#103 It's been a bit...and I still knit!

Title Talk and Comment's Feedback
How do you fit it all in? We all know what takes priority for the major things...or at least we think we know..however what takes priority with all the minutia?
I am curious, after your first priority ...i.e. self-care, care for your loved ones big and small and four legged...and your knitting ...what comes next? Do you have time for Facebook? Twitter? Or what?



LAPORTE AVE TOTE


WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER- The Winner,(winner was picked by my asking a friend to say a number between 1+34 as there were 34 comments on last months blog post) is...~~~~~BZ~~~~ BZ, you need to send me your name, shipping address and your yarn color choice from THIS yarn. I also need your Ravelry name to send you the Anna pattern. Congratulations!
Another one of my kids, Robin was just asked to pick two more numbers as I wanted to send out two more free Anna patterns to two more contest entrants. Dnaprice won and JavaNut one, and I know where you both are on Ravelry and will send you the pattern! Yeah for winning!!

Thank you so much to everyone that entered the contest, I have very much enjoyed reading your posts.

Family
On the mend

Knitting
Beautiful beautiful Kimmy's and Sammy's..I am so impressed...truly.
Announcing She-Knits Mystery 6, Anna Shawl. Information is here, and you can sign-up until we begin November 10th, 2010. Optional kits available out of hand-dyed from Studio June, look at these awesome colors!

Lookey Lookey at newly published She-Knits patterns
Kimmy












Samantha











LaPorte Ave Tote - Come join me in January for the KAL HERE
(pictured at the beginning of this blog post)

New to me and interesting...or nuts






How much do you think this beauty costs???








What about these 'knit' sneakers?







What about these crocheted slippers? How much?






Fear
No fear here...just relief this week.


Gratitude and good thoughts
Good thoughts go out to all of you that are having to deal with ongoing medical situations, I feel for you...I am sure it is overwhelming at times or all the time.

Peace,
Sharon
See you sooner then this next time!

#102 Do you appreciate the way the light peers through the leaves

Title Talk and Comment's Feedback
So...do you appreciate the way the light peers through the leaves on the trees? If you can appreciate the simple things well then...that is truly a good thing. Most of us have to make an effort to appreciate small things....let's try this week to think about it ...and if you want, then enter the contest I spoke about in the podcast by leaving your answer to the contest question in the comments here. You could win the pattern and a kit for She-Knits Mystery KAL #6 which will be announced via She-Knits newsletter (sign-up for the newsletter at She-Knits.com) as well as on Sheknits 'about' me page in Ravelry the first week of October.

Family
More holidays
-follow up on Rosh Hoshana..chef in da' housssee

Knitting
Loving my Mystery KAL #5 Kimmy and Sammy
Done with design for the next Mystery, She-Knits Mystery #6, an elegant shawl named Anna - sign up for newsletter so you can be in on the early bird special coming the first week of October HERE

New to me and interesting...or nuts
Emmadine knits a bunch of garter stitch things and sells them

Fear
Colonoscopy

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
Kathy for her shoulder surgery.
Kids that suffer from anxiety.

She-Knits #101 I am knitting as fast as I can!

Title Talk and Comment's Feedback
Kniscene sample and pattern....check
Twist Collective submission....almost check
Kimmy and Samantha....almost check, truly only strap details left

Family
Rosh Hosahnah
Labor Day
Knitting
Mostly talked about in Title talk
Interview with Miss Babs from Stitches Midwest

New and Nice
on haitus this week

Fear
Menopause

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
Good thoughts to teachers for the school year
ad again to the wonderful nurses out there especially
after having first hand experience with them during
my son's appendectomy.

#100 She-Knits celebrates and gives out prizes!

Title Talk and Feedback
Well it is no secret that having a contest was not just for you, it was for me as well. Thank you for all your book suggestions and sharing with me what YOU are proud of in your life. You have to know I did the contest not so much to celebrate the fun fact that this is my 100th podcast but to lure people out ...I know for sure 44 people listen!

Heather is the winner, please PM me on Ravelry with your shipping address Heidi.
I especially want to thank those that went on to share kind words that they are enjoying the show as I always say, it is comments like those that will keep me regularly podcasting.

One of my very fav. comments was candisrrt who said
Hey Cindy Loo Hoo! We HEAR you!!!!! We're here! We're here!
I know I am behaving like a wee one when it comes to looking for your plp!
Can you guess what plp is? Come on, leave a comment with a guess!

Have any of you figured out what Katie might do that led her, when asked what she is proud about, to say " I am proud of the work I do and that I do it safely" Take a guess what she does....and come on..post your guess...wink wink ...nudge nudge

Have you joined the She-Knits Mystery KAL #5 - take a look - and please, if you join please please post your appropriate badge in your projects...it helps our group (and my bis) grow...thank you!
Family
Down to the wire. 17 year old coming home Sunday. 13, 15 and 19 yr. olds coming home Monday, 21 year old coming in Monday night. Its the attack of the offspring!
Knitting
I am writing up my pattern for the Knitscene piece as well as writing up Kimmy and Samantha bags for the Mystery.
I think is a neat pattern
I think is also quite cool.
New and Nice
Found this kid friendly recipe for making sushi with your kids in Daily Candy

You’re looking for more time with your kids, less time in the kitchen.

So were Pilar Guzmán, Jenny Rosenstrach, and Alanna Stang, three former editors from the now-defunct and much-missed Cookie magazine. Which is why they pooled their culinary brilliance and compiled a book of recipes for moms like you (and them), called Time for Dinner. Here’s one that uses leftover rice to dazzling effect.

Ice Cube Tray Sushi
Serves four

Ingredients
7 oz. sashimi-grade salmon, cut into ¼-inch cubes (cooked shrimp or vegetables work well, too)
3 scallions, chopped
3 tbsp. cucumber, finely chopped
3 tbsp. (approximately 5) grape tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tsp. lime juice
1 tsp. orange juice
2½ tbsp. mayonnaise
¼ tsp. sesame oil
¼ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 c. cooked rice (preferably from a Japanese or Chinese restaurant)

1. Combine all ingredients except the rice in a bowl.

2. To make the sushi-rice blocks, use an ice cube tray as a mold. Prepare the mold by sprinkling it lightly with water.

3. Press the rice into the tray squares; use your finger to push a hole three-quarters of the way into each square.

4. Turn the mold upside down onto waxed paper and tap until the squares fall out.

5. Fill each hole with 2 tsp. of the salmon, shrimp, or vegetable mixture and serve.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Look at this hot air Microwave safe popcorn popper with built in butter distributor.

___________________________________________________________

Theo Grays Mad Scientist Book Experiments You Can Do At Home - But Probably Shouldn't

This book looks like a whole heck of fun

___________________________________

I am reading/listening Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and really enjoying it. I give it two thumbs up Fear

My biggest fear at the moment is that when all the kids get home my husband is going to be short tempered again and the one girl that ALWAYS picks on the other girl will still be doing it. It is so incredibly unacceptable to me and at this point I don't know what can be done time out on teenagers? Take away cell phones? Grounding? Ignoring? Letting them work it out? Earmuffs....for me?

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
This week is a weird one. I am giving gratitude to my brains ability to dream (you can see I am inspired by the book I just listened to, Stroke of Insight). My dream life this week has been all about having a baby and all I am experiencing is the joy of having a tiny baby. Now in reality do I want another baby...uh...no, however it sure is nice in my dreams!

My good thoughts go towards those that are having to deal with difficult situations with their aging parents...its such a hard job and I commend those of you that do it especially in a loving and compassionate way.

#99 She-Knits Small Talk Podcast - If everyone goes bankrupt do we then just start over?

Title Talk and Feedback
Brunch at the Ritz Carlton......very upscale.....sort of silly.
Thank you to those of you that gave me both private and public comments, they make me feel motivated and touched...and are educational too!

Family
The secret is out, my husband and I don't sleep together.

Knitting
Kimmy and Samantha bag patterns are currently being written
Millie Shawl, a fancy schmany dress up lace shawl in Symphony by Tilli Tomas is on the needles
Willow has been knit and written

New and Nice
Whip out your life savings or maybe your big needles and your lambskin yarn.....
Prada Knit Clutches
Prada Knit Tote

Now whip out your small needles and hooks and your gold chain yarn
Arielle De Pinto crochet and knit jewelry
20o8 -
2009 -
2010 irreverent Look Book

Stoke of Insight by Jill Bolte taylor
Wonderful wonderful book.

Fear
Something will be wrong at my check up.

Nobody will be interested in what I am offering and therefore I won't be teaching at my LYS

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
I am so grateful that I have both my parents, Mom is 79 and Dad is 81 and they are both in basically great health.....(now the fear pops up that I am jinxing something by saying that)

Good thoughts go out to all you medical and health professionals that take the attitude of compassionate care. You probably deal with all sorts of people and you yourself are only human as well....I know it is hared to deal with humans all day however when i am in there and nervous, your attitude during your care of me makes all the difference in the world between making my experience a decent one or terrible one.

CONTEST - Since next podcast will be my 100th episode- lets celebrate! How do "we" celebrate? Well, by me showing you my gratitude that you listen by giving away some stuff? What stuff, you ask? I would like to give away two prizes meaning there will be two winners-
1. a free kit with pattern for the next She-Knits Mystery KAL 5 -
2. Inspired to Knit by Michelle Rose Orne

How do you enter?
Post an answer in here to the following questions
1. What is your current favorite book.
2. Tell me something you are proud of yourself about.
3. Would you rather win the kit and pattern or the book.

I will announce the winner in the 100the episode.

Peace

#98 She-Knits questions the learning curve.

I know...I know...another apology at the beginning of the blog post...not such a god thing...the first #98 She-Knits podcast is messed up and starts with episode #97. So, I re-did the beginning and put the proper episode up however don't know how to get rid of the evil bad #98 with the #97 beginning ....woe is me. Seriously...WOE is me.

Title Talk and Feedback
Marnie Maclean's about using with Excel to make simple lace charts.
Marnie's patterns.

Family
The annual trek via a 6 hour car ride to the kids overnight camp in Rhinelander Wisconsin is a' happening this Sunday...yayyyy...6 hours of knitting and listening to books on my i-pod...no 12 hours...we return Monday. Who ever whoda thunk sitting in the car for 12 hours could be Sharon's 4 star rated vacay?


Knitting
Twist Collective;s response to my submission and Interweave's letter to me about my e-book inclusion.
Tilli Tomas's Symphony yarn.

New and Nice
Reflective string or rope and knit one of THESE

Psycho with the SF Orchestra

Tsurubride Orwell Clutches...how about carrying a gold metallic elephant clutch or red metallic Scottish terrier?

Anna Quinlen Every Last One of Them

Fear
I am afraid one of my kids will be seriously taken advantage of.....can you teach a child to be less naieve and literal?

Gratitude and Good Thoughts
Cindy...you are amazingly generous and so smart.

Thank you my 4 blog post comment posters extraordinare
linda
dnaprice
AJoyfulMommy
Tbird0123


Peace

#97 She-Knits is always hungry

I am so sorry about the gaps of silence in between segments of the podcast...there is actually music there however I didn't realize I needed to be recording on a different track for the music to come through.

Title talk
Are you always hungry? Do you think about food a lot? I do...I feel like I am constantly hungry or thinking about food unless I actively push myself to stop.

What am I doing in my knitting world?
Knitscene has accepted a design of mine for Spring 2011...yay!! I am pattern writing....a lot. What do you think of the new Knitty?

Family
Should it be fun for my 8 year old to come with me to the store while I pick out things for his sisters without him being allowed to pick something out for himself?

New and Nice
Samesky.com - supports HIV postitve women in Rowanda buy selling hand crocheted and beaded (hand blown glass beads) rings and bracelets created by these woman.

Onnesti.etsy.com - take a look at this adorable raffia hat....

joesblueberries.com - How about renting your own blueberry bush. Love this

Fear
I don't want all my kids to grow up and move out...well sometimes I do....however mostly I think it will be sad and lonely. If you have gotten through this or have the same fear I would love to hear from you.

Gratitude and good thoughts
What would I do without my test knitters?

Peace

What are She-Knits Mystery KAL's??

What are She-Knits Mystery KAL's?
Well, to start with a KAL (knit-along) is an adventure in which knitters are working on a common project at the same time. She-Knits Mystery KAL's, are the same idea however, though you know what the object is that you are going to knit (i.e. a purse or a shawl etc) and are given the materials information, you do not know what your project looks like until you knit the weekly clues and see as it emerges off your needles.
To be or not to be She-Knits NOTIFIED! -
If you want to receive the She-Knits once monthly brief  Newlsetter, which will tell you about;  new patterns, when the next She-Knits Mystery KAL is going to be open for sign-ups as well as early bird discount information  please enter your e-mail addy in the purple box on the right side of this blog.(scroll down a bit)

How does the Mystery KAL work?

CLUES - After you purchase the “pattern” from She-Knits Ravelry Shop it will be sent to your e-mail as a PDF, in small achievable sections, known as ‘clues’, on a weekly basis for the duration of the KAL.
VIDEO's - There are always accompanying on-line free YouTube videos created by Sharon that will visually support the knitter through specific techniques used within the pattern. You can view or join my YouTube Channel , SheKnitsSharonD, at any time.
COMMUNITY -There is also an group in Ravelry all about She-Knits pattern lover's with the nicest people in it called She-Knits Pattern Chat.. Sharon is the moderator and a participant in the group discussion. The group provides education, support and a very friendly community in which to chat. If you are interested in checking out She-Knits community, in which you will find the friendliest knitters ever and info and help regarding She-Knits patterns, go to She-Knits Pattern Chat
and read through some of the threads to get a sense of what to expect. The group is optional to join however I always ask those participating in the KAL to at a minimum join the group so they can stay aware of the IMPORTANT UPDATES in case of changes. You needn't participate in the thread if that kind of thing doesn't float your boat.
How do I sign-up for a She-knits Mystery KAL?
When sign-ups are open (and you will know when there are sign-ups if you have signed up for the above notification newsletter or if you checked out my Sheknits about me page in Ravelry) you can go to my She-Knits Pattern Shop, find the name of the pattern and purchase it. When your Paypal payment goes through (usually instantly) you will receive an e-mail to whichever e-mail is asociated with your Payapl account that has a link to the Mystery KAL acceptance letter that will tell you what to do next.

What if I am a LYS and have a group that wants to participate?

I am delighted when a group wants to participate and will offer a discount if 6 or more want to purchase the pattern from me all at once. Of course you will be buying the yarn from your LYS however you do purchase the pattern directly though me. For more details or to purchase a group of 6 or more patterns at a discount, contact me at sdreifuss (at)msn(dot)com.

4 Good reasons to do a She-Knits Mystery KAL's -

She-Knits Mystery KAL's have no bad language (maybe a little innuendo)
1. No calories,
2. You won't go broke
3. You may very likey learn a new skill or two and improve your knitterly knowledge
4.  At a minimum you will definitely have fun!

You get to work on your project with the group or completely at your own pace in the comfort of your own home, or wherever it is you like to knit.
These are the greatest things EVA! To get on She-Knits notification list which consists of a once monthly breif newsletter that will tell you when the next She-Knits Mystery KAL is open for sign ups and when new She-Knits patterns are published please enter your e-mail addy into the She-Knits Newlsetter purple box on the right ----------->>>>>>

Do you want to see some patterns that were initially SHe-Knits Mystery KAL's?
All completed KAL patterns become available to the public as a regular pattern once the KAL is officially over. Below are some links and pictures from previous She-Knits Mystery KAL's
 She-Knits Mystery #11 was Lovely Rita, a full sized shawl. The pattern is for sale
HERE in Ravelry
 She-Knits Mystery #7, from Spring 2012 was Cynthia, a sideways knit beaded shawl/scarf. The pattern is for sale HERE in Ravelry




She-Knits Mystery KAL #1 was in Summer of '09, and is called EMMA. The pattern is for sale HERE in Ravelry.
Here is EMMA.


She-Knits Mystery KAL #2 was done in Fall of '09 and called Autumn Bag, which is now available HERE and HERE.
AUTUMN BAG AUTUMN SCARF


Next was She-Knits Mini-Mystery called SHOSHIE and is a lace and beaded shawlette/scarf. This was incredibly fun and popular, so much so that I decided to do another lace and beaded shawl for the next Mystery after Shoshie.
SHOSHIE


Then She-Knits Mystery KAL #3 was ROBIN + Robin Flew the coop, a beaded shawl or no beads...your choice. Both are now available to the public.
ROBIN

#96 She-knits gets used to the quiet

Hi there- this is the first podcast in my new format. I will write the shownotes in the new segments. I want to apologize for the stretches of seeming silence between segments. There is music there however for whatever reason it is very very soft. I will improve upon that next podcast.

Title talk
It is ridiculously quiet around here because I only have my youngest guy home. Man oh man life with an 8 year old is sweet. If it were this quiet all the time I would long for more noise however as it is I am enjoying and taking advantage of the quiet.

What am I doing in my knitting world?
There is still time (until June 29th) to sign-up for She-Knits Mystery KAL #$ Lizbeth
Also please sign-up for my once a month (or once every two months) notification e-newletter in which I will tell you when new She-Knits patterns are published and when new sign-ups are open for the next She-Knits Mystery KAL...She-Knits Mystery KAL #5 is going to be a felted bag (or two). GO to She-Knits.com to sign-up....it takes 5 seconds!
Twist Collective is awesome.

Family
As I Said, I only have one of the seven home...and it is quiet. Also, do any kids know what it is to receive or write letters to home anymore

New and Nice
Romanesque and a yummy new M+M- I found THIS free sample offer

Fear
Have you had a colonoscopy....awake?

Gratitude and good thoughts
So many things to be grateful for , I have to limit it just 3. Two people to whom I am sending good thoughts their way.

Peace

#95 She-Knits Catching up

I talk a little about Yarnover, a little about She-Knits Mystery #4 Lizbeth - sign-ups are open now until end of June 2010, a little about vacation with the family. Its a shortie....about 26 minutes.

I have a few new patterns for sale
Katie Bag, which was originally published in Yarn Forward
and
Robin and Robin Flew the Coop, a shawlette in two versions

Both can be found HERE or go to She-Knits.com

#94 Sheknitters group podcast!

As titled here are the below ladies all chatting- its been a month and I don't know if I am forgetting someone or not...and you know I never listen to my own podcast...so pipe up if you were there and I have forgotten to add you.
Sharon - Sheknits (on Ravelry)
Barbara - Llamalady
Jill -Jillsknit
Julie - JChant
Nancy- Nancyba
Kathy - Mountainpurl
Kathy - Instantmess
Angela - Shrinkyknitter
am I missing anyone - I feel like there was someone else?

#93 She-Knits has dinner with old friends

No, this isn't me at my actual dinner with friends...I just analyze it.

Look at the BEAUTIFUL Robin's in progress from the She-Knits Mystery 3 KAL in the Spoiler thread HERE.

The book I talk abut from Anthropologie is Vera: The life of an Icon

#92 She-Knits is always wondering

New episode is very stream of conciousness...and guess what I am out of the laundry room and hiding in the exercise room.

#91 She-Knits likes text more then charts

I do...I really really do. Charts are good to get a sense of how things should look...however i will take the written word any day. Charts make the springs sprong out of my head.
HERE is the latest podcast.

I am having so much fun with The Robin Mystery Knit Along.....and when I say fun....seriously. I just bout' fainted when I saw the first Clue #2 finished...it looks so pretty. I feel so happy.

#90 She-Knits in the laundry room

Oh my gawdddd - I actually recorded a podcast, I really have faded. Then, I became inspired by listener appreciation as well as once again listening to other podcast's. I know mine is more a knitter that podcasts rather then a knitting podcast....but that's why you like me...right?
Peace

How about another Mystery?

Sign-ups are open for She-knits Mystery 3.
Come and see more info HERE.
Its'a gonna be FUNFUNFUN~~~~!!!!!

#90 She-Knits Out of the loop

Its been a while. I finally posted a new episode.
Here are the Bungled Mitts (which should be Bangled!)in Knitscene Winter/Spring 2010


The She-Knits Mini Mystery is going well- I love seeing everybody's SHOSHIE'S! I don't want to post pictures in here yet because I don't want to ruin the mystery.

She-Knits Mystery 3 will be announce in here soon