What Row Am I On?

2010 Knits

2010-12-31T22:52:00.000-06:00

Above is a sampling of my 2010 completed knitting projects. I wasn't very productive this year but I was able to finish a few knitted gifts, a few things for charity and a few things for myself. One of my favorite knits for myself was the Simple Shawl shown above in Koigu.

As for 2011 I hope to finish a few more projects including socks, lace shawls, and possibly a sweater for myself.

Happy New Year!

Birthdays

2010-05-19T06:26:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday so I took half of the day off from work to have a little fun. DH and I went and saw How To Train Your Dragon in 3D. It was a lot of fun. I capped off the day by watching Glee and reading with my dogs on my lap. Not a bad birthday in my opinion.

Spring Fling 2010

2010-05-02T12:01:00.007-05:00

I was lucky enough to go to The Loopy Ewe Spring Fling again this year. It was an awesome weekend full of knitting, friends old and new, and more knitting.

Kathy and I drove over on Thursday morning and arrived in time to have lunch, hang out in the knitting lounge with some friends, and enjoy the opening night events of the dessert reception. We received an awesome goody bag that had a skein of Wollmeise in Femme Fatale, a special color for the Fling. I was also lucky enough to have dinner with Gryphon, Anne, Wendy, Stacy, Leslie, Laura, Sara and some new friends. It was definitely a knitting rockstar kind of night!

Friday morning I had a great colorwork class with Gryphon and a wonderful shopping trip to Loopy Central in the afternoon.

Gryphon's Colorwork Class

Kathy and I at Loopy Central

I was pretty good and didn't go over my budget this year. I picked up yarn for a few projects, mostly shawls.

I also received a skein of Wollmeise Spice Market from Michelle, my swap partner.

Friday night Mr. Loopy gave us some tips on photographing yarn which I tried out when I got home. It was interesting to here how a pro does it. Speaking of pro photographers, my roommate Carolina is an awesome photographer from Brooklyn. We chatted into the night over the weekend and I had a great time rooming with her.

Saturday morning I slept in and had lunch before my beginning lace class with Jerad Flood aka Brooklyntweed. I really enjoyed his class a lot. He was so nice and cute to boot!

We had the group picture made in the evening as well as all of us that joined in the Vesper sock knitalong. I finished 1 and a half socks at the fling and then finished the pair later in the week after I got home.

Saturday night was our final event where Sheri gave out door prizes, some great announcements including Loopy's new line of yarn, and the traditional Loopy song.

Sunday morning after brunch Kathy and I drove back to Kansas City after a stop over at Trader Joe's. It was bittersweet to leave as it is very seldom that I get time to just sit and knit or hang out with knitting friends and forget about all of the troubles of life.

I had a great time and while I don't know if I'll get to go again next year, I'll always remember how much fun I have at Spring Fling.

Knitting Olympics

2010-02-12T19:50:00.002-06:00

I'm waiting for the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies to begin so that I can cast on for my Knitting Olympics event. I'm going to knit a cabled hat in 17 days while the Olympics is going. The knitting isn't the challenge for me but the deadline will be.

2009 recap

2010-01-07T16:43:00.002-06:00

Wow, looks like I kind of forgot I had a blog! This recap is going to be short and sweet.

On the home front, we spent a wonderful year with Lexi and I can't imagine life without her. We adopted another mini Dachshund the week before Christmas. She is a cutie and a handful! We've had so much snow on the ground here since we got her that she really hasn't gotten to do much but eat, sleep, and play inside with her sister. I can't wait until the weather warms up this Spring so that we can do more with her outside.

DH hurt his back in March 2009 and after visits to the surgeon and pain doctors there is not much they can do for him but keep him on pain meds. This led to him going on temporary disability at the end of June and then getting laid off in November. He then got on permanent disability from the company he worked for which was such a blessing. We were really concerned about how we would make ends meet if that didn't happen.

Good news is that I got a promotion in June and have had some wonderful changes happen for me at work. The position is new so I'm having to feel things out as I go along but I really am enjoying it. Unfortunately I got sick the week of Christmas and have had a cold, sinus infection, and now a stomach virus so the last three weeks I have spent more time in bed than at my desk. I'm praying I can be over this mess now.

On the knitting front, I haven't gotten much done this past year. I finished 13 projects. A few of those were baby items including my second baby sweater for a coworker. I only knit 3 pair of socks which was below my goal but I still enjoy knitting socks so I'm sure I'll crank some out this year.

Drive By Post

2009-10-04T18:52:00.003-05:00

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!

Knitting bags

2009-05-25T08:43:00.002-05:00

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.

Spring Fling Recap

2009-05-02T07:53:00.008-05:00

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!

Weekend recap

2009-04-29T21:32:00.003-05:00

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!

Spring Knitting

2009-04-20T18:58:00.003-05:00

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.

I'm sooo over Winter

2009-02-28T10:09:00.003-06:00

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.

A little piece of heaven

2009-01-24T12:48:00.004-06:00

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.

2009 Knitting

2009-01-11T09:38:00.002-06:00

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

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T17:57:00.002-06:00

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!

Blog? What Blog?

2008-12-24T09:50:00.003-06:00

Oh yeah, I have a blog. I forget about it sometimes. I'm not exactly a great blogger or wordsmith so most of the time I just throw my stuff up on Ravelry and keep on goin'.

I recently finished a cable hat which was meant to be knit for me but it came out too small for me, for my DH, essentially anyone over the age of 10. So I gifted it to a coworker's son who is two. If it doesn't fit him then I seriously need to rethink this whole knitting thing.

I also started a Noro Striped Scarf of Brooklyntweed fame. I'm a couple of inches in and to be honest I'm not that crazy about it. I think it might be too wide for me so I am thinking about ripping it out.

Other than that I haven't been knitting too much. I have another baby sweater to make and of course more socks that I want to knit.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays!

First Sweater

2008-11-23T07:44:00.003-06:00

Pattern: February Baby Sweater from Knitter's Almanac
Yarn: Dream in Color Classy - Giant Peach
Needle : Size 8 16" circular

So I finally made a sweater....a baby sweater. This is my first completed sweater and it was fun but a lot of newness for me. I made the February Baby Sweater (ravelry link) from Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Almanac. I started the sweater in August for a coworker whose baby was due in October. I gave him the sweater last Thursday (in November when the baby was a month old). It's not that the tiny thing took me from August to November to knit but I had a hard time being monogamous to the project. I made some socks, a cowl, a Clapotis, a booby, etc in between.

It was a good experience. I had to restart the sweater three times because my stitch count was off. Then I messed up the collar when I had to make one and forgot to knit into the back of the stitch so there were some holes but I played it off as a design element. My button holes were off a little too. I tried to knit the sleeves in the round but that didn't work out so I ended up knitting them flat and then seaming. I'm not the best seamstress so I hope everything stays together. It was also my first button sewing experience for knitting. I hope those stay on too. I pulled apart some strands of the wool and used it to sew them on.

Overall I think he liked the sweater and I hope the kid hasn't outgrown it already. Don't know if I'll ever brave making one for me. It could take years!

Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving!

2008-10-13T06:31:00.002-05:00

In honor of the Yarn Harlot being in KC tonight, I thought I would tell everyone Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

I'm so excited to get to see/hear her again! I've also got a knitted TitBit in the works for the event.

Home again, home again, jigetty jig

2008-09-23T10:06:00.003-05:00

Home again after a long weekend road trip. My mom drove up from Arkansas last Wednesday and Thursday morning we set off out west to Mount Rushmore.

We had a fun trip. We drove through the Badlands, saw lots of beautiful scenery and wildlife (including some buffalo really close on the road), and had a good time. I didn't get much knitting done because I did most of the driving but I did finish one sock on the way home.

We also did some geocaching and I got to add 3 new states to my states visited list, SD, WY, MT. I have a dream of going to all 50 states, probably the geographer in me.

October should be a busy month. We start puppy school this week and it just happens to fall on knit night so I don't know how much I'll get done over the next month. But there is going to be a Fiber Festival at one of the LYS and the Yarn Harlot is coming to KC. I'm excited about that more than anything. I drove to Wichita a year ago to see her and I'm really looking forward to her coming here.

Ravelympics 2008

2008-08-24T17:28:00.003-05:00

Life with Lexi is beginning to settle down a bit and we are getting into a routine. This means that I've actually gotten to knit a little in the last week.

Today was the last day of Ravelympics. And while I didn't make my goal of 2 hats and a cowl, I did finish one hat that I have been wanting to make for a friend's little boy. They are from Minnesota and big Vikings fans so I made him a Baby Viking Hat (Ravelry link.) It turned out a little big so I'm not sure if he will get to wear it this year but maybe next year.

I've also made some progress on my RPM socks. I hope to finish them before Sept 1 when Summer of Socks is over. I didn't meet my goal there thi year with a pair of socks a month but life has been crazy around here this summer so I'm okay with that.

An Actual FO

2008-08-18T14:17:00.005-05:00

Life over the last week has been crazy. Having a puppy is like having a child. DH and I discussed it for months before we finally made the commitment to get Lexi. We are glad we did but we are still getting used to having to get up in the middle of the night and let the dog out, having to watch her all of the time that she is out of her kennel, and not having all of the time to ourselves that we used to have. I haven't knit hardly at all since Lexi came home with us. In fact I think I am going to have to give up on my Ravelympics goals.

Before we picked up Lexi I actually finished my Koigu Clapotis (Ravelry link.) I used 3 skeins of KPPM and did the full increase and decrease sections but only 8 repeats of the straight section. I finished it in time to wear to the Knitting Guild's Opinionated Tea to celebrate Elizabeth Zimmermann's birthday. I think a good time was had by all and I actually got dressed up for a change.

I started a February Baby Sweater in Dream in Color Classy Giant Peach for a coworker's wife who is due in October. Hopefully I should be able to finish it before then. Yesterday I also started a Viking Hat for the little boy of a friend. They are from Minnesota and big Viking fans so I think they will get a kick out of the hat.

Today I stayed home from work due to having to go to the dreaded DMV and register the car and pay the taxes. Also lots of cuddle and play time with the puppy. I picked up the Fall Vogue and Fall Knit Simple as well. I think I might have to knit up some mittens this fall. And maybe a doggie sweater....doesn't she look like she needs one come fall?

It's a Girl!

2008-08-10T20:40:00.003-05:00

Today DH and I added a new member to our family. Lexi is an 8 week old red Minature Dachshund. We have been talking about getting a dog for a few months but couldn't agree on what we wanted. Finally we did so we found a local breeder and picked up Lexi today. We spent most of the day getting prepared for dog ownership and playing with her. I'll post pics soon. We just put her to bed so I don't want to go downstairs to get the camera and wake her.

Goodbye Old Friend

2008-08-02T09:35:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had to say goodbye to an old friend, my car. It was either fix the transmission (expensive) or get a new car. So we got a new car. Problem is, I don't get to drive the new car. I get to drive the other old car and the husbeast gets the new one.

I will miss my car. It was good to me on many a long trip to visit family or the daily commute.

Road Trip!

2008-07-17T08:10:00.002-05:00

So I'm going down to Arkansas for the weekend to visit the family. It will be hot and sticky I'm sure as all Arkansas summers are for as long as I can remember.

There probably won't be much yarn buying but that's okay as I just received my Loopy Groupie package this week. There will be knitting and geocaching and lots of eating. Always fun stuff.

Have a good weekend!

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T10:25:00.004-05:00

Meme

2008-07-02T20:04:00.002-05:00

I've seen this Meme going around the blogosphere so I thought I would post it. It makes you think about yourself a little and share more than just the usual stuff.

1. Where was I 10 years go.
I was taking summer classes at college. I had messed up my knee skiing over spring break and had just gotten off of crutches but still had to wear a brace so I couldn't really get a summer job so I just went to school.

2. 5 things on today’s to-do list
Run the dishwasher
Take out the trash
Get car fixed
Knit some on the Clapotis
Call Libby back

3.Snacks I enjoy
Chocolate, kettle corn, ice cream, almost anything sweet

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire.
Travel the world. I'd love to go to all 7 continents. Knit all day. Take lots of classes just for fun. Share the wealth.

5. Places I have lived.
Arkansas, Virginia, Missouri

6. Jobs I have had.
Cashier, Fast-food worker, Paint dept girl, Writing Assistant, Copy girl, Library Clerk, Cartographer

7. Who would I like to know more about.
Everything. I'm an information junkie. I read all sorts of books, magazines, blogs etc.

Toe Up Socks

2008-06-14T08:57:00.003-05:00

So my knittas at MisKnits are big toe up sock gals. I had never knit a toe up sock...until now. I finished my first toe up on Wednesday at UFO night. Amber, the lovely MisKnits owner, showed me how to do a sewn bind off so that I could actually get my foot into the sock. I have a tendency to knit tight and bind off tighter. Today I am going down to the Plaza to hang out with other knitters for WWKIP day and work on the second toe up sock. I'd love to finish this pair before next Saturday when the Summer of Socks officially begins but we'll see how that goes.

Happy WWKIP Day everyone!

And Happy Birthday Stephanie, you rock!

Birthday Swap

2008-06-08T09:46:00.004-05:00

I joined the Birthday Swap 2008 on Ravelry and had a wonderful partner Alisha whose birthday is the day after mine. Here is the awesome package she sent me.

Lots of goodies. There was a skein of Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn, two skeins of JoJoland Melody, two boxes of cookies, some Goats milk soap and hand cream, and two patterns from Cookie A. (Django and Trystero.)

Great minds must think alike because I actually sent Alisha the Cookie A. pattern Mingus. Also some Socks that Rock in Lemongrass, Soak wash, sock blocker keychain, and some stitch markers I made.

Birthday Recap

2008-05-26T10:36:00.004-05:00

DH and I had a lot of fun in California. We went to Disneyland, and California Adventure on Friday. We enjoyed it but it was a lot smaller than Disney World which we went to for the last two years. It was fun to ride different things and see where it all began though. On Saturday we headed out to Huntington Beach. I was very excited to see the Pacific Ocean. It was cold and really salty but a lot of fun.

I didn't make it to any yarn shops in Cali but I did pick up a few things for my birthday back home. First off I bought this amazing bag from Girley Purls. Carmen is awesome and so are her bags!

Then I ordered some yarn from The Loopy Ewe.

All Things Heather Hand Dyed Sock Yarn in Teal
(It's dyed in California so I counted this as my California vacation yarn!)

Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Juniper

Happy Birthday!

2008-05-18T17:21:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me,
I just got home from California,
And am very tired-y!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T11:50:00.002-05:00

My mom came and visited us this weekend for Mother's Day. We did some shopping and went out to Missouri Town 1855. It was nice to see her again. I haven't seen my family since Christmas.

I gave her the Monkey socks that I finished on Thursday and the Branching Out scarf. She loves my hand knitted socks so I like making them for her.

For all of the mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day! My only babies have feathers but they still talk back.

Summer of Socks

2008-05-06T06:20:00.003-05:00

So I signed up for Summer of Socks. Now I can try to burn through all of the sock yarn I have been buying and maybe even pick up some more. I don't have a huge goal, just two pair which is one pair for each month of the contest. Wish me luck!

Spring Cleaning

2008-05-04T09:46:00.005-05:00

May is turning out to be a busy month! My mom is coming to visit for Mother's Day Weekend so this weekend we've been doing some serious spring cleaning. I tend to be a messy person at home and only do really serious cleaning when we have company coming which is only a few times a year.

My exciting news is that my birthday is in 14 days and I get to celebrate it by going to California. I am very excited! DH has to go out to Mira Loma for work and I am going to fly out the Thursday before my birthday. We are going to the Pacific Ocean (which I've never seen) and Disneyland (first time for me.) We went to DisneyWorld in January on vacation so this will be cool to see where it all started. I have this secret goal to go to all 50 states, it probably comes from being a geographer/cartographer as an occupation. I was upset last year when I turned the big 3-0 because I had only been to 26 states and the last of those was 2 years before. California will be 27 so I'm happy to be upping my numbers.

On the knitting front, there has been progress and stash acquistion. I ordered for the first time from The Loopy Ewe. I got my package very quickly and was excited to see all of my goodies. I can't show you everything in detail because some of it is secret.

I did get some Slyph yarn from Spritely Goods (Ravelry link) for myself. I love the pink and gray together. I also bought the sample sizes of Soak to try and Sheri threw in some needle tracking cards that will come in handy.

I finished my first Monkey Sock and am on to the foot of my second. Thought these might be a good Mother's Day present if I can finish them in time. I am so loving the Koigu!

In my effort to Spring Clean before my mom comes I also finally got my office set up so you can actually stand in the room. I have moved all of my yarn, knitting books, and knitting stuff into the room as well. I am having a dilemma though if I should actually put the yarn out on the shelves or leave it in the big plastic ziplock bag its in now. We get quite a bit of dust in our house and as much as I would love to have the yarn out on display I'm afraid it will become a home for dust bunnies.

So I am asking everyone a question...how do you store your yarn? If it is out in the open, do you worry about dust?

Socks Rock

2008-04-19T09:10:00.006-05:00

PS3 Fire socks completed!
Pattern: Yarn Harlot's generic sock pattern from Knitting Rules
Yarn: Trekking XXL

These socks were my quickest knit socks so far. They are a little snug so I don't know if I will keep them or give them away. They have some ladders in a few places so I'm not sure if I am comfortable giving them to anyone. I thought about my mom but the colors may be a bit bright for her.

Monkey socks on the needles. I started the Monkey socks last weekend after finishing the PS3 socks. So far I'm really liking them. This is my first time to knit with Koigu and now I know what all of the fuss is about. I'm definitely going to try and make these socks fit me.

There has been a lot of sock yarn stash enhancement over the last few weeks.

Happy Feet

Shibui Knits

And my very first ....SOCKS THAT ROCK

Can't wait to knit with the Socks that Rock!

A few FOs

2008-04-09T22:43:00.003-05:00

I've got a few FO's to post as well as some stash acquisition.

I finished the Multi-Directional Scarf. It was a quick and fun knit. It works great for a PS3 Earth Element knit...even if I did technically finish it in March.

As for PS3 Fire element, I am still working on the socks. I'm actually trying to make these socks match so we'll see how that works out for me. The first one is finished and I cast on and finished the ribbing on the second sock tonight at MisKnits knit night. I've been going to knit night for a few weeks now and I'm really enjoying it. For the last year or so I have just been knitting at home by myself. I love the company and am having a lot of fun seeing what other people are knitting and getting to have "knitspeak" and talk about Ravelry. Of course that also means I've been buying more yarn...but we just don't mention that to DH!

I also purchased the new Yarn Harlot book and I love it. I'm reading it slowly so I can prolong the enjoyment. I also bought some new sock yarn at MisKnits, Happy Feet.

It's beginning to look a lot like Spring!

2008-03-21T12:56:00.004-05:00

Green is quickly becoming my new favorite color

Bulbs I planted in the fall are starting to come up in the flowerbed.

Multidirectional Scarf (ravelry link). I'm really enjoying this pattern. The short rows are fun and go fairly quickly. Notice the very windy day we are having. Typical of Spring in the Midwest.

Project Spectrum 2008

2008-02-24T18:27:00.003-06:00

I decided to participate in Project Spectrum this year. I love the element theme. February/March are Fire. I had this Trekking XXL sock yarn that I was going to make Jaywalkers out of but it they were too tight so I frogged them. Now I am just making a generic sock based on the Yarn Harlot's pattern. I really like the bright colors and the blue stripe is fun.

First 2008 post

2008-02-03T16:16:00.000-06:00

Wow, I just realized that I haven't posted at all this year. To be honest, I haven't really knit much either. Once the holidays were over, work was crazy. Then it was vacation time. We just got back yesterday from Disney World. So much fun. Much better weather than at home. I'll try to get back into knitting in the next few weeks. I sure am looking forward to spring though after warm days in Florida. Maybe a Mickey Dishcloth will be just the thing.

2007 Recap

2007-12-31T14:55:00.000-06:00

Everybody's doing it...so here goes. My 2007 recap

1. Finally got to go on a honeymoon after 2.5 years of marriage. DisneyWorld in January. We had a blast!

2. Bought our first house in April. Love it still!

3. Took some cooking classes

4. Got my Ravelry invite

5. Finally got promoted to the job I've actually been doing all year

6. Finished a few knitted objects. Not as many as I would have liked.
Irish Hiking Scarf
Garter Rib Socks
Dishcloths

I don't really have any resolutions for next year. The usual - lose weight, get in better shape, be more financially secure, take a vacation, etc.

For knitted goals I would like to: Finish Branching Out, make myself another pair (or two) of socks, make my first sweater, buy some STR, and learn color knitting.

Here's hoping that everyone has a great New Years! Happy 2008 Ya'll!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2007-12-23T08:44:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we braved the ice storms to head down to Arkansas and spend the weekend with my family for our Christmas. It was a very short but sweet trip.

Now we have a few inches of snow in the KC metro and I am glad that we don't have to travel again. I ran out yesterday morning and finally finished up the Christmas shopping before the mess hit. Around noon we got freezing rain and eventually it turned to snow. Now everything outside is a lovely white. Today will be a great day to stay in and bake cookies. I might try Sandy's easy peanut butter kiss recipe as well.

Even if the weather stays bad we only have to travel one mile tomorrow to my in-laws and then about seven miles on Christmas day. Sometimes I actually am glad I live close to all of my in-laws. Not very often mind you, but sometimes.

Since I haven't been posting or knitting much I probably won't post again until after the new year.

Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

FOs

2007-12-03T13:18:00.000-06:00

Today is a sick day from work but a good day to finish things. Last night I finished up the socks for my mom for Christmas. We also put up the Christmas tree, outside garland with lights, and some inside decorations.

Today I finally finished up the Irish Hiking Scarf. It's a little short as I only used one ball of Patons Classic Wool. I may give it to DH for Christmas.

December

2007-12-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's December 1st. I am still working on my mom's socks, about 3 inches left on the foot of the second sock and then the toe. Good thing I wasn't planning on many knitted gifts this year.

the Lady Knits is having a contest for some great prizes. Drop by and enter when you get a chance.

Now that we are living in our first house I am so geared up to start decorating for Christmas. I have been putting it off until December but today is the day! I bought this cute guy last weekend.

Hapy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T19:19:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving! Ours turned out well, we hosted DH's family so we had 9 total. We also got our first snow of the season yesterday, just a small dusting, but it was pretty. Here's a pic of the tree in our front yard before it lost all of its leaves.

Happy Anniversary

2007-11-07T19:40:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was our 3rd wedding anniversary. We celebrated by taking half the day off and having dinner at The Melting Pot. It was our first time there and it was a lot of fun. I am a huge chocoholic so I especially loved the dessert course. DH also bought me a dozen roses which was really sweet. We don't really do gifts except for Christmas so it was a nice surprise.

This past weekend we started getting ready for the holidays by purchasing new furniture. We got a new DVD cabinet that looks like a London phone booth (so cute!) and a pie safe for storage in the kitchen. We also bought a new range and overhood vent. The one in our house was original so it was definately time for a replacement. It's my first smooth top stove and so far I am enjoying using it.

Socktoberfest 2007

2007-10-29T06:15:00.000-05:00

Socktoberfest is almost over and my goal of two pairs of socks has been missed by a mile. I did finish one sock for my mom. I actually finished it a few weeks ago but it was too short in the foot so this weekend I frogged the toe and increased the foot length and finished it again.

Since I had such a rough time with my Jaywalkers, I am going to put them on hold for a while. I might try the toe up pattern to see if I can get them to fit better.

Mitered Squares

2007-10-14T14:43:00.000-05:00

Over the summer I didn't knit much because I was kind of bored. I wanted to learn something new but couldn't find a class that really fit my schedule. I signed up for a mitered square class in September but it was canceled and I was able to take one in October. We are making a felted bag based on the mitered squares found in the Mason Dixon book. Instead of 80 squares, we make 8 and then create a bag. So far, I've made 2 of my squares. They are a lot of fun to make and it's fun to work with colors I wouldn't put together.

Fall has finally come to my little neck of the woods. We've had the windows open and fall is in the air. It makes me very happy! I've even been decorating a little. Here's my mantle. My DH thinks I'm going a little pumpkin crazy but I love them. I can't wait to decorate more. I think I will really go all out for Christmas this year.

Fall? Has anyone seen Fall?

2007-10-06T10:39:00.000-05:00

I love Fall, it's my favorite season. But here in KC we seemed to be missing it. The first weekend of October and it's 87 degrees and I have the AC running. It's kind of bumming me out.

I want to wear sweaters and go for walks to see the leaves change but even if you go outside you start sweating. I bought a dark red mum to put on my porch hoping that would help, but no, I'm still looking for fall. I've decorated my house with pumpkins but it still doesn't feel the same since that briskness is missing from the air.

I've been working on my Socktoberfest socks. I finished the garter rib sock but it's too short for my foot. I don't know if it will fit my mother so I haven't started the second one. I am tempted to mail it to her and have her mail it back to see if it fits but I am pretty sure she will think I am nuts for this.

I also started the basic sock from Knitting Rules for my mother-in-law out of Knit Picks Dancing I had in my stash. She asked me a few weekends ago if it was hard to knit socks. I thought instead of trying to teach her, I would try to make her a pair for Christmas. I know this goes against general knitter's opinion but if I tried to teach my mother-in-law something, I would probably end up divorced.

I knit about 3 inches on my Jaywalker and tried to put it on my foot. It wouldn't go over my heel. I had to rip back to the ribbing and start over on size 2 needles as opposed to size 1. I'm wondering if I should maybe even go up to size 3. It's knit in Trekking XXL and I'm a tight knitter. I'll give it an inch or two and see how it goes.

Beware the Clap

2007-09-23T20:12:00.000-05:00

I spent the weekend in Arkansas visiting my family. I got a couple of inches knitted on my Jaywalker sock. My mom saw me knitting and now she wants socks for Christmas. I knit her a pair last Christmas and so now it looks like she's getting another pair this Christmas. I had my first sock from Sensational Knitted Socks with me and she tried it on and it fit, I just need to start the toe. If I can finish it up I can probably knock out the other one by Christmas. This is the first time procrastination will pay off for me. I never finished the sock for myself so now I can finish them for her.

Last week I signed up for the Second Wave Clapotis KAL. I've been wanting to make Clapotis for a while now so I thought this would be a good chance. I cast on with koigu and size 5 needles. So far I've done the first increase repeat. I had a little trouble with the pfb but I think I finally have it down. I'm going to make a scarf size Clap since I only have two skeins of the koigu in this colorway.

The Coolest Canadian I Know

2007-09-17T18:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I made the three hour trek to see Wichita to see my new girl crush, the Yarn Harlot. By girl crush I mean the girl that you just know that if you lived in the same place you would be best friends and call each other just to say "Did you see the new STR colorway? Let's go get some right now!"

I had a great time and if you haven't seen it, got a bad picture of me posted on the Yarn Harlot's blog. I feel so special!!! (I'm right below Ingrid, the kniting soldier.)

So what does a whole lot of knitters in Wichita KS look like?

I met some nice women. Most people I met had trekked there like me from MO, OK, or other parts of KS.

When I got into town I stopped at the new LYS, Twist. It was a cool store. I bought my first skein of Tofutsies and this cool t-shirt.

Then I made my way over to Wichita East HS for the Yarn Harlot. I was early so I got in very close to the front of the line and had 2nd row seating. Great views of Stephanie.

She was hilarious!! Funnier than I even imagined and I've read all of her books. She even showed us how she knits and man does she knit fast.

There were, of course, the requisite sock pics. I cast on for my first pair of Jaywalkers in Trekking XXL and knitted almost an inch on them. (I had a hard time knitting because I was focusing on everything Stephanie said. Told ya, total girl crush!)

I got her to sign all 3 of my books and gave her the MO dishcloth I made for her. See the pretty picture! We had to explain to the Canadian a bit about where MO was in regards to KS. It's hard to imagine someone doesn't know where all of the states are (I'm a geographer by trade) but then again I don't know if I could name all of the Canadian provinces right now. (Actually I just tried and came up three short off of the top of my head. Now try naming the 50 states, tough huh? I can do it if I can write them down.)

I also knitted a hat that I got a really bad pic of at the hats table. It's the green and orange London Beanie third from the right. (I'm sure we ended up with more than this but I was at the front of the line.)

Overall I had an awesome time and would definately drive the distance again to hear Stephanie speak. If you get a chance, go see her. She's the coolest Canadian I know.

Yarn Harlot in Da House!

2007-09-16T20:55:00.000-05:00

I just got home from seeing the Yarn Harlot! More details and pics tomorrow.

Happy Camper

2007-09-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

I spent part of my long weekend catching up on podcasts and getting back into knitting. I finished another Missouri dishcloth and worked on a sock that has been on the needles forever. I also listened to the more recent episodes of Cast-On and got my knitting badges.

Woe is me that I never got to be a brownie or a girl scout or go to camp as a child. Those are things that I feel I really did miss out on. Girl bonding type things. When I was around the age for those activities I was being skirted to the country by a single mom working the graveyard shift to make ends meet so those types of things didn't fit into our lives. I don't have any real true female friends that I feel I can call when I need a shoulder to cry on and sometimes I wonder if that is why.
Anyway, I am now happy to have my Cast-On badges and to be a member of a happy scouting group. Check out Brenda's podcast and website and you can join too.

Ravelry updating

2007-09-02T08:58:00.001-05:00

I've been spending a lot of time on Ravelry the last few weeks. It's really hard not to. There is so much there. This morning I got up and photographed my WHOLE stash. A little crazy. I ended up with 72 photos...one for each different type/colorway of yarn. Now I am trying to slowly catalog it on Ravelry. I did manage to get all of my needles cataloged this morning. Check me out when you get a chance, WhatRowAmIOn

Cute and cuddly

2007-08-25T10:29:00.000-05:00

A lot of bloggers have pics of their cute and cuddly cats and dogs on their websites. I really enjoy the cat/kitten pics. We however, are the proud owners of two parrots. Cute and cuddly they are not. But they are very entertaining and playful. They talk, they mimic everything, sometimes they even talk back. They can call us by name, they greet us when we get home from work with "Hello" and they always tell us goodnight. Sometimes they even talk to each other. These are my kids and although I can't really cuddle with them and occasionally get bit, I love them all the same.

Hector, a 7 year old African Grey

Jasper, a 6 year old Blue-Fronted Amazon

Hector's favorite sayings:
See you later alligator.
Anybody home?
Hello.
Time to go night night.
Hey.
Night boys.
No bite.
Jasper.
Be good.
Hi boys.
Get in your cage.
Oh.
Shut up.
We'll be back.
What?
Booga booga.
Lots of different whistles.
Mimicking anything that makes noise: the telephone, microwave, birds outside, trucks backing up, phone dialing

Jasper's favorite sayings:

Hello.
Hi.
Hi Jasper.
Hi Hector.
What?
Are you okay?
What do you want?
Oh.
Watcha doin?
No bite.
Screams.

All clear

2007-08-19T16:31:00.000-05:00

Regarding my last post, it seems we are safe for now. Hopefully we'll stay that way. Hubby headed out on another business trip this week so I met a friend down at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to see their newest exhibits celebrating the opening of the new Bloch buildings. If you're in the KC area before September 9th, it's definitely worth checking out.

Welcome to my sewer

2007-08-15T06:20:00.000-05:00

Time for a rant. My house smells like sewer. It has since Saturday morning. After finally getting someone to come out on Monday afternoon it was decided that our 20 year old pipes are leaking sewer gas from their joints. Solution - put glue on them. Special pipe glue. We have done this. Twice. At night when we put on the glue, the smell is not so bad but that might be because we are high off of the glue. But during the night the sewer gas creeps up into the bedroom so it's the first thing I smell in the morning. Lovely.

I'm about ready to jump ship, or break down and cry, or start ripping black pipe out of my basement with my bare hands. Not sure just what yet but I am so sick of living in the sewer. I am not a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

Ravelry

2007-08-10T06:20:00.000-05:00

I got my Ravelry invite!! Not to brag for those that are patiently waiting...I waited too. Signed up on June 11th and got my invite on August 9th. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend! See you there!!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2007-07-21T22:39:00.001-05:00

I finished it. Started at 8:30 this morning, finished at 10:30 tonight. Several breaks in between to catch my breath and process. I wanted to know but I didn't want it to be over. I will reread this book a million times.

Happy Reading!

Yarny Goodness

2007-07-15T17:59:00.000-05:00

The Studio had their Christmas in July gumball sale today. See all of my yarny goodness! All of this totaled up to around $60. I got it for $6.50. How crazy and wonderful is that!! If you are in the KC area, stop by tomorrow as the sale continues. From 10-12 am you get an extra 15% off.

Here is what I bought:
Brittany size 8 needles (I like them because they look like wands)
Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton (probably for a Baby Bolero from One Skein)
Blue Sky Alpaca Alpaca/Silk blend (red and brown for the knitted bags in Last Minute Knitted Gifts)
Koigu KPPM (not sure what I'm going to do with this yet)

Beware of The Clap

2007-07-08T18:57:00.000-05:00

Am I crazy to think I can make Clapotis out of two skeins of Koigu?? 'Cause that's all I've got...

I've really been wanting to cast on for something new but haven't. It's been so hot here and that causes me to be really lazy. All I've done lately is read (I've finished all 6 Harry Potter books now) and look at blogs.

Today I did manage a pattern repeat on Branching Out. That puts me up to a whopping 17 repeats. I think I started it last fall. Someday I will actually finish the project.

Let me know what you think. I will probably have casted on for the Clap but I'd love to hear everyone's opinion.

It's raining, it's pouring

2007-06-30T14:46:00.000-05:00

And my stash is growing!

I've acquired a few new items over the last month. Take a peek.

A copy of Charmed Knits, Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, and Casts Off. Also, two skeins of Jaegger laceweight in a light blue and a skein of alpaca in purple.

It's been raining here for several days so I haven't ventured out much except for work. We did catch a Royals game last night while the rain stopped for the evening.

I finished HP Book 5 and started Book 6 this morning and am eagerly awaiting the 5th movie and 7th book in July. In the meantime I knitted a few rows on Branching Out that I started last year.

Home and Garden improvement

2007-06-23T17:04:00.001-05:00

Saturday the hubby and I went down to a really nice nursery near our house, Heartland Nursery. We picked up this bird bath that I had looked at previously when he was out of town.

We also found these cool glow in the dark garden decorations. I love how this one looks like a planet and this one looks like the man in the moon. They glow with solar light. It'll be interesting to see them glow as the already hot summer goes on. One of my favorite things about our house is that we can sit in the backyard on a summer's eve and just enjoy it. The duplex we rented previously was directly against the interstate and if you sat out back you got blown away by the wind and noise.

We've also been doing some small home improvements. See my new dining room chandelier. Much better than the old brass one. I like the pineapple motif.

There has been some knitting off and on. I'm trying to reread all of the Harry Potter books before book 7 comes out in July. I'm on book 5 and making headway to book 6.

I've been sorted, have you?

2007-06-17T19:26:00.000-05:00

The sorting hat says that I belong in Gryffindor!

Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those with brave deeds to their name."

Students of Gryffindor are typically brave, daring, and chivalrous.
Famous members include Harry, Ron, Hermione, Albus Dumbledore (head of Hogwarts), and Minerva McGonagall (head of Gryffindor).

Take the most scientific Harry Potter
Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

Home Sweet Home

2007-06-03T17:08:00.000-05:00

I know this was originally set up as a knitting blog and I do have a little bit of knitting content but I also have some house and flower pics I wanted to share. We have now lived in our house for a little over a month and while we haven't taken on any major projects, we've made a few small things happen.

Here's the house (I love my front porch!)

Here's the flower bed we put in a few weeks ago (the flowers aren't doing so hot yet.)

Here's the back deck

Here's some containers I planted

And last but not least, the one thing no Southern girl can live without on her front porch

My husband is leaving early tomorrow morning and will be gone until late Friday night on a business trip so I have a whole week to keep myself occupied at night. Other than having dinner with a friend, I think I will spend most nights getting back into my knitting. I bought some Zephyr yarn in a deep blue and am now searching for the perfect lace pattern to do. I've also been going back through last year's issues of IK with the lace articles trying to get ready and catching up on knitting podcasts. In the meantime I have picked up a pair of socks I started last year and am now on the foot after finishing the heel and gusset over Memorial Day weekend. Hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather!

Happy Birthday!

2007-05-18T05:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to me,
Today I turn Thir-ty,
AHHHHH!!!!!

Okay so I know in the whole scheme of life turning 30 isn't such a big deal. But right now, it feels like a really big deal. I'll get over it I know but man, it's a tough pill to swallow.

I haven't been blogging or knitting for a few months. Besides getting older we bought our first house and I've been working like crazy. But I have been keeping up with knitting blogs and trying to catch up on knitting podcasts.

I'm starting to get the itch to knit socks again. And I just learned about the new Harry Potter themed knitting book so I am definately going to check that out. Hopefully I will have something knitting related to blog about soon.

MIA

2007-02-10T14:47:00.000-06:00

So I've been MIA for the better part of this year. First there was bad weather, then the belated honeymoon to Disney World (only took us a little over two years), my collapse into the World of Warcraft, then more bad weather. And the job. My boss got promoted and then I got a new boss and then I got a lot more responsibility. I haven't technically been given a promotion yet but they left it dangling like a carrot. If I do well over the next few months hopefully I will be the next to get promoted.

So for now I am not knitting, not blogging, playing too much WOW and working a lot. Hopefully I'll get back into knitting this Spring. Oh yea, when I'm not trying to buy a house. I got my Spring IK and it was inspiring although I'm not sure I like the new format.

So for those few readers I have, I am gone but have not forgotten. I will return when life is a little less crazy.

New Year, New Me

2007-01-06T08:24:00.000-06:00

Be forewarned, no knitting content.

I'm fat. I've been fat for a long time. I'm tired of it. I've been tired of it for a long time. I have managed to lose 15 lbs. since June just by switching some of my diabetic medicine. I'm ready to lose more. I don't belong to a gym because I always end up going strong for a month and then fall off the wagon. I usually walk for my exercise. When I saw that Rachael at yarn-a-go-go started the Run-a-go-go challenge, I thought what a nice way to get some exercise back in my life. I signed up this morning. While I don't forsee me logging any miles today, I'll be starting to walk again. 100 miles seems like a lot but I think if I break it down, I can manage.

Wish me luck!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T21:22:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2006-12-24T10:47:00.000-06:00

I finished my Christmas knitting. I didn't knit much this year, just a few hats, a pair of socks and some dishcloths. Last year I gave everyone handknitted scarves and it didn't seem like they were appreciated much so I thought this year I wouldn't stress out over it.

Last weekend we traveled to Arkansas to have Christmas with my family. Tonight we have Christmas with DH's dad and then tomorrow it's over to his mom's side of the family. The joy of divorced parents. We have to make plans to see four sets of people. I hope I don't ever have to worry about that in my future. One of the reasons my DH and I dated four years before getting married is because we didn't want to make sure we were sure we wanted to be together.

On to the pics!

The London Beanies

Mom's socks

Plush hat

Long time, no posting

2006-12-20T22:01:00.000-06:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted last. I kept meaning too but kept putting it off. First there was snow, quite a bit of it. Then there was sickness in the house. Now it's the beginning of the Christmas season which involves traveling.

My parents live 6 hours from us and last weekend was our trip home. Then when we came back, DH had to travel to El Paso for work. He was scheduled to come home tonight but since Denver airport closed due to the blizzard, he got pushed out until tomorrow. He's been gone since Monday morning and the boys and I are really starting to miss him.

There has been some knitting, mostly London Beanies and dishcloths as gifts. I'll try to post some pics up over the weekend. After the holidays I need to find something that really motivates me. I'd like to try something new like Fair Isle or Entrelac. I'll have to see how that goes.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T09:40:00.000-06:00

I have just a few minutes before the mad rush begins. DH is still in bed but when he gets up we will begin warming up and cooking everything we stayed up late last night getting ready. The in-laws will be here at Noon. (Actually they will show up at 11 and if I hadn't protested, would probably be here now as I type in my nightgown.)

Once we feed in-law group one we are off to in-law group two's house for dinner. I still have a few things I need to clean up around here but I just wanted to wish everything a very Happy Thanksgiving. And to my Canadian friends, where should we send the leftover turkey?

Knitting podcasts

2006-11-18T13:47:00.000-06:00

Not much knitting has gotten done lately. I am still workng on the Purl scarf, but that's about it. Instead I have been catching up on some knitting podcasts. I listened to the first few episodes of It's a Purl, Man but then quit but I've gone back and am catching up on the episodes. I've also been listening to some new podcasts, Sleepy Eye Knits, Sticks & String, purl diving, and The Knitting Cook.

I must say that I am really enjoying Sticks & String. David hosts a great podcast and I love that Australian accent.

I must confess that I am a little starstruck. Stephanie aka The Yarn Harlot left a comment on my last post. I love all of her books and blog. I hope that someday I will be able to meet her in person, I hear she's a great speaker.

Another reason my knitting is lax is that I (finally!) got to plan a vacation/belated honeymoon. My husband and I were married a little over two years ago but he was in school and then got a new job so we never got to go on a honeymoon. In January we are headed to Disney World for 3 nights. I am very excited!!

How Fetching!

2006-11-12T17:13:00.000-06:00

I jumped on the bandwagon and knit up a pair of Fetching fingerless gloves.

Yarn: Cashsoft DK in a choclately brown
Needles: 7 Bamboo DPNs
This were a quick and fun knit. I really liked the yarn. I had some issues picking up stitches for the thumb holes but other than that, I really like these.

I also knit up a quick little hat in Plush. It's really soft and a really quick knit on a 10.5 16" circular needle. I just cast on 64 stitches and knit for 5" and then decreased every other round on the 8 stitch. (This is kind of stolen from the Yarn Harlot's generic hat in The Knitting Rules.)

Tonight I started on the Purl scarf from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. I keep checking this book out of the library, I just need to break down and buy it already. The yarn is really more teal than the picture shows. It is a combination of Malabrigo and Fusion knit on size 15 needles. I think it will be a quick knit that I will work on here and there.

I've also made a little progress on Branching Out. I think I'm up to 6 pattern repeats. It doesn't get worked on very often since I have to concentrate on it.

Yarn Crack

2006-11-05T16:27:00.000-06:00

I had made myself a little secret promise that if I finished my Dublin Bay socks for Socktoberfest, I would treat myself to some Koigu. One of the LYS in town had a mini fiber festival today so I headed down for a little bit. I got to see spinning for the first time. There were four ladies spinning on various wheels. It was interesting to watch. For months now I've been hearing and reading about spinning on blogs and podcasts. It was nice to actually see it for real. Now I would like to see someone use a drop spindle.

On to the yarn pron. I bought my first ~~crack~~ Koigu today. I have drooled over this yarn for months and now I finally have some!

I bought two skeins in color P609 84. It is a lovely bluish purply pinky colorway. And so soft!!! Yummy Yummy! I have no idea what I am going to make with it but I know I will wait until I find an absolutely perfect project. Until then, the yarn will be petted.

I also received my Winter IK on Friday. Although the pictures are lovely, I really didn't see any projects that I will knit up. They all seem to be on the smaller side and as I am not a small woman, they don't appeal to me too much.

Finito!

2006-10-31T22:05:00.000-06:00

The Dublin Bay, they are finished!

Pattern: Dublin Bay Socks
Yarn: Opal 5004
Needles: Crystal Palace Bamboo Size #2

The Dublin Bay socks are my third pair of knitted socks. My goal was to finish them in the month of October for Socktoberfest. I started them the last part of September and completed them at 10pm CST on October 31st (just in time!)

This was my first time to use Opal and while I really like the colorway, I found the yarn a bit scratchy. I really liked the Crystal Palace needles, they were very smooth and good for knitting socks.

A little about me

2006-10-29T14:35:00.000-06:00

Trying to procrastinate the knitting subject by filling out a meme going around the blogs. Desperately trying to finish the Dublin Bays by Wednesday. Cross your fingers.

1. FIRST NAME? Sara but I go by middle name, Beth.

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No. Mom wanted to name me Sara Elizabeth but my dad said no so I became Sara Beth. I was called Beth instead of Sara because my dad thought I would get nicknamed Sally if I went by Sara.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? I can't exactly remember but I bet I have cried at least once in the last month.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No. Most people can't read it and often get my 9s and 4s mixed up.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? I like Virginia Ham.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes. I would love to have someone with my common interests as my friend.

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Just the blog. I've tried journaling in the past and am not good at keeping up with it.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yep.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Special K Vanilla Almond and Golden Grahams, it's a toss up.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Not if I can help it.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I am a very strong woman emotionally and physically. I'm not a small gal.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint Choclate Chip.

14. SHOE SIZE? 9.5/10.

15. RED OR PINK? Red. I really have never liked pink but I've grown to like it a little more in my old age.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I can be mean.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom. I live 6 hours away and only get to see her about 5 times a year.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No, just having it on the blog is enough.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue jeans, green t-shirt, and no shoes.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? A bowl of chicken tortilla soup. YUM!

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seatle Seahawks.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Cornflower blue.

23. FAVORITE SMELL? When it first starts to rain.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My husband.

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes and Intelligence.

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON YOU STOLE TIHS FROM? I've seen it on several blogs but finally got it from Domestic Bliss. I really enjoyed her answers.

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Minute Maid Berry Punch and a mixed drink I made up from Pineapple juice, Peach schnapps, Grenadine, and coconut rum.

28. FAVORITE SPORT? I'm not very athletic but I like to watch football.

29. EYE COLOR? Blue.

30. HAT SIZE? Good question. I'm mostly a one size fits all kind of girl.

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, I quit wearing them due to allergies.

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Chocolate.

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings. I'm a sucker for a good chick flick.

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter, I don't like the heat.

36. HUGS OR KISSES? I'm not really a touchy feely kind of person but if I had to choose, I'd say hugs.

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake.

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No idea.

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No idea.

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Wendy Knits and The Knitting Rules (again.)

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mousepad, I use a laptop.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? The ocean and the woods.

44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? The Beatles.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Moscow.

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? So far knitting is the only thing I am halfway good. I do have a great sense of direction though.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Little Rock, Arkansas.

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I got it from Domestic Bliss.

Well it ain't Rheinbeck...

2006-10-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

but my LYS did have it's Fall sale this weekend. I picked up a few things.

The Stone Cotton in the middle was only $1 each so I thought they would be great for dishcloths. I'm also planning on using the variegated Flash for a dishcloth too. The Brittany needles were half off. They mostly had size 4 and 5 so I picked up a pair of 5s. I love the ornamentation at the top. They feel fancy. I'm going to attempt to make some fingerless gloves with the Lily Chin Grammercy. I've never used Lily Chin before so that'll be a new one to try. Last but not least, Reynolds Whiskey. I just love the name! I bought a purple skein and a yellowish green skein. Something about the yellowish green called to me for a hat. If I can pull that off, I will make my mom one out of the purple. Or maybe a Misty Garden scarf. Not sure yet.

I'm looking forward to blog reading all week as I am sure many of my favorites made it out to Rheinbeck and will have lots of yarn pron for me to drool over. Someday, I will have some Socks that Rock, someday. A girl can only dream!

New Toys!

2006-10-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

And we are back! I purchased a new Gateway laptop this week so I am back to blogging.

I have been knitting as well. Socktoberfest is well under way and I finished my first Dublin Bay sock today. My goal is to finish this pair of socks this month. I've never knit one pair in a month's time. I really like how the Opal colorway has turned out for this sock and the detail on the lace pattern looks pretty good too. I am actually going to cast on for sock #2 today and am going to try and make them match.

I ordered some sock yarn and circs from Knit Picks a few weeks ago and am just now getting around to posting it. I am really looking forward to trying out Gloss. I really like the Pumpkin colorway. I also picked up a couple of skeins of Essential Solid in Grass and Essential Tweed in Plum. All for socks of course!

Speaking of Pumpkins, here's my little felted pumpkin. I should have taken progress pics but forgot. I have enough yarn to make another so if I get around to it, I will take more pics. I still need to stuff it and sew the top on, but I think it is so cute!

Blogger photos MIA

2006-10-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

So, I was just looking through some of my archived posts and several of my pics are missing. Has anyone else had this problem? Do I just need to reupload them?

Whta's hers is hers, what's his is hers

2006-10-07T10:37:00.000-05:00

It's offical, the Compaq died. So, I have *borrowed* DH's laptop for the time being. He assures me this is a temporary situation and that I must acquire my own in the near future. The good news is, the hard drive did not die so we were able to recover everything including our many pics and tons of knitting patterns I had downloaded.

On to the knitting! It's a little late, but here's my Socktoberfest Week 1 post.

* When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
After reading many many blog posts about socks, I decided to give them a shot in March 2006. I got a free pattern off of the internet, bought some very colorful yarn and started knitting. It took me several months to finish the first pair with the help of my knitting teacher.

* What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My first pair was knit from a basic in the round, two by two rib leg with stockinette foot in Schachenmayr Crazy Cotton color 89. They have held up great considering I've only worn them around the house about 4 times.

* What would you have done differently?
Other than pick something besides 100% cotton, not much. They were a great beginner sock and the bright colors kept me interested.

* What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
Now that I'm more into knitting socks, I have started a sock stash. I am currently knitting with Opal and enjoy it. I made my mom a pair of socks in Sockotta and it was okay but not my favorite. I am dying to try some Koigu and Lorna's Laces.

* Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
So far, I'm torn between dpns, and 2 circs. I started on dpns but took a class this summer on 2 circs. I think I will probably continue to knit both ways. As for Magic Loop, I haven't tried this yet and I don't know if I will.

* Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
So far, all of the socks I have made have flap heels. I'd like to try short-row though.

* How many pairs have you made?
I am currently working on my third pair of socks, the Dublin Bay pattern.

Crash!

2006-10-03T21:17:00.000-05:00

Methinks the Compaq has died. It is 5 years old this month, which is pretty old for a laptop I guess. DH has taken it apart and is trying to see if he can get things off of the hard drive.

On the knitting front, I have got the first Dublin Bay sock down to the foot. I also made a small felted pumpkin from Knitty.com. Pics to come later.

Socktoberfest

2006-09-17T19:15:00.000-05:00

I signed up for Socktoberfest. I am still working on the Dublin Bay socks (which I probably won't finish before October.) I also am thinking about making a pair of socks for DH. Then again, I might start some Jaywalkers for me.

Knitting for Recovery

2006-09-10T17:22:00.000-05:00

I am starting to deal with the whole MIL next door thing. In all fairness, we are renters and were planning on buying a house after the first of the year. So I don't see us being neighbors for more than 6 months. (Do you see me trying to be optimistic here? I have to be or I will be divorced very soon.)

I still am not comfortable with the whole thing but I have been knitting and trying to deal with it anyway. If I had lemons, I'd be swimming in a pool of lemonade. Thanks life.

Enough bitchin', On to the Knittin'!

I finished the socks for my mom. This was my first pair on circs. I am pleased with them. I still need to work on picking up stitches for the gussest, but other than that, I think I'm getting better.

I started the Dublin Bay Socks with my skein of Opal on size 2 Crystal Palace Bamboos. I really like it so far, I'm two repeats in. These socks are for me! I finally am knitting something I really want. I've been dying to get these started so I cast on almost immediately after finishing mom's socks. Isn't the green yarn pretty!

I cast on for Branching Out as well. I picked up the Elsebeth Lavold Wednesday night at our first knitting group. This is just the first pattern repeat. I think this project will take me a while. It is my first lace and I'm having a hard time keeping up with where I am in the pattern.

My wonderful One Skein Secret Pal, Emma, sent me the fabulous goodies below for the last month of the swap. I think the bag is super cute and I love the lining.

What have I done to deserve this?

2006-09-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

My MIL has bought the duplex across the street.

You can breathe now. Or laugh for 5 minutes straight (my own mother's reaction.) Surely I am being punished. She moves in at the end of the month. Must knit to avoid another panic attack. Will post more later.

Hairballs and FOs

2006-09-04T16:57:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it?? I'm actually posting FOs (More than 1)!

First we have the Rimini Rainbow scarf. I frogged this 3 times before I actually knit a width and length I like. It's still not great but I can live with it.

Here's a pic of the MO dishcloth I made. I couldn't get a pic that showed the pattern well.

Sophie and her hairball. Sophie has been finished for a few months but I finally got around to felting her last week and it was a major disaster. I put her in a pillow case and folded it over thinking it would be okay. I also threw a rag rug from Crate and Barrel in the wash. Needless to say, Sophie escaped her case and the Crate and Barrel rug attached as much of itself as it could to Sophie. I hid her in the laundry room for a week until I finally had time to defuzz. I am fairly pleased with the results. If I knit Sophie again, she will be much larger.

I also finished the Reynolds Tweed hat. I am going to send it to my One Skein Secret Pal (um, I sorta missed that whole August deadline thing.)

In other news, I survived the family reunion. I found out I have a new cousin, he was four months old on Saturday. My knitting group is getting back together starting this Wednesday (halleleuah!) so I will have one night away from my husband.

Hope everyone had a great Labor day weekend! P.S. I am SO ready for fall!!

Roadtrip

2006-08-31T20:51:00.000-05:00

Taking a little roadtrip to see the fam this weekend. Actually I'm going to a family reunion on my father's side. My mother says it should be illegal for that many West's to be in one place at one time. Did I mention they have been divorced since I was 4??

My dad has 12 or 13 siblings, I can never keep track. A couple have passed on and now they are all starting to get older so it's time for another reunion. I'm going alone; I think my husband is afraid they'll string him up for being a "Damn Yankee." I don't mind so much, we've been getting on each other's nerves lately so a little break will be a nice. Although, I can't knit when I drive by myself so that kind of stinks.

I'm trying to design my first pattern. Keep your fingers crossed. I'll keep you posted on the progress. Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

I knit therefore I am

2006-08-27T09:17:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I didn't knit a lot but at least I got back into the groove. I made my DH a couple of dishcloths, Grandma's favorite and a Missouri one.

I decided to attend a local knitting group that I had seen posted a few times on Knitter's Review forums in a town a little north of me. I popped into the Starbucks there and there were 2 knitters already present (Hi Holly!.) They made me feel very welcome and it was really nice to knit with someone again and be able to just hang our and knitspeak for a couple of hours. The group usually meets every other Thursday night but won't meet for another month due to vacation plans. I am definately going to try and go again. No word yet on if my other knitting group is going to reconvene after Labor Day.

Thursday night I was able to finish up the leg of my second sock on circs and have begun the heel flap. Once again, my socks don't match. (he he) They are a gift for my mom so I hope she doesn't care that much.

I still have yet to finish my OSSP knitted item. It was supposed to be there by the end of August; I have a feeling I am going to miss that deadline. I never heard if she even received my second package so I doubt she's waiting by the door for the third. I haven't joined any more swaps and I'm not sure if I will. I liked this one, but I just don't have time to knit as much as some others so I feel bad when I can't make a deadline.

No Knitting in Progress

2006-08-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

I haven't been knitting. It's too hot, I'm too tired. I hope to knit again soon. I need to finish something. Hopefully I will post a FO in the near future.

Warning - Picture heavy post

2006-08-06T17:18:00.000-05:00

What have I been doing this week? Some knitting, some shopping, and making stitch markers.

A couple of years ago I jumped on the beading bandwagon. I made several things but since I'm not a big jewelery wearer, they just kind of sat around my house. After seeing a lot of cute stitch markers on knitting blogs, I thought, hey, I can do that! So I broke out the ol' bead stash and set to work. I had never wrapped wire before because believe it or not, I am a 29 yo woman without pierced ears and had never made earrings before. My first wire wrapping is not great as you can see (or not with the crappy pics) with the purple stitch markers but by the time I got to the blue ones, I think I got better.

Purple Stitch markers

Blue Heart Stitch markers

Blue Stitch markers

I still have castonitis as well. I have continued to make progress on the second sock for my mom on the circs but have also started some socks for me on my new Crystal Palace Bamboo needles size 2.

As well as a hat for me...

And a scarf. I ripped the scarf out and redid it bc I swear that the pattern was only for 1 skein but was much longer. I think I am still casting on too many stitches or using too large of needles so I think it will be frogged again in the near future.

Since it has been over 100 degrees F here everyday, I have also managed to clean out my makeup drawer (some of that stuff has been in there since college I think) and do a little shopping during our tax free weekend. Wouldn't you know that the AC at the mall was on the fritz and everyone around here has been hot tempered including DH and myself. I can't wait for cool weather. I'm dreaming of sweaters and wool socks.

The Luckiest Girl in the World

2006-07-29T15:29:00.000-05:00

Okay, maybe not the world but I'm having a pretty good weekend so far. I came home yesterday to find my Fall IK in the mail. Today in the mail I received my yarn from my One Skein Secret Pal, who is totally awesome by the way. If I knew who she was, I would send her something awesome back. I hope she is enjoying the swap as much as I am. I also hope my secret pal is as well. I haven't heard if she has received the July package I sent her yet. I was a little nervous about my first swap, but I am really enjoying it.

Here's the awesome sock yarn my OSSP sent me. It's from Ruby Sapphire Yarns, Jade Sock Yarn in colorway Emma. 440 yds of 100% superwash wool. I absolutely love it! It has pinks, purples, blues, greens, and golds in it. I can't wait to try it out, these socks will most definately be for me! (Also love the sock form keychain!!)

On a sock note, I have finished the first sock on circs and yes, have cast on the second one.

I discovered a new podcast this week, Lime & Violet. I think these chics rock! You should definately check them out.

Just a little update

2006-07-23T20:38:00.000-05:00

I'm knitting on the foot on the circ socks. I put it on and yes there are some lovely holes on one side where I picked up the stitches; I'll have to go back and fix that later.

My Trekking XXL I won on ebay arrived while my DH was on a business trip. DH made it home fine very late Friday night, although his plane was two hours late, his first business trip went well.

I need to get started on my One Skein Secret Pal project for August as well as my Think Pink scarf that is due in September. This Wednesday night is my last socks on 2 circs class so I may put sock #2 on hold so I can slip those scarves on and (hopefully!) off the needles in time.

No word from my One Skein Secret Pal yet on if she got her July package. I really hope she likes it. I did hear from my secret pal that my package is in the mail. I love getting yarn in the mail!

Yarn Crawl

2006-07-21T08:53:00.000-05:00

While the cats away, the mice will play! Actually, my DH is away on a business trip in Dallas and I took a few days off of work to relax. Yesterday I did a little yarn crawl around the KC area. First I headed down to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum and enjoyed a nice stroll through the museum.

Then it was up to Urban Arts & Crafts in the River Market district where I enjoyed perusing through their stock of crafting supplies. Stamping, scrapbooking, beading, knitting, I've done them all. I picked up a ball of Rimini Rainbow and Harvest Tweed. They had a lot of great samples and I think I will make a hat from the Rainbow and a had from the Tweed. I also picked up a great pattern for a Chain Link Cabled Scarf that I will try later on down the road.

My next stop was at The Studio off of the Country Club Plaza. I had to drive by a couple of times before I found the place, but it was well worth it. It is the only yarn store that I've been to in the area that carries the elusive Koigu! I managed to not buy any at this time, I want to get better at sock knitting before I spend so much on the yarn. I did pick up some Opal sock yarn and a skein of mohair that I hope to pair with my Malabrigo purchased in St. Louis to make a scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

Last but not least I met up with my friend Susan for dinner. We used to work together and don't get to see each other that often. We try to have dinner every few months and we just sit and talk for hours. After I got home, my DH called me before bed. I realized how much I miss him (this is his first business trip.) It was the perfect end to a great day.

Today we are being blessed with some much needed rain and cooler temps. It's been in the hundreds all week! I had planned to take a friend and head out to the Yarn Barn in Lawrence but we've decided to stay in town and see The Devil Wears Prada, have some lunch, and go shopping.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Yarn Pron and some updates

2006-07-16T13:42:00.000-05:00

I went on a yarn buying spree this week. I picked up two skeins of Regia surf sock yarn from Simply Socks Yarn Company. Great store, got the package in the mail very quickly. I think my husband is starting to suspect something. Packages of yarn are now arriving at our house on a regular basis and he is asking questions. I also won my first skein of Trekking XXL on ebay this week. It should get here in the next week or so. Now that I'm hearing about all of these great sock yarns, I'm trying to try them all.

While at my knitting class on Wednesday I picked up some more yarn. A skein of Morehouse Farms Merino in pink to knit a scarf for The Think Pink Challenge. After reading their book I've been dying to try out the yarn. Now I wonder if I can figure out which sheep it came from in the pics in the book...

I also picked up a skein of merino wook in DK weight variegated pinks/purples for my One Skein Secret Pal. Without giving out TMI, she lives in California and I live in the Midwest. Do you know how freaking hard it is to figure out what to buy someone whose climate does not have the craziness that yours does? This weekend it is around 100 degrees here and in 5 months it will be around 20 degrees. I can use any yarn at some point during the year. Don't know if that is the same in Cali.

An update on the socks on circs. Here they are, on the gusset rounds. I really liked knitting the leg part of the sock on the circs but am not crazy about the heel and gusset portion on the circs. For some reason I like having the instep all on one needle and on the circs it is split between the two. I also had a horrible time picking up stiches on one side. I frogged it a couple of times and then gave up and kept going. They are holey on one side but I figure I can take some yarn and patch them up in the end. Nothing like a desire for mediocrity to keep you going.

I've also knit a few more rounds on the Irish Hiking Scarf. I really like it and everyone who has seen it has been impressed even though I tell them it's really easy. Note to self: cables make you appear an accomplished knitter even if you aren't.

Blog addict

2006-07-15T18:18:00.000-05:00

It seems like I spent a lot of time looking at knitting blogs instead of actually knitting. I had heard of Bloglines but didn't really understand why it would be useful to me. I subscribed today after going to numerous blogs I had bookmarked only to see that they hadn't been updated in a while. Now with Bloglines I can easily and quickly go to new posts instead of wasting time navigating to a lot of blogs that haven't been updated.

One of the best things about Bloglines was that when I subscribed to my own blog, I saw that I already had 4 subscribers. I was so excited! I had turned on my rss feed a few months ago after reading a post on the Knitter's Review forum but I never really expected anyone to be subscribed. Today I added a button that will send you to my subscription page.

Thank you to my 4 subscribers, you have made my day!

Sock it to me

2006-07-09T14:25:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday was the first night of my socks on 2 circs class. It went pretty well. I learned a new cast-on, the cable cast-on. It was slippery as hell on the Addis! After I got my cast-on done then I crossed over some stitches to get the whole thing started which confused me. I've been doing pretty good with the leg so far. It's actually pretty easy once you get the hang of it. I'm just doing good ol' 2x2 ribbing so it's not complicated. Here's my progress so far.

I also started a new scarf this week. I've been wanting to make something with cables for a while now so I started the Irish Hiking Scarf. I really like how it's going so far. I think I twisted the stiches on the middle cable in the beginning but I've decided I'm not going to frog it. I think it gives it character!

Last but not least, I ran out and picked up a ball winder on Tuesday. Having a swift and no winder was killing me. Here's the first ball I've wound into a beautiful little yarn cake!

Yarn Swiftiness

2006-07-04T19:04:00.000-05:00

I made a yarn swift!! Actually, my husband helped a little :-).

I have been wanting a yarn swift and ball winder for a while now. I tend to buy yarn and not use it right away and then I need to wind it. I've tried hand winding yarn and it was disasterous (see previous posts.)

Last Sunday I found this post by Bronte at Confessions of a Graveyard Gypsy. Knitting Badger made her a yarn swift from these directions. I thought, hey, I can do that! So that was our 4th of July project. It's not very pretty, but it seems functional. You can see it's a little off balanced from the pic but we are going to pick up another washer and wing nut for the top to try and sturdy it up a little.

Now all I need is a ballwinder! he he he

Knitting Loneliness

2006-07-01T18:45:00.000-05:00

I have cast on for several new projects over the last week, but I can't seem to stick to knitting anything for very long. I really miss my knitting group. It seems that without someone to share the knitting with, it's just not as much fun. I guess knitting for me is a social thing as well as a hobby. It seems like I spent an immense amount of time reading blogs and listening to podcasts about knitting instead of actually knitting. I think it's because it gives me a connection to the knitting community that I don't feel like I have right now. I am supposed to start a new sock class this Wednesday (if it doesn't get cancelled again.) I am hoping this will relieve some of my loneliness.

Here's some pics of my newest projects.

I started my first shawl. It's a pattern from the Knitting To Go pack. The yarn is Plymouth Encore. I like it okay but I think the shawl would have been better in the yarn it called for which was Cascade organic but my LYS suggested this.

I posted before about wanting to try lace and found a link to this page on lace in the Knitter's Review forums. The Essentials of Knitted Lace. I read through it and started a couple of scarves in the Feather & Fan pattern. I really like it and it's not as difficult as I thought it would be. But I'm not using lace weight yarn yet.

This is Artful Yarns Serenade. It's a 70/30 cotton/angora blend. It's been shedding a little so it's kind of like having my own bunny without all of the poop.

I just started this second scarf and haven't started the lace portion yet. It's in Classic Elite's Imagine which my LYS had on sale since it has been discontinued. Normally I'm not a pink girl, but I really like this yarn.

Last but not least, one very happy thing happened this week. I finally received my first books from Crafter's Choice. I have now officially started my knitting library. Most of this morning was spent looking through The Knitting Answer book. I can't wait to start working with all of them. There are some great patterns in Scarf Style and Oneskein. I'm dying to make some socks out of Sensational Knitted Socks. And I've heard nothing but good things about Morehouse Farm Merino Knits (which I perused last night looking at all of the sheep pics.)

Some like it hot

2006-06-25T14:08:00.000-05:00

Personally, I can't stand it. It's been so hot here in the Midwest that I just have no desire to do anything including knit. I did get some knitting done yesterday afternoon however during a brief rain shower. I finally finished knitting Sophie. It was my first i-cord experience so I think it could have been better. Here's a pic before felting.

I also knitted another watering can dishcloth. It's such a quick and easy knit. I spend a lot of time reading knitting books and blogs and felt ashamed of my lack of knitting so I cast on this week and finished it up.

I've been looking through knitting books, blogs, and listening to a lot of knitting podcasts lately. I have come to the conclusion that to feel like a real knitter, I knit to make something more complex, more substantial, than washcloths, scarves, and hats. I have decided I want to make a shawl. I have a couple of patterns I really like, one is lace, the Perfect Pie Shawl in Weekend Knitting. I need to decide if I want to try the lace first or the other pattern from Knitting To Go. Of course this means a trip to the LYS to get some yarn either way. It seems like everyone is knitting lace this summer so I thought about getting on the bandwagon but at the same time, I'm afraid it might be too advanced for me right now and I really don't have someone to help me if I get stuck (I'm a visual person so I need a warm body to actually show me how something is done.) I'm also in dire need of a ballwinder (see previous posts for ballwinding disaster at home.) Our knitting group will hopefully start back up after Labor Day, I might wait to start the lace shawl then.

Ain't Nuthin' But a G-thing baby!

2006-06-18T20:45:00.000-05:00

Graduation that is. My husband (finally!) had his graduation this week. My mom came up for the ceremony and spent the weekend with us. Alas, I got very little knitting done. I was sad when she left to today so I partook in some retail therapy. Picked up some new summer skirts in hot pink and bright blue. I am working on the I-cord straps for Sophie and then it's all over but the felting. Hopefully I'll have something new to post next weekend.

One interesting thing did happen on Friday morning. There were 3 young raccoons out in the yard. This is very odd because I live in the suburbs. We have a small wooded area nearby and have seen baby deer once but that's all. I managed to snap a few pics before they left the area.

More Yarn

2006-06-09T20:53:00.000-05:00

Has anyone else noticed lately that I post more pics of yarn I've bought than FOs?? Here's today's purchase (it is payday and was on sale so it is justified.)

2nd Time Cotton. A recycled cotton acrylic blend. 180 yards to the skein. And very soft I might add.

But just to show I am trying to do something, here's a pic of Sophie. She is almost done. I just need to knit the icord handles. Haven't done icord before so it's been a bit tricky.

Monday is my first socks on circs class so hopefully I'll start knitting more. I need to finish my homework swatch by then anyway.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Is this Love that I'm feeling...

2006-06-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

Is this the love that I've been searching for?

I came home today to 2, count them, 2 knitting packages. I was so excited.

The first is from my One Skein Secret Pal. Andes wool in a red, orange, yellow colorway. It is gorgeous and awesome! I now have wool from Chile and Uruguay. You don't know how much this excites the geographer in me. She also sent me a great card that I loved too. Someday I might even eat mangoes naked! Thank you Secret Pal! I am so glad that I made One Skein my first swap.

Alas I have yet to mail out my skein to my secret pal. I have picked it up but also wanted to put something a little extra in it and I'm waiting for that to arrive. Hopefully she won't be too upset that it doesn't come the first week of June but probably the second week.

What was in the second package you ask? Well let me tell you darling. It was my first sock yarn from Knit Picks. I ordered it last week because I really wanted to make some more socks and it was on sale. I'd heard great things about Knit Picks so I ordered 2 skeins of Knit Picks Dancing in Ballet and Simple Stripes in Sunset. Just in time for the socks on two circs class!

Regardless to say, it has been a happy Monday. Hope everyone else out there is having such a wonderful day.

Knitting Shock

2006-05-31T20:21:00.000-05:00

I am in knitting shock. I mentioned in a previous post that my knitting group has taken a summer hiatus. I was sad about this but have moved on dreaming about the wonderful things I will make in the fall when we reconvene. There are a few other LYS in the area and I thought it might be fun to take a class at one of them since they offer a lot of project oriented classes and my knitting group was more of a "do what you want with teacher's help" kind of thing. So I found a class that looked interesting to me, Socks on Two Circs, and went to sign up this afternoon. The class was advertised at $35 plus supplies. So I'm thinking I need to buy the circs and I already have some sock yarn laying around, I'll spend $50 or so. Wrong!! I endend up spending much more because there was also a required pattern book for the class and the circs were expensive from the shop. It was almost double what I expected for it all.

I think it was such a shock because I have been spoiled in knitting so far. I have kept to small projects requiring no more than a skein or two of yarn and using the same bamboo needles for most projects. I just don't buy expensive yarns or accessories. My husband was unemployed until two weeks ago so I kept my knitting purchases in check.

The whole way home I kept telling myself that the cost would be justified because I could use the needles for years to come (they are my first Addi turbos!) and the skills I learn in the class will be worth it. The pattern book...not so sure that one isn't going to end up on ebay in a month.