Medicknits

2008-09-24T18:15:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Joey!!!

A few days late....it's hard to believe you are nine years old already! It seems like just the other day that we brought home a six pound, 18 inch peanut! Just look at you now. Happy, happy birthday, love and kisses, Mom

2008-09-17T13:22:00.005-04:00

Yarn Rescue

Made from materials found at a local thrift store, for sale on etsy.com

2008-09-15T19:54:00.001-04:00

More Disney pics from August 2008. Great time, but HOT!!! Couldn't even think about knitting. However, this trip convinced me to become a member of the Disney vacation club.

2008-03-10T15:38:00.002-04:00

Longing for Spring Swap

I sent off my package today to my partner in Houston, TX. I hope she likes it, I did try to tailor it to her profile. I sent a bunch of vintage pattern booklets, a flowers to go kit, a skein of j-knits sock yarn in a blue color way, a set of sock needles, and a giant hershey kiss. Hopefully she will have as much fun with her goodies as I had putting them together. Sorry I didn't get any pics.

2008-02-28T10:36:00.002-05:00

Try it, you might like it!

I am the world's biggest chicken about needles....childbirth, no problem. broken bones? piece of cake. but needles.....freak me the f#*k out.

But i conquered my fear the other day and donated blood. and it wasn't bad at all. AND they give juice and cookies! free snacks and helping someone? not too shabby.

Right now, most communities are in desperate need for donations. PLEASE, contact your local hospital or Red Cross, and make a donation. Then you can justify buying more yarn as a reward for doing something good for others!!

2008-02-21T10:07:00.002-05:00

Too Bad, So Sad...

So our beloved Patriots did not win the Superbowl....the kids had fun, though. And they are some of the cutest fans I know!

2008-02-05T12:47:00.000-05:00

Questionnaire

Longing for Spring Swap Questions

Do you knit or crochet? both

How long have you been at your craft? knitting about 5, crochet more than 20

What are your favorite yarns/fibers? all of them, even nice acryllics.

What are your least favorite yarns/fibers? i don't like to wear mohair, too itchy

What are your favorite colors? black, pink, purple, green

What are your least favorite colors? brown

What ‘warm weather’ project are you looking forward to making this year? maybe some lace....but i like socks year-round

What are you favorite scents? favorites are ocean and japanese blossom

Least favorite? lilac

What is your favorite flower? tiger lily, even though it's really a weed!

What are you favorite spring time hobbies/activities? riding my bike

Do you have a garden? nope
If you do, tell us a little about it. Do you like to plant flowers or vegetables?

What are your favorite sweets? jelly belly jelly beans, black liquorice

Do you collect anything? tarot cards

Do you have any allergies? no

Do you have any pets? no

2008-02-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

Finished Sweater

Here is another finished project. This one is for Joey. I actually used the adult small size, and it fits great. If only he would actually wear it! He doesn't like heavy clothing, and will only wear long-sleeve tees, even on the coldest days. Oh well, it should fit Jamie in a couple of years.

2008-01-26T22:44:00.001-05:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

2008-01-26T22:43:00.001-05:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

2008-01-26T07:22:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it all works

It's pretty rare that I even think about work once my day is over. However , once in a great while, some things just really get to you (in a good way).
I had a younger patient who had a cardiac arrest, witnessed by his wife. Now the current survival rate of cardiac arrest is 2-7%, depending on your source of imformation. Long story short....after 3 days this man is walking, talking, and steadliy working toward his full function. I feel really priveledged to be a part of this. So many times we "do everything we can" even though we know it's in vain. It was so good to see that sometimes, it all works.

I quietly celebrated this little victory with Jamie. We had a lovely dinner, and spent some great time together cuddling and watching cartoons. What a great reminder of what the important things in life really are.

Oh yeah....learn CPR, you never know.....

2008-01-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

Some more pictures of Disney and the Nickelodeon Hotel 12/07

2008-01-21T14:08:00.000-05:00

Some updates on projects and stash acuisition....

2008-01-21T07:59:00.000-05:00

Catching up

Well, I just noticed that I haven't posted anything in over six months! I apologize if anyone actually tried to read this blog and was overwhelmed by all the smut adds! That will teach me to not put a block on comments.

Obviously, I have been so busy, I haven't even checked this thing. Kids are great, projects are good, and getting settled into yet another new job. I really loved the previous one, but the time commitment and traveling was really cutting into my family life. New job is 3.5 miles away (instead of 40!!), and 24 hours a week, straight days. It's just too bad that working with all women is just like being in highschool again.

Kids and my dear neice had a great time in Florida in early December, as well as a great Christmas. I highly recommend the Nickelodeon hotel if you travel to Orlando, especially if you have a larger-than-nuclear family.

Here are some updated pics.

2007-06-03T17:21:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of the kids when they are not playing in the dirt.

2007-06-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

Baseball Joe

My son, Joey, was very concerned that I seem to have more pictures of Jamie than of him. Here you go, Joe!

2007-06-01T20:16:00.000-04:00

Lopi Sweater

Here is the pic of the latest

Lopi sweater, sorry it's such a bad pic.

2007-05-31T18:54:00.000-04:00

Jamie's Dance Picture

Here is the costume Jamie is wearing in this year's

recital. Her class is dancing to "Every girl can be a princess". The older girl in the picture is the "real Cinderella" for the show.

2007-05-31T17:46:00.000-04:00

Why I Haven't Posted

Well, needless to say, I have been sooo busy it's not funny. Soccer, t-ball, dance class....and that's just the kids. Things are full swing at work too, however, I do get lots of knitting done between calls. i just finished another Lopi sweater, and started one for each of the kids, and i am finishing up a pair of socks.

A big congratulations to my SP9 pal, who had a gorgeous baby boy this month!! Check him out, what a cutie! http://knitdds.wordpress.com Don't you just love that face?

Pictures to follow of jamie's dance recital, and Joey's t-ball team picture, as well as some pics of FOs.......

2007-03-14T13:09:00.000-04:00

Wicked!!

Finally done with wicked, but I only have this craptastic picture. It fits well, and the color is great.....however, it has been in the 60s this week, too warm to wear. Oh well.

2007-03-07T18:48:00.000-05:00

New Job

Last July, I accepted a per diem position as a critical care transport nurse. After 12 years as paramedic, and only 3.5 as a nurse, I really thought I would be in over my head, but ready for the challenge. In late January, I changed my status to full-time, leaving the comfort zone of paramedicine (and getting a $14 an hour pay increase). How did I decide this would be the right move? My new boss acually sent me YARN SHOPPING!!! She is a fellow knitter, who lives on the opposite side of the state from me, and ran out of yarn for a cute cardi she is working on. She left me a label in my work mailbox asking if I wouldn't mind looking for two skeins in my LYS! WOULDN'T MIND????? How cool is that? Sometimes the fates tell you you've made the right move in strange ways..................Jen

2007-03-04T18:24:00.000-05:00

So Busy it's not Funny......

Well, back to work since the cast has been off, and at full tilt. 40+ hours a week at the full-time gig and assorted hours at the per diem ones have left me with woefully little time for fiber arts. I am, however, half way through the second sleeve of Wicked from the sexy knitter's club, and did manage to finish two cotton halter tops for my niece, pics to follow soon.....Jen

2007-01-17T10:30:00.000-05:00

Some Finished Projects

The first FO is a gift for my secret pal. She is expecting her first child in the spring. I think she only knits, so I decided to crochet a sweater and cap to give her something a little different. The next pic is of a couple of quick hats for the kids. Next up is another pair of ugly socks.....I am amazed at how many sock yarns look great in a skein, but work up so fugly! Last is the tubey sweater from http://knitty.com, which looks much better on than on the floor, but I am a bit camera shy. I also made a Lopi fair isle sweater, but that was gifted before I could get a pick. Hopefully I will have more FOs soon, but I am FINALLY back to work, YAY!!

2007-01-15T08:58:00.000-05:00

I swap with Swap-bot!

2006-12-23T17:32:00.000-05:00

Socks

i made these socks from the blueberry waffle pattern, and used one of the Lisa Souza yarns, which are wonderfully soft. The colors are also really pretty. Happy Holidays!

2006-12-15T18:04:00.000-05:00

What I got for Christmas

Trying to be a nice person, I took my kids and two neighbor kids to an indoor playground......all I did was step off a stair, and ouch! Fractured fibula. Of course being a medical person did I call for help? NOOOO! Of course not! I drove everyone home (in a standard, no less!) then waited for my husband to take me to the hospital. At least the color is nice, and I will now have more time to knit.

When I got home today from having the cast placed, I had a great package from my secret pal, which included the Stitch and Bitch calender, a great candle, and some pretty royal blue cotton yarn with flecks. Thanks, SP!

Jen

2006-12-13T19:22:00.000-05:00

Finally Finished

I finally finished the tubey sweater from knitty.com. I love the way this sweater fits, and it was pretty quick, although a bit boring to knit. I had enough left over yarn that I am making a kid's version for Jamie. I'll post a pic soon.

Jen

2006-11-30T19:15:00.000-05:00

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2006-11-30T18:44:00.000-05:00

Joey's Mittens

I used the left overs from my husband's socks to make these mittens for Joey. He didn't even seem embarrassed about wearing something his mom made. (He is rapidly approaching the age where hugging your mom is very uncool.) Jamie and I had a great day of Christmas shopping and lunch, but I didn't get as much done as I wanted because Jamie fell asleep........talk to you soon, Jen

2006-11-22T20:54:00.000-05:00

Sick Day

I was home all day today with both kids. Jamie had eye surgery yesterday, and was not quite herself today, I have strep throat and Joey has a nasty cough. We spent the day just hanging out, and I was able to finish one of my UFOs (the socks for my husband) and complete a pair of the Fetching fingerless gloves form knitty.com. i used the gorgeous malbrigo from my SP9 pal. Have a happy and safe holiday.....Jen

2006-11-21T18:36:00.000-05:00

I'm a Hufflepuff!

2006-11-16T20:29:00.000-05:00

Too Busy.....

I got a wonderful package from my secret pal late monday night after a paticularly trying day at work. What a great way to end a long and difficult day! SP, if you read this, just lettting you know that I loved the beautiful blue malabrego and the extras.....jamie decided the scarecrow door hanger is her new purse........I will post pics as soon as I have a minute to breathe, let alone knit! Jen

2006-11-11T19:16:00.000-05:00

Easy Baby Blanket

I whipped this one out in a couple of days, after a request from my husband to "make something" for a co-worker expecting his first son......I think I'll make a matching cap nad booties. That's all for now, Iworked a 14 hour over-night shift and I'm still recovering!
Jen

2006-11-06T19:10:00.000-05:00

Almost Forgot......

Thanks to Cassandra for the cute knitted dishcloth from the swap-bop exchange. It was really cool to get you for a partner again. And it's hard to believe it was your first knitted dishcloth, it was adorable.

2006-11-06T18:34:00.000-05:00

Vacation Socks

These are the socks I managed to make while on our cruise. As you can see, the kids had a great time and the adults enjoyed some much-needed down time. I hope my secret pal is feeling better; I found out she was ill enough to be hospitalized, but is now home recuperating. My thoughts are with her for a speedy recovery.......Jen

2006-11-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

Harvest Socks?

Sorry it has been too long....things have been hectic, as we just got home from a Disney cruise. The kids had a blast and the adults had some much needed down time. I even managed to make a pair of socks! (not these). I also sent my second package out to my secret pal just before I left. I will post a pic of the vacation socks soon....Jen

(PS) I know the socks are ugly, but hey are warm, and my son says they are perfect for sliding across the kitchen floor, in preparation for spring training.

2006-10-08T20:08:00.000-04:00

Secret Pal Stuff

Well, I read my secret pal's profile yesterday when I got home from work, so of course, I couldn't wait to start shopping. My secret pal likes natural fibers and loves green, so i scored some dark green varigated hand dyed alpaca, should be enough for a pair of socks or a nice scarf. I also made some green-and-white polkadot glass stitch markers for her. I hope she likes them.....Jen (don't mind the obligatory cute kid pic)

2006-10-03T12:35:00.000-04:00

Secret Pal 9

I just printed the questionnaire for secret pal 9, so here are the answers.

1) I like almost all types of yarn, including acrylic blends, but I really hate froo-froo types and funfur.
2) I keep my needles and hooks in several plastic cases and zipper pouches.
3) I have been knitting on and off for years. I learned the basics from my mom. I consider nyself an intermediate knitter.
4) No wishlist
5) my favorite scents are spicey ones, like cinnamon, apple, eucalyptus, etc. I don't like flower scents.
6) No sweet tooth, I'm more into salty snacks.
7) I also crochet, and felt.
8) I listen to mostly classic rock/heavy metal....NO country!
9) My favorite colors are black, blue, and pink
10) i am married with two kids, no pets.
11)I wear scarves and mittens, no hats or ponchos
12) My favoitre items to knit are Lopi sweaters, and anything with minimal finishing or sewing involved. i also like quick and easy projects.
13) Right know I am knitting a Lopi sweater, mittens, and I am about to start the Tubey pattern form http://knitty.com
14) I love handmade gifts
15) I prefer circular needles, and type
16)I do not have a yarn winder or swift
17) My oldestUFO?......too many to keep track!!
18)My favorite holiday is Halloween
19)I collect vintage Lopi sweater patterns and old crochet hooks
20) Too many to list......I have poor impulse control, so if I like it, I buy it.
21) I would like to become more comfortable with DPNs
22) I'm generally not a sock knitter
23 My birthday is April 24th

2006-10-02T08:25:00.000-04:00

How funny is this?

2006-09-30T19:32:00.000-04:00

Thanks Cassandra!

I joined one of the swaps on swap-bot for wool yarn and got a great package today. Thanks so much to Cassandra for the pretty red wool with the multi-colored specks. I can't wait to get something started with it. I didn't have time to get a pic, so here is my son Joey with his favorite birthday gift....Jen (With special thanks to Auntie for always knowing just what Joey likes! XOXOXO)

2006-09-30T19:21:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Joey and Niko!!

My son, Joey, and my nephew, Niko, two, are both September babies. The numerous kid-the-family parties were getting out of hand, so my sister and I decided to split the work. She handled the family party and I handled the kids' party. This is the sweater I made for Niko. He still hasn't worn it, as it has been too warm. It should be just perfect in a couple of weeks......Jen

2006-09-24T09:12:00.000-04:00

Caps to the Capitol

Here is my contribution to the caps to the capitol campaign. They are crocheted because I crochet much faster than I knit......Jen

2006-09-19T20:02:00.000-04:00

Sorry, no new pics today, too busy to do much. I did make a couple sets of stich markers, they will be sent in the packages I will be making up for the swaps I have joined. I am also working on a felted crochet lady bug hat for my daughter, without a pattern. Talk to you soon....Jen

2006-09-17T10:18:00.000-04:00

Well, I just signed up for the Secret Pal 9 exchange, and i'm really looking forward to getting started. Also, I finished my first pair of socks. They came out pretty good, and I can't wait to try another pair. This pair was made using the Yankee knitter classic sock pattern, using

a worsted weight. They are very warm and cozy, great for under my ugly work boots. More FOs soon I hope...

Jen

2006-09-12T13:26:00.000-04:00

WIPs

Lots on the needles.....working on another Lopi sweater for my neice, trying to get the whole sock thing, lots of little things in progress. This pic is of the sweater kits ladybug sweater, and modeled by Jamie. It came with a pattern for a matching hat, but I really hated working with the chenille yarn, so I never made it. That's all for now, time to pack up the knitting and go to work.....hope to talk to you soon......Jen

2006-09-03T19:20:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone......

I am new to this, so if i am boring, oh well......

Those are my two awesome kids, Joey, 7 and Jamie, 3.

As you might imagine, they keep me busy. I work outside of the home as both an RN and a paramedic in a very busy urban hospital-based EMS system.

Anyone else out there knit or crochet while sitting in an emergency vehicle or ICU? When I first started about 12 years ago, I got some very strange looks, and more than a few odd questions. However, since then, most of the people giving me the stink eye have either been recipients of my handiwork, or have received a knitting or crochet lesson.

This sweater is my latest accomplishment, made mostly while sitting in a paramedic truck in Lawrence, MA. The pattern is from the book Best of Lopi. Lots of mistakes, but I'm happy with the result.

Also, the other female medics and I have been making crchet hats for the Caps to the Capitol campaign.....so far, I haven't been able to get any of the guys to join. Oh well, I'll keep working on them.

That's about all for now.....hope to hear from anyone soon............Jen