Knit and the City

Rest In Peace
Thelonius Monk

June 2002-November 2009

Thelonius Monkey Bum went to the vet today as he has been off his food but getting fatter the last couple days. After an ultrasound it was determined that his abdomen is full of fluid and there are is a large free floating mass in there. As well as at least 3 other large masses attached to the abdominal wall and/or his intestines. We sent the syringe of fluid the vet drew for tests but from the look of all the blood that was in that syringe I believe the prognosis is poor.
He isn't in any pain, he's happy and purring and loving all the special treats, like tuna out of the can, that he's been getting. He's been such a funny cat and we've really enjoyed taking care of him in this lifetime of his.
Spending some quality time with him tonight. Test results tomorrow.

The Neo Matrix

Reworked and Reloaded!

All the details are in the photo album!

You know you're neglecting your blog when your mother calls you on it...a Catholic mother...now I feel so guilty I may have to go to confession!  LOL  Just kidding, M.O.M.

I was talking to her on the phone and she had mentioned that my blog was rather empty, that it was one of the ways to stay in touch so she could see what I was doing and creating rather than listening to me try to explain it over the phone. 

Then I said 'I have nothing to blog about!'

That's how I've been feeling, like no one wants to hear about things I consider run of the mill stuff...then M.O.M. pointed out what I had done the last couple weeks and that it was pretty neat stuff!  And I was like 'Yeah!  I'll blog about finking on my boss!' 

Well, maybe I'll save that one story...

Moving on!  Did I mention that I was having a 1940's party?  To celebrate my 40th and our wedding and such.  It was a total blast and I can't thank everyone enough for humouring me and dressing up!  I mean look!

Look at my brother Peter and nephew Michael dressed up as newsies.  Pete think he looks like the Lennox heating guy but it was working for him.

Maureen totally went with it.  People, she had 'victory rolls' done in her hair!  Spectacular!

Maureen poses with our friends Linda and Deb. 

Here's me and my other brother Perry cutting a rug.  Note to self-switch to white wine at parties.  Seriously, what is up with me and wine teeth?!  LOL

Wondering about Perry's name tag?  It reads 'Perry-I wear leather pants but I'm not gay.'  It was a game to get people talking out of the group they came with.  We had people write their name and something someone may find interesting about themselves.  It was pretty fun!

My dear friend Terri and husband were supposed to attend but had to deal with a family emergency at the last minute.  She would have loved this party.  Hey T. I think we should have another!

Then last weekend the Guy had an out of town gig and me being a loving and thoughtful wife thought I'd take care of something that really needed to be done and surprise him.

The Secret Stair Project!

The stairs on the back of our house were rickety and a serious fall hazard.  I know as I fell down them earlier this year and almost broke my leg.  So I called in reinforcements and we started!

We yanked off the back steps and gave the yard a complete once over.  Pulled all the morning glory, pruned the trees, cut back the honeysuckle and got rid of a lot of crap!

3 truckloads of crap to be exact!

While we were loading stuff into the truck bed my nephew tossed in a fossilized dog bone he found...but it slipped...CRASH!

Oops...he's such a good nephew that he immediately offered to pay for it.  I'm such a good auntie that I offered to half my deductible with him because he wouldn't have broken the window if I hadn't asked him to come over and help.

In the end it was worth it.

I water sealed everything but then found the steps way too slippery and Ella totally bailed coming up them.  Ummmm...what to do?  I sanded off the water seal on the center 2 feet of each step and then a 3 x 2 foot square on the lower landing.  Then I painted the 'treads' with porch paint, sprinkled in some silica sand while it was still wet and then applied a second coat.  Worked great and there will be no slipping here!

I am quite proud of myself and could never have done it without my Uncle Peter, who at 77, pretty much did all the cutting and constructing, I just handed him the tools, fed and watered him.

The reveal did not turn out as I had planned and in future the Guy will never get another surprise again.  Yes, it was bad and I understand the reasons behind the total spazz but expected at the very least 'they're great and thanks for working so hard'.

I finally got that today...and he wonders why he's in the doghouse?!

Aha!  You thought I gave it all up for good?  Never!

I've been sewing and such, it eases the mind during a very busy time at work.
Sew, here we go!

Ella's New Collar
Her old one actually had holes in it.  So I recycled the brasses and made her this one.  She is our heart dog.  Awwww.

1931 Parisienne Jacket
Hard to get a picture of this one.  It's made with velvet that has a silvery backing making it glittery and glamourous!  Once again a great pattern from Decades of Style.

I also finished the Patricia tank and promptly gave it to a dear friend that looked better in it.  She promises to get some pictures for the blog!

Working on an evening gown for a soiree on the weekend.  I have it about halfway done and then noticed that a panel of the skirt that I cut on the opposite grain (in order to have enough fabric) looks like it's a completely different colour.  Damn satin!  It's off to the fabric store for more fabric!

And I have a special project coming up.
Made out of this.
Fabulous!

Summer Ain't Over Yet Bucket

Inspired by Terri's accessory sewing I decided to hop back into the sewing thing.

This is a free download off of Simplicity's website.  You can find the pattern here.

I think it took me a couple hours, probably less.  The cutting and interfacing took most of the time the sewing was done really quickly.  I think it's kinda cute!  More like a cloche with the deep crown.
You should try it, you'll like it!

Booze Hound
Originally uploaded by badknitter

Sad news to pass on. My mom's greyhound, Cole, went to the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon surrounded by his family and friends. I'm going to miss that sweet, wonderful, lovely dog.

Mom's Home!
Originally uploaded by badknitter

Progress Report.

I've been working on a tank top from Berroco.  It's called Paulina .
It's been an interesting knit with all the angles.  I'm enjoying it quite a lot!  Now to finish the front!

Coconut Lime Grilled Shrimp!