NotScarlett

Monday Loves and a doggie revolution

A pendant I ordered shortly before Cricket's accident arrived this afternoon. In the chaos that followed the accident, I completely forgot about this. Ah, ancestral pride. Checking the mail this afternoon was a wonderful surprise.

Pendant w/antique map of Yugoslavia, from etsy seller chasinglightningbugs

The Tudors. I am so hooked on this show. Too bad I do not have Showtime. DAMMIT. I got all wrapped up in season 1 over the past week and now have to wait to watch season 2 unless the powers that be (landlords...complex cable payment issues when you have a living setup like we do...) decide to dump Skinemax and get Showtime. I neeeeeed Showtime. I need Dexter, and Weeds, and now, The Tudors. I've decided that if King Henry VIII, as portrayed in the show, were alive today, he's totally be the frontman for some goth rock band. He's such a petulant little brat. I love it. Not as much as I love Henry Cavil though. Charles Brandon is dreeeeeeaaaaammmmyyyy.

More teeny little knits. I made this hat up as I went, and I wish it fit my big head. The socks were also improvised, and I'm quite pleased with the way they turned out.

I used Zen String Serendipity Sport, the colorway is Ochoco. The hat was knit on US size 5 Denises, the socks, on my US size 2 circs from Yarn Pirate.  This little set is for a boy out in California, and will be shipped out as soon as his auntie quits drooling over Henry Cavil and finishes seaming up a few other pieces.

I am overjoyed that my girl pup is home, healthy, and feisty as ever. The doc says she needs a minimum of 6-8 more weeks of crate rest. She's not real happy about that.

Her brother is extremely jealous of all the extra attention Miss Cricket has been getting from everyone, especially me, since I am home with the dogs the most, so he's decided to attempt to usurp my place in the household.

Exhibit A: This is where I found him when I came home from work tonight. (Yes, that is my unmade bed.)

Exhibit B: I found this when I came to bed one night last week.

I think he's trying to tell me something.

One last love/happy bit for today: I heard back from someone regarding something I am really interested in. Cross your fingers for me, and hopefully soon my 8-5 will be a bit more pleasant.

Tiny Knits

My nieces and nephews deserve piles of handknits. Add these to the stack for the newest niece, Miss Savannah.

Pattern: Hat is an improvised pattern, booties are Baby Magic Slippers from SockPixie.

Yarn: Spunky Eclectic Skinny Sock in Neopolitan

Needles: US Size 3 KnitPicks Circulars

These little slippers look like teeny elf shoes, don't they?

More tiny knits to come...as well as some grown-up knits.

Cricket goes in for a check up this afternoon...we are expecting good news. All of her bruising and cuts are 90% healed, and she's much more comfortable then she was when she first came home. She also smells terrible and we're hoping we get the ok to bathe her stankyness this weekend.

And now for something completely different

Remember how this is supposed to be a knitting blog? Yeah. Me too.

Skylar's Sweater (rav link here)

This sweater is for Savannah's big sister. I hope it fits...I'm not so good with the kids sizes, I always seem to get it wrong. Hopefully though, she'll be able to wear this at least once or twice.

Pattern: Child's Placket Neck Pullover from LMKG

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Carol Green and Purple Iris; Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Purple

Needles: US Size 8 Denise's

I decided to not go with the placket neck because I thought the instructions in the pattern were completely whacked out. So, I just kept knitting. The neckline is wide enough for big ol' toddler heads to fit through, but high enough to keep the sweater from slipping off the shoulders.

I love the color combo on this one. I'm sure my brother and sister in law will appreciate the easy care aspect of the sweater, even though I don't want to knit with another acrylic yarn for a looooong time. All in all, this knit was a success!

Cricket Update

She's doing AWESOME. She's resting quietly in her crate, which we've filled with cushy pillows and a cuddly blanket. She's eating like a champ (except for when her piggy brother sneaks in and steals her food), and loves to give us kisses. She's not supposed to be up and about right now, but when we carry her outside to go potty, she takes a few steps to find just the right spot, and each and every time her walk seems a bit better. Nina laid out in the grass with her and soaked up some sun when we met up at the house on our lunch breaks yesterday, and Miss Cricket seemed to really enjoy that. She's got to go back to the vet this Friday for a check up, and hopefully we'll continue to get good news about her progress.

As far as the Red Cadillac of Doom goes, we've made a complaint regarding her habitual speeding with the Sheriff's Department. At this time, that is the best we can do, since, no, Cricket was not on a leash, and yes, there is a leash law, even though she was technically in our yard. Per the deputy we spoke to, if the speeding continues, we just need to let them know and they will send out some traffic control in hopes of witnessing the hag in action, at which point she will be given a ticket. At the very least, there is a formal complaint on record, which, in the event that this woman hits another animal, or worse, a child, there is a history of this reckless behavior on file. God forbid anything like this happen again...but it makes me feel a little better to know that there  is something documented. 

We're all so happy to have our girl home, and we thank you again for all of your help and support....thanks to you amazing, wonderful, kind people,  our vet bill is not nearly as frightening as we thought it would be. Nina, B and I thank you all again. 

Cricket Update and A Message from Nina

Cricket will be coming home tonight. She's doing so well, and while we don't know if she will require surgery on her pelvis at this point, we are hopeful that she will continue to heal on her own. She's a fighter, just like her mama (my sister) and with all the positive thoughts, energy, prayers and wishes coming to her from everyone out there, I KNOW she's going to have a speedy and full recovery.

My sister, having witnessed firsthand the power of the blogosphere, asked if I would post a message to y'all from her. We, and B, and Sampson and Cricket, all appreciate you so much.

xoxoxo

S

I don’t know any of you and I am not the type of person who optimistically believes in, “the help of a stranger” as I have never been someone to receive or accept too much help from anyone. However, I believe everything happens for a reason and I now feel that there may be some hope out there for people in the world after all. My name is Nina, my sister is Sarah, you may know her online as someone who has an incredible passion for writing, knitting, and her family. My sister is an not only an amazingly talented and caring person; she’s also my best friend, my confidant, my goofy giggle partner, my shoulder to cry on, my partner in crime, my therapist, my fashion consultant…the list goes on and on.

Thursday night Sarah and I watched as my other best friend, my four year old Basenji-Beagle named Cricket, got hit by a car. It was like a bad dream, it was all in slow motion, and still I can’t get it out my head; it’s like it is stuck on repeat. As I scooped my howling, bloodied almost lifeless dog up off of the ground and told her it was going to be okay; I was also telling myself that this was it and I knew she was dead for sure It was the worst feeling I have ever experienced. Someone, something, was watching that day and kept Cricket alive. However, the vet bills have been outrageous. Being a young single person who is financially independent, I have never prepared myself for something like this to happen. I get paid, pay my bills, and have enough to get by on after that until the next time I get paid.

My sister told the story of what happened to the world on her blog and over the weekend, the outpouring of support for us and for Cricket, emotionally and financially, has just been truly phenomenal. I’m shocked, blown away, and touched at the amount of genuine concern for two strangers and their animal. The more I think about it, the more I have come to the realization that you don’t necessarily have to know me, or my dog or my sister that well; that what we all have in common in life are our feelings. To know there are so many people who hold the same love inside them that I do for my dog is a refreshing feeling.

Though the weekend has been long and there have been ups and downs; Cricket is doing VERY well. She is a punk rock dog for sure. She’s bruised and bumped and walking with a gimp, but she is ALIVE and she’s going to continue to, “fight the noise”.

Thank you so much for all your kind words, donations, and being involved in our lives. I wish the world shines so much brighter on each and every one of you today and everyday after.

Nina

Knitters are the best people in the world.

Thank you to everyone who made a purchase or a donation to help out with Cricket's vet bills. My family and I are overwhelmed by your generosity.

I also want to thank every single person who said a prayer, sent good wishes, left a comment, etc. Each and every one of you have keep my spirits high through this ordeal.

B and I went to see Cricket this morning, and while she's not out of the woods yet, she's doing really well. No broken hips, the dislocated hip has been adjusted and put back in place, and she's resting much more comfortably now.

The doc is concerned about some elevated liver enzymes and the fact her spleen is a bit bruised, and it is too early to tell whether she will need a minor surgery for her pelvic fracture, however, the prognosis is quite optimistic that our girl will make a full recovery.

Everyone at the vet's office is love with Cricket; she's Miss Popularity. We received tons of compliments on how well behaved and sweet she is, and the doctor is absolutely enamored of her. When we came in, the silly thing got all excited (despite the doggie morphine she's on) and tried to get up! She wagged her tail and gave us lots of kisses, only whining when she accidentally rolled onto her sore hip or when one of us wasn't petting her.

Now that I've seen her, and seen how well she is doing, I think I'll be able to eat and sleep again. It's been really rough around here for all of us for the past few days, and I cannot tell you how much the support we've received means to us....I'll never cease to be amazed at the kindness of the blogosphere.

I'm going to leave the donation button up, and I may put some more yarn up for sale in the next few days. Please keep sending those good vibes our way, and if you're feeling generous, maybe think about clicking that button up there on the top left of the sidebar.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Lots of  love to you all from everyone here.

Stash Sale-ALL SOLD! THANK YOU!

Cricket, March 17, 2008

Proceeds from this sale will go to the Cricket Vet Fund.

If you'd prefer to make a donation rather than purchase yarn, please use the Paypal button on the top left hand side of the sidebar.

All yarn comes from a smoke-free home. While the home is not pet free, yarn has been stored away from the two short haired doggies that live here. Yarn has been stored in plastic bags in plastic containers.

All prices are in U.S. dollars. Payment only accepted via Paypal.

Prices include domestic shipping via USPS Priority Mail.

For international orders, please expect to pay the difference in shipping fees; we can discuss international shipping charges via email.

If you see something you want, email me at notscarlett7 AT yahoo DOT com. I'm doing this first come, first serve, and will send you a Paypal invoice with your total once I confirm your order.

Jaggerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk, Lace weight

SOLD!

Colorway: "Ruby"

Price: $10

KnitPicks Shadow, Merino Laceweight Yarn-3 skeins

SOLD!

Colorway: Oregon Coast

Price: $12 for all

KnitPicks Palette Fingering Weight Wool-Sampler! 6 skeins

SOLD!

This was purchased as part of an insane colorwork project I had planned...I've since realized I'm never gonna get around to my experiment. Colors are Lemon, Apricot, Red, Petal, Lilac and Pool.

Price: $12 for all

Elann Peruvian Baby Silk, 6 balls

SOLD!

Colorway: Aubergine

Price: $15 for all

Online Supersocke 100 Indian Color

SOLD!

Colorway: Unknown

Price: $8

Rowan Rowanspun DK, 2 hanks

SOLD!

Colorway: SH746, which is a light lavender color

Price: $12 for both

Note: One hank is wound

Noro Lily, 2 hanks

SOLD!

Colorway: 118, a blend of teal, lime, yellow, olive and brown

Price: $16 for both hanks

Himalaya Yarn Recycled Wool/Silk, 2 Skeins

SOLD!

Colorway: Red

Price: $15 for both skeins

Miss Babs 100% Superwash Wool Sock Yarn

SOLD!

Colorway: "Cool Waters"

Price: $18

Knitting Notions Classic Merino Supersock

SOLD!

Colorway: "Hydrangea"

Price: $25

Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino

SOLD!

Note: This yarn is from the most recent shipment of The Loopy Ewe's 2008 Sock Club, exclusive pattern for sock club included in price

Price: $28

Fearless Fibers Suerpwash Merino Wool Sock Yarn

SOLD!

Colorway: "Meadow"

Price: $18

Paton's Grace, 5 skeins

SOLD!

Colorway: Taupe

Price: $20 for all

SandnesGarn Kitten Mohair, 4 skeins

SOLD!

Colorway: Light Grey

Price: $16 for all

Lisa Souza Sock!

SOLD

Colorway: "Can't Elope"

Price: $21

Knit Picks Simple Stripes Sock Yarn. 2 skeins

SOLD

Colorway: Unknown

Price: $12 for both skeins

Regia Strato Color

SOLD

Colorway: "Platinum"

Price: $12

Regia Surf-two balls, each in a different colorway, are available.

SOLD!

Colorway: "Nixe" and "Provence"

Price: $17 together, $10 each

Wollmeise Sockenwolle

SOLD

Colorway: Raku Regenbogen

Price: $26

Lime & Violet Vampyre

SOLD

Colorway: Delta Flyer

Price: $20

Yarn Pirate Merino Sock

SOLD

Colorway: Killer Bees

NOTE: This yarn is from the Yarn Pirate Booty Club October 2007 Shipment

Price: $22

Yarn Pirate Merino/Tencel Sock

SOLD

Colorway: Butternut

NOTE: This yarn is from the Yarn Pirate Booty Club September 2007 shipment

Price: $22

Yarntini Variegated Sock

SOLD

Colorway: Vintage

Price: $22

Zen Yarn Garden In Sync Sock Yarns

SOLD!

Colorway: "Blueberry Crush"

Price: $21

Malabrigo Merino Worsted, 1 hank

SOLD

Colorway: "Roanoke Gold"

Note: Yarn is missing original tag.

Price: $10

All Things Heather Superwash Merino/Bamboo/Nylon

SOLD!

Colorway "Skinny Dipping"

Note: This yarn is from the first shipment of The Loopy Ewe's 2007 sock club.

Price: $25

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock, Mediumweight

SOLD!

Colorway: Rocktober

NOTE: Yarn is wound, has not been knit.

Price: $24

Yarn Pirate BFL Sock Yarn

SOLD!

Colorway: Cranberry Ice

NOTE: This yarn is from The Loopy Ewe's sock club Winter shipment

Price: $23

Fleece Artist Merino

SOLD

Colorway: Rose Garden

Price: $20

Cricket, left and Sampson, right, March 18, 2008

One more post...

Since several people have asked, I'm putting up a PayPal donation button for Cricket. It's over to your left in the sidebar...PayPal has been a bit wonky this morning, so I apologize for the multiple posts.

Every cent helps at this point, but please, remember that even if you donate nothing or buy nothing from the stash sale, your positive thoughts help too.

The blogosphere, and knitters, never cease to amaze me. Thank you all so much, you have this very grateful girl in joyful tears this morning.

A Bit of Sunshine...

You guys. You are so great. First, my whiny work post...you send me so much love and encouragement. Your comments have been read and re-read during what has turned out be a terrible week at the office.  Then, you send me waves of support for Cricket. I don't even have the words to tell you how much it means to me or how wonderful you all are. Thank you just doesn't seem good enough. I'll be showing Nina your comments this evening, and I know my tough little sister will be moved to tears by your wonderful words.

As of this morning, we  don't know if Crick will need surgery. There has been some conflicting info about her broken hip; at this point we aren't sure if it even is broken. We're currently waiting on a second opinion and more x-rays. She'll be spending the weekend with our regular, wonderful, should-be-a-saint vet and we can go visit her at any time. If she does need the surgery, she can have it Monday. If not, most likely she can come home and with lots of intensive nursing, heal on her own.

Surgery or not, vet bills still suck.

Stash sale is still on....check back about 8pm EST.

Yarntini, Wollmeise, Yarn Pirate, Dicentra Designs, Cherry Tree Hill, Fearless Fibers, Miss Babs and many more will be up for grabs.

See y'all later....until then, so me a favor and give yourself a big hug from me, Nina, B, Cricket and Sam. We love you guys.

xoxoxo

Cry for Help...watch this space

This afternoon, some old hag was speeding in her Cadillac through our neighborhood, going about 15 mph over the speed limit. She hit Cricket.

Nina and I saw the whole thing happen, and honestly? I'm still pretty shook up. Nina is....well, a complete and total mess. We spoke to the old bat who did this who said, AND I QUOTE "It's not my fault your dog rolled under my car, and I don't even know you, do you even live here?"

Is it harassment to put up signs that say "Children and animals: beware of the hag in the red Caddy, she speeds and will hit you and KEEP ON DRIVING?"

Anyway...beating up old women, no matter how much I want to, is not going to solve anything.

Crick is alive, and it looks like she's gonna make it...she's currently at the emergency vet hospital for observation overnight. By the time the docs get done with her, she's gonna be the Bionic Doggie...she's got a busted hip, a dislocated hip, and some very minor pelvic fractures, but other than that, she's gonna be ok. Seriously, with as much as this is going to cost, I'm gonna ask them to give her breast implants or something.

Needless to say, this is an unexpected expense that my sister, currently living with us to save up for her own place, can't afford. B and I are not in a position to help her out right now, as B's transmission just crapped out and I'm perpetually broke. So....it's stash sale time.

You want sock yarn? I gots sock yarn. Lots of the good stuff. Check back here tomorrow afternoonish/evening and  help this sweet girl out while getting yourself some purdy yarn.

Even if you buy nothing, will you do me a favor and just send some hopeful, soothing, healing thoughts our way? Cricket could use some positive vibes.

Savannah's Sweater

B's brother and his wife welcomed their second little girl, Ms. Savannah Mae, into the world at the end of January. I am a crappy aunt and am just now making with the handknits.

Pattern: Lorraine Major's version of the Five Hour Baby Sweater, found here

Yarn: It's acrylic, yo! Vanna's Choice in Pink

Needles: US size 10 Denise's

I really like this pattern, I've made four of these now for various girl babies over the past few years. It knits up quick and is very cute.

I didn't feel like using buttons on this one, so I went with some i- cord and fun fluffy pom-poms, inspired by the lovely Minty over at Pepperknit.

If I thought I could pull it off, I'd totally knit an adult sized one of these for myself. Pom poms rule.