UPDATE AND DATELESS

OK, so I have been to see my wonderful doctor. I had a complete work up, EKG, urine and full blood screening for who knows what. My blood pressure was high for the first time ever. I know those who know me find that hard to believe. That is that my blood pressure has never been high before, but it hasn't. Found out that I have a urinary tract infection which completely surprised me, no symptoms are present that I am aware of. Got med's for that. Took a bucket full of all my medications that I am currently on and she did some re-evaluating and took me off some of them and put me on some new ones. She is not the doctor who originally put me on these med's to begin with. It was my neurologist. I am canceling him out, I have realized there have been many errors made in my medication management that are and could of been if I continued to stay on them very detrimental to my life as a whole. I think, I know part of what I have been going through had to do with the enormous amounts of med's that were being mixed and combined inharmoniously throughout every vein in my body. No chance to even harmonize a simple ballet. I am sure of one thing, I am in the right medical hands from this moment on.

DOCTOR DOCTOR, GIVE ME THE NEWS...

I have a doctor's appointment today that can and will be life altering, hopefully. I cannot continue to go on this way in my life. The depression is off the charts and the med's are immense. I am on every type of medication available for DEPRESSION, TOURETTES, ADHD, and even things I have not yet been diagnosed with. You would think that I would be happy by now. I hate complaining and I am not in any way shape or form looking or seeking for your sympathy. I hate sympathy. I think it is pathetic. Especially when there are so many others out there in dyer straights. I know that there is hope for me. I feel so blah. I can't even think forward. I don't have a creative bone in my body and everything I attempt to create, fails miserably. I lost that UMP. I am sad that I feel so sad, I am unsure why. If I could just get my finger on where all this is going maybe I could appreciate the reasons for this stage in my life. I have every reason to feel blessed. The blessed list outweighs the doom feeling I have yet here I am feeling like a lost soul in a sea of total confusion. I will find my way, I always do. I think this is the first time I have ever actually blogged about my depression so candidly. I will see how things go today. My appointment is at 2:00 with my GP. I love her and know she is on track with the who, what, and why, I am who I am. Fixing it is just not that easy. Till then. Fingers crossed and tears held back until I open my mouth at my doctors office.

De-Funked

OK, so I'm not feeling 100%, but I am feeling much better. I am in the de-funking stage. I actually felt the best I've felt this whole week. Getting all my knitting done and the ornaments and swap package all finished on time for once. I will post pictures of what I am making after I send it out, it's a secret. We aren't letting our swappettes know who is sending the gifts. I love secret swaps the best. I love the stalking part. You can really learn a lot about a person through their posts, pictures, etc. Muwahhhhhhhh

We Got The FUNK...

Yes it got me, YUCK, I feel like total crap. The one time I left my house, wouldn't you know, it found me. It hit me like a brick wall. I knew the second that my throat started having that cutting feeling that I had been GOTTEN. I feel so vulnerable and weak. I guess I shouldn't complain it could be worse it could be H1N1 better known as the SWINE FLU. So I'll just have to sit here and knit until I feel better. SIGH

The Holidays are at my back door...

Me in November 2009
Originally uploaded by adhdknitter

Whatever you celebrate is irrelevant, the holidays are upon us whether your ready or not. I say the same thing every year, "I'm gonna get everything done on time this year". It never happens, but the thought is there. I have so many gifts to make for my friends and family. I have so many ideas swirling around my head. I know everyone is busy and some more then others but this is the time of year to kinda look back on what worked for you this year and what didn't. I like to review my life at this time each year. Not like a report card, but kinda like a self help reflection period. It is important to take time to feel, smell, touch, see and yes hear that little (BIG) voice in your head and listen for once. So just for the sake of the holiday, give yourself the gift of you, just you. Your thoughts, your hopes, your dreams, who knows they may be coming true right under your nose.

Meatloaf Hand

Not my idea but I have to share this with you all before Halloween ends tonight at 12:00 midnight. 

This is something only someone with a brilliant mind could think up. Here is the link if you dare to prepare...Muwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2nd ANNUAL ORNAMENT SWAP

Just one last swap for this year. With the holidays upon us, were all really busy. So I thought we should do our “2nd Annual Ornament Swap”. Last years swap was wonderful and we all have beautiful handmade ornaments to place on our trees or around our homes. I will need at least 2 Mod’s to sign up to organize this swap. Hopefully this will be a big one. I hope all who are excited about the holidays no matter what they celebrate, sign up to spread the joy. Hugs, Gail 
Sign ups will close next Friday Nov. 6.

Partners will be assigned Saturday Nov 7.

This will be a secret swap so any questions you may have for your partner, please pm me and I will forward the questions along.

Packages need to be sent out no later than **Nov 30**
***HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES FROM LAST YEAR'S SWAP:***




Next year will be full of wonderful swaps.

FRESH BALLS

We’re trying to push this video viral today on You Tube… it’s pretty funny and we could use your help… please forward it to anyone you feel comfortable sending it to…
This ad was made by our company. Please help this ad go viral on the internet. This is a real product invented by one of our clients. FRESH BALLS
Fresh Balls is the worlds first antiperspirant for your boys. Fresh Balls is a cream that will keep your balls So Fresh, So Dry. It is Aluminum Free, Paraben Free and Talc Free. Use it every day. Visit www.freshballs.com for more info or to purchase.  

A CONTEST TO LAUNCH A FRIENDS WEB SITE.

Hi, its the madmonkeyknitter here and its time to properly launch my website madmonkeyknits.com. From now until 9.00 a.m. on 10th November 2009 I’m giving you a chance to win pdf downloads of ALL THE KNITTING PATTERNS ON MY WEBSITE! Thats 27 totally mad knitting patterns. All you have to do is visit the LAUNCH page at madmonkeyknits.com and guess how much wool it took to make my madmonkeytastic gorilla suit.
There’s also a launch special offer where you can buy pdf downloads of any 2 of my knitting patterns for just £3 until the end of November 2009.
Please enter the competition and have a look at my website while you’re there.madmonkeyknitter.

Here are some of the patterns you can win:

It's Hammertime

Nail is still being born,

so let’s give him some room. 

He’s got some bad habits.  

He’s been a bad, bad boy.

Back to the Clogs

I realize now why ADHD BOY wanted me to knit him clogs. He wanted to be able to slide across our floors like a ban gee. He couldn't wait for his clogs to dry for better slip and sliding power. This kid is hilarious. Not only does he slide across our floors but he does what I call trick sliding. He actually does twists and turns in the slide actions. This sounds crazy, but I must admit he is having a blast. Now to finish ADD BOY'S clogs. I'm sure he'll get in on the action when his are finished.

Wreath Addiction

Today it was all about wreath's. I just got started and I couldn't stop. I love making these festive treasures. They can be shown in many different ways and used for many different holidays, simply by adding the proper embellishment for the season at hand. Here are just a couple that I made this afternoon using the bouquet of flowers that my mom received for her birthday yesterday. I also used things that I had laying around my house. The results are impressive and the final outcome is rewarding.

My Gorgeous amazing mom

Yesterday was my mom's 71st birthday and I must tell you that this women is getting more beautiful by the day. Mom I love you forever. You have and still continue to be the most awesome mom ever. I love you with all my heart.

Shoe makers shoes...

You know the old saying about the shoemakers shoes with holes in it. I have been making clogs for two of my sons this week and boy is this taking me forever. I used to whip these clogs out by the day. Now it seems as if I am in slow mode and visualization is failing me lately. I have completed Rands clogs and he is so happy with them, now I am knitting Ricco's two at a time method. Does it really make a difference, I don't think so, but at least they will both be done at the same time. I have taken pictures of the progress, how boring is that. Oh and might I add that they both wear a size 13 shoe, so hmmmmmmmmmm, maybe I am not as slow as I thought. Will hopefully be finished with the clogs today. I know Nico is probably going to see them and want a pair as well. Size 13 here I come.

BOILED ROTTEN

Boiled rotten is just a fun play on words for boiled felt. I love felted anything. Especially if it was on purpose. Here are some of the newest pieces I have designed for my line of jewelry made with boiled felt. I have been working on these pieces in slow motion. I enjoy using all my leftover pieces of scrap felt to design my pieces. Tutorial coming.

Head Bang-er

I designed the HEAD BANG-ER with the 70's in mind. Fads come and go. Head gear never completely goes out of style, just the way we wear them. So hopefully I have come up with a fun way to wear this headgear that will never go out of style. I hope you find this a unique way to keep your bangs under control with my latest design HEAD BANG-ER.


What you'll need will vary slightly depending on which variation of the headband you are going to make. There are 3 different styles/versions to this headband. The size will be determined by who you are making this headband for. Another words, the size of the head.
*The pattern given is the instructions for the standard adult size headband.


What you'll need:
4 US and 9 US straights or circulars, *5 Double pointed needles 4 US (DPN's) If you are doing the pick up stitches on both ends to create a wider tie on. Otherwise 2 Double pointed needles 4 US are needed for simple I-cords.
Yarn used is whichever you choose that will suit your taste. Gauge is not really an issue with this pattern.
*I used Comfort yarn for the MC and Fjord yarn for the CC.
Darning needle
*Elastic "ouch less" bands. These are needed for method #2
*T-pins or straight pins for seaming.
Here's How:
With US 4 and Contrasting Color (CC)
Cast on 7 stitches. (Making sure to leave a long enough tail for seaming your headband)

1. Knit
2. Knit
3. Knit
4. Knit

Change to US 9 needles and Main Color (MC) *DO NOT CUT THE CC YARN. You are going to run the yarn not in use up the RS edge throughout the pattern. Making sure to twist color not in use over the color in use.
       5. Knit into f,b&f of every stitch. (21 sts.)
       6. *P1, k3 rep from * ending with p1.
       7. *K1, p3 rep from * ending with k1.
       8-12 Repeat rows 6 and 7, ending on WS row.
 Change back to US 4 and CC.
       13. K3tog to end. (7 sts.)
       14-16 Knit
Repeat rows 5-16 another 4 times more, or until desired length. On the last repeat, make sure to knit 4 rows as in rows 1-4 in the beginning. Bind off.

Blocking can be done simply by spraying your headband with a water bottle or using a damp towel and placing it over the headband.
 Seaming is an option.
I have 3 different variations for this headband:

1. Leaving it open without seaming the headband together horizontally. If you are going to use this method, you are then going to pick up stitches at both ends to make your I-cord ties. With 2 DPN's and CC pick up 3 sts. evenly on both ends of headband. Work i-cord until you achieve the desired length, that would be the length long enough to tie your headband together in the back.
2. Seaming it together horizontally. With your large rubber (ouch less) band, lay it inside the headband horizontally and pin the CO and BO ends together. Now with the MC yarn seam the headband together making sure not to catch the rubber band when sewing. Sew in any loose ends and your done.
3. Seaming your headband together as if you knit it in the round. If you do this method, make sure you have made it large enough to join and still fit your head.

  Pattern Tester
I'd like to thank Tracey McDowell for her professionalism in test knitting the Head Bang-er pattern. Her skills as a test knitter are second to none.

Grid Rock

Grid Rocks are a rebirth of my “Your Panties Rock”. Just another way to embellish and redo something old to something new. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. "Your Panties Rock" rocks. Pattern here: http://straightjacketknitting.blogspot.com/2009/08/your-panties-rock.html
   
2. Fishnet Stockings
3. Felting needles *felt puncher (optional)
4. Roven wool *any color/colors you desire
   
5. Scissors

HERE'S HOW:

1. Take your rocks one at a time and slip them into the stocking, making sure to place them all the way down to the foot area if you are making more then a couple of Grid Rocks. After each rock tie the stockings around each individual rock.
2. When all the rocks are tied and secure, place the stocking filled rocks into your washing machine on the hottest cycle you have, you may need to repeat the wash cycle more then once. When you are satisfied with your results make sure to complete the spin cycle to get all the excess water out.
3. Cut the rocks out of the stockings, being careful not to cut away the grid. If you only want the grid on one side then pull the grid off the side like least. Use your scissors to trim excess stocking away.
4. Lay your rocks outside in a sunny are with the concrete for quicker drying power. The cement absorbs the moisture quicker.
5. When your rocks are completely dry, it is now time to design.
6. Depending on your design, start off with a small peas size amount of wool and roll between your hands, to create a pea size ball. Then place wool over your first grid square and with felting needle start poking away. Being careful not to poke yourself. They are sharp little boogers.
7. When you have completed all the squares, take your felting punch and punch away. It makes the wool more secure and stable.
8. I then take my Grid Rocks and with some liquid soap and hot hot water I soak them in a bowl for an hour or so.
9. Take your Grid rocks out of bowl and trim the excess wool to refine your squares. You can now press on them to remove the excess water out and then once again repeat Step 4 again.
   
10. The options to decorate are endless.

TRICK OR TREAT MY EX KAL

Did I ever mention that I got married on October 31, 1987?

I also got divorced, (that date seems to escape me right now). LOL I thought it would be fun for whoever wants to join in and knit up your version of the “My Ex” bag to use for Trick or Treating. Sign up if you dare. Muwahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
You can sign up on Ravelry or here. My Ravelry group is: ADHD KNITTING  http://www.ravelry.com/groups/adhd-knitting

KITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR “MY EX BAGS” FOR $45.00 (SHIPPING INCLUDED)

 HERE’S WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• PATTERN
• 2 BALLS OF FJORD YARN IN TWO DIFFERENT COLORS (SKIN COLOR, HAIR COLOR), YOUR CHOICE. This yarn is amazing, it felts with just a little bit of hot soapy water and some hand rubbing.
• 2 STRAND OF BEADS TO USE FOR THE DREADS
• 1 FAUX “CATS TOOTH”
• 1 NOSE RING (YOUR CHOICE OF BAR OR RING PIERCING)
• 2 COLORS OF ROVING WOOL TO NEEDLE FELT THE FACIAL FEATURES.
• 1 NEEDLE FELTING NEEDLE
• FINALLY, YOUR CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION…

Here’ the PayPal information:
toreonbf@yahoo.com

IT'S CURTAINS...

Go here for the "IT'S CURTAINS" tutorial, pattern is on this page.
I took an old shower curtain and cut it into long strips going with the flow of the grain and then tied them all together to create a wonderful ball of fantastic fiber. I am now going to attempt to knit this into a bag.

Yarns suggested
Plastic Shower Curtain
“IT'S CURTAINS”
Thanks to someone with the capacity to utilize the left side of their brain sent this post to me:
Would this be a good time to mention that if you had cut within an inch or two of the side going from left to right, then cut an inch higher going from right to left to within an inch or two of the other side, then repeat going in a zig zag across the curtain to the end, you might end up with a continuous strip of plastic curtain?
This from another smart left thinking person:
The shower curtain, whether new or used, would be easier to lay out; with a good rotary cutter, one could fold and cut it with fewer passes.*
“IT'S CURTAINS”
I took an old shower curtain and cut it into long strips going with the flow of the grain and then tied them all together to create a wonderful ball of fantastic fiber. I am now going to attempt to knit this into a bag.
“PLEASE, DO ATTEMPT THIS AT HOME”
Make sure no one is taking a shower when you decide to reuse your shower curtain.
DISCLAIMER: I know this is not a new idea, but the plastic bags don’t usually come in all these great colors and the prep work when using a shower curtain is much less time consuming. The results are virtually the same. Hugs, Gail

  
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

1. 3 shower curtains or plastic tablecloths. (Fabric of either two will work as well)  two for knitting and one for the lining, depending on the size you are going to make your bag.
   
2. scissors
3. powder
4. US 11 straights and US 13 circular knitting needles
5. darning needle
6. 1 stitch marker
7. You will need to add straps one or two is totally up to you.
8. grommets
   

HERE'S HOW:
With US 11 straight needles CO 50 stitches

• Rows 1-10 Knit stockinette stitch. (Knit one row, purl next row, continue until you have 10 rows in all.)

• Then you are going to change to your US 13 circular needles and pick up approx 100 stitches working from your stitch marker, P/U stitches completely around the base, which is now going to be the bottom of your bag.

• When you have all your stitches picked up you are going to join as to work in the round. Continuing in stockinette stitch for approx  10"-12" depending on how big you want your shower curtain bag to be. Or depending how much shower curtain yarn you have. 
• Once you have knit your desired length and or size of your bag BO all your stitches. 
• Now for the top portion of your shower curtain bag you can use the top portion of the shower curtain that usually has grommets. That way you can make a drawstring closure for that extra touch. 
• Straps can be made using the same technique as your bag or you can add whatever type of strap you please. 

Bed Bugs, and Head Bugs

Pattern on it's way. Boo!