Sunday, October 04, 2009

Drive By Post

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. I've still been knitting, but not a lot. My big interests lately have been cooking and reading. I've been on this whole "I'm tired of processed food" thing so lots of cooking and reading about cooking.

I should be finishing up a baby sweater for a coworker soon and some socks so hopefully I'll have something to blog about soon.

Ciao!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Knitting bags

I just bought my first major knitting bag, a Namaste Newport in Peacock. The bag is discontinued and I've been eyeing the Namaste bags for a while. I thought I would buy a Zuma in Peacock but I got such a good deal on the Newport at Hip Mountain Mama that I couldn't pass it up.



Hip Mountain Mama is also having a giveaway for an Off-Hand Designs bag that is gorgeous! I got to see some Off-Hand Designs bags IRL at TLE Spring Fling and loved them but unfortunately out of my price range. Go check out Hip Mountain Mama to enter for a chance to win by May 30th.

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Spring Fling Recap

The Loopy Ewe Spring Fling was last weekend and I had so much fun! Here is my recap.

I rolled in on Thursday afternoon about 2pm and entered the lobby of the hotel to see a bunch of knitters, which was awesome. I didn't know anyone so I just plopped myself on the floor by some people and started talking to them. Now I'm not that outgoing but I knew beforehand that I was going to make an effort to meet new people and have a good time. Luckily I sat down by Diane and Susie and made some new friends. Turns out my roommate Jaci, whom I didn't know either, was there as well so I got to meet her too. She was the best roomie ever! Cupcakes were also delivered by Leslie and Laura that afternoon. Thursday we ate dinner on our own and had a dessert reception. We just hung out and knit over the course of the evening. I had my own little rockstar moment when Cookie A. walked through the lobby!

Friday was my class day. I had a Cookie sock design class in the morning and Anne Hanson's beginning lace in the afternoon. I could go on and on about my classes but I will just say that I felt I was in the presence of greatness.

Cookie is awesome and energetic and I was just basking in her presence. I love all of her sock designs and couldn't believe I got to take a class with her. We even designed our own sock which I hope to actually knit someday. I even got to hold the Monkey sock. It was like going to Graceland! Diane and Sara had the same schedule as me so I had some friends in my classes as well and that made it even more fabulous.

Anne Hanson is so down to earth. She designs beautiful patterns especially for lace. Her class was designed to get us knitting lace and then ask her any questions we had as we went along. I had the least amount of experience using charts in the class but now I am a lot more comfortable with them. After meeting Anne I want to knit everything she has written. I've even downloaded a few patterns to get me started in the near future.

Friday night was dinner on our own again and knitting time. I also got to see some spinning on wheels and drop spindle. While I think it looks cool, I really don't need another hobby. I barely have time to knit as it is!

Saturday morning was my trip to the fabulous Loopy Ewe. It was unbelievable and I bought a ton of yarn as well as some other fun things like a t-shirt and sock Peacock. I went a little over my budget that I had planned but I think it was all worth it. It was awesome to get to touch the yarn in person. My roomie Jaci was so overwhelmed she started to cry but it was sweet.


Lots of picture taking was done and before we knew it we were headed back to the hotel. Saturday afternoon and evening was just more knitting and socializing fun. I met several indie dyers that I like including Allen of Numma Numma. That night we had some giveaways by TLE and the wonderful Claudia who dyes Wollmeise.

Sunday morning was brunch and then goodbyes. I actually got to sit with Wendy Johnson at brunch which was cool since I didn't have a chance to take her class. She has some awesome toe-up patterns I like.
When it was time to go it was sad so I had to cut out kind of early because I didn't want to be too emotional. I loved meeting all of my new knitting friends and knitting rockstars!

Alexis
Susie Diane, Sarah, Jaci

I hope I get to go again next year!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Weekend recap

I will do a weekend recap for the Spring Fling next weekend when I have some time. For now just stare at the beautiful Wollmeise I won!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Spring Knitting

I haven't blogged in quite a while. I've been knitting and enjoying the beginning of Spring.

In March I knit a pair of Monkey Socks for the TLE Spring Fling challenge. I love this pattern and made it once before for my mom so this pair is for me.


I'm currently working on a pair of Toe-Up Socks with a Difference in some Yarn Pirate that I got from the Booty Sock Club last year.


I recently finished my second baby sweater. This one was for my boss and his wife whose little girl was born at the end of December. I made the Baby Shrug from Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss. I made it in the 3-6 months size in a cotton yarn. I liked the way it turned out even if I didn't do a great job picking up the stitches for the border or the seaming.


On Thursday I am headed to St. Louis for The Loopy Ewe's Spring Fling knitting retreat. I don't remember the last time I was this excited to go somewhere. This is my first knitting retreat and I am looking forward to the classes (can you see Cookie A. and Knitspot), the shopping, and hangin out with other knitters.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

I'm sooo over Winter

It's snowing today. We've probably gotten about 3 inches so far. I'm really hoping this is the last snow of the season. I'm so ready for Spring!

Our week long trip to Disney World was awesome. It was warm, everything was green, and I didn't even think about work for a whole week.
We did miss the baby dog a lot though. How could you not miss this face?

I've been knitting some. I finished my Noro striped scarf. It is so long - probably 7 feet at least. I'm trying to finish up a pair of socks. I don't think I'll make my goal of one sock a month in February. I did have one less week since I didn't take any knitting on vacation.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

A little piece of heaven

I finally got my hands on some Wollmeise. I have been drooling over this yarn for a year or so but it is so hard to get. I traded some Yarn Pirate yarn for my first skein in the colorway Saami with a fellow Ravelry member and then I was able to order a couple of the Yarnissima kits. I bought Fratello and Spina de Pesce. Let me tell you, this stuff is awesome. I can't wait to knit it up.

Saami
Fratello
Spina de Pesce

As for my other knitting progress, I don't think I'll make a pair of socks this month or next but I am hoping I will make one sock each month. I've almost finished my first sock of the pair.

My boss and his wife had the cutest baby girl right before New Year's so I'm in the mood to knit some baby stuff. I bought the yarn for a Baby Surprise Jacket and I think I'm going to do some mittens and booties too.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

2009 Knitting

I don't think of this as a resolutions list but for 2009 I would like to knit:

1. A pair of socks every month. Or at least a sock a month so that would be 6 pair for the year.

2. A sweater for me.

3. A lace shawl.

4. Entrelac.

5. Fair Isle or colorwork, probably mittens

Thursday, January 01, 2009

Happy New Year!

2009 is here and 2008 is gone. I don't have any formal New Years resolutions but every year I vow to get in better shape, save money, and try to be happy.

From my family to yours, I hope everyone has a great 2009!