remember how to do it and it was like starting from scratch. All of a sudden, I didn't like it anymore, it seemed too wide - it seemed like too much work and SO - I took it out.

I then found another pattern - not as wide that I'm now working on - it is a Sampler Scarf and so far I think I like it!!! So, no matter what, don't give up - if you aren't happy with what you are working on and know that you will not like the finished product - do something else. Or, if you still think you will like the project - make yourself fix the mistake and keep going.

UPDATE ON DESTINATION

After blogging about Pam almost being there, I checked my email and she has safely arrived in Seattle, at her daughter's. I'm sure ALL family members are relieved.

I feel like I've been on the road with her, in anticipation of her safe arrival. What a trip.

Well, hope you all have enjoyed travelling with Pam. I hope all goes well with the Wedding preparations and the Wedding, as I'm sure they will. Juli now has her Mom with her for every step of the way - what more could a daughter want????

Until the next adventure.......................................

PAM IS WHERE?

Pam has almost reached her destination. Last night she called and she had just arrived in Spokane, Washington. Sounding tired, naturally from driving cross country - Pam was getting ready to order a pizza and sit back and try to rest up. One more day and she's got this journey beat. Hard to believe, really, that one day you are in Tennessee and voile', there you are on the West Coast (almost).

Today, when Pam and Echo climb back in the car, they have about 5-6 hours to drive to their destination - Seattle or Olympia, Washington.

We're glad you made it safe and sound - it gave me something interesting to write about and oh yeah, we miss you!!!!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PAM - DAY 6

BEFORE I tell you where Pam is - I've got to relay a little story about "Pam". No, Pam - I won't tell them that story - ha ha ha ha ha. Anyway, Ren stopped in my office today and while chatting mentioned that a friend of hers happened to mention in a conversation, "Who is Pam", out of the blue. Ren had no idea of what or who she meant and finally after a little more - realized that she meant "Knitting Pam". How funny - in writing about Pam's travels, never did I even think about anyone outside of our knitting group reading this blog. Honestly, when you blog, you just do it and really NEVER think anyone will read it, let alone someone you don't even know. So, just in case there is someone else out there reading this that doesn't know who Pam is............Pam is a member of our Knitting Souls Together group and is on a travelling adventure. She is on her way to the state of Washington to help with the details of and attend her daughter, Juli's, wedding in December. And to beat it all, she is making this journey across country from our small southern town to the West Coast with just herself and her dog, Echo. What an adventurer Pam is - talk about free spirit - that's our Pam. Being close friends, I feel funny that she is so far away and on her own, but I try to not worry because I know she is having a good time - or at least that's what she keeps telling me - ha ha ha.



So, where is she now? Last night, Pam called and caught me right before I left the house to go practice handbells at Church. She had arrived safe and sound in Billings, MT. She sounded tired, but jubilant in the fact that she has travelled over that 2,000 mile mark....wow. She stated that Echo was basically passed out on the Queen size bed - ha ha ha - Echo is such a trooper.



So, as far as trips go, all I can say is Pam is moving right along........stay tuned................................................


OH - before I end this post, I MUST share with you a part of our telephone conversation last night. I told Pam that I enjoyed seeing the pictures that she had posted on her blog (if you haven't read Pam's blog - look on the left side of this blog and you'll see a place that says Pam's Blog - click on that and it will take you to her blog) but there was just something about them that bothered me!!!! She was driving on a 4 lane highway when she took them!!!!! OMG!!!! So I asked her PLEASE - PULL OFF OF THE ROAD TO TAKE THE PICTURES - HA HA HA - WHAT A GIRL!!!!!!!!!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PAM - DAY 5

I'm sure Pam won't mind, but I thought I would share in her own words what her path is today - from an email yesterday:

I have been a weather channel junkie today (apart from the time I spent on the couch, examining the inside of my eyelids). The way west is a torturous journey (historically speaking). We don't want another Donner Pass debacle here.

This evening, the forecast is getting more defined. I-80 to Salt Lake City tomorrow is a dicey proposition. Sleet, snow, mix of rain and frozen stuff falling from the sky, all 500 miles from Denver to Moroni's Last Stand. From there, though, all sunny skies and dry weather from Thursday on, through Idaho, Oregon (and the lure of the Columbia River Valley) and Wash.

My other choice is I-25 north to I-90, a relatively straight shot with a jog west and up to Billings. Clear until Casper, WY, then rain to Billings in the afternoon. Then some rain on Thursday to Butte (but no snow) and then Friday, clear as a bell into the Pac NW coast.

So, I pondered. And I made a reservation at the Motel 6 in Billings, MT., so I have a place for Echo and me to sleep tomorrow night.

Onward.

Love, P

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PAM - DAY 3

While going outside tonight (around 8:15 pm) to walk one of the pups, my cell phone rang and I couldn't get it out of my pocket due to the anxious dog, gloves and layers of clothes. Finally, after seeing what call I missed, trying to call it back and receiving a call while trying to do this - I FINALLY talked to Pam. She has reached Denver, CO. after starting out around 6:00 am and driving until 3:00 pm. The weather there is in the 40's and cloudy. However, the trek there wasn't exactly all easy driving. Pam said that she drove in snow for about 120 miles. Whew - I'm glad she is there, safe and sound.

Tomorrow, she will study the weather and decide her route to her next destination. What a journey. Day by day - I informed her that she must be sending some of that weather this way since they are saying locally we may get a little snow Saturday night into Sunday!!! Oh well - we'll see.

Check back and I'll keep you informed of "Where In The World Is Pam"!!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PAM?

Update on Pam - I just talked to her and she is right below Kansas City, MO. She is going to visit friends for dinner and was looking for Peculiar, MO while we were chatting. She said it is cold and drizzily there.


Tomorrow, weather permitting, Pam hopes to make it to Denver, CO. Drive carefully friend - you are in our prayers!!

ADVENTURES OF PAM

For those of you that don't go to Pam's blog - today is her day of departure (not sure when this post will be dated - started it on Saturday and am now working on it on Sunday)!! She's off to experience the adventures of crossing our glorious country. Pam and Echo. What a brave woman!!!! I've told her numerous times - BE CAREFUL - ha ha - I know she will be, but I still worry. I also envy her to a point. The thoughts of just "taking off" - wow - wash your mind clear of everything and just drive, baby, drive.

I received an email from Pam this morning. Yesterday, after completing numerous "end-tying" of things to get the house ready, Pam drove to Lexington, KY to spend the day and evening with Bill's cousin, Jeanie. They dined on homemade Chicken Fettucine Alfredo (low fat version), walked Echo, had an afternoon nap and then a pleasant evening of conversation.

Today, Pam continues her journey heading to the midwest. I will wait awhile and give her a call to check on her - I warned her that I would be doing this. Really, I do have a genuine reason to constantly check on her - I'm writing her cross country journey chronicles - LOL. I will post updates as I get them.

CHECK IN OFTEN - I'LL TRY TO KEEP YOU UP TO DATE ON "WHERE'S PAM?"

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

We had fun at knitting today. A couple of "us" dressed up - the other's chickened out - sorry guys - had to bug you a little - ha ha!!!!!

We all loved looking at some finished products as well as in progress projects.

I could have done more, but...............................

Pam is getting for her safari, oh, I mean her cross country trek.......

Dot has finished her sweater and is it gorgeous!!!!!

Robin has finished her Olympic scarf with fantastic pom poms on the bottom.

Ren is knitting on a 2nd Olympic scarf as well as a beautiful neck warmer for....oops, I had better not say in case "she" reads the blog.

HALLOWEEN IS FAST APPROACHING

With Halloween fast approaching, thought I would post some fun "knitted" Halloween pictures that I saw online. The possibilities of what you can knit are endless.