This is really just a "for instance"... Let's say an earthquake... or your car broke down on the way across country - middle of nowhere - your cell phone isn't working - you need to just make it through the next few days.  Thankfully nothing bad really happened... but if it did (or does) I want to do my best to be ready...  I talked with my partner and he updated my kits a few weeks ago - I thought it'd be good to share with you--

I'm preparing for the trip up just north of San Francisco from Los Anglees for the Men's West Coast Fall Knitting Retreat (Nov 7-9) and decided it was time to get our emergency kits updated.  This is what is in my "car" kit:

Hand Sanitizer (individual packets)
Manicure kit (tweezers, fingernail file, small scissors, etc)
Flashlight and Batteries
Bottled Water
Lighter(s)
Toilet paper
Collapsible Travel Cup
Elastic Bandage
Facial tissue
Baby wipes
Pad of paper
Pencils
Pencil sharpener
Chewing Gum
Chapstick (I have Carmex because it comes in a little sealable container that is less likely to leak)
Antacid (Tums)
Plastic Silverware
Raincoat
FM Radio (with batteries or crank up style)
Heavy duty gloves
Latex Gloves
Bar Soap
Ready to Eat Food (I have hard candy, canned soup, etc.)
Polyester Rope or cord
Hydrogen Peroxide
Disposable Camera
Duct Tape
Cooling Headache Pad
First Aid Kit (Bandages, dressings, alcohol prep pads, whistle, etc.)

I know most of you will tell me I need "emergency knitting" in my bag also... but what else is missing from the bag?  I want to post about the kits at the house as well (I have one for work also) but I'll do that another day when I open it up and inventory it...

I hope this will prompt even just one person to get a little kit together - keeping in mind their climate and what they might need - it just might save your life or the life of someone else! - Everything I listed fits in a duffel bag and stores nicely in the back of my car... and it's there... just in case. 

On another note, I have completed more cards and I'm adding them to the shop tonight - please check them out and if you're interested in any, please purchase - remember, the proceeds go to Living Free Animal Sanctuary - and they'll thank you!  I usually have at least 5 of each card made up - so if you want larger quantities, please let me know. 


 
 

I took a class on Saturday at Unraveled with Janice Rosema (Fiber Goddess) and had a great time making my own lambie pie!  the process is not difficult at all - it's a little fiddly but quite simple - and since it's a stuffed animal, gauge isn't REALLY important either!  We had a blast knitting and hanging out - and one wonderful knitter bought pastries to share with us from the bakery across the street!


By the end of the class, many lambs were almost completed... most lacked faces and feet, but we all knew what we were doing... The next morning I woke up and spent some time adding ears and legs to my critter - and Sunday night, I added his face, complete with button eyes - he's adorable and I really enjoyed myself.  I recommend you go to Ravelry or Janice's ETSY shop and buy the pattern - it's a quick knit, allows you to play with the beautiful Ozark yarn and when you're done, you have created a creature with personality all its own!  I was impressed with the shop we were knitting in- it's in a beautiful old brick building with high ceilings and ancient beams - it's comfy, cheery, and the staff is very helpful - I'll definately go there again... I wish it was a little closer to my house... but I will say this: it's worth the drive!  I understan now why some people swear by this place!

I also did some organizing - this is how far I am on my mitered square blanket - after stalking finished projects, I think I like this style of layout for my blanket - it'll give a neat edge and when it's all sewn up, the seams make fun vertical lines... but I am a ways off from completing the piece - I have about 50 squares left to make....


I started a new sweater last night (8/10/08) and decided it's sleeves first this time - I think if I get sleeves out of the way, I can use them to double/triple check gauge and it makes it easier to complete a project because all it leaves for me is the front and back to knit which is, let's face it, the FUN part....

I also finished my guernsey sweater - but no photos yet - I'll post about that another day :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend!


 
 

I have revised and updated the shop a bit - I completed design for the first of the Animal Rescue card series - here it is - featuring Willow - my 3 legged baby - it's up for sale on the shop now - remember, proceeds are going to an animal rescue center - what better way to send a note than to have it do "double duty" and help save a pet - This critter is my life and soul - along with her sister (Winky), they are beyond wonderful and loving.  Anyone who has a rescue animal understands - but those of us lucky enough to harbor animals that were not only saved but also have endured tragedy know a special love.  Willow is missing her leg, Winky is missing one of her eyes (the rumor is that she was the victim of a nasty fight) - they are both lucky now - sleeping in the sun during the day...

If you have an animal you'd like to feature on the animal rescue card series, email me - I'm accepting contributions of photos - and if you're in the Los Angeles area, and you have a rescue pet you'd like me to photograph, get in touch and we'll work something out!

On the knitting front, I have finished the back of my "Dr. G's Memory Vest"... I am *almost* done with the snowflake sweater... I just knitted a square for a blanket that will be auctioned off to raise money for Breast Cancer research... and this past weekend I organized the yarn to continue the trudging along on my circle blanket.  Lots of knitting to do... I just need more hours in the day! :)