Knitting for charity

Well, I am still learning about this Html crap. I tried like the dickens to get a button on my side bar for Knit Unto Others to have an active link, but I just couldnt figure out how to do it. I got the button...I got a link...I just couldn't figure out how to make the button BE the link.

Any way, I am getting together a few folks, including my daughters, to knit for various charities this fall. Not a huge thing, but I like the idea that we can spend a little bit of time making something that will help people in need. (Yes, I know there are lots of other ways we could help too, but this feels more active than just donating money...which we are doing as well.)

We are knitting for Caps to the Capital a project run by Save the Children and the Red Scarf Project which created care packages for kids who have "graduated" from the foster care system.

The coolest thing is the way that W and K are really digging the idea of making hats for the little babies! They are working with the "Knifty Knitter" looms, which are much easier for little hands than trying to manage real knitting needles. They both work at their projects when they are hanging out waiting for class at Kung-fu or when they are watching TV...It is super cute!!

I am currently working on my Red Scarf using this free pattern. I am also working on a couple of things for myself...A cool lace wrap called Cozy and the sleeves for my blue cardi (which is turning out quite different than i expected, but I think like it!). I really want to get started on another sweater, but think I better finish at least one of these projects before I move on to something else!

Some silly little quizzes

Wow, I never really thought I had an accent...but this quiz got me pegged big time!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: Boston You definitely have a Boston accent, even if you think you don't. Of course, that doesn't mean you are from the Boston area, you may also be from New Hampshire or Maine.
The West
The Midland
North Central
Philadelphia
The Northeast
The Inland North
The South
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

I guess my roots are showing

Dude! You're 83% from Massachusetts!

Okay, either you come from the western half of the state or from the Boston area. Still, it's not bad, so I'll give you the thumbs up. Cool!

How Massachusetts are you?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

But... at least I'm not stupid!

You are 18% STUPID!

You're not a complete moron, but you're definitely on your way if you don't watch out. Beware of brain farts!

How Stupid Are You???
Make a Quiz

But, Wendy made me take this quiz... now I don't feel quite as good.

You are 41% sucky as a person

Your a bit lame. What the hell is wrong with you? You want to cry?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do You Suck As A Person?
Create a Quiz

FFReunion 2006

Better late than never??

I finally got my photos from this summer's reunion sorted and downloaded.


Enjoy!

Flack Family Reunion 2006

Kung-Fu fun

Last weekend was not only about getting ready for Halloween, it was also all about Kung-fu!

K had her promotion on Friday night.











She received her Orange/purple belt






A and W tested on Saturday morning.




Wendy got her teen's Orange belt









Alex received his purple/white sash...a sign of his level of commitment and dedication to his school.

As part of his test he had to defend himself against multiple attackers.



I am feeling super lucky these days that we found such a great Kung-Fu studio. Sifu Tom and his family work hard to make sure that the whole family feels included. We are all taking class now, and everyone is working hard and looks forward to going to classes. Last week we even had a private Tai-Chi class with our Sifu where we learned the first 12 steps of the Tai-Chi short form. Every day we practice it together. How many families do you know who get to share in the same activities like that??

My knitting failures

Well, it turns out that making knitted garments that actually FIT the intended recipient is much harder than it looks. Especially if you are an ADD knitter who hates to swatch!

When making a knitted garment you must be able to measure.
You need to measure the part of the person you are trying to cover with knitted goodness.

You need to measure a swatch (assuming you take the time to make one).
This is a problem for me on two fronts. I always want to jump right to the making the project part of the fun...swatching and counting take time and I want to start my project now!! And, I have never figured out how to REALLY count my gauge. I understand the theory and all, but in reality, its pretty easy to fudge a stitch or two in either direction depending on how much you stretch or smoosh the fabric of the swatch.

You also periodically need to take measurements of the knitted object in progress...And wait until you reach the desired length before you decide to move ahead to the "fun" parts. Close enough will not work! You will end up with a beautiful knitted tank top that just isn't going to fit anybody! It will be way to boxy and too short all at the same time. Trust me, I know what I am talking about.

Scarves and afghans are EASY...They don't have to fit anybody. Sweaters and socks are much harder. I have several pairs of sock that began life for W and got immediately handed down to K to prove it.

I am currently working on a sweater that, despite my falure to measure, seems like it might still work out. It will be nothing like what I was trying to make, but I think it will be lovely none the less. I am starting the sleeves today, and will try to post some pictures when Blogger decides to let me upload them.

The Halloween Report

Halloween was a blast as usual.

Pumpkins were carved.



Power tools were used...No fingers were lost.

Our great friends had a super fun "Zombie Beach" themed party on Saturday, inspired by this classic movie.



















It is so much easier to get creative with costumes when you have a theme to work with!!
We had done the zombie thing last year and wanted a new look this time.


C is the lifeguard from the movie, I am a beach towel, K is a sand castle, and A and W went as each other!

Halloween night was also a great success. The kids went to a party at Kung-fu in the afternoon and then got butt loads of candy Trick-or-Treating here in the neighborhood. Alex and his buddies stayed out untill they had visited EVERY house in our neighborhood. The girls each collected a one gallon ziplock bag FULL of candy...Alex almost doubled their haul!! There is now an obecene amount of candy in this house.

The kids are anxiously looking forward to Saturday afternoon when they get their annual "1-hour of all the candy you can eat" Halloween candy pig out. Should be fun!