Knitter Navy Wife

10 Ways to Lighten Your Mood

2010-08-31T11:47:00.000-04:00

1. Watch something funny, especially with someone who has never seen the movie before - I'm watching Caddyshack with Katie and loving her reactions!

2. Read something funny - I love having that laugh that makes everyone womder what is so funny.

3. RAOK (Random Act of Kindness)- flowers or a card sent to a friend as a surprise

4. Visit your favorite place- mountains, seashore, park, garden, zoo...A day at the beach is such a relaxing pick-me-up for me.

5. Finish something you have been putting off - that lapsed craft project, that corner of the desk that needs organizing - the sense of accomplishment makes me feel like I did something

6. Lunch with a friend - love to get together and share an hour or two about what's going on - my recent fav has been Baker's Crust for the half sandwich and soup followed by the Crepe Diablotin.

7. Make a fun mix of songs and have them at the ready on your Ipod when exercising or driving around - been loving "Let's Groove" by Earth, Wind and Fire lately - must be from watching Night at the Museum:Batlle for the Smithsonian.

8. Hugs from your kids - I still have the best hugger at home for another four years at least!

9. Chocolate - the temporary panacea to all problems!!

10. Date night with the hubby - we love joint massages, dinner, and chatting at Starbuck's

So what works for you???

8.

Do my eyes decieve me??

2010-08-30T14:04:00.001-04:00

Boo!! Is she back? Is she lurking? Is she thinking of reviving and revising this poor excuse for a blog? Time will tell..

Creeping back quietly...hoping no one has noticed the long absence

2009-01-06T17:21:00.002-05:00

The Omnivore's 100

RULES!
1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.

From Very Good Taste Blog. If you can't identify the food go to the original post .

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros - Sunday brunhc at Smith
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. ~~PB&J sandwich~~ - I've never liked them
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche - I was eating it in the early 1980's when a friend would bring it to me from Argentina!
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. ~~Sauerkraut~~ - yuck
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar - does Port and a cigar count?
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. ~~Phaal~~ probably not since I do not like spicy foods
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal - I've actually never had a Big Mac in my life- I prefer Quarter Pounders with Cheese
56. Spaetzle57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie love the apple and peach
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky - the strawberry is my fave
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee - bought it right on Blue Mountain!
100. ~~Snake~~ - no way no how

I suck...

2008-04-09T08:59:00.001-04:00

33 words

Speedtest

Can you tell I never took typing in high school?

Movie Meme

2008-03-27T20:30:00.005-04:00

How about something not knit related? I stole this from Carole Knits.

1. Pick 10 of your favorite movies.
2. Go to IMDb and find a quote from each movie.
3. Post them on your blog for everyone to guess.
4. Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie. Guess by commenting or emailing me (castelfam7625AThotmailDOTcom)
5. Looking them up is cheating, please don’t.

In no particular order, I picked 10 comedies....
1)Moles and trolls, moles and trolls, work, work, work, work, work. We never see the light of day. We plan this thing for weeks and all they want to do is study. I'm disgusted. I'm sorry but it's not like me, I'm depressed. There was what, no one at the mutant hamster races, we only had one entry into the Madame Curie look-alike contest and he was disqualified later. Why do I bother?Real Genius as finally figured out by Jenny.

2)~~You just got lesson number one: don't think; it can only hurt the ball club.~~ Bull Durham from My Big Bag Swap Partner

3)Sharks are like dogs, they only bite if you touch their private parts.

4)That's not Yankee dancing - that's Devil Rays dancin'!

5)You can't have an air raid without bombs!

6) We've come for the body of Macaulay Connor.
I'm so glad you came. Can you use a typewriter?
No, thanks, I've got one at home.

7) Always with the negative waves Moriarty, always with the negative waves.

8)So this is Hell. And there's a crucifix in it.

9)Do you realize what you've done? You've taken a woman who loves you, one of the great women in the world and thrown her away. I lost her too, but I will get over it because I am shallow and self-centered. But you, you wont, because you are "complex". You will feel terrible anguish for the rest of your life. This is turning out to be a pretty good day.

10)Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony. Monty Python's Holy Grail from Sarah

And I can't leave you without showing this.

Saint Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T10:21:00.004-04:00

Happy Saint Patrick's from a girl whose ancestors come from Armagh and Bandon in Cork County!

I've got quite a few projects going on right now. I've started the Great American Aran Afghan. That will be a long, ongoing project but hopefully a wonderful heirloom for the girls. I am still working on those d&*n socks for my brother in law, that were due for Christmas. Socks just aren't giving me any joy lately. I've finished 1 more 76 stitches hat and am working on one last one. I still have some Manos left over(2 full skeins, 3- 1/2 skeins) so I'll felt it into something. Any suggestions? I'll be starting my Big Bag this week also.

I did finish one project for a Red Sox Spring Training Swap I'm doing on Ravelry...

First Yankees/Red Sox game of this year is tomorrow. I also have some Red Sox and knitting goodies for her as well.

I will leave you with this and this.

Have a Bailey's and wear some green!

Massachusetts Girl

2008-03-06T12:12:00.002-05:00

You Are 88% Massachusetts

Wicked pissa! Now go down to Dunkies and celebrate.

How Massachusetts Are You?

F***ing A, I'm a Massachusetts girl! That is not gratuitous swearing in Good Will Hunting. How do ya like them apples! But I have to ask what do the The Mighty Mighty Bosstones sing? I do love the Dropkick Murphy's however...

Wow- 2 posts in a month!

2008-03-05T09:15:00.002-05:00

I joined a knitalong that will help me keep this blog in better shape! I'm doing the Big Bag Knitalong and Swap. Here's the questionnaire...

Do you knit, crochet, or do both? For how long?Just knit for about 5 years.
What other crafts do you do, if any??Photography/Scrapbooking/Cooking/Reading
What are your favorite colors? Colors you loathe??I like brights; not too fond of pastels
Favorite yarn brands? Fiber types? Yarn you can't stand??Love Brown Sheep;Not a fan of Lion Brand
What is your favorite type of item to knit/crochet??I'd rather say that I'm not fond of socks right now and I've never knitted a sweater
What kind of needles do you like? (i.e. circular, straight, metal, bamboo, etc.)?I prefer circs and I have the KnitPicks Options that I love
Any knitting tools you lack but crave??Can always use stitch markers
Patterns you've been dying to get but haven't yet??The Lucy bag
Do you drink coffee, tea, cocoa? Flavors you love/hate??Only drink water- don't like hot drinks and I don't add stuff to my water
Favorite sweets & snacks?sorry to make this difficult but I'm on a diet and moving soon so I'm avoiding that stuff for my hips and the moving truck!
Any pets, kids, spouses? Spouses that act like pets or kids? (j/k)?I hubby who'll be gone off and on until June in prep for his next job, 2 daughters- 1 teen and 1 tween and 1 old cat
Favorite things to knit/crochet for the above, if applicable??The daughters have both recently learned how to knit but I'm about to start some afghans for them
What kinds of books do you like to read? Favorite authors or genres??Lots- history, historical fiction, romance
Do you collect anything? (besides yarn! LOL!)?Cat's Meow houses of places we've visited, baskets, my college's yearbooks prior to 1950
What, if any, are your non-craft related hobbies??Like before- cooking, reading, photography
Scents you adore? Scents that make you gag??vanilla, lemon/citrus, lilac
What is your idea of a relaxing time??spending a day at my day spa and going out to lunch
Oh yeah, are you on Ravelry and if so, care to share your Ravelry ID??yes, I am. Castelfam

I also finished a hat- a 76-stitches hat from a 2004 issue of Interweave Knits. I had some Manos Del Uruguay that I bought about 2 years ago to make a few. Here's the first one...
I actually made one of these as one of my first knitted projects and fell in love with it. I have enough yarn to make at least one more if not another.

For my library friends, I think you will enjoy this.

The lamest blogger in the universe! Yep, That's me!

2008-02-24T12:55:00.003-05:00

I've been officially guilted by friends to update this poor blog.

I'll do some knitting stuff first. Before 2007 was officially over, I made these from some Cascade 220...
These match the scarf that I made and the pattern can be found here. I also made these wristwarmers in the Fetching pattern from Knitty
I used some luscious Muench Touch Me for the yarn. I ended up fulling them and they fit perfectly. So nice to have velvety fetching wristwarmers! My first finished object of 2008 is this
I used basic Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted and the pattern came from Bags: A Knitter's Dozen . Here's a closeup of the cabling detail...
That's the knitting so far. I have a few other projects in the works that I'll post up soon.

C in DC tagged me so here goes:
THE RULES:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post THE RULES on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link to them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

1. I was a classic rock DJ in college.
2. I made aspirin in my chem lab last week.
3. I've never been outside of North America.
4. I've lived in 6 states.
5. I want a red pickup truck with XM satellite radio- no gun rack though.
6. I buy lots of makeup but never wear it.
7. I never learned to sew but I can cross stitch and attach buttons (sort of.)

If you have a blog and you are reading me, consider yourself tagged!

On a last note, I am so glad that Spring Training is happening and that the 2007 World Series Red Sox signed this hot dude...

Long Lost and I need a lesson from Miss Manners!

2007-12-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

First, right off the bat, I need to apologize sincerely to my Fall into Autumn dishcloth partner. I received the box before Veteran's Day but that's when my school schedule got very ugly. Professors moving things up to be done before Thanksgiving and moving them after to help us out. That, of course, didn't help at all!! Then I proceeded to lose my partner's info- swift move on my part so without further ado and no excuses for my ungracious reply...Thank you Sharon for my great package...
. BTW she made the soap which of course I didn't remember until I got her info remailed to me. Thank you so much Sharon, the dishcloth is wonderful and has joined the others in my kitchen!

In between classes I have managed a bit of knitting but I am way behind on the Christmas presents. I made this...
a coffee mitt from One Skein Wonders and I also have finished one sock
for one of my brothers in law from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush. It's the Spey Valley sock pattern and I made it from some KnitPick's Landscape yarn in Cape Cod.

This is finals week so I'll be free until Martin Luther King weekend but I do have to throw in Christmas, a visit from my mom and a trip to Pigeon Forge with the Woods family for New Year's. Hopefully I will post at least one more time before 2008!

TTFN!

October Knitting

2007-11-03T14:54:00.000-04:00

Hello dear readers! I am surviving Chemistry as well as Oral Communications and English Composition II. But the workload is keeping me very busy. However, I have been getting some knitting done.

I made an Irish Hiking Scarf
to go along with a knitalong that I'm running in the Knitters Love Nora Roberts group on Ravelry. We read the "Born In Series" and knit the scarf for September but it took me until October to complete it!

Maria, if you are reading go away now and come back next post...

While she's leaving, I finished a dishcloth for my Fall into Autumn Swap. It's the Shapely Diamond Cloth from Kitchen Bright Dishcloths. I made mine from some Lily Sugar 'n Cream

. I really like the stitch detail in this pattern. Hope my swap partner likes it.

Ok now that Maria's gone, I finished up her socks for Christmas. Remember the Jaywalker UFOs??
. They're now complete and will make a nice gift for Maria.

My latest installment of creative knitting is this. Wonder what Harley-Davidson would say?

TTFN!

Catch up

2007-09-25T21:24:00.000-04:00

Hello all! Chemistry is kicking my butt. Anyone want to explain the electron configuration of a charged molecule with covalent bonds?? Anyone? Bueller? Didn't think so.

Lots going on in knitland. My dogs days of summer partner had some personal crises and my swap came late. I did get some great yarn
but the swap people felt bad for me and Pecan Nut sent me another package to make up for it. Check out my new dishcloth...
and some great yarn...
. Thanks so much I love everything.

Speaking of the dishcloth exchange... I'm a bit behind the questions so I'm going to catch up right now!

Now that in some geographic locations the weather is starting to turn cooler, do you change the type of yarn(s) you knit/crochet with? This is Memphis- that means that its finally below 100 degrees on a regular basis. We don't see cooler weather until Halloween and maybe even to US Thanksgiving. All that means for me is that I'll knit outdoors away from the A/C (that's how I knit all that stuff this summer, Tanya- in the A/C under a fan!)

When you knit or crochet dishclothes, washclothes or face clothes, what do you use? I'm usually between a 5 to a 7 needle and I usually use circs because they're easy to travel with. I'm usually knitting during my 2 hour break between classes so I need small, portable projects to fit in with my 20 pounds of textbooks! Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for cloths? I use Lily Sugar N Cream because that's what's available in my local Michaels and Hobby Lobby.

Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? Why? Mountain Day!- oh wait I'm not at Smith anymore...damn...anyways it was break from classes that was declared by the president of the college and bells rang all over campus to announce it. We never knew when it was. I miss fall in New England- there's nothing like it but fall now means it's time for the 4 month house decorating season- fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I furnish my house ala Christmas Tree Shops thanks to living in Newport for a year and my mom who regularly sends stuff.

Addie and Maria- if you're reading this...stop...go away....

Ok well, I've finished the first Christmas present- socks for Addie-
These are the small columns socks from Sensational Knitted Socks. I used some Shepherd Sock in Somerset from Lorna's Laces. Remember my UFO Jaywalker's? They're becoming Maria's Christmas gift. I only have the gusset and the foot of the second sock to finish and I know she'll like the colors. There's that present solved. Anyone else knitting for the holidays??

Ok, here's my truly weird knitting for you.

TTFN!

Some Knit alongs

2007-09-11T20:38:00.000-04:00

Well, I've joined 2 knitalongs recently. First, I've finally joined the bandwagon and am knitting the Irish Hiking Scarf. I'm doing this in conjuction with my Knitters Love Nora Roberts Ravelry group. We're reading her "Born In..."Series and knitting this scarf for the month of September.
I'm using some Cascade Quattro for yarn. Scarily, I've already finished the books.

I also joined the Chevron Scarf frenzy. That pattern can be found in Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
I'm using some great Koigu for this scarf.

I've collected some fun and strange knitting sites so I'll be ending my posts with one from now on for your entertainment. Go see this. Do you think my Chemistry professor would have a problem with me wearing that sweater to my final??

Fall into Autumn Questioanire

2007-09-09T19:58:00.000-04:00

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been doing it?Only knit and have been for about 3 years

2. Have you made dischloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both??Made many and do both

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ??Lily Sugar and Creme and I'll try any

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles?Don't really like plastic but will knit with most else

5. What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much??Blues, Greens, Whites/Creams/Yellow, not particularly fond of brown

6. What do you like best about Autumn??The smells, but I really miss New England falls. They're the best!

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks!?Apple and Sweet Potato

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day??Overslept- stiill do!

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the timeframe of the swap)?Oh yeah, love to decorate outside more than I do inside but strangely I'm not into the costumes

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose??Chocolate,chocolate and oh yeah, chocolate (no nuts!)

11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;)?One cat, 2 girls ages 11 and 15 and 1 hubby

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why??no clue but probably Noro Kureyon because of the crazy colors and the slubbiness and irregularity of the yarn.

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths??Dishcloths and doilies

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays)?Halloween

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about??Other than not being a big nut or coconut fan, nope

Lots of FO's for the neglected blog

2007-08-24T22:23:00.000-04:00

I have lots to show you... I knitted this for Hubby's cousin who is going through leukemia for the third time (I'd appreciate it if you kept Christopher in your prayers). It is Halfdome from Knitty. I used some Tahki Cotton Classic for the brim and Marks & Kattens Jeansgarn for the body. It came out rather loose. I'm going to donate this hat and make another with a few less stitches to tighten the circumference.

I made this great dishcloth for the Dog days of Summer Swap. It's from the January 2007 issue of Creative Knitting.

I had some cotton yarn in my stash with no label and I made a Dream Swatch Head Wrap for eldest. It is supposed to be almost 4 feet long but with the yarn I used, I only made it to 30 inches. I definitely want to make another of these.

Go away Jenny...

. This Bella Scarf, made from Knit Picks Suri Dream, is her birthday present.

Finally, I had an extra skein of the Garnstudio Angora Tweed I used for the ruffles scarf. I made the wave handwarmers from One-Skein Wonders.

I'll warn my few readers. I go back to school on Monday and I'm taking such fun courses as Chemistry, English Composition 2 and Oral Communications. I will try to do better than last semester on updates, but no guarantees!

I'll leave you with this... I'm thinking I have a goal in life now but I may have to put it off until we're done with Navy moves because hubby will kill me if we are over our weight limit due to yarn!!

TTFN!

What a great July

2007-08-02T15:49:00.000-04:00

This July was a great month, busy and hectic but overall wonderful. We started off in Atlanta visiting the Woods Family. The next week was filled with appointments but the premiere of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (which I loved!). The next eldest went off to the Diocesan leadership camp and the youngest had soccer camp, which was followed up by the distribution of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows... which was followed up the next day with a trip to Florida to visit the Cronins and a stay at hubby's family's house in St. Petersburg Beach. This is the view from the pool deck..., which was right outside the living room. A great month!

I got LOTS of knitting done! I finally finished that Ruffles scarf that has been on the needles for 2 years! I polished off 2 dishcloths, a Spinning Wheel Dishcloth for Michelle and a Honeycomb dishcloth for the Florida house. I made another mobius purse in Ravenclaw colors for my youngest. I also made a Sophie Bag for myself from some lovely turquoise Brown Sheep Bulky.

I got lucky enough to have Bronwyn as my partner for the second Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap.... She really indulged me this time. Not one but TWO skeins of Socks that Rock in Mustang Sally and 24 Karat. There were 2 sets of choclate frogs but one was gobbled pretty quickly. I love the sock patterns but I am especially happy about Cookie A's Twisted Flower pattern that I have been eyeing for months! The bag is really cute and so perfect for fall. Thanks so much Bronwyn or cimorenegal as she is known on Ravelry!

THE Baby Blanket is Complete!!!!!

2007-07-13T17:29:00.001-04:00

aran baby blanket
Originally uploaded by castelfam

I had to do a brief post. I finally finished the epic baby blanket. It's the Aran Baby blanket from Knit Baby Blankets and I used Plymouth Encore in cream (256). I am so happy with this blanket. It is large enough to last into toddlerhood and I purposely used washable yarn. I loved the cabling so much that I'm eyeing more cable projects! Now we just need the baby to be born and he's due any second!

HSKS 2

2007-07-12T10:42:00.000-04:00

Well, I have been very neglectful of my HSKS 1 partner. I realized that I never posted a picture of her gifties to me. The sock pattern is from Knit Picks and I don't have it yet so it's most welcome. The bag is a design of my partner, Bronwyn. Click on Knitted Dice Bag for a free pattern. She made mine from Knit Picks Merino Style. It is divine. The girls keep trying to "borrow" it. Strngely enough, she will also be gifting me for HSKS2. I can't wait to see what I get!

I recently finished the bag for my HSKS2 partner. I used the Cinnamon Braid Sling Bag from Cat Bordhi's, "Second Treasury of Magical Knitting." This was my first successful mobius project. My first, a novelty scarf, is, no joke, about 8 feet long! I used Nature Spun Worsted and now my youngest wants one in Ravenclaw colors by the Book premiere next week. I still have to finish a baby blanket by then.

TTFN!!

Dog Days of Summer Contest

2007-07-05T14:05:00.000-04:00

Someone who crochets- Abby C.

Someone who's never made a dishcloth before Madonna B.
Someone who has been knitting\crocheting for less than 2 years Angela T.
Someone who has been knitting\crocheting for more than 5 years Barb N.
Someone who is from a non-US country Stephanie L

HSKS 2 Trivia

2007-07-05T13:37:00.000-04:00

Trivia

1. "What happens if I wave my wand and nothing happens?" "Throw it away and punch him on the nose." Which two people are talking? Harry & Ron

2."If he raided our house he'd have to put himself under arrest." Who say this? Fred
3. When sitting on the wall next to Professor Dumbledore at the beginning of the book, who does Professor McGonagall bet was the wizard responsible for the shooting stars seen by Muggles over Kent?

Dedalus Diggle

4. Known by the students as Nearly Headless Nick, what was Nick's actual name?

Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington

5. When venturing into the Dark Forest with Hagrid for their detention, who is the first centaur Harry and Hermione see?

Ronan

6. We know that Parvati Patil was sorted into Gryffindor house, but what house was her twin Padma sorted into?

Ravenclaw

7. What colour do the flames turn when you use Floo powder?

Emerald green

8. What colour tie was Cornelius Fudge wearing when he came to take Hagrid to Azkaban?

Scarlet

9. After running away from the Dursley's, Harry took up a room at the Leaky Cauldron. What number room did he stay in?

11

10. While Ron, Hermione, and his other classmates are in Hogsmeade, Harry stops in for a chat with Professor Lupin. What did Lupin tell Harry he had just taken delivery of for their next lesson?

Grindylows

Picture Scavenger Hunt
The pictures can either be posted on your blog or you can link to them from your blog.

Dog days of Summer Questionaire

2007-07-02T12:44:00.000-04:00

Do you knit, or crochet, or do both? How long have you been knitting\crocheting?
I only knit and I have been knitting for about 3 years.

Have you knit dishcloths or dishtowels before? Lots and lots!

What are your favorite cotton yarns? Is there a cotton or linen you’ve been dying to try but have not? Either Sugar and Creme or Peaches and Creme.

Are there any cotton yarns you don’t enjoy knitting with? nope

What type of needle do you prefer using? (Metal/Wood/Plastic)Any of the three but I am admittedly a snob and love my Addi Turbos.

What other projects do you enjoy knitting or crocheting?Just about anything.I like hats, socks, and felting.

Do you have other hobbies or enjoy other kinds of crafting? Photography and scrapbooking.

What kind of treats do you like? Chocolate? Candies? Nuts? Chocoalte wi/out nuts (not allergic just a preference), gummi bears

What colors are your kitchen and bath decorated in, if any? Blues, Whites and Yellow

What are your favorite colors and what colors do you dislike?same as above

Do you drink coffee? Tea? Other beverages? Mostly water

Do you have any kids (human or pet variety!)? 2 daughters, 15 & 11 and 1 old girl baby cat

Do you have any allergies? Morphine!

Please share 3 tidbits about yourself that you think your pal and other swappers might find odd or interesting.

I'm a Navy wife so my life is very portable. Knick Knacks /thcotchkis are important because those are how I decorate everywhere I live.

I'm going back to school to be a media specialist.

This is my first time living more than a day's drive to the ocean. I really miss it!

F#^% the Gods of Knitting, Yarn & Needles

2007-06-29T20:25:00.000-04:00

I'm so over it. This is NOT my knitting week[:(!]. I admit I have 10 inches of a baby blanket and the leg of a second sock to finish so I've got that "new" project itch. Now, I'm spending next week at a friend's house so there's plenty of knitting time to complete the other 2 projects. Her's a summary of my week...
Monday- I grab a lone skein of Diakeito and cast on for the twisted top toque in One Skein Wonders. I get the band done on Tuesday and start the decreases. I switch from circs to DPNs (here it comes) and realize I've knitted the stupid band with neddles 3 size smaller than what I need[:-P]!!! No wonder I was running out of yarn!

Wednesday, I take my girls to their beginning knitters class as an offering to the Knitting gods. I also devote an hour and a half to the blanket. Would that that action had appeased them[**].

So today I decide to try and reduce the stash of novelty yarns from Hades! I did a simple shawl with the 2 skeins of Trendsetter Sorbet. A bit on the small side but I realize I can always donate it to several silent auctions that occur in the fall. As I am weaving in the ends, I snagged the join of the 2 balls which of course is in the middle. I trim away and low and behold- I create a humungous hole and the %$%&&%$# thing starts to unravel[crazy]. That is now residing in my trash.

Have I neglected an appropriate sacrifice? Did I miss an important feast day? Should I burn the rest of the novelty yarns as an offering of good tidings? Should I dedicate a new working to quality alpaca? Perhaps I should adopt a Merino sheep? Obviously, I am scared to play with my current WIPs. Help me break the curse!!!!

Summer Dishcloth Swap

2007-06-20T09:48:00.000-04:00

I loved the Summer dishcloth swap!. First, here's a pic of what I made for my partner.... The yarn is peaches and cream and the pattern can be found here.

Here's a pic of the package I received... I love the windchimes from one of my favorite stores, Christmas Tree Shops". Click on the flyer if you've never experienced this place. Don't you just love a bargain! The dishcloths are fantastic and fit right in with my beach theme house, since the blue one is an anchor and the yellow one is a sun. The pattern is for a sand dollar cloth. The lemon soap is great and the kids stole the Bertie Botts- not surprising. Thanks so much Sarah.

Where I've been meme

2007-06-16T12:45:00.000-04:00

If the state is red, I have spent the night!

create your own personalized map of the USA
or check out ourCalifornia travel guide

Happy 15th Birthday

2007-06-06T10:47:00.000-04:00

My beautiful girl, here are my wishes for you...

You were always an easy going baby and toddler. May you always take life as simply as you did then.

You get excited about events and happenings. May you always perceive of the glass as half full.

You've also been my contemplative one. May you always reflect on and appreciate your life.

I joke that I could drop you on Mars and that you could adapt. May you always greet change with grace and style.

You are completely unaware of just what a beautful woman you are becoming. May you always remember that your inner beauty will shine through no matter what.

My dear baby, you've always look ahead with your dreams. May you use your past to shape your future and never, ever surrender your hopes and desires!

I love you more every day.

Momma

Truly International Sock Along

2007-06-05T22:13:00.000-04:00

I am a participant in the Truly International Sock Along and I got the privilege of being the first knitter. The sock was born on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at 7:55 CST. Using leftover yarn from a pair of Trekking socks from last summer, I name this sock,"AlphaMonkey."

Part of the process involves taking photos of the sock around town ala Yarn Harlot. I now understand how she feels when people think she is nuts for doing this. I ~~persuaded~~ ~~cajoled~~ begged the girls to come with me. They finally understood when I explained that this was like flat stanley.

We first went to

Graceland. When in Memphis, you have to visit Elvis.

With so much to do in so little time, the girls and I took AlphaMonkey to downtown Memphis.

Next stop...
the Mississippi River and Hernando DeSoto Bridge. We walked along

Beale Street and saw
Schwab's
and
B.B. King's Blues Club.

None of us, including AlphaMonkey, had ever taken a duck tour so we hopped on board to take in some more sights. We passed by one of my favorite Memphis sights...

Sun Studios, the first place that Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash ever recorded! We passed
Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital. We drove by
the Pyramid before going for a boat ride by
the bridge again on the Wolf River that empties into Ole Man River. Towards the end of the tour we passed
the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated and present day site of the National Civil Rights Museum.

After the duck tour it was time for a visit to
The Peabody to see the world famous

ducks in their fountain.

. We took an elevator to the roof to get a bird's eye view of
Autozone Park,home of the Memphis Redbirds. The last stop for AlphaMonkey was to Lansky's to see the fabulous collection of guitars...
That is a coat that Elvis had brought for repair to Lansky's just before he died. The guitar to the right is signed by Van Morrison.

The guitars are signed, from left to right, by: Celine Dion, Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash, Tanya Tucker, The Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Dean and Hootie and the Blowfish.

AlphaMonkey had a great time in Memphis and will be departing for his next foster knitter very soon. Go to Truly International Sock Along to see who that may be!

I'm so Happy I could Spit!

2007-05-30T11:18:00.000-04:00

I finished the bleepin' pink linen dishcloth!!! When I first started this awful item, I followed the recommended needles from Mason-Dixon Knitting and I used my brand new KnitpPicks options needles bought especially for this project and the recommended yarn, Louet Euroflax Linen. I neglected to check gauge and this thing has been a mass of rough spaghetti from the start. Here is the finished project unblocked.... You can see that it is a bit loose. Blocking did help a lot.... However, the stitch definition is nothing like those in the book. I gave it to my mother-in-law who is visiting this week and she loves it. I am just thrilled that the #@%^&* thing is finally off the needles!

In slightly happier knitting news, I popped out a rolled brim hat in Diakeito.... I have no recollection of needle size but I used the formula from The Knitter's Book of Handy Patterns. I ended ripping out the crown about three times because I made it too short and I wanted to use up as much yarn as possible-trying to use up the one skein I thought I owned. Of course after I finished the hat I found a second skein. Whoops. Need another project now or it will be another hat that is destined for the Christmas pile. Patty if you can get this yarn, try it out. It's a nice wool worsted and I love the colors.

Jenny, if you are reading this, go away...

I'm waiting...

Ok, she's gone back to the glam life in Naples. I've completed 2 of the four projects for baby July boy... a bib and burp cloth from Mason-Dixon knitting (yeah shocking that I used their pattern, NOT!) out of basic Peaches and Cream cotton. I still need to add a button for the bib and I altered it slightly and made 2 buttonholes, each about a 1/2 inch apart, for more wear time.

My Harry Potter Sock Kit partner will be happy and so is eldest. The swap requires a handmade bag for the goodies. So I had some Reynold's Utopia in the stash and knit her up a bag from Hip Knits:65 Easy Designs from Hot Designers. Eldest saw the bag and begged for one for her birthday since she is a mega Harry Potter fan... swap partner's bag is on the left and eldest's is on the right. However, the swap partner's bag has the gold dominating colorway on the back. Eldest wanted hers to be gold dominating on both sides. This was a fun, easy purse to pop out in about a week's time.

As part of the swap, we are also giving Harry Potter sock yarn in our swap partner's house colorway. That required a yarn purchase. A good excuse to finally order from Morehouse Farm. The results of this purchase were.... The yarn is luscious. I got a bunch of the laceweight and couldn't resist the Monet colorways. Go drool at their website. Turnaround from order to delivery was just under a week so I highly recommend them. The picture does not do justice to the colors.

Happy knitting!

2007-05-21T19:54:00.000-04:00

Bold for stuff you've done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you're not planning on doing.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with bananafiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn- HAHAHAHA
Slippers
Graffitti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colours I tried!
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies...)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone elses handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living (want to do a lot)
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with selfpatterning/selfstriping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
JewelryKnitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

It's going around. Do it if you want.

HSKS Trivia

2007-05-21T08:44:00.001-04:00

Trivia

1. Who is the Fat Lady's friend?
- Violet

2. When the Fat Lady was attacked by Sirius Black and fled her portrait, who took over for her as guard of Gryffindor Tower? Sir Cadogen

3. Usually when Harry is in Dumbledore's office, what are the portraits of previous headmasters doing?

- Snoozing

4. Which one of the Triwizard champions did not go to the World Cup?
Fleur Delacour

5. Who did Harry give his Triwizard winnings to?
- Fred and George Weasley

The next two are anagrams. Rearrange the letters to get the correct words.
6. Live gong cram la man (two words)Minerva McGonagall

7. Owl or video- Oliver Wood

8. What author's name appears on the book "Quidditch Through the Ages"?
- Kennilworthy Whisp

9. What does the Keeper do in a game of Quidditch?
- Guards the goal

10. In the Goblet of Fire why did the Mad Eye Moody imposter put Harry's name in the goblet?
- He wanted Harry to win the tournament

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Find these pictures and either post the pictures on your blog or links that will take us to those pictures.

- Dobby holding his sock from Harry
- Cho Chang and Harry's first kiss
- Viktor Krum and Hermione at the dance
- Mad Eye Moody

Fun Questions

2007-05-19T09:12:00.000-04:00

. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I swear Lisa Marie Presley because my dad was an Elvis fan but parents deny that. My middle name, Marie, is after my mom and her mother.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Yesterday- my dad's birthday, he would have been 66.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not really despite the nuns' best efforts
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Rare roats beef
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Two
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sometimes
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Yes.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Nope, lost them at 15.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Hahahahaha, ummmm no-afraid of heights, death, stuff like that.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Crispix
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, I wear Birks every day- even in winter
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes-emotionally, not physically
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben and Jerry's Phish Food or Four Seas Ice Cream-Chocolate
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Hair and smile.
15. RED OR PINK? Red
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Tummy.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Jenny-you live too far way dammit!
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU/ANSWER ON THEIR BLOG? Yes.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black shorts and no shoes
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Banana and pineapple smoothie
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Spongebob
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Razzmatazz
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Vanilla, coffee, roses, ocean, marshes
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My husband last night.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Red Sox - I know they themselves are not a sport but if I'm watching baseball it's them!
27. HAIR COLOR? Ask me Monday-getting highlights
28. EYE COLOR? Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS Yep since I was 12.
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Chocolate
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Best in Show
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? White TShirt.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Creme Brulee
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don’t know
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Don’t know
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? George Washington's War by Robert Leckie
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? A drawing made by my youngest.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Best in Show and Stunt Junkies on Discovery
42. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles.
43. WHAT IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Barbados
44. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? No
45. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Needham Mass
46. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who responds. Let me know in my comments if you post to your blog!

HSKS weekly Trivia

2007-05-19T08:34:00.000-04:00

Trivia #1
What's the name of this potion? Felix FelicisThis potion has the colour of molten gold, and while exposed to the air, large drops will leap like goldfish above the surface without spilling.

Trivia #2
Which book is this line from? Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"Harry and Cho were now too embarrassed to look at each other, let alone talk to each other; what if Ron and Hermione started going out together, then split up? Could their friendship survive it? Harry remembered the few weeks when they had not been talking to each other in third year; he had not enjoyed trying to bridge the distance between them. And then, what if they didn't split up? What if they became like Bill and Fleur, and it became excrutiatingly embarrassing to be in their presence, so that he was shut out for good?"

Trivia #3
Who utters these words?
"Oh I am glad I'm not on duty. I wouldn't fancy having to go and tell the Irish they've got to stop celebrating." Mr Weasley

Dishcloth Swap Questionaire

2007-05-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

I apologize to the swappers out there. I have signed up for several swaps so you'll just have to poke through to find the appropriate questionnaire, Today's is...
Dishcloths!!

When did you learn to knit? Who taught you?> I learned back in 1995 the first time and relearned (when I became addicted!) in 2004. Both times I learned at the same shop in Virginia Beach, The Knitting Corner from the owner, Carol, who has since passed.

What was your very first completed object? Your most recent? My first was my daughter's baby blanket and my most recent was a hat from Diakeito yarn- simple rolled brim.

What was the very first thing you sent to the frog pond? (pulled out and started over)Not sure, can't remember. Your most recent? That would be the hat, I pulled it 3 times to get the length right. I self designed it from the Handy Book of Knitting Patterns and kept getting the length too short before the decreases.

What is currently on the needles for you?A pair of socks and a baby blanket

What types of needles do you enjoy working with? What have you tried and hated?
I haven't met one I didn't like but I tend to live on circulars, mostly bamboo or Addi Turbo.

Have you knit dishcloths before? Yes

What was your favorite one? I really liked the one I did back in my February 11th post.

Least favorite? Don't have one

Do you use homemade dishcloths or face cloths yourself, or give them as gifts, or both?Both

What are your favorite and least favorite scents? (For your body, such as soap/lotion/etc) I tend towards floral or food scents but I don't like sandalwood or patchouli

What are your favorite colors?Jewel tones/brights

What colors (if any) are your bathroom and kitchen decorated in?Blue and White with an ocean/beach theme- Post Christmas Tree Shop for the New Englanders!

What other hobbies and crafts do you enjoy?Photography, scrapbooking and reading

Chocolate: Dark? White? Milk? Ew? Milk and White but all really just no nuts

Do you like salty treats? What kinds?Not really but I love low salt wheat thins

If you could go anywhere in the world for one day and spend the day any way you wanted, where would you go and what would you do? I would get all my girlfriends together- all my Navy, church, college, kitting and other buddies, and spend the day at a spa rented out just for us!

Do you have any allergies? (Yarns, foods, etc. that might impact what your pal can send) Other than no nuts in my chocolate (a preference not an allergy) I have no allergies.

Answer to Trivia Question

2007-05-04T17:56:00.000-04:00

Just answering the trivia question for the swap-Voldemort!

Also I have to brag...I got a 185 on my Praxis I Reading and a 180 on Praxis I Math. Still have to wait for the results on the Writing part but I have successfully validated out of all future math courses!!!

HSKS Questionaire

2007-05-01T22:10:00.000-04:00

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into? Gryffindor

2. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length. any wood really prefer size 2 or 1 normal-not shorter length.

3. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length? Sure any work for me.

4. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?

5. If your pal decides to send candies or chocolates are there any that you don't like? no nuts or jelly types, chocolate better

6. What are your favorite scents? not into musk or sandalwood but any other fine

7. Do you have any allergies?nope

AAAACCKK

2007-04-18T08:52:00.000-04:00

Sorry - I do live. I PROMISE to update in May. This is a brief note. Going back to school was a good idea but it kicked my proverbial butt!! I have done a LOT of knitting between classes. Here's a teaser...

In the mean time..check this out.

If anyone is still reading, could you let me know? Thanks - I am pathetic!

2007 Goals

2007-02-11T14:28:00.000-05:00

THUD!!! That is the sound of Tanya, Patty and Mary hitting the ground in amazement at my actual update AND 2007 progress. I've started school and I am busier than I thought I would be, really no surprise. The Developmental Math (Algebra II) is going much better than I had feared, I think I'm actually understanding it this time. The English Composition class is interesting. The online Physical Science class is challenging, not because it is online, just that it's a LOT of work. I'm hoping now that I've adjusted to all of this, that I'll start making at least weekly updates to this thing.

Well looking at my progress, 2006 was a very good year. I only have 3 UFOs hanging out- the ripple scarf thingy, the crayon box jacket and the failed Jaywalker socks. I do actually work on the scarf but because it is short rows, I feel like I NEVER make any progress on the damn thing.

I've already finished, My Constant Companion in Noro Kureyon # 95 for the main and Noro Kureyon # 88 for the contrasting outer pocket and handles. I also added 3 inner pockets.
I am so loving this bag that I am using it for a purse. If I had any sewing skills, I would add a snap closure. Hey Patty, is Noro cheap in Japan??

I have finally finished up my sister in law's 2nd sock for Christmas. I got one done, sent it to her so she could see and then she sent it back so I could match it up. It's the Tiger Eyes pattern from Socks, Socks, Socks.. I used another pattern from that book for the Sockapalooza last winter.
This is a good shot of the leg with a lace mock cable-

From a rather large Knitpicks order last fall, I pulled out the pattern for their Bella Scarf (the pattern is not on their website anymore, hmmmm) and finished it in the Suri Dream Twilight...

I made my oldest Calorimetry for a ski trip. The pattern calls for casting on 120 stitches. With that and the repeats, it is even too big for me...
so it has been sent on to my sister in law (the one to whom I owe socks) since she lives in Maine and has gorgeous thick dark hair and therefor a chance of this fitting her. BTW I used Karabella Aurora 8, color #1547. I have cast on another but this time only using 80 stitches, so hopefully it will be wearable by someone in this house!

I also joined the Yahoo Monthly Dishcloths group since these are easy and small to bring along to knit between my classes. Here's January's Three Cable Cloth... done in some ombre of Peaches N Cream cotton.

Finally I did my first charity knitting project. I completed a scarf for Red Scarf Project 2007. I made it out of Red Heart since I wanted it to be care free for washing, even though I am one heck of a yarn snob! The pattern was unisex, I thought, done in Moss Stitch...
Here's one with cat for scale...

One last picture is from Kris. I stupidly forgot to take any pics of my Christmas gift knitting but one of the Woods' cats, Tuffy, posed nicely in one of the felted boxes I made...

OTN...

Well I have a few projects going...

I'm trying out a Euroflax linen wash cloth from Mason Dixon
I have about 4 out of 12 repeats done.

I'm making some fingerless gloves (uses up some sock yarn), the other caliometry, and I'll probably cast on for KnitPicks Candleflame shawl soon. Here's a list of planned projects to keep me going through my stash of epic proportions...

-Amanda-
Waterbottle Sling
-Katie-
Waterbottle Sling

-Shawls-
Candle Flame Shawl
Adamas Shawl
Faroese Peaks Shawl
Rowan #34- Birch Pattern

-Home-
Linen Washcloths
Log Cabin Throw
Entwined Squares Table Runner-Creative Knitting 1/2005 -DK Cotton 1400 yards
Place Mat Set-Creative Knitting 1/2005-worsted weight cotton 1200 yards

-Scarves-
Bella--1 for Jenny
Diagonal Scarf-Morehouse Farms Merino Knits-Koigu
Leaf Cravat-Interweave Winter02/03- LouetSalesGemsMerino Sport 1 Skein

-Socks/Feet-
Felt Clogs

-Hats-
76 Stitches Hat in Manos
Aran Tam- One Skein Wonders

-Bags-
Booga Bag
Buttonhole Bag

-Mittens/Gloves-
Hip Winter Warmers-Gauntlets-Creative Knitting 1/06- WorstedWeight-Plain &Variegated 210 yards total

So the epic post comes to an end...until next week TTFN!!

2007- a new year

2007-01-09T15:34:00.000-05:00

Hello my few readers! So I ran away for a few months- what of it??

Here's a quick knitting summary from August on...I finished the Clapotis and Lorna's Lace's Lion and Lamb is my yarnoin addiction now. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! I also did a LOT of Christmas gift knitting. I made 2 sets of 3 nesting felted boxes from Mason-Dixon Knitting (I adore that book), a pair of socks from Sock That Rock yarn for my brother in law using Knitty's RPM pattern, 2 hats in Patriot's colors for my other brother and sister in law using Fiber Trend's School Colors Hatpattern, and a pair of Bev's Stay on Booties for a Navy friend. I also have been working on a pair of socks for my sister in law and finished one for Christmas but still have to finish the other one.

I started another blog to keep me honest. As you might have noticed, I have a weight loss ticker at the top. I need to lose body weight AND stash weight. So to that end I started Yarn Dieter to help me out. Go check it out and join me.

My next post will have my 2007 goals. If I don't get this junk up publicly, I'll never get anything done!!

PS Tanya- what is Patty's blog- don't think I have the address TY

2006-12-27T12:31:00.000-05:00

01. Seen the Grand Canyon Yes
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain Yes, I went up Mt Tom in 86. It was hell.
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive.
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath . Absolutely.
08. Said I love you and meant it Daily
09. Hugged a tree Yep
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris.
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea No,
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise Yeah
14. Seen the Northern Lights Sadly no
15. Gone to a huge sports game: Baseball
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa Not yet.
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables Yes!
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars In a cabin and a tent
20. Changed a baby's diaper: too many times.
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon Nope
22. Watched a meteor shower No
23. Eaten alligator Tastes lchicken. NokeNo But I ate frogs legs- yep taste like chicken but I kept memory whiffing formaldehyde from high school Bio
24. Given more than you can afford to charity- No but I do give regularly to the food bank
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope: at home.
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment: of course.
27. Had a food fight- yes, with hubby and whip cream- you do the math
28. Bet on a winning horse- no but I love the ponies and the track
29. Asked out a stranger-- yep
30. Had a snowball fight Yep
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can Yep
32. Held a lamb - no
33. Seen a total eclipse I think so as a kid.
34. Ridden a roller coaster - yes and hubby proposed about 15 minutes after we rode Space Mountain- lucky I didn't puke
35. Hit a home run- No
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking Yep
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day - No
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment - Yes
39. Had two hard drives for your computer Yes.
40. Visited all 50 states- I have been to about half.
41. Been to Austria Not yet
42. Had amazing friends Yes
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country Yes.
44. Watched whales - Went whale watching but saw none
45. Stolen a sign No.
46. Backpacked in Europe No
47. Taken a road-trip Yes
48. Gone rock climbing No
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach Yes
50. Gone sky diving No
51. Visited Ireland - No but I really want to
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love Yes!- what do you think High School was?
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them- No
54. Visited Japan Not yet
55. Milked a cow No
56. Alphabetized your CDs No
57. Pretended to be a superhero - as a kid
58. Sang karaoke No
59. Lounged around in bed all day Definitely.
60. Played touch football - yep- got in trouble in catholic school for organizing girls against boys during recess
61. Gone scuba diving Nope but have snorkeled
62. Kissed in the rain Yes
63. Played in the mud Yes
64. Played in the rain YES
65. Gone to a drive-in theater Yes
66. Visited the Great Wall of China Not Yet
67. Started a business Three times- if you count the home businesses
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken YesÂlike right now!
69. Toured ancient sites No
70. Taken a martial arts class- no but I've watched many of my daughter's
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight- just sold hubby's d&d books on eBay
72. Gotten married Yep.
73. Been in a movie - no
74. Crashed a party Yes
75. Gotten divorced No
76. Gone without food for 5 days- no I do not choose to be on Survivior
77. Made cookies from scratch Yes
78. Won first prize in a costume contest No
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice No but really want to
80. Gotten a tattoo no
81. Rafted the Snake River no
82. Been on television news programs as an expert- not really but was on local news demonstrating scrapbooking
83. Gotten flowers for no reason - no but hubby gets them for me for Valentines and anniversary
84. Performed on stage Yep
85. Been to Las Vegas No
86. Recorded music No
87. Eaten shark No
88. Kissed on the first date Yes
89. Gone to Thailand No
90. Bought a house Yes, bought 2
91. Been in a combat zone - Yep Boston's- that should trigger memories for some!
92. Been in a marching band No
93. Been on a cruise ship Yep- honeymoon
94. Spoken more than one language fluently no
95. Performed in Rocky Horror - well not the movie but yes at showings
96. Raised children In progress.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour- no but my brother in law and sister in law follwed Phish
98. Passed out cold Yes- I hate fainting
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country Yep- down Blue Mountain in Jamaica at breakneck speed on rickety bikes- Is it exotic if a guy jumps out of a bush offering weed and coffee beans to you?
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over. Navy does it to us all the time!
101. Driven on the Golden Gate Bridge No but have been to San Francisco
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didnÂt stop when you knew someone was looking DoesnÂt everyone?
103. Had plastic surgery Never
104. Survived an accident that you shouldnÂt have survived: came close
105. Wrote articles for a large publication - does the Flagship count (newspaper for Norfolk navy base)
106. Lost over 100 pounds No, I have lost a total of about 60 and am about to try to do it again- uggh
107. Ridden on a boat down the Danube River No
108. Piloted an airplane No
109. Touched a stingray yes at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
110. Broken someone's heart I am sure I have.
111. Helped an animal give birth NO
112. Won money on a T.V. game show No
113. Broken a bone Yep
114. Dyed your hair Never no really that's my natural color and highlights- honest!
115. Shaved your head Never
116. Caused a car accident Yes.
117. Been elected to public office- does student senate in college count?
118. Skipped all your school reunions- High School
119. Built your own PC from parts no way
120. Gone back to school - I'm about to in January
121. Read the Iliad and the Odyssey - No but I've translated parts of the Aeneid
122. Ridden a horse couple of times
123. Eaten Kangaroo meat No
124. Had stitches No
125. Toured castles in Europe - vicariously through my best friend
126. Had your picture in the newspaper Yes
127. Eaten sushi Yes
128. Sold your own artwork to someone you didnÂt know No
129. Published a book No
130. Written poetry No
131. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears No
132. Fired a rifle, shot gun or pistol- No
133. Had major surgery No
134. Had a snake as a pet No
135. Gone on an African safari Not yet
136. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild No
137. Visited more foreign countries than US states Nope
138. Visited all 7 continents no
139. Lived in a foreign country for more than a year - The navy has not deigned to allow this yet
140. Been swimming in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans Atalantic yes, waded in the Pacific- to damed cold to swim in!
141. Been to Niagara Falls yes
142. Lived on both sides of the Mississippi river Yes and I live less than 15 miles from it now
143. Sang in a foreign language in front of an audience . No
144. Been to the Berlin Wall No
145. Taught a child to read Yes
146. Been a DJ Yes in College

2006-12-27T12:30:00.000-05:00

My Fortune Cookie told me:
Your reasoning is excellent -- it's only your basic assumptions that are wrong.
Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

Pal Packages and Woad

2006-08-27T14:57:00.000-04:00

Do you want the good news or the bad news??

The bad news....in order to dye with woad, you need about 1/2 a pound of leaves or 32 ounces. How much did I have? 2 ounces, obviously not even close enough. But all is not lost, I had ordered a pile of dye-your-own yarn from Knitpicks in lace/sock weight and worsted weight. Once I pried Zoe off of the yarn, the girls and I did some dyeing with Wilton's frosting dyes and Kool Aid but more on that later,

The good news...In the space of 4 days, I received packages from my August Birthday Pal, Eva, and my SP8 pal (Ok who are you, I am clueless!!). Here's my birthday pal package... Dontcha just love Lorna's Laces sock yarn? Those delicious skeins on the right are Valentine. Eva lives in Slovakia and that reddish skein is Sockenwolle Unipo which is made where she lives. More sock needles are always welcome since I leave a trail of them everywhere. Poncho's and Wraps: A Knitter's Dozen has been on my Amazon wishlist for a while so now that's taken care of! The green floral tote is just darling! Ironically the card comes from Ikea. I sent my August birthday pal a set of floral boxes from Ikea! And I love the little lady ornament. Thanks again birthday pal!

My sp8 pal also sent an awesome package. Look how beautiful everything was wrapped...and here's the loot.... As Jenny says to Clare in Dragonfly in Amber, un embarrasement de richesse!! More Lorna's!!! 2 skeins each of Sand Ridge in Lion and Lamb (Which I am LOVING in my clapotis!!!)and a teal and cream blend in shepherd sock!! I've been lusting after some light-up needles and my SP8 pal provides with a set of Knit Lite #8's, a great new way to embarrass my family! She probably doesn't know it but the I heart NY mug is great for my hubby since he's from Long Island (Bellport). I love the pen, my girls are NOT appropriating it! The zephyr stitch markers are, to quote my knitting friend, Mary, just great knitting jewelry. Ummm, the chocolate is almost 1/2 gone, how shocking after the crushing woad disappointment. And finally, more needles, are always welcome so I can keep knitting along and leave my trail! SP8

In knitting news... I made a blue and white ball band dishcloth from Mason-Dixon Knitting (It's turning out to be one of my favorite books) and I also tested the felted boxes as a possibility for Christmas presents. That's the box in it's prefelted state. I used some leftover Noro Kureyon doubled and some leftover red Brown Sheep Bulky also doubled. The Noro was thinner than the Brown Sheep, not surprisingly so I'll be curious to see how they felt out.

Well I still have a lot to tell about my dyeing and the holiday grand plan but I'll wait on those for a post later this week. Don't forget to bid on my lot of Lion Brand- 34 skeins!! TTFN!

A quick post...

2006-08-25T22:21:00.000-04:00

This is a quick posting. Tomorrow is my great woad dyeing experiment. Wish me luck. I'll have pics of that and of my gifties from my August Birthday pal swap on Sunday.

If anyone's interested, I listed a LARGE lot of Lion Brand yarn at my store, so go check it out.

I'm also prepping for Christmas so I'll try to put up pics of my recent yarn orders!
TTFN!

Lookee Pictures!!

2006-08-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

Well I'm sorry I've held off between posts but I have a surprise! I am now the proud owner of an Olympus digital camera!! It's a simple point and shoot that I got off of eBay from a certain store that I know well.

First. I finished the Trekking socks for my friend, Kris...
. I used the basic sock recipe from Yarn Harlot's latest book-Thanks again SP for that giftie!

I've also made some more progress on the clapotis. We were at another Redbird's game on Friday,
so of course the Clapotis came along to the game! We sat behind the Redbirds dugout and my youngest caught a ball at the top of the 9th inning. Well, the minor league player threw the ball to her so well that it bounced off the dugout and hit her in the mouth!! She's OK but not a way to end the night. Here's a progress pic of the clapotis...
So I'm now up to 4 sections of dropped stitches, only 8 more to go .
Anyhow, I am now excited that I can finally take part in most knitalong challenges that require pictures in a timely manner. So now when I don't put up pics, I'll have no excuse but laziness!!

Meme and a Laugh

2006-08-05T11:38:00.000-04:00

Accent--Used to be very Boston but I've lost it over the years and the frequent Navy moves
Book I like--anything by Diana Gabaldon, Janet Evanovich, Nora Roberts classics-Gone With The Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird
Chore I don't care for--Most of them.
Dog or cat--one black and white old girl cat.
Essential electronics--Computer and TV
Favorite movie--Princess Bride, Gone With the Wind, Harry Potters, all Star Wars, Romancing the Stone
Gold or silver--Gold
Handbag I carry most often--Right now it's the buttonhole bag
Insomnia--nope
Job title--???eBay lister??
Kids--2 daughters 14 & 10 1/2
Living arrangements--House.
Most memorable moment/time--College
Naughtiest childhood behavior--Lying through my teeth
Overnight hospital stay--5 different ones
Phobias--heights, snakes
Quote--Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy shit - what
a ride!"
Religion--Roman Catholic
Siblings--only child
Time I wake up--school starts next week so 6:45
Unusual talent--I got nothing....
Vegetable I refuse to eat--acorn squash, olives
Worst habit--needing to talk all the time-can't enjoy the silence
Xrays--Teeth and a few broken/sprained bones.
Yummy stuff I cook(or make)--Lasagna, Christmas cookies, bread
Zoo animals I like most--Pandas, big cats

Consider yourself tagged if you wanna play!

Now for the laugh for those who know me... I'm going to try this. Ok I should start a pool as to what week I forget and/or ditch this plan. But in all honesty the last 2 years for the holidays have just not meant a lot for assorted reasons. So I'm hoping by playing along with this plan, even if I ditch it, I get way into the spirit this year.

SHHHH- don't tell my hubby...

2006-08-02T09:26:00.000-04:00

I am a lame blogger! But my 5-10 readers (I'm being optimistic) know that already. What have I been so busy at that I don't have time to post??? Well work has been busy. For the last 2 weeks I've been working almost double, but now that school starts next Monday (!!!) I'm back to normal. But that means I'll be a walking zombie next week adjusting to an earlier schedule. Shall I post a picture of what I look like when I wake up?? Yikes!!!

The Trekking socks are progressing nicely. I've turned the heel and picked up foot stitches on the second sock. The clapotis is currently stalled over a fit of guilt. I picked up my ruffles scarf and I'm going to try to finish it before I finish the clapotis. I'm going to get rid of 1 UFO this year.

So what am I shhhhushhhing you about?? Well, some of you might already know and others may throw things at me for not sharing this info, but last week was Interweave's Hurt book sale! I loaded up like I was heading to a desert island! I got:

Domino Knitting by Vivian Hoxbro

Folk Knitting in Estonia by Nancy Bush

Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski
Folk Vests by Cheryl Oberle

Interweave’s Compendium of Finishing Techniques by Naomi K. McEneely

Knitter's Stash Edited by Barbara Albright

Knitting On The Road by Nancy Bush

Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel

All of that for...$91!!!! And I was pleasantly surprised that all of the books are like new. I can't figure out why they were designated as hurt books.

I've also been to Rainbow Fibers and loaded up for my SP, my birthday pal, and myself but that's another post when I mail out boxes. And I eventually want to make a log cabin blanket a la Mason-Dixon knitting, so I've been loading up on Tahki classic cotton on eBay. My knitting shopping is out of hand!!!

My friend, Tanya, asked about a KnitPicks substitution for Lorna's Laces, Lion and Lamb. She's thinking about a clapotis. I was thinking maybe Andean Silk since it is a silk and wool blend like Lion and Lamb and same weight. Any other ideas?

Crazy Week/Blog Stuff

2006-07-22T16:08:00.000-04:00

Work has been nuts. Go to my store and you'll get an idea of how busy we are. So knitting has fallen by the wayside a bit but I did finish my Trekking sock and have started the second! Yay.

So for today I have some random blog stuff...enjoy!

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Shetland Wool. You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.
Take this quiz!

Quizilla
Join

Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code

And check out this, this, and this. I may not knit the first or the second but I probably would the third! How about you?

Hello all!

2006-07-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! You know how I don't have a digital camera? Well, I've been neglectful of the fact that my daughter is now in possession of a camera phone!! So pictures will be more frequent if I remember this concept! To start off,
here is the fair isle purse I knitted for my daughter. The pattern is Cabin Fever's Blue Jeans purse and I knitted in yarn from Knit Pick's. See my post from June 24th fore more info.

For Trek with Me, I started a sock for my friend we visited in Atlanta over 4th of July. Here is my progress on that...

Here is my progress on my Clapotis through all the increases and 1 repeat of the middle section

I never showed my buttonhole bag in its finished state...

It's working well as my summer purse. Very sturdy.

A garden update...

Here are some current pics of the cotton

and woad.

Thank you so much SP8! I love my latest package...
I wish that computers had smellovision so I could share how beautifully fragrant the soaps and candle are. And I know you must like me since you sent me the BLACK lantern moon sheep tape measure. They are very popular. The Lamb's Pride will probably go to either another buttonhole bag or felted slippers. Many thanks again.

TA TA all!!

She's Back!

2006-07-07T16:13:00.000-04:00

Great trip to Atlanta! I got to go to Ikea for the first time. That was such a great experience. I also dragged our hostess, Kris Woods, along to The Purly Gates in Marietta Square. Do you think I bought anything?? Well of course I did, silly . I got some TrekkingXXL in 100 & 36, Great Adirondack Soxie in Amazon, and Blue Heron Rayon Metallic in Mossy Place. A great couple of days in Atlanta!

I'm doing the August Birthday Swap and here's the questionnaire...

What day is your birthday? August 23rd

Are you crafty? I can be but I once glued my glue gun to the counter

Would you enjoy things like: Buttons, ribbons and embellishments? I like them but I have little use for them

Do you dye your own wool? I never have but I am growing woad and planning on dyeing some this summer.

Do you like to scrapbook or make homemade cards? I used to sell Creative Memories but I haven't seriously scrapbooked in over a year.

What small project would you be interested in making? Socks, mittens, scarf, hat, baby items, wash cloths, doilies, shrugs etc. I make all of those

What are your favorite scents?Vanilla, berries, jasmine, lavender, almost any food scent

Do you like stationary and cards? Yes

Do you like hand lotions or soaps?Yes for lotions, I buy way too much of lotions. I'm picky about soap.

Do you like to sew or embroider items? HAHAHA! That's a funny question. Next question...

Do you like beads?Beaded jewelry, actually making some...See above.

What kind of mail-able snacks do you like to eat?Chocolate is my first choice, but it's meltable in summer postal service...microwavable popcorn is good.

Do you like to wear costume jewelry? Necklace, earrings, bracelets etc. Call me, "the Earring Whore." Can't resist an earring sale.

Do you like to play cards or board games?Yep, just about any will do.

What are your favorite colors of yarn? I tend toward bright, jewel colors but I might be leaning towards some Autumn ones with fall projects.

Do you like solid, variegated, heathers, or self striping yarns? Love all of them.

Do you like kitchen magnets or key rings? I do but I collect specifically so I'd avoid this. I love floatie pens, however.

Do you like picture frames? Yes, any size over 4x6

Do you like to make/or use stitch markers? Don't make them but I like them.

Do you collect anything?Ok if I put down all I collect, I'd have my longest post. I go for just about anything except for coffee mugs-have too many of those.

Do you have any allergies? Smoke, food, fiber, pets, etc.. Morphine is real bad for me, so's smoke. Not a big nut fan, don't like acorn squash or brussel sprouts.

Do you have any hobbies? Knitting (duhhh), photography, reading, cooking

Do you like scented or unscented candles? I like Yankee candles except for Midsummer's night- I'm sorry, but to me, it smells like sweaty gym men.

Are you a fiber snob? It pains me but, when I look at my purchases, yes, I am a yarn snob.

Birthday pal, if you don't have enough ideas, go look at my May postings for my SP8 questionnaire for more ideas. This, however, will give my SP8 pal so more info about me!

I have finished the increase section of the clapotis and I started my Trekking sock in Atlanta. Using Yarn Harlot's sock recipe (thanks again for the book, SP!), I'm up to the foot decreases on the first sock.

Have a great weekend all. TTFN!

July/August Knitting to do List

2006-06-30T20:50:00.000-04:00

Well, after my last post, I figure I should reset my knitting to do list.

1. Finish Clapotis for Amazing Lace
2. Start Trekking socks for Trek Along with Me
3. Felted purse for friend
4. Start 1 sweater/gauge swatch
5. Start Adamas/Candle Flame/Faroese Peaks shawl from Knitpicks- someone choose which shawl for me. I have the pattern and the yarn for any of these.

The sweater is also a toss up. I originally thought of making a summer sweater from Yarn Girls' Guide to Beyond the Basics in [shocker] Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece in Prairie Lupine. But yesterday, I was a very bad girl. I had a credit at Yarniverse and bought this and this in 602 for a fall sweater and still spent $100.00. So now I have to decide which to do. Again I'll take suggestions.

BTW, for any eBayers out there, the store I work at just took in some amazing shoes, starting at $9.99. Go here if you're interested.

To close, here's a picture of me knitting the clapotis at last Sunday's Memphis Redbirds game.

I'll be in Atlanta for most of the next week for the 4th so Happy 4th of July America!

My Knitting Progress and Garden

2006-06-24T20:48:00.000-04:00

Ok be prepared. This post has............Pictures!! It's a rarity, I know but now you can see what I've been up to.

Garden first...

This is the cotton so far. Does anyone know if this is progress? It looks fine to me but I'm not sure when it gets the cotton buds.

Here's the woad. It looks like I'll be doing some dyeing later this summer. The indigo is a bust. The squirrels, I believe, have eaten the seeds. I may try one more time. Has anyone grown indigo from seed? I'd love any input.

Remember my knitting to do list? I've actually made progress and may have to start another.

1. Finish gull wing socks for Sockapalooza-u finished heel on 2nd sock, currently turning.

Those have been done-

2. Finish jaywalkers- on 2nd leg OK these need to become UFO's
3. Hat & Booties for navy friends' new baby -Done
4. Felted slippers- for sister in law's birthday -Done
Ok I never showed these before but they are done
5. Felted slippers for another friend She's moving to Florida so I'm changing this to a felted purse
6. Baby blanket for navy friends (different from others)Voila!This is for Jamie Hager. I hope she likes it. It's the pattern from Stitch 'n Bitch and it was done with Knit Picks Shine Twist in seaside. I think this color has been discontinued.
7. My sweater- Eventually I'll start this
8. Panta - more for the winter so maybe sometime in August
9. Purse for oldest daughter-Cabin Fever Blue Jean's PurseMy first fair isle project since the knitted felted slippers. I just finished it last night so no pictures yet. I used Knit Picks, Wool of the Andes, in Snickerdoodle, Tan, Chambray, Stream and Winter Night. Pictures to come soon!
10. Crayon box jacket and ruffles scarf to be worked on in between so as not to be UFOs
11. Start clapotisStarted already for Amazing Lace
12. Helen's lace shawleventually

So not too shabby I'm thinking. I'll come up with a revised to do list this week.

Meanwhile...

For fun I made a Button hole bag from Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky in Brite Blue and Sun Yellow. Here is the pre-felted bag...

I am actually using as my summer purse. So the next set of pics will be in it's current state.

I've never shown my beautiful socks from my Sockapalooza pal. Here they finally are...

I can't wait for some cool weather to show them off but that won't be until maybe October around here in Memphis!

Finally a pic of my loot from my SP8 pal. At least this one is up before the exchange is over!

Those chocolates didn't last a week!

And lastly a picture of my summer roses in bloom!

I hope you enjoyed my picture show. Please deposit all trash in the containers at the exit before leaving...Thank You

Under a Rock

2006-06-18T13:13:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry, especially to my SP, that I have not been posting much. BTW thank you so much for the kind comments about my very public pity party about my job. Things are gong much better in work in general and I'm learning what I need to improve and what is really not my problem. So thanks again.

Knitting has been going well. Such a great therapy and something to do during the endless softball games for the girls!. I finished the baby blanket. I also finished a buttonhole bag from Mason-Dixon Knittingin Lamb's Pride Bulky in Sun Yellow and Brite Blue, I think. I finally started my clapotis for The Amazing Lace. I went with Lorna's Lace Seaside in Lion and Lamb. It is a DREAM to knit with.

I've been shopping lately too. I picked up this and this. I got Dale of Norway's Norge 2000 pattern book off of eBay. I also got Rogue for myself and my secret pal. And then throw in an order to KnitPicks where I got wayyy too much.

I will hopefully have some pics later this week since I have rolls of film from Frank's (not my) trip to Monterey, knitting, my oldest's graduation, confirmation and birthday, and loads of softball pics.

TTFN!!

Thank You Thank You Secret Pal!!

2006-06-02T19:10:00.000-04:00

Secret Pal you are wonderful in my book. Your package came with perfect timing!! I shall have pics up soon to display my wealth. Alas, I do not own a digital camera so please bear with me. I adore the Burt's Bee's hand pack. And I love Yarn Harlot so I am sure to love her new book. I know there are some who do not,but I really love to knit with Noro Kureyon so thank you for the 2 beautiful skeins. And the bag of Dove chocolates was the piece de resistance. I had a particularly bad day at work. Without getting into details, I had a day where I felt completely inept and out of my milieu as it were. Almost complete with public tears...almost. I started this new job, which I love, but it's been fourteen years since I've been in the workplace. I am really putting my all into this and I feel that I'm falling on my face. It's really small detail stuff overall (well minus shattering the glass on a framed print in front of a customer today but that's beside the point), but I still feel that I am the weak link in the chain. I really loathe that feeling and when I try to correct it by making an effort to check my work, put that extra push in, I screw up. Basically today I hit my point of being (very publicly) embarrassed by my mistakes and the package was a real pick me up. So secret pal, thank you so much and know that you gave me a much needed feeling of warmth today.

On a very good note totally unrelated, my navy friends in Washington (Mr Hager, Tanya) had a baby girl, Jamie, on Tuesday and I finished the baby blanket for her that very afternoon. So along with SP package pics, I will have pics of the blanket as well. TTFN!

Knitalongs

2006-05-28T10:18:00.000-04:00

Hello dear 5-10 readers!

Sorry it has been hellaciously busy around here. Oldest's confirmation was May 18th and all the grandparents were here. They left last Tuesday and her graduation was the 25th. Plus hubby went to Monterey on a conference from Tuesday to Thursday (Brownell Circle as we knew it doesn't exist, Tanya! Sad but appropriate in the end.) Add in my job and end of school for the kids and its chaos.

The baby blanket has only 9 more rows!! I got a lot done today on our car trip to Corinth, MS to check out Civil War sites in the area. We went to Corinth, Brices Crossroads and Tupelo battlefields all in one day. That's a lot of Mississippi!!

I want to do a knitalong this summer but there's too many to choose from. So due to deadlines and the joy of overcommitting, I've joined the Trek Along With Me and The Amazing Lace. My LYS in Germantown, Rainbow Yarn and Fibers, is finally stocking Trekking and Opal. So I think this pair maybe a Christmas present for someone. For the Amazing Lace, I'm finally going to knit a a clapotis. Now I just need to figure out which of my Lorna's Lace Lion and Lamb yarn that I've had marinating is going to be the winner. I have Seaside and Watercolor. What do you think??

Top 100 Movies Meme

2006-05-20T11:57:00.000-04:00

Today is totally unrelated to knitting. Just a check in and a meme for my SP to get to know me better. If you have a blog I tag you! For my Va Beach knitting buddies, post under our group!

Take this list of the top 100 movies from the IMDB and bold the movies you have seen, italicize the ones you own. This list is from May 2004.

Godfather, The (1972)

Shawshank Redemption, The (1994)

Godfather: Part II, The (1974)

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003)

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002)

Schindler's List (1993)

Shichinin no samurai (1954)

Casablanca (1942)

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)

Star Wars (1977)

Citizen Kane (1941)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Dr. Strangelove (1964)

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Rear Window (1954) -a damn shame since I adore Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Pulp Fiction (1994) - I couldn't make it through the first 5 minutes of this-uggh!

Usual Suspects, The (1995)

Memento (2000)

North by Northwest (1959)

12 Angry Men (1957)

Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il (1966)

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)another shame of mine

Psycho (1960)

Fabuleux destin d'AmÃ©lie Poulain, Le (2001)

Silence of the Lambs, The (1991)

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Goodfellas (1990)

American Beauty (1999)

Sunset Blvd. (1950)

Vertigo (1958)

Matrix, The (1999)

Cidade de Deus (2002)

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

C'era una volta il West (1968)

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Pianist, The (2002)

Third Man, The (1949)

Paths of Glory (1957)

Taxi Driver (1976)

Fight Club (1999)

Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Double Indemnity (1944)

Boot, Das (1981) had to watch this in college or a Soviet Economics class, rather boring

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Chinatown (1974)

L.A. Confidential (1997)

Maltese Falcon, The (1941)I also adore Bogie so this si also pathetic

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

All About Eve (1950)

M (1931)

Bridge on the River Kwai, The (1957)

Se7en (1995)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) A classic- The Holy Hand Grenade!!

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

RashÃ´mon (1950)

Raging Bull (1980)

Wizard of Oz, The (1939)

Alien (1979)

American History X (1998)

Sting, The (1973)

LÃ©on (1994)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)another Jimmy Stewart that I've missed

Manchurian Candidate, The (1962)

Vita Ã¨ bella, La (1997)

Touch of Evil (1958)

Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The (1948)

Finding Nemo (2003)

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) I always catch 2010 but never this one

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Great Escape, The (1963)

Modern Times (1936)

Clockwork Orange, A (1971)

Amadeus (1984)

On the Waterfront (1954) I had to watch this one in college for an American studies class

Ran (1985)

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Annie Hall (1977)

Wo hu cang long (2000)

Jaws (1975)

Apartment, The (1960)

Braveheart (1995)

High Noon (1952)

Aliens (1986)

Fargo (1996)

Strangers on a Train (1951)

Shining, The (1980)

Metropolis (1927)

Blade Runner (1982)

Sixth Sense, The (1999)

City Lights (1931)

Donnie Darko (2001)

Duck Soup (1933)

Great Dictator, The (1940)

General, The (1927)

Sjunde inseglet, Det (1957)

Princess Bride, The (1987)The entire movie is quotable...Oh, what I wouldn't give for a holocaust cloak.

Dogville (2003)

Happy Mothers Day

2006-05-14T11:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Mothers Day to all!! I got breakfast in bed, French Toast and turkey bacon, YUMMY!!! My mom flew in from Boston yesterday. She'll be here until a week from Tuesday. We are going out to dinner tonight to Amerigo's and then coming home and watching the final episode of West Wing. I'm so bummed over that. My in laws are arriving on Tuesday because Thursday is my oldest daughter's confirmation. So dear 5 readers, (and SP-you make my 6th!!), I may be out of touch until the 23rd or 24th. I've also started a part time job at Imagine This Sold,a service where you can bring in items to be sold on eBay. So I am a busy beaver these days.

Knitting

The baby blanket is making great progress. I'm about 2/3rds done, about 18 inches completed and I've reversed the pattern .

Look I finally have pictures of other projects!! Here are a few shots of the baby kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide

This was done in Lily Sugar 'n Cream Cool Breeze Ombre I highly recommend this project for a quick and easy baby gift. I also made Bev's Stay On Knit Booties - newborn sized in Dale of Norway Baby Ull #8523,a leaf green shade.

And lastly for this baby gift I made a hat of my own pattern. Using the same yarn from the booties, I used guidelines from The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. I cast on 54 stitches for a newborn size hat, K2P2 rib for about 1 inch and then used the seaweed pattern from Barbara Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns I repeated the pattern 3 times, used the decrease recommended by Handy Book of Patterns and added a tassel. Not bad for first pattern, right??

Next post I'll have pics from the latest intarsia slippers and update the garden status after the Memphis floodwaters recede!!

SP 8 Questionaire

2006-05-09T09:18:00.000-04:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?I have many I love to knit with:Noro Kureyon, any Lorna's Laces, any Brown Sheep, especially bulky, Koigu, and Lily Sugar and Cream cotton. I'm way over fun furs of most types.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?I have separate cases for my DPNs, straights and circs.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?I've been knitting regularly for 3 years now. I'm an intermediate level knitter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?Yes, under castelfam.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)Ocean or lilac.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?HUGE sweet tooth!!! LOve choclate, not a nut or coconut fan. Favorites are Cadbury Flake bars, Hershey's plain and smores and Dove milk chocolates

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?I don't spin, didn't like it. I read, do photography, and cook.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)I don't have an iPod but I can play MP3 on my computer. I like classic rock, 80's and pop mostly.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?I prefer jewel tones and brights. Not much I don't like

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?I'm married to a really cute Naval officer, have 2 daughters ages almost 14 and 10. We have 1 cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?Yes to all.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?Hats, socks, mittens...the smaller,quicker projects.

13. What are you knitting right now?A baby blanket for a friend who's baby is due any minute!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?Yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?Circs and either Addis or bamboo

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?No but those are on my wish list for my birthday.

17. How did you learn to knit?Originally, I took a class at a store in Virginia Beach calledThe Knitting Corner with the owner, Carole, back in 1995. I retook that beginning class, with Carole, in 2003.

18. How old is your oldest UFO? 10 years, since it was a baby blanket for my youngest daughter that I've never finished.

19. What is your favorite holiday?From fall to just after the New Year, I love all the holidays, plus it's my anniversary in October nad my youngest's birthday is in ealy January.

20. Is there anything that you collect?Junk (tee hee!!), No I really collect, early Blue Willow china, Canton china, pineapple and floral depression glass and Smith College (my alma mater) memoribilia.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
The Holy Grail of knitting books-Alice Starmore's Aran Knitting or Fair Isle knitting, anything on my Amazon wishlist, and the Princess Leia lighted knitting needles on Ebay. My magazine subscriptions are extensive: Interweave, Creative Knitting, & Vogue Knitting mainly.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I really need to sharpen my finishing skills.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes. I'll edit the measurements later

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)August 23rd

My confession

2006-05-04T08:53:00.000-04:00

Bless me readers(all 5 of you) for I have sinned, it has been about 3 weeks (or more) since my last entry...

Here's my excuse if you care to read it. I came down with some very nasty viral thing that lasted from Holy Thursday until the Thursday 2 weeks later. Big yuck! Maybe it was the flu, in which case the money I spent on the flu shot was a big waste. The last few days have been spent reorganizing my life, the family and the disaster that was my home. So now that I'm as back on track as I'll ever be (and that's not saying much)...

Knitting
I've mailed my sockapalooza's pal socks and I really hope she likes them. It's the first pair that I've ever knit for anyone outside of the family and without the chance to test them on the recipient. Keep your fingers crossed . I also finished a pair of intarsia knit slippers from Knit One, Felt Too for my other sister in law that I still have to mail. And lastly the baby blanket is up to about 14 inches, so about half way done.

Garden
All planted finally. Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers got planted on Monday. Corn and zucchini got planted on April 23rd. The cotton is doing great. The woad finally appeared and is growing. The indigo tanked and I had to replant, which I did on May 1st, so the verdict is still out on that. So hopefully the summer natural dyeing may still occur.

Pictures of my recent projects and the garden will hopefully be up soon. So dear (5) readers, I ma back. Please tell me where you're from on my nifty map to the left . Ta Ta!!

Opening Day!

2006-04-11T16:03:00.000-04:00

It's opening day at Fenway! I know the season started officially last week and the Sox are already 5-1 but it doesn't feel right until it's at Fenway. This means a new season of hope. Especially with such a new roster!!

Well I spent the weekend planting again. I really have more radishes than I thought. As I started digging to reseed the row I found sprouts. DUUUUHH. I'm an impatient gardener. However, I did reseed the lettuce and started the carrots. I did get the dye garden started also. The woad, indigo, and cotton are in their containers. WOOHOO!!

I'm loving the projects in the spring '06 Knitty. I especially love Nautie. And I know I'll be knitting a pair of pedicure socks for the fall. Don't need those for mid summer Memphis heat! I may have to try out the dishwasher dyeing but I'll just save that for when hubby is on a detailing trip. Then only the girls can witness that crafting disaster! On that note I do need to start hitting some spring garage sales to find some old pots and spoons for my summer dyeing with indigo and woad!!

The baby blanket is coming along. About 8 1/2 inches. At 14 I get to reverse the pattern . Excitement awaits.

My week

2006-04-07T23:14:00.000-04:00

First off I want to thank everyone for your wonderful comments on my stash. Don't think hubby feels the same but I appreciate all the sentiments. I think 9 comments for a post is a record for me!!

Been a busy week. Our friends in Norfolk had a baby boy. He will be the recipient of the baby hat (which I designed-my first. I shall put up details when I post the picture.)and the booties (I used Bev's Stay On Knit Booties - newborn sized, the same yarn as the hat, Dale of Norway's, Baby Ull, #8523, leaf). The picture will do it justice when I take it. Also for this little guy I knitted the kimono out of Mason-Dixon Knitting which I highly recommend. The book is a wonderful extension of Ann and Kay and I love the patterns they include. I used Lily's Sugar and Creme in Cool Breeze Ombre which has more yellow than the swatch shows. It was so easy, 2 nights to knit and 1 to stitch together and add the ribbon. A quick and easy baby gift.

I started the other baby blanket from Stitch 'n Bitch and have about 8 inches total done. But I messed up. After knitting 18 rows in seed stitch I realized I cast on 120 stitches, not 126. So I've altered the pattern slightly. I really didn't feel like frogging so I reduced the pattern to kep it the same, the blanket is just a little less wide. Shoot me I'm a lazy knitter.

The garden is not going as planned. After planting 2 rows of lettuce and 1 of radishes, I have 1 stinking sprout, 1 measly radish sprout. The weather's been fine, the tornadoes were well north of us. I watered every morning but only on mist. I bet the water didn't absorb well into the soil. So I bet I'm replanting most of that. Meanwhile I get to hear hubby mutter about busting his a** setting up the garden and how much of HIS money we've spent for a large patch of dirt. I personally thought his a** was mighty cute with the rototiller. A man with a large power tool- oh yeah!

Flash your stash

2006-04-01T10:14:00.000-05:00

Lots of knitting news. First, sockapalooza gull wing socks are finished. Yay! The hat and baby booties are also finished!! I have added the baby kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting which is just a wonderful book and I am halfway through that. Pictures to come on those soon but I don't disappoint on that score today. The lettuce and radishes are in the garden. So productive week all in all.

Now for Flash your stash...

This was scary. But I'm more organized than I thought. Most of my yarn isn't random. I really do have an intended project for it. Not that I remember what all these projects are!
This one is for a Lily Chin scarf that might just be changed over to a sweater instead. I LOVE my booga bag and want to make more so that's what this Noro is for, except instead of 3, I have 6 of the same color. I bought it twice in different LYSs so that may become something else.
These are for another crayon box jacket. I like the colors better and NO fur.
I once made a 76 stitches hat from an old issue of Interweave from Lopi Lite. This Manos is for another one. It's what they made the original with.
This is the Knit Picks yarn for the baby blanket.
These are some Lorna's Lace to make some clapotis scarves.
Here's some more Knit Picks to make a shawl.
My friend, Tanya, got me these skeins of STR and the pattern from last year's Maryland Sheep and Wool.
Some Lorna's Lace, Helen's Lace, intended for the shawl pattern on the ball band.
This is some beautiful Dune for a scarf.
This is the Brown Sheep Bulky that I'll be using for the felted slippers for my sister in law and my friend.
I have 2 scarves planned for this yarn, now I need to remember the patterns!
I was planning on making a blanket from Knit1 from this Lion Brand pile. Now I'm not so sure.
My sock stash is rather big but not of epic proportions(yet). Here is the Lorna's Lace group. I really do have 2 skeins of each color.
This is a mix of Knit Picks and Mountain Colors. I have a group of skeins of solid colors, a mish mash of Knit Picks, Brown Sheep and others. Here's some Cascade Fixation, Wildfoote and some yarn dyed by a local woman in Virginia Beach from Ewe Knits and Kits. And lastly for socks, my striped palette.
I do actually like knitting dishcloths to try out neew stitch patterns. I actually use them as doilies around the house. So for that purpose I have some Lily Sugar and Cream Cotton. I have a Koigu stash that I don't include with my socks because those are for some more water bottle slings. Here's some yarn for my blue period, whenever that comes around. I have some mohair, for what reason or pattern , I don't remember. The Lamb's Pride Worsted has a felting purpose that is waiting to be discovered. The Lion Brand group has no purpose but is the result of several sales at Michael's and A.C. Moore.
My secret pal, Elspeth, gave me this lovely group of Cascade Quattro.
The Paton's stash was originally intended for a hat. It may go for more felting projects. List under"undecided."Another reason why the crayon box jacket has become an expensive UFO, is the tangled mess the yarns are in, hence the bad picture.I really love the pattern but I'm thinking the black, red, and gold, plus the furry aspect, is going to make me look fat, dumpy and matronly.
Here's my baby yarn stash. I'm using the grass green color for the baby hat and booties gift.

Ok now I know everyone has gone crazy with the novelty yarns and I am no exception. So if you just can't take the heat, scroll quickly past this shot of my novelty/scarf yarn.
I apologize for the plethora of fun fur. It was fun while it lasted.

To conclude this journey of most of my yarn stash I give you the Brown Sheep Cotton Lupine that at some point I will be using to knit my first sweater.

I hope you have enjoyed this post. You probably won't see this many pictures on this blog for a long time! If my husband happens to read this and you see him, administer oxygen and sympathy. He'll need it. Remind him he goes back on sea duty in about 2 short years. That always brings a smile to him!

What I've been up to...

2006-03-25T10:57:00.000-05:00

No good as usual!!
First here is a pic of the Sockapalooza socks... Do you like them pal? That's if you figured out if they are for you! I'm about halfway through the foot so hopefully done early next week.

I've been doing some Amazon purchases for my dyeing experiments this summer... Wild Color is really great. A thorough break down of plants, mordants and what to expect. The Dyer's Companion is basically the dyer's version of Knitter's Companion, a nice handy reference guide. I'd recommend both.

I also went by Yarn Studio last week. No yarn purchases, I have enough projects lined up. I did, however, take the time to peruse their pattern books... I've been wanting the Mission Falls, In Living Colour, book for a while and it just snowballed from there. I picked up mostly some purse patterns for this summer's projects. Summer in Memphis is like a sauna to say the least. So I thought some smaller projects were in order. I couldn't resist the cable sock pattern. I also couldn't resist the fair Isle hat pattern to expand my skills. I've been itching to try more since learning how to do the felted slippers.

Garden update- So now you get a rough idea of the size of the garden. If you read my plans from my earlier post, you'll see that my ideas are still laughable and that's why all dye plants are going in containers. THERE'S NO ROOM!!! If anyone has had any experience growing indigo, woad, or cotton in a container I'd love to hear from you! So today, hubby and I are adding more dirt and peat to finish prepping and the I finally get to plant in about 3 days. Yipee!!!

Too many projects, too little time

2006-03-20T13:04:00.001-05:00

The cat's away again, he's off to San Diego this week. So now is as good a time as any to organize all my projects and perfect my wide eyed innocent look, while declaiming, "No, honestly, we really did move that yarn from Virginia Beach. It's not new." Man, I really need to go to confession this Lent.

Ok so the current project list...
1. Finish gull wing socks for Sockapalooza-u finished heel on 2nd sock, currently turning.
2. Finish jaywalkers- on 2nd leg
3. Hat & Booties for navy friends' new baby
4. Felted slippers- for sister in law's birthday
5. Felted slippers for another friend
6. Baby blanket for navy friends (different from others)
7. My sweater
8. Panta
9. Purse for oldest daughter
10. Crayon box jacket and ruffles scarf to be worked on in between so as not to be UFOs
11. Start clapotis
12. Helen's lace shawl

OK that's just knitting. Now let's move on to gardening...
1. Lay more dirt (I really hate clay) on garden.
2. Plant lettuce & radishes.
3. After April 15th I'm going to be nuts, well more than I am now.
4. Plant carrots, zucchini, beans, cucumbers, corn, marigolds, tomatoes (all 9 plants I ordered from Burpee), and pepper plants in veggie garden
5. Plant morning glories and assorted flowers around mailbox
6. Plant herbs in containers (Basil, thyme, and oregano, I think)
7. Plant cotton, indigo, and beets in containers for late summer dyeing. (Yes, Tanya, Mary and Pattie will be the recipients of the cotton if it grows! As y'all know, spinning ain't my thing!)
Ok your job, dear readers, is to keep pestering me on my projects. Keep me current and honest!! If that Sockapalooza sock is not done by next Monday-shame me into it!

Who is my SP????

2006-03-18T09:42:00.000-05:00

Hello Elspeth!!! It's great to meet you! Thanks for all the great stuff! I really enjoyed having you as a secret pal. My SP is also from California, she's in Oakland, but I'm not ready to give out her name just yet. BTW 2 of my good friends also have their MLSs. One is a navy wife like me and the other is working for Library of Congress. Here I stole your meme for fun...

the books you've read, the ones you might read, ***the ones of which you saw the movie, %the ones on your bookshelf, and (the ones you've never even heard of):

The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy - Douglas Adams
The Great Gatsby - F.Scott Fitzgerald
***To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
(His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J. K. Rowling
Life of Pi - Yann Martel
%Animal Farm: A Fairy Story - George Orwell {well on my oldest daughter's-required for next year}
%Catch-22 - Joseph Heller
%***The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien
(The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon)
Lord of the Flies - William Golding
%Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen {again daughter's bookshelf, good luck to her}
***1984 - George Orwell
***Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J. K. Rowling
(One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
(The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini)
%The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
Slaughterhouse 5 – Kurt Vonnegut
Angels and Demons – Dan Brown
Fight Club – Chuck Palahniuk
(Neuromancer - William Gibson)
(Cryptonomicon - Neal Stephenson)
(The Secret History – Donna Tartt)
A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess
Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
***%The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C. S. Lewis
(Middlesex – Jeffrey Eugenides)
(Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell)
%***The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien
Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
(Good Omens - Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman)
(Atonement - Ian McEwan)
(The Shadow Of The Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon)
The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath {this one is shameful since I'm a Smith grad}
Dune - Frank Herbert

So what's good that I missed? As you can tell I'm a voracious reader. I tried to read Woman on the Edge of Time for Knit the Classics and I just despised it. I'm not into the Oprah book club type books. You know what I mean, the ones of major struggle in a life of depression, drugs, rape, incest, violence, etc. Not that I'm into Polyanna books either. I like good suspense, mystery, historical relevance (fiction or romance), biographies...that sort of thing.

Well, knitting this weekend. Sockapalooza's gull wing socks are going well. The second sock's leg is almost done. When I finish that I need to pop out a quick baby hat and matching socks for a good friend and another pair of felted slippers from Knit One, Felt Too for my other sister in law for her birthday. Then I might get briefly back on the jaywalkers before I start a baby blanket for another friend. Remember my post from January 20th, overcommitted knitter??? I've done well on that list but of course have added more to it. So that will be another post. TTFN!!

Too long between updates

2006-03-13T17:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I do really try to keep this updated at least once a week.

Sockapalooza...well the gull wing socks are a better choice for my sock pal. I finished the first one and have completed the cuff of the second. I LOVE the pattern!!

My "Golden" Shawl pictures are finally here. Love my Charlotte's Web!! Here she is blocking...

Here she is swinging in the breeze...

Here is a nice close up...

For those who want the yarn info, well I honestly don't know the order but the five skein numbers are P107B,P84330, P132, P13182, and I've lost the last number but I will update this post when I find it.

Spring is here in west Tennessee. The crocuses are almost over, daffodils are blooming, tulips will soon. Here are my hyacinths.... Hubby spent the weekend rototilling the garden so hopefully I'll be planting radishes and lettuce in about a week to ten days.

AAAARRRGGHH!!

2006-03-02T18:43:00.000-05:00

I HATE my jaywalkers. The first sock went so easy. I put down the second with about an inch of the leg pattern to go due to the knitting Olympics. Now every time I pick it up it's mistake city. I ended up frogging about an inch after finding a mistake at the beginning of a needle(K1M1 in same stitch)that I couldn't for the life of me fix. So rather than cut it to little yarn ribbons in frustration, I have put it aside in favor of my Sockapalooza project.

Ikept the Regia 4 ply denim but changed patterns. Seems like everyone in Sockapalooza is doing Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave Knits winter 2005. So I've switched to Gullwings from Socks, Socks, Socks. I've got the cuff done and am on the leg pattern on the first sock. I'm really loving it.

This has been going around on Knitter's Review.
You are Mercerized Cotton.
You are always very crisp and neat. You are very playful and are happiest while outdoors in the sunshine. You are sometimes accused of splitting hairs, but in the end people find you pretty easy to live with.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Show me da gold!!!!!

2006-02-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

CHARLOTTE IS DONE!!!!! Sorry for a slow post week but my priorities have been on finishing my shawl and fighting off some bad sinuses.

Thursday night I met up with some team Tennessee members during the S*n*B meetup at Davis Kidd. My sinuses were really getting to me and judging by the mistakes I found Friday, I had been knitting by the force. I made hubby take me to Starbuck's Friday for my favorite venti caramel frappucino affogato style with whip and that pumped me up. I took a break Saturday for our monthly massage date, church and dinner out at O'Charley's. He helped me block her last night and we finished at 12:21 AM CT, so roughly 9 1/2 hours to spare. She is completely dry this morning and beautiful. I will have pics later this week! I'll give specifics when I put up the pics.

In the midst of this I received my second package from my Secret Pal . I got me some good stuff!! My love of 80's music has been suitably indulged with CD's from Duran Duran, Eurythmics, and INXS. I also have a new sock pattern, Ann Norling's Adult Socks II and some great Knit Picks essential sock yarn in pine and navy. The kitty sticky notes are just adorable. Are the knitting markers made by you SP??

I'll have more on my next projects and sockapalooza tomorrow or Tuesday.

Secret Pal, Sockapalooza and a Poll

2006-02-17T23:11:00.000-05:00

It's a new poll!! What is your favorite item to knit?? If it's not on my list then let me know in the comments.

BTW-Secret Pal... Thanks so much for my awesome gifties. My youngest has absconded with the pencil set but that's OK. My friend, Jenny, tried to steal the manicure set. After waving my metal detector over her and her luggage before her departure on Tuesday, I discovered her misdemeanor. Shame on her! The Ghiradelli Chocolate brought back memories of stopping in their store for free samples when we lived in Monterey, California. Strangely, no one tried to steal the stunning Cascade Quatro in #5018. I'm still coming up with ideas for it. Thank You again.

Sockapalooza- I'm planning on making the Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave Knits winter 2005 in Regia 4 ply in a denim color- #5160 to get technical. I'm hoping to start them after the Knitting Olympics and after my jaywalkers or March 1st, whichever comes first.

My Virginia knitting buds- go on my map and check in-yeeesh!

It's is supposed to be very nasty weather for Memphis tomorrow-sleet, ice and general winter weather that the mid south is just not equipped for. So family and I have plenty of wood, have charged up the camping lanterns and I plan to spend a good portion of the day making Charlotte grow-up to row 80 as of this evening.

TTFN

I'm an artisan!!

2006-02-16T17:09:00.000-05:00

I was reading on Knitter's Review, this thread about what kind of knitter you are. Well I am erratic an artisan. I can make that pattern my own. I have not the talents of my insane talented knitting friend, Mary, who can upon seeing a garment whip up a collection the likes of Debbie Bliss. I am more able to customize the item to my tastes. That is why my beautiful Charlotte's Web Shawl has been altered to suit my tastes. Rows 68-71 have been repeated in the first lace repeat pattern instead of frogging using 2nd lace pattern repeat on rows 70 & 71. I think it will look lovely with this
design feature. It is now up through row 74 and I am officially done with 2 colors.I may have an extra 2 rows of color #2 instead of color #3 but that will be a surprise design feature for all of us.

I finally have a few pictures. Remember the Felted Intarsia slippers I knitted for my sister-in-law? Here they are prefelted(that was up to her) with my cat, Zoe, admiring them. .
And here is the denim shawl as well...

And just so you can see that Memphis gets snow, here is my home last Friday...

The visit with Jenny was wonderful but tiring. A whirlwind of shopping and househunting for her totaled a great gal pal week in all. And then the men (hers & mine) returned. All good things must come to an end. At least we picked Frank up from his flight from Hawaii to a snowstorm here.

Olympics slow start

2006-02-11T08:21:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note on my progress... The Charlotte's Web Shawl started off fine, a few problems with trying to get markers in the right place and keeping track of all the yarn overs. I began about 2:30 PM central time since I was out house hunting with my friend(they're thinking of buying an investment property in the area),I was up to about row 39-40 after about 4 hours of sporadic knitting. It SNOWED here in Memphis so had to take pictures, had to start a fire, had to dart off to the grocery store and beat off the rampaging Armageddon crowd to pick up a rotisserie chicken for dinner, and after I get back and settled down,I start thinking, "Gee when do I change to second color?" This is where I earned my first deduction. The judges, oops pattern, states at row 26!!!! It was easier to frog the whole thing than tink back the rows. So on a restart I am now, with color changes up through row 28.
The hubby returns from Hawaii today to the snowy wonderland of Memphis. I say it's poetic justice. But Jenny and I shall merrily continue our girl fest and maybe dress up Frank, paint his toenails in OPI's I'm not really a waitress, and include him in our happy all night gab sessions!

Team Tennessee!!

2006-02-07T12:03:00.000-05:00

If you've noticed, I've figured out how to make buttons! I made one for myself and for Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics-Team Tennessee.
*If you live in TN
*If you have ever lived in TN
*If you've ever visited TN
*If you have relatives or friends in TN
*If you ever wanted to visit Graceland
*If you like BBQ
*If you like country music
*If you like the blues

If you qualify for any of the above- you're in! Leave your name in the comments and I'll post you under the Team TN button. If you didn't get it, the list is a bit Memphis oriented since that's where I live. But anything TN related works.

I have my nifty guest map link up but it's only me up there so go on over to my Bravenet map and tell me where you're from!

My friend arrives tomorrow so things might be quiet for postings since we'll be busy doing girl stuff. I'm also nuts because I'm registering my oldest daughter for high school classes. I'm trying to make sure she covers all of the requirements for the high school here and back in Virginia Beach since we'll be moving back there(hopefully!) in 2 years and that's where she'll actually graduate. Very overwhelming!

The jaywalkers are moving along. I have about 3-4 inches of the leg pattern. I was hoping to be up to the heel flap by Thursday but I doubt it. That means that as of Friday at 1pm central time, they'll be put aside for my Olympics entry-Charlotte's Web shawl.

Secret Pal-I'll let you know when my box(es) arrive(s). Hopefully the US mail gets it right this time!

The cat is running away again and more mice to play with!

2006-02-02T17:04:00.000-05:00

First off my new poll seems to be lost at the bottom of my post on January 27 so here it is again...

Socks:DPN or Circs

Well the hubby is off on another business trip to Hawaii on Saturday. The good news: My best buddy Jenny is due to arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday and leave on the 14th. She's been living overseas, courtesy of the US Navy, for the past 3 years. I've only seen her for about 48 hours in all that time. So I'm looking forward to some girl bonding. The bad news: for those of you aware of the calendar, world events and the most popular knitalong, she's here at the start of Knitting Olympics!!! Roughly 5 days worth!!! Talk about pressure. Well I'll do my best but you might have to wait a week in between postings for updates.

The jaywalkers are cruising along. The first sock is done and I'm about 2 inches into the leg of the second. I'll need to take a break soon and swatch the shawl for the Olympics. I'm hoping to get the socks done before the Olympics.

If anyone out there is very blog savvy, I'd love to know how to add a third column to this without messing up my template. I'd appreciate any assistance. I'll need to be walked through step by step.

Meme

2006-01-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

I found this on my secret pal's blog so I tapped myself...

What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was living in crappy Navy housing in Monterey California with my husband, oldest daughter, adorable cat and our newborn daughter of just 25 days old! She was a screamer so I was probably looking very haggard and desperate for sleep.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
I was living in Virginia Beach and recovering from my father's recent death.

What were you doing 1 hour ago?
Snuggling in bed with the hubby and telling the rise and shine police (my youngest, who is still a hellion) to go away

List five creative things you want to achieve this year:
1. My wedding album that I am scrapbooking

2. Learn to do steeking

3. Finish my crayon box jacket

4. Dare I say it, the dreaded moboeus cast on? Mobius cast on? Mobyus cast on? Awww, you know what I mean. (I stole that from my secret pal)

5. Some damn good photography of my garden

List five snacks you enjoy:
1. CHOCOLATE!!!!!!

2. Flake bars-that's different and imported chocolate

3. lobster-trust me, it could be

4. Sour cream and onion chips

5. Cheese and crackers

List five things you would do if money were no object:
1. Buy my house in Kempsville Virginia Beach and make it our dream home

2. Buy another getaway house down in the Duck area of North Carolina

3. Take all of our adult friends and rent a few houses in Hawaii and party it up for a week, as well as hire a few dozen qualified nannies to take care of all of the kids at home

4. Get every school system in the US laptop computers for every student and training for all staff and teachers

5. Buy at least 10 books for every kid in the world

List five bad habits:
1. Overeating

2. Not replying to my email

3. Overspending

4. Not exercising

5. Being overcommitted-I have raise my hand syndrome

List five things you like doing:
1. Knitting

2. Photography

3. Hunting for covered bridges

4. Antiquing

5. Buying books

List five favorite gadgets:
1. My Minolta Maxxumm camera

2. Cell phone

3. Blender

4. My computer

5. My palm pilot when it's working

Name one thing you like about yourself:
I am very flexible-not physically but generally in my life

My tappees for this meme are Anyone who reads this but especially the secret pal who has me.

The cat returns today...The mice stop playing

2006-01-27T16:08:00.000-05:00

Well the hubby's been gone all week on a business trip to Japan. I was really tempted to make him find me some Noro but I felt a bit guilty since I knew my Knitpicks order was coming in this week plus, darling that he is, he's rather clueless and not inspired in the fiber department See what I mean? This is us when we started dating so I had no wardrobe input and believe me, after being together for over 18 years, his independent thought process on fiber has not changed. Why they don't make garanimals for men is beyond me. So if you think I'm going to let this misguided but well meaning man independently pick out yarn for me in a foreign country, well that proves you are crazier than me. BTW the US Navy and I dress him now, see, much better.

Speaking of truly horrid knitwear. I came across thistoday. Gotta see this one. That is one angry cat!! I surprised there's not blood dripping off the picture from being mauled by the cat. The site is hilarious.

The jaywalking sock is moving along. I scanned it in so it's not great but you can see I'm almost up to toe decreases on Sock #1.

Forgot to mention why I wanted Noro. I've become obsessed with booga bags. I knit one up right before Christmas. This is pre felted. In the process of felting and this is the finished product. So now of course, I want to knit many more!!

As you can see, I've done some redecorating around here. Doing Secret Pal 7 has encouraged me to learn more about blogging and I've been looking at what others put in their blogs. So I'm in the trial stages right now. It's a bit cluttered and will probably stay that way until I decide what I like and don't like. My friends think it kind of resembles my house: lots of nifty stuff, some organization, and some of it has to go.

So here's my newest poll... Socks:DPN or CircsLet me know your thoughts. I've only done DPNs (Double Pointed needles and never tried circulars, or circs.

On a last note...I have been having issues learning to scan and post up pictures in a correct size so have patience if they are too big or too small. The learning curve is improving! Good Weekend all!!

Overcommitted Knitter

2006-01-20T15:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm officially swamped. OTN-the ruffles scarf from Scarfstyle that is turning into a UFO because I'm bored with it, crayon box jacket that has 2 sleeves complete and 6 squares of the main body-just need a break from it, and now jaywalkers in Brown Sheep's Wildfoote in Geranium. Started those last Saturday and am up to the heel flap on the first one. I've entered Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics and plan on knitting my first real shawl, Koigu's Charlotte's Web Shawl. But wait I'm not done, I plan on knitting another pair of felted slippers for my friend, Michelle, but these are a no brainer since I can whip these out in under 24 hours. Did I mention the baby blanket, the one in Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook? I've ordered the yarn from that in my first knitpicks order in Shine twist seaside. AND I finally decided to knit a sweater. I'm taking a class at Yarniverse with Ann. I'm going to be making a sweater for the ages from Yarn Girls' Guide to Beyond the Basics in [shocker] Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece in Prairie Lupine. Guilt has also hit me and I need to turn out a booga bag for a friend. I want to sign up for Alison's Sockapaloooza since those aren't due until May 1st. Oh yeah, I also discovered the Panta and want to pop out one of those. Is there an asylum for knitters? I need reservations!!!!

Here I can show that I really do finish projects.
The green mittens are a pattern from Ann Norling and knit with Cascade 220 Quatro #9434. The bluish mittens are the same yarn but in 9439 and they were a pattern from Family Circle's easy Knitting Fall 2005 issue. Yarniverse's Charlotte Parry designed them and taught a class back in October/November. Have an autographed copy of the magazine from her! Thanks Charlotte! BTW these were my Christmas gifts to my sisters-in-law in Boston and Maine.

Ok, I think I need to knit!NOW!!!!

Knitting Book Poll

2006-01-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

I found a site this morning to make a free poll. So here it is! Favorite Knitting Books These are a list of my favorite knitting books but if yours isn't listed on there, vote other and come let me know what it is on my comments!

This week's knitting

2006-01-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

Well the crayon box jacket is moving along. I'm still on a film camera and my USB port has issues so pictures will come along eventually. For now, I have 2 sleeves and 6 boxes on the bottom row. Progress!!

So then I got bored. I knit up a shawl in Joann's Movie Shawl II pattern using some Muench or GGh Marathon in a light blue variegated that I had intended to use for Fiber Trend's Shoalwater Shawl and some Muench Soft Kid in color #72. It looks like a soft denim wrap and I love it.

I was talking to Charlotte Parry at Yarniverse and we thought about starting Grumperina's Jaywalking socks. So I went home and went through my sock yarn stash. I think I'm screwed. I have lots and lots of Lorna's Lace that I stocked up on before moving here but that only gives me 430 yards for 2 skeins, which is of course what I have. I'm not sure if this will be enough. I then move on to my Koigu collection. More problems-again all in lovely pairs but some are reserved for water bottle slings after the immediate family went ballistic that my brothers-in-law were getting the ones I made before Christmas. Not that they don't like them, they just wanted the slings-greedy people, not like they wear the socks I made for them... Anyways, as Lorna's 2 skeins are definitely not going to be enough here. So....

The hubby has been working late all week and is one of the seven dwarfs (not Sleepy, Dopey, Sneezey, Bashful, Doc, or Happy). Today we are going for our monthly massage and lunch date at Serenity Day Spa and I've managed to weasel a trip to Yarniverse in Cordova to muse over sock yarn. Yipee a sanctioned, approved stash building trip!

So still being bored, I started a pair of felted, intarsia checkerboard slippers for my sister in law's birthday in Brown Sheep's Bulky with Pine Shadows as my main color and Sunburst Gold and Roasted Coffee as contrast. Nice, earthy colors for the lady whom my daughter calls, a hippie. And a very cool one at that, I say! I finished one last night. I plan on sending them to her unfelted and let her do that part so I know they fit. She's an artist and pretty crafty. She'll love it.

Secret Pal 7

2006-01-09T09:04:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I am finally trying out Secret Pal 7. I've always missed the sign ups deadline but this time I got my stuff together and got in! I'll post the button up soon. In fact I need to update and do lots of buttons on my sidebar. But for now, here's the questionnaire to help my secret pal!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Yeah, I admit that I am. I will use acrylic blends though.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? I tried spinning with a drop spindle. I like carding but spinning was more than my little brain could handle. I've avoided crocheting simply because I'm afraid of doubling my supply of patterns! I will need to learn absolute basics though because the crayon box jacket that I'm doing requires a single chain along the inside neck for reinforcement.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?I have 3 cases: 1 for my straights, 1 for my circs and I keep my DPNs in a case I use to keep my tools like my measuring tape, CIBI needles, etc.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Well. I originally learned to knit back in another century, '95 to be exact, when my husband went on a 6 month deployment. I knitted a baby blanket for my oldest daughter, then 2 1/2 and started one for my next daughter with whom I was pregnant. After second daughter I stopped knitting and didn't start again until 2004. I started again as a way to help my weight loss because I tend to eat when I'm bored. I consider myself almost an intermediate knitter. I can knit socks, cables, a little fair isle but I've yet to do a real sweater.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes I do under castelfam.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I tend to like vanillas, cranberries, any food ones really.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I do have a major sweet tooth but I'm on a diet now and sugar free stuff isn't the same.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?I took private photography lessons in Newport, Rhode Island and I'm just discovering fun areas in Memphis. I also read a lot and I like to cook.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)It's easier to say that I'm not a big fan of rap, country, 70's and gospel. I like 80's, hard rock, 50's and 60's, and soft rock. My computer can play MP3's but I don't have an IPOD and we have some USB cord issues right now. So CD is better.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?I tend to decorate with blues, white and yellows. I tend to wear hot pinks and reds. I usually knit for myself with blues and greens but for the crayon box jacket I forced myself into the red, gold and blacks because I liked the look. I usually avoid orange unless it's a pinky orange.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?Married with 2 daughters ages 10 & 13, husband currently at home. I say that not because we have any problems but because he's in the Navy. His current job is a shore one though so aside from a few short trips, he isn't going anywhere for a long period of time. Also have an 11 year old black and white cat,Zoe.

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?I like thin accessorizing scarves (don't need the warm ones in this part of Tennessee). I don't usually wear hats but I like to knit them. I'll wear mittens and I don't own nor have I ever knitted a poncho but I'd love to do either.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?I absolutely adore Lorna's Lace but no one in the Memphis area sells the sock yarn. I love Koigu, Noro, and Brown Sheep. I'd like to knit with Dale of Norway Baby Uhl because I've heard so much about it.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?I really don't like the feel of Red Heart. I also tried Classic Elite Flash and hated it. Fiberwise, so far I like everything.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? I'm back into the trendy scarf yarns but not for scarves. I took a class with Chris Bylsma for the crayon box jacket and learned how to utilize these yarns in so many other ways than scarves. So that stash is growing again. I still adore sock yarns.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?That depends on the moment. I love socks and mittens. I just knitted a booga bag and want to knit a bunch more. I plan on knitting a bunch of felted intarsia slippers from Knit One, Felt Too. I'm only done with the sleeves of my crayon box jacket but I'm planning the next. I'm all over the map on this one.

17. What are you knitting right now?LOL - Chris Bylsma's Crayon Box jacket in reds, black and gold. Also becoming a UFO is a ruffles scarf from Scarfstyle. I'm bored with it.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?I haven't received many but yes!!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?Either

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?Bamboo definitely

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No but I'd love one

22. How did you learn to knit?I took a class at The Knitting Corner in Virginia Beach both times in '95 and 2004 from a wonderful lady, Carol, who passed away from cancer last year. Also took a sock class there.

23. How old is your oldest UFO? The unfinished baby blanket from my first knitting class, my second project. It's about 10 years old. But besides the ruffles scarf, that's the only UFO I have.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?I love cats mostly and it's scary to say but my favorite animated character is probably Chef from South Park.

25. What is your favorite holiday?I really love them all. I'm more of a "Happy Everything" kind of gal but I own more Christmas decorations than any other holiday.

26. Is there anything that you collect?More like what don't I!! I have Cat's Meow wood cutouts from places we've lived and visited, I collect depression glass in the pineapple and floral pattern. I collect blue willow china from before 1910-1920. I also collect Canton china. I have my dad's collection of Tom Clark gnomes. I have my collection and have started ones for my daughters of the Hallmark Christmas ornaments.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?Creative Knitting, Interweave, Cast On..Can't remember if I have Vogue Knitting.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Sweaters from Camp by Meg Swansen, Traditional Fair Isle knitting by Sheila McGregor and the original "Harry Potter" sweater pattern from Rowan.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?How to do steeks and bobbles

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?Yes I am a sock knitter. I'm a US size 7 1/2. I'll measure my foot soon.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)08/23

Reboot!

2006-01-07T11:11:00.000-05:00

Well I certainly let this blog lapse! I guess the big news is that the navy moved us this summer to Germantown, Tennessee, right outside of Memphis. I miss the ocean but I love this area, 4 knitting stores and 1 has 2 locations!!! So really 5.

My knitting has been prolific. I'll be getting more pictures up but since June I finished the Einstein coat, learned to knit mittens and knit 3 pairs, knit 2 water bottle holders, started Chris Bylsma's Crayon Box jacket in reds, blacks, and gold.

Here are the sleeves so far. I've also knitted a pair of felted intarsia slippers from Knit One, Felt Too.

I've also knitted 2 hats for my nieces.
I'll be trying to keep this blog updated with 2 or 3 entries a week. My New Year's Resolution(wink, wink)...

100 things to knit before I die

2005-06-03T19:15:00.000-04:00

My list of 100 things to knit before I die. Some of these I already own the pattern, some I'll get to eventually, some I've lusted after in stores, online or in catalogs, some I also have the yarn, others I just dream of being an experienced enough knitter to accomplish! I have no affiliation with any of these things. If anyone has knitted anything off of this list, I'd love to hear from you.
1. Aran sweater of my own design
2. clapotis (knitty.com)
3. Charlotte's Web shawl (Koigu)
4. Shoalwater Shawl (Fiber Trends)
5. Seascape Shawl (Fiber Trends)
6. Braids and Bobbles Hat (Fiber Trends)
7. Acorn Lace Socks (Fiber Trends)
8. Quoddy Cable sweater(Cottage Craft)
9. St. Andrew's Cardigan (Cottage Craft)
10. The Great American Aran Afghan (Knitter's)
11. Mananita Magic shawl (Knitter's Magazine Shawls and Scarves)
12. Lotus Blossom Lace shawl (Knitter's Magazine Shawls and Scarves)
13. Harry's socks (Knitter's Magazine Socks, Socks, Socks)
14. Aran Sandal Socks (Knitter's Magazine Socks, Socks, Socks)
15. Sunrise Socks(Knitter's Magazine Socks, Socks, Socks)
16. Spring Fever Socks(Knitter's Magazine Socks, Socks, Socks)
17. Wonderful Wallaby (Cottage Creations)
18. Log Cabin Afghan Revisited (Cottage Creations)
19. Grabbit (Cottage Creations)
20. Diamond Patch Socks (Heartland Knits)
21. Cashmere Gauntlet Gloves ( Interweave Fall 2004)
22.French Market Tote ( Wool Connection not Knitty's)
23. Pam's Orphan Socks
24. Gibson Girl Pullover ( Interweave Summer 2004)
25. Fair Isle Bag ( Interweave Summer 2004)
26. Fair Isle Sampler Hat ( Interweave Winter 2004)
27. Forbes Forest Scarf (scarfStyle)
28. Fair Isle Jazz (scarfStyle)
29. Turkish Treasure (scarfStyle)
30. Ruffles (scarfStyle)
31. Adults-only devil hat(Stitch 'n Bitch)
32. Cabled Carry-All (Vogue Knitting on the Go:Bags&Backpacks)
33.Aran Pouch (Vogue Knitting on the Go:Bags&Backpacks)
34. Wavy Cabled Cap (Vogue Knitting on the Go:Caps & Hats Two)
35.Snowflake Beret (Vogue Knitting on the Go:Caps & Hats Two)
36. Horseshoe Cable Cap (Vogue Knitting on the Go:Caps & Hats Two)
37. Cabled Cashmere Scarf(Vogue Knitting on the Go:Scarves)
38.An Aran Sweater (Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac)
39. Mittens for next winter (Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac)
40. A Shawl:Good Travel Knitting (Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac)
41. Open Collared Pullover (Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac)
42. Patchwork Jacket (25 Gorgeous Sweaters for the Brand-New Knitter)
43. Extra Quick Rolled-Hem Top (25 Gorgeous Sweaters for the Brand-New Knitter)
44. Colorwork Turtleneck(BH&G's Hip Knits! : 65 Easy Designs from Hot Designers)
45. Shawl Collar Wrap (BH&G's Hip Knits! : 65 Easy Designs from Hot Designers)
46. Weekends Up North sweater (BH&G's Hip Knits! : 65 Easy Designs from Hot Designers)
47. Sacred & Profane Convertibles (Knit Wit : 30 Easy and Hip Projects )
48.Water-bottle sling (Knit Wit : 30 Easy and Hip Projects )
49. Basketweave Pullover ( Interweave Fall 2004)
50 Elann Cables and Lace Cardigan
51. Best Friend Jacket (The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville)
52. Sally's Favorite Summer Sweater (The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville)
53. Lots-Of-Choices Top (The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville)
54. Simple Cardigan (The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville)
55. Not Your Mother's Suit Coat (The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville)
56. Elegant Gauntlets (The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville)
57. To-the-Cottage Pullover (The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville)
58. Another Coco Jacket (The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville)
59. Luscious Pullover (The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville)
60. Aran Throw ( How to Knit by Debbie Bliss)
61. Child's Aran Coat ( How to Knit by Debbie Bliss)
62. Fair Isle Cardigan ( How to Knit by Debbie Bliss)
63. Textured Sweater ( How to Knit by Debbie Bliss)
64. Cable Cushion (Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook)
65. Aran Throw (Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook)
66. Cabled Sweater (Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook)
67. Fair Isle Socks (Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook)
68. Sonnet Cardigan Sweater (Knitty)
69. Tri-aran-angle (Knitty)
70. Cozy wrap (Knitty)
71. Wavy scarf (Knitty)
72. Mistral Wrap(In Living Color from Mission Falls)
73. Chill Pullover (Simple Book from Mission Falls)
74. Sampler Poncho (Next Steps Patons from Patons)
75. Diamonds and Pearls Gloves, Hat & Scarf ( Family Circle Easy Knitting Holiday 2004)
76. Little Bows Top & Wrap ( Creative Knitting May 2005)
77. Shell Seeking Cardigan (Vogue Knitting International Spring/Summer 2004)
78. Mix Master Cardigan (Vogue Knitting International Spring/Summer 2004)
79. Even Danielle did it sweater(The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits)
80. Sexy Summer Tank (The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits)
81. Knitted Moebius(Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann)
82. Kniited Bog Jacket (Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann)
83. Pie are Square Shawl(Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann)
84. Norwegian Pullover (Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann)
85. Aran Coat (Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann)
86. River Grass Gansey(Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book 2)
87. Golden Lotus Kimono(Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book 2)
88. Gilead Pullover V-Neck Version (Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book 2)
89. Old Shale Sweater Coat(Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book 2)
90. Light house Socks (Halcyon Yarns)
91. Oakley Shawl( Berroco Suede)
92.Eros Shawls & Scarf (Patternworks)
93.Wrixlan Jacket (Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book)
94. Bobble Shirt(Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book)
95. St. Ninnian Pullover (Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book)
96. Kestrel Cardigan (Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book)
97. Winter Sunset Cardigan (Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book)
98. St. Claire Throw (Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book)
99. Latvian Garden Cardigan(Harrisville Designs)
100. Open to further consideration and suggestion??

End of May & Moving

2005-05-28T09:36:00.000-04:00

And here I thought it would take another month to post something!!

Well it will be even "post-bleaker" here. I'll be shifting homes to Memphis, Tennessee in mid-June.

The trip to Knitting Sister's never happened...Boo hoo! Only one of the fellow knitters could go and had to cancel at the last minute due to a Mother's Day tea at her daughter's school. The nerve of her putting her children ahead of knitting!! I didn't feel like driving up alone due to a really bad nor'easter, the nerve of me putting personal safety ahead of knitting! And no use in going up over the weekend because the store was closed due to Maryland Sheep & Fiber. Basically we were doomed.

We never did order the grab bag from WEBS either since 2 of us are buying houses and we decided our stashes were currently large enough.

I, however, ordered the Yarn store in a box from Halcyon in Bath, Maine. SO worth the money!! I also ordered the pattern for their Lighthouse sock. That one is way out of my league but I love it anyway.

How do you like my pics? At least I finally have something to show for all I've been talking about. The Easter scarf is the one I talk about in my April 20th post.

OTN- the back of Sally Melville's Einstien coat from The Knit Stitch and the pouch part of Wonderful Wallaby.

2005-05-25T14:54:00.001-04:00

Easter Scarf

2005-05-25T14:54:00.000-04:00

Fiber Trends Reflections Socks from Walking Away Socks pattern

2005-05-25T14:52:00.001-04:00

Rainy Day Socks

2005-05-25T14:52:00.000-04:00

my scarves

2005-05-03T08:28:00.000-04:00

Less than a month this time! I get together with a few friends every Tuesday night for knitting. We're off on a field trip this Friday to Knitting Sisters in Williamsburg to see Interweave's Trunk Show of Scarf Style. I will give a report next week!

We're also thinking of ordering one of the grab bags from WEBS and splitting it up. Anyone ever ordered from them?

I will hopefully have some more pictures of FOs up soon.

My monthly post

2005-04-20T14:22:00.000-04:00

Well this seems like how I'm going to end up maintaining this thing...a post here and there.

Anyhow, finished up 3 scarves and half of a pair of socks. The socks are with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, which I am loving, using the rainy day pattern from HeartStrings:The Sock Calendar. It's a great pattern for variegated sock yarn. One of the scarves I used 3 yarns from Berroco, Zen in Kobe Pink, Candy FX in Beanie Baby, and Plume FX in Soft Lilac, just basic stockinette on my US 15s. I also did a basic lace pattern one for a friend in Brown Sheep's Cotton Fine in Blush. I fell in love with that yarn and the pattern(K2 yo P2 together to last 2 st K2-just need even # of stitches)

Anyone from Memphis, TN? The family is moving there this summer and I'd love to hear about knitting groups, events and stores in the area.

2005-03-11T08:09:00.000-05:00

fruit cap

2005-03-11T08:01:00.000-05:00

Mom's Pillow

Ok so I'm a little behind...

2005-03-11T07:55:00.000-05:00

Well the year didn't start off so bright...my father passed away very suddenly in January and I've been putting myself back together since then.

But here are some pictures at last! My mom's cabled pillow(pattern courtesy of
Plymouth Yarns
and the Ann Norling Fruit Cap in raspberry and green for my niece. I'm currently at work on the Einstein coat from The Knit Stitch by Sally Melville.

Any spinners in the Hampton Roads area? The next Southeastern Virginia Spinning Guild Meeting is on Tuesday, April 5th at 6:00 pm at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, 333 Cedar Road in Chesapeake. I'm going with a group of friends now. They welcome everyone- experienced, average, beginners or even those who just want to knit!

So I am now moving to the Memphis, Tennessee area in the summer due to the husband's job. I would love to hear from anyone about knitting groups and stores in the area.

Let's see if I can update this thing more than once a month!

Falling off the planet...

2004-12-28T09:02:00.000-05:00

Ok so that surgery the first of November that was supposed to be a simple overnight hysterectomy with 1-2 weeks of recovery was pretty disastrous. Suffice it to say I had complications, I was in the hospital for 8 days, left without a belly button but instead had a large open wound in that place and took eight exhausting weeks to recover. On the other hand I absolutely LOVE my hormone patch!

I thought I could get a lot of knitting done during my recovery. Well, I did (more on that later) but not the first 2/12 weeks. I was just to tired to do much but watch TV. Even reading was exhausting. But I managed to complete two fun fur scarves, one for my niece and one for a friend's daughter. I completed another scarf for my mom as well as a cabled pillow for her for Christmas. And I also managed to make an Ann Norling Fruit cap in purple and green for my other niece. I really will have pictures of all of these soon since I took a lot over the holidays.

I'm finally back doing the Fiber Trends sock...heel is turned, gusset complete, finished foot decreases, so I'm working on the foot itself. It was to complicated to concentrate on during my recovery. I really messed up the heel turn and had to FROG away but now it is going smoothly. Reading a pattern on Tilox is a Bad idea! [img]http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/fragend/confused-smiley-013.gif[/img]

That's all for now. Since it's December and Christmas is over, it's tome to sort out the yarn stash so that's today's project!

Happy World Series & Out of Commission

2004-10-29T07:50:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm personally still in pleasant shock over the Sox finally winning the 2004 World Series. It's been way to long in coming but I'm so thrilled that it was this wonderful group of players. They've had so much heart and team togetherness that it feels right.

I attempted to knit my reflections sock during the last game. Way bad idea. When I got to turning the heel, I had to frog about three times and decided to put it aside since obviously my concentration was on something else.

I will be out of commission for the next week. I am having surgery on Monday so I won't be on the computer. But I plan on knitting during my recovery!

FO, LYS and Game 3

2004-10-26T08:18:00.000-04:00

I finished the Eros scarf yesterday, just in time for Halloween since it has such pretty fall colors. I will be posting pictures soon!

I was at the LYS that was new to me yesterday. It's the Yarn Basket at the corner of Independence and Virginia Beach Boulevard. Such a nice, friendly store! They've been open for about 3-4 months now. Great selection but a little lean on the sock yarn. BUT, they had a nifty scarf made out of Lana Grossa Multieffekt. It was 76 st CO a #3 circular needle knit in the round. It was self striping and so pretty! They recommended 2 skeins and when you start second skein, cut up yarn for fringe(choose your own length). Great find yesterday!!

Game 3 for Red Sox/Cardinals tonight and I'm wearing my Johnny Damon shirt. I'm just wicked excited about all this world series stuff!!

World Series Bound

2004-10-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Ok so I didn't post yesterday because I spent the day in celebration!!!I can't believe my beloved Red Sox made it! I've been waiting half my life for this (now you can figure out how old I am!)!!

I got a few more rows done on the wallaby. I keep joking with people that it's a big green tube. The Eros scarf keeps getting longer but I want it long enough to knot the scarf ends and to wrap loosely around my neck. I think I only need about 8-12" more.

Red Socks/Sox!!!

2004-10-19T07:51:00.000-04:00

WOOOOHEEEE! We pulled it out, way to go Ortiz!! I'm so excited that the Red Sox made it this far! Does anyone out there have a pattern for Red Socks to match the team's logo? I've been looking at it and I think I could come up with one from a basic sock pattern but it would be nice to have one to follow.

I've also been looking at the Kool Aid dyeing method. I was thinking though, instead of dyeing the yarn, knitting a pair of white socks and then dyeing them. Anyone tried that?

Happy Monday!

2004-10-18T07:18:00.000-04:00

It's happy Monday! So I had a weekend like most everyone else. I spent Friday night at Girl Scout Bingo, a large service unit event, and got about 1 1/2" done on the wonderful wallaby in between number calls. It wasn't typical bingo with large sheets, dabbers, loots of smoke and bizarre, lucky mascots. This was for kids and families so it was with cards that you slide the little fields over the numbers, so knitting was no big deal.

I'm also working on a quick scarf with Eros #3250. Just 8 st on a #8 needle knitted up in St st. That's about 2/3 done and I got to the heel of sock one of reflections. I'm dying to start a set of mittens and/or a new hat.

I found another list to join (actually I've found several but I'll bring them all up this week)...Knit Hats Now which is what is pushing me to start my felted hat. But I'm not starting anything (haha!)until I finish at least the scarf.

Wonderful Wallaby

2004-10-15T07:47:00.000-04:00

I posted this question on Knitlist a few days ago...
Quick question on the Wonderful Wallaby by cottage creations. I've
knitted the 3" of ribbing. Now I need to K evenly in St st for
approximately 6 inches. Does that mean 6 total inches (3" ribbing,
3" St st) or 6 more inches(3" ribbing and 6" St st for a total of 9
inches)? I'm at the total 6 inches and am hesitating.

Well I received a variety of answers via email from knitters who have made at least one, if not several, wallabies and all love them. I wouldn't mind a few comments here so I can go with a majority opinion which seems to be go for the total of nine inches.

KnitLit

2004-10-14T08:13:00.000-04:00

Ok Here's my personal plug for this book and KnitLit(too). I love these books. My favorite story is from KnitLit(too) with the mom who is trying to knit a sock as she ice skates and causes complete havoc at the pond. It's hilarious! It's also how I found Cottage Craft from Canada. I just drool over their sweater kits. I'm waiting for a sample card of their yarns. I'm thinking of using them for the Log Cabin Afghan by, now don't get confused, Cottage Creations. And excitement of last night...I saw another knitting store off of Independence and Virginia Beach Boulevard. I'll be checking that out very soon!

Shopping

2004-10-13T08:03:00.000-04:00

So of course, I don't own enough yarn! When I start a hobby, my favorite part is the hunt for items. My LYS, Hook and I, on Virginia Beach Boulevard, had a 10% off email coupon. So I managed to buy a set of #10 DPN and Lamb's Pride Pine Tree for a felted hat, my first. I'm going to mix in Handpaint Originals by Brown Sheep Company for some jazz. I've already made the 76 stitches hat from the Fall Interweave issue. I did that with Lopi and another Handpaint Originals, which is a dream to knit. I loved that hat so much, I'm going to try out some Paton's Decor and see how that looks. My neighbor had a baby this summer so I'm going to make the Anne Norling fruit cap in Cascade DK, in peach and green. And of course I picked up some fun yarn, Colorlash and Prisma, for a fun scarf. The reflections sock is about 1/3 of the way done, I'm on the heel today so that should be done tonight.

Brand new Blogger

2004-10-12T08:16:00.000-04:00

Starting my own blog, just another of the many already out there. Currently I am working on the Wonderful Wallaby in Encore Worsted Hunter and Reflectiions Socks from Fiber Trends in Nature Spun Sport Bordeaux. I took up knitting agin after 9 years as part of my weight loss. I've lost over 40 pounds since last September and I've figured out that I'm a "bored" eater, I eat when I'm doing nothing else like watching TV or reading. Knitting helps keep me busy.