Yearns For Yarn

Life Happens - Knitting Happens - But Not Blogging

2009-09-20T15:22:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's been almost 4 months since I last blogged. But there is work, mowing the yard, doing the dishes, etc...you know...LIFE.

I have been knitting...
I just finished the Meringue Zig Zag Scarf (knit in Knit Picks Parade, not Meringue), I'm on the second sock of the Knit One,Crochet Too 3X1 Rib socks, I finished one of the two dishcloths (Chinese Wave) I mentioned in the previous post, and I've knit two Hermione's Cable & Eyelet Hats (the one shown has been given to my niece for her birthday and the other is for Mandy - Mandy's is grey) both are knit in some Caron Sport I've had for so many years I can't give an exact time. I'm knitting two more of these hats (I love this pattern) - one for myself and one for one of Mandy's friends. They are both in Caron Sport too - mine is green and Leah's is "thunder blue".

I haven't finished the petal tam yet, but I'll get it back out soon and finish it up. I've started another scarf in some brown Caron Sport - it's called the Double Moss Stitch Scarf in the new issue of Fons and Porter's Love of Knitting. I knit and gave a baby hat (along with the blanket to Mandy's friend who is due any day now) I forgot to take a picture of; but there is a woman at work who is having a baby sometime in February and I think I will knit the same hat for her, so you may see it after all.

I've joined a local gym through work (they got us a nice discount on membership). I'm doing a water aerobics class twice a week and am trying to work myself up to going in for some additional cardio work outs (falling miserably at that right now).

Both kids are good. C. J. is working and Mandy is back at college (and working too) - year 2! She did so well last year - Dean's List both semesters.

Well, I think I've got everything up to date. Happy Knitting!

PROOF

2009-06-06T12:26:00.006-05:00

...that I haven't forgotten how to knit socks. I started this pair in late December or early January and got to the toe decreases on the first sock and put it down. It has been staring at me from the footstool since then, wanting to be finished. So, I finished it (and its mate). But I have to admit when I was starting the kitchner on the first toe I had to question myself about remembering the steps. This is Cascade 220 Superwash in a pretty heathery green/blue, 40 stitches on US 2 dpns.

These and this are also PROOF that I DO finish what I start.

A dishcloth started - I have no idea anymore. Lovely lace diamond pattern...can't wait to use it.

I am also working on finishing a couple more dishcloths I started about the same time I started this one.

The Tam is close to done and the Mead Scarf has grown some too.

Have a great weekend! Happy Knitting!!

Twofer

2009-05-23T22:36:00.008-05:00

Two posts in the same month and within a week of each other...it must be a miracle.

Last year sometime (and I'm just guessing here) between January and March, I started a scarf that I never blogged about. I decided to work on a UFO today and pulled this out of the basket (it's really a plastic container). I'm using a sock yarn I bought at a local wool festival many years ago. No ballband, I just know that it is 100% Merino Wool that needs to be hand washed. I'm using a US 4 Addi Turbo. This is the Mead Scarf by Elizabeth Morrison (linked to Ravelry). I put a couple more repeats on it today, so it's growing!

I did a count today; I have 24 UFOs. I must work on this.

I also started a hat this week. This pattern can be found in the Fons and Porter Love of Knitting Summer 2009 magazine. The Petal Tam: Trekking XXL (I lost the ballband so I don't know the color #), on US 2 needle. I have started this yarn in about 4 or 5 sock patterns over the last few years and never liked any of them, I think it's making a very pretty "tam".

I hope everyone is having a safe and fun holiday weekend. I love that I still have two more days off!!!! Happy Knitting!

Oh, Well.....

2009-05-16T11:51:00.008-05:00

It seems I blog even less than I knit these days, and that's saying a lot.

Last month, on Mandy's birthday, Monica's family and mine finally had our Christmas. Monica gave me some beautiful Fleece Artist and Knit One Crochet Too sock yarn. Love the colors!!

I did finish the baby blanket - well, except for the border. Mandy did find out that her friend is having a baby girl, so I will need to see what girly color yarn I have in my stash that will go with the yarn I've used. I think it turned out quite nice.

I also started a shawl for myself. I have 7 skeins of Patons Rumor in color 9742-Moonstone. It looks like stained glass and has alpaca in it, so it should keep me warm. I'm using an online pattern from the Prayer Shawl Ministry . Very simple pattern that is knitting up nicely. I'm using my Denise Needles for this with the size 13 needles. I started this on the 9th...we'll see how long it takes to get it done. Hopefully before I need it.

I think that's all I have for now. Take care and happy knitting!

OOPS!

2009-03-12T16:56:00.006-05:00

February kinda ran into March. February was crazy busy at work (fiscal year end + working in accounting dept = CRAZY), but we got through it so....
Oh you came here for knitting didn't you?
Not much to show really. No progress to report on my "Lauren" sock. But I did start a plain one.

Amanda (I mean Santa) left a ball of yarn in my stocking for Christmas and to make Santa happy I started knitting with it. This yarn is very soft and nice to knit with. Love the colors too.

A couple of weeks ago Amanda found out that one of her friends is going to have a baby in September, so I pulled some yarn out of my stash and started a baby blanket... because even though September is 6 months away I will probably need all that time to finish it. I have 3 skeins of this Bernat DenimStyle (I hope it will be enough to make a decent size blanket). This is what it looks like after one skein (11"). I know there are a lot of Feather & Fan patterns out there, but this one is in the Spring 2009 Fons & Porter's Love of Knitting magazine.
Well I think that is everything... Happy knitting!

Mother Nature Strikes Again....And Some Knitting

2009-01-28T15:53:00.008-05:00

Well, Mother Nature has really let us have it the last two days... and I want to thank her for a couple days off because I don't leave my house when the weather gets this nasty.
This is the view from my kitchen window...

And this is out my front door, there is a driveway and road out there somewhere.

I started a couple new lace projects. This is the Lily of the Valley Scarf from Knitted Lace of Estonia (Nancy Bush). I'm sorry you can't see my 5-stitch nupps very well, but they are there. I'm knitting this in Knit Picks Palette - Nutmeg.

From the same book - this is the Raha Scarf. Knit in Panda Silk.

Monica thought she had lost her knitting mojo, but it was soon found again and this is her latest (I'm so privileged to be her test knitter) Lauren. Lots of cabley fun. Sorry the picture isn't so great, Monica wrote this to be knit on circulars and since I don't knit my socks on circulars I had to arrange the stitches to best set up the center design and it makes for wonky pictures. The snakey cables frame the center cable.
Well, that's all I have for this month. Happy knitting!

Too Long Gone

2009-01-04T19:30:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the long absence. Many of you know that my husband passed away near the end of September. I want to thank all of you that prayed (and are still praying) for the kids and me and sent some lovely messages to me through my sister's blog. The kids and I are doing alright, we miss Tim terribly, but we're taking care of one another. Christmas was difficult, but family and friends have helped a lot (and keeping busy doesn't hurt any either).

I haven't done a lot of knitting in the past few months, but I do have a little to show. The first is a hat I knit to put in the "Holiday Giving Barrel" at work. It's a simple 2X2 rib hat knit it red speckle WoolEase. I hope it will keep some child warm this winter.

Next is the same pattern knit in a grey WoolEase for son (I put it in his stocking). He loves it!

I also knit a pair of ankle socks for him...Cascade 220 Superwash.
Also given for Christmas.

I knit (well started anyway) two pair of fingerless mitts. One pair I actually got to the thumbs, the other only one cuff is done. Both knit in Cascade 220 Superwash (red and pink).

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I'm praying that this year will be a lot better for my family and every ones (we are ready for good things to happen to us).
I hope to blog and knit more this year.
God Bless.

I Don't Like Ike

2008-09-16T11:14:00.006-05:00

Ike blew through on Sunday and caused a lot of trouble (and damage). We lost the big Blue Spruce at the corner of our house (totally uprooted). Thank goodness it fell forward and not toward the house or our neighbor's house (or on their van that you can see through the branches).

And one of the White Pines that line the back edge of our back yard was split in two.

And what would a storm of that magnitude be without some damage to the house. Panels are missing from the eaves and of course lots of shingles are missing. There were times when we thought the roof was coming off.

We finally have phone service back and the electricity was off for just a little bit (some folks still don't have electricity), we are one of the lucky ones. My work doesn't have power yet so I've had a couple of days off.

I hope everyone is safe that has been affected by this storm. Now comes the clean up!

No Gold For Me

2008-09-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here we are well past the end of the Olympics and I didn't finish let alone medal. I did get to the neckline of the back and I have the desire to complete C.J.'s sweater (and I'm hoping it will be in time for Christmas), so UFOlympics wasn't a complete failure for me. When I got it out to knit at the beginning of the Olympics the piece was at 12 inches, it is now 21 inches.

I did finish my nieces' socks (yes this pair is late for her birthday). I actually finished these last weekend (I am just such a slacker at blogging this year). This is Hot Socks Sockenwolle in color # 772. This was one of the first yarns I purchased when I started knitting socks, so it has been marinating for a while in the stash. I will have to mail them off on Monday (Monica, expect a package this week from me).

And I also finished one of my "Step Into Summer" socks too. This is being knit in Panda Cotton in the Seascape colorway. This is very splitty yarn but very comfortable on the foot. The second sock hasn't been cast on yet, but it will be very soon. And Mandy wants me to finish her "Bengal" socks (I only started them last year, what's up with that?)

I knit and sent off a square for Luke ...mine is the red "4 square" one (have you ever felt that compulsion to just do something after reading a heart wrenching story about a sick child... well I know many(if not all) of you have...knitters are a very caring and generous bunch and we rally when called upon).

I have started on some Christmas knitting (besides C.J's sweater) with hopes of actually finishing it in time. I have high hopes it seems.

Well that's it for now. Hopefully my next entry won't be so far away.

Holy Cow Batman!!! I Finished Something!

2008-07-27T13:11:00.005-05:00

I have a pair of finished socks to show. I started these sometime in April, finished them July 20th. Berroco Sox yarn, 68 stitches, knit plain on US1 dpn's. It's funny how closely they match my couch! (And they are "almost" identical too!)

I started a new pair for a young lady in my family who will have a birthday next month but haven't taken a picture of it yet (I'm almost to the toe decreases of the first one, so I should have the pair done in time...deadline is the 13th).

I also joined a new Ravelry group...UFOlympics. I will be working on my son's sweater (this will help me accomplish my goal of finishing it this year...maybe in time to gift it for Christmas!). I am almost to the armhole decreases on the back (or front...there are the same except for the neckline). This is the Garter Stitch Aran Pullover from the "Men In Knits" book. Knitting starts 08/08/08 (I will probably be knitting past the closing ceremony on 8/24/08 though).

Well, that's it for now.. Have a great week!

Just A Few Things

2008-07-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

Mandy is back from Europe...she had a fabulous time! Here she is astride Nessie...and with a Bagpiper (who played "Amazing Grace" for her)...and at Stonehenge. Just a small sampling of the over 300 pictures she took.

She brought this back for me. A little gift from Ireland... Monica says that's enough for a hat and fingerless mitts.

I have been working on more squares for the afghan... #11 isn't blocked yet.

and even though I didn't get a pair done in June (I'm such a slacker), I did work a little on socks. My "Step Into Summer" is past the gusset decreases...

and I've added inchage to the Berrocco sock too...

That's all I have from my little part of the world. Hope your holiday weekend has been wonderful and safe...tomorrow it's back to work. Have a great week!

I Actually Have Knitting To Show

2008-06-10T19:30:00.001-05:00

I finally finished the first Berroco sock Sunday (I can't even remember when I started it) and the second one is started (but who knows when it will be done). Last month was the first month in about 4 years I didn't get at least one pair of socks finished. My knitting has slowed down about as much as my blogging.

I started knitting squares from my leftover sock yarn to make an afghan (college bound daughter thinks it should be for her for her dorm room (but she plans to commute the first two years so that theory isn't very sound to me...but it might take me that long to finish it so it just might be!). The Lorna's Laces (lower left) and Meilenweit (upper left) squares block out at the required 7-1/2" but the Regia square (right) insists on being 8" (rebel). I need to grab up another ball and start numero 4.

I have started some new socks, but haven't gotten very far on them... in the Panda Cotton is "Step Into Summer" (Monica's latest design). It's hard to see the pattern in the picture, but it's a pretty lace and cable design. The other is "Shadow Rib" from the "Little Box of Socks" "book". Not really a book; it's a box. That is knit in yarn Monica gave me for my birthday last year (I keep forgetting what yarn it is...even though she has told me a gazillion times...this getting old and forgettting stuff stinks).

My girl graduated on the 31st (she is in Europe right now and I miss her something terrible ...so what if she's only been gone one day).

Happy Anniversary Monica (and to Tony too!)!!

That's all I have for now. Happy Knitting!!

I Was Tagged

2008-05-16T11:26:00.002-05:00

... so I'll play
The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answer.

1. What was I doing ten years ago? Are you kidding? I can barely remember what I was doing 10 minutes ago!
2. What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
go to work - done (I'm here)
knit - when I get home
clean my house- this is always on my list and I never seem to get it done
go to the grocery- my family thinks they need to eat every day (the nerve)
laundry - also when I get home.
(my resolution to finish my son's sweater isn't going well...I need to fix that)
3. Snacks I enjoy? Well if you had asked me a month ago, I would have said anything chocolate. But having been told I have diabetes, I have given it up. I love to munch on almonds (and yes I stick to portion sizes), grapes, clementine oranges, bananas, blueberry yogurt (see how healthy I've become?) you get the idea.
4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire? Well I know what I wouldn't do: WORRY!!! My kids would go to college, they would each have their own car, I would sit and knit as much as I wanted to, I'd hire a maid and a cook. Fund cancer research (I would really like that bastard (sorry for the language) to go away).
5. Places I've lived? Kentucky, Germany, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Indiana, and Ohio.
6. Peeps I want to know more about...
anyone who wants to play too consider yourself tagged.

Well, that's all I have. All I've been doing is working and sleeping...no knitting. I know, BORING!
Have a great weekend!

Senior Prom

2008-05-03T19:14:00.006-05:00

My girl is at her Senior Prom (it's going to be a long sleepless night). She looks just like a princess, with her hair up and a beautiful gown on. I could start crying again. But I won't.

Her date.

Here she is with her girlfriends (these seven have been together for most of their lives). They will all be going in different directions in the fall, but I'm really hoping they stay close the rest of their lives.

They graduate in 4 weeks. I hope the world is ready!

I've Been Very Fortunate

2008-04-18T16:54:00.012-05:00

It started back in December when one of Mandy's friends (Hannah, I taught her to knit) gave me some yarn for Christmas. I've started knitting a pair of socks with the Araucania Ranco Multi 310 already (that's Monica's Lace-agon pattern), the Trekking is patiently waiting.

Then in January, I won The Loopy Ewe Quarterly Challenge and got this Claudia in the Freesia colorway. It is waiting patiently too.

Susie (Perchance to Knit) is so sweet. She sent me a hank of her Black Rainbow to knit. It is so beautiful, I don't know what she washes her yarn in but it smells wonderful (yes I am a wool sniffer). It too is waiting patiently.

Monica's family came over last weekend to help us celebrate Mandy's 18th birthday and we finally got to have our Christmas too. My niece, Kaitlin gave me this cool skein of Meilenweit. I've already picked out the pattern for this yarn.

Monica gave me some yarn too (and a pair of socks that I totally forgot to take a picture of)here is the yarn : Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome in Gypsy Rose and some Artyarns Ultramerino 4 for a pair of Monica's Ribblets fingerless mitts. And if you look at the picture of my Lace-agon sock you will see the Knit Picks Harmony needles Monica gave me too. I love them, I may have a new favorite brand of needles (Crystal Palace has been my favorite up to this point).

Back in December I joined the "Top 10 Stashbusting group. I made it to the end without buying any yarn and I also got all ten of my projects done. My name was picked out of the bowl and here is what I won. These are some great prizes too. I received my yarn yesterday, Shelridge Farms Heather - Loganberry ( I just finished a pair of socks in this yarn in the crocus colorway and I'm looking forward to knitting with it again) and a Vera Bradley Large Cosmetic Bag in the Mod Floral Pink design. It will be the perfect project bag for my sock knitting. Thanks Nachaele for the great KAL and the great prizes.

I should have warned you that this was a picture heavy post (but I couldn't leave anyone out and I hope I didn't). Have a great weekend! More later.

Added: Kathy is having a contest. Well go on over and tell her I sent you!

My Baby Turned 18 Yesterday

2008-04-12T09:19:00.005-05:00

It was my plan to do this post yesterday (on her birthday), but life got in the way. Here is a collage of pictures of her through the last 18 years. I can't believe how fast it's gone. She will graduate high school the end of May and start college in the fall.

She had a scavenger hunt party with her girlfriends last night. They had a blast (can I just tell you, 8 teenage girls are very loud, but very fun). Here is the cake I made for them (I'm making another for the family get together today). Her friends are so sweet...they told me when they go to other birthday parties they don't eat the cake there, they only eat mine because it is so good (I have ruined their tastebuds for anything else but mine). I'll post a picture of the family cake after I have it all done. Have a great day and weekend. I'm going to go bake a cake!

Here is the family cake (on the left...with the "happy birthday" candles). I think it looks much nicer than my first cake. Everyone had a good time and it was sad when my sister and her family left (Mandy always cries).

So Fun, So Easy (and fast too)

2008-04-07T22:30:00.005-05:00

I finished my Swirl Socks tonight (I had 3 repeats done on the leg of the first sock when I picked it back up last week). They were so fun and fast to knit.

Monica called me back in December and told me she was emailing me a new pattern, would I please knit at least one repeat of the pattern and let her know how it worked for me. The yarn I chose (Shelridge Farms Soft Touch Heather - Crocus) is a little fatter than regular sock yarn and I didn't want to knit it on size 0 needles, so I cast on 60 stitches (rather than 70) on size 1's and away I knit. They are so pretty and fit great.

Sheri at the Loopy Ewe asked to have it for the first Loopy Ewe Sock Club pattern (all members have it now so I can show mine and not divulge any secrets about what it looks like) and Monica agreed.

Well it is past my bed time and that's all I have for right now. Have a great week!

Croc Socks

2008-03-30T12:28:00.004-05:00

Just off the needles... Croc Socks! This is one of Monica's patterns. It was a lot of fun to knit up. This is Lorna's Laces Sock Multi - Sand Ridge. They fit so well and I love the lace and cabling.

Now I need to decide what I will work on next... I have 2 more of Monica's patterns going plus a few others.

Have a great week! More later.

Finally...

2008-03-23T21:31:00.004-05:00

a finished pair of socks. I have really slowed down in my sock knitting. I don't have that frantic feeling to get a lot of them done this year (one pair a month seems to be it for me this year). So here are my Twin Rib Socks, knit in Wisdom Yarns Los Angeles colorway with 66 stitches on size 1 dpn's. I love the colors in this yarn, but I won't be knitting with it again. This yarn is so fuzzy it sticks to itself as you pull it out of the skein (what a nightmare this was at times), I hope it won't pill too badly when I wash them. And they match pretty closely even though there were two breaks in the yarn in the second sock (the one on my left foot). Next up, I will finish my Croc Socks (I have started the second one already).

Have a great week. More later!

Nope, Nothing To See Here

2008-03-07T18:36:00.005-05:00

It's pitiful...the lack of knitting going on. This is all I have to show since I last blogged. I finally finished the first Twin Rib sock I started in October and started the second (until I realized I had cast on too few stitches and had to rip it out and start again). It's pitiful...I may have mentioned that. Monica has some great news and some great looking socks (if you haven't already been over to hear it).

We're under a BLIZZARD WARNING... maybe I'll get some knitting done this weekend. Pitiful.

Guess What We're Making

2008-02-21T18:03:00.001-05:00

It started with a bunch of squares ( some 3", some 4")...

Then Mandy laid them out the way she wanted them to be sewn.....

Then she started sewing the squares into strips....

And I sewed the strips into a piece of cloth...

Until it became this...

A tote bag for her Tennessee trip for FEA (Future Educators of America). It is humongous, but it held everything she wanted to take on the bus with her. I put a little pocket inside for her Ipod and cut a piece of foamboard and covered it to place in the bottom for added support.

She led the scrapbook team...their scrapbook took third place of the 150 schools that were represented. She is so darn crafty!

We're under a "Winter Storm Warning" AGAIN...I'm going to go knit!

Some Socks To Show

2008-02-17T00:32:00.008-05:00

Hi All!! Where did January go? And now February is half over too...unbelievable.

So, I finished Monica's socks on January 31st, with a few hours to spare for them to count as my January socks for SAM5. They turned out great! I love this colorway (Trekking XXL - 66)...I might just have to get another skein (someday). I used the Campfire Sock pattern, I knit it on the legs only and increased the stitch count to 68, for the difference in the yarn and needles I used.

I finished my February socks for SAM5 tonight. These are knit in some Perchance To Knit yarn (that Susie specially dyed for the Sockret Pal Swap back in 2006). I knit them plain on US1 dpn's with 68 stitches. They pooled wildly, but look so cool. These will look great with jeans.

I have at least 3 of Monica's sock patterns started so I will be working on those next (plus the 3 other pair that are OTN's too).
And you won't believe this, but I have another post already in the works (just waiting for Mandy to get back from Tennessee tomorrow so I can get a picture of the finished item that the post is about).

I'm liking my new job real well and my supervisor has already said that the position will be offered to me permanently after the company's 60 day contract with the temp agency is up (30 more days). I am thanking God every day for putting me where I needed to be for this to happen. This is such a blessing for my family.

I hope everyone has a great Sunday and if you're off Monday (think of me while I'm at work from 8 to 5, I'll be cruising around the net from 12-1) have a great day off. More later.

Sorry For The Lack Of Posts

2008-01-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

Another long span between posts. Sorry about that. In the interim, I finished my niece's mitts, almost finished Monica's socks and started a test knit of her new pattern. Oh, and I started a new job too. Where I had been working, closed the week before Christmas (lousy timing that)...I was so glad when this temp-to-hire position came my way. It's going well. I like the work and the people I'm working with ( hopefully I will be offered a permanent position soon).

Here are Lauren's Mitts. I used the leftover Meilenweit yarn from a pair of socks (it took every bit of it...that's why the thumbs don't match). She loves orange and this yarn has some in it, sooooooo
Make sure she doesn't see them!!!

And here is the new test knit of Monica's pattern: Aran Socks. I'm knitting them in CTH Solid - Nantucket Red. This pattern will be available soon at The Loopy Ewe. Another fun pattern and I love textured socks, so you know I love this one too. (I will post a picture as soon as I take a decent one).

These are Monica's socks, not quite finished. We still haven't had our Christmas together. But I know what she is going to give me (Monica, I hope you don't mind seeing what you're getting). It's a good thing her feet are an inch longer than mine, I would be so tempted to keep these...I love this yarn. I'm using the Campfire Socks pattern in Trekking XXL-66, 68 stitches, US1 dpn's.
Well, that's about it for now... Knitting is slow going for some reason.
Have a great week!!
More later.

First FO of 2008

2008-01-04T11:02:00.000-05:00

Mandy's Mittens...Patons Classic Wool Merino in the Rosewood colorway. I knit these in the Warmest Mittens pattern, but started with 32 stitches for the cuff and increased to 36 for the hand on US6 dpn's. She loves them.

Two of Mandy's friends did a wonderful thing for her this Christmas...and as a thank you I'm knitting them some mitts. I've finished one pair already, and I'm on the second mitt of the second pair. Ally's mitts are purple and Hannah's are fuschia. Both are knit in Cascade 220 Superwash. Ally and Hannah came over to our house over the Christmas break and I taught them to knit too. We sat up until 3am watching old movies and knitting...I was so tired but it was fun! Two more added to the "knitters" list.

I've come up with a plan...I'm going to finish some of the socks I have going and then I'm going to get to work on C.J.'s sweater. Keep after me about it...Please

That's it for now...More later.

A New Year

2008-01-02T23:52:00.000-05:00

This is a test
I'm giving my blog a facelift, so bear with me...I've forgotten how to do some things.

On the knitting front, I've got 1 resolution: FINISH MY SON'S SWEATER (before the end of the year)!!

More later

Christmas Presents (Gifted and Not)

2007-12-29T18:38:00.000-05:00

I knit Mandy a hat for Christmas (Creative Knitting Jan 2008 - Warm Stripings), she liked it so well she said I should knit her cousin one too. So here they are (one gifted, and one not, yet).

Mandy's is the pink, Kaitlin's is the blue. I knit them in Patons SWS yarn, they each took a little over one skein. Those size 8 needles and thicker yarn sure hurt my hands.

I finished my son's socks in time for Christmas too. Anklets in Cascade 220 Superwash - black, 44 stitches on US3 dpn's, 2 x 2 rib for 1-1/2", stockinette for 10" on the feet.

Mandy wanted me to show you two of the scarves she knit (the third she gifted without taking pictures, but there is enough yarn to knit another just like it, I will post a picture of it when she has it done). This pink/purple scarf she knit for a friend (doesn't it look great on Mandy?, she had a hard time giving it away)...the red one, she knit and donated to a homeless shelter (she knows how to do cables now, and she did a great job).

I'm trying to think if there is anything else...but I don't think so.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!!! More later!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T19:46:00.000-05:00

Wishing you Peace, Love, and Joy on this Glorious Christmas Day.

This Is What Happens...

2007-12-19T21:05:00.000-05:00

...When I don't blog for a month.
In the month since my last post, I have been doing some knitting...but mostly I've had the "winter blah's". I know winter doesn't officially start till Saturday...

So, the knitting (I know you're not here for whining), I finished my nephew's socks. Stats are as follows: Trekking XXL 800 (I won this yarn in SAM2), 64 stitches on US1 dpn's, 2 x 2 rib on the legs, the feet are knit plain (just like he likes them). After I had the finished the first sock, Monica discovered her son has "Fred Flintstone" feet, so after I finished the second sock I ripped out the toe of the first and made it more square (it looks very funny to me).

I started a new sock in a new pattern of Monica's (it's top secret, so I can't show a picture of it...but it's very pretty!).

I also knit a bookmark for my daughter for a stocking stuffer. I knit it with some of my leftover Lorna's Laces Child's Play. Here it is blocking. The pattern is in the 2007 Pattern-A-Day Calender (it's called "Cable Lace Bookmark" but there are no cables in it).

And here is the sock I started in the "Perchance to Knit" yarn I purchased during the "Sockret Pal Swap" last year. It's a very busy yarn so I'm knitting it plain, with my standard 68 stitches on US1 dpn's. This is the front of the sock...wild isn't it?

Yesterday, I also started a hat for Mandy...the pattern is in the January 2008 issue of Creative Knitting (it's called "Warm Stripings"). The hat is a little further along now than shown in the picture. I will be knitting it without the earflaps. I'm using Patons SWS yarn in the "Natural Pink" colorway. Mandy would like the matching "glove-mitts" but that won't happen in time for Christmas (hopefully the hat will be finished in time to gift it to her though).
Everything else I had started ("Diagonal Rib" socks, "Garter Rib" socks, scarf, stole, black/orange socks, etc., etc.) are laying dormant for now...hopefully I will get to those in the new year.
Oh, I have a job interview tomorrow. If you are so inclined, say a prayer for me or think good thoughts.
Second Oh, Mandy got accepted to her #2 college choice, Bowling Green State University (she is still waiting to hear from her #1 choice, Miami (of Ohio) University). She will be studying Elementary Education in the fall of next year.
That's it for now, hopefully it won't take me a whole month before the next post. More later!

I Don't Want To Go Back To Work

2007-11-25T11:34:00.000-05:00

It has been a very nice 4 day weekend. And I have accomplished at least one thing...My Ariel Mitts are done! They are so pretty, and fit great...I'm wearing them as I type.

I also started a Christmas present. When these are done, they will be a pair of socks for a family member. This is Trekking 800 (I won this yarn in SAM2) knit in a 2x2 rib for the leg, the foot will be knit plain.

Mandy and I had a wonderful time at my sister's house on Thanksgiving. It was so good to see her and her family and the food was sooooo good! As if the 3 yarns she sent to me weren't enough...Monica had more birthday presents waiting for me.

Another hank of yarn (Gypsyknits in Steel Sock) and a binder with all of her patterns (so far). And my niece, Kaitlin gave me a Harry Potter bookmark and a Starbucks giftcard. We had a wonderful time knitting and talking and cooking and eating. Thanks Monica.

Well, I'm going to go knit some more on the Christmas present and maybe finish the Croc Sock (it's very close to the toe decreases)...let's see how much more I can get done before Monday comes...
More later.

Yesterday Was My Birthday

2007-11-17T12:59:00.002-05:00

And I want to thank all of you who stopped by to wish me a happy one. It was a pretty good day. Monica sent me a package of some wonderful yarn...and my daughter gave me one of my most favoritest movies.

The yarn Monica gave my is from left to right: CTH Sockittome yarn in Quarry Hill, Pagewood Farm (a new to me and her yarn, it's very pretty) in Vineyard and Lorna's Sport in Devon (I will be knitting Monica's Ariel Mitts in this). And in the background you can see the dvd Mandy gave me...The Bishop's Wife!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I'm off to wind some yarn, knit and watch my new movie. More later.

CONTEST ALERT: Jane is celebrating her 300th post, go tell her something weird about yourself and let her know I sent you.

Some Knittin Goin On

2007-11-12T22:50:00.000-05:00

So, another week has come and gone...and I have been knitting. Working on old projects, starting new ones.

I finished the mitts I was knitting Mandy the same weekend I started them (I was just to lazy to blog about the them till now). They are a little stiff and scratchy so I will run them through a wash before Christmas. She would like another pair in her school colors, and I do have some yarn that will fit the bill....

I finished the Claudia Handpainted socks too. Monica didn't name them before submitting them to Cherry Tree Hill, but I am calling them Purled Arches. Even though the 2 hanks of yarn came from the same dye lot, they are very different (and I know this is typical of handpainted yarn). Monica gave me this yarn last year for my birthday, and her pattern looks wonderful in it (even if I can't take a decent picture).

I also started a few new things. First up are Croc Socks (this pattern will be available soon at The Loopy Ewe). This is one of Monica's latest designs...I'm knitting it in Lorna's Laces - Sand Ridge colorway. It is a fun pattern to knit up (I know I'm considered bias...she is my sister...but I have loved every single one of her patterns...my only frustration has been not always having the "perfect" yarn to knit them in, but that has nothing to do with the pattern or the designer).

Second... Kyla Mitts. This is such a pretty mitt. I chose not to make the bobbles, but go straight into the twisted rib cuff. The cables really drew in the cuff, I hope I will be able to get them onto my fluffy hands (otherwise Mandy will be getting another pair). Here is the first one almost to the hand. This is Pace Sock Yarn in a buttery yellow colorway.

Third... Another pair of socks, knit in some Perchance To Knit yarn.

Blogger is being a poophead and won't let me add the pictures of the Croc Socks and the Perchance To Knit start. There is a picture on my Flikr of the Croc Socks if you would like to see it and also in my Ravelry projects.

Well, that's all I have for now (stupid Blogger). More later!

Charades Anyone?

2007-11-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the Charade socks today. They didn't lanquish as long as the Edelweiss Socks (almost a year)...I began them on 8/10/07, but then I got a bad case of startitis and started and finished up a whole bunch of other socks in between. So stats are: Lorna's Laces Child's Play colorway (this yarn striped so differently on the feet, it is amazing. I did join the second ball on the gusset of the second sock though, it is the one on the bottom) , 64 stitches on US1 dpn's. I chose to not carry the design down the foot.

I worked on Mandy's mitts today. Finished the first and started the second. I'm using Knit Picks Simple Stripes in the Sweet Tart colorway (this yarn has been discontinued). These will be stocking stuffers for her (I'm so good, already starting my Christmas knitting).

I got my invite to Ravelry on Friday, my user name is karenm. Boy is there a lot to do there, I haven't even scratched the surface yet.

Contest Alert:

And click on over to Cass's blog, she's having a contest. Tell her I sent you and I'll get extra credit.

Well, I'm going to set all my clocks back and go to bed. More later!

As Predicted...

2007-10-29T21:39:00.000-05:00

...I finished the Victorian Swag Socks on Friday. They are so pretty, I can't wait to wear them. I knit them in Trekking 04 (this pattern is so pretty in a self-striping yarn).
So this pair brings my total for the year to 32 and it is the 5th pair completed in October. I might be able to finish another pair by Wednesday...

but I've started another pair in the Claudia, Monica gave me last year, in another of her patterns. This one she designed for Cherry Tree Hill's new Sockittome line of yarn. They bought the pattern, but Monica doesn't know when it will be available from them. So keep an eye out for it, it has been wonderful to knit (even if I can't get a good shot of the design and the correct color of the yarn).

Speaking of Monica's patterns, a new supply has been put up at The Loopy Ewe ( I know, shameless plug, but there you have it).

And here is the sock I started in the Trekking I won from Barbara...I'm knitting it in the Cedar Creek pattern from Blue Moon Fiber Arts (it looks exactly like the Diagonal Rib pattern at Interweave Knits though).

I can't remember if I showed this sock before... I'm knitting the Twin Rib pattern (from Sensational Knitted Socks) in the Los Angeles colorway of Wisdom Yarn I bought last summer. It's a kind of fuzzy yarn, but I think it will be a nice pair of socks.
I've been wearing a lot of my new socks recently as the weather has decided to catch up with the calendar. It is hard to choose each morning which pair to put on though...what a dilemma for a girl to have. Well, I think that is all for now. More later.

Monkeying Around

2007-10-25T21:25:00.001-05:00

Woo Hoo!!! I had enough yarn. There wasn't much left of either the Trekking or the natural but in the end it was all good. Mandy says hers are prettier, but the only difference between them is, mine are 1" longer in the foot (and the 4 extra stitches for my fatter legs and feet).

So, stats for mine are: 68 stitches, US1 dpn's, Regia Red and Natural with Trekking 285.

Stats for Mandy's: 64 stitches, US1 dpn's, same yarn.

As you can see our feet love them and each other (George was unavailable for the photo shoot)!

I've finished the gusset decreases on the second Victorian Swag sock so I should be finishing those sometime tomorrow (that will make my 5th pair of socks I've finished this month...that may be a record for me). Well, that's it for now. More later.

30th Pair Of Socks

2007-10-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

This is the 30th pair of socks I've completed this year. Not all have been for me...I've knit some for both my kids, my sister, and her daughters (they will have them soon). What we see here is Meilenweit Fantasy #4833, 68 stitches on US1 dpn's. With 1x1 cuffs and 3x1 legs and insteps. And did you notice? They match perfectly!

I also (finally) put thumbs on the Fetchings but I didn't take a picture of them. Mandy has decided she would rather have the new mitts I've started in some Knit Picks sock yarn so I will be giving the Fetchings to my co-worker tomorrow for her birthday.

I have also finished the first sock in the second pair of Sock Monkey socks. I still have quite a bit of the Trekking left (so I'm pretty confident that I will have enough to finish the pair).

Well that's all the knitting news for now. Have a great week. More later.

Just A Quicky

2007-10-16T20:55:00.000-05:00

I finished my Sock Monkey Socks tonight. Mandy insisted that I take a picture of them with George (her sock monkey...she made him many years ago when I first taught her to sew). These went fast...I started them on 10/10 and finished the 10/16. Mandy would like a pair of her own and I'm pretty sure I have enough of the Trekking left to make them (I've started them anyway...we shall see).

Here is another image of them. I really like how they turned out and the yarn matches George so closely too. So, I'm off to knit some more and watch Boston Legal. More later.

Just More (Cool) Socks

2007-10-12T23:19:00.000-05:00

Here is the new sock I started this week. It's a "Sock Monkey" sock. I'm using Rebecca's formula.

I'm using some of the leftover Regia yarn from the Edelweiss Socks, and Trekking Tweed 285. I have finished the gusset decreases and now I'm working my way toward the toe where I will change yarn to the cream again. I don't understand my need to knit these multi-color socks with so many ends to weave in, but they sure do look nice when they are done.

With all this starting new socks, some that I had started last month have been neglected. But I did manage to finish the first sock of the Victorian Swag pair (I'm knitting this pair in Trekking 04). I love what this pattern is doing to this self-striping yarn. The pattern sold out at The Loopy Ewe earlier this week, but Monica has had some more printed up and will be shipping them out very soon (if you missed getting it, you will soon have another chance). Click on Monica's name, she is having a contest. If you give her the perfect name for her latest mitts pattern she'll send you the pattern and the yarn to knit it with.

I have also finished the first Meilenweit sock that I showed 1 or 2 posts ago and have started its mate (I'll post a picture when the pair is complete).
Well not much is happening around the old homestead and it's getting pretty late. Have a great weekend! More later.

Edelweiss, Edelweiss

2007-10-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

It took me almost a full year to get this pair of socks done, but done they are! When I saw this pair of socks in the Fall 2006 issue of Vogue Knitting, I knew I had to knit them. They are knit with Regia 4-fadig in black/red/natural. I worked on the second sock all week and finally they are a pair. It is supposed to be a lot cooler this week (after Tuesday), I can't wait to wear all my new socks. This is pair 28 for the year (that ties my count for last year) so the rest will be bonus.

Barbara, at Romancing the Yarn is giving away a skein of sock yarn every day this month, she calls it sockyarnapoolza. She drew my name on the 3rd and this is what she sent me: Trekking XXL 181. The flash is messing with the colors, this yarn is so pretty. And I've already put it on some needles, I'm knitting the Cedar Creek pattern from Blue Moon Fiber Arts (Socks that Rock). It is looking very nice indeed! I will post a picture as soon as I'm further on it. Have a great Sunday. More later!

Done, Almost Done, Started, And R.I.P.ped

2007-10-01T21:32:00.000-05:00

I finished the Trekking 107 socks tonight. My usual Plain Jane socks; 68 stitches on US1 dpn's. Love them, can't wait to wear them. I like the
first sock (the one on top) better than the second...that's always the case with Trekking for me (I like one more than the other).

I've made a pair of Fetchings for Mandy (yeah, I know, I'm the last knitter on earth to knit these). I knit them in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (my Sockret Pal gave me 2 skeins of this so I will be knitting a pair for myself too). Mandy is being picky...she thinks they need the thumbs. Whatever....

And here is the latest pair to jump OTNs. Meilenweit Fantasy. 68 stitches, US1, 1x1 cuff, 3x1 leg and foot (when I get there). It's very happy yarn.

Jane is having a contest (yarn prizes are involved, so you know I'm going to play), show the first pair of socks you ever knit and the latest. Well my latest are at the top of the post, so now for my first...Opal Lollipop. My cast on has gotten so much better and looser (I don't knit tourniquets anymore).
And these two have gone to the frog pond. The orange sock wouldn't go over my heel...so "if" I restart them, they will have 77 stitches instead of 66. The other sock I started in Monica's Dancing Tulips pattern (her patterns will be available soon at The Loopy Ewe) in some Perchance to Knit yarn. Love the pattern, love the yarn... just not together. I will find the perfect match for each down the road.

That's it for now. More later!

SOS2007 Round Up...Wind Down?

2007-09-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

Well, SOS2007 has come to an end and I don't think I did too badly. I started and finished 8 pair of socks since June 21st. I will have warm and colorful feet this winter.

I also have 2 singletons finished with their mates started and 4 others in various stages of progress (Monica, look at the picture big...that's your Swag design in the Trekking I started...isn't it pretty?). I think my startitis got the best of me. But it's all good, they will get done...eventually.

Well, I'm off to knit and/or sew (Mandy really wants me to finish her tote bag for Teacher's Academy). Have a good weekend! More later.

A Quick Knit

2007-09-17T22:03:00.000-05:00

That's what this pair was... Monica's Hearts-A-Plenty. I started them on 9/12/07 and finished them tonight (9/17/07). Knit in Paton's Kroy-Fancy Free. Hopefully you'll be able to knit these yourself (look for Monica's patterns at The Loopy Ewe in the very near future...shameless plug!). Now I need to start another of her patterns (she is so very talented!).

9/19/07

Christy asked about my sock blockers...yes I did make them myself from wire hangers. There are instructions here. Have fun making them!!

Test-Knitter 101

2007-09-13T17:44:00.000-05:00

First, you have to have a sister who can whip out patterns like nobodies business... just my luck, I have such a sister. Second, you must be prepared with needles and yarn...so far so good. Third, you must love to knit...that's a given, especially socks. Three for three. Monica's brain has been leaking a lot of patterns lately, and being the helpful, loving sister that I am, I have offered my services as test-knitter (and proof-reader). It's a win win situation. I get some lovely socks and Monica knows that her patterns are liked, understood, and knitable by someone other than herself (of course they are, silly girl!)

So, here are two of her new sock patterns that I've been test knitting. This is "Hearts-A-Plenty" (I thought of the name). I'm knitting them in Patons Kroy Sock yarn . I'm not going to knit the hearts down the foot (even though the pattern is written that way, and yes I should knit it exactly like the pattern is written...but I don't really like holes on my feet). I thought the yarn was going to be too busy for it, but it's turning out nice (well in person it looks great).

The second sock pattern I started doesn't have a name yet but I'm knitting it in CTH Potluck Blues/Purples. Monica knit hers in CTH Sockittome Spanish Moss. The yarn is a little dark for the design to show but I will keep knitting it.

I also started another plain sock in Trekking 107. I had coveted this colorway a long time before I was able to get it last year. It has been waiting patiently to be knit. I'm on the heel flap.

So, that's it for this weeks update. It's good to be a (test) knitter. Have a great weekend!

Short and Sweet

2007-09-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

Just a short post to show off the latest finished pair of socks. This is STR Watermelon Tourmaline in their medium weight. I knit them plain with 60 stitches (wish I had used only 56, they are a little looser than my other socks) on US2 dpn's. I started these on 9/1 and finished them yesterday.

I've started 2 new pair of socks but I'm still trying to decide if I like the yarns with the patterns. Hopefully I'll figure it out soon (and then I'll have pictures).

I've joined The Secret of the Stole KAL (I'm crazy, I know, but there is still time to join), and I've knitted up the swatch for that. I'm using Knit Picks Shadow in the Sunset colorway (it's the yarn I didn't use for the MS3).

And I also started a scarf today (yes, still crazy). I'm using some unknown yarn that I bought about 3 or 4 years ago when Monica and I went to the kind of local Wool Gathering. Here are 2 repeats of the pattern. This is the Mead Scarf. It is a very easy and fun pattern to knit. I'm not sure if I will gift this or keep it for myself (the colors would look nice with my coat).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. More later!

I've Always Considered Myself Crafty

2007-09-05T14:47:00.000-05:00

For a contest at Carols blog : no pictures...sorry

Mom taught me at an early age (7 or 8) to knit and to sew (she tried to teach me to crochet but for some reason I never caught on, well not till I checked out a tape from the library and sat with my yarn and hook, with the remote right beside me to pause and practice what had just been shown, I was around 31 then). There was a shop mom liked to frequent and I learned to do counted cross stitch, needlepoint and latch hook rugs (I haven't done a rug in a long while, but I have taught my daughter). In fact I've taught my daughter all the crafts (needlearts) that I do...with the exception of smocking (she doesn't have any interest in that). I learned to smock about 7 years ago, but haven't done much of that since I took up sock knitting (I have several doll dresses to finish). Currently in production is a tote bag for my daughter to use for Teacher's Academy (she wants to be a 2nd grade teacher and is shadowing in a 2nd grade class in our school district this year...she will get college credit for this...yipee), socks (always), some dishcloths, a sweater for my son (he wants to know if he will finally get it this Christmas...this will be the 3rd Christmas since I started it...I don't get what he's complaining about, but I should put the socks down for a while and finish it...REALLY), and some t-shirts that need to be emboidered (I have an embroidery/sewing machine). You can see samples of my work on my Flikr page...I've uploaded some old pictures of some dresses/outfits I smocked for my niece and a quilt I made my in-laws for their 50th Anniversary (I can't find a picture of the quilt) and doll dresses/outfits I've made for my daughter and nieces and stockings I've made for my family and family members and all sorts of things.
I'm almost finished with my first pair of socks for September, so I will feature those in the next post. More later!

Busy Week

2007-08-31T23:01:00.000-05:00

I have finished my last pair of socks for August. These are my CTH Serengeti socks knit with my sister's pattern she designed for the new CTH Sockittome yarn. It is another great pattern (she is so talented, and I love being her test knitter!). I started them on 6/27 and finished them 8/31 (not the longest time it's taken me to finish a pair of socks). So this makes 6 pair for SOS2007, 15 pair for 52 PP, takes care of Project Spectrum (so did the previous 2 pair), and this is the 24th pair for the year (4 more and I tie last years record...I think I will be breaking it though).

And after completing my round of DishRag Tag, the dishcloth craze continued. I finally finished the Ballband dishcloth I started last year along with three new ones (now if I could just get someone other than myself to use them, I'd have it made).

I'm looking forward to my three day weekend (lots of knitting time). Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone and be safe. More later!

Mandy Has The Back To School Blues

2007-08-26T22:12:00.000-05:00

Monday is the first day of school for my girl. She is a Senior! How did that happen? This will be a very busy year for her (us). I thought I was getting no sleep already...I don't know how I'm going to make it through this early morning stuff again.

The Trekking socks are done! Monica gave me this yarn last month (she was going to knit a pair of socks for me with it, but gave it to me to knit instead). I knit them plain with 68 stitches on size 1 dpn's.
I think I will work on the CTH Serengeti socks now and finish those up this month. And Mandy wants me to knit the second Lorna's sock because the first one fits her "perfectly".

And I liked the dishcloth I knit for Lois
so well, I knit one exactly like it for myself.
Still no progress on the MS3. I've decided to make it symmetrical so I will have to knit the other half and graft them together (that is, after I finish the first half). That's all the news that I have right now. Have a great week.
CONTEST ALERTS!!!
You have till Friday to enter a contest at Hollyarn for some very pretty alpaca...click here ...leave a comment and mention you saw it here. Cool!
Wow there are so many blog contests going on ... here is another one. GoldenPurl wants to know what dates are important to you...don't forget to mention you saw it here.

Tag...You're It!!

2007-08-23T22:15:00.000-05:00

This is on it's way to my next team mate (well it will be this morning on my way to work anyway). It was short but sweet...pretty good turn around time (if I do say so myself). The pattern I used was so quick and easy (even with the lace) and it gave me a cloth that is 9-1/4 x 8-1/2 (hope you like it Lois). Ignore that dark spot on the tote, I had to squirt it with some water to get my positioning lines off (it's dry now).

And now for the sock update... The three I started in my bout of startitis have progressed (well two have anyway) and I added another one. I'm knitting the new one in Pace- Orange. It's a cable/lace pattern available when you join this yahoo group. I've knit the recommended number of repeats, but I will be doing at least a couple more (I don't like short socks). I'm on the second sock of the Trekking yarn (at the heel flap and they match) and I can cast on for the second sock of the Lorna's pair. Sadly, the other Trekking sock in the Spiral pattern has not been touched this week.
Jacquelyn is having a blogiversary contest, mention you saw it here and I get extra credit for it (thanks).

Well, that's it for now. Go Team Sweet Sixteen! Have a great weekend!

TAG....I'M IT!!!!

2007-08-22T17:09:00.000-05:00

I received my teams DishRag Tag box today. This box has seen better days, let me tell ya. Laurie from Indiana knit me a lovely dishcloth (and I will do the same, I hope, for Lois), and sent me a card to keep track of my needles and a Dove chocolate bar (my favorite), and what I thought at first was a Reese's cup (another favorite) but is a lavender bath thingy. Ok, I'm off to knit a dishcloth for Lois!! I'll update on my socks next post! KNIT ON!!!

It's A Bad Case

2007-08-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

One of the worst seen... STARTITIS! And it's all because of those empty needles laying in my needle case. Friday night after I finished the Cider Moon socks, I was looking at my yarn stash and thinking about two of the new patterns that had just been released for groups I belong to and well, I had to. It became an uncontrollable urge. I started 3 new socks (with one more waiting in the wings). Here they are: Lorna's Laces Child's Play in the Charade pattern (the link is in her sidebar), Trekking 161 knitting plain (Monica recently gave me this yarn, and it seems it is getting most of my attention right now), and Trekking ? in the Spiralling Socks pattern (one repeat done).

Waiting in the wings is some blue Opal 6-fach (that I had been knitting in a cable pattern from the Socksx3 book but ripped) to be knit in the new Six Sox pattern called "I Love Gansey Socks". I told you I had it BAD! The problem is I want to start more. I have a few more sets of empty needles and yarn that wants to be knit and patterns Monica has designed that I want to knit up(boy that was a run on). See how bad it is? If there is an intervention for this, please don't set it up. I will find a place to hide with all my yarn.

Here is a picture of the girls (daughter and niece) in their Harry Potter shirts. The Gryffindor Lion they copied from on-line, all the other designs (Snitch, Sorting Hat, and Wands) were done free hand by them. They are so talented and imaginative. They got a lot of compliments on them as we waited in line to get our books.

And this is what the front looks like.

Well, that's it for now. I'm thinking I'll be getting the box for my turn at the DishRag Tag by the end of the week, so socks will have to be delayed for some fast dish cloth knitting. Until then....

This, That, And Some Other Things

2007-08-09T15:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm not done with the Cider Moon socks yet (but I am past the gusset decreases on the second sock, so it will be soon). Finished 8/10/07

And NO progress has been made on the MS3 since I transferred it to its new needle (I am such a slacker).

But as promised here are the "picture" dishcloths Mandy knit last week.
A red "M&M", a Transformer, and 2 Harry Potter. She is working on a Tweety Bird .

No picture of Tweety yet. And I need to post a picture of the t-shirts my daughter and niece made to wear for the Harry Potter 7 release. They are cool. Our daughters are so crafty, aren't they Monica?
Click on over to Cass's blog for some contest fun. Yarn and books could be yours (or mine).
And wish me luck...I have a job interview tomorrow at 11am. Have a great weekend! More later.

Knitting Weekend and My Prize Arrived

2007-08-06T12:49:00.000-05:00

I was busy knitting this past weekend. I finished the first Serengeti sock (pictured in previous post) and started a new pair with my yarn I won from Laura. This is Cider Moon Glacier in the Istanbul colorway. 48 stitches on US4 dpn's (knitting it plain and it's knitting up fast). The recommended gauge is 5.5 stitches and 7 rows= 1", I'm getting 6 stitches and 8 rows to the inch. This yarn is so soft (I hope it won't pill).

And on Saturday the prize I won in Kimberly's Bingo game came. She made my some lovely stitch markers and a abacus bracelet (for row counting, thank goodness it came with instructions). Thanks Kimberly!
Mandy was knitting "picture" dishcloths all last week (4 in total with a 5th started).

I hope your weekend was enjoyable! Have a great week!

Finishing Socks Left and Right

2007-08-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Last week I was on vacation while my niece was visiting which left me a lot of knitting time.
I finished this pair that I had started in March. They are knit in Lorna's Laces Tahoe in a pattern that Monica designed. The design is very visible on the leg and instep so all I can show are the soles.

And on Tuesday I finished the socks in Fleece Artist
Seashore. I used the Periwinkle pattern over at straw.com. This is the 3rd pair finished for SOS2007. A comment on the yarn...I loved knitting with it, but if you look a the picture you will see that the socks look totally different. The yarn became less blue and more yellow/beige the further into the ball I got. I don't mind that this happened particularly, but I wish I would have known that was going to happen. Is this normal for this yarn?
I have also started another sock designed by Monica that I'm knitting in CTH Serengeti. No picture of that yet (but I'm almost done with the first leg). It is so pretty, I can't wait for you to see it! **picture added 8/6/07. I finished the first sock over the weekend and started the second.**
I transfered my shawl to my new needle (it is great knitting with the proper tools). I'm still plogging along on clue #3 (will I ever get done? I hope so!).
Well piffle, Blogger isn't letting me upload pictures (I'm at work so the dial-up could be the problem and not Blogger), but Flikr did. So if you would like to see the socks you can have a look there. **thank you Monica for loading the pictures for me**
That's it for now. Happy Knitting!

I've Been Lucky Lately

2007-07-24T13:30:00.000-05:00

Posted 7/27/07.

Yes indeedy! I won a contest over at affiknitty and Laura sent me this lovely yarn... I can't wait to knit with it (but I want to get some of the other things OTN's off first).

And I also won the "Bingo" contest at Woven ~ n ~ Spun. Kimberly is sending me some pretty stitch markers and a bracelet row counter that she and her kids made. How cool is that!?! I will post a picture as soon as I receive them!

And I finished my LL Vera "Georgetown's". Monica wrote a wonderful pattern and knit hers in LL Georgetown, so that's how we refer to it. I love being her test knitter (and proofreader). I have some very nice socks out of this arrangement (he he he).

And Monica was so happy to finally get the email that said the pressie she ordered for me was finally sent. She knew I was having trouble with the short regular Addi Turbo needle I'm using for my MS3, so she got me a longer Addi Lace needle (it is taking it's sweet ole time getting here, so no pic of that yet). It came in today's mail (Picture added at 2:40 7/27/07) YIPEE!!!!!

Well after being without the internet for most of the week, I'm so happy I can be surfing (and posting) again. I will post more pictures when the items arrive. That's it for now. Have a good weekend!

Trying (desperately) To Keep Up

2007-07-14T13:09:00.000-05:00

I have finally finished my first pair of socks for SOS2007 (and July socks for SAM3 and the 9th pair for 52 PP). Maybe more will come off the needles more quickly now. Here they are (they don't match perfectly, but they're pretty darn close). They weren't done in time for the 4th (it was too hot anyway), but I'll have them for next year (and it will be too hot then too). My standard plain socks (68 stitches on US1 dpn's, 6" leg, 9" foot).

And as if I didn't belong to enough groups already, I joined yet another one...Sockamania. There is a new pattern each month for the participants to knit. This months is called "Serpentine". It is written for toe up (but you know how I feel about toe up...I don't do them) so of course I am taking liberty to knit them cuff down. Here is a picture of the start... I'm knitting them in Sheldridge Farms - Crocus colorway.

And the main reason I have so many 1/2 pairs up in my header is this...The Mystery Stole 3. I finished with clue #2 this morning so I will be able to work on clue #3 that was posted yesterday. I really think I need to get a longer circular needle for this (my LYS is out of stock right now, imagine that).

Well, that's it for now I think. Have a great weekend! I'm off to knit some more, and tackle a new mound of laundry.

How I'm Spending My Summer Vacation

2007-07-06T22:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm not really on summer vacation but this is how I have been enjoying myself. This is clue #1 in the Mystery Stole 3 KAL. I decided to knit it in the Knit Picks Gossamer - Sunrise. It is turning out very loverly. It started to pool a little but has fixed itself now that more stitches are on it. I wish I could stretch it out to its fullest, but my cable is too short and I don't want to lose any stitches. Clue #2 has been released and I have started on it.

So, while I was making lace, not much sock knitting was getting done. This will be remedied soon. I did happen to finish a couple first socks though. The Fleece Artist (that is pictured in the last post, not quite done) and the LL Tahoe in a pattern designed by Monica. Sorry I can't show you the design on the leg (she's hoping to get the pattern published).

So, I'm off to a slow start for SOS 2007, and I'm falling way behind in the 52 Pair Plunge. And next month starts the DishRag Tag...I'm so glad I decided to skip round 2 of the Hogwart's Sock Swap (I would be totally frazzled).

Well, I'm off to work on lace (or maybe socks)... oh, and the mound of laundry that needs to be done too. Joy! More later. Have a great weekend!

Summer Of Socks - Week 1

2007-06-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

With the start up of Summer of Socks back on the 21st, I put 2 OTN's right away. The first is knit in Fleece Artist Seashore in this pattern. It knits up very quickly and I had it memorized in no time at all. I'm going to get this first sock done this week too.

The second pair I started is in Lorna's Laces Sock - Vera. I'm using a pattern my sister Monica designed. You can't see the design very well in this colorway, but it is very pretty, not too complicated (but very interesting to knit), and easy to memorize too.

And on Sunday I added another sock to the mix. It is my normal plain sock (68 stitches on US1 dpn's) in Trekking color #33. I thought since the 4th is next week I should do something patriotic (and I do have the yarn...). And do you see that? in the picture? about 4" in on the leg and again just after the heel and on the foot? It's the beginning of the repeat I started the sock with!!! Trekking with a pattern repeat (I know they have some, but this is my first skein that does)!!! Be still my OCD (have to have stripes matching socks) heart!!! When things like this happen, life is good. See how little is takes to please me? I've started the second (woo hoo) and didn't have to waste a lot of yarn to get to the starting point.

And being the joiner (glutton for punishment) that I am, I signed up for the Mystery Stole 3. Here is my test swatch (in Knit Picks Gossamer - Sunrise). I have another lace yarn (Knit Picks Shadow-Sunset, not as many hanks as the one in the picture though) that I might use instead. It's more solid. Melanie used 780yds for hers...I have 880yds of the solid (I have 1760yds of the variegated). I wonder if I should press my luck. I haven't had much luck lately, so maybe I shouldn't. So here is a picture of my choices. Which do you think I should use? Both would be pretty. Oh, and it starts tomorrow with the first clue.

Well, I think I've covered everything for now. Have a great weekend! More later.

PS: Go on over to Ali's, she's having a contest that involves a prize of yarn!

This Is How We Deal...

2007-06-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

...with the end of a horrible day.

Funnel Cake anyone!?! Cuz this is real comfort food. Mandy (dear daughter) was performing all the action shots. She is becoming a good little cook (she has perfected several ways to cook an egg and now funnel cakes).

There are a couple of shots of the 2 socks I've started for Summer of Socks 2007 in my Flikr. I'm trying to spread my time equally between the two, so the socks I had started previously are on the back burner for a bit.

Ok, you can go back to drooling on your monitors now (they were mighty tasty)! More later!

Preparations

2007-06-18T14:51:00.000-05:00

I'm preparing this post early in the hopes I won't forget anything. I've been trying to finish up some of my SIP's so I can start new ones after Thursday and have them count for Summer Of Socks 2007. I finished my son's birthday socks on Tuesday. He's going to love these once it cools down again. Trekking XXL 188, 64 stitches, US1 dpn's. So, what am I preparing for?....

First...Summer of Socks 2007. It begins 5am on the 21st (tomorrow). I have wound my yarn, the pattern has been chosen, and the needles are waiting for the cast-on. I think I've made a good match...but only time will tell. This is Fleece Artist in the Seashore colorway. The pattern I'm going to use can be found here.

The second thing to prepare for is the Dish Rag Tag. It doesn't start until August 1st, but I thought I'd get my dishcloth mojo going. I hope I won't peak to early. It took me about 5 tries to get this started. I can join socks in the round all day long with no trouble but trying to join those 8 stitches in the center caused me a lot of grief. I'm using this pattern.

Well, that's all I can think of right now. If you happen to be getting some rain, send it our way. We need it. Have a great rest of the week and weekend. More later!

Back To Socks

2007-06-14T20:10:00.000-05:00

I finished the Regia Cotton Surf socks tonight. These will be gifted later this year (am I good or what?...getting something done months in advance). So, they are my standard 68 stitches on US1 dpn's and they match perfectly! (yet again).

I have also got a pair of ankle socks going for my son (he will be 22 on July 3rd). His favorite color is black so of course the yarn I'm using is black. Trekking 188 shades of black/grey. I like this yarn a lot. I've knit the 2 x 2 cuffs 1-1/2" long, the foot from heel to tip of toe is 10". These fit right in with Project Spectrum. I should have this pair done soon.

Speaking of Project Spectrum... I've resurrected my Edelweiss socks. The second sock is finally cast on but I'm making slow progress on it (I seem to have too many choices to work on right now).

And now I have more empty needles, so of course I want to cast on a new pair!

Have a great weekend! More later

Yikes!!! More Hats

2007-06-10T20:31:00.000-05:00

I know I promised there would be socks next, BUT, I knit 2 more hats this weekend for the Loopy Ewe challenge. This brings my total to 8 hats I will be sending in for charity. I really think I'm done with the hats this time. Both hats are knit in Caron Simply Soft Brights with 80 stitches. The yellow/turquoise hat was knit on US6 (it reminds me of the Swedish flag) and the purple/pink on US7.

In sock news (I will have pictures later this week)...I'm almost finished with my son's first ankle sock for his July 3rd birthday and the second blue stripe sock (Regia Cotton Surf) is almost to the heel flap. I'm hoping to have at least one of the pair done by the end of the week. That's all the news I have right now. Have a great week.

More Money Will Be Changing Hands

2007-06-08T07:39:00.000-05:00

I knit the pink Squiggle hat I was commissioned to do. It is knit the same as the green one in the previous post (except color of course). Gotta love something so quick and easy to knit (and get paid for it too). Well, I need to get ready for work and get out of here. There will be socks next time. I've been busy with those too. Have a great weekend!

This One I Got Paid For

2007-06-01T22:45:00.000-05:00

My co-worker asked me to knit a Squiggle hat for her to give to her cousin for her new baby boy. This is what I came up with: Caron Simply Soft in Limelight with Squiggle. Another cousin of hers had a little girl a couple of weeks ago and she would like another one but in pink this time. So I will start working on that one soon. She is amazed how fast I got it done, and she loves it. I really need to get back to the socks now, they have been dreadfully neglected. Have a great weekend!

These Hats Are Really Fast...

2007-05-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

...to knit. I've just finished another one. Caron Simply Soft in Watermelon and Limelight. I started it at work yesterday and after dinner this is what I worked on. That is the center back, my jogless jog looks pretty good. This one is 86 stitches on US7, it fits on my 22" head but is short (doesn't cover my ears). That makes 6 hats for the Loopy Ewe challenge, I may be done. My hands really don't like the big needles, I'm ready for some size 1's for a while.

Time for bed, Goodnight!

2 More Hats Off The Needles

2007-05-27T20:12:00.001-05:00

Edited on 5/29/07: Ok, make that 3. I finished another hat this morning. I've knit this one in Caron Simply Soft Mango with some Squiggle thrown in with it. This hat is so cute! My co-worker has asked me to knit one for her cousin's new baby boy. I'm thinking lime green with a different Squiggle I have.

I knit another of the Vine Lace Baby Hats in Caron Sport-Thunder Blue. I think I've mastered this pattern and will move on. I knit it exactly like the green one in the previous post.

I also knit this Cable Rib Hat in Wool Ease-Red Sprinkles. Mandy agreed to model it. Relaxed it measures 18" but it stretches out nicely. It's supposed to fit a 2-6 year old but it also fits a 17 year old.

More knitting as it comes off the needles!

Baby Hats! & Socks Too

2007-05-24T19:38:00.001-05:00

I'm knitting some baby hats for the Loopy Ewe challenge. I've had some false starts but these 2 have turned out quite nice. Both are knit in the Vine Lace Baby Hat pattern. The pink/yellow hat is knit in Knit Picks Sock Garden-Stargazer Lily and the green hat is Caron Sport that I've had for forever.

The pink hat is being modeled by one of Mandy's Bitty Babies (they have 13" heads). The green one is over a container that shows off the lace details. Both are knit with the 81 stitches; the pink hat was knit on size 3 and the green on size 5 needles. I'm going to knit another one in a bright blue next (the yarn is Caron Sport also and the color is called "Thunder Blue). I love this pattern!

And in sock news (since I have so many empty needles), I started a plain jane sock in one of the Regia Cotton Surf yarns in my stash. The standard 68 stitches on size US1's. I'm almost ready for a heel flap.

So, that's all the knitting news for now. Have a great holiday weekend, I hope you get to knit some.

Rasa Tagged Me

2007-05-24T11:29:00.000-05:00

But I reserve the right to NOT tag anyone else. So, here are 7 random things about little ole me...

1.I love old musicals...my favorite is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
2. I'm an Army brat...Dad retired when I finished 4th grade
3. I hate to move...We moved a lot during the Army years Kentucky, Germany, back to Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Colorado, then after retirement, Indiana, Ohio, back to Indiana, and then when I got married back to Ohio.
4. If I could, I would sit and knit all day long.
5. My BFF is my sister Monica
6. I'm the middle child of 7
7. I hate to go on Ferris Wheels and Roller Coasters (Space Mountain just about did me in)

Well, there you have it... if you would like to play, consider yourself tagged. Next post will be knitting, I promise.

Oh, Oh, Oh It's Magic

2007-05-21T06:22:00.000-05:00

The Opal Magic 1051 socks are finished! I finished them too late last night to take a picture and post, but the sun is up so here they are.

Stats:

Opal Magic 1051

68 stitches

2 x 2 rib cuff

3 x 1 rib leg and instep

US1 dpn's

Another magical thing about them is that they match perfectly...again.

So, I have another set of empty needles that need to be filled. I better get busy! Have a great week! More later.

Did I get the song stuck in your brain?

Taking Stock

2007-05-17T06:06:00.000-05:00

Added on 5/18/07, 8:45pm

The orange Trekking socks are done (finished at work this afternoon). Stats: Crosshatch Lace pattern from More SKS, 72 stitches on leg on size US0 dpn's, 68 stitches on foot on size US1 dpn's. Oh so pretty and they fit great. Here they are just hanging out in the azalea (and a few thistle).

Deb offered up a challenge yesterday after reading Carole's blog. Kind of a "flash your sock yarn stash" thing. How many pair of socks would you be able to knit from your current stash. I too, am no match for Carole's 80 pair, but I did beat out Deb. As of last night, I could knit42 pair of socks. 2 balls didn't make it into that shot...my ball of STR and Bearfoot. This count does not include the 6 pair I have OTN. I just did some calculating and it seems I have just enough to finish the 52 Pair Plunge (that doesn't mean that I won't be buying more when the budget allows, ;) if you know what I mean). So conduct your own "spring sock yarn inventory" and let us know "what condition your condition is in".

In sock knitting news...the orange Trekking socks are nearing completion (just a few more inches) and the second Opal Magic (turquiose) sock has been started and the leg is almost done. I will post pics of those upon completion. Have a great Thursday. More later!

Busy Doing Nothing

2007-05-10T13:11:00.000-05:00

That's how I feel. I did finish Monica's socks for her birthday... she has received them (and the rest of her presents too, she has blogged about it). She loves them and they fit "perfect" she says.

I started a new pair in Opal Magic. I started with a 2 x 2 rib and when I got tired of that I switched to a 3 x 1 rib for the leg and foot. I like it, the colors make me happy. This will be my Socktopia "Yikes Stripes" socks for May.

I'm still working on the test knit for Monica's sock pattern. I'm knitting them in Lorna's Laces Tahoe colorway (that Mandy gave me for my birthday last year). It's very pretty, I'm sorry all I can show you is the heel.

I'm on the second sock of the orange Trekking Crosshatch Lace pair. I had set this aside to finish Monica's socks (and start some new socks too), but I will let them out of their box and put some more inches on them (and hopefully finish) too.

I restarted the Panda Cotton (that I recently won) using Adrienne's pattern. It's a fun pattern to knit and easily memorized. This yarn is so soft but so splitty. I will knit on and not let that defeat me.

Well, that's all I have for now. I hope to have more finished next time... I think I might do a little sewing and/or machine embroidery. I have some things I need to get done for upcoming birthdays. Have a great Friday and weekend!

With Time To Spare

2007-04-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

Added on 5/5/07 at 9:18pm: Monica's birthday socks are done...I will post a picture on my flikr page when she has received them. I'll probably mail her package on Tuesday or Wednesday (her birthday is on Sunday...Mother's Day!!)

I finished my April Socktopia Socks and another pair for the 52 Pair Plunge. Here are the Opal Prisma 1190 knit in the Pennant pattern from More SKS, 66 stitches on size US1 dpn's. Now to finish the orange Trekking and Monica's birthday socks.

I Had To...

2007-04-26T17:52:00.000-05:00

do this to enter a contest. I love entering contests (esp. when sock yarn is involved). I was surfing the net this afternoon at work (business is very slow and Monica has a migraine so we couldn't IM) and came across a new blog (to me) where Carrie is having a contest. You have to start (she didn't say you had to finish it, but I probably will anyway) a springy looking dishcloth. After I fed my family, I pulled out my bin of cotton yarns and found the most springy looking ball I had. This is what I've done so far. I'm using a pattern that is in the 2006 Knitting Pattern A Day Calender. It's starting to pool now with the increase of stitches and I'm almost to the required 43 stitches you have to reach before starting the decreases. That's all I have for now...more later.

Added on at 10:05

No one is more surprised than me... but I finished something that wasn't a sock (see, I can knit other things). I wove in the ends as Grey's was ending. I wonder if I get extra credit for finishing it? Just kidding! I love when triangles become squares!

Back to the socks, I still need to finish one for Socktopia before Tuesday!

Sometimes Two Halves...

2007-04-20T22:52:00.000-05:00

Edited on April 23 This just in: A few weeks ago I posted a comment over at Adrienne's blog to enter a contest she was having, and she picked my name out of a jar to win this prize that came today:

2 skeins of the new Panda Cotton. I chose the Seascape colorway over the Rosewater. Isn't it beautiful? I will be knitting the pattern she designed for this yarn, but I think with only 60 stitches (I've already tried it with 66 and it was too big. see how I am. it doesn't even get in the door right and I'm playing with it). It's very soft, but does split very easily. I won't let that deter me. Thank you Adrienne! I love the yarn and I'm going to love knitting your pattern too!

... don't make a whole. As with these two socks. I finished the first of the Trekking "Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Banana" Socktopia sock. Can I say, I love this sock? It fits great, I like the lace pattern (Crosshatch Lace MSKS), and the varying shades of orange are making me happy. Who knew I was wild about orange? Not me!

The second sock of this non-pair pair is also for Socktopia...it is for two themes: "Sunshine On My Shoulders" and "Bumble Bees and Butterflies" (more bumble bees than butterflies). I'm using one of the pennant designs from "More Sensational Knitted Socks" (MSKS from now on). I'm knitting this pair in Opal Prisma 1190. So, now I will knit another non-pair pair just like this one (both have been cast on).

I'm almost finished with Monica's first birthday sock (it will be finished today...sometime...later).

Have a great weekend! More later

Practically Perfect In Every Way...

2007-04-11T22:15:00.000-05:00

...I should call these "Mary Poppins" socks. I can't believe how perfectly I got them to match. And yes I did try (as I always do with these self-striping yarns), but sometimes my gauge will change with the second sock, or something freaky (like a break in the yarn) will happen that they don't match exactly...but not this time. As evidence to the fact, I give you exhibit A: Opal Elements with 68 stitches on size US1 dpn's. Ok, so I don't mess up my mojo I'm going to stop talking about them.

I also started this sock knit in Trekking XXL 145. I thought this yarn wanted to be the Monkey sock pattern, but when I finished the gusset decreases I discovered I couldn't get my foot in it, so I ripped it. Started it again using larger needles, but didn't like the fabric I was getting, so rip again. And then I found the Crosshatch Lace pattern in "More Sensational Knitted Socks", I think the yarn likes this pattern (we'll see how it goes). If it works out this will be my April Socktopia sock for the category "Aren't you glad I didn't say banana"(just ignore the yellow you see in the yarn, I'm trying to).

I have also started a new test knit for my sister, and if I do say so myself, it looks very nice (no peeking allowed). Monica saw it this past weekend and she likes it too. And her birthday socks are progressing nicely too, I'm past the gusset decreases on the first sock (no peeks on those either, well not till after May 13th anyway).

I think that is all to report right now. More later!

It's One Pair of Socks....

2007-04-02T19:26:00.000-05:00

...but it fills so many KAL's/Groups. 1.) SAM3- April socks done. 2.) 52 Pair Plunge- 1st pair done. 3.) Green Sock KAL- 3rd pair of green socks done. 4.) Favorite Socks KAL- 1st pair done. 5.) Birthday socks for daughter- done.

This is the Retro Rib Sock from "Favorite Socks". I knit them in Cherry Tree Hill- Lime colorway (betcha couldn't guess that, huh?). Mandy likes her feet plain but she is starting to let me knit designs on the legs. These aren't a surprise for her, she picked out the yarn and has seen me knitting them for the past couple of weeks. But I will wrap them and give them to her for her birthday (#17, how did she get so old, didn't I just bring her home?). Oh, well...more later.

I'm Spoiled

2007-03-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

I received my third and final package from my Sockret Pal today! My spoiler is none other than Kate (click on her name and give her a visit, she's a fabulous gal and wonderful knitter). She has been sending me great stuff the past 6 months and this last package was stuffed to the brim. Inside was all this: a beautiful shawl pattern, a ball of Temptations (hairy) yarn, a ball of Naturally Tibet yarn (this wants to be a hat, I think), a ball of some lovely (friend) hand-dyed yarn (it looks sport weight, don't know the fiber content or yardage but it might make some socks), a package of some mini dinosaurs gummie candies (they are in my tummy already and they were yummy), and a nice cosmetic pouch with this in it.... a bar of lavender soap, a tube of lotion and a scrubbie. And as if that wasn't enough she knit me a pair of socks too!

They fit!! She must know how anal I am about my socks matching, because she made them match! They have a pretty lace motif going down the center front of the socks and another pretty lace motif on each side of the leg. Thank you Kate! You have been a wonderful spoiler.

A Girl Should Know Her Limitations

2007-03-26T22:12:00.000-05:00

I participated in a "knit-off" this weekend. Over at Socktopia (come on over and join in on the fun). This past weekend (crazy sock knitting) volunteers were divided into two teams and were given a pattern to see who could knit a pair of socks the fastest (it turned out it was Monica, my dear sister...not on my team) and which team could knit the most pairs. I started knitting around 1pm Saturday afternoon and pretty much knit for about 8 hours straight (ok, I did take potty breaks...and I did eat too). I really tried to finish the first sock in 12 hours and I got close too, but my eyes just wouldn't stay open. I kitchnered the toe at about 8am Sunday morning. The second sock I finished this morning at 11:38am. Less than 48 hours and I had a pair of socks. My hands were cramping up (esp the right one) and my left arm was killing me. Gigi (Momma Monkey) gave us a great pattern to knit (she calls it Eleanor), I chose to knit it in some Cherry Tree Hill Potluck that has been sitting in my stash for a year and a half (it finally decided what it wanted to be). I'm very pleased with my new pair of socks, hopefully we'll get some more cool days and I'll be able to wear them. Mandy's lime green sock is to the foot, as is my Opal Elements sock. I'm about to begin the 4th pattern repeat on the leg of Monica's birthday sock. So progress continues on my SIP's after a brief interuption. More later!

A Little Bit of This And A Little Bit of That

2007-03-21T07:10:00.000-05:00

Woo Hoo!!! I finished my first Edelweiss Sock (Vogue Knitting fall 2006). And all the ends are woven in too (very tedious work that). I haven't cast on the second yet (but I will soon). I was afraid that it would be a tad tight but it fits very nicely. I'm quite pleased with the way this first one turned out.

And since I had empty needles, I started a pair of socks from a new book on my shelf, Favorite Socks (Interweave Knits new book). This is the Mock Wave Cable (the name is misleading, no cables on this sock at all). I'm using Knit Picks Essentials Tweed in the plum colorway. I got this yarn last summer when it first came out. I like it better than the original Essentials, but it's very slippery on the needles.

Another pattern in that book is the Retro Rib socks. I'm knitting these for Mandy. She requested lime green socks and our LYS happened to get in a shipment of Cherry Tree Hill that had a skein of lime green in it. She is so lucky. This is 9 repeats on the leg so far, I'll do a few more before starting the heel.

And to give myself a break from all those patterned socks, I started a plain sock in some Opal Elements for myself. These will look great with jeans.

The pair I started for Monica for her birthday is coming along nicely too, but you'll have to wait until after May 13th (her birthday) to see those.

That's all for now. More later!

Shades Of Grey...

2007-03-15T22:05:00.000-05:00

...For Project Spectrum. These are the socks I knit for my son. The pattern is the Railway Stitch from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. I knit them in Trekking XXL 102. 60 stitches on size US1, 4 repeats on the leg, 13-1/2 repeats on the foot. C.J. likes short socks and these are probably longer than he would like but I'm not ripping them out. He's tried them on and they fit (but he still wants to know when I'm going to finish his sweater, he's like a broken record about that sweater).

One more work day before the weekend (I can not wait!!!!), this has been longest, most boring week. And my SIP's are dwindling, I think I need to cast on a few more (get that feeling of normalcy again).

Have a great weekend! More later.

It's Been One Year

2007-03-11T08:15:00.000-05:00

Today is my 1 year Blogiversary!! I can't believe it, time is flying by. No contest, no prizes. I just wanted to acknowledge it.
My Pal (SockretPal) has received her package so I have put a picture of the socks I knit her on my Flikr. She hasn't blogged about them yet, so I won't put one up on this post.
Have a great week. And I hope you've remembered (those that have to) to set your clocks ahead 1 hour.

I've Been Seduced

2007-03-09T23:15:00.000-05:00

I finished my March Socktopia Socks!!! Here are my "It Isn't Easy Being Green" socks. I used the Seduction Sock pattern from IK. Because I had only one skein of the Louet Gems sport weight yarn (thank you Monica) I wanted to make sure I had enough to finish a pair of socks. Monica advised me to knit them on size 3 needles and with 48 stitches. It worked out perfectly (thanks again Monica)!! I had enough but there wasn't much left over. They fit great (although the legs are about an inch shorter than I normally knit them, but that's ok). So, that is one seduction.

The second is....

Everyone knows that sock yarn doesn't count in yarn stash or purchases. I mean it's one maybe two skeins for a pair of socks. So, since it doesn't count, I acquired some more this week. Enough to make 4 pair of socks (ok maybe more, if I knit some baby or child size socks from the leftovers). Would you like to see? It's very pretty and oh so tempting.

At the top is Fleece Artist in Seashore. And the three Lorna's are from left to right: Child's Play, Vera, and Sand Ridge. I think I'm balancing out the "Martha and Frank" in me.

I think I will work on C.J.'s socks now and finish those up. I don't have much more to knit on the first one. And I have started a pair for my favorite sister for her May birthday (I will not be showing those off until they are gifted). And I still need to finish my Edelweiss socks. And Mandy would like some lime green socks. So, I better get busy! Have a great weekend!! More later!

Double Duty

2007-03-06T21:44:00.000-05:00

This pair of socks is pulling double duty. It covers UFO Resurrection and SAM3. I give you the completed Cable and Rib socks (Nancy Bush IK Fall 2005). The stats are as follows: Regia 4-ply 5033, Leg: 70 stitches, Foot: 68 stitches, Started: can't remember, Finished: 3/6/07.

I also finished the first of my Socktopia March socks..."It Isn't Easy Being Green" (Seduction) socks. And as you can see, I have cast on the second (no SSS for me, thank you very much). Hopefully I'll have this pair done by the end of the week.

So that's what I've been up to lately. Just my normal obsessive sock knitting. I'll be sending my SockretPal her last package tomorrow, so as soon as I know she's received it I will post a picture of the socks I knit her. I hope they fit her and she loves them. Please love them. Ok, I'll obsess about that privately. I am so my mother's daughter! More later, promise.

A Few Things I've Been Working On

2007-02-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

Added note: The STR RPM's don't fit so they have gone to the frog pond. I'm undecided as to

whether I will attempt to knit this pattern with

this yarn with more stitches or bigger needles.

Call me disappointed :(

First for UFO Resurrection, I present the Cable and Rib (from IK Fall 2005 issue, I think that's the correct issue) socks I started sometime last year. I don't know if I can finish the second sock by the end of the month, but I'm giving it a good effort (5 of 8 repeats done on the leg). These are knit in Regia 5033 with 70 stitches for the leg and 68 stitches for the foot on size US1 dpn's.

Next up are the RPM socks I started in STR Watermelon Tourmaline. I'm knitting them on US1.5 dpn's and I probably should have used 2's. I'll have to wait to see if they fit (I think they will though, but I may be delusional about this because I really don't want to rip this sock). The pooling doesn't bother me (I know it does some knitters, but not me). And I love how the yarn looks so different on the foot without the pattern.

And the last new start... I know I'm starting early but here are my March socks for Socktopia... "It's Not Easy Being Green" (the theme I'm going with). This is the Louet Gems (Sage) Monica gave me for Christmas. I'm knitting the "Seduction Sock" pattern for these. It's a lovely lace pattern and very easy to memorize. I'm knitting the foot plain (don't want to risk running out of yarn). 48 stitches on US3 dpn's.

That's all the show and tell for now. More later. Have a good week!

There Is Nothing Like...

2007-02-17T13:49:00.000-05:00

... a horrible bout of stomach flu to stop the knitting dead in it's tracks. I had every intention of finishing this pair of socks Wednesday night (Valentine's Day) but it just wasn't possible. Mandy must have brought it home from school because she started with the yuckiness on Tuesday night and I soon followed the next night. But I did get them done today and here they are: Box of Chocolate/Martha Socks

Opal Uni (brown, not the plum it looks like in the picture)

60 stitches

US1 dpn's

pattern is from Socken-Kreativ yahoo group

the design makes little boxes (blocks) on the leg.

They fit great.

And before the stomach problems, I cast on Aija's RPM sock from Knitty. I'm using the called for STR in medium weight in Watermelon Tourmaline. I will post a picture of those when I'm further along. So stay tuned. More later.

February Socks And Chocolate/Martha Socks Too

2007-02-06T00:13:00.000-05:00

I finished my socks in the Jigsaw sock yarn my SockretPal sent me back in November. They turned out great (IMO). Here are the stats: 64 stitches on size 1US dpn's. They match perfectly too. Yes, I'm gloating (matching socks make me very happy). So these are my SAM3 socks for February.

I started a new pair over the weekend that I hope will apply to two kals/challenges. One of the February categories for Socktopia is "A Box of Chocolates", and I know this pair will fit the bill for that kal. But are they "Martha" socks too? Loopyewe is having quarterly challenges...this quarter you take a quiz to see if you're a flamboyant "Frank" or a mild "Martha" and it seems I'm a "Frank" (mostly). The challenge is to knit a pair of socks in what you are not. So is a rich chocolate brown "Marthay" enough? I hope so. I am really loving this pattern, it looks like tumbling blocks (I'm saying they are boxes of chocolates for purposes of the kal). I'm going to crawl under some warm blankets and try to sleep. More later.

It Came, It Came, It Came

2007-01-29T20:22:00.000-05:00

I had to stop at the grocery on my way home from work tonight. When I got done bringing in the bags I looked into the family room and saw a package sitting on the floor in front of the couch where I knit. I have to admit (with only 2 days left in the month) I had given up hope of getting my 2nd package in the SockretPal swap (sorry pal). I was so delighted to see it, I really needed this pick-me-up. So this is what she sent me: 1 ball of Sari Silk (it is so beautiful), 2 skeins of Knit Picks Peruvian Wool in the Blue Bonnet colorway (for some reason my husband thinks this should be a hat for him?), 1 skein of Cleckheaton Studio 8-ply Mohair (simply gorgeous), a little tub of vitamin E creme (my hands are going to love this) and a bottle of Oceanus eau de toilette. Thank you so much Pal, you are the best. You've brightened up my day so much.

A few people have asked about the sock and hat pattern I used for the baby stuff so here is what I did. I used leftover sock yarn,for the hat I cast on 100 stitches on a size US1 16" circular needle, I knit for 4-1/2" beyond the roll (that naturally occurs with stockinette) and started my decreases (which Monica figured out for me). They are as follows: k18, k2tog around. Knit 1 round even. k17, k2tog around. Knit 1 round even. k16, k2tog around. Knit 1 round even. k15, k2tog around. Knit 1 round even. continue in this manner until you get to the k9, k2tog around, do not knit 1 round even anymore and just do the decrease rounds till you end with k2tog around. then just thread the yarn end onto a tapestry needle and bind off the remaining stitches and weave in the ends. you will need to switch to dpns at some point in the decreases. For the socks I used this pattern for a reference (as you can see I didn't change yarn for the heels and toes). I hope the hat instructions make sense to everyone, if not I'll try to help in any way I can. If I can't, I'll ask Monica for clarification.

Some Gifts Done

2007-01-24T17:58:00.000-05:00

I have finished 2 gifts from my list for this year. YIPEE!! First up are the socks for Lauren (her birthday is in August). I finished these last night. They are the Roman Rib Stitch socks knit in Regia Cotton Surf #5415. 56 stitches on size US1's.

And next, I finished the baby socks to complete the set (for Mandy's English teacher who is due in March). I ended up not having enough yarn to make a pair of mitts but that's ok. I'm also going to make some burp cloths for her.

So, that's it for now. More later!

I claim both for:

Presents From Monica...

2007-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

...and a few other things. But first my Christmas presents Monica gave me Monday. She knit me a wonderful pair of socks out of 6 different leftover Koigu yarns. They are gorgeous and feel so wonderful on my feet (yes, of course I've worn them already), also a skein of Louet Gems Sport weight yarn in sage (we are too funny, I just gave her a pair of sage socks I knit for her), and the "Scarf Style" book. I have so many projects picked out that I want to knit (maybe even something for her). Thanks Monica! **Edited**

Monica also knit me some clog slippers. Aren't they

great!

This is the sock I've started for C.J. It's the Railway Stitch pattern from "Knitting Vintage Socks" by Nancy Bush. I'm knitting them in Trekking XXL 102 (shades of grey, so I'm getting a jump on Project Spectrum. hope that's ok?) The pattern is hard to see, but it has a nice texture to it.

Monica, don't let Lauren see this...

And this is my Celebrate sock for Socktopia. It's also going to be a pair of socks for my niece for her birthday (in August, see what a head start I'm getting on gifts already this year?). I'm knitting the Roman Rib Stitch pattern in Regia Cotton Surf (not sure of the number right now, but I will find it and post it later). Just another 1/2" or so and I will start the toe!

So that's it for now. More later!

Year of the Dragon?

2007-01-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

When Ben (my nephew) saw the dragon t-shirt I had embroidered for Camden he said he would like to have one too. So, being a good auntie I went out and got some t-shirts for him. My sister and her kids are on their way over to spend the day with us (we haven't had our Christmas yet), it's the only day that her kids and Mandy have the same school day off. So here are the shirts I embroidered for Ben: I think he will like them.

And since there is no chance of her peeking I will post a picture of the socks I knit for Monica.

Here it is modeled on my foot to show the cables and then just a regular shot of the pair.

This is the "Foot Cozy"pattern in Lorna's Sport Sage. I also embroidered a sweatshirt

for her with "I heart Knitting" on it.

More show and tell later. Have a great week!

Edited: Carole tagged me with the 6 weird things meme. I will just direct you to this post
if you want to read about my weirdness again. Goodnight!

ABC Meme

2007-01-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

I found this one at Rachel's blog and it looked like fun. Besides I'm just sitting here doing nothing between thread changes on my sewing/embroidery machine... so here it comes....

A- Available or single? no
B- Best Friend? Monica
C- Cake or Pie? Either it depends on the flavor... Chocolate for cake and either Pumpkin or Lemon Meringue for pie.
D- Drink of Choice? Water (I know boring)
E- Essential Item? My knitting. Computer.
F- Favorite Color? Yellow
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Bears (but only the clear and red please!)
H- Hometown? Fort Knox, Ky
I- Indulgence? Yarn and chocolate
J- January or February? What's the difference, except the number of days of cold and dreariness.
K- Kids and Names? 2 - Curtis and Amanda
L- Life is Incomplete Without? My kids
M- Marriage Date? 5/7/83
N- Number of Siblings? 6 (5 still living)
O- Oranges or Apples? Oranges
P- Phobias/Fears? Heights/being poor.
Q- Favorite Quote? Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ, which gives me strength"
R- Reason to Smile? My kids
S- Season? Spring
T- Tag 3 People! Monica, Shelley, and Rebecca
U- Unknown Fact about Me? I have revealed so much lately with all these meme's. I guess it would have to be that I've gotten very lazy about doing housework and cooking the last couple of years.
V- Vegetables you Hate? Brussel Sprouts, Okra
W- Worst Habit? Eating too much chocolate
X- X-Ray's I've had? Dental, Gallbladder, Mammo's every year, CAT scan of my left knee, my right foot when I had a broken little toe, head when I was having chronic migraines, ok, I can't think of anymore but that sure is enough. Well, unless sonograms count too. I should be glowing in the dark.
Y- Your favorite food? That's a tough one. I love steak and baked potato. But I like a good cheeseburger too. And lemon pepper chicken. And of course there is always CHOCOLATE!!
Z- Zodiac? Scorpion

So there you have it, more information about little ole me.
On the knitting, I've started another sock for my son. I'm knitting it in Trekking XXL 102 using the Railway Stitch Pattern from Knit Vintage Socks. I am about to turn the heel on the first sock of the pair. Pictures later.

Second FO of 2007

2007-01-10T22:15:00.000-05:00

I finished the socks for my SockretPal!!! I'm sorry I can't show them just yet. I will mail them out sometime in February, so until I do that they will remain in hiding. They turned out so nice (IMHO), it will be hard to part with them. You see, my Pal and I wear the same size shoe. I think I will have to start a new pair from some of my birthday yarn (I have that itch that must be scratched). It's something I've wanted to do for some time now...but I had to finish Christmas items and my Pal's socks first.
More later and with pictures... I promise!!

When A UFO Loses Its U Status

2007-01-08T23:55:00.000-05:00

My January UFO is now a FO!! I of course chose the easiest and fastest to complete (although I did rip it twice... I didn't like the way it looked being knitted on the size 4 addi so I switched to a a 1 and reknit). Mandy says her English teacher is due in March but has been experiencing premature labor so she is on bed rest. One baby hat done. Opal Petticoat (leftover from Mandy's socks) 100 stitches on size 1 Addi Turbo. I'm making a pair of socks to match and if I have enough yarn I might even make some little mitts. Have you ever seen anything so cute? I love the swirly top (thanks Monica for your calculations).
I am making progress on my Sockret pal's second sock also, I'm to the heel flap. I hope to get it done by the end of the week. Well, I'm off to bed. More later.

2006 Final Tally... and Some UFO's Spotted

2007-01-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

It seems I didn't show much diversity in my 2006 knitting... final count...

adult socks: 28 pair (2 for Monica, 4 for Mandy, 1 for C.J., 1 for hubby, and the rest (20) for me)
baby socks: 36 pair (all to charity)
dish cloths: 1
scarves: 1

I have joined a couple of groups already this year to help me a little in getting things completed and on time. First... UFO Resurrection 2007 (see sidebar for link)... and here are the things I will be finishing this year:
1. C.J.'s sweater (this will be an ongoing project)
2. Arctic Diamonds Stole
3. 2 Multi-directional scarves (started in 2005 for gifts.. the green/blue one is further along. I just need to figure out where I am in the pattern for each of them)
4. 2 dishcloths (I can't seem to find the ballband dishcloth right now but I will)
5. My Edelweiss Socks
6. My SockretPals socks (one down, one to go. not pictured)
7. Buttonhole Bag (just need to get some yarn to finish the bottom and then felt it)
8. Mandy's blue Teseo scarf (I'm going to rip what I've started and do a different pattern)
9. Opal Petticoat baby hat (baby is due in April... I think)
10. Navy blue WoolEase house socks for C.J. (not pictured).
I think that's everything (it's everything I could find anyway).
Well, that should keep me busy for a while.
The second group is Holiday Headstart (some of the UFO's will also apply to this group because some of them will be gifts).

Plus, I do plan to knit at least 1 pair of socks a month (whether for myself or someone else).

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2006-12-31T21:25:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I hope 2007 will bring nothing but good things to all who read this! Be safe. Be healthy. Be happy. God bless us, everyone.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T13:26:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!!! everyone. I spent most of yesterday with my sewing machine doing some embroidery. I embroidered 2 shirts for my niece, Madilyn.

And 2 for my nephew, Camden. When he saw the dragon he ROARED!

While I was working on the shirts, Mandy was in the kitchen baking the dessert for us to take to the in-laws for Christmas Eve dinner.
I ran out of frosting to dye to write "Happy Birthday Jesus" on the cake so we improvised with M&M's. It turned out well.

And I didn't get C.J.'s socks done in time to wrap them and put them under the tree, but I did get them done today. He doesn't have them on his feet ( well I don't think so anyway) but they are done.

They are "Socks of Doom" (C.J. says they look like tv static) 60 stitches on US1's. Meilenweit Mouline (?) yarn.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.
More later.

Monica Tagged Me So Now I'm "IT"

2006-12-21T23:12:00.000-05:00

"THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the "6 weird things about you." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog." I'm going to half play, I'll list my "weird things" but not tag anyone.

1. I can twitch my nose like a rabbit (Mandy thinks this is something cool).
2. I hate to have my feet rubbed.
3. I don't like having my arms pinned down (part of my claustrophobia?).
4. I almost died twice, when I was 6 and 7 (acute appendicitis and a rusty nail ripped through the artery in my leg, my oldest sister Margie says she put her hand in my leg and pinched it together so I wouldn't bleed to death. I don't remember any of that, I woke up in the hospital with a huge bandage on my leg).
5. Spitting (slobbery dogs) and so many other things having to do with siliva makes me gag (watermelon, watermelon, watermelon).
6. Like my sister, I rub my feet together, and I'm never aware of doing it (this one bugs Mandy if she happens to be sitting on the couch with me).
Ok, that's done. Some of them sound weird, some don't. If you're reading this and want to be "tagged" go ahead and post 6 weird things about yourself on your blog. Let me know, I'll be happy to visit and read about your weirdness too.

Things I've Been Pondering...

2006-12-21T14:20:00.000-05:00

... like... why using a pumice stone makes your feet smooth and soft but walking barefoot on concrete sidewalks and driveways makes them rough and ugly?
... how your appliances (furnace on the coldest day of the winter so far) and plumbing systems (just a few months ago) know you have no money to pay for repairs and choose to break at that point in time?
...why you (meaning I) wait till the last minute to decide to knit something for everyone on your list (because you can't afford to buy them something)?
...why you (meaning I again) can't keep the resolution to start early in the year on those presents?
Just some things that have been on my mind.

Posting this under having the blahs.
Knitting next time.... I promise.

(This Post Is) All For My Son

2006-12-10T18:39:00.000-05:00

I talk a lot about my daughter Mandy, but I do have another child. My first born, Curtis. I started a sweater for him a little over a year ago, but it has taken a backseat to all my sock knitting. Monica and I made a pact this past week to work on the sweater(s) we have started (she has more going than I do, so you would think it would be easier for me). Lastnight I got out C.J.'s sweater and immediately made mistakes in the cables (I got very frustrated and actually threw the thing). After talking with Monica I was able to calmly pick it up and fix my mistakes and move on with it. I completed the first center diamond and am half way through the second. I'm knitting a pattern from "Men In Knits" in WoolEase. This won't be done for Christmas (this year), but I will continue to put inches (it's at 9-1/2" right now) on it on a daily basis.

Two other projects I'm working on for him are socks (of course). The first is the "Father and Son" design from IK. I'm knitting it in Pace sock yarn. I'm to the gusset decreases on the first sock, I should be able to get these done in time (he likes short legs on his socks). You can almost see the cables running down the side and the chevrons.

The second sock I'm knitting is in Meilenweit
Mouline (?) #1247. I'm using the "Socks of Doom" pattern from the Sock Wars site. The pattern doesn't show well, but I like the feel of it and it's stretchiness. I'm on the heel flap of the first sock on that one.

Well, that's all the progress for now. (Hopefully) more later! Have a good week everyone.

p.s. Here is your chance to win some wonderful prizes. Test your knit history at the same time. Not sure I got any of them right but it was fun trying to put the right year with the picture.
p.s.s. C.J.'s sweater is now 11". WOO HOO!!

Christmas Time Contest

2006-12-08T00:29:00.000-05:00

Over at Alisha's blog she has a contest going on. You have to post a picture of a Christmas decoration in or on your home. Many years ago I started collecting the Dept.(not Studio) 56 Dickens Village pieces. My in-laws would give me a new building or group of trees or people for my birthday and pretty soon I had a nice sized village. It isn't complete and the pieces have become too expensive to get (collectibles...you just never know). Mandy likes to set them up (this group has been up since last Christmas), she has some on her piano and once we move her puzzle, there will be some on the dining room table too.

And here is our tree. Not all the decorations are on it yet (we are moving slowly this year). But Mandy has already put some of the presents she's bought for friends under it. It's beginning to look and feel like Christmas at our house.

A couple of years ago I made us each new stockings, and here they hang on the mantel. My niece, Lauren, made the little hanging that is at the heel of Mandy's stocking.
So those are some of our Christmas decorations, you have till midnight Saturday (Oh, that's today) to show off yours.

Festive December Sock

2006-12-05T07:25:00.000-05:00

I was up late lastnight (3am, yes toooo late) finishing up this pair of socks. Why I don't know, there wasn't a rush to get them done. It's not like I don't have other socks to wear. But when the end is so near you just have to go on sometimes. So here they are, the first socks of December: Meilenweit Inca, knit plain. Started 11/23/06, finished 12/5/06. 68 stitches on size US1 dpn's. They are identical (I like when that happens). I thought I would be finishing these later today during Mandy's orthodontist appt. (she is "uber excited" that her braces are coming off today), but I will have to take a different sock with me to work on.
A couple weeks ago on a blog I visited (sorry, don't remember which one) she was asking people how they store their needles, so I thought I would share mine. I have a few of these sliding pencil cases that I use for my DPN's (a 6" plastic ruler fits nicely into them too). I buy them at the beginning of the school year when I buy Mandy's supplies. Then I go to the craft department and get some of the eyeglass chain maker doogies (that's the technical name for them, don't you know) and use those to hold the sets together. I have some number beads that I'm still trying to figure out how to put on the starter loop for the chain, so I know what size each set is. I haven't found a good way to store my circs yet, so if anyone else has some ideas....
And as a tease for Shelley, here is your T-shirt being embroidered by my machine (your package will go in the mail tomorrow). The lettering is stitching out as I type this post up.

The heart of yarn is taking shape in the right picture. Ok, the machine is done, now I just need to snip some threads and squirt the positioning lines with some water to make them disappear. It will be ready to go in the package (with the rest of your goodies) as soon as that dries. Have a great day!! More later.

Christmas MeMe

2006-11-28T09:24:00.000-05:00

I found this meme at Susie's blog. I'm going to type it now (11/28) and post it after Shelley has a chance to see she's won.
1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate, I've never had Eggnog and don't want to.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Mrs. Santa wraps all presents.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? While I prefer colored lights the tree is prewrapped with white lights. But we do put colored lights up around the inside of the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I am highly allergic to mistletoe so only the silk or plastic gets past the door and I avoid stores that carry it this time of year. I'm always on the look out for the stuff (I like breathing, funny that).
5. When do you put up your decorations? It's an ongoing process from the day after Thanksgiving till we get done. We haven't hauled the tree up from the basement yet though (seems there is some yarn in that corner that needs to be moved).
6. What is you favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Well if I can't say a dessert, candied sweet potatoes.
7. Favorite holiday memory? My dad was in Korea (Army) and we were in PA, I was 7 or 8, and Santa came to the door (it was late at night). My sister (Yvonne) and I took a chair to the door and looked through the peep hole and there he stood. We opened the door squealing, Mom came running out of her room (did I mention it was late), she was upset that we had opened the door to a stranger, but it was Santa. He had presents for the 6 of us still at home. Apparantly the Army had given him our names.
8. When and how did you learn about Santa? Learn what, SANTA IS REAL.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Nope.
10. What kind of decorations are on your tree? White lights and various ornaments we've collected or the kids have made through the years.
11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Well, both really. I love to look at it and see it coming down, but I hate to drive in it.
12. Can you ice skate? NO! in fact I used to have nightmares that I was skating, fell and sliced open the back of my leg.
13.Do you remember your favorite gift? Hmmmm..... Operation... BZZZZZZZ
14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Being with my family.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? All the cookies Mandy and I bake (chocolate crinkles, spritz, chocolate chip, pinwheels, sugar, well you get the idea).
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Mandy and me (or is it I?) baking cookies (sneezing our heads off from all the flour dust flying out of the mixer).
17. What tops your tree? Well, as soon as I find one I like it's going to be a star.
18. What is your favorite holiday book? Luke, Chapter 2 and then the Polar Express.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells.
20. Candy canes? we buy them every year and never eat them.
I want to add one more question to mine (because that's just the way I am)
21. What is your favorite holiday movie? "The Bishop's Wife". (Cary Grant, ahhhhh). A close second is "It's a Wonderful Life" & the Albert Finney version of "A Christmas Carol" also known as "Scrooge"

Ok I'm done. Now it's your turn.
As an aside... for the first time in the over 20 years I've been driving, I got pulled over by the police this morning on my way to work. For what, you ask? Well, even though there are still 2 full days left in the month, for expired tags. No fine, just a warning. I had hubby take care of the situation right away. I'm legal once more. Geeez, don't they have criminals they could be going after instead of innocent middle-aged women? Seriously!