Major Knitter

That's What I Call a Wish Come True!

I just read this article and had to share it with you.  That's what I call a wish come true. 

Now if someone could just come to my house, knit up all my UFOs and all that yarn that was purchased for projects that have long since been forgotten, I'd be in great shape.

Speaking of that growing stash, yesterday at SNL I posed the question "Do you worry about moths getting into your yarn stash and if so, what do you do about it?"  What are your suggestions?  Fairy godknitter doesn't really count for this one.

Packing Light

Maryann asked me the secret to packing light.  I decided to jot down my list of rules for packing light to share with all of you. Here they are:

1. RULE #1 - All outfits should be interchangeable - (mix and match)
2. RULE #2 - Pack your bag and take half out
3. RULE #3 - You're on vacation.  No one knows you.  You can truly wear the same clothes more than once.  Photo exception to RULE #3 - You can take off a layer or add a layer (like a cardigan or wrap that matches all the other clothes) to make it look like a new outfit for the picture.  I really do this - I am NOT kidding!
4. RULE #4 - Try to only pack 2 pairs of shoes.  I know.  This rule is the toughest of all.  Make sure they're comfortable and lightweight.  Unless you're addicted to sports, DON'T bring the workout gear and shoes.  C'mon.  Are you really going to the gym this time?  Sneakers are bulky and take up lots of room and add dead weight.  If you must bring them on the trip, wear them (refer back to RULE #3 - "No one knows you.")
5. RULE #5 - Don't spill anything on your clothes.  Pack dark clothes in case you violate RULE #5.
6. RULE #6 - Pack small knitting projects - like socks.  They take up little-to-no space and fit nicely in your small KnowKnits pouch.
7. RULE #7 - Have a great time on vacation.  If you buy too much stuff.  Ship it back home.  Why haul it back yourself when the man in brown can do it for you?  Most yarn shops will ship your souvenir yarn directly to your house.  What could be better?

Raindrops Are Falling on My Yarn

While we were gone the water filter/cooler broker under our kitchen sink unleashing water in our house for at least 4 straight days.  Fortunately, I arranged to have a cleaning service come while we were gone, and they actually shut off the water and mopped up most of the water.  The bad news is that 4 days of flooding from one source means that the hardwood floors (that you all know so well from all my blog photos) are ruined.  The water soaked straight through the floor boards, into the sub flooring, through the insulation and into the basement. 

Fortunately, this born organizer stores the precious yarn stash in plastic storage bins in the basement.  Thank goodness. Unfortunately, my photo albums from the past 20 years were sitting on the concrete floor soaking up all that water.  Sigh.  Now my world looks like this.

I wonder if anyone will want to come to Saturday kNit Live while this clean up process is going on?  The dessicant machines are very efficient at sucking up the water and drying things out, but they're quite noisy.  It sounds like I'm living inside a bus terminal.  Between the noise and the plastic, will anyone want to knit?  Here's what my SNL gathering area, otherwise known as my living room, looks like now.   I feel like bubble boy

Mess is Stress!

Jodi is often heard saying "Mess is Stress!" at our weekly SNL get togethers.  I agree.  I feel so much more relaxed if I take the time to keep the house clean.   Sometime last year, my Secret Pal 4 Abby posted about the FlyLady who preaches great hints to tackling the mess stress - starting by learning new tiny de-cluttering habits like keeping a shiny kitchen sink.  Here's my sparkling kitchen sink.

I might combine this thought process along with the Holiday Grand Plan from the other day.  Whoa - they'll be no stopping me now!  Why don't you plan a visit to Westport to see how I'm doing on my organization and cleanliness.  I warn you, my resume actually says "Born Organizer!"

Born Organizer - Up Close and Personal

Some of you have asked for pictures of the organization project.  OK.  The closet organization projects aren't ready for home viewing yet, but here's a peak at my silverware drawer.  I really needed lots of compartments to accommodate his and hers flatware with lots of extra serving pieces (demitasse spoons, salad knives and forks, etc).  What do you think?  My oldest son gave me a "Wow!" when he opened the drawer.  That was the best praise any mother could want.  Don't you just love Ikea?