~*It's "friends Day"*~

PattM sent this to me.



I Just Wanted To Give All Of You A Great Big….

"You know spring's coming/or it is spring when......"

Yesterday I received a wonderful surprise in the mail from Shelly/kadezmom.
In the package I found Perennial Columbine Barlow Mix I can't wait to plant them.
There were spring notecards and a matching pen, two skeins of panama adriafil 60% lino-flax-40% cotton yarn which I have always wanted to try.
I also found in the package a pattern for the Market Bag.
Shelly also made these spring stitch markers a tea pot, bee, and lady bug so cute.
What a wonderful spring package.Thankyou Shelly:)

~*Spinning Off An Angora Bunny*~

My Friend Kathy wanted to see the picture of the guy spinning off the back of the angora bunny.
I took the picture at the Santa Monica fiber festival in 2007.
Click On Image For Full Screen View>

~*Precious Gets A Foot Rub*~

When I'm knitting precious will rub up against my foot.
I will rub her back and head with my foot but if I stop she will wrap her paws around my ankle and give me a good couple of bits to let me know she wasn't ready for the foot rub to end.lol

Ball & Swift Winder GIVEAWAY

Head on over to Musings of a Fat Chick and enter for your chance to win.
Who doesn't need a swift and ball winder.
I know we do:)
Deadline: April 3 2009

~*>A Package Full Of Goodies<*~

I received a surprise package from my friend PattM some cute polymere sheep earrings she made me and a ravelry logo magnet and also a coffee pin to put on my knitting bag which I totally love:)
please check out her etsy shop patt's creations madness.
Patt has some cute blue sheep stitch markers and some cute ferrett ones that I just love.
What she didn't know is that I started last year collecting sheep and so I love the little sheep earrings she is so creative.Thankyou PattM

~*Friday Fill-Ins*~

And...here we go!

1. Why do we have to______Clean____? always doing it but never an end in sight.lol

2. _____Drinking Coffee and using my kitchen table as a yarn bin_____ are now habits.

3. I have_____so much yarn and so little time _____.to knit it;)

4. I had never heard the phrase_____ "Nanny nanny boo boo"_____ until I babysat this obnoxious child when I was 13 and it has stuck in my mind ever since _____.She held me at umbrella point needless to say she didn't like babysitters;)

5. _____talk to myself_____ the way I always do.To much time spent with toddlers obviously taking it's toll;)

6. How was I to know_____what you were thinking _____.I'm not a mind reader.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to_____going to work then getting off work then setting up the crock pot for home made tortilla soup a fav of my eldest daughter's then catching some zzzzzz's _____, tomorrow my plans include_____a large pot of starbucks ground by yours truly and a long drive to the Ontario Airport to pickup my almost 18 yrs old much missed daughter Mercedes _____ and Sunday, I want to_____knit with Mercedes and catch up on her young busy life _____!

~My First Knit From my February Phat Fiber Box~

I wanted to knit a keychain sock blocker sock for my friend CiCi and so I checked ravelry and she loves the color orange.
I looked in my February phat fiber box and picked the sample from Fiberphile Mosaic the colorway has a robin egg blue and a easter green also a tangerine orange running threw it so spring so pretty:)
The sample is a sock yarn in a fingering weight merino/nylon
I used #2 dpn's the sample was approximately 15 yards I used half of it.
As you can see from the picture it knit up beautifully.I would recommend buying from Fiberphile her colorways are exquisite and a dream to knit with.

~*YarnDemon And A Giveaway At Phat Fiber*~

Anita is giving away an orifice hook to a lucky commenter
All you have to do to be entered for the giveaway, is leave a comment at Phat Fiber about something you like from Yarndemon's Shop.She will be drawing for the winner on Tuesday, so you've got time to scope everything out! Remember, always leave a way for her to find you- and tweeting and blogging etc about this contest will net you extra entries.Do not forget to say I sent you:)

Deadline Tuesday March 24Th 2009

~Bay City Rollers~

I read Aunt Kathy's post about the Band the Bay City Rollers.
I had such a crush on Derek the drummer.
I had a poster with Derek in it with his shirt off and since I liked my hunks with some meat on their bones he was my favorite what a fox.
I could be found at the roller rink on the weekends and their songs were a favorite there.
Here is a video of my favorite song and please check out Derek and leave a comment telling me what you think?

~*For All My Blogging Friends*~

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

~Another Block On My Lizard Ridge Strip~

I want to give credit for these instructions to: magerber and to Karen who taught me how to do this blanket in strips.
I have used 3 skeins so far color#175/90/95 as you can see in the top photo after you do 12 rows four times you will have a little ball of yarn left over from each skein you can save them for later.


Please read through the instructions before starting your strip


Instructions for doing the Lizard Ridge in Strips



This adaptation includes a slip stitch edge for ease of finishing with a crochet join.
*Always slip as if to purl the 1st stitch in every row.

*Always knit the last stitch.

MATERIALS: Noro Kureyon [100% wool; 109yd/100m per 50g skein]

Needles: US #8/5mm straights

Gauge: 18 sts/28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Gauge is not critical for this project.



These are row by row instructions



Begin working using the end from the outside of the skein and Cast on 43 stitches
Rows 1: sl 1,k 42
Row 2 [WS]: sl1,p 41,k last stitch
Row 3: sl 1,,k 42

Please watch the video's before starting row 4
(Cat Bordi's video wrapping and turning (w&t) and concealing the wraps)part 1 and here is part 2
Row 4 [WS]: sl1,p11, (w&t, k8, w&t, p7, w&t, k6, w&t, p5, w&t, k4, w&t, p4, p3*, p13), (w&t, k8, w&t, p7, w&t, k6, w&t, p5, w&t, k4, w&t, p4,p3*, p13). You should have 3 stitches left in this row. Now, w&t, k8, w&t, p7, w&t, k6, w&t, p5, w&t, k4, w&t, p4, p3*,p1,k1.
Row 5: sl1,k8, k3*, k11, k3*, k11, k3*, k3
Row 6 [WS]: sl1,p41,k last stitch

I have used this technique spit- splicing to join the next color.

(Change to new color at this point, begin working using the end from the inside of the skein)

Row 7: sl1,k42
Row 8 [WS]: sl1,p41,k last stitch
Row 9: sl1,,k42
Row 10 [WS]: sl1,p4, w&t, k5, turn work, p4, w&t, k4, turn work, p4,p2*, p13,(w&t, k8, w&t, p7, w&t, k6, w&t, p5, w&t, k4, w&t,p4,p3*
p13) You should have 10 stitches left in this row. Now, w&t, k8, w&t, p7, w&t, k6, w&t, p5, w&t, k4, w&t, p4, p3*, p8,k1 turn work, sl1,k4, w&t, p4,k1, turn work, sl1,k3, w&t, p3,k last stitch.
Row 11: sl1,k3,k2*, k10, k3*, k11,k3*, k10.
Row 12 [WS]:sl1,p41,k last stitch
(change colors on next row resume using the end you had started with)


(*) These stitches are already wrapped. Work them by picking up the wrap with the stitch you are working, and either knit or purl the wrap and the stitch together Repeat these 12 rows four times for one square (Then you will have used most of the skein with a little left continue with a new skein).

(Note: On Row 4 and Row 10, I have enclosed some of the instructions in brackets like this-( ).This is to show where the pattern repeats in this row. If you want to ignore these brackets, just work along, following the stitch instructions as if the brackets weren't there.

~Grateful For My Blogging Friends~

I want to give a big thankyou to Smarie and Grace It is such a blessing and encouragement to know that the little I do here at my blog has a positive impact on others. So now it is my turn to pass the award on to a few blogs/bloggers that I find Kreativ, Inspiring, and Encouraging and that I also feel show great Attitude and/or Gratitude.


There are rules and of course I’ll attempt to follow them.
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

It's so hard to single out just 10 bloggers when there are so many more who are deserving of this award. Go check out some of the blogs listed in my sidebar, you'll find lots of interesting blogs and people there:)

1.Michelle- she is a person with a big heart so kind and thoughtful and I love to see what she is knitting.
2.Jessica- I love her posts with the cute kitties they always put a smile on my face.
3.PattM- She is a sweet lady who makes the cutest stitch markers and pins they are so fun I always look forward to reading her posts.
4. Sandra Singh- She is an awesome blogging friend and I love her blog very informative.
5.AlisonH- She is a very special person who really touches your heart and her shawls are so beautiful.
6.ysolda- her patterns are so fun I just want to knit them all check out her book Whimsical Little Knits.
7.CiCi- A wonderful lady with a heart of gold I hope to meet someday:)
8.Laurie- My girlfriend back home who makes me laugh and encourages me in everything I do.
9.Aunt Kathy- She has alot of wonderful dishcloth patterns she designed that I would like to knit up and I like reading her blog.
10.Cj- She is the coolest gal her fiber and handspun are amazing I'm totally hooked on her shop and she is kind and helpful.

~*Friday Fill-Ins*~

And...here we go!

1. When I look to the left, I see_____My knitting books_____.

2. _____Frontroom_____ is the room that has the best view in my home.

3. Let it work_____Dishwasher _____.

4. _____My job_____ done dirt cheap!

5. _____Taxes_____ is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any_____Chocolate _____ feel free_____To send it to me _____.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to_____Going to bed after along work week _____, tomorrow my plans include_____Cleaning the house to get ready for my oldest daughters visit _____ and Sunday, I want to _____Start Knitting My Urchin Hat with the yummy Chocolate Kisses Yarn I got as an Anniversary present from Tom From Extreme Spinning_____!

Knit Witch Wicked Fun Giveaway!!!!

Okay, here it is.. a giveaway I know many of you have been waiting for!!! If you've never been to the Knit Witch's website Her website is filled with amazing knitting and crochet videos in addition to her wicked wares which include: yarn bowls, spindle bowls, hand dyed yarns, roving, fiber clubs, lotions and potions, and other functional pottery pieces.

Here's what the generous Ms. Brittany (AKA the Knit Witch) is giving away:

1 skein Spica sport weight sock yarn (yellow)
100% superwash merino
Approx. 110g/4oz
Approx. 307m/366yds
Retail value - $18.00

1 skein Starry Night fingering weight sock yarn (blue and yellow)
100% superwash merino
Approx. 110g/4oz
Approx. 500m/550yds
Retail value - $18.00

Yarn Bowl #412
Retail value - $30.00

And 2 Knit Witch pens!!!
So what are you waiting for go on over and check out this giveaway and say Darcy's Knotty Knitter sent you;)

Giveaway Ends March 23rd 2009

~*My Unique Sheep Sock Blocker Keyring Sock*~

I bought a sock kit from The Unique Sheep in colorway Waltz Of The Flowers and knit my first little sock:)
It only took 1/8 ounce of this fingering weight yarn on size 0 needles it doesn't fit on my wooden sock blocker keychain so the next one I will knit on sz 2 needles.
I think the pattern would be great for any scrap yarn you need to use up and isn't it so cute:)

How To Grab My Button & Make It An Active Link;)

You can grab my button and here is how:
1. Just right click on the picture above
2.A drop down menu will appear click save picture as
3.Save picture in a place that is easy to remember
4.I have blogger so I go to the top right corner of my blog and hit customize this will take you to layout but if you dont have a customize button go to your dashboard and click on layout.
5.In your side bar click on add a gadget
6.A window will come up go down the menu to Picture it says Add a picture from your computer or from somewhere else on the web click on the blue button with a white plus sign.
7.A box will come up that says configure image go to the word link there will be a box in front of the word with http:// in it add to that darcyknottyknitter.blogspot.com/
8.Go to image click browse add the button you saved earlier on step 3.
9.When it has finished uploading the picture you will have the option of giving it a title so whatever heading you want it under put that in the title box example: blogs I read then click the orange button in bottom right hand corner that says save
10.The button will now be at the top of your side bar and will be an active link to my blog.
11. Now you can go to layout and move it to where you want it on your side bar like under blogs I Read:) just grab it with your mouse and drag it.
Please drop me a comment to let me know if this was easy to follow and helpful.Hugs Darcy

Design by Cece Blog Makeover Giveaway!

The talented Cesia of Design By Cece is sponsoring a blog-beautifying giveaway! She is giving away a prize package that includes:

Custom "Tailored" Blog Design
Includes:
Custom header
Custom background
Two or three columns, your choice
Custom text formatting (such as drop caps and pull quotes)
Removal of the Blogger navbar
Navigation text links
Hands-free installation

$15 credit for any Accessories of your choice
Ability to get more Accessories past the $15, but you have to pay for them
(Examples of Accessories are matching Etsy banner & avatar, favicon, label cloud, post signatures, sidebar widget titles, etc.)

This is worth $95.

Wowwee!! This is a TERRIFIC giveaway for the blogger who'd like to update their blog, beautify their blog, or just plain pull their blog design together.So head on over to Mommatudes and sign up for the giveaway.

~Hot CoCoa Swappin 2 Blah Buster Buddy Winners~

There were some crazy fun contests going on my sheep sheep got 3rd place in the marshmellow competition along with Ruth's T Rex and Kathy's Beach Girl.
Michelle sent lovely homemade marshmellows and a hat pattern and cocoa mug and gorgeous stitch markers.
I was surprised to learn my buddy was the favorite in the pick your favorite blah buster buddy contest.(((((((Hugs For all of you)))))

~Winners Of The Yarn Dots Giveaway~

Click On Image To Enlarge

The first winner is Grace of Lovincomfortknits she won with her follower entry.
The second winner is PattM of Patt's Creations Madness
she won with her blog post entry about the giveaway.
Congratulations Ladies you will both be receiving in the mail a bag of 14 yarn dots:)
I want to let everyone know it took me two days to get all the entrys written up and then folded and put into a bag to be shook up as I like doing it by hand.
Thankyou all who entered I really enjoyed reading your comments and visiting your blogs and I appreciate all who follow me and come to read my blog you all rock!!!!
I will be celebrating my 2 year blogaversary soon and will be having a big giveaway very excitted so please be watching for it here is a link to my very first post;)Hugs Darcy

~A Finished Project And An Update~

I knitted the Turn A Square Hat By Jared Flood.
I ripped it twice not liking the way it looked at the color changes.
I found a video for the jog less join and below that video you are given different techniques like the jog less stripes--a new way .
I love knitting in the round.
I’ll take every opportunity to avoid seams.
I’ve knit hats, fingerless mitts, bags, and toys in the round.
One of the problems of knitting in the round is knitting with colored stripes.
As you go knitting in a spiral, at each color change you end up with a jog (adjacent stitches of different colors) where you can clearly see where each row started.
The following video explains a simple technique to fix it.
For shaping the crown and not getting holes I found SYTK in place of SSK for the left-leaning decreases worked great here is the link .
I had my 4 week visit to UCLA Tuesday and the doctor said I’m healing nicely I asked him about the pains he said that it will happen for awhile longer just to remember not to lift anything heavier than 15 pounds for 4 more weeks.
I have been exhausted so I have been resting when possible.
Tom let me lay down tonight while he cooked dinner and took care of the girls it was my night off from work I really appreciated being able to get some rest.This weekend will be a long one at work.

I Got Phat On Our 5Th Wedding Anniversary!!!!

I was waiting till all my gifts from hubby arrived to blog about them.
For our 5Th Wedding Anniversary Tom let me purchase a February Phat Fiber Box it was filled with lots of wonderful samples.
I’m excited to learn to spin so I can play with the fiber in my box.
I had seen eXtreme Spinnings Chocolate Kisses Batt on Phat Fiber Blog and had to get a custom.
CJ will for a little extra $$ spin up the fiber in her etsy shop for you
Her fiber and yarn are affordable and to dye for and she gives a 20% discount to military.
CJ also sent with my yummy Chocolate Kisses Yarn extra fiber to play with. I’m going to knit up my yummy yarn into an Urchin Hat and I can’t wait to get my drop spindle from Dragon Craft:)
Tom also let me get a mini sock kit with my favorite color way waltz of the flowers from The Unique Sheep.

~*Valentines Goodies*~

I won the giveaway on Phat Fiber Blog for a Mini Sock Blocker Keychain from The Unique Sheep.The colorway is Sephrenia.Thankyou Laura and Jessie



I won some knitterly goodness from ShanChan a set of stitch markers And these aren't just any stitch markers, oh no.
See the tiny red beads? Those are garnets, haggled over (again, with love)by ShanChan in some small jewelry store on the second floor of a busy Jaipur street.
Did you know Jaipur is known as the Pink City? And that it's also know as the City of Love? Yep, ShanChan bought them, loved them, and carried them all the way home from India.
Thank you for the wonderful stitch markers they are truly lovely:)


I also won a giveaway in February at Vickie's Knitted Things she lovingly knit 3 dish clothes 2 of the patterns were from smariek knits.
Victoria also made me one of her scissor fobs which is so beautiful I have it on my keyring so that I can look at it all the time she was one of the February phatfiberbox contributors.
I wasn't lucky enough to get one of her scissor fobs in my box so this was a special treat.Check out her etsy shop.She sent me lace malabrigo and candy hearts and a pattern book and some patterns she thought I might like.There was also a rose scented candle and 2 skeins of sugar n cream.Thank you Victoria for the wonderful package.