I'm Still Here

This whole energy level thing is getting frustrating.  Today is a good day, so here's what I've been doing.

Not a whole lot.  The picture is of some things I've been making for the craft fair season. There are can cozies, market bag, iphone holders, beaded necklaces, and a market bag.  How do I know what to make and what people will buy?  With that in mind, I've just been making a little of everything; later I'll focus on making more of what sells.

Last week was our local Race for the Cure.  It was cold, but I made it (no racing, just walking).  It was exhausting both physically and emotionally.  During the Survivors Parade, I cried.  When I looked around, my sister-newbies (1-year survivors) were also crying.  It was an experience I'll never forget--all those people cheering for us...I can't wait until next year.

Is it Spring Yet?

My energy level has been really low lately. I haven't done much in the way of stitching this past month. Here's hoping that Spring will be here soon and so will my energy.

Here is what I did get done this past month:

These are my first two blocks from Craftsy's Quilt Block of the Month. These were easy to do. I don't know if I have enough patience to wait a whole year for a quilt.

The block on the left is called "Asterisk" and the block on the right is "Wonky Pound Sign". Matching colors is not my strong-point, but I'm am liking the black and white theme in these blocks.

In January, I purchased "Calendar of Hope 2012". This calendar has a different dishcloth each month. The proceeds from this calendar goes to ArmyOfWomen.org whose goal is to find the cause of breast cancer.

January, Lattice Patchwork, designed by Rachel van Schie

February, Heart, designed by Debbie Tilley

On a sad note, my niece-in-law lost her nine-year battle with breast cancer two weeks ago. During my own run-in with breast cancer, I had hoped to have half her courage. She never gave up. She was my inspiration--my hero. She will be missed by all her family and friends, especially her two young daughters and her wonderful husband.

That's about all for this month. Since my energy level is so low, I will try to post at least once a month.

Have a good week/month!

I'm Back!

Yes, I am back. Sorry about being away for so long. I'll talk more about that later.

I did get a lot of knitting and crocheting done, but I'll just cover my latest accomplishment.

Lace Canopy Cardi Wrap

Designed by Simona Merchant-Dest

Interweave Crochet, Fall 2011

KnitPicks CotLin, linen

This was made from a heavier yarn that called for, but I like the results. All that was necessary was a swatch, a calculator, and the discovery that all needed was to follow the directions for one size smaller.

Blocking this was a bit of a challenge. For future references, or if you plan to make this, block the back piece first, add the fronts, block those, then sew the sleeve seams. I could have saved myself a lot of head scratching if I had done that rather than wait until the entire piece was finished and then blocking.

This year I wanted to learn something new, so I signed up at Craftsy.com. This is a wonderful website for inexpensive online classes and workshops. I've already done a couple and have started one for quilting--something I have always wanted to do, but never had the time. Well, this year I am going to make the time.

Right now I'm working on a contract so I can't share. However, I can tell you that it's made with lace yarn and I need a lot of "eye breaks", so I've also started working on items for the Fall craft shows.

What I am Reading

This part is going away as I now have GoodReads on the sidebar. You can see what I've been reading and my quick reviews.

Other Stuff

I am now cancer free! WooHoo! My mastectomy was the end of September and the pathology reports showed that all the cancer was gone with the surgery. No chemo---no radiation! The benefit of early detection. After what I felt was too long a recovery, I am ready for whatever else God may throw my way.

Nothing brings someone to their knees faster than "You have cancer". I prayed...a lot...still do. When people asked what they could do for me I just asked for prayers and hugs. I have always believed in the power of prayer and these past few months prove that power. I am truly blessed for everyone's support, prayers, and generosity.

Now I am ready to move forward.

There are still a few things in my etsy shop. Stop by and visit.

Have a good week!

Good New, Bad News

Mississippi River

Taken from Mill City

Minneapolis, MN

My last post I was waiting for the results of the second biopsy, the results of which leads to good news and bad news.

Bad news first; I have ductal carcinoma in situ in the right breast. The cancer is in two places and I will need a mastectomy.

The good news; the cancer is non-invasive and I shouldn't need radiation or chemo therapy.

The surgery is scheduled for September 27. I wish it were sooner. It's not that I am impatient--I just want this out of me!

Projects

I've put aside the lace top for now. It's to the point of shoulder shaping and for some reason I just can't seem to focus enough to do the math. The top can wait.

Instead I've started this lacy shawl. The pattern and yarn are from the Knit and Crochet show in Minneapolis. I love the silk yarn. My only dilemma is that I am afraid that I will run out of yarn. I bought this yarn because it was used for the pattern and the sample at the booth. I did a search on the designer to see if I could contact her, but no luck. There are a few more rows to go before the edging. Here's hoping that I can finish the shawl itself with the yarn. We have several yarn shops around here. Maybe one of them will have a silk DK weight yarn in a matching color for the edging.

What I am Reading

Life among the Lutherans is finished. This was a fun book to read; however, I didn't care much for one of the stories, "Ninety-five Theses". I know this book is about growing up Lutheran in Minnesota, but as a parent this was just not funny. It's not easy being a parent and children don't come with manuals! My favorite is still "Church Organist."

My husband found a used book store close to us and yesterday we paid a visit. It was like a treasure hunt! I found a 1956 Pocketbook edition of Ivanhoe. That copy of the book is almost as old as me, and yes I had to get it.

Right now I am reading The Third Life of Granger Copeland, by Alice Walker. I've only read the first chapter, so there is not much to report.

Other Stuff

Tomorrow is my birthday and I plan to enjoy this time as much as possible. Today I had lunch with my husband and daughter (I can't believe she is going to be twenty-nine in a few weeks). We had a wonderful visit and shared a peach cobbler for dessert. Tomorrow night after work, I'll have dinner with my husband and in-laws.

Have a good week!

My Journey Begins

The test results are in. I have breast cancer; therefore, my journey begins. I would like to use this blog now for a couple of reasons. One, to keep family and friends updated and hopefully get those who have put off their mammogram to get one; and two, as therapy. I'll try to continue with crochet and knitting updates as I can.

My journey began August 23 with a screening mammogram. Nothing was said, but I was a little suspicious when the tech kept covering the images so I wouldn't see. I didn't think too much about that because I do have a tendency to get cysts. A few days later I received a phone call asking me to go to the Breast Center at the hospital for more thorough testing with a doctor.

August 30 found me at the Breast Center, an hour later I was told that I needed a biopsy. Still, I didn't worry too much. Biopsies have been talked about before for the cysts, but the cysts always went away. This time there was something different--calcifications. The doctor said that 80% of the time, it's nothing to worry about. And I have talked to other women who had biopsies for calcifications and they are fine.

I had the biopsy on Friday, September 2, right before a holiday. The wait was horrible. The news came September 7. That afternoon I met with a doctor, who found another mass, and I had another biopsy that day. I will definitely need surgery. This last biopsy will give us more information for a battle plan. Of course, I haven't received the results and have had to wait the weekend--again.

When I got the information that I have cancer, I didn't know if I wanted to cry or throw-up--I did both, then called my husband and took a walk around the parking lot. Once I got control of myself, I told my boss. She is being very supportive and so are my co-workers. I am ready to fight this. I do have meltdowns, but my wonderful husband has been so helpful. He has taken on the responsibility of keeping my attitude in check--he won't allow me to give up, but does allow me to cry. His boss is also supportive (we work at the same place, just different departments). We have both been told to do what is needed and not worry about time off, paycheck, etc.

Projects

Needless to say, I haven't spent much time working on anything. No progress has been made on the lace top. I do, however, have an order for potholders that I have been working on. Potholders don't require much thought, so has been perfect.

I did go through my stash, matched yarn with patterns, and put projects with hooks and needles in separate bags. Whatever I need to work on, I should be able to find it. I came up with 2 pairs of socks, 3 shawls, a necklace, a hooded scarf with mitts, placemats, potholders, coasters, can cozies, the lace top, and the sock blankie started a long time ago. That should keep me busy.

What I Am Reading

I'm still reading Life among the Lutherans, by Garrison Keillor. This is the perfect book for me to read right now. He has one story about an organist, "Scripture says, 'Be still and know that I am God.' This is not the organist's philosophy. Organists despise stillness. They're sitting there with the organ equivalent of a 300 hp Ferrari and they want to put the pedal to the metal and make that baby fly". I love that! I reminds me of an organist we had many years ago. Every Sunday morning, as people would quietly meditate before the start of the service, the organ would bellow and every single person in the church jumped.

I am looking for some good books to ready over the next several months. The books need to be upbeat, happy, and no sad endings. Any suggestions?

Other Stuff

The section is going on a hiatus as "My Journey" will take over this part.

I've been asked if there is anything anyone can do for me. I always reply "prayers and hugs". I've been getting a lot of hugs and hopefully a lot of prayers.

This is September 11, Remembrance Day for those who lost their lives to terrorists' actions at the Twin Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001. We will always remember...

Have a good week!

Ummmmm....

This week saw rounds two, three, and four of testing--this time at the hospital. Hopefully that will be the end of it.

With that being said, I didn't get a whole lot accomplished over the last week.

Above is a progress report on the lace top I'm making. So far it's going as planned. Please keep in mind that the top is made from size 10 crochet thread and will look a lot nicer once the top is blocked. I decided to crochet this in the round (saving seaming). Right now, I'm on the way up the back.

What I Am Reading

I did finish Amy Tan's, Saving Fish from Drowning. This was a excellent study on human behavior and what I believe is a slightly exaggerated version of the American tourist. Of course, I have never been an American tourist is a country strange to me, so I can't say for sure if Tan is exaggerating to make for a good story. I do recommend Saving Fish from Drowning. I would be curious to see how other people feel.

Next up is a book I picked up while in Minneapolis, Life among the Lutherans, by Minnesota native Garrison Keillor. I listen the Keillor's podcast, Writer's Almanac, and my husband and his family love A Prairie Home Companion. I thoroughly enjoy both. I've only read the first two stories and they have managed to bring a chuckle--something I desperately need right now.

Other Stuff

Today is Labor Day, an American holiday that "is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country". Taken from the U.S. Department of Labor website. Check it out for more details on the holiday.

All my poop bag dispensers are up at DinaMarie's Crochet. Potholders should be up by the end of the week. Stop by. Window shoppers are always welcome.

Have a good week!

Chain Necklace

Chain, Chain, Chain

Knitter's Journey

This is a kit I picked up at the Knit & Crochet Show in Minneapolis. The picture is a little dark, but it is made with silver wire and purple beads. Right now I'm not sure I like crocheting with wire. The whole process was very tedious and I am such a perfectionist that I wanted all the chains to be the same. The advice I was given was not to fight it and let the crochet hook do the work. That's what I tried to do. The only change I made was to twist the strands (I made four) before attaching the clasp. It is a pretty necklace and one I will wear, I just doubt if I'll make another one anytime soon.

Projects in Progress

This is the start of my very first attempt to design a garment. I want to make a cotton lace top that fits loosely so a tank top can be worn underneath, or it could be worn as a vest during the colder months.

So far I have a swatch completed. It is made from size 10 mercerized cotton. Yes, it will take a lot of thread and will take some time and it uses a small steel hook. I don't mind. Many of my very first projects were doilies and Barbie-doll-type clothes. The next step is to block the swatch for the gauge. Then the sizing charts, graph paper, and a calculator will take over my work area.

Wish me luck!

What I Am Reading

Still reading Saving Fish From Drowning, by Amy Tan. I haven't gotten very far this week. Our Americans think they are guests of a primitive village, while the village people think one of the Americans is a god re-incarnated--I think.

Other Stuff

There isn't a whole lot going on in my area of the country. The weather is beautiful for late August and the pollen count is very high. I did find out some of my health issues are due to allergies, so the better part of the weekend has been spent trying to get rid of as much dust and pet dander as I can. This is turning in to a very difficult job, especially with two dogs who spend a lot of time in the house. If I can keep them out of the bedroom, I can at least have a pet dander/dust free place to sleep.

I am slowly getting more items up at DinaMarieCrochet. Come on over and check it out. I am still offering 10% off. Use BLOGGER01 for the coupon code. Once I get everything in, I just may have to have a bigger sale.

Have a good week!