Time To Knit Again......

I am moving....

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

Well yes, it is official. I am moving to Michigan in February. I am looking foward to it and can't wait to create some new great memories. I have just told my family and a few friends. Today, I told my knitting and crochet group at the Parkchester Library. I am really going to miss them all. It has been a fun 1 year and a half. We knitting, crocheted, laughed, joked and had some nice pot luck parties. I couldn't wait till Thursday to go and relax and knit or crochet my favorite hobby. Just to name a few of the ladies. Here goes: Laura, Norma, Tonia, Susri, Ann, Dietris, Cynthia, Maria, Rosa, Taylor and a few others ladies that I haven't seen in a while. Thank you and we will keep in touch. I am going to take some pics next week and posting them here.As for projects. Oh yes, we have been busy and I mean we. My daughters got bit by the bug again. So I have some nice pics to post in the coming days. We have been loom knitting, knitting, crocheting hats like mad(because it is cold), and machine knitting too. It is so much fun when you have those in your own household that shares your passion for the Needle Arts. I am just so sad that most of my collection is in Egypt. I told my husband. Just bring back my Needle Arts supply, which is everything along with my books and my projects and just give away the clothes. LOL. Now that is sacrifice. LOL. Donate the shoes and the clothes except the knitted ponchos(had to throw that in there). He was shaking his head and laughing at the same time. Big decisions, but hey, there are lots of clothes and shoes in America. Moving right along. I have taught some of my group members how to loom knit. I am making sure that they get all the materials they need to keep on doing it. Also there is always skype! Good night bloggie, for now. Post pics tomorrow.

I made a loom caddy.....

2011-10-02T23:54:00.001-04:00

I have a very small space where I try to organize my stuff. My looms are just laying around and not protected. I am constantly standing them up or laying them on my bed and yelling so no one steps on my looms. So finally, finally.... I made a loom caddy with some thrifty material that I bought from the the good will store and my sons old pants. It came out pretty good, but its soo long. My longest loom is 36 inches. I made it wide enough to put pattern books and also a working project with yarn. Not bad. The only thing I need to do now is a strap. I haven't figured that out yet.

I purchased a KB sock loom. Its so cute and tiny. The truth is I already know how to knit and crochet socks, even on the Knifty Knitter. So why did I get one? Because I just wanted to learn another technique. Some ladies from the Knitting and Crochet club bought one, so we are going to do it together. I am going to make a little bag for it from my leftover fabric from the loom caddy because it didn't come with a case. Now I have to purchase sock yarn. I have to check out what KnitPicks has. I left all my sock yarn in Egypt. Sometimes I wish I was in Egypt. I really do miss it. That beautiful Mediterranean ocean. I am thinking of it right now......and when I open my eyes I am still in the Bronx.

This is a pic of an amazing apple pie that Sumi and I made. It was was delicious and it was huge! Who said apple pie had to be round?

My hat (small child)

2011-09-21T23:16:00.001-04:00

Here is a pic of the hat that I made from Knitting Workshop. Making this hat was fun and easy. I never thought that I could do color knitting. The pattern for this was full of tips and tricks that came in handy. I can just pick up yarn and needles and with EZ’s pattern and I can make something beautiful.

Now I am a little nervous. I am up to Part 2 Two Sweaters. Uggg. I don’t know if I can continue. I have to get more yarn to do a sweater. I am willing to tackle the project!

Started on the EZ hat…

2011-09-18T02:13:00.001-04:00

I started reading the Knitting Workshop. So far I really like the book. Its not a book that gives you patterns on each page. Its more like a one on one class. She gives you tips and tricks along the way and at the same time we are knitting. Right now I am knitting the hat. I am up to color knitting. Knitting alternate stitches with two colors. EZ says it’s the simplest ever. I made a nice design where I am carrying over the yarn. This is a technique that I was scared of doing because it always looks so sloppy, but now it looks great, I am making the hat on circular needles. T he problem with me is that I had to use a smaller circular because I brought a short one. I was at my mothers house at the time. So now that I am almost done the hardest part to figure out is the decrease. After this, I won’t do this again. Meaning, I will stick to the pattern and if I don’t have the tools I need, I just won’t start. Elizabeth provides very precise tricks to finish the cap with ease.

Facebook is really boring, just thought I would say that.

Anyway, I sewed up a neat bag for my long loom. To make this short, I used the bottoms of my boys pant because the knees had holes. Made them into squares and sewing them up. Now all I is a soft lining to sew it on the inside. I found a fleece baby blanket in the thrift shop, but I didn’t get it. I will try to go back this week and get it. I will post a pic of it once I am done. I am thinking of decorating it, but I don’t know how. Now all I need is to know is how to shine the pins on my loom.

Still here….in the Bronx…..

2011-09-01T15:25:00.001-04:00

Its been a long time since my last post. The boys had a good school year and both passed into the next grade. My year was full of PTA meetings, trips and Yankee stadium and lots of volunteer work. The Bronx Little School is awesome, full of dedicated teachers and staff. I can say I had a very busy year. I didn’t do a lot of knitting but I was able to meet with the Parkchester Knitting and Crochet Club and talk and share. Members come and go but we always have a nice bunch ready to lend a helping hand. It’s my little 2 hour me time.

Ismaeel at Yankee Stadium.

)

Ismaeel on a fishing trip with his 2nd grade class and Ms. Noble.

Flashback, boys ages 1 and 3 at my sister’s house.

Parent trip to Ellis Island. Sponsored by The Bronx Little School(awesome)!

Katherine and the cutest baby ever, with Sumi on the Statue Ferry.

Ismaeel with Ms. Noble (2nd grade)

Mrs. O’Conner (4th grade) with Ibraheem on Field Day.

Now its September, school starts on the 8th. I have to go buy school supplies, 1 book bag, and 2 uniform shirts. I need to get everything ready for next week. Then I have to get a schedule for homeschool with my girls at home.

My family and I just finished fasting the month of Ramadan. It was tough, but wonderful. We celebrated Eid with the morning prayer in Bronx Park next to the Bronx Zoo. It was wonderful and peaceful. We packed up a picnic and went up to Rockland County State Park. What a nice and clean park. We cooked up a storm and had lost of refreshments and fruits. We made bbq chicken, jerk chicken, and some apple rub chicken. There was shrimp, steak, hotdogs, and hamburgers. I made my famous rice and beans! So Yummy! By the time the afternoon came I was ready for a nap.

Wilmarie, Sumaiyah and Ameenah

Ismaeel and Ibraheem at the Eid Salat.

My hubby cooking on the grill!

Ha, we got of pic of Juana smiling!

Nadirah and I.

Muneerah, Hanaan, Ibraheem, Ismaeel, Dawood and Yusuf.

Brothers cooking on the grill.

I was able to order lots of goodies. I bought some yarn, a straw bag, patterns books and The Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann. You know, she guarantee’s that you can become a master knitter by the time you finish her book. Tell me. Have you every read a guarantee like that? I haven’t. So I ordered it on sale at Knitting warehouse for 11 bucks! Master Knitter here I come! I am ready EZ! I also got some new tips from Knit pics and lots of cute notions. I love my notions. So I don’t feel badly for buying stuff. I took a bunch of pattern books and magazines that I didn’t want and gave them to my knitting and crocheting club. They were eager to have them too. I just had too much! I had to make room for my new stuff.

I got this huge straw tote bag from Lantern Moon for 10 bucks on Knit Picks. What a deal!

The guarantee!!!!

Okay, I had so much more to add but didn’t want to stuff everything in one post. I like the fact that I was able to have this blog since 2006. I have so many memories. I have wasted putting pics on Facebook . So I am going to try to create slide shows so I can have them on my blog. Blogging is so much better.

I went loca……

2011-01-02T20:47:00.001-05:00

Yes, I became crazy. I bought some new knitting and crocheting books, but no yarn. How silly I am. I need to save some money specifically for some yarn. I can’t wait to get the books by mail. Just receiving a package is a big deal. I never received mail in Egypt. I would probably have received a letter after 3 months. Anyway, they had a big sale on Crafter’s Choice Book Club, any book for $10.99. Compared with Amazon and found out that CC had better prices. I also checked the reviews to make sure they were worth the price. After these no more ordering anymore (yeah right). Selling some books that I never used would be a good idea to make some money to buy yarn. I am probably going to sell them in stacks of 3 or 4 on Ebay.

Right now I am trying to finish some squares for the charity project that we are making at the Parkchester Knitting Circle. So far we have one full size blanket and one baby blanket. We have enough for one more. It amazing how everyone made 10 squares and we were able to make something so beautiful.

Large blanket

Baby blanket

I was excited to point out the squares that I made. This week I will be handing in the last few squares left and some wrist warmers that I made with extra yarn. Maybe when this project is finished I can get back to my son’s sweater.

Knitting Board Basics

2010-12-27T10:30:00.002-05:00

I really love this book. It has some nice stitches with lots of pics. I wish they could have done a little more in the section "Creating patterns with colors". I would have liked more explanation with pics for the charted designs. There are lots of nice patterns for you to make. I think one mistake that is made all the time in patterens book is that they don't include a pattern for older children. Like 8-13 years old. In this book they don't have a pattern for anything in this age range only mittens. I would have liked to see a sweater at least. Other than that, it's great on all the basics with some pretty projects to go with it. The book delivers on the basics, it's in the name.

Knitting on the Noble Knitter…

2010-12-27T10:28:00.001-05:00

This is a great loom. I have been learning stitches and so far it’s been a lot of fun. I find that knitting on a this loom is a different kind of experience when compared to knitting with needles. I find that it’s a little slower but very enjoyable. I love when the work starts to reveal itself from the bottom.

Knitting away…….

2010-11-27T10:07:00.001-05:00

Well, I received my knitting board. It’s just like they described. The only thing it’s a little heavy, but I love it. I already learned the stockinette stitch and yes it is nice and thick. I want to do more designer stitches so I am going through the book step by step. I am using the new book “Knitting Board Basics”. I got it for a $1 when I joined Crafters Choice book club.

my kb

I am doing several projects. I have a sweater that I am trying to complete front and back panels. I am also involved in a charity project. I have to make 10 8x8 squares to make a special afghan as a donation. I have a pair of socks knitted half way which is really annoying. Maybe the pattern was boring. I think I am going to frog it and think of something else in the future to make with it.

8x8 squares

Since receiving my knitting board, I need to make a carrying case for it. So as soon as my friend Juana gets a hot minute she will take me to the fabric store. I want to buy some black canvas material, possibly quilted and sew up a long wide tube with a long strap. I am thinking of a drawstring at the top. I joined granny squares that I had in my mom’s basement for years. I think I can sew it onto the canvas as a cover when I finish the bag. So much to do and so little time.

granny square panels (2)

Yay!!!!

2010-11-17T09:24:00.001-05:00

I am getting a knitting board! I am soooo happy. It’s called the Noble Knitter 100. I compared it to other boards and I really like this one the best. First of all, the pegs follow a color pattern and are numbered. Which is something that I have not seen in any other board. I couldn’t believe all the options I have with this board and I can’t wait to get it!!!!!! I already have my knitting board pattern book ready and waiting. This was a gift from my hubby!!! I am waiting……..

Apple pie, yummmmy!

2010-11-08T09:32:00.001-05:00

My hubby came home with a huge bag of Granny Smith apples for an apple pie we’ve been trying to make for a while. Sumaiyah made the apple mixture and I made the crust. I changed the recipe a little by adding half of whole wheat flour to the mix. I also doubled the recipe because we didn’t have a pie plate, we had a cake pan. So can you imagine? This pie was big and deep. We used 14 huge Granny Smith apples. We were up until 1:30 am waiting until the pie was finished. It was so warm and toasty in the kitchen which is why I like to bake in the winter. Anyway the pie was awesome. So delicious. I remember years ago I started baking pies and the crust wouldn’t turn out good. It would be too watery or apples wouldn’t be cooked. But now I can say, Man, we made an awesome pie tonight!!! I would love to make a cherry pie. I love cherries, raspberries and blueberries. Who said a pie has to be round?

Peanut butter Peanut butter chip cookies by Sumaiyah. I have to say these were so yummy especially with a cup of organic fat free milk!!

Who is that little boy in that papoose? None other than Ismaeel, my 8 yr old. I made this blanket over 6 years ago from scrap yarn and its still around.

Knitting my first sweater………….

2010-10-24T23:09:00.001-04:00

After joining the Parkchester Knitting Circle I decided on another project. I was encouraged by a fellow knitter who has made many sweaters to knit one. Knitting my first sweater. I thought to myself for who? My youngest son Ismaeel. Why? So that way I can have a finished product quickly. Am I being lazy? Of course not. I am just trying to go over that hill of sweater making. I feel as though after this task is done then I can have the confidence to make another one and another and another. I really love being a part of the knitting circle. Its like a small family getting together and doing what we love. Everyone brings there projects, notions and newly bought books and patterns. Sometimes in big bags or shopping carts. I think that’s cool.

We are all going to crochet and knit an afghan for a charity. What a wonderful idea. I always wanted to be part of something like this. We start the squares this week on Thursday. I have to think about which special stitches I will use to make it looks nice.

Here is a pic of my messy knitting bag with some small projects and my Handy Book of Sweater Patterns Book. This is a book I left in New York when I went to Egypt. What was I thinking? Also I took a pic of the sweater I am making for my son. I think it’s coming along well. I am using two circular Harmony Wooden Needles to knit two pieces at the same time. My fellow knitter showed me how to do it. I am so thankful.

Stress……

2010-10-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

We put the boys school. How did this happen? It was not easy to make a decision like this, but my hubby felt strongly about it. As far as socialization goes, my kids are veterans. The schools now require a lot of writing. Even Ismaeel is writing stories everyday. Writing has been the struggle everyday since school started. Ibraheem has to get used to writing everyday or he will miss out on special trips. So its time to put that pencil on that paper and get creative. I bought the series “Adventures in Literacy” years ago. I didn’t realize how good they were. I brought it with me from my mothers basement. I need to go back and get the other three books. We started with the title “Adventure Stories”". It has a whole page of words that you would find in a rainforest and other writing ideas. It has been hard for all of us because I have to help him and push him to get it done. 15 minutes of free writing can be hours for him. I woke him up at 7 and its almost 12pm and we are still here at the table and I am still pushing him to finish. I am hoping inshallah that this will get easier with time. I still have to get some school supplies. My head is starting to thump. Headache, you better come back later. I have no time to deal with you right now.

My finished shawl, it really is about time…..

2010-10-12T01:46:00.001-04:00

Deep in the bins in my mothers basement was an unfinished shawl. I think I had almost 2 panels done. The yarn was Bernat in jewel tones. Why did I leave it? I don’t know. I already sold a lot of yarn on Ebay that I didn’t want. They were really old projects leftovers but the yarn was like I just put it away. I was happy to get rid of it. I made a huge effort in the past week to finish it. I am so happy I did and its for me! By the way its 1:34 am and I am suffering from these really bad menstrual cramps, unbelievable. I am about to pop two Panadol right now before uploading the pic of my shawl. What am I writing this?

Still in NYC

2010-09-23T02:43:00.001-04:00

I thought I would be in Egypt by now. I am missing that which I have gotten used too. The masjids, the people, the adhans at prayer times. I miss opening my balcony doors and feeling that warm air come in. I miss trying to speak Arabic, which I hope I didn’t forget the little I know. I miss my neighbor. Although I don’t know how long I will staying there, but I am hoping to get back and finish our purpose there.

I finally picked up my crochet hook and said the heck with it. I am stealing this time. Leave me alone with a good show from Animal Planet, Create, Discovery and I am good to go. I am making a shawl. This was a shawl I started 4 years ago and left it in a plastic bin in my mothers basement. It was neatly stashed away in a ziploc baggie. How wonderful. It looked like I just put it in there the day before. I am determined to finish it. Among other things, a pair of socks that I brought with me half way done.

I love the libraries in NY. I go to the library in the Bronx all the time with my kids. We even homeschool in the library four times a week. Wow, I haven’t seen so many books in a long time, old, current and new. Why buy when you can borrow?

I went to Barnes & Nobles about 2 weeks ago and that surely was a treat. I had to nearly drag myself out. Didn’t want to go . Kept on seeing books I wanted to look at. I purchased a book on drawing, oragami and the latest Betty Crocker Cookbook. I have one in Egypt. It is soooo used. Sheets have stains, and show signs of lots and lots of use. Sooo, I needed a new one. I would like to buy myself a book holder so I can have it sitting up and plus its easier to read.

I want to get myself a cd player so I can put it in my kitchen. I have so many tapes and cds but the radios in Egypt are crappy and break easily. I have started filling up a tote bag of seasons and things I want to take with me to Egypt. I have some new seasonings, sazon(of course), crystal light, and other little goodies.

Hope I get to finish my shawl so I can post my picks.

Bye Bye Habeebi & Mish Mish

2010-07-19T11:24:00.003-04:00

I left May 12 to New York and left my birds with a friend. Apparently something happened and they both died. It could have been that it was too hot outside. No one really knows your beloved pets or even how to take care of them. I loved my little love birds. They were a gift from a friend who went back to the UK. They filled my days with beautiful chirps and songs. Even if Habeebi used to try to nibble at my finger when I would try to change his food. I am so thankful for having them for 3 years. I will miss them so much. The only pet I have left is Charlie (turtle). So far he is well and staying with a family in Maadi. I went through so much just to get him there and I am happy I did it.

Feeding cats….

2010-04-13T15:35:00.001-04:00

I have this bag of Cat Chow that belonged to Ginger. Every morning I see the street cats on my way to school. So this morning I pack the bag into my book bag and fed one kitty. On my way back I made a special trip by the bakery and found a sickly cat that I see all the time. So I fed her too.

My heart is sad.

2010-03-18T10:04:00.001-04:00

Our kitten Ginger has passed away today. I don’t know exactly what happened. We found her in front of our building. I am so sad and I am going to miss her dearly. I wrapped her in a cloth and tied her well with yarn. We buried her in an area deep by the train tracks where no one would disturb her. I don’t think I can have another cat, especially living in this tall building. So I will just stick to my turtle and my lovebirds for now. I am happy to say that we loved her while she was with us. I am thankful to Allah to have her as a companion. She was fun and feisty and full of life. She will continue to live on now in a better place. We love you Ginger and we will miss you so much.

In with the new…..

2010-02-05T17:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, the previous posts were actually written in December and January on the Windows Live Writer. Now I am relaxing in my new flat. Everything went surprisingly well. I love this new flat. We are way up too. The breeze is amazing and the sun brightens the house. I don’t even need to turn on the lights. I can’t wait to finally get settled. Time to go to bed now,zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Just talking out loud……

2010-02-05T13:41:00.001-05:00

Who the hell likes to move. not me! Furthermore my typing skills are suffering. I tend to always have to press the back button lately. Two days and we are out of this cave. 90% percent packed. I am hoping that we can stay there for a long time.

In the mean time I have been baking like a maniac. I got stuck on a pattern and since then I had to pack it away. I have my daughter Sumi as my assistant. We have made cinnamon buns, pizza, nan indian bread, classic white bread and roti. Of course I took pics but its 2 am, I will dig them up tomorrow. Its not like I can post this right away. I have no internet, but I will in the new apartment!

The nan indian bread was the most one I had fun making. I got the recipe from Weight watchers spicy cookbook. Surprisingly it was a great recipe. The only thing annoying was that I had to let it rise for five hours twice. It was worth the work because the taste was awesome. I never made a bread dough that included yogurt. I packed everything except my bread ingredients and my baking supplies. My husband announced, “There will be no baking tomorrow, we got to get out of this apartment!”. I was like DARN! I guess I have to box everything in the morning.

Ever given CPR to an animal?

2010-02-05T12:52:00.001-05:00

Yes, I have to say yes to this. Most frightening visit to the Vet happened yesterday. I had to go and get the annual shots and clips my cats nails. Technically she is still a kitten, only nine months old. My husband has been bugging me to take her for so long. So finally we got her an evening appointment. My husband, Sumaiyah and I all went in a taxi. Here I am thinking that this will go all so well. I come in the office, Ginger doesn't want to come out of her carrier. She was so afraid. I never saw her so afraid. Finally when I take her out, she clings to us for dear life. She hisses at the vet and could have scratched her. No way was she going to let anyone do anything, so the vet had to tranquilize her. I was the only one holding her tightly, the vet injected her. We waited until she fell asleep. Finally the vet took her out, clips her nails and gave her the vaccine. They she asked me if I wanted to declaw her. I was like in my mind, "Hell no". I can't do that. What if she escapes one day, she will be defenseless and will get killed. My hubby was being such a pain, but I was like NO. Anyway, she tells me that she will sleep for a while and the she may be a little tired and then she said that she was done. Did she ask me to stay and wait, No. That was it. So we left with the Ginger sleeping in her carrier in a taxi. Half way there she stops breathing. My daughter noticed it right away. We started panicking and crying. OMG, Ginger is dead. OMG, tears and cries. Then suddenly I thought let me breathe in her mouth. While I started the breaths, Sumaiyah called the vet and she said to massage her chest and I did. Still breathing in her mouth. My mind in thinking that she is dead. Let me continue breathing in her mouth. Then I saw a wink, continue breathing in her mouth. Felt some air coming out, continue breathing. We are already almost to the office again. I lifted her out of the carrier and then I saw her chest rise. We came out of the taxi and the outside air hit her and she opened her eyes more and moved her mouth and I said to Sumaiyah, She is alive. We brought her in and the Vet opened her mouth and the cat meowed at her and tried to scratch her with her now cut nails. Then she had the nerve to tell me that she forgot to tell me to stay and try to wake the cat up. Ugh. I was so upset but glad that she was alive. What an ordeal. I was already flashing thoughts of where I was going to bury her. Egyptian cats are street cats here. Some people feed them and some don't care. They rather spend money on a Persian or Siamese cat. Ginger is a beautiful mau cat. How can this vet say that these cats are street cats and that no one wants them. Not a nice thing to say. Anyway, I had to get this out of my head. Ginger is on my lap sleeping right now. So glad it was not her time yet and she is still with us. Love you Ginger!!1

Just collecting my thoughts…..

2010-02-05T12:49:00.001-05:00

So many things has happened lately I don't know where to start. We finally moved to Alexandria. The apartment is nice and big. Just when I thought we were going to settle in this place we have to leave. We have only been here one month. So now, I have this feeling of I have to pack again, how annoying. We found another apartment that is much better than this one, big with a nice balcony and lots of sun. Its so cold in this flat and dark. The sun rises on the left of the building and sets on the right. There is a huge building in front of us that blocks the sun all day. Why wasn't this thought about before? The new flat is close to the Arabic center. Two blocks away. That eliminates traveling by taxi or microbus which is a big headache. Five minutes to school and back, yipee!!! Meanwhile I have no freaken internet. I have to go to this cafe which is close by. But its nothing like having it at home. Oh, yes, that is how it started. We can't stay because we couldn't get internet. Then more reasons came after. Oh well. I having been knitting too. Finally took out my needles and hooks for some quick projects with Lion Brand Wool=ease yarn. I can't believe I found that yarn, in Egypt! I knitted a pair of cozy socks for my husband and a nice scully hat. Come to think of it, I wanted it for myself it was so cozy. I dug out a project I started in October. Crochet-knit scarf using that big yellow hook. Half way I did a little tunisian knit stitch that I wanted to try. I swear the scarf is 6 feet long. I folded up the ends and made pockets. That was a last minute idea that I saw in another pattern book. So you think its not cold in Egypt? Ha. Its chilly at night. I also knitted a hat right from a pattern that came with the yarn. Thank you Lion Brand for those free patterns. Really nice and warm. I just snapped this photo of myself nice and cozy! Now I have going make myself some cabled wrist warmers from Learn to knit cables on Looms. First I have to learn how to make the cable. I practiced long ago when I first got the book. Now since my hands are cold its time to make them. Its so much fun when you can stay up all night, watching Friends back to back and knitting. Great combination. While everyone is sleeping!!!! My hubby doesn't like when I do that. "How can you stay up all night and knit like that?" The answer is, "Because I want too!!!". I have taken pics of all my projects. As soon as I am done with the wrist warmers I have to finish my socks. They been in my bag for nearly two years or more. I can't keep track. I am hoping I can get a signal on my laptop so I can post this.

del.icio.us Tags: Knitting,Crochetnit,Tunisian Crochet

Miss you blog!!

2009-10-19T09:45:00.001-04:00

I am really missing my hobby. Now I feel facebook and twitter is getting boring. I am going to delete my twitter account. My hands have other talents besides typing on twitter. It was fun and still is a little, but I need to get back to my knitting and crocheting and my looms. I am going to start reading "The Friday Night Knitting Club". I heard it was good and I bought at a book sale in Maadi. Time to wipe off the dust and start having fun again. I miss reading blogs that have so much beautiful stuff that people make. Now I have to search for a pattern for my friends baby. She needs some warm knits for the winter. Bye for now.

Sisters Day....

2009-08-05T13:42:00.001-04:00

I was invited to my friends house Wafaa. When I got there, my other crochet buddies were there, Hala and Maryam. I am teaching my friends how to crochet and we are having lots of fun. I did a mini class on granny squares with crochet thread and a little crochet hook. Wafaa wants to learn how to filet crochet and make doilies. Even though I know almost all the stitches I never done filet crochet. I only ever made one doily. So this is going to be new for me. As for the sock I never finished it, but hopefully before the winters comes alone. In addition to this nice day we had, Wafaa made some good food. We ended it with something tasty cake she made with coconut chocolate frosting.

Crochet today….

2009-07-20T16:24:00.000-04:00

Its fun crocheting this sock. I haven’t touch it since my first post. I have been so busy homeschooling and I just don’t have a lot of time. But its early and I have some time to kill. I am going to the Metro to get some food for the school lunch tomorrow and maybe watch a chick flick if its on and continue my sock.

Winter socks in the summer….

2009-07-08T02:15:00.001-04:00

I am working on a Lion Brand sock pattern I saw on the wool ease label.

Time to Crochet....

2009-06-23T05:03:00.005-04:00

I have been wanting to make another totebag. The other one needs a lining which I am going to sew. Everything is always slipping out of it, its so annoying. This new tote I am making I am definitely going to make a lining preferably in black. There are many crochet projects that I want to make this summer. Realistically I won't be able to. But anyway here goes. One childs poncho, pair of socks, and sweater from Big Girl Knits. This book has some many beautiful patterns. I feel like I bought the book to look at it. I really need to try something new. The fact of the matter is I really don't have any yarn except sock yarn. So I am aiming for a chunky knit sweater. I am not ready for something fine knit. I don't have patience for something that takes long, call me lazy whatever. I like things that work fast. I am going to treat myself to some yarn tonight. The little shop Mona has Lion Brand yarn. Can you believe it? Wool ease. Here is a little pic of my almost tote. I have completed only the bottom. Macrame is so cheap here. I really want to get more. I think the sisters would like to have crocheted bags here. Maybe I can make a little money and sell some.

Finished tote!

2009-06-13T01:30:00.004-04:00

I finally sewed on the straps. I really didn't have enough fabric. Me and my friend Hala are going to attempt to make some really cool bags from this book named "Sew many bags so little time". I ordered it from Crafters Choice(great book club) I really like this book. It's very good for beginners and has lots of cute little projects. Here is a little pic of the tote bag. Once I start sewing, I couldn't stop.

Making a tote bag....

2009-06-12T03:36:00.004-04:00

I started to make this tote bag so I can carry my sewing stuff to class. Its really cute so far. I have to make the straps. What is the best way to put straps? Probably the best way is to have the straps go from one side to the bottom and then up the other side. I just don't want the straps to rip off the sides of the bag. I bought the fabric in a sewing shop in Brooklyn. Boy, do I miss that shop called, "Sew Materialistic". The fabric in this place is beautiful. They don't have fabric like that in Egypt. It's printed with chocolates that you might find in a chocolate gift box. Yummy.

Got a sewing machine today...

2009-06-09T15:24:00.004-04:00

I have been going to sewing classes with my friends in Zaituun. We learned how to create patterns by measuring ourselves. Really, I have been wanting to learn how to do this for such a long time. My crochet and loom knitting partner Hala told me about the classes and for 30 LE a month, its not bad, its actually awesome.

My friend Wafaa gave me a classic singer sewing machine. When I say its classic, its classic. It works pretty good too. I am so thrilled. So of course my daughters want me to teach them. I just have to wait until I get a little more skilled.

In class today we made a pattern for a skirt. Since I didn't have fabric, we used the brown paper as imaginary fabric. What we made was a nice fitted skirt. Now just imagine, the lady doesn't speak a word of english. Good thing I understood what she was saying most of the time. Its a good thing the tape measure has english numbers. LOL. She speaks the local ameyah language. Her name is Wafaa too. She is such a sweet lady.

Speaking of language. I have to go back to school and continue my learning. Really, how can anyone go to arabic school and its getting so hot out here? I tell you it was hot in Zaituun today. We went to a local fabric shop and Wafaa bought some fabric to make pajamas. I need to make some for my boys too.

Things I would love to learn how to make:
Jilbab(islamic attire)
Hijabs (islamic attire)
Pants
Tote bag (I already crocheted one, now I have to sew one)
Quilts(i love quilting_
Dolls

So I googles free patterns and I got some really good websites that have so many free patterns.
http://www.freepatterns.com/
http://www.sewingfreebies.com/
http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/653.asp

Lunch

2009-04-30T06:31:00.002-04:00

I haven't worked out in about 10 days. I have to get back on the ball. Fortunately my eating habits are still the same. I am very much aware of how much bread and starchy food I eat and make sure I have plenty of fruits and veggies for my kids and I to snack on. As soon as the fruit is gone they head to the veggies and devour them. So, being that the case today, I made a nice salad for myself. What is missing is my green spinach. Got to go and get some tomorrow. Thinking of a nice spanish meal today. Roasted chicken, herbed pasta and a huge salad with lots of crunchy veggies. My kids love it.

Craft Day in Maadi

2009-03-26T15:56:00.006-04:00

A friend that lives in Maadi had a Craft Day. The sceduled events was felting and pottery. These are two things that I have never did before and I was really excited. I took my two girls and we joined other families. We made felted balls and mats. It was a lot of fun. Felting is done in a couple of steps. I think I am going to keep on practicing to get the technique right. I might have to go to the village and see if I can buy some sheep or camel wool. They also can dye it for you. She has some nice warm colors. Brown, Burnt Orange, Burgundy, Black, Beige, and White. I believe that it is easier to knit or crochet the piece and then felt. We were separating the wool and placing in on a mat all going in one direction. Then we placed it the opposite direction. My daughter made a nice square and she will use it to hang her jewlery. I am going to use my square as a book cover. When we were done felting we ate a nice lunch. Then we made our way over to Ree Fee an educational studio for the arts. Oh yes, we sat at the pottery table and made some pretty plates and baskets. We had such a wonderful time. I am definitely going again. Next time I will bring the whole family.

Teaching my friends,

2008-12-01T16:18:00.005-05:00

I introduced loomknitting to one of my friends and she has finally completed a project, yay! She made a pair of tube socks using the knit stitch on the yellow "In the attic looms". It's a perfect time when these tile floors are very cold. I posted a little pic. I also met a new friend from Spain, and guess what? She can knit! I am so happy!
I am making a hat to match my jacket on the kk yellow long loom. I have a little complaint. It seems that the pick that comes with the kk looms are not as sturdy as I like them to be, they bend. So if I am using double yarn I have to knit loose so that way it can be easy to make a stitch. I don't want to fight my way to make the hat. I found that the In the Attic pics are very sturdy and work very well with their looms. I tried to use them with the kk looms and it seems as though its a tiny bigger than the kk pic. Anyway, I am dealing with it. I am really interested in buying this new item from provocraft that brings a handle and different crochet hook sizes and even a pic. But I can also make and bake a big handle just like it out of polymer clay. I really don't need any extra crochet hooks. Did I mentioned I was stressed? I am so thankful for knitting, looms, hooks, pattern books and all these cool notions. Blogging is really cool, even though no one reads mine, this is a fun way to release stress and talk to myself.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

2008-11-25T11:53:00.016-05:00

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup of honey

1 1/4 cup of milk powder

1 1/4 cup of powdered sugar

Mix to form dough with wood spoon

Kneaded dough with chocolate chips

Roll and press dough on wax paper

Sumi and I made these quick peanut butter cookies. It was so easy and so tasty. We used honey in our mix and added chocolate chips. When we were done, we refrigerated our cookies and they tasted just as yummy and a little more firm. I am going to make these with my boys and use cookie cutters instead. I would assume you would dip the cutters in either milk powder or powdered sugar so the cookie dough won't stick. A great idea would be to make icecream cookies with these. I found this recipe on ReachOutMichigan website. Click the title, its linked!

ccccrochet...

2008-11-25T11:32:00.003-05:00

My daughter started this poncho but became so busy with other things and gave it me. I crocheted about 3 rows and then I realized I was out of yarn. To finish it I would have to hope that his yarn shop still has it in stock which might not be a possibility. So if they don't have it, what else can I do with it?

Made these last night..

2008-11-11T03:49:00.005-05:00

I have always wanted to make polymer clay handles for my crochet hooks. After crocheting for a while my hands start hurting, expecially when the hooks are small. I went on www.tapestrycrochet.com and found a video on how to do them. I went and dug out some polymer clay and made my handles. I tried mixing colors and making spiral designs, it was a lot of fun. I made a big handle for my size N hook, its so comfortable. I was up late last night watching "In the valley of Elah" and making my handles at the same time. I left the baking for morning. I put them in my toaster oven, baked for 45 minutes and here they are.

I caught the cold bug

2008-11-08T05:21:00.008-05:00

First the kids got sick and them me. Today I am feeling much better than two days ago. I thought I would have to make that trip to the doctor. I was hoping not to. I have endured 3 days of chinese herbal tea. The kind that is so bitter that you can't do anything about it, just drink it. Yesterday I felt like I had a cold sweat, that's a sign that I am getting better. Well, it hindered my efforts to knit, but I did read. I am trying to learn how to knit cables on looms and needles, so I read a little on that. I also watched some videos too. Today I posted a little pic of a little bag I made for my friend from leftover yarn.

Weeee,this is fun....

2008-10-29T13:32:00.004-04:00

Yay! I made my friends son this cool hat. I came home from school and just started loom knitting again. I looks like it has these cool blue and green swirls coming from the top.
Its time to try to "Learn to Knit cables on Looms". I think I am ready now. I have to read through the instructions and I will check on youtube if there is a video. That would be great. So lets see how my next hat turns out. I have to make one for my son Ibraheem. I think I am going to make another money bag for my friend Maryam. Go to go now.

I made a red hat.....

2008-10-28T23:05:00.007-04:00

I loomed knitted this cute litte hat for my friends daughter. I finally made a brim. I didn't do it before,I was just do lazy. But it really adds a nice touch. I really like the color red.

I am currently working on another hat on the yellow kk long loom. One thing that I have been enjoying is using the little loom tool to e-wrap. It cuts time for me and I can knit even faster. Since three come in pack I was able to give some to my loom kntting friends. You really can't find looms or loom notions here is Egypt. I have to go and wake up the kids for school.

Mini scarf...

2008-10-24T05:25:00.003-04:00

Here is the mini scarf I am making for my mom. Pretty easy. I am using size US 11 Bryspun needles. I really love these needles. They are so light weight and smooth.

Still Loom knitting...

2008-10-24T04:30:00.005-04:00

It has been a week that I have posted but I am still making stuff. I had the pleasure of using my KK Corker and it was fun. I loom knitted a little money bag and I corked the strap. I am going to this shop to get a cool glass button for the flap. Next I loom knitted a hat for my husband from supper scrappy scraps. It came out really nice and he is happy!
I have to check and see what yarns I have left to use. I have a half way done crocheted poncho. This is the only project I will have to purchase new yarn to finish. So I guess I will make that my last project My daughter Sumi loom knitted a little pair of mittens. I will give these to my friend's little newborn to keep his hands warm at night. She used the In The Attic thumb loom.
Finally, I decided to give the hat that was for me to my mom. I can always make myself another one. I was knitting a little scarf to go with it but I was to tired to finish it in time. I will try to see if anyone else is leaving to the US so they can put it in the mail for me. My hubby left this morning to America, I am missing him too much already. I love you sugar.

2008-10-16T08:38:00.004-04:00

I finished my wrist warmers. I didn't realize how cozy this yarn was. I love it. I had just bought 2 little skiens. I made these on the In the Attic purple mitten loom. I just don't know how to make a hole for the thumb. Maybe I will search for it today because I want to make my sons a pair. They always wear my old ones from last year. I want to make a sort of camouflage combination. I have to look in my scrap pile. On to the next project.

These are for me....

2008-10-15T19:17:00.003-04:00

I bought this yarn and I just didn't know what to do with it so it ended up thrown in my yarn basket. I needed a new pair of fingerless mittens and already one is done. I love these colors.

Still Loomknitting.....

2008-10-14T19:26:00.003-04:00

I just finished making these colorful fingerless gloves for my daughter. Made with the In the Attic small 18 peg purple loom. These were actually for me. While I was on my second one, she tried the first one and said, "OOh, can I have these?". Of course I said and I already have the scrap yarn I will dig up to make one for me. This yarn is almost done. Come to think of it, I have to make one more hat for my big boy, and maybe 3 more fingerless mittens for chilly mornings while waiting for the bus. I don't want to hear complaining about how come mom didn't make me a pair. Well anyway, on to the next scrappy project.

Mood:Stressed /Solution:Loom Knit like a Maniac!

2008-10-13T16:34:00.004-04:00

This is going to be a nice warm one for me. Can you believe its to wear inside my flat when those nights get really chilly. I started to make myself some fingerless gloves. There are too colorful but again, it's using scrap yarn. I have to get rid of this yarn. It's been in this basket too long. I started making a granny square something and I am going to go around and around with all the little scrappy balls of yarn I have left. Who cares what it will look like. It will probably look like a mess but crocheted very neatly and I can sit and watch tv and be warm. So what.

You know, sometimes I feel I want to get in a car and drive. I miss my family.

Scrappy Hats, I'm addicted!

2008-10-12T12:34:00.004-04:00

This one is for Sumaiyah!

This one is for Ameenah!

Whew, finished two hats with scrap yarn. Thankyou Barbie for modeling it! I have already started another one. I still have to make two more hats so everyone in the house will have one. This one is for me. HeeHee. I am thinking fingerless gloves next.

A hat for my little guy

2008-10-09T03:49:00.008-04:00

It was fun loom knitting this simple hat. In the beginning I had made a huge pom pom. It was so funny, I had to get a scissor and trim it until it was just right. I am on my second hat now. I am digging out all this scrap yarn and making stuff with it.

I loomknitted "Lulu the loomknitted dolly". I forgot to stitch the mouth and bow. Doesn't her body look like a prescription pill? I found this pattern at "Bev's Country Cottage".

Ramadan is almost over....

2008-09-24T16:47:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since I posted. I have had a long summer. It was so hot this August in Egypt that I was sweating standing still. I am so glad the summer is over finally. Now its getting breezy and its still very sunny. Ramadan is almost over and it has been a very enlighting month. Mostly all my friends came back from the UK from there summer vacations and children are starting school. I have been very busy teaching people how to loom knit this past summer. The craft shops don't sell looms or any new notions. I have only seen knitting needles and crochet hooks. My husband brought me some looms that I ordered over the internet to share and give to my friends. I crocheted one poncho and a loom knitted poncho, two hats and 2 pairs of mittens for my friend from France. I have to say it was fun loom knitting. I found it effortless. I am teaching my friend how to make a flat panel on the loom and she is loving it.

Mundillo (Lace Making)

2008-04-23T15:41:00.004-04:00

I am from Moca, Puerto Rico. When the Spanish came to Puerto Rico they brought Lace Making with them, in spanish it's called "Mundillo". I remember as a young girl how my grandmother would make lace. She also did beautiful embroidery. At that time I didn't ask her how to do it, but now I want to learn how. My sister recently went to Puerto Rico in February. She went to the Museum of Mundillo "Lace Making" in our hometown Moca. She bought a Mundillo for me. I was so excited when I received it. She also bought an instructional manual all in spanish. Oh my, I can almost vision my grandmother busy twisting the sticks, which is what I used to say. Here is a nice pic. I promised my sister the first thing I make it will be for her. This is an incentive for me. A promise is a promise. I can't wait to get started.

In the process of moving...

2008-04-23T02:51:00.003-04:00

Moving again, but still in the city of Rehab. I am happy, the apartment is only a 10 minute walk. So I am packing and getting everything ready. Well I got some new stuff and currently working on crocheting motifs. I am making a rug with my big red spool knitter. Hesitantly I am putting it all away until I get settled in my new place. By the way, I finished my tote bag. Had to, had to frog it half way, removed the strap and the pocket and made it into a small hand tote. I even added a lining so my stuff won't fall through the stithes. Love it so far.

Almost finished, (not yet)

2008-02-12T15:30:00.004-05:00

I had originally made a strap for a tote, but after a days use I realized that it would stretch all the way to my knees so I had to undo the strap and make it into sling bag. My goodness, I can't believe how comfy my bag is. I made the strap wide and therefore I eliminated that sometimes annoying strap that digs into your shoulder and leaves a red mark when you are carrying books. I want to make a drawstring and a little button for the pocket. (After all this I realized I am not happy with a sling bag. It's not what I want, so I am frogging the strap and 1/4 of it to crochet 2 small handles then I hope I will be happy)

Needed a little color....

2008-02-11T14:01:00.000-05:00

Went back to the yarn shop and bought the same yarn in olive, just one skien. Tucked everything into my knitting sack and hopped on the bus to school. I didn't forget my tiny helper "The Crochet Answer Book". While on the bus I added a little color to my bag. I think it looks nice. Now I have to figure out how I'm going to finish it. I wanted to make handles but I think it's too long now so maybe I will make a strap to create a sling bag. I bought some wooden purse handles. Like I know what to do with them? I will figure it out and try to search for some ideas.

New totebag for me!

2008-02-07T01:32:00.000-05:00

I bought some nice yarn from Kulli Shae(Everything Store). I really love this yarn and its 50% wool. I started making a sack for me. I doubled the yarn and crocheting it with a k hook. It's coming along pretty well so far.

Important slipper heel link

2008-01-26T19:13:00.000-05:00

I have found instructions on how to make a heel for slippers on a loom. I don't want to loose the instructions so I created the link and I can click the title and it will take me straight to the page. Duh! Did I need to tell myself that? Yes! Anyway, I haven't tackle this sadly to say but I am going for it this time. I want to make my hubby some slippers with a nice heel. The website is www.decoraccentsinc.com. I want to get myself a nice big Infinity Rake. Hoping hubby will get it for me before he comes home!!!!

Another throw2gether sweater

2008-01-24T18:04:00.001-05:00

Hala and I made this sweater for her nephew. We were able to design it very easily. We had a lot of fun crocheting this. It only took us a week. It's cold in the evenings in Egypt so we wanted to make something very warm. We used N & J hooks and ofcourse tripled the yarn for fast results.

I am still going to school at the Nile Center in Nasr City. I am taking my final for the second level of arabic. Hopefully if I do well I will be in third level arabic. My reading has imporoved so much and I have learned so many words. But there is still so much to learn. I had to buy "Al-Mawrid" a huge 125 egyptian pounds. A big fat arabic-english dictionary. I needed major help with translation and this is helping me big time. My younger kids are all fluent in arabic now and are way ahead of me especially in conversation. So far, its all worth it!!

Throw together sweater

2007-11-09T02:05:00.001-05:00

I have to say, I never crocheted or knitted a sweater. I really want to do one though. I have found an easy pattern that I can make for a small child. I hope to give it a try soon. But anyway, I am teaching a friend of mine how to crochet and loom knit. Its a shame my camera was not working at the time. She loomknitted slippers and a bag that was so colorful and pretty. She wanted to crochet her daughter a sweater. But I really am not skilled in this area at all. But I remember that Lion Brand had a free pattern for a baby sweater where you make 3 panels and stitch them together. So I told her to make three panels and we took her daughters measurements. She crocheted the panels and I stitched them together. Then I picked up stitches around the arm hole and crocheted in the round. LOL. I thought I was crazy. I made a rectangle and stitched one side and attached it to the neck and made a drawstring. Then she bought the buttons and I put them on and we created this little sweater. Not bad for something thrown together. I promise I will try to make one with a pattern but this was easy and fun too. Now she started to make one for her nephew in a different color and almost the same style. Lets see how it goes.

Amigurumi

2007-11-09T01:53:00.000-05:00

My daughter crocheted this cute little giraffe for a gift. She is currently working on a turtle.

Haven't posted lately......

2007-10-01T06:13:00.000-04:00

It's been crazy these past two months. I kept my kids home in August because I thought my mom was coming to visit. But my dad fell ill and the plans were cancelled. I was okay with it but my kids were not, especially the oldest. They really thought that they might see there grandparents, but anyway it was a pretty busy month. Having all of them home at the same time was very trying for me but I tried to make the best of it. September came and they went back to school, they were so happy. I was happy too, LOL.
The Holy month Ramadan came in the middle of September. It's busy here in Egypt. Stores don't open until 11 or 12 pm and then are rushing to close by 5, so it gets crazy. People buying groceries last minute and have to carry it home because they won't deliver until after the breaking of the fast. Stores open again until very late, sometimes past 1 am. I have so much to do in the coming months. I am going back to arabic school in about two weeks. I can't wait, I feel I need to learn and practice to learn this language. It so much easier for the kids, of course.
My latest mission is to get myself a new digital camera. My camera is just too old. I have to smack it a couple of times to get the display on. It lasted me many years, but as soon as the kids started messing with it, that was it. It order for me to repair it, it will cost about 2oo dollars. I don't think so, I will just get a new one soon.
Doing some fall cleaning. The screens I can say it the worst to clean. I can't snap them out so I have to use a spray bottle with detergent and hot water. The dust and sand in the air makes them look brown. Somehow in the the middle of all of this I have to get back to my knitting. I have taught a egyptian friend of mine how to crochet and loom knit. She has already made a pair of socks and a bag on the loom. I am currently helping her make a sweater for her daughter for the winter. It get really cold here. In two weeks I will be going to Alexandria, I can't wait. Hopefully I will be able to get a disposable camera at least to take some pics.

It's Amigurumi time....

2007-07-24T11:32:00.000-04:00

My daughter Ameenah's first amigurumi bear. Please get this cute little pattern book "How to crochet adorable Amigurumi". I snatched up my copy at www.anniesattic.com. He next project is the "Bunny". It's so nice when you make something and see the results as you put it together.

Crocheting......

2007-07-10T01:52:00.000-04:00

Well I made some more of these toddler ponchos. Now everyone wantes one for there little girls. I am thinking, man, this is just granny squares. Really anyone can learn how to crochet. It's so easy. I got one order for a pink one. I made and sent it on its way with NO photo. What an idiot. But anyway, It looks much like the purple one in this photo but it has a hood. Really cute. Maybe I can get the owner to take a pic for me so I can post it. It gets cold in Egypt in the winter time. The homes are not insulated so either you wrap yourself up at night or you buy a heater. LOL. I was thinking of trying to design a poncho for boys, like baja. I remember I used to wear them in college. Let's see if I can.

But anyway, I have to get back to my market bag and current sock. I just joined Sock-it-to-me-loomers yahoo group. I hope that I can learn how to make really nice socks. I don't want to buy a small gauge because I knit socks with my Addy Turbos(my favs), but I did order the Knifty Knitter long looms and some spools. Check out "Loomlady" Blog, she has the cutest felted flowers and a cute little bunny. I want to try these out as soon as I get my spools. I can't wait.

Annies Attic has a sale. Time to stock up.

It took me only 2 1/2 hours....

2007-06-28T02:14:00.000-04:00

I was invited to go to a farewell party. My friend Nur was leaving back to the US with her family. I had to bring a dish. But I remember promising her a little poncho for her toddler and I never made it. Soooo, I had some peach and white yarn and I decided to see if I can make a poncho in the morning. Granny squares are so simple and fast. So I start crocheting at 8 am and finished at 10.30. My daughter Ameenah made the flower towards the end. At the same time she was cooking, and really I came at the end to drain the pasta and scoop out the sauce and get it ready to go. Mmm it tasted so good. She made Pasta with meat sauce. She did a great job, the food was a hit. So before I left I decided to take a little pic of my gift but I only had two models available. The kitty and the doggy. So here it is. By the way everyone when nuts over this little cutie. But I don't really have time to make and sell them. I am soo busy. I hope to have a good weekend with the kids. Hubby left back to the US to work for the summer, I am sad but must continue on and have some fun with the kids. My parents are coming in August!

Make yourself a "Market Bag"

2007-06-20T06:27:00.000-04:00

I am starting a quick little project. I don't like having so many plastic bags where I shop and throwing them out. I am going to make myself two of these so I can carry my groceries. It a fun easy project so far. I don't have any special pattern just making it up as I go. I have linked this post to the market tote for LKC e-zine. It's so cute and big. I am going to try this one too!

One of the things that I see mostly when I travel is plastic bags everywhere on the roadside in the desert. Plastic bags create so much litter because they don't decompose and they contaminate the water. I have read on Care2 website that there is a floating toxic plastic soup in the ocean the size of Texas. Bottles etc... all types of plastic. It's responsible for killing so much marine life, its horrible. A market bag would be great to do and lessen the pollution in our environment.

Awesome day.... forgot the camera.

2007-06-11T02:39:00.000-04:00

The beach at Ain El Sukna was awesome. The drive was endless. I could take just one pic and it would've described the whole journey.....DESERT.....the whole 2 hours. We got there nice and early and the kids were so excited. The water was so clear and clean. We rented 5 chairs with three umbrellas and layed out all of our stuff. The air was fresh and smelled salty. I pumped air into all the beach toys and headed for the shore. The water was warm and surprisingly very mild waves almost nonexistent. It had the feel of a lake but it was the Red Sea. By the time we got home we were all asleep in the car. This morning I am still as so drained but I did have a little energy to wash the shells with my son Ibraheem. Here are the fruits of his labor.

Ameenah found this beauty on the shore! Sumaiyah's extensive shell collection washed and drying at the moment.

Destination: Ain El Sukna!

2007-06-09T02:19:00.000-04:00

Yes, we are going tomorrow! Ain El Sukna on the Red Sea. It's beautiful. The water is clear and it doesn't even past your waist. I am getting all the sand toys for my kids. And of course we have all the swim wear etc etc. Trying to see if we can rent an apartment on the beach, hmm....that would be awesome. Too excited to even think, I haven't been to the beach in more than a year. My kids love collecting seashells and there are so many of them there. Can't wait to start snapping those pics.

Busy..... haven't knitted lately.....

2007-06-08T16:01:00.000-04:00

I can't believe its been so long I haven't posted. I have yet to tackle this heel which I know many have already done so. I took a break from arabic school, its been a month. I will begin as soon as I can get a tutor to come to my home. I really find it very stressfull dealing with these taxi drivers. Some of them can be really nasty and they can give you a hard time. But some are very nice. Either I will get a tutor to come to my home or get a driver to take me daily for four days a week. I miss school and I feel like I'm missing out. I can't wait to go back.

My hubby just put screens on the windows. Boy, am I happy. No mosquitos, no flies, no insects coming in my apartment. Plus I can leave the windows open and the house feels so cool. We went to Maadi City and bought a rug made by the Bedouins in Egypt and got these these awesome pillows made from it. The pillows are huge and we got 12 of them. I want to get another set to lean against and more and more plants for my living room. I have two balconies that has been neglected since the last dust storm hit. I have some ideas that I think might work but I still have to play with it. I love my pillows.

Passed the test, Yipee!

2007-05-13T07:20:00.000-04:00

Had my arabic exam today. I passed. Got an A and only one wrong. My daughter also got an A. We are so happy. We left class early and went to the City Center Mall. The Mall was nice but very expensive. Huge, with over 250 stores. The only thing missing was a Yarn Shop. Boo Hoo. But anyway, next time we are going to try to go to Serag Mall. The prices are cheaper and it won't hurt my pocket. I bought a nice tote bag to reward myself for my good grade. I am going to get something for my Ameenah since she did excellent. I have no homework today. so I am going to eat this little sandwich my hubby made for me and take a nap.

Then the rest of the day in between cooking dinner and other stuff, I will knit. Loomknit that is.

Study Break!

2007-05-12T08:53:00.000-04:00

I am having a little fruit salad and at the same time finish this mini post. I took out the flat piece I was making and decided to make a short sock. The problem is I am stuck. I can't figure out how to make the heel. The pattern book says to start like a flat piece. So I am going to try to do it and see what happens. Maybe I will check on the net and see if there is a mini video tutorial on it. After, After I study. I have a test on Sunday. But anyway, I promised the kids I would take them to Top Fruit and get Oreo Icecream Shakes. Sounds good? I will make sure I get one. LOL. So here is my focus after I come back, Study, Knit, Dinner, Study, Knit, Kids in Bed, Study then Knit, then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

100 Degrees in Cairo today!!

2007-05-08T15:43:00.000-04:00

It was a hot day today. I was so tired and exhausted when I got off of that Medinah Nasr bus. My daughter and I made a U-turn and went to the market and bought some Nestle Mega Ice-Cream cones. Mine was pralines and yogurt. It was a smashing treat under that desert heat. Headed straight for that little craft shop. Bought two bags of yarn. Different color and types. Just what I needed to feel better. As soon as I got home I t ook out my new glow in the dark loom and started practicing on how to make a flat piece from the loom. Actually its really nothing because I just did a little. But it's fun. Let see how far I get tomorrow.

New Looms in the mail! Candy too!

2007-05-07T01:56:00.000-04:00

Finally after a month we finally received the package that was held up in customs. For some reason I cannot understand why they would hold up looms, candy and homeopathic medicine. I was so frustrated with Fed Ex in Egypt it was so annoying. My sweet friend sent me 2 bags of M&Ms, 2 multi-packs of Butterfinger and Reeses peanut butter cups. Not to mention that I had to put them in the freezer immediately because we definitely want them to melt in out mouth not in our hands. It was just 101 degrees yesterday. One would say, "Why in the heck did you get candy?". It just taste better than the egyptian brand. The closest I got to the American tasty chocolate is Cadbury. They sell here big time.

In additon to the candy I got my glow in the dark looms from "In the Attic". They are so cute. I ordered extra pic tools so my kids won't have to fight me for them. My daughter said that they were glowing in the kitchen last night. I am going to try to knit a flat piece on the round loom. This is something I have not tried yet, but I know everyone already has. Bought myself a cool printer so I can print the free patterns that are available on the net. I just hate writing down patterns, I am so lazy sometimes!

I am home today because my little guy "Ibraheem" is not feeling so well. So I have to take him to his Doctor. He had fever and was vomiting yesterday. He told me this morning his throat hurts. So I kept him home. So worried that he might get even more sick in school.

So my first test will be tomorrow and it will determine if I am ready to go on to Level 1. My daughter Ameenah will most likely do excellent she know more than I do. LOL. Kids are like sponges, they learn so much faster that us "older people". I met a sister who finished alls the levels. She has been in Egypt for about a year and going back home to Michigan.

I have to go and take care of my little guy. Adios.

Time to do homework.....

2007-04-30T14:00:00.000-04:00

It 9:01pm. I still have not done my homework. Now, after this post I have to practice verbs, nouns and plurals and write some sentences in arabic. I did have a little conversation in arabic, it was really bad but the teacher said it was good. "Asanti, Asanti" she said to me. I passed my first quiz with 20 out of 22 which was good. My brain is saying to me, "What are you doing to me, don't you know you are getting older, school is over for you." I really want to do this! So I am practicing everyday all my notes and if I don't I will forget. I wish I can play hooky and stay home, but that its. I already paid my "nuqood" money! Its know 9:58pm. I just got off the phone with a friend that said her daughter had a rash and not feeling well. So now, I will not answer the phone and I am going to kick the girls out of my room. I have to do homework. I am thinking of when can I get back to my knitting? Friday. No school Friday. I think this will be my day. It will have to be my day. Maybe after I clean my house. Anyone listened to the podcast on Knitpicks? I already downloaded it to my computer to listen maybe tomorrow.

I am so tired tonite...

2007-04-22T17:07:00.000-04:00

This is a photo I found on the internet. I really wish I knew who made it, because I love it. Maybe I am going to have to study it and make a pattern close to it. Its so cute!

Today was a very challenging day for me. My daughter and hubby were really excited today about there first day. Its a 3 hour morning class. I am not a morning person unless I have to be. And that's how its been since the kids started school. But I did miss that moment of relaxing as soon as they left, no way. We had 30 minutes left to catch the bus for class.

I had a good class today. I learned about 15 new words. And get this, the teacher said no english tomorrow. So now I can't talk english. That is really going to be hard for me. While in class I had a moment. A special one while she was talking I drifted into a thought of how I wish I was relaxing and knitting at home. Goodnesss, I had to wake up and catch up with the teacher before I get left behind.

I went to sleep for 2 hours when I came home. Woke up to the kids coming home from school at 3:30. Aghhhhh! Cleaned, cooked, sat and did hw with the kids, yelled a little, cleaned some more, did my hw then put the little rascals to bed at 8 pm. Where did all the time go? And now its 11:16pm. I didn't even get any of the dinner I cooked. So I had to clean the kitchen again(my daughter sneakly went to bed, it was her turn tonight) and now I am eating. What a shame. I only heated up a little bit because my stomach was growling and I don't want to get a stomach ache. I am going to bed, now! I really wish my neighbor upstairs can put those kids to bed. They are still up and crying. My kids went to bed at 8pm.

Going to school tomorrow!

2007-04-21T16:42:00.000-04:00

Well, tomorrow is my first day at Durat-al-Bayan. Its an arabic institute in Nasr City close to my place. I am excited to go. Plus I am going with my husband and daughter. We have to take a 30 bus ride and hop in a taxi the rest of the way. The fee is 1.75(1 le(pound) & 75 piestres) for the bus ride and about 4 LE for the taxi which in total would be no more than 1 us dollar , the price of a public phone fee in the US. Anyway, like the neat freak I am I set out my bookbag and notebook. Make sure I have a pencil sharpener, pencils and an eraser. Okay, I know I sound corny. But hey, I am going to school after 12 years! It's going to be hard too, learning another language. But I am sure we will give it our best shot and study really hard. My sister learned German in one semester in college, so if she can do it so can I(we too!).

No pics today. I did knitting though. I went to the Nadi sports club here in Al-Rehab city. Oh gosh it was so beautiful. The kids loved it and they had so much fun in the playground. I was knitting and talking to my friend Debbie at the same time. Knitting that little log cabin "I don't know what it is" piece. I will think of something.

I did check out http://www.knitpicks.com/Content/ that Isela recommended. Boy did I love the new set up. They have a cool "knitting room" which I hope they will have tutorial videos soon! At the same time I shopped for some yarn to increase my boring, pittiful stash. I am just going to be so busy with school, lets see what happens.

I leave you with a little pic of the "Coqui". A tiny little frog only found in Puerto Rico. It starts singing its {Co-qui, Co-qui) evertime the suns goes down. Its truly amazing. I am tired, gotta go to school tomorrow. Adios!

The Dust is in town

2007-04-17T07:36:00.000-04:00

I hate Dust storms. Dust comes into your home from every single little space. I have been hearing the howling of the wind since early this morning. I walk on my floors and they feel gritty. Even I can smell the dust and it get in my mouth too, yuck. For those that never seen a dust storm(and this one is small). You can hardly see the mosque! Check out the before and after pic I posted. Good thing I hung my laundry inside. The last time I had to rewash everything. What a headache!

My girls baked cookies today! Yummy!

2007-04-14T06:43:00.000-04:00

My girls have been invited to a picnic today with their other girlfriends in the garden gazebo. They had their mind set on making arabic cookies. I got the recipe from www.allrecipes.com. We have a special book named "Ramadan Recipes", where we collected all of our favorite recipes all the way down to my mom's abena(cream of wheat and oatmeal)recipes. They got up early this morning and began making the dough. I have to tell you my family are not bakers of pies, cookies and bread. But I have worked hard these years trying to make baking part of our family. I believe this is just the beginning. The made the most tastiest cookie ever. And I am so proud of them. Here is a little pic of there cookies. I ran to the kitchen to take a pic before they went out to their picnic.

One year in Egypt

2007-04-02T13:22:00.000-04:00

It has been one year on March 30 that I have been in Egypt with my family. I love it here. I have still yet to visit the pyramids, but I did get to stroll in the Museum of Egypt. I am planning on taking my children there soon. Maybe when my mom comes in August. Oh yes, news flash. My mommy is coming in August. I can't wait and the children are excited.

I went to the museum when I needed to renew the visas in Cairo. My arabic tutor Gueda took me there. Whew, what a day. As soon as we entered the museum I saw the Rosetta Stone. I thought that was so awesome. It is a stone that was found in the early 1900's that was inscribed with 3 types of writing. One was old arabic script, greek and egyptian heiroglyphics. I beleive this was the brake that was needed to be able to decode the egyptian heiroglyphics. It was a nice size slab of stone encased in glass. I could not believe how much stuff was in that museum. You would have to go early in the morning to be able to look at everything and still needed one more day to see everything. Since the pharoahs were buried with almost everything they owned, mostly everything was preserved very well. Down to what they wore. I have to, have to take pics the next time I go. I found this really cool website http://www.eyelid.co.uk/index.htm . If you click on the post title it will take you to the site too. The oil painting of the pryamids that I uploaded is from this site. It has cool games, screensavers and history of ancient Egypt. Check it out! Anyway, Happy Anniversay to me!

So much time has passed.....

2007-03-30T07:13:00.000-04:00

Well now I have to say I have some time on my hands for the moment. But it won't be for long. I will be starting classes in the Fajr Center. It's a center in Egypt for learning arabic language. Oh boy. I am a little nervous because I have not gone to school in a long time. But it sure will be a challenge. There will be people from all over the world. And most don't speak english. So there. I will be forced to learn and try to communicate the best I can. My 3 youngest children started school about 3 weeks ago. So here it goes. Wake up a 5 am, wash up and get the kids ready. Make lunch to pack in there bags. Then make breakfast. Make sure everyone took their vitamins and out they go by 7 am to hop on the school bus. I know many parents go through this routine every morning. But it does take getting used too. I still have to supplement english on weekends and three times on school days. So this is a toughy. My oldest daughter will be go to school at the Fajr center with me. But I still have to homeschool her at home. So argh! Where is the break? Anyway, my nights are still free but short. I am already tired by 9 pm. So I will have to try to fit my knitting somewhere in this hectic mess. Meanwhile, I went to Crafters Choice and checked out Isela's new book, "Loom Knitting Primer". Boy, everyone is raving about this book. I am thinking of ordering it and asking my friend in NY to mail it to me in Egypt. I feel left out. LOL. I started ready "Mason Dixon Knitting". Here is my little stab at a mini project. By the way, I love this book!

Finished these, finally.

2007-02-24T05:34:00.000-05:00

The kids have been going to bed at eight. Now I have a nice block (4 hours) to do many things. I have finished my daughters socks in two knitting nights. So I am going to use these circulars to start knitting my second sock. I can't figure out how to knit two socks on two circular needles. I have downloaded some directions on these. But I can't visually see it. I am confused about it. So until then I will knit two separate socks on two separate needles so I won't have to go through this second sock syndrome. Always, always happens to me. I can knit up a sock quickly, but the second sock................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Here is a pic of them, sumi calls them "Candy Socks". I goofed up. I uploaded a blurry pic, seems I don't know how to delete it. Oh well.

I really loved knitting socks with the Magic Loop Method. It so nice and easy. I can't believe that I can actually turn a heel with no problem. I am amazed everytime I do it. I discovered that I was grafting the toe wrong. So I took the first sock and redid the toe. I feel cuckoo. I did it to my husband's too. LOL.

I knitted slippers with my small knittingloom a while ago. I was kind of afraid to make a heel, so I made it tubular. They came out pretty good, but they are always slipping down. (Maybe bc it doesn't have a heel lady". I was thinking of frogging half of it and making a heel. I can just put the loops back on the loom and proceed to make a heel, that way they will have a good fit. I am going to try it out on my knitting night.

Too bad I can't find any knitting partners close to me in Egypt. I feel like a lonely knitter.

My mommy sent me this from America!

2007-02-19T07:42:00.000-05:00

When my hubby came from the US he brought lots of gifts. But one thing that brought me home to the Island of Puerto Rico was my moms gift. Of course its food related. Food is a big deal in my family. But his brings me back to the times that I used to sit with my grandmother and grandfather and have a cup of coffe. Cortez chocolate bar is used for hot chocolate. What does this having to do with knitting? Everthing. Its part of my regime for relaxing. I am going to start tonight and see how is goes. Here is a little pic of the goodies.

I need to knit, I need a brake, I need to relax

2007-02-18T18:56:00.000-05:00

I would like to make this with denim yarn. The pattern is on Loomlaura blog. It really cute and simple.

Yes, I finally thought I would never say this, but I need a brake. Everytime I am doing something whether cooking, cleaning, homeschooling and all the other stuff that mommies do. I look in my room and I see my knitting basket. With fresh new yarn. New books. New stuff. Oh boy. I wish I can just knit away right now. But I can't. As soon as I pick up my needles I feel relaxed. No one can bother me at this time. Focusing on my stitchs and looking at looming videos on Isela's blog. I like to check out what everybody else is doing. What yarn are they using, what color? I need to make more time for myself. I been putting the kids to bed at 8:00pm. That is a start. If I can knit for at least 3 hours I would be able to accomplish many projects that I am aching to finish and start. Need to give myself 1 hour for my blog and checkout other cool knitting, crocheting, looming U name it blog! I need to check out this big yarn shop here in Egypt. People had said that they have nice stuff, I hope so. I am so stressed because I have not knitted, really knitted in a while. The stress is building, but its 2:00 am. I have to go to sleep and wake up early. So, maybe I can start tomorrow with my plan. As soon as I start I will be more relaxed the next day. I need to knit, DARNIT! Can anyone understand that? Is anyone listening? Nobody here does, so I have to make it work for myself. I am so pissed off. I am going to bed, and not being able to knit is upsetting. Am I being too much? Its just too late. Goodnight!

Some gifts from my hubby!

2007-02-06T08:45:00.000-05:00

We can't wait to try Amigurumi. I have been on Flicker website and everyone is crocheting them like crazy. This is sure going to be a treat for my family.

I wanted these books so bad. Can't wait to make myself some dishclothes and maybe.... a sweater. Some new looms came my way. Sooo in love with these little looms. I made sure he bought me two so no one will fight over them. Can't wait to get started. I am so hooked on loom knitting and learning new stitches, it so much fun.

I have some new sock yarn from Knitpicks. So cozy. I had to immediately cast on stitches for a sock for "me". This yarn is so soft and nice, I can't wait to put my foot in it. This is my first time ordering merino wool and I never knew it was so soft. I have plenty of socks to knit. I promised my hubby 2 pairs.

Looming around and some crochet too!

2007-01-25T18:17:00.000-05:00

My daughter Mina made herself a small bag to put her gameboy and games inside. She likes knitting on the loom. She started Wednesday and finished Thursday.

Learning to double knit on this purple loom is fun and contagious. I figure I would knit myself a scarf for cold evenings.

The round looms are my favorite looms. These are flexible and feel soft on my hands. I had to order 2 more knitting tools because I lost the first one.

I need a poncho really bad. I made one for my two girls and didn't make one for myself yet. This is a no pattern granny square poncho. I just need to make 2 more panels, stitch together and done.

Loom Knitting!

2007-01-21T06:41:00.000-05:00

I am finally back with some new inspiration for myself. I started knitting again. I have left off my projects and didn't do anything for a while. But now I am back again. Finally. I needed some stress release. I am continuing 3 projects. A hat, one sock and a poncho. Boy do I feel better now.

I have a new love! Loom Knitting. This is so much fun. I am making myself a scarf with a hood. I am using a 19" long loom. This double knitting is so so beautiful. I am going to add some pics of it as soon as I recharge my batteries. I didn't know that there are so many forms of loom knitting. And you actually can knit everything on a loom like knitting needles. (I love my Addis though!) Its great. I came upon a website called http://www.loomknit.com. Click on the title of my post "Loom Knitting!" and it will take you to the website. Please, anyone interested in Loom Knitting, go to this site. It has mini videos of stitches, free patterns and links to buy looms and other notions.

I finally have a weight loss ticker. Yes. To date I have lost 23 pounds. My goal is to loose 40 pounds by June. How have I been doing it? Brisk Walking, Aerobic exercise and eating right.

Finished my fuzzy slippers

2006-11-20T15:26:00.000-05:00

I am so glad I finished these. They are so warm and cuddly.

My feet are freezing! Time to make a few slippers.

2006-11-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

Now its getting cold in Egypt at night. The funny thing is, its colder in your house than outside. I have to get some heaters. I decided to quickly crochet some slippers using the Easy Tunasian Crochet Hook size M-13. Oh boy, they crochet such a warm slipper. My friend thought it was an animal and named it Hedgehog. So this is my hedgehog slipper. I have one more to make and they feel so warm and fuzzy. Easy pattern, ch 42, and proceed with the basic tunasian stitch(afghan stitch). I crocheted 21 rows. Folded it in half and slip stitched the back of the heel and the from the middle of the slipper until the toes and then I grafted the stiches and pulled to make the toe round. And thats it. This slipper would fit 8 1/2-10 us womens size.I am thinking of picking up stitches around the opening and make a k2p2 rib around for a tight snug.

Candy Socks

2006-10-26T16:59:00.000-04:00

Candy Socks
Originally uploaded by timetoknitagain.

Magic Loop Rocks!

Candy Socks

2006-10-26T16:57:00.000-04:00

Candy Socks
Originally uploaded by timetoknitagain.

My daughters socks. This sock was so easy to make using the magic loop method. Time to do the second one.

One pair of socks for my daughter

2006-10-26T16:28:00.000-04:00

I picked up this yarn at the little shop in the Suq. I already knitted one sock. I am half way through the other. I was thinking of making a goal for this coming month of November. Four pairs of socks by the end of the month. One pair each week. Can I do it? I believe I can. And also I need to make myself a poncho. I already ordered the yarn. So when I get it, I can start right away. Here are 2 pics of the sock.

I need to knit lots of socks this winter

2006-10-09T17:12:00.000-04:00

I started on a pair of socks. It has become easier to knit socks these days. I need to find a good source online of sock yarn with reasonable prices. I want to purchase good wool that is warm and not itchy. I checked out knitpicks and it has nice prices. What I really wanted to try is dyeing my own yarn. I do have space to do it. I can make my own colors. I have seen knitters dye there own yarn is such beautiful shades, I want to do the same. Here is a little pic of the sock I am knitting for my daughter. The socks here in Egypt are expensive and are very thin. I am thinking of purchasing a yard of leather or suede and make my own slipper bottoms to extend the life of the sock. Maybe I will check into that in Nasr City, Egypt. They should have a shop that sells leather and suede. I heard they have a big yarn shop there. I have to check it to beleive it. I am going to take some pics of Nasr city. Boy, it is so crowded there. And you have to cross the street like a chicken, quick and fast. Have to be careful not to get hit by a car. I don't think I would take the kids with me, that way I won't have to worry about them. Darn it, Blogger is not letting me post my pic. I will try again tomorrow.

Finally Finished

2006-09-30T21:05:00.000-04:00

I am so happy I am done with these socks. But I need to start another pair. Definitely with the Magic Loop method. It is so much fun to do. I must make more socks!

Haven't posted lately......

2006-09-29T17:56:00.000-04:00

I am so busy with the kids. I am homeschooling this year again. So I have been ordering curriculum online the whole month of August. I have 1st, 4th, and 8th to teach this year. I am also finishing any curriculum that I have left. I need to review math and english with all of my three kids. Boy I feel like a my brain is busting with all this information that I have to cover. But I feel that once I get organized I will be okay. I need to get a new computer table and a book shelf. I also need a table to be able to do the school work. I picked out a space in my living room that I can put all this stuff and make it a comfortable working space for me and the kids. Just have to get it together.

All in all, I have finished some knitting & crochet projects that I had laying around in my basket.

I knitted this bag on circulars. It was quick and easy. But, I think I need to go to a different level, I need some challenge in my knitting. I am going to start reviewing all the techniques and learn some new ones. And try some new and different patterns.

Here are some winter booties I finished. I found this pattern in the Jan or Feb issue of Crochet but I lost it, so I had to count stitches and so forth to be able to do the second one. I actually had my feet in the air for this pic.

I am going to make some for my kids. I know it gets cold in Egypt during the winter time. And I really don't know why I neglected these booties but I am glad I finished them. I recently bought the Mason Dixon knitting book. I can't wait check out these patterns that everyone has been raving about. I want to do some new things. I would like to try to knit a sweater. I am nervous about taking this task. I see so many knitters making sweaters. I just have to try to make one. I figure I should make one for my youngest son. I just don't like to block items. But that is so stupid. You have to block, or else it won't come out right. So I have to get over it. Only two things that I have to finish. I have a 2nd sock on circular needles I am fighting to finish. I just have the toe left. I want to start another pair, but with two circular needles. I also have a shawl. I just have to take the time to knit and finish before I start new projects. But I have to think homeschooling, homeschooling, homeschooling.

I finally finished these!

2006-06-23T19:38:00.000-04:00

I have finally finished my fingerless gloves. You are probably thinking why make gloves in the summer? That's because I need them to knit in the winter. It gets really cold and I want my hands to be warm. They are made with Homespun yarn by Red Heart. So furry and soft. I can't wait to knit with them. They were so easy to make to.
Boy, did I have a busy week. Not that everyone else doesn't have a busy week. I took the kids to the pool in the Sports Club. My gosh, it was so much fun. The water was nice and clean. Kids were playing. I am going to teach my kids how to swim. I am thinking since I know how to swim myself can I teach them. Or should I get a professional to do it? They are offering swimming lessons, so I am going to check it out. The air was flowing over that desert sand and we were getting cold so we had to go. I have to go to the pool again. I haven't swam in 14 years. I can't believe it been that long. My gosh.
On Sunday I found out that my dear friend from the UK is leaving. I was feeling so down that I couldn't even knit. It takes alot for me not to knit. But I cried for about three days because I don't want to see her go, but she has to leave. Oh man. It's so hard to let go of a good friend. I couldn't even go on the blog. But anyway I started to finish my 2 projects that I am currently doing. I feel I am knitting too slow. My friend is leaving next Wednesday. So I am going to try to see her many times before she leaves. I better bring tissue. Sorry if I rambled on.

Time for a new project

2006-06-16T15:51:00.000-04:00

Now that I am finishing my last sock. I picked out an easy project. Really because I need it. Its called the Trio Tote Bag. I love tote bags. I really like this one, its perfect for me. I can put any project that I am working on in there. I can't wait until its done. I have combined two yarns two give it a bulky look. It's a cute pattern in Pattern a day calendar 2006. Its a nice seed stitch.
On a different note. I spent some time looking and reading Blogs. Most of them were very interesting. There is so much talent out there. It is so nice that everyone can come together and share their excitement about knitting. Back in Brooklyn I didn't have people close to me that knitted. Everyone wanted me to do something for them. "Teach me how to do this" they would say. But they just didn't have the time. I feel if you really want to learn something you can. There is so much information on the internet and in the library. That all you need is to have determination and take some time out and learn. I really learned how to knit all by myself (the basics) at first. I went online and found so many websites that showed me stitch by stitch with video. I bought some stuff on eBay. And little by little with the help of the internet I learned.
I didn't realize or knew that there were so many knitting blogs. It is so much fun to read and see what people all around the world are doing. Its kind of like a community, or rather it is. But it's even better when they share your passion for knitting. In my family, I taught my two daughters how to knit and crochet. I promised them that I will put their projects on the blog. They do share my passion for knitting.
I went again to that little store in the "Suq" or market. And to my surprise they had a nice selection of yarn. It seems that they were restocking when I first came. Though they don't have much but its better than nothing. Most of the yarn is bulky because it gets cold during the winter months at night. There is no heating system here. Only AC during the summer because the temperatures reach over 100 degrees. I have to remember even though its nice here its still in the middle of the desert and it gets pretty hot!
Anyway, I am trying to add blogs as much as I can. Those that I enjoy reading. So to everyone out there. Happy Knitting & Reading. Lee

Time to get more yarn!

2006-06-14T01:59:00.000-04:00

Here is a nice pic of Egypt.

Well, I finally found a place where to get yarn. Yippee! According to one of my Egyptian friends. It's in a city that start with an "M". I just can't remember right now. But she said it's a two-hour bus ride! Ahhhhh! Oh my gosh! Two hours! First I have to go through one City called Nasr city(1 hour)then to the city that starts with an "M"(another hour). Goodness. I better have a traveling buddy with me. I can imagine all the desert between them. I just hope they have rest stops. Oops, not really its a two hour straight bus ride. Maybe I can finish my socks! Hey, maybe I can get a ride?

Socks in progress

2006-06-12T18:20:00.000-04:00

Okay. Here is just one of the handful of projects I have left. I just used Red Heart Viva yarn. I need to finish just one more sock. I have made socks before but none for me. I can't wait to wear these. I was thinking of slipper bottoms. I am knitting these on circular needles. I really like this method. Its easier than dpns. But I still like using dpns. I would really like to learn how to knit with two circular needles. I have the instructions I just need to think it through. Email me pics of your socks, so I can collect them on my side bar. Thanks

Morning Moon

2006-06-12T00:29:00.000-04:00

Hi. It was still dark, just before daylight. It actually looked bigger. It was 5:30 am Egypt time. Maybe I can do a little knitting now, I think I have some time.

Stuck with no yarn! Dag!

2006-06-11T17:29:00.000-04:00

I relocated overseas to Egypt with my family and I am absolutely stuck with no yarn stash. I am sad, but determined to figure out how I can get my hands on some yarn. I went to the local market to check out for yarn shops. I only found one place with a few different solids colors. I wanted to scream. So, I do miss the yarn shops in New York. But what the heck I am going to do? I am thinking of heading out to the local cities to search for yarn. But I am going to need some help from the locals. I know only a little arabic, so I am hoping I can get directions on where to go. I think I will take some pics of the desert while I am traveling in the bus. In the mean time I am going to finish my handful of projects that I brought. If I can just make some time to finish them. I made these needles though. I was able to take my needlemaking materials with me, yeehah.