Q&K! Quilting & Knitting

Finished & In Progress Stuff...

2010-01-24T15:01:00.007-05:00

Wow - as usual I've gotten behind on posting here. The holiday always seem to get the best of me and we had a crazy one that I'd rather forget about.

In good news, I have been making a ton of knitting and quilting progress lately. I did a large number of hats, cowls and fingerless mitts for Christmas gifts which was fun.

One Christmas gift that I didn't finish was A's Hippo from Knitted Toys by Susan Anderson (fabulous book) with our not so fun holiday. Oh well -- I'll give it to her for another once it's done. It has a body, but needs arms, legs and ears...

I finished my Trellis & Vine Pullover and am really pleased with how it came out. It fits extremely well. This is a slightly lopsided picture of it drying. I'll have to see if C can take a picture of me in it soon -

I'm almost done with a Pinwheel Sweater for A -- just needs the last sleeve completed and the ends woven in. I'm still debating what I'm going to start next...

Quilting wise ... I've finished 1 diaper bag (I seem to have forgotten to photo this one before it was gifted -- shoot I really liked it since I created it myself from about 9 different patterns), 1 boy baby quilt (Robot Top below), 2 girl baby tops (need to be quilted) and 1 large lap size for our front room (70x90 - I'll send this one out to be quilted)... lots of babies coming can you tell??

2009-10-30T14:45:00.005-04:00

I've been writing posts in my head for awhile (until I decided it might be considered strange to talk to myself, hear voices - does that qualify for mentally unstable, hmmm)... But just haven't had time to write up an update.

It's been a busy month... full household sickness, starting a new Master's program in Project Management, meet-ups with friends, swap packages, family visits, and last but not least the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival (AKA Rhinebeck).

Rhinebeck was a blast - I went with two work friends who are fairly new knitters. It was my second time attending and I enjoyed it much more as we drove ourselves (rather than a bus) and spent the night. It was fun to go with newbies who were totally awed at the sheer number of people, fun stuff to touch (and you didn't get yelled at - encouraged actually), and the wonderful viewing of knitwear. It was funny - no one thinks twice if you are staring, pointing or talking about them (i.e. knitwear). It's almost a compliment instead of an insult - out in the "real" world. I bought a few things that I really wanted or am giving as a gift:

I couldn't resist a few skeins of Socks That Rock from The Fold even though I have more STR and/or sock yarn that I know what to do with. The mill ends were really reasonable and some may be gifted. I bought two rare gems that I just love (4th and 5th from the left). The other 4 main skeins from the back are from Briar Rose. I regretted not buying anything from them the last time I attended - as I love the fiber content, size, price and color. Anne Hanson shows their yarn on her Knitspot blog all the time and I've been interested in trying some out. I have a hank of bulky Robusta that I'm splitting with a friend for a hat/fingerless mitts set, a skein (750 yds!) of Abundance for a pattern out of the Fall Interweave Knits - they had a sample that was gorgeous, and a skein of penny lane (silk) for a cowl or 2.

We had pics that we took of the festival but they are on someone else's camera so I need to get a copy. Cool both days and slightly rainy on Sunday, but I love looking at all the vendors and the farm animals. I'd love to get a few goats - they are so friendly or a bunny - very soft and lovable. Maybe someday - we definitely have the room these days. Plus the Food! I got to try a chicken pot pie on Sunday (much shorter lines) and it was fabulous! We've already decided that we definitely want to return next year. Anyone wants to go holler and we'll start planning. we'll have to book our hotel by February before they're all gone again. Kingston area was sold out by the 1st week of March this year.

I also got a great swap package in the mail last night. I joined the Ravelry group Odd Duck swaps and it's lots of fun. They host a few swaps each month that have "odd" themes... such as Wizard of OZ, Favorite Color, Favorite Season, Crime Shows and Mystery Books, etc. You can sign up for as many or few as you wish. It's fun to put together thematic packages for your swappee and include their likes/dislikes. You have to include something handmade in each one and I enjoy seeing everyone's creativity and craftiness. I signed up for the Favorite Season (mine is Fall)- and look what I got!

There's yarn (3! skeins including some Malabrigo Sock - fabulous colors), lots of little knitting and non chatzkies, and a cowl pattern (perfect timing- I'm making a few for holiday gifts). I just love packages in the mail and am enjoying shopping creatively for them.

Have a Happy & Spooky Halloween. We are going to enjoy a quiet family night at home carving Jack-O-Lanterns~

2009-09-27T17:14:00.003-04:00

***Blue Moon Sock Club SPOILER ALERT***

We've had a busy but fun weekend with 9 month baby photos (what a ham), a neighborhood birthday party, house chores (well this wasn't fun but necessary), sewing, knitting and sock club mail!

I did a bit of sewing today while the baby napped. The baby's finally getting on a great nap 2 per day nap schedule (and still sleeping through the night). My husband is at the Bills game. Go Bills!! - wow a fake field goal - where did this team come from! -

Sorry distracted by the game there for a minute.... Back to sewing progress.

I made a couple of sock or small project bags. I tried out a new pattern - that I think I like. Thoughts? It's a straight forward design, but it feels like it's a good one.

It's just big enough for a small project with all the accompaniments. It has a short handle that you tuck a longer one through to create a natural closure.

I also made a little dress for Anna. [Just imagine there is a little girl in there - not paper towels]

It's the first time I've attempted any sort of garment - so I picked a pretty easy/straight forward pattern from Indygo Junction. I think it came out pretty well. I'm hoping it will look cute with a long/short sleeve onesie underneath and leggings. It has an adjustable bow tie at the shoulder so it should fit for awhile. The pattern says it's a size 2, however, it seems small/short for that size. Though that's OK since she's in 9mos now - so it's a bit big now, but gathers enough so that it is wearable (and should last longer).

I finally washed and blocked my February Lady Sweater. I've warn it a few times, but hadn't had a chance to wash it yet. Wow - the hand wash/wool cycle on our LG Washing Machine is awesome!! I braved it with the sweater and it did a beautiful job. The sweater is made from BMFA Twisted - which is so soft and blooms wonderfully once washed. It's laying out in the foyer drying...

A fun yarny goodness shot for you... My September Blue Moon Sock Club package arrived on Saturday.

The photo does not do the yarn justice. It is one of my favorite colorways yet this year. I need to get knitting on my socks. Works been so busy - I haven't been able to squeeze in much lunch time knitting (in the evenings - I've been plugging away at my Trellis & Vine pullover- making good progress - I'm almost done with the body).

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Go Football Season! I love Sundays.

Bag-a-licious

2009-09-13T10:59:00.007-04:00

You may recall months ago that I won the pockets galore demo/sample bag from D Whynn Designs on her blog. I loved it so much that I purchased the pattern to make another. I finally found the fabric I wanted over Labor Day weekend while visiting my folks.

Sample on Left - My version on Right

I followed the pattern mostly as written. Modifications: Slightly heavier weight fusible lining (I'm very fond of Pellon 987 fusible fleece - gives structure but has a lot of flexibility), I added a key hook to the inside, and I did the handles a bit more narrow using my normal strap construction (I hate having to turn handles inside out - I suck at it. So I make my fusible about 1/2" narrower than the strap -fold over each edge to the center (about 1/4") on each side and iron to the fusible - then fold the strap in 1/2 and edge stitch both sides. easy peasy).

I LOVE the pleated pocket - very functional (I use this purse everyday and it holds everything in a very organized fashion. I'm definitely going to incorporate the pleated pocket in other bags.

I'm hoping to do some more work on my Vine pullover and some socks today during football.

We're ready for football season. Are you?

Quilt-a-ploosa

2009-08-30T10:53:00.007-04:00

I have made incredible quilty progress this weekend. I'm thrilled. My husband was away Friday and Saturday, the baby is a bit sick, but I still managed to complete a great deal of craftiness (house is a mess, but you can't have it all). It makes me happy to realize I can make time for the things I love to do - not everything, but enough to make me happy.

Friday - I made and sewed binding to 4 quilt projects (wall hangings to lap quilts).
(binding done on this one)

Saturday/Sunday morning: I completed the binding on 1.5 quilts and started a baby quilt for a friend. I'm thrilled with the baby quilt - it's leftover blocks from another made into a totally different quilt with accent fabric left from one of A's baby quilts. I stitched in the ditch on my sewing machine. It went really well - though I definitely couldn't do anything larger than this. I'm not a fan of machine quilting - it frustrates me more than I find pleasure in it - straight stitching is OK though. I've been sending most of my quilts to a professional - it's faster and nicer looking on the larger ones. I do think the baby quilt turned out well and is perfect for the recipient (they love pink).

I learned a neat technique at the quilt festival, where you can easily get half-square triangles as an "extra". Typically, when creating squares that have triangles in the corner - you sew a smaller square (across the diagonal) to the larger (right sides together) and cut away the excess (then throw excess away). The teacher suggested sewing an additional line 1/2" to the right of your diagonal - which gives you your block, plus additional extra blocks that you can arrange as pinwheels (like my baby quilt) or as diamonds, rows of triangles for a border, etc. I couldn't figure out how to post a drawing - so I tried to give a general idea with the quilt itself:

Dad came to visit last week and brought 2 of my quilts back from the machine quilter. They are for 2 of my nephews for Christmas - love them:

This one was sewn with Lizards...

And this one with Monkeys...

So cute!

A few last crafty items for your viewing pleasure.... (yes, I'm a dork)

Handbag:

Start of the Trellis and Vine Pullover from the Fall issue of Interweave:

Some sweater yarn from the Village Yarn and Loopy Ewe anniversary sales:
6 skeins of DIC Classy and Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran

Progress

2009-08-16T14:37:00.006-04:00

I really am terrible about posting regularly, but I'm trying to find a life/work/home balance - which as many of you can imagine is challenging at times.

Though -I have been doing a bit of sewing and knitting, which makes me happy. We've spent the last few weeks adding some organizational fixtures to my sewing room. Primarily two big peg boards to hang my rules, scissors, thread, etc. and felt for a design wall. I love it all! It makes it so much easier to spend 1/2 hr or so sewing and not have to spend time hunting down everything.

As a result of the reorganized sewing room and a recent trip to the Quilt Odyssey in Hershey, PA - I've been doing a bit of sewing.

Binding for two quilts that recently returned from the machine quilter:

Crayon/Doodle Bag(s):
Free online pattern (http://www.edonyourown.com/crafts/ColoringBookCrayonTote.pdf). It's pretty easy and quick to do. I made a few modifications (used lightweight fusible interface to help give more structure, 1/8" seam on both sides of handles, attached handles in my normal fashion - nothing major). I found the perfect fabric grouping at Joann's - it's all crayon/coloring related. They were a perfect inexpensive alternative to my regular quilt fabric. Here is a picture of one:

I've finished a few others as well. They are pretty cute and will make good b-day and x-mas gifts for my nephews and friends.

I've been working on the three classes that I took at the Quilt Odyssey. Fabulous!! Highly recommend it to anyone who likes to quilt regardless of your skill level. It's fun and you can always learn. Mom and I went from Wed to Sun and had a wonderful time together.

This quilt I've almost finished (it's about lap size) - I just need to add two more borders:

The layout make it look like circles, but it's really just snowball blocks set around a 4 patch star. Pretty neat. The start was a bit of a pain (paper-piecing - not my favorite), but well worth the effort.

The other two classes are in progress. I have a preliminary photo of one:

It looks much more complicated than it is. My favorite method... The teacher is coming out to teach a class locally next spring and I plan to try and sign-up if the date works. She's going to do a class on using her method to do a pineapple block (it has no triangles or set-in seams).

Knitting -
I've been doing a few small projects...

Dotty Hat from Itty Bitty Hats

I fully lined the hat with no-pill fleece and it is really soft. I also made fleece lined mittens to match:

Olive You from Itty Bitty Hats (ravelry link)
Anna was kind enough to model the hat (it's a gift - but I might just need to make her one), though I probably should have put on a clean bib. LOL

I also started a sweater, but there's not much to look at yet. Hopefully, it won't take me so long to post pics of it. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

Knitty Progress

2009-05-27T18:55:00.005-04:00

Well I haven't gotten much better about posting regularly. I'm still trying to find that balance between work, family, hobbies, friends, etc. I have been doing a bit of knitting and taking a sock class.

My February Lady Sweater has made some good progress. I've completed the body and am 3/4 of the way through the first sleeve. I love working with the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted yarn - the color is fabulous (Korppi) and it works up wonderfully.

I've also been working on a number of socks - though progress has been minimal since I haven't had much time to work on them during lunch at work.

Sock #1 - plain jane sock - It's a basic broken rib pattern with Wendy Knits' Temptation Top-Down sock pattern. It's a neat heel pattern to eliminate the need to pick-up stitches for the gusset.

Sock #2 - Sky Sock - Cat Bordhi New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I enrolled in two New Pathways sock classes at one of my LYS - one top-down and one toe-up. It's really helped me to get a better understanding of the book and the concepts. I'm in the process of finishing up the heel.

Sock #3 - Riverbed - Rushing Rivulet Socks - Cat Bordhi New Pathways for Sock Knitters. Toe-up -- only the toe is done - I need to make some headway on the rest before next week's class.

Caffeinated Swap - Come Join

2009-05-27T13:00:00.003-04:00

The Starbucks and Yarn Swap sign-ups started today. Come and join us on Ravelry... I subsist on caffeine these days - so it's my kind of swap....

Details
Sign Up Begins: May 27th
Sign Up Ends: June 3rd
Matches Sent Out: June 5th

What Will Go In The Kit

$10 Sbux Gift Card One hank/skein of yarn
One small projects pattern (i.e. wash cloth, fingerless mitts, coasters, etc.)
One set of Stitch markers

Dollar Amount: Minimum of $20 - Maximum of $30
Duration of Swap: Two (2) Months
Swap Ends: August 7th
Participation: All participants will need to check in weekly on the Ravelry Group. There will be a weekly check-in thread posted. Passes will be given to those on vacation and if family emergencies come up, but any absences must be communicated as soon as possible. After being absent for two weeks with no communication swappers will be dropped from the swap.

Looks like it will be fun!

I also have some knitting and general content update - that I'll try and post tonight. I'm almost done with my February Lady Sweater and I have a million socks in process.

Knitty Progress

2009-04-11T17:47:00.005-04:00

I've been showing a bunch of my quilt projects lately - so you might think that I've not been doing much knitting. You would be mostly right. It's hard to find time these days after I get home from work - but I've been trying to make some headway on a few socks and a sweater.

February Lady Sweater
I may be one of the last people in the knitting community to make this sweater - but I'm really loving it. I can see why it's so popular. I've also been reading the Elizabeth Zimmerman book that contains the original children's version. Highly entertaining. I may make a matching one for my little one if I have enough yarn left. Yes, I'm that much of a dork. I'm making mine out of Blue Moon Twisted in Korppi.

I've also been working on learning some of Cat Bordhi's sock architectures. I'm currently working on a Sky Sock in The Plucky Knitter's merino/cashmere fingering. The colorway is Colonel Brandon - it feels absolutely lovely. Yippee for Cashmere! I've got to find time to apply myself to this one sometime soon. It's just been hanging for awhile.

The last sock is my on the go sock - since I can't mentally tackle the sky sock out and about. It is a simple rib pattern applied to Wendy Knits' Temptation Top Down sock pattern. It is has a very cool heel.

Have a great Easter weekend. I'm hopeful for some more knitting.

Bags, Bags, Bags

2009-03-28T22:06:00.006-04:00

I've been on a bag kick for the last few weeks. To thank a few women at work for all their assistance/coverage while I was out on maternity leave, I made each of them a bag. It's kind of a catch all bag to throw your lunch or a book, some papers, knitting, etc. My mom made me one last year and I really loved it. It's easy and inexpensive as it's only made from 4 fat quarters and some fusible fleece. It's sewed in easy squares then cut in 1/2 into triangles that your re-sew into squares to create a "crazy" mix-up of fabrics. The pattern is called the perfect bag from Fiber Options.

All the gift giving must have given me some good karma -- I won a bag on a blog giveaway!! I never win anything. The bag was made as a sample for her shop D Whynn Designs. The owner designs quilt bag patterns and sells finished handmade bags. It arrived in the mail today. It is absolutely fabulous - I love it!! I think I may pick out one her her patterns to try. She has a cool Etsy shop - go check it out. Here's a pic that I stole from her blog of my new bag:

Quilt Pattern

2009-02-20T11:42:00.005-05:00

A few people asked for the title of the third quilt pattern (one that you cut apart and sew together to create the on-point setting). It is "Jelly Patch" by Ann Anderson and Susan Mayer. You can purchase it at:

Quilt Woman (publisher)
Mt. Pleasant Quilting Company (A local shop where I purchased mine, but they also have an online shop)
or they may carry it at your local quilt shop

It is a well written and easy pattern to follow (in my opinion). A time saver for this project is to use a Jelly Roll - since the strips are already cut and you'll have a large variety of coordinating fabrics - though you could easily use scraps. I'm particularly fond of the selection from The Fat Quarter Shop (partially because I'm a Moda junky. I've ordered from them multiple times and have always been impressed. They often have sales too.

As far as the stack-n-wack quilt goes - I think it is the 8 point 30 or 60 degree triangle pattern from the first book (linked in yesterday's post). I don't know the exact name as my Mom has my book.

More Quilt Progress

2009-02-19T17:25:00.010-05:00

One of my goals on maternity leave was to finish up some of my outstanding quilt projects. I have a few that are pretty close to completion and just needed a bit of focused time. I finished three tops so far this week.

Quilt #1:
This was a kit that I purchased a few years ago because I really loved the colors and pattern. I cut out the pieces when I was pregnant, but didn't have a chance to assemble it. I'm fond of baby quilts that are made with brighter non-traditional colors. I plan on putting it away for when Anna's a bit older. We have another that I made in her crib now - so I'll save this one for later.

Quilt #2:
A stack-n-wack quilt that my mom and I took a class for at a local quilt shop a year or so ago. The blocks were all done they just needed to be set. It's really neat to see how different all the blocks can look when they come from the same fabric. I also have 4 blocks that were a bit smaller left that I can use for a small lap quilt. I'll need to purchase some additional complimentary material for those at some point.

Quilt #3:
This was a top that I completed in a class last year, but never had a chance to add the borders. It is a fascinating pattern because it uses a very interesting technique. It is a pattern that would be great for a beginner because it is simple strips sewn together - there are no setting triangles that you would usually need to do a quilt set on point. Instead you sew it together (then hold your breath) and cut it apart and resew in a very specific fashion to create an on-point quilt.

I've also continued to work on completing some of last year's Socks that Rock club kits. I started the July kit. I've completed the first sock and am almost done with the top of the mate. I really love this pattern - it's been awhile since I've had a pattern go this fast. It has a wonderful rhythm. I wasn't so sure about the garter stitch short row heel and toe - but it actually fits really really well and is extremely comfortable. I hope to finish the mate this week and start another kit.

Sock it to me

2009-02-10T14:36:00.006-05:00

I've been on a bit of a sock kick since it's hard to squeeze in much knitting time with a newborn. Plus, I need to catch up on my Socks that Rock club kits from last year that I couldn't work on in my prego fog.

I started with the November kit because it seemed the easiest on my brain. I really liked how the pattern flowed. It took a bit since I was extremely sleep deprived for the first few weeks. :O)

Holidazed in muddy autumn rainbow by Anne Hanson (details on ravelry)

Then, I decided to start Gumdrops with the Goody Goody colorway by JC Briar. I'm about 3/4 of the way down the leg. I love it! The pattern is fun and addicting, plus the color fits the bout of mini-spring weather we are having.

A few just to make you smile photos....

Quilts

2009-01-20T10:37:00.006-05:00

I've had a few quilt tops that I finished ages ago and just never got around to quilting by hand or having professionally finished. When we were packing to move in Sept/Oct - my Mom volunteered to take them to a couple of machine quilters near my home town. She brought them back a few weeks ago when the baby was born and I didn't have a chance to post them.

They turned out great! (especially since my Mom bound them for me knowing how busy I was)... The one below surprisingly enough matches our new great room perfectly (surprising because we did not repaint when we moved in). They did a beautiful job on the machine quilting - dragonflies and an abstract pattern in the middle and flowers that mimic the border fabric around the edges:

The second quilt is a children's twin that I did to use up a variety of scraps. I think I'll put it away and use it as a gift or maybe for Anna when she gets older. This one is quilted with an all over pattern of butterflies and flowers.

I hope over the next month - I can finish a variety of other quilt tops that are very close to completion and send them off for quilting. The baby's sleep pattern is getting a bit easier, so I hope that I'll have the energy to work on some fun projects before I have to go back to the office.

I also finished the 1st sock in my Blue Moon Socks that Rock November package and started the second. I really love how the fit. It is a nice simple pattern (by Anne Hanson) that is perfect for me these days. All the details are in my Ravelry Project Page.

Granny Blankie

2009-01-15T17:52:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the RYC Cashmere granny blankie that I started years ago. When I first learned how to knit - my LYS owner encouraged me to try out a book that had 200 plus pattern squares to learn a variety of stitches in a small forum. I learned a ton and used a great yarn - but I never really got around to finishing enough to do a larger afghan. When I found out I was pregnant this summer, I thought a perfect solution would be to do a small blankie for my baby. I had just enough squares to do a nice crib sized blanket. I started sewing them together and knitting on a border during my last trimester. I just needed to finish weaving in the 9million ends - which I finally did today! I really like the way it came together. It has some wacky colors and looks a little funky - but it is so soft with the cashmere content.

My Anna should be able to use it with her next nap....

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T12:41:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year everyone. We have been laying low and enjoying our new little girl the last week, so not much of an update. I unfortunately developed mastitis under my arm so I've been a bit under the weather. Thank goodness my Mom stayed with us for almost two weeks to help us get settled at home. She and my Dad left today - we are certainly going to miss them. I don't think my husband and I have ever eaten so well, had the house this clean and all of our laundry done.

I have been doing a bit of knitting - hopefully I can take some pictures soon. I finished Anna's blanket with all my old practice squares out of cashsoft - I'm just weaving in the last of the ends. I'm also almost done with the first sock in the November Blue Moon Fiber Arts sock club kit. I really like the pattern and colorway. Nice and simple which is exactly what I need these days. The lack of sleep and on/off fever make concentrating a bit difficult. But it is well worth the result:

I can't wait to experience all the new and wonderful things we have coming this year. It will be a year to remember. Here's to a fabulous 2009 to you and yours!

The Greatest Christmas Gift...

2008-12-25T08:48:00.003-05:00

I didn't do much blogging during my last trimester as we prepared for our upcoming arrival. However, I'm going to do my best to keep this updated with our little one.

On Monday, December 22nd - we received the best Christmas present anyone could ask for:

We are very excited to enjoy our new baby girl. Everything went very well with my c-section and the doctors let us come home a day early - so we arrived home yesterday afternoon. It's so nice to be home for the holidays and to welcome Anna into our family.

Best wishes to you and your families over this holiday season. May your blessings be as wonderful as ours.

We're moving!

2008-10-04T08:15:00.003-04:00

Finally, we are making some progress on the house front! Every time we've thought things were progressing another road block popped up. We were supposed to be ready to closing the week of Sept 15th. However, our attorney discovered that the sellers of the house we purchased filed for Bankruptcy in 2005 and their attorney did not file the necessary release form with the Bankruptcy court. So we've been on hold for the last few weeks, as we've waited for the Bankruptcy Trustee and Judge to sign off on the release of the house. Yesterday - we received the fabulous news that we are scheduled to close on Tuesday afternoon!! Though it will be absolutely nutty - I feel like we are finally making progress and a huge weight has lifted. Particularly, since we are supposed to close on our current home on October 17th and this upcoming weekend would be the last "weekend" that we could move. Our friends are helping out and if we had been forced to move during the week it would have been difficult with everyone at work. It will be nutty, but manageable. We can't move on Saturday because my husband coaches HS Varsity Volleyball and has a tournament all day and I am 4 hours away in Northern NY for my 1st baby shower in my hometown. Nothing like trying to cram it all in. So - Sunday it is! Thank goodness it's a Buffalo Bills By-Week.

I'll try to post some pics after the big move. I have been doing a bit of knitting. I have another sweater done, a Clapotis (that I don't think I took a pic of before sending it to the giftee- oops), a sock and the mate partway along and a BSJ baby sweater in the works. I can't wait to get my storage pods delivered and set-up my new sewing room. It's all mine, mine, heeeehheee.

See you again in the new house. If you're local - please come and visit!

Finally ... A Lovey

2008-09-07T16:57:00.003-04:00

A lovey for my little one....

It took me forever to find the time to make this:

Become that:

Some facial features will be added once we move and I can get to my embroidery floss.

Go Bills!! Football = Uninterrupted Knitting Time (other than the periodic shouts from across the room)

I assure you that

2008-09-07T08:14:00.007-04:00

I'm still here. It's just been insanely busy with all the house goings on and baby on route. It's been a rocky road for the last few weeks. We had finally sold our house 3 weeks ago --- for oh, all of about 24 hrs before they backed out due to "financing issues." Whatever that means - you'd think you'd have figured all that out before you started house shopping and signing a contract. But - we've come around in a full circle. Three different groups made offers on our house yesterday - so we had a minor bidding war - very exciting! We ended up better off than before and are generally where we wanted to be for closings. We just need to get through the engineer's inspection this week and hopefully we'll be home free. Literally! So please keep all your fingers and toes crossed for us!

I have been doing a bit of crafty work. I cut out the pieces for the baby's quilt and purchased the fabric to make a crib skirt and bumpers from Amy Butler's new book Little Stitches. You can actually see the skirt and bumpers I'm making in the third photo on the Amazon website. I'm making the set in fabulous shades of pinks, yellows and greens from lights to dark rich shades. Can't wait - I just need to clear out the space to my sewing machine - though that might not happen until after we move. Hopefully - in the new house by late this month - 1st week in October at the latest.

In knitting news - I've been doing pretty well. I've had a lot of opportunities to knit on the go, which is perfect for baby stuff. Very portable and quick:
(all Ravelry links)

Almost finished with 2 Mason Dixon Bibs

Yarn: Cotton Stria and Peaches & Cream

Kimono Sweater from the Mason Dixon Book:
Looks a bit like origami right now - but the last side/sleeve is almost done and I should finish the whole thing during the Bills game today.

Yarn: Moda Dea Washable Wool (leftovers project - until I realized I miscalculated and had to go an buy another skein - now I have 3/4 of a skein to figure out what to do with LOL)

Hat from Wee-One Welcome Set

Yarn: Berrocco Comfort (worsted)

Offset Wraplan by Sara Morris:
Just needs snaps added....

Yarn: Socks that Rock Heavyweight in Storytime (LOVE THIS YARN!)

Pair of matching - Wee Baby Scratch Mitts

Yarn: Leftover bits of cotton stria and socks that rock heavyweight

Also in progress - A Slip Stitch Baby Hat to match an upcoming Tulip Baby Sweater:

Yarn: Dream in Color Classy Hat Kit - Spring Fling from Coldwater Collaborative. They have hat and sweater kits in some great colors that saves you from having to buy full skeins of Classy to the multi-color look that you want.

Plus - just a little bit of yarn stashing love for you -- we should have all known that I wouldn't survive without any yarn in the house for 3-4 months. It's like slow water torture not to be able to get to my stuff. So project yarn above plus:

Socks that rock medium weight (1-3), Chewy Spaghetti (club package), Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, Elann Peruvian Wool (for pinwheel sweater), Dream in Color Classy Tulip Kits, Karabella Aurora 8, Karabella Soft Tweed (I love sales - $3 a ball! - I have over 2000 yards - now to find the right project), Berrocco Comfort, Berrocco Comfort, Plucky Knitter Fingering (club package)

I have not fallen....

2008-08-19T12:41:00.008-04:00

off the face of the earth. It's just been incredibly busy with the house stuff, work, family weddings, etc. Plus - I managed to get the worst summer cold last week that is still ongoing. However, I have managed to ease in some crafty time during all of this (in car, will wishing I was dead in the recliner - coughing my head off).

I have three more baby sweaters in various finishing stages:

Pattern: Mossy Jacket by Fawn Pea
Yarn: Berroco Comfort
Just need to weave in the ends and sew on two buttons (which are where? You guessed it - Packed in no man's land until we move next month)
More Details on Ravelry

Pattern: Ribbed Baby Jacket by Debbie Bliss from her Special Knits book (ravelry link)
Just needs arm seaming...
More Details on Ravelry

Pattern: Helena by Alison Green Will

Yarn: Moda Dea

Just need to finish the front/neck bands...

More Details on Ravelry

Then, I think I'm going to do one of these next:

Tulip Baby Cardigan

Seamless Baby Yoked Sweater

I love little girl clothes...

Plus - I'm going to start the crib bedding (quilt, crib skirt and bumpers) with these...

Last, but not least our little girl is growing like a weed... Belly bump expansion:

21 Weeks...

Need I say more...

2008-08-07T17:47:00.002-04:00

Check this out...

2008-08-04T18:10:00.007-04:00

Have you seen the Twist Collective? It's kind of like an online knitting magazine. It has absolutely fabulous patterns, photos and articles from all your knitting favorites. Socks from Cat Borhdi, Cookie A and Yarnissma (some free, some for sale/download)... Sweaters from Kate Gilbert, Veronik Avery, Pam Allen etc.... Articles from Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne, Clara Parkes, etc.

I couldn't help but order a few patterns:

Some Socks:
Maelstrom by Cookie A

Oolong by Mona Schmidt

P.S. Cat Bordhi's Houdini pattern is a free download if you are in a sock mood

Sweater:

Linden by Veronik Avery

Stole:

Gnarled Oakwoods by Anne Hanson

We got it!

2008-08-02T19:25:00.001-04:00

Yeah! The engineers inspection is done and they've agreed to our two minor requests. So all that's left is the usual attorney/mortgage stuff until we close. We are so excited and can't wait to move into our new home.....

Life is a Whirlwind

2008-07-24T13:06:00.007-04:00

Well life is pretty crazy here. We are in a whirlwind of house selection/selling madness. We think we've found the house for us. But as usual it is a complex situation with the seller and us - so we are waiting with baited breath to see if it's going to work out. It's a bit more expensive then we wanted (of course), but it is in the country (but within 10-15 minutes of the essentials) with 2 1/2 acres of land on a private drive with only 2 other homes.

Can you say peace and quiet. Plus, it has the office of my dreams - to become my ultimate craft room. It will mean a severe austerity budget for us - especially with a baby on the way. However, we think it will be worth it in the long-run because it is a "forever" kind of house for us. Our current home has had some very good interest this week so we are hopeful that everything might just fall into place this week. Stressful!!! Cross your fingers.... and help me find a way to sneak some yarn into the budget. Though I could probably craft from all my fabric and yarn supplies for about 5 years without buying anything. :O)

Pregnancy is moving along swimmingly. I love it! I feel so wonderful now that the endless sickness is over. I had my 17 wk check-up on Monday and I'm a picture of health according to the doctor. Excellent blood pressure, sugar, weight, etc. The baby is moving all over - the doctor almost couldn't count the heartbeats because the baby kept kicking the doppler away and sound would echo through the room. LOL We go for the anatomical ultrasound in a few weeks and I can't wait! I have two sweaters done and a third on the needles. I will try to post pics later this weekend.

Quidditch ~ Round Three

2008-07-18T19:27:00.015-04:00

Quidditch ~ Round Three
1. When Hagrid returns to Hogwarts after being sent to see the giants with Madame Maxime, Professor Umbridge questions him on his late return to school. She suspects that Hagrid had been to the mountains, but where does he tell her he has been?

d. South of France

2. Professor Umbridge comes to Hagrid's Hut and searches his cabin one evening (as she believes Harry, Ron and Hermione are there visiting him at night when they are not supposed to). When she walks past the place where Harry, Ron and Hermione are hiding under the Invisibility Cloak, Harry holds his breath. True or false?

b. False

3. A stately-looking witch in an emerald green shawl is one of the members of the Advance Guard who rescues Harry from Privet Drive. What is her name?

a. Emmeline Vance

4. What is the name of the witch who was killed two weeks after the photo of the original Order of the Phoenix was taken?

b. Marlene McKinnon

5. Which two fifth year Ravenclaw students does Dumbledore choose to be prefects?

d. Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil

6. Which house was Rose Zeller sorted into?

d. Hufflepuff

7. What is the color of Murtlap's essence?

c. Yellow

8. Name the Ravenclaw girl who became prefect in Harry's fifth year.

b. Padma Patil

9. According to a healer's portrait at St. Mungo's hospital, which disease was Ron suffering from?d. Spattergroit

10. Which book did Harry give Hermione for Christmas?

a. "New Theory of Numberology"

Picture Scavenger Hunt

Padma Patil

Hannah Abott

Percy

Dumbledore's Army

Cedric Diggory

(Extra 5 pts - What movie will Robert Patterson star in this December?) Twilight

The Owl Has Landed

2008-07-11T18:10:00.008-04:00

The most fabulous package arrived from my HSKS 5 swap partner, Penny Willow today. I can't believe all the hard work and thought that she put into the package and all the wonderful goodies that she made and selected for me. I really adore it when people make hand crafted items for the packages. I know how much I like gifting creative efforts and particularly enjoy it when I receive them - partially because I appreciate all the work that goes into them. To know how truly excited I was to open the package - you should know that I waited to eat dinner when arriving home from work until after I had opened and photographed the entire package. Come on people - I'm a constantly eating pregnant lady. Food typically waits for nothing these days.

So without further delay - here are some pics and descriptions of the contents:

Initial Box Contents (look at that bag people -oh my):

The bag: All I can say is WOW!

The Yarn:
Go Crazy (fingering weight) in Ravenclaw goes to the movies from crazy4dying.etsy.com. I love this yarn. I bought a Slytherin version for my swapee and didn't want to part with it. It feels fabulous (merino).

Pattern: Snake River Socks by Judy Becker. I'm really interested in trying this one out. It's toe up and I really want to master this technique.

Handmade items:
Can you believe all the stuff she made. An accessories case with an embroidered raven, baby socks (OMG - they are so adorable and so thoughtful), a belt/scarf.

Other goodies:
Circular needles - size 1, 16" and 24" (I really like the Knit Picks needles for socks) and some more baby goodies (scrapbook stuff)!!

Group shot:

Thank you again Penny - Everything is awesome!! Happy Friday everyone....

Pictures finally!

2008-07-06T19:18:00.006-04:00

I finally had a bit of time to add some pictures to my laptop. So here is a photo journal to go along with the last few posts that didn't have any visuals.

Quilt Festival:

Beautiful contest and antique quilts:

In Progress - Quilt blocks from my classes:

Knitting progress:

Baby Hats:

Baby Sweater:

Bunny:

And last but not least - the bun in the oven @ 15wks:

I'm Home!

2008-07-01T10:54:00.004-04:00

I arrived back home from Vermont yesterday. It was a wonderful relaxing trip with my Mom. It was so nice to get away from work and all the chaos with the house sale/search. I didn't take too many pictures, but I'll try to add some to the post some later tonight or tomorrow of the projects we worked on at the quilt festival.

We visited the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory, Cabot Cheese, Green Mountain Coffee, Lake Champlain Chocolates, ... (hmm do you see a theme here - never know I was pregnant and finally eating again, huh?). Plus - the highlight of the trip of course was the Quilt Festival. It was a great deal of fun - we took three separate classes:

1. A hand applique class from Jo Morton. This was extremely interesting - I learned a much simpler and less time consuming way to applique without having to use templates. I'm not sure that I'll finish the accompanying blocks to the applique. They were small (really really small) churn dash blocks. Cute - but too much bother to piece something that small if you ask me.

2. Scrappy Hunter's Star from Merry May. This class was a lot of fun. It was a 1/2 day and you finish a 13" block. It is so nice to take a class where you learn a lot and actually finish something. I'm going to make 3 more blocks to create a nice lap sized quilt. I actually have them all cut out and just need to assemble.

3. Scrappy Bear's Paw from Marti Michell. This class was by far the highlight of the show. This lady is an icon in quilting history. She's been quilting since the 1970's and started before there really was a quilting industry. She's been innovative and creative since the start. It was a lot of fun to hear her talk and show a variety of techniques. We completed a 17" block in class that is a combination of a drunkard's path and bear paw. It was completed using some of her company's acrylic templates. Never thought I would prefer the templates over other types of assembly - but this was really easy and accurate.

This week was so good for me. Though I still tire pretty easily it was so nice to feel crafty again. I feel like I found myself (corny I know). I managed to start knitting again as well. I finished two baby hats and started a sweater - not too shabby when you haven't done anything in forever. I had to go buy some yarn and needles since everything is in storage. Oops. Well you can always use more yarn and needles, right?

Update

2008-06-22T09:24:00.004-04:00

I've been a bad blogger lately. Between the baby zapping all my energy and the endless house stuff - it has been nutty. The good news is though that I'm starting to feel a bit less tired. I actually knitted a few rows yesterday for the first time in months!! I had started a Baby Kimono from Mason Dixon Knitting awhile ago. It makes me feel so much more human. Though I want a different project - I was doing it in cotton and after not knitting for a while it hurts my wrists. All of my yarn and books are trapped in storage in a different town as we are in the process of selling our house. It sucks @!$* I feel lost without my fabric and yarn. I was going to go to the yarn shop today and remembered that it's Sunday - so nothing is open. I may have to resort to desperate measures.

I leave Tuesday afternoon for the Vermont Quilt Festival with my Mom. I can't wait. I'm ready to start sewing again and want to start a quilt for the baby when I return. We are signed up for some great classes. I'll share some pictures and stories when I return next week.

I'm so glad to be going away. I can't wait to leave the craziness of showing our house for sale and looking for a new home for just a few days. I do feel a little bad that I'm leaving my husband to handle it by himself - but he'll survive. He actually likes the fact that our house is practically empty - I feel like I'm in a stranger's house and shouldn't touch anything. It's such a roller coaster ride. We had a really good open house yesterday - approximately 20 groups went through and we're hopeful that it might result in a decent offer. On the other side - we found a house we both really liked yesterday - a bit high in the price range, but it was just the right size and had most of the features we are looking for. Plus, it is the size and type that we could live in it longer than we originally planned when we first started looking. But (you knew there had to be a caveat) - someone has already put in an offer and we have no interest in getting in a bidding war no matter how great the house. We will hear late tonight or tomorrow how the offer process is going. Apparently the buyer submitted what the seller's agent termed as a really low offer and the owners weren't happy and had aggressively countered. Whatever that all means in the end. For now - it means we keep looking. At first I though it would be fun, now I just want to get it over with. I want to move, put my stuff away and start enjoying planning for our upcoming arrival. I want to buy baby stuff darn it - which you can't do until you know how big the room will be.

I hope everyone else is having a nice relaxing summer. Here's hoping ours slows down soon.

HSKS Quidditch!

2008-06-18T14:02:00.008-04:00

1. At the beginning of the year feast, who is the only person who rudely interrupts Dumbledore during his speech?
b. Professor Umbridge

2. Off what street is the alley where Harry first met Sirius?
c. Magnolia Crescent

3. Tonks’ mother had two sisters, both pure-bloods, and both left on the Black Family Tree. What are their names?
c. Narcissa and Bellatrix

4. What spell are the students studying in McGonalgall’s class when Umbrdige is doing her inspection?
d. The Vanishing Spell

5. Who comes to warn Harry and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army that Umbridge and her group of followers are coming to break up their meeting?
Answer: Dobby

6. Who are the members of the Order that met Harry Potter in the Dursely’s house during the summer before his fifth year?
c. Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, Remus Lupin, Emmeline Vance, Sturgis Podmore, Hestia Jones

7. Moody used the Disillusionment Charm on Harry.
a. Yes

8. Which of these Death Eaters is Sirius related to?
d. All of these

9. At what age did Sirius leave his home?
Answer: 16

10. How many of the original Order members were killed (don’t include those who disappeared)? b. 8

Picture Scavenger
Kingsley Shacklebolt

Bellatrix Lestrange

Nymphadora Tonks

Remus Lupin

Ravenclaw Quiz

2008-06-14T07:06:00.003-04:00

1. It's changing out there. Just like last time. There's a storm coming, Harry. And we all best be ready when she comes. [Hagrid]

2. Dumbledore's Army was about doing something real. Or was that all just words to you? [neville]

3. Dementors in Little Winging? Whatever next? The whole world's going topsy-turvy. [mrs. Fig]

4. The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure. Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by an invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing. [Prof. Snape]

5. Face it, Petunia. Our boy has gone lumpy. [Uncle Vernon]

6.You're a fool, Harry Potter, and you will lose everything. [Voldemort]

7. Practicing is good, but there's something else that's even more important: believing in yourself. Look at it this way: every wizard in history has started out as nothing more than we are now -- students. If they can do it, why not us? [Harry]

8. I WILL have order! [Dolores Umbridge]

9. When are you going to get it into your head? We're in this together. [Hermione]

10. When all this is over we'll be a proper family, you'll see. [Sirius Black]

11. That's right. Anyway, my mum always said things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end. If not always in the way we expect. [luna]

12. You may not like him, Minister, but you can't deny: Dumbledore's got style. [Kingsley Shacklebolt]

13. Who wants to watch me take off Snivelly's trousers? [Sirius Black]

14. One person can't feel all that, they'd explode! [Ron]

15. They're very clean, these Muggles. It's unnatural. [Nymphadora Tonks]

16. How dare you speak his name! YOU FILTHY HALF BLOOD! [Bellatrix Lestrange]

17. Just because you can use magic now does not mean you have to whip your wands out for everything. [Mrs. Weasley]

18. Did you actually believe, or are you truly naive enough to think that children stood a chance against us? I'll make this simple, Potter. Give me the prophecy now, or watch your friends die. [Lucius Malfoy]

19. You sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve. [harry]

20. Ah, I thought we might hit this little snag. You seem to be laboring under the delusion that I am going to -- what is the phrase? -- come quietly. [Dumbledore]

What would your Patronous be?

2008-06-06T10:21:00.000-04:00

What Animal Guide Would You Produce If You Could Cast A Patronus? (Harry Potter - Updated With Additional Results)
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Owl

The owl is your protector and guide. You share characteristics with this animal and it is likely you are very rational, moral and wise. You always try to be helpful however this could be your downfall.

Owl

69%

Dolphin

63%

Dog

56%

Elephant

50%

Stag

50%

Peafowl

44%

Cat

44%

Tiger

38%

Baby Update

2008-06-03T11:56:00.004-04:00

Sorry all - no crafting content yet. We are in the midst of packing up the house and most of my supplies have been sent to a storage facility until we move to a new house. Though, I am going to Vermont for the Quilt Festival at the end of June and will at least have a bit of sewing to show for it.

Today, my husband and I went to our first ultrasound! It was great fun - a 10wk dating ultrasound -which has moved my due date back to the original 12/29.

It was so wonderful to see the baby moving all over. He/she was practically doing jumping jacks. I didn't realize how active they were this early in the pregnancy. The measurements and heart beat were right on track which is reassuring. It feels so real - now that we have seen the little person in there moving around. LOL. We go back just before I leave for Vermont for a 13 wk ultrasound - it's part of the first trimester genetic screening that we opted for.

HSKS 5 - Quidditch ~ Round One

2008-05-29T20:30:00.003-04:00

1. Which of Arabella Figg's cats ran out from under the car
Mr. Paws

2. Which of the following is NOT one of Albus Dumbledore's middle names
a. Ignatius

3. Which educational decree introduced a High Inquisitor to Hogwarts?
23

4. Apart from Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was the first person to enter the Hog's Head that showed an interest in Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts classes? Neville Longbottom

5. In the first Quidditch match of the year which player attempted to score first
a. Angelina Johnson

6. What kind of bush does Harry hide behind to listen to the news?
b. A hydrangea bush

7. Why is Mundungus Fletcher disguised as a woman when he witnesses the DA (Dumbledore's Army) meeting in the Hog's Head pub?
b. He was banned from the Hog’s Head pub 20 years ago.

8. When Harry and Cho go on their first date to Madam Puddifoot's in Hogsmeade, what is it decorated with for Valentine's Day
c. Golden cherubs and pink confetti

9. How old is Sturgis Podmore and where does he live
a. 38 and number 2 Laburnum Gardens Clapham

10. What did Fred and George Weasley do to Montague?
a. Forced him head-first into a Vanishing Cabinet on the first floor

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Fred and George Weasley (Together)
Hog’s Head Pub
Sirius Black
Mr. Weasley & Harry (Together)
Draco Malfoy

Clean Bill of Health

2008-05-21T12:54:00.003-04:00

Well since I don't seem to knit or sew much these days - I'll do an update on the other stuff going on. I had my first "official" baby doctor appointment today and got a clean bill of health other than a low iron count (which is completely normal for me). Yeah! We get more excited everyday. The morning sickness is finally easing off and I'm just tired all the time.

We had a real estate agent come over to take a look at our house this week. He doesn't think we'll have any trouble selling it and we expect to try and get it listed in a couple of weeks. We just need to do some paint touch-ups, clean-up the yard and pack-away most of our stuff and furniture. I have a storage container on its way next week. Thankfully, our friends and family have been a huge help already. My Dad is on his way today to pack-up things for me while I'm at work. He's fabulous - he knows how tired I've been lately and they are having a garage sale in two weeks - so he's taking all of my decluttering with him. Let the chaos begin! We will start to aggressively look for a new house as soon as ours is listed for sale. I'm excited! I really love looking at houses. It is always so interesting to see what's out there and what "crazy" things people have done to their homes. So if any of you locals - know of a good house coming on the market with an acre or larger lot on the east side - please let me know...

Once we get the house ready to go - maybe I can start the baby quilt that I want to do for the nursery. I just have to find the energy! I've had the kit set aside for a year or so - I found it at a shop hop last year with my Mom and loved it so much that I set it aside and saved it. I really want to do a mural on the nursery walls based on it. It is a pallet of colors that is pretty modern - it runs a blend of traditional pastels to full color brights that have a quieter tone to them with all kinds of bugs, butterflies, snails, etc. It's really adorable. I'll try to post a picture soon.

Biography HSKS5

2008-05-13T09:38:00.005-04:00

As I mentioned not to long ago - I joined the HSKS5 swap for the early summer. Part of our homework assignment for this week is to post a biography on our blog. Pretty good timing for me, as I planned on sharing some exciting news to explain why I haven't been blogging or crafting much and it is not related to work for once. So here we go...

I grew up with a set of fabulous parents and two younger brothers in Upstate NY (way upstate people - think middle of nowhere near the St. Lawrence Seaway/Canada). It was a pretty idealic childhood - small schools, close family, fun trips, etc.

When I graduated from high school (with all 55 of my classmates - I told you it was small), I went to a mid-sized private college in Western NY for Business/Economics. I met my husband my Freshman year and that was that - away went the boyfriend from home and we've been together ever since.

We purchased our first home a year after graduation and I started a job with my current employer. We married the following year and have been cruising along ever since through new positions ( w/same employer), MBA, Teaching Certification and Masters for my Hubby, etc. I've continued to maintain a close relationship with my family even with the 3.5hr drive. My Mom and I share similar hobbies and interests (reading, quilting, etc.), so we are always up for a trip or weekend that includes fabric shops and classes. In fact, in June we are heading to Vermont for the Quilt Festival. We went last year and had a blast.

Now we are moving on to a new phase in our life, we are expecting our first child! I'm not too far along yet so SHHHH! Most of my extended family doesn't read my blog, but they will find out soon enough. I found this cool tracker that I added to my side bar as we count down to the start of this new life.

Get your free online pregnancy calendar from WhatToExpect.com

To top it all off - we are also in the process of putting our current home on the market and finding one with some room for us to grow. I'm excited and have a few trepidations at the same time. That's probably a good thing right? I'm also tired and have all day and night "morning" sickness, so I haven't done any knitting or anything. Do you hear that people?!?! No knitting whatsoever for weeks. It is really weird - I feel a little lost, but too tired to do anything about it. Hopefully, I'll get some energy back in a few more weeks.

So that's me in a nutshell. Love my family, my job and my crazy busy life.....

Swap Fun

2008-05-07T13:07:00.003-04:00

Do you like yarn, knitting, surprises and Harry Potter? If so you should check out the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap #5 at the HSKS website. I participated in #3 (had to pass on 4 due to work conflicts) and it was a lot of fun. There are a few more spots available so check it out...

Socks as always...

2008-04-27T19:08:00.003-04:00

I was sick with a bad head and chest cold most of the weekend - but good can come from bad. I did a great deal of knitting this weekend. I finished my Leafling Socks from the STR club.

(sorry you get the wet sock blocker photo. Have you ever noticed it's really difficult to photograph your own feet - it's either blurry or you have cankles)

I'm almost done with my RPM's.. Thank goodness since I still don't like this colorway. Just a bit more foot to go. I really love this pattern and plan on making another pair. My husband likes the pattern - so perhaps a pair for him.

I started my first toe up sock - Hearts for Heidi by Wendy Knits. I was a bit nervous about the cast-on as it looked a bit complicated - but it was really very easy if you follow the online tutorial for Judy's Magic Cast-On. I wanted to do a toe up for this yarn because it's Claudia's HandPainted Short Sport in Peppermint Mocha (Pattern & Yarn from the Loopy Ewe) and I want to make the leg as high as I can with the yardage I have. Now we'll see how the rest goes and see if I can master working backwards.

I also did some cleaning today -- including washing some socks in Soak - don't they look pretty. I highly recommend Soak -it is great stuff. Smells light and clean and no rinsing. Just drop a dime size bit in some water and let them sit - blot the water and let your clothes dry.

Lucky Leaf

2008-04-21T20:22:00.012-04:00

I haven't been accomplishing much on the knitting front with work shaping back into it's typical nuttiness, but my socks are never far away. I completed one of the March Blue Moon Fiber Arts sock club socks and started its mate. It is a really fascinating knit - kudos to JC Briar the pattern designer. The leg features an increasing gusset while knitting the back of the heel - then you turn the heel and short-row a heel flap on the bottom of the foot - and then knit in the round again to work the foot traditionally. No picking up stitches. Not that I mind usually, but it was interesting to see how it all came together. All-n-All it fits pretty nicely too. If I was to do this type of heel again - I think I would skip the sl1, k1 on the bottom of the foot heel flap as it draws the heel pretty tight and is a bit narrow for my foot. I think I would just go down a needle size on the bottom (since I use a 2 circ method) to create a nice tight fabric.

Last weekend, we went home to visit the family and our new little addition. Cutie, isn't he?

And of course - I can't go home without making a yarn and fabric trip with my Mom to Fiber Options. I restrained myself and only brought home three skeins (yeah - good I know - especially with the number of Loopy Ewe boxes that arrived at my house last week - oops fell off the Loopy Wagon again).

Fiber Options:

[Mission Falls cotton royal blue and baby blue, Classic Elite Alpaca Sox]

Loopy Ewe:

[Spindle City Yarns Lichen, Dream in Color Smooshy Don't be Blue, The Sanguine Gryphon Eidos Bougainvillea, Zen String Lotus Toes Echninacea and Sugar Magnolia]

Oops - I also forgot about the Ravelry Destash purchases....

[Blue Moon Socks that Rock Tide Pool, Monsoon, Spring Fling, and Fire on the Mountain and Silkie in Walking on the Wild Tide]

Darn it - I need to knit more and buy less. I really need to have a chat with the person who came up with the idea that sock yarn doesn't count as stash - you'd think I was saving for the End of Days or something. Wow - looking at this and loading it all into Ravelry makes me wonder if I need to join a support group or grow extra limbs to knit more.

I'm always amazed

2008-04-18T20:28:00.001-04:00

... at how well these things tend to describe my general personality...

You Are An ISFJ

The Nurturer

You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal.

A good listener, you excel at helping others in practical ways.

In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music.

You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for.

In love, you express your emotions through actions.

Taking care of someone is how you love them. And you do it well!

At work, you do well in a structured environment. You complete tasks well and on time.

You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist.

How you see yourself: Competent, dependable, and detail oriented

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Boring, dominant, and stuck in a rut

What's Your Personality Type?

Socks & Neat Tools

2008-04-09T19:53:00.004-04:00

I ordered a really neat tool from Scout's Swag. I'm always looking for a easy way to keep track of where I am in a pattern - particularly when carting projects around. They are called pattern tamers and come in a variety of sizes. It's a super duty magnetic strip with pretty ribbon. I love them! I may make some of my own if I can find some good magnets.

I made some progress on my RPM socks (AKA Cat Puke Colorway) - I finished the first sock and started on the second. Still hate the color - but the sock feels lovely.

I also started my March STR sock club package --- I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! The pattern, color, fit, etc. I made some modifications once past the cuff and first two repeats to decrease the size to fit the lower portion of my calf better, but it's working well. I can't wait to see how the heel flap/gusset increases come together. It's a totally new sock architecture for me.

I saved the best news for last. I am a new Auntie - take a look at our new munchkin:

We are headed home to visit the new addition to the family this weekend. I can't wait!

Fawkes Socks

2008-04-06T08:14:00.003-04:00

Finally, a finished project. I completed my Fawkes Socks last night. I really love the color, the yarn, pattern, etc.

Started: Feb 29th
Finished: April 4th
Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy in Ruby River from The Loopy Ewe
Pattern: Fawkes by Monkey Toes in Socktopia
Needles: #2, 24" Addi Turbos

I'm really pleased with how these turned out and I'm really happy that I can now start my Socks that Rock March Club Package. I'll post once I get started....

Socks that Rock!

2008-03-30T11:39:00.002-04:00

I promised pics of my stocking for the Apocalypse. So here you go.....

Beautiful. Just beautiful....

I Love Mail... [STR Spoiler Alert]

2008-03-26T19:20:00.009-04:00

Seriously - I love mail. I think that is the direct cause of my Internet shopping excess. It's just fun to open packages. Junk mail I could do without. But, packages --- ohh the love. Yesterday, I got my 2nd Blue Moon Socks that Rock club package. I adore it. It is my favorite color - GREEN! Another study in shaded solids in STR Medium weight - right up my alley. Take a look:

It came with a very interesting pattern from JC Briar. It uses a heel flap/gusset increase concept similar to one of the architectures in the new Cat Borhdi sock pathways book. I got the book a little bit ago from a Ravelry destash and am looking forward to trying it out. It also had a few moo cards that use pictures of the January Club kit - very cute; the sock yarn key chain and our 10% discount coupon. Hmm - don't see that last item in the picture - that's because it is already gone -- see sentence #2 of this post for rationale. I have 6 (yes 6) skeins of STR coming my way. I am saving for the Apocalypse. No, I just like sock yarn. I'll show you pics when it comes. Whole package was awesome - I can't wait to get started. Just need to finish my Fawkes first. Got to have some discipline you know.

On to package #2 - I ordered my book club book for April from Barnes & Noble.com. I needed to get free shipping so I added in some other stuff that I've wanted to get. I can rationalize anything.

I've already started the new Yarn Harlot book, "Things I Learned from Knitting ... Whether I Wanted to or Not." I definitely recommend this one. It is wonderful, laugh out loud funny as usual. Literally - here is a quick quote to tide you over: "All of us have ended up standing stunned in a clothing store trying to understand how we could have been so wrong about the relationship between our arses and our pants." I'm cracking up again just typing it.

The second book is one that I admired a while back at my LYS: Natural Knits for Babies and Moms. It has some really adorable vest and sweater patterns that I'd like to try out. Especially as we are "working" on a little one of our own. No luck yet - but we'll keep trying. LOL

I have been making some knitting progress - my Back to School vest is ready to be split for the front and back (sorry no pics). My mindless RPM sock is ready to turn the heel. Here is a pic of the sock.

Love the pattern - not so fond of how this skein of STR is working up in the pattern - feels great - colors look like cat puke. Not to be gross - but I'm not so fond of the peachy orange color with the others. Looked great in the skein - weird in my sock. Though everyone I see says that they like colors - even after I say I don't like them. Wow - to each his own. Doesn't make me like STR any less though. Just love knitting and touching it.

Off to read and laugh some more and anxiously await tomorrow's mail. You never know what might come.

Holiday Weekends

2008-03-23T08:35:00.008-04:00

Holiday weekends - aren't they great! It has been a very very nice relaxing weekend. Thursday after work, I made a trip to Sephora. Not normally my kind of trip (I hate the mall and haven't liked shopping since college unless it was online - people drive me batty). But, I was really sick of my make-up and was running out of just about everything. So time to start over - I went and had a consultation and spent a fortune. But I really like it. I came home and asked my husband what he thought - he told me I looked like me. Success as far as I am concerned - clean low-key look -not makeup hooker.

Continuing my feel good lazy weekend - I spent Friday afternoon at a local spa getting a massage, facial and pedicure with an x-mas gift certificate. Quiet bliss. I wish I could go all the time. Then, I returned home to a quiet evening with me and the dog (DH was at a Sabres game and not coming home until Saturday morning). We watched the game and movies (Live Free or Die Hard and Perfect Stranger) while knitting. Continued more of the same on Saturday (Michael Clayton & MI III) - since the boys are all watching March Madness. Basketball (except live) has never been my thing. As a result, I made some good progress on my Back-to-School Vest. It's been languishing in the WIP pile because of the endless ribbing - it was driving me nutty. It would be going faster except that I had to go down to a size 6 from an 8 needle to get a half-way decent fabric (which then required some mathnastics to get this to work). I am past the bust increases in the waffle stitch and am close to dividing for the front and back.

I also got a lovely little package in the mail from The Loopy Ewe. Can you tell I was in a springy Easter mood when I ordered?

Gypsy Knits Sock It - 3Ply in Fairy Tree & Dream in Color Smooshy in Butter Peeps

I was hoping that my Socks that Rock club package would arrive on Saturday since a bunch of east coasters posted that they received theirs, but no such luck. Maybe on Monday. So what I did do - decide to wait patiently? Nope! Cast on for a new pair of socks. My second Fawkes sock is almost done, but it isn't an easy one to take for waiting or in car - because I have to read the chart - I'm terrible at memorizing those kind of things. So I cast on for RPM with STR in Dixie Chick. I really like the pattern easy and repetitive, but I'm not so sure about how the color is coming together. Loved the skein, but the way it is pooling is a little sketchy. But I like how it feels so we shall keep going.

Well I'm off to get ready for Easter. Hope you all had a fun and relaxing weekend as well.

Books & More Swap

2008-03-17T19:25:00.003-04:00

I joined a Books & More swap on Ravelry a bit ago and received my package in the mail today. It is absolutely wonderful. I'm so excited - my secret partner - Judy sent me a very thoughtful package of goodies. Take a look:

Close-ups:

A little sheepy to keep me company (I think he's going to go to work to liven up my desk in my new office), candies (Love hard candy!), a cute notebook (which I will use for knitty notes), 7! skeins of Elann sock it to me 4 ply to make a hat/scarf project out of one of the books (with plenty of left overs :O)), and not one but 2 books! The books are fabulous - I can't wait to start some of the projects. Wonderful patterns for kids - with all the new babies in our family there should be something for everyone (let's just hope I can keep up).

Thank you so much Judy! I love everything...

On Point

2008-03-16T19:44:00.002-04:00

I've had sew much fun this weekend. I took the Jelly Patch quilting class at Mt. Pleasant Quilting Company on Saturday. I was really intrigued by the class because it featured an on-point row setting with no on-point sewing, no setting triangles and no diagonal rows. Plus, I had a couple of jelly rolls marinating in my stash - what a marriage - interesting pattern and no fabric to buy.

Hmm - how is this possible. Sew Simple - you create your 16 patch blocks in a normal strip piecing fashion - just faster because you don't have to cut any strips with a Moda Jelly Roll (in Celebrate Spring!). Then you sew on the right side and bottom sashing on each block and sew them into rows to create a 4x6 traditional block layout (it just looks a bit funny since you don't have the sashing on the top or left side. Then (this is the scary part - but no guts no glory) - you cut the quilt apart into three puzzle like pieces. The pattern has wonderful directions. Then you reorient the pieces and sew them together. Voila - you have an on-point center with no fussy setting! I just need to add borders and then I'll be ready to quilt it. A quick and easy throw sized quilt (53"x78").

Unexpected

2008-03-15T18:40:00.005-04:00

Well, I was all set to post a note about my mom's completed ribby socks and the two wonderful sock club packages that I received in the mail yesterday --- when low and behold I returned from dinner with the hubby to find my packages and basket of yarn strung about the house. Mind you my springer is 8 years old (yes 8) and has not gotten into anything for over two years. Apparently he was annoyed with me for some reason (yes me - because he didn't touch any of DH's stuff). So I have some sadly lacking photos to share since the flower seeds and chocolate are MIA. The only reason I know they were part of the TV Yarn packages is there was a lovely note included with the contents of the kit. Never actually saw what they looked like. Ah well - I guess I really didn't need the candy or flowers anyway.

But in good news - I finished my Mom's ribbed Hill Country Yarns Sweet Feet Socks and they went off in the mail on Thursday:

I also made some headway on my Fawkes socks - god I love Dream in Color Smooshy...

Two sock club packages arrived yesterday and my husband kindly brought mail with him when we picked me up at work yesterday so I could look at them in the car (we went to the Sabres game last night). It is the first package for each of these clubs this year.

The first is from Hill Country Yarns - I'm excited about this one since I just finished Mom's socks (see above and really liked working with the Hill Country). This club comes with yarn and a pattern (only $20 a kit - pretty good deal). This month's is a shaded purple skein of Instant Gratification Superwash (6-7 stchs per inch on sz 4-6 needles) and a pattern for lace ankle socks (Quite Contrary Socks by Star Athena). Very nice:

The second package is from the White Oak Studio TV Yarn Sock Club. The first shipment was a celebration of the movie - Four Weddings and a Funeral. Very springy and British...

The package came with yarn, a beautiful stitch marker and tin (I forgot to include it in the picture - dog didn't eat that part), chocolates (long gone - damn dog), lavender sachet, and flower seeds (doggy tummy - we'll see if he sprouts any flowers). I love the colors - makes me want spring to come and melt all the snow. I'll have to find the perfect pattern for it - any suggestions?

Now - I'm off to watch the sabres game and work on some knitting to cheer me up....

What's in a Name?

2008-03-12T21:14:00.001-04:00

This is a little creepy how close it really is to the "real" me....

What Kati Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.

You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.

People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.

You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.

You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Delightful weekend...

2008-03-02T18:31:00.002-05:00

I had a delightful weekend... reading some old favorites off the bookshelf, watched some movies and hockey and working on my Fawkes sock and not much else. So lovely and the sun was shining. Hopefully, this will charge me up for Monday.

What Super Villian are you???

2008-03-01T14:51:00.001-05:00

Just for fun.... I love comic book movies

Your results:
You are Mystique

Mystique		66%
Dark Phoenix		62%
Lex Luthor		59%
Riddler		58%
Dr. Doom		57%
The Joker		55%
Poison Ivy		52%
Magneto		50%
Apocalypse		50%
Venom		47%
Green Goblin		46%
Catwoman		44%
Mr. Freeze		44%
Kingpin		41%
Juggernaut		38%
Two-Face		38%

Sometimes motherly, sometimes a beautiful companion, but most of the time a deceiving vixen.

Click here to take the Super Villain Personality Test

Socks are better than medicine....

2008-02-29T21:36:00.002-05:00

I haven't been feeling well today - so I stayed home from work. As we all know - I"m a big sock fan. I recently decided to try a new technique - knitting two socks at once on a long circular - and purchased 2-at-a-time Socks by Melissa Morgan Oakes. I gave it a try, but I don't think it's for me - it's too fussy with both balls of yarn. I feel like I'm moving incredibly slow and it's very awkward. It would probably get better with practice, but I don't think I have enough patience. So I ripped it out and started over. I wasn't thrilled with the yarn I was working with - I really wanted to use some of my Dream in Color Smooshy. So I wound up some Ruby River from The Loopy Ewe and started a pair of Fawkes by Monkey Toes. I have one repeat done for the leg and am very pleased with how they are working up. The smooshy is a lovely blend of fuchsia and purple and is sooo soft. It has made me so happy -

I hope to get some quilting done this weekend as well - I worked for a bit on my lap quilt only a little more border left. I did want to post a few pics of my projects from last weekend, as I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out. It as a needle case and tool kit for a coworker's birthday in March along with some Cascade 220 for a shrug that she wants to learn how to knit. I love the fabrics and am pleased with how well the patterns came out (particularly since the needle case is one of my own).

Have a great weekend! Stay warm....

Finished!

2008-02-28T19:18:00.003-05:00

Wow - I can't believe how fast February has flown. I've thought about blogging, but just haven't been in the mood I guess. I did finish some knitting recently though. A few friends at work have begun knitting and were interested in completing a shrug pattern - so I pulled out a few books and they picked the Retro Redux Shrug from Lace Style. A really cute shrug that I had already planned to knit and had the yarn for (weird). I had purchased some Mas Acrero from Brooks Farm at Rhinebeck (NYS Sheep and Wool Festival). It is a wool/silk blend. Really nice and soft with a beautiful sheen. I only ended up using about 1/2 of the skein - so I could make another one. hmmm. we'll see.

Retro Redux (please ignore the goofy tank top - I'm in my home from work please get this suit off of me PJ's):
Needles: Addi Turbos size 8 to 10.5
Yarn: see above
Started and Completed: 1 weekend
Modifications: shortened the length of the smallest size by 3"

I'm also making some progress on my Back to School vest from Fitted Knits. It's been slow going because I had to make a few modifications because my gauge in Cascade 220 superwash was considerably different than the pattern (even though it called for the same yarn). However, I moved it to scrap yarn and tried it on today - thank god it fits - I dreaded checking because I didn't want to redo 3-4" of ribbing. I did decide to do a few decreases at this point to bring the waist smaller and knit the rest through in the smaller size. This enabled me to fit my hips and then have a more close fit through the waist. We'll see how it goes.

I also did some sewing this week - a new needle case and tool kit for a co-workers birthday - I'll try to post some pics this weekend. Now, I'm off to do some shopping for my Books & More Swap partner (ravelry swap). I can't wait to see what fun stuff I can find. Happy Thursday everyone!

7 Random Things About Me

2008-02-13T16:33:00.005-05:00

I've been tagged by My SP11 Partner, Deb (http://debsboringlife.blogspot.com/) to participate in a random things about me tag. Here are the rules, and they must be posted to your blog:

Link to the person’s blog who tagged you (see above).
List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again

7 Random Things:

I’m extremely petite (barely 5’).
My family nickname is “grace” (not meant as a compliment either).
I grew up in the middle of nowhere in Upstate NY on the Canadian Border (yes there is territory above NYC).
My greatest travel wish is to go on a B&B tour of Ireland (there’s lots of sheep there you know).
I love fairies because my grandfather used to make-up wonderful stories and built a NeverNeverland on his property in the Adirondack Mountains when I was little.
I’m obsessed with my hobbies – I love Knitting, quilting, reading, creating bags, stitch markers, papercrafts, etc….. I collect obsessively with them. Can never have too much stuff, right? Who knows when you will need the perfect item.
My favorite candies are old fashioned lemon drops and peppermints.

People Tagged:

Wanderings - my SP 11 Pal

Crafty Lily – my HSKS 3 Pal

Vacation Bliss

2008-02-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

It has been a very fun week. I've been on vacation since Wed! My parents were coming for a visit since my Mom had a Diabetes seminar to go to in the area (she's a nurse/patient educator). So I decided that I needed a break from all the long hours at work and we've had a few days of fun. Mom and I have similar tastes and hobbies so we always have a good time when we are together. Wednesday we did some errands and got our haircut. Thursday we took a bag class from Mt. Pleasant Quilt Company (Lest you have forgotten that I quilt and knit (kinda of felt like it lately, as I haven't done much sewing)).

We made the Miranda Day Bag from Lazy Girl Designs. Very cool purse. I completed 99% of it during the class (unheard of for me). I just need to tack the top edges together in the corners so it doesn't pop open... It is a pretty neat bag. See:
Mine

Mom's

I think I'm going to package mine up for my BFF for her Birthday next month with some other goodies. I've also made some headway on a lapquilt that has been languishing in my WIP's pile:

I really love the fabrics and layout. I just need to finish up the last of the hand quilting (just the borders really) and add the binding. This is one that I'll be keeping for our house. It's been awhile since I've kept a quilt for us and my hubby has been asking.

Today's been pretty busy preparing favors for my Brother's baby show next weekend - but I did fit in a bit of knitting:

My STR Serendipity second sock is half way done. I finished the short row heel and have started the foot. The heel came out much better on this one - though I like the way it looks I'm not sure it will be a favorite and replace the traditional heel flap for me.

What are your favorite heel methods?

I also am in the process of completing the heel on my basic ribbed socks out of Hill Country Yarn. I really like the way the colors are swirling around the leg.

Though I also like them with the cuff folded down, Sam I am.

Last, but not least to make my vacation day the grandest - another package arrived from the Loopy Ewe. I know you are exclaiming - but she just got one - how can that be? A sneak up caught the best of me. It contained Claudia Hand Painted sport short in peppermint mocha which has been marinating on my wish list.... no will power here.

Some Numma Numma in Nutella and a few patterns may have fallen in along the way.... shhhh.... they'll never need to know the yarn I accumulate, as long as socks, sweater and yarny goodies continue to come their way.

Yarn & FO's

2008-02-02T18:02:00.000-05:00

It's been the start of another fun knitty weekend. It started with the completion of my 1st STR sock club sock on Thursday night.

Blue Moon Socks that Rock Lightweight - Dragon Dance colorway
Pattern: Serendipity by Adrienne Fong
US #1 Needles - 2 circs 24"

I still have one sock to go - but really enjoying the pattern. I like the way the striping worked out for me.

Then, Friday night was the Winter Yarn Tasting at my LYS (http://www.spiritworkknit.com/servlet/StoreFront). Great fun! There was wine, food, yarn to try to your heart's content and lots of new stuff. As usual - I couldn't resist a few things:

Handmaiden Sea Silk - A bit of an indulgence, but I still had some gift certificate left from xmas. I'm planning on making the Tuscany Shawl from No Sheep for You. Apple Laine - Apple Pie sock yarn in two colorways - Godiva and Army Surplus. Amazingly soft - my downfall as usual. Berocco Comfort Sock - to make some dress socks for my husband.

Plus, much to my delight - my yarn love continued when I got home on Friday. My Loopy Ewe Sneak Up package was waiting for me. I got another small sock blocker (why I only ordered one the first time around is beyond me - I do have two feet right?), plus some more YARN:
Shibui Knits Sock in Denim (I think?), Dream in Color Classy in Grassy Green (for a baby sweater) and Numma Numma in Baba Ganoush.

But, the yarn saga doesn't end here. Today - I had the second session of my Learn to Crochet class. Since I finished my neck warmer last week. I picked out a pattern at the yarn tasting and some Blue Sky Organic Cotton in cream and I made a Crochet Beanie (Blue Sky pattern by Kathy Pususta. I made the repeats a bit longer because I wanted it to cover the ears and used a smaller hook (size H rather than J) since it was getting loosy goosy as I was crocheting. I still have a pretty good amount of the Blue Sky left. I think I can crochet a small washcloth. This stuff feels phenomenal. Here's an almost done photo and finished (sorry my lamp is a poor excuse for a head - but I don't like pics of myself). Done in a couple of hours = cool.

I still prefer knitting to crochet - but it is fun to whip off a quick project. Hope you all have a happy knitting weekend as well. Tomorrow it's on to the Bacardi sweater.

Progress Update - STR Spoiler Alert

2008-01-29T20:33:00.000-05:00

Well I spent most of Sunday afternoon in the LYS - It has been a joy getting back into my "fun" projects rather than work. I have been making steady progress on my Bacardi Sweater (No Sheep for You) - then hit a small point of confusion in the the left panel shoulder and neck shaping - so off to sweater help. I think we've got it figured out now - but the sleeve inset is going to be interesting. But I'm not going to think about that until I get to that point. Here's my progress so far - left side done - right side almost just a few more rows (I'm a little farther along than the last pic shows) - then I'll wrap up the back and start the sleeves.

I'm about 75% of the way done with my first STR sock club sock. I'm really excited because I told myself I could only join and renew sock clubs if I stay on top of the packages and knit what comes. Otherwise no sock clubs for me next year. Here's to my new year's resolution - we'll see how I do.

I really like the pattern - nice simple, elegant lace pattern with a bit of stretch. The heel (short row) was new for me. Not completely pleased with how one side came out. It's a bit looser than I would have liked. Did both sides exactly the same - so I can only assume that my tension is different on the purl side. Does anyone have any tips for short row heels? Seemed to be a common problem on the STR blog and Ravelry STR Group.

I'll leave you with some yarnny goodness. You know I couldn't go to the LYS without bringing home something.....

Fleece Artist - Sea Wool (couldn't tell you what the colorway is since it's not printed on the tag)

Plus they are having a yarn tasting on Friday --- should be fun wine and fun new yarns to try.

A New Skill...

2008-01-26T20:40:00.000-05:00

I made it into the LYS today for the first time in months. It was so nice - kind of like going home to visit. With work being so insane, I barely had any time to knit let alone go in for a class or help with a project. Today, I took the learn to crochet class. I thought it would get me back in the project mood, learn a new skill and one that would be applicable to a great number of knitting patterns for finishing. It was a lot of fun and easy to understand once I got the rthym down. We made a neckwarmer out of chunky yarn (Reynolds Blizzard - alpaca soooo soft) that fastens with a pretty shawl pin or you could use a button of some sort. It is not perfect - but I think pretty good for never having done it before. It is basically a rectangle of single crochet.

Plus - check out the cool handmade glass shawl pin I indulged in (Christmas gift certificates are a beautful thing). They are handmade by a local artist, Linda Lawrence. They are sold in the LYS along with her buttons and knitting needles. Really cool - you can check them out here and here. She did a demo at the shop today using her buttons and felt cut into interesting shapes to make pins to put on bags or whatever your creativity desires.

You can't beat a project that's done in a few hours. Already started another one to put away for Christmas next year with a metal shawl pin that I ordered from ETSY. What a nice and relaxing Saturday. Hoping for more of the same tomorrow - Going in for the sweater bunch group to work on my Bacardi Cardigan for my Mom.

Sock Fun Continues - STR SPOILER ALERT

2008-01-25T23:14:00.000-05:00

****SPOILER ALERT for STR CLUB MEMBERS****

Wow - I have had a fun evening. I finished my Cookie A. Flicker socks from Blue Moon Socks that Rock in the Seal Rock colorway that I purchased at Rhinebeck last Fall. Thank goodness - I thought my wrists were going to give out with all the SSKs & K2togs. I'm really pleased with the final result - they fit really nicely and I can wear them to the LYS tomorrow. I'm going to learn how to crochet - mostly to help with finishing techniques for my knitting. Plus they are doing a glass button demo. Should be fun and relaxing.

I really enjoyed working with the STR in my Flickr Socks. Which is a good thing because my first Blue Moon Sock Club package arrived today. I was sooooo excited. It is really fun to get a package in the mail and have no idea (other than it is for socks) what has been created and sent just for the club members. So just another word of warning if you don't want to see the package - you should skip my blog today.

I was really impressed with all the materials that are included in the package....

Bumper sticker and buttons - Notorious Sock Knitters Bumper sticker + Swatch Me and Got Gauge? Buttons - really cute and funny

Emergency sock yarn key chain - so amusing. I'm not sure what to do with it but it is cute.

Materials to add to a binder: Dyer's notes on the 'story' behind the colorway, sock gauge diary (cool chart to keep track of the info as you create socks), sock club diary (chart to track information on each club project), measuring info for women, men and children's feet, Cheat Sheet to track sizes for family and friends, plus this month's pattern. The pattern is Serendipity by Adrienne Fong. A simple lace stitch pattern with a star toe - I think it will be beautiful with the yarn. The theme is the Chinese New Year. You can click the picture to see the colorway. I'll post the actual colors once I start knitting and it has been out for a bit - just in case. I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone in the club who hasn't received their package yet.

(by the way - I'm really proud of myself that I figured out how to black and white my photo, put text on it and link it to the real color photo)

I can't wait to cast on for these. It is making me excited to see the other clubs that I joined recently that both start in March ( Hill Country Yarn and Romantic Comedies Tvyarn Sock Club from White Oak Studio). I also started a basic easy carry around no brainer sock (can you tell I've been in sock mode lately) from some Hill Country Yarn Sweet Feet that I purchased from the Loopy Ewe:

Well - I'm off to bed it's getting late. Have a wonderful weekend. Hopefully - I'll have some more knitty progress this weekend.

Socky Weekend

2008-01-20T11:18:00.001-05:00

It has been a sock filled weekend. Since work is finally slowing down, I can once again focus on fun projects and knittiness. Last year - I gave in to my urges and joined the Blue Moon Socks that Rock 2008 sock club. The first installment is due out this month and I can't wait. The release of the new blog for the sock club is only enhancing my antsiness. It is that excitement that I'm blaming my weakness on. I joined another sock club this weekend. The Hill Country Yarns softly shaded sock club - I thought it might be a good compliment to STR, plus it is really reasonable - $60 total for 6 months (3 shipments) which includes yarn and a pattern.

I have been making progress on my flickr socks - I really love working with the STR and the pattern is enjoyable. It is a bit slow as the constant SSKs seem to bother my left shoulder and elbow.

I also finished the F.Pea Baby sweater for my brother. I just need to weave in the ends. I don't think I'm going to add the button and icord closure - I kind of like it open. Any opinions?

It's a cool free pattern - I just love the color changes on the outside.

I've also made some headway on the bacardi cardigan over the last few weeks. I split off for the sleeves and started working up the left front. A few more rows to go before I start the shoulder shaping. RY Cashsoft is absolutely amazing!

Since I'm feeling human and creative again - I think I'm going to attempt to get my craft room back under control and work on a new quilt this weekend. I have tomorrow off for the holiday so it should be fun. Have a good weekend and happy football everyone!

I'm Back - FINALLY!!

2008-01-06T14:17:00.000-05:00

I have been MIA for over a month. I've been working 80hrs+ a week for about 3 months with no time to do much other than work and sleep (and not much of the latter). But the project finally released this week - so it will be busy for the next few weeks, but not as bad as before -so life can get back to normal finally.

I have been doing a bit of knitting and quilting for a little bit before bed each night. I'm quite pleased with my current projects.

Fingerless mitts... Fetching with a few minor changes to better fit my small hands.

a Yarn Harlot Unoriginal Hat

A baby quilt for my youngest brother's first child. It's a panel that I added to, but the truly lovely part is the back - it's backed with Silkie (it's like a really soft plush stuffed animal). The front is flannel so it's very soft an cuddly. I would normally do something with more piecing, but haven't had the time - next time.

A sweater for when the baby is born. It is the free pattern Super Natural Stripes from F.Pea's Blog. I'm making it from Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora - beautifully soft and fairly easy to work with considering the cotton content. My gauge was a bit off to get the tension I wanted - so I'm making the largest size in the pattern - but it will be newborn size with my gauge. Very easy pattern and fun to work with no seaming! Just the right sleeve and front facings to go.

Another pair of socks for me - 1 done and started the second. Cookie A's Flickr socks in
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock. They are very soft and stretchy. The only part I'm not crazy about is all the SSK's - they start to hurt my hands after a bit. I'm really liking the yarn though - which is good since I joined the sock club this year. Can't wait to see what the first package will be.

Also making progress on my Mom's Bacardi sweater. I've just divided for the sleeves and will start the left front as soon as I finish the baby sweater - need the small circular needles. Obviously didn't make Christmas - but Mom's ok with it. She loves it and is being very patient...

Hopefully -- I can get back on track now. Happy New Year everyone!

SP 11 Package #2!

2007-11-13T20:19:00.000-05:00

I've been such a bad blogger lately. Just not that much good stuff to talk about - no one wants to hear about work work work and no knitting. But today - Good Things!! My second Secret Pal package arrived today. Made my day and then some after 12 hrs at the office. Actually prompted me to pull out my laptop which I had vowed not to do when I left the office. Without any futher delay ---- here's the goodies:

Loads of fun stuff --- yarn goodness, fat quarters of quilt fabric - that I can't wait to turn into some fun knitting accessories, great clay button, peppermint soap and chapstick (how'd you know that I turned the house upside down yesterday looking for chapstick - winter has struck in WNY), scrapbooking paper borders, mints (always a fave with me - went right into my work bag for a pick-me up tomorrow), a cute sheep note card and the book - Friday Night Knitting Club. I've been wanting to read this book for since this summer when it appeared on a few blogs. I've had it on my Amazon wish list - I can't wait to get started.

Close-ups....

3 Skeins of Debbie Bliss Maya handspun wool - This is fabulous - I think I want to make some fingerless mitts and a matching unoriginal hat!

Miss Babs sock yarn! I can't wait to try this. I have some of Miss Babs Silk/Merino blend that's been waiting for the right project (i.e. hording in my stash). The colors are a little off in this pic - it's more burgandy/wine with little hints of orange - the colorway is Falling Leaves. So seasonal - I love it!

Thank you so much pal!! It is all wonderful and so very very me. It's funny how well you've pegged my tastes.

Small knitty update - from a few days ago:

Finished Unoriginal Hat #1:

I really love it - easy/quick pattern. I did it on a US 10 (that's what I had handy and couldn't wait) from Tahki Baby. Next time need to go up a needle size or two ... its a bit small - will fit me fine with some minor blocking.

Seed stitch scarf - easy holiday knitting:

Finally, time to blog...

2007-11-09T21:47:00.000-05:00

It has been so crazy with work - we have an extremely large project getting ready to launch at the end of the month. I have to go to work tomorrow and Sunday. So I've not been able to get much done in the way of knitting - just too tired by the time I get home and do more paperwork before I stumble off to bed. Can't wait for the next few months to end....

It's instigating my startitis..... not finishing anything.

Started ....

Chevron Scarf (Last Minute Knitting Gifts) with Jitterbug & Spritely Goods:

An unoriginal hat from the Yarn Harlot's blog:

A bit of headway on an existing project....

Hopefully this weekend - I can also finish up my last two swap packages. Sorry for the lame post. Here's to finding the energy to do a bit more soon...

Knitty Update

2007-10-28T19:07:00.000-04:00

It has been a crazy busy week. Work has moved into busy busy mode as we get ready to release one of our largest projects the first week of December, which I'm heading for our Department - so it makes the work week a bit hectic. Add to all that my husband's volleyball starting sectionals, my parents coming to town for the weekend and a variety of appointments .... Lord help us when we have children - I don't know how I'll keep up and track of everything.

Good news is that I managed to make some headway on a variety of different knitting/sewing projects....

Reading in Bed Shrug - only 2-3 lace repeats to go then a short seam. Hopefully - I can knock this one off this week, as it is an x-mas present that I could cross off my list.

Secret of the Stole - bit behind on this one since I was sick and it's been so busy. I'm half-way through clue 2 - need to finish 3 and part of 4 (since I'm going to shorten it to better fit me).

Monkey Socks - second sock - 3 repeats or so left before I start the toe. Another hopeful finish for this week...

Needle Case - a couple of needle cases for a swap partner and a friend.

Bacardi Cardi - about 7 inches done - getting closer to the sleeve shaping -- thank goodness the back and fronts are worked in one piece. Though I love the results - the constant color changes can get a bit tedious and cumbersome.

Calorimetry - I love this pattern. It took less than 3 hours total. I just need to sew a button on. I'd like to do a few mroe of these for Christmas presents.

Ravenclaw Beanie - Charmed Knits Hogwarts beanie for my nephew to be for Christmas - they are quick and easy. It matches the Slytherin one I finised a few weeks ago for his brother.

Cherry Blossom Noni Bag - casted on for one of my sister-in-laws to be for Chrismas

FFBE Weekly Contest #5

2007-10-23T16:41:00.000-04:00

Final question as part of the Fall Felted Bag Exchange:

How was your experience in the exchange? Did you enjoy the folks you met? Did you just love the bag you received? Please share any thoughts, criticism, and things you loved!

I really enjoyed the exchange. It was a nice opportunity to explore new bag patterns and ideas - it was very interesting to see what people liked and were making. I think the weekly questions were fun and prompted some interesting exchanges - I hope that these are continued in the next swap. I enjoyed "meeting" some of the fellow swappers. My swap partners were a bit quiet - but I think that sometimes goes hand in hand with a "secret" swap. One of the other swaps I'm in is not secret you know who your partners are and we seem to converse more since we aren't trying to "hide" who we are. It is fun to meet other people that share similar interests. That being said - I loved my package! The bag is fabulous - as you can see from the pictures in my post about my package. Kaili is incredibly talented and I'm still in awe over the bag I received. I would definitely participate again - though I probably won't do it so close to the holidays next time around. I'm scrambling a bit to get all my X-Mas presents in order - because as usual I attempt to take on as much as possible because I'm superwoman, right (or at least I think so in August - then wonder what the heck I got myself into by Oct/Nov. LOL)?

Think I had fun the last few days?!/?

2007-10-21T12:41:00.000-04:00

**** Caution, please be warned that the following images may cause temporary blindness, severe loss of cash, detrimental credit, yarn lust, images of super knitting powers, etc. etc. Therefore, please do not proceed unless you are prepared to accept the consequences of such actions****

Wow - so much to talk about. I almost don't know where to begin. My HSKS 3 swap package arrived from Stephanie on Friday and Saturday I went to Rhinebeck - Need I say more.... Of course because I wouldn't be my usual rambling self otherwise. ;O)

HSKS 3 - Stephanie sent me a wonderful package. Check-out all the goodies:

It was all so amazing - A bag and tool kit made out of Hogwarts Fabric. The bag even has a Gryffindor pocket inside. Foody goodness - Harry & David chocolate covered pretzels (opened these the day the came), warm delights, and a Starbucks Gift Card! Harry Potter trading cards - which are too cool. Knitting stuff: KA US sz 2 DPNs, Just Socks Pattern Book (great patterns that I can't wait to try), Superwash Merino sock yarn from Etsy in a gryffindor colorway and stitch markers - they have a mini snitch! Thank you so much Stephanie! You did a beautiful job with everything...

Close-ups:

RHINEBECK - OMG - It was amazing. I'm not quite sure what happened to me.... See - I think it was the yarn fumes:

I am so ready to start a bazzillion projects now! I'm in love with all the yarn I brought home, plus I almost want to move to a farm just so I can have some of these (if you knew what a not country, dirt, bugs, farm person I am - even though I grew up in the boonies -- you would know what a true yarn drug induced state I'm in):

They were all so sweet and lovely. I really wanted to come home with an angora bunny ('cause I think they look like an ewok (sp?)) -- but I think my bus mates and husband would have killed me.

Rhinebeck was really quite amazing - not only do they have barns of adorable animals - they have more vendors for hand dyed and spun yarn that have ever seen in my life. It is almost overwhelming because the quality and uniqueness just continues from stall to stall and barn to barn. It was really hard to restrain myself - especially when starting with The Fold (Socks that Rock). That booth was an experience in an of itself. I love their sock yarn and know that I can buy it online - but when a hundred people are all going at it at once and you stand in a line 4 booths long to pay - you feel like you are obligated to get as much as you can before it goes poof! I bought 5 skeins and three patterns?!? Then, we traversed through the Shelridge Farms booth and I got 4 skeins of their Soft Touch Ultra. By this point, I was supposed to be putting the kibosh on my sock purchases, but I couldn't resist two rather unique sock yarns at Autumn House Farm (pics below) - a worsted and twisted ply (the sample is what sold me on it).
They are all wonderful and I have plans for all of it - but it's going to take me forever to get through all the sock yarn I've accumulated. I can't wait!

I tried to be focused by taking my Ravelry queue with me (Thanks to Casey for programming a print feature at the last minute for all the users!). As a result, my other purchases have a specific project to go with them - how I'm going to get them all done is the question!

Mr. Greenjeans from Knitty Fall 2007 to be made from Maple Creek Farm Superwash Merino:

Retro Redux Shrug from Lace Style to be made from Brooks Farm Mas-Acero (Merino/Silk):

Marigold Vest to be made from Decadent Fibers Marshmallow:

Then to top it all off - I also got some worsted wool for a felted bag or 2 and some alpaca for fingerless mitts....

Now- I think I'm going to have to go on a diet..... until I finish something

Yippee!! My FFBE Package arrived from Estonia!

2007-10-18T16:16:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited my swap package from Kaili in Estonia for the Fall Felted Bag Exchange. It is absolutely incredible. I cannot adequately describe how wonderfully talented and Kaili is. I'm posting below a variety of pictures with descriptions of all the great items she sent. They are all from her home country.

But first the bag - WOW. It is amazing - I have no idea how she was able to do all of it - but I'm certainly going to try and see if I can recreate some of her techniques in my next bag. It is so wonderful -- it looks like it is needle felted, hand dyed, embrodiered with embellishments and nicely lined with a pocket.

See!

Look at all these goodies (as you can see little one - couldn't help but be involved- it all smelled wonderful coming out of the package)

The fabulous smells were eminating from the organic soap (juniper, pine and lavendar) and the candle (orange), chocolates (tiramisu, white chocolate with strawberry, dk choc with cherry and chocolate with egg liquer filling ---- yummy) and Karamell hard candies. I can't wait to try them all. I'm hiding and saving the candies till my cold is gone so I can fully enjoy them! The handmade card and note were truly lovely. Kaili has a terrific artistic sense.

Books and a bag pattern - Kaili sent along a book about Estonia and tourism guide set (one with the sheep on the front) - I can't wait to learn more - they have English translations. The smaller book in the front is a promotional book for tanning, felting and dying with plants. It looks really interesting - there is an English translation in the being that the book is to raise interest among people interested in handcrafts. Plus, a berroco pattern for the Flora felted bag. I love the structure and floral embellishments - definitely going into my Ravelry queue!

Last, but certainly not lease - the Yarnny goodness! 3 skeins of wool - all crafted in Estonia. The varigated green is soo spongy and soft. I think I see some interesting felted items in their future! The bag pattern that Kaili sent would look really great in the greens...

Thank you, thank you, thank you - Kaili! It was a truly wonderful package. I don't know how you parted with the bag - it is really stunning and the pictures don't do it justice. Happy Fall!

bad, sick blogger

2007-10-17T21:50:00.001-04:00

I've been a bad blogger this week. Crazy work and horrible coughing cold since Sunday. Can't concentrate enough even to knit well. Tinked multiple stole pattern rows before I gave up and tried plain knitting --- no luck. Hopefully better by Friday, cause we leave for Rhinebeck at 4:45 AM on Saturday!

I'm going to post a contest on Sunday if all goes well with fun prizes to celebrate the visits to my blog - so stay tuned.

Quidditch - HSKS 3

2007-10-17T20:24:00.000-04:00

Trivia
1. What was the name of the book Dumbledore left for Hermione in his will?
a. The Tales of Beedle the Bard

2. Whose sign was on Xenophilius Lovegood's chest?
b. Gregovitch

3. Was October 30, 1980 the night that Lilly and James Potter died?
b. No (10/31/81)

4. What's another name for the Elder Wand?
a. Deathstick

5. Whose Potterwatch code name was 'Rodent'?
d, Fred

6. What was so special about the peacocks at the Malfoy Manor?
d. They were all white

7. Who does Harry say was "probably the bravest man I knew?"
a. Snape

8. What thing was Lockhart giving Hagrid advice about getting out of a well?
a. Hinkypunks

9. What was the occupation of Colin Creevey's father?
d. Milkman

10. Which Professor of Hogwarts was a dueling champion when he was young?
b. Dumbledore

Pictures:
Bertie Botts Beans

Jelly Slugs

Chocolate Frogs

Blood Pops

Jenean's first HSKS kit(Bonus Point: Who made the kit? Ansley)

Contest #4 FFBE

2007-10-16T09:12:00.000-04:00

It's a crisp, cool, sunny Sunday in October - the sky is clear, there's a bit of a breeze, and the leaves have already started to change. How would you spend your day to best celebrate and enjoy the season? Are you at home curled up with tea and a book and a window open to enjoy the breeze? Do you head out on a long drive and hike through the mountains to see the trees? Go find pumpkins and colored corn to decorate? Tell us about your special day!

My favorite kind of fall weekend day -- is to go to one of the local farms with my husband and pick-out pumpkins and gourds for the house. We have a blast arguing over which pumpkins will be the best for carving and picking out apples, gourds, corns, etc. for the house. It a bit of nip in the air and sun shinning. Then, we will go home and have a pumpkin carving contest!

Trick or Treat!

2007-10-13T21:48:00.001-04:00

Trick or Treat! Monica from RubysnPurls tagged me with a Halloween treat. It is very cool - this is the first time I've been tagged. Monica found me through the Coffee Swap - but apparently we have a lot in common. We are also both participating in the SoS and we have English Springers. I'll have to post a picture of Whitty my liver-n-white munchin soon.

Apparently, it started with Hootin’ Anni. She's been trick-n-treating with Halloween good wishes this month by giving out Halloween treats each day on her blog. Anni’s asking the recipients to “pay it forward”! So… IF you have received this treat, via a comment left by me on your blog - then please save the image to your server, and then pass the treat on to friends, acquaintances, or strangers … as you see fit! Please don’t forget to let everyone know that it originated with Anni and then provide a link to her blog! Thanks!

So, I'll tag.... Deb (Knitting Escapades) my SP 11 swap buddy, The Crazy Dog Lady (http://barknknit.blogspot.com/) who I started reading through HSKS 3, and Jennifer (http://craftylilly.typepad.com/yarnandbeads/) by HSKS 3 swap partner.

Contest

2007-10-11T21:38:00.000-04:00

I just noticed that I've now had more than 1500 website visits to my blog! Wow, who knew - So we'll have to start a contest. I'll work on some prizes this weekend. Any contest ideas - other than a random number generator?

Hint #1 - Secret of the Stole - COMPLETE

2007-10-11T21:17:00.000-04:00

Yeah! I finished hint #1 just in time for hint #2 tomorrow:

SP 11 Package!

2007-10-09T18:42:00.000-04:00

Holy Cow - a three post day. It has been a bit crazy, but I just couldn't wait to post about the package I received from my Secret Pal 11 swap pal today. She is absolutely fabulous - not just because of the lovely gifts. I've really enjoyed conversing with her via email. That is my favorite part of the swaps. My upstream and downstream pals have been really fun to get to know.

So without much further ado - here is my SP package #1 yummy goodness...

Beautifully packaged - I was so excited that I almost didn't know where to begin.

Book wrapped in fabric - double whammy!

"tool" box - with pull open drawers - how cool is this?!? I've got to find more of these.

The 3 P's = Post-it, Peppermints & Paper-

Last, but not least - Yarnny Goodness - 2 skeins of Trendsetter Segue (ribbon yarn)

She really took the time to pick-out things that are complete me! Wow, I have so many ideas streaming through my mind with all the goodies that she sent. Purse lining or a tool kit with the fabric, and oh so many knitting projects from the Romantic Knits book. I skimmed through it and found numerous projects that I want to try - I'm going to add some to my Ravelry queue tonight. I also saw that one of the patterns calls for ribbon yard (holiday shawl) and they talk about how the yarn came from Buffalo, NY. Which is so cool because that's where my husband's family is from. I may try the gigi scarf with the ribbon yarn, but we'll see - I don't want to pick too quickly. I'm a goof - it is so lovely that i want to pick just the right thing. Peppermints - old fashioned ones to boot - I can't wait to eat them. I'm going to have to hide them before my Dad comes to visit - otherwise I won't get them all to myself.

Thank you very very much secret pal!

Knitter's Coffee Swap 3

2007-10-09T15:34:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I'm in the Knitter's Coffee Swap 3 - it is perfect timing as my others will be over with and I'll be able to shop for yarny goodness at Rhinebeck. It's the last that I'm planning to do before the holidays.

here's my questionnaire....

1. Whole bean or ground?
I prefer whole bean, but don’t currently have a grinder – so until I replace mine it’s all ground.

2. Fully-loaded or decaf?
Fully-loaded, please – I wouldn’t make it through the morning otherwise.

3. Regular or flavored?
I like some flavored – French vanilla or hazelnut – nothing to crazy or fruity please.

4. How do you drink your coffee?
With cream & sugar

5. Favorite coffee ever?
If I had to pick just one – it’s Dunkin Donuts – French vanilla iced coffee – with skim milk and sugar.

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do?
I’m not too fussy – I do like decent coffee – since I think the typical grocery store version tastes burnt and not very rich.

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee?
Donuts/Bagels – really bad need to cut back on those. Seriously though, I tend to limit coffee to breakfast and sometimes after dinner - - so I’ll drink it with just about anything.

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences?
Not that I can think of --- if you have questions just ask.

9. Yarn/fiber you love?
EVERYTHING – just kidding, but pretty close. I love anything soft, sock yarn is my current addiction, that and tweed – I’m really lusting over tweed. I think it's just that time of year.

10. Yarn/fiber you hate?
Not a big fan of fake acrylics – i.e. feathers, fun fur, etc. It has it’s place, but not really my thing.

11. What's on your needles?
See my Ravelry notebook if you can for the most info (kamcole)…. Pair of monkey socks in Dream in Color, Secret of the Stole out of Plucky Knitter laceweight, Bacardi sweater out of RYC Cashsoft, Interweave read in bed shrug out of GGH.

12. Favorite colors?
Love color – just about all except florescent colors. Really like jewel tones, neutrals, autumn colors (crimson, rich oranges, browns, teals, etc.), Pinks, greens, blues, etc.

13. Allergies?
Only to molds and dusts, nothing to worry about.

14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest?
Addicted to knitting books, yarn and Addi-Needles, but what knitter isn’t. LOL

FFBE Weekly Contest #3

2007-10-09T09:07:00.000-04:00

How often do you change the purse or bag you're carrying? Do you change based on seasons? Outfits? Something else? What's your favorite bag in the world (and it doesn't have to be a knit/felted one!)?

I typically will only change my purse and bag (I carry a purse + a bag for work with my lunch, misc papers and my knitting of course) when the seasons change. I can't be bothered to move all my junk from one bag to the next to match my clothes. I sometimes will switch to a specific bag if we are going somewhere where I need something specific. Ex - vacation - need a bag that is easy to carry water and camera with out killing my sholders.

My favorite bag is probably my white leather coach purse. I got it on sale at a Coach outlet and I absolutely love it. It has pockets that are just the right size in the right places and just enough room for the essentials, so I don't end up dragging too much stuff around. I like it so much in fact that I got a tan one that is almost identical for Fall. They are great bags - really well made and timeless.

In knitting news - I have a few picture progress updates:

Bacardi:
Slow and steady is the game on this one. Love the yarn though RYC Cashsoft - brings soft to a whole new level.

Monkey Socks:

Turned the heel and switched to 2 circs. Really love the technique and will continue to work on the foot - so that I can do the toe in Saturday's class.

Secret of the Stole:

Sloppy pinning job - but you get the idea. I have about 10 rows left then I'm done with Hint#1. It's a great project - definitely think I'll be doing beads again. It's really easy with a crochet hook.

I also mailed off my second SP 11 and my FFBE packages to my Pals - hope they like them. I'll post some pics after I know that they received them.

Help - I'm jonesing for some new sock yarn.

2007-10-08T16:43:00.000-04:00

Help me restrain myself!! I really want some new sock yarn (yes, I know I have already have some - but not enough) but my monkey socks are going so well that I really want to do more and more and more. I'm trying to restrain myself because my budget just can't handle it -- $500+ in doggie vet bills recently just killed it dead. But my baby is much more important.

Plus - I'm going to Rhinebeck on Oct 20th - that's primarily what I want to shop for. Some sock yarn (fingering and sport weight) and some worsted weight for mittens and hats. If I go online shopping now its only going to kill that. Therefore, I really really need to be good. No Loopy Ewe sneak-ups, no paying attention to the Lime & Violet Daily Chum (torture), no Etsy goodness, etc. etc. etc.

Perhaps, if I keep reminding myself it will sink in. You never know. I just need to focus on my current projects -- love all of them - but it's always the ones waiting in the wings that really jazz my creativity. How about you?

So many projects what to do?

2007-10-06T17:51:00.001-04:00

I have three knitting projects that I am really jonesing to do (and a few languishing, but we'll pretend those don't exist) ... so much so that I don't know which to work on. So, I did a few stitch markers and an abacus bracelet instead, so I can pick-up my beading stuff and do the lining for my felted bag tomorrow morning. All else fails and you can't make up your mind do something completely different. I know it doesn't make much sense - but the stitch markers are pretty fun. LOL

I think I'm gradually improving - I learn something each time I work on them anyways so that's something. I'm going to give the pink set with the sheep to my sock class teacher since she's been generously teaching me a variety of techniques - not just the magic loop that i signed up for. Next week is the last class -- so I'll take them along since she admired the ones I made for myself that are similar - I've sized these specifically to fit sock needles. Speaking of my sock - I turned the heel and started the foot this morning (switched from magic loop to two circs) -- looks pretty good. I really do love this pattern (monkey) and yarn (dream in color).

Well I'm off to see if I can figure out what I want to work on the most. Hmmm... socks, secret stole, bacardi sweater, socks, secret stole, bacardi sweater,socks, secret stole, bacardi sweater,socks, secret stole, bacardi sweater,socks, secret stole, bacardi sweater, agghh I want to do them all NOW.

Hint #1 - Secret of the Stole

2007-10-05T22:59:00.000-04:00

The secret of the stole started today. It is a mystery stole KAL by the Nautical Knitter. Each week for 8 weeks - a hint is released (i.e. a chart) containing the next portion of the pattern until the full stole is revealed. There are fun contests and prizes along the way.

It is my first foray into Chart reading and adding beads to my knitting. I thought the KAL sounded like fun and that I might be able to push my comfort boundaries a bit with other people having similar questions and experienced people to assist. It has been fun reading the group emails and learning more about people. Tonight I tackled the first hint. The edge of the stole has two points that are knit separately then joined part way up to continue through the pattern. The pattern called to knit them at the same time - though because I was a "newbie" I decided to take one of the suggestions from the message board and knit them one at a time up until the "joining" row.

The right side point:

The pics make the yarn look a little gray - it is actually "morning mocha" by The Plucky Knitter. It's more of a creamy coffee color with a little bit of a gray tone -- I'm using 8mm seed beads in "rootbeer". I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out - while watching hockey too! Go Sabres!

Tomorrow it is off to stock class #2 to see if I can master 2 circs and a heel. After this I feel like I can conquer anything. Silly I know - it was really very easy once I got the hang of adding the beads -- great video on youtube for this if you are curious: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh2IVe416pc.

Happy knitting everyone! Have a great weekend.

HSKS3 - Quidditch

2007-10-04T19:58:00.000-04:00

1. In Deathly Hallows what does Harry step on when exiting his room to wash his cut?

c. A teacup

2. Which two members of the Order of Phoenix came to escort the Dursleys to a safe place?

b. Dedalus Diggle and Hestia Jones

3. In order to throw off the Death Eaters, several of Harry's friends take Polyjuice Potion to resemble him and each Harry goes with a different member of the Order of the Phoenix to a different location. Where do Ron (disguised as Harry) and Tonks go?

a. Aunti Muriel's house

4. At Bill and Fleur's wedding, Harry must disguise himself by taking Polyjuice Potion and takes on the appearnce of a redheaded Muggle boy from Ottery St. Catchpol. He was introduced to wedding guests as Cousin . . .

c. Barny

5. Kingsley sends a message via Patronus to warn the Weasleys and wedding guests of the coming Death Eaters. What form does his Patronus take?b. A lynx6. In the Half-Blood Prince what drink does Romilda Vane try to give Harry?

b. Elf-Made Wine

7. What is the name of the person that heads the Holyhead Harpies?a. Gwenog Jones8. What tatoo is Harry reported to have on his chest?

b. Hippogriff

9. What color robes do the staff at Weasley's shop wear?

b. Magenta

10. Where do Nicolas Flamel and his wife Perenelle live?

d. Devon

Pictures:

A Gryffindor Quidditch Uniform

A Hufflepuff Quidditch Uniform

A Ravenclaw Quidditch Uniform

A Slytherin Quidditch Uniform

A Picture of the Room of Requirement

Knitting Progress Update

2007-10-03T21:44:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned yesterday, I have made a bit of progress in a few of my knitting projects ----

Pictures:

Bacardi Sweater for Mom from RYC Cashsoft DK (luxurious to knit with):

I know it doesn't look like much yet - but jeeze those rows take a long time - there's a large # of stitches when knitting the fronts/back in one piece. Love how it feels though- can't go wrong with cashmere. The colors look a little brighter in the picture than they actually are. I can't wait to see what it looks like as I get a bit farther. Good think a new season of TV shows and hockey has started!

Syltherin House Hat (from Charmed Knits):

This one is close to being done - I'm just about ready to start the decrease and switch to DPNs - shouldn't take too much longer. Then I can do the Ravenclaw version in Blue & Silver. I'm going to give the Harry Potter themed hats + mittens to my nephews for christmas.

Last, but not least - my Dreamy Monkey Socks:

Ohhh -I'm so in love with this pattern and the Dream in Color yarn. The petal colorway is really beautiful and it is soo smooshy and stretchy. I'm done with the lace repeats for the leg (I did one less than the pattern called for to best fit my leg) - I'm going to wait to start the heel until Saturday's sock class. I want to discuss the best approach with the teacher since I sometimes have holes where I pick up stitches on the heel flap - even if I slip the first stitch on all the short rows -- any hints?

FFBE Weekly Question #2

2007-10-02T21:57:00.000-04:00

Fall Felted Bag Exchange - Weekly Question: The colors of fall tend to be oranges, yellows, crimsons, and other 'leafy' colors - what is your favorite "Color of Autumn" and where do you see it?

My favorite color is probably crimson. I love all shades of red -- it's going to sound really silly, but the first place that I "see" it is when I change my nail color for Fall. I have my nails done French (pink/white) for spring and summer then switch to painted (usually crimson or blackberry) for fall & winter. Wow - don't I sound like a prissy girly girl - which really isn't me. I just like keeping my nails short and neat and this is the easiest way.

Seriously though - the colors of Autumn for me are all summarized in the changing of the leaves - dark red maples, greens turning to yellows, oranges and browns. The turning of pumpkins, gourds and apples. Fall colors are so rich and beautiful and in NYS - you really see the rich color play every where you go.

In knitting news, my monkey socks are cruising -- I have the lace repeats and rib complete on the top of the first sock. Saturday's class will start the heel. I'm going to wait so I can perhaps learn a better way to knit the flap and pick up stitches for a nice sturdy heel. I'll try and post some pictures tomorrow.

I am about half-way on a Slytherin (Harry Potter) hat for my nephew to be for Christmas. I'm going to do a matching pair of mittens and a 2nd set of hat/mittens in Ravenclaw movie colors for his brother. Plus - I started my Mom's Bacardi (No Sheep for You) sweater at the knit night tonight at the LYS. We had to do a bit of math to figure out what size to do with my yarn substitutions and the pattern alteration that I wanted to make (lengthen) - but I think we're on track and I got 2 rows done (hey - there are 244 stitches in a row!). Well I'm off to bed - I have an early dentist appointment before work tomorrow. I'll try to post some progress photos when I get home from work tomorrow evening.

Night all!

Magic Monkeys

2007-09-29T19:47:00.000-04:00

I started my three week long magic loop sock class today at the LYS. It was great fun and I learned alot. The pattern used in the class is up to each participant - so I decided to do a pair of Monkey Socks since I've really wanted to tackle a pattern sock and use my Dream in Color Smooshy yarn. Love Love Love the Yarn! I got the rib and the first lace repeat done on sock #1. It does seem a bit faster to me than DPNs, but that could all be in my head. It doesn't feel like I do as much fiddling to move the needles into the correct position.

The teacher is great and next week since I seemed to take to the magic loop method really well - she's going to show me how to use 2 circs with my Cat Bordhi book. Yeah!

Plus - the teacher helped me to figure out how best to assemble my FFBE bag. I was a bit confuzled by the finishing instructions and she agreed that the way the pattern is written didn't make a ton of sense. So we can up with a new plan. I seamed the pocket to the front today and I just need to lengthen the strap another 8" then I can seam the rest of the bag. We decided that even though I made the strap to the stated size - it just seems that with felting it would be way to short. So we are on our way to being completed. Hopefully, I can felt it tomorrow and line it by next weekend.

FO, Stash Enhancement & SP 11 Contest #2

2007-09-28T21:36:00.000-04:00

A few random things for today. I finished my mittens today and Tuesday I finished all the pieces for my FFBE bag! Yeah - feels like its been forever since I finished something:

To add to my joy - the postman delivered two packages today----

My recent Loopy Ewe Sneak Up Order:

Fleece Artist Merino in Mermaid - Yummy & 2 Wendy Knit's Sock Patterns

The other package contained the yarn I'm going to use to make the Bacardi Cardigan from No Sheep For You for my Mum for Christmas. I decided not to use the cotton in the original b/c I wanted something softer and more drapey -- I'm using RYC Cashsoft DK (love how it feels and it makes a really beautiful fabric).

SP 11 Contest -
Shelby our lovely Sp 11 hostess is hosting Contest #2 for SP11. We are to post pictures of our stash - a little crazy right now - as I'm working on the 2nd package for my SP11 pal and my FFBE package, but here it goes..... If you are on ravelry you can check-out the details of my stash on the site - my username is "kamcole". It's pretty up-to-date its only missing the cashsoft for the fore mentioned sweater and the cashsoft I'm using for the never ending blanket.

Fall Felted Bag - Topic of the Week #1

2007-09-25T19:55:00.000-04:00

As of this weekend, the season has officially changed on the calendar - but what makes Autumn feel like Autumn to you, and why?

Autumn is definitely my favorite season. It feels like Fall when I see the leaves change and the weather starts to turn chilly in the mornings and evenings. Living in NYS - makes Fall so much fun. It is the start of sweater and jeans weather (if you are a knitter gotta love it).... homemade comfort food (stews, soups, chicken & biscuits, applesauce, etc.)… picking pumpkins and apples. It also means it's time to pull out the quilts that I am hand quilting -- no longer to hot to have a heavy blanket on my lap.

Good knitting news - mittens are progressing

And She Scores!!!!

2007-09-24T21:47:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited - immediately after my prior depressing blog post I discovered the Sheri at the Loopy Ewe is doing a Sneak Up! She posted a note on her blog about her weekend with her son and at the very end - she highlighted the new stock she just "sneaked" into the store. I missed the yarntini and yarn pirate. But, I scored the TWO Wendy Knits sock patterns that I have been anxiously waiting for: Loopy Laces and L-Bee. Plus some Fleece Artist sock yarn in mermiad - Yeah!

Isn't it pretty??

Maybe this means there's some good Karma coming my way. Plus, only two orders away from becoming a Loopy Groupie!

Wild Weekend

2007-09-24T20:08:00.000-04:00

Wow - I haven't blogged in a bit. Life has been absolutely insane. I don't usually talk too much about our personal life -but this weekend hit an all time crazy and I just have to vent somewhere. My DH had to have an infected cyst removed from his eye on Friday (gross I know) - and he was a bit more uncomfortable than he thought he would (not what the rest of us thought - but testosterone, you know) be on Friday & Saturday. So I left work early on Friday (which was difficult with the large project we have going on - but family is always more important) - and spent Saturday trying to help DH to feel better.

Then Sunday, I ran a few errands then met up with a group of local knitters that I've "met" through Ravelry. It was great fun - it was so nice to meet people my age, at a similar life point and with the same types of interests. Most of my friends aren't really into crafts (knitting, quiliting or otherwise) - not for lack of trying. So without my Mom living close by - it has been a bit of a hole in my life. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better. Plus - I finally got the time to do a bit of knitting. I just need to finish the rest of the strap for my FFBE bag and then assembly -cross your fingers for finishing this weekend.

So I come home on Sunday - so excited about the knitting group and looking forward to a quiet afternoon with my DH watching football. Instead we spent one of the scariest afternoons of my life. I had literally just walked in the front door and went down the hall to our bedroom to drop off a bag of purchases - when I turned around to see our dogs walking down the hall to me. This was completely normal they are shadows - you usually don't find one without the other or near one of us. When the St. Bernard shook his head and I saw blood flying around the hall. He had split his nose open at an artery and the blood was just squirting all over (not to gross anyone out). I have never seen anything like it. I was petrified. My husband and I reacted very quickly and drove to the animal emergency hospital. They were wonderful and able to provide quick relief. He has had skin problems for since birth (he’s five) and we’ve always fought a battle to keep his nose healthy. It cracks, peels and often has an open sore in the middle, but it has never bled before. My husband spent most of the morning at our primary Vet today and we’ve come up with an action plan. However, if you are animal love and own pets – you know how hard this can be. He has to go to see a specialist an hour or so away in a few weeks to have a biopsy and some tests run to make sure he doesn’t have cancer or some type of infection. Our dogs are like our children – so we are worried, but in the meantime we will hope for the best and take good care of him.

Sorry for the depressing posts lately – it just has been a rough couple weeks with crazy health things. However, I know that these issues are temporary and so minor compared to other people’s experiences.

BUT – on a good note – I mailed my HSKS3 package on Sunday before the chaos. I can’t wait for Jennifer to receive it and I hope she enjoys the goodies that I sent. I’ll post some pictures once I have confirmed that it arrived. I hope to finish the FFBE bag by this weekend. We’ll play it by ear as I’m going to Physical Therapy 2x’s a week for my arm, but the handeze gloves seem to be offering some relief and a way to keep knitting at least a bit.

Progress Update

2007-09-17T21:01:00.000-04:00

I haven't been blogging much lately since our lives have been a little nutty. We have a large project launching this week at work and I'm the project lead. This means that my life is going to be extremely busy for the next few months. But I'm excited because it is a project that I'm really interested in. Despite the work craziness and the usual business of the volleyball season (DH coaches & I help with any computer/administrative/socializing/parent stuff), I have been able to get to a bit of craftiness. I've been hard at work on my felted bag for the Fall Felted Bag Exchange. The front, bottom and back are completed. I'm about 1/4 of the way into the front pocket. Then just the strap and on to assembly. Sorry no pics - wouldn't want to spoil the surprise. Once it's done and off in the mail -- I'll post some package pictures.

The fluffy cuff mittens are coming along. The cuff is finished and I started the main color of the body. I have to say though. I REALLY hate working with the GGH Esprit. Love the feel and look of it -- it's soo fluffy it's a pain in the but. I frogged it back once because I realized I forgot to do it in garter stitch (which in the round is knit/purl alternating rows ---- not knit, knit) .... then I picked up two extra stitches somewhere along the way....Riiiiiiiiipppp. Darn it all... I'm almost afraid to start the cuff on the second -- I wanted to alternate each section and knit two at once since I'm less likely to have second mitten syndrome that way, but UGGGHH dreading the Blue Fluff. I'll take a picture once I get a bit farther into the body -- not much to look at right now. Not much different that the first progress picture.

I signed up for a new class at the LYS. I decided to take the magic loop sock class that is being offered for Fall. I was going to teach myself socks with 2 circulars - but I figured since this is being offered and there is no guarantee that they'll do it again - I"ll try it out and the transition to two circulars from this point might be much easier. Or maybe I'll just like ML ... we'll see. It starts 9/29 and runs for three weeks. I've picked out my yarn -- I'm going to use my DIC smooshy that I got from the Loopy Ewe. We can do any pattern that we want -- so I think I might do Monkey Socks. I want to try something interesting and help will be available if I need it... :O).

Pretty isn't it.... Can't wait to try it out --- especially after working with the scratchy felting wool for the last few weeks. I have to say while I like how Lamb's pride felts - I don't really like working with it as much as manos or cascade.

Well the bad news for the evening is that I'm having a great deal of trouble with my left arm. I think I pinched a nerve in my neck again. I've been having quite a bit of pain knitting and typing on the computer. Not that it stops me (which is probably not a good thing). I purchased a Handeze craft glove for my left hand (on now). It seems to help a little bit, but still stiff and painful. Tomorrow, I'm off to the chiropractor/physical therapist to see if they can help again. Plus, to top it all off -- my DH has to have surgery on his eye to remove a cyst on Friday. Very minor, but troubling all the same.

Well enough of the depressing news. I think I'm going to be able to send my owl post off to my Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap parter - Craftlily by next Monday. Yeah! I'm really pleased with how everything is turning out. Should be able to finalize it all on Sunday during football. Saturday I'm taking a class at the Pfaff dealership -- the Indygo Junction Metropolitan bag. Hopefully, my Amy Butler fabric from the Fat Quarter Shop will be here in time (scheduled to arrive on Wed). Wish me luck through the craziness this week!

Stitch Markers - Opinions?

2007-09-15T21:42:00.000-04:00

I'm trying my hand at making my own stitch markers - what do you think?? Would you like something like these? I made 6 to a set usually with 1 unique for a row marker. I'm also working on some tool kits and project bags. Thoughts? Opinions? Good, bad or indifferent - I'd love to hear....

Secret of the Stole Swatch

2007-09-14T21:51:00.000-04:00

I finally swatched for the upcoming secret of the stole. Love the yarn -- having a hard time deciding how lacey it should -- which needle size I should use. I used a 4 on the bottom and a 5 on top. I think I like the look of the bottom on a #4 better - but I haven't done a lot of lace. Comments and opinons would be extremely welcome. It doesn't start until 10/5 - so I have a bit of time to decide.

HSKS Quidditch!

2007-09-13T10:59:00.000-04:00

Trivia

These answers are to be posted on your blog BEFORE the Snitch is found. The Snitch will be released on Saturday. Once the Snitch is found the trivia will be removed from this site.

1. Who is the Hogwarts teacher that Voldermort performed the Avada Kedavra curse on in Deathly Hallows?

Charity Burbage

2. Who replaces the Muggles studies teacher in Deathly Hallows?

Alecto Carrow

3. When Harry meets Mr. Olivander for the first time, which wand law is introduced?

The wand chooses the wizard

4. According to Mr. Ollivander, what is not necessary to take true possession of another wizard's wand?

a. to kill the owner

b. one cannot take possession of another wizard's wand

c. to force the wand away from it's owner

d. to ask the owner politely

I found the wording a bit confusing for this one. The wand will only fully work for the new user if they disarm, stun, or kill the previous user. So A is true (b/c you could also disarm or stun the user) but neither is c or d...??

5. If you know anything about Harry Potter, you will know that Harry's Patronus is a stag. But what is his best friend Ron Weasley's Patronus?

Jack Russell Terrier

6. Now for the third member of the trio. What form does Hermione Granger's Patronus take?Otter

7. What did Mrs. Wealey make to eat the first night that Harry arrived at Grimmauld Place?

Stew

8. In book 5, at the start of term feast, what is Ron eating when trying to talk to Nearly Headless Nick?

Roast potato

9. A half-giant called Rubeus Hagrid takes you to Diagon Alley for the first time. To get there, you go into the courtyard of a pub called the Leaky Cauldron. There, Hagrid taps a certain brick on the courtyard wall three times with his pink umbrella, revealing the entrance to Diagon Alley. As he decides which brick to tap, he mutters instructions to himself. What instructions does he mutter?
‘Three up... two across

10. The first place you go in Diagon Alley is Gringotts bank, where you can withdraw money from your vault and Hagrid can withdraw a top-secret package from Vault No. 713 on Dumbledore’s orders. On the second set of doors leading into the bank you notice a poem written. These are the first two lines:Enter, stranger, but take heedOf what awaits the sin of greed,What is the next line?

‘For those who take, but do not earn

Pictures:

End of Summer Weekend

2007-09-09T13:28:00.000-04:00

We had a lovely weekend as summer starts to wind down to a close (although you wouldn't know it by Friday's record 98 degrees). Friday was a volleyball home game - they won their first of the season! Saturday I was able to do a bit of work around the house and have coffee with a good friend before we headed off to my BIL's winery. Yes, I am one of the lucky few to have a full fledged winery in the family :O)!!. Good wine is only one of the perks. This weekend was their Septemberfest. They held a silent and live auction for the Steadfast Foundation (Children's foundation for cancer patients). If you are in the western NY region you probably know that this foundation was started by Ryan Miller the Buffalo Sabres goalie (hockey). As a family member, we get the perk of hanging out with him and his father while he signs autographs and talks about the foundation with the crowd. The auction was a ton of fun and raised a nice amount of money for a good cause. They auctioned some great sport memorabilia and cool gigantic custom wine bottles (they are equivalent to a case of wine if you are wondering).

So we were able to spend our Saturday evening with friends watching the auction (wishing I the money to spend on some of the sports memorabilia) and then listening to live music as we sipped Sangria Slushies.

Since we headed home early on Sunday I was able to get a bunch of knitting, sewing and jewelry stuff done. Pictures are below.... I finished the knitting on my nephew's santa helper hat (just needs a pompom/bell and the ends woven in), started my Mom's birthday mittens, finished the front of my FFBE bag (no picture - can't ruin the surprise), made 5 "travel tool kits", 4 zipper pulls and 6 stitch markers (no pics as some of these are surprises).

Santa Hat

Mitten(s) - from Stitch & Bitch - Fluffy Cuff Mittens - soooo soft

"Travel Tool Kits" - this is a pretty neat pattern - I already have 2 that I made a bit ago - one to keep my knitting notions in and the other for quilt notions to take to classes or keep in my project bags. They are pretty handy. Would you like one? I'm thinking of hosting a contest soon - and thought I might include it as part of a prize, but I'm not sure if other people would like or not??

I made one for a co-worker to thank her for teaching me how to make some simple zipper pulls for my bags and with her basic tutorial and some internet assistance - I made my first set of stitch markers. Very cool! I ordered some basic supplies this weekend (beads, tools, head pins and rings) to make more that I can use for gifts or perhaps sell if I get good enough. Quite addicting (not that I need anymore hobbies) - but I don't have any interest in actually making jewelry - just notions.

FFBE Contest #2

2007-09-07T10:34:00.000-04:00

1. Secret "Bag in Progress" photo

2. Post a link to the blog of one other swapper that you 'met' and have continued to read through the 3-2-1 contact post!: http://stringsandpurls.blogspot.com/

3. Post a link here telling me you entered! Done!

The First Step is....

2007-09-06T07:45:00.000-04:00

...admitting that you have a problem. Ravelry may have forced me to reevaluate my knitting style. All this time I was happily thinking that I'm a project knitter - I really don't have much yarn outside of what's been designated for specific upcoming projects (It's not like my fabric stash - Fat quarter here and there adds up after awhile - and be honest you tend to buy in 1/2 yd mins). I haven't really figured out how to buy just a bit of yarn here and there that I like - because I don't know how much to buy to conservatively and know that I can use it down the line (if someone has tips for this - would be much appreciated - no wait, I'm supposed to be admitting that I might have a problem). So I come home from work yesterday with the idea that I will document my yarn stash in my Ravelry notebook. It shouldn't take very long - I don't have much after all, right?? Five hours later.....

Ohh sooo very wrong....
[conscience] Kati, What about those five skeins of turquoise merino/silk that you bought from Miss Babs?
[deluded self] Wellll, she was changing her inventory, they were the last ones and on sale really reasonable...
[conscience] Ahhh - that's known as selling things.... doesn't mean you need to buy. You don't even know what you are going to do with it.

[conscience] What about all the stuff you bought when you visited Vermont in June?
[deluded self] I was on vacation! We must visit fabric and yarn shops. Mom agreed and Mom knows best, right?? Plus, you can't go and visit all the lovely LYS and not purchase something - it would be rude. I was raised with good manners. In addition, they were for specific projects - I had a little notebook - didn't I? Where is that now??

[conscience] Keep trying to rationalize - your usually pretty good at it. Try and explain the 75 million balls of cotton that you have - How many dishcloths are you planing on making? Plus you bought more Sugar'nCreme SUPER balls a JoAnn Fabrics this weekend. Sheesh....
[deluded self] They make good gifts and I can make them up pretty quickly if I need to. Add a nice fancy soap or lotion and they look pretty. I don't keep them -- so they are all in the spirit of giving.
[conscience] Oh spare me! She's rationalizing again.

I could continue on with the mental "discussion" that I've been having with myself since last night. But, I think I'll just stick with my delusions -- the yarn really is beautiful isn't and I'll use it for something. I can always find a project -- isn't that what Ravelry is for? [conscience] Think you can find some time too. [deluded self] Oh, Shut Up!

I'm on Ravelry!!!

2007-09-04T21:10:00.000-04:00

Yeah - my earlier post must have brought me some good luck. I just got my invite -- my username is: kamcole. I can't wait to start editing, looking at patterns, stash, etc. gotta go....

Oh My, Oh My, Oh My, Oh My ---- I'M SOOOO Close!

2007-09-04T13:30:00.000-04:00

Can you feel my excitement - I'm almost quivering. Look how close I am to Ravelry:

Found you!
You signed up on June 25, 2007
You are #11063 on the list.
27 people are ahead of you in line.
19411 people are behind you in line.
36% of the list has been invited so far

HSKS 3 - Gryffindor Contest

2007-09-02T22:07:00.000-04:00

Devin, our wonderful Gryffindor prefect, sent out a contest for our House tonight. It is a crossword puzzle with Hogwarts triva. It was really interesting to try and remember all the different nuances from the books/movies. I have to say the hardest thing for me was making sure that I spelled everything correctly. LOL I think the hardest question was what characteri is left out of the movies. It took me forever to think of this one (can't tell you until the puzzle is released to everyone).

It's been a really good weekend here. Lots of volleyball with the Hubby's team - makes for good knitting time. Plus, we decided at the spur of the moment to reorganize our office/craft and spare bedrooms. We moved the office furniture into the spare bedroom for my husband to use and purchased 2 shelving units and a 2x3 cube unit that I'm going to put canvas baskets on to hold all my fabric and yarn stash! It looks pretty good. Don't you think?? (ok - just imagine there are coordinated baskets with all the fabric, yarn, stuff stashed away AND if you are my Swap Partners - see the lovely USPS Flat rate boxes -- lots of goodies are being accumulated for mailing ;O)).

I just need to order baskets for the 2 shelves since I'll need 20-25... I feel so good about the whole thing - so motivated to start and finish a few projects. I did the prototype for my HSKS 3's kit/project bag. It turned out pretty good - though a little smaller than I wanted. I'm going to resize and do another tomorrow in my "new" room.

Happy Knittiversary to Peggy!

2007-09-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

Go wish Peggy a happy Knittiversary to be entered in her contest and tell her why/when you become a Knitter (instead of a knitter).

Made some progress on the swaps today. I picked out some felting yarn for the FFBE bag and some Hogwarts yarn for a little goodie to go in my swap package (I think I'm also going to make hats and mitten from Charmed Knits for my nephews-to-be). Plus - I received my HSKS 3 sock yarn and stitch markers in the mail today. Tomorrow, I'm going to start putting the packages together and taking some photos that I can post after my partners receive them in the mail. Yeah!!

HSKS 3 - Questions for my Swap Partner

2007-08-31T22:55:00.001-04:00

As requested, here is some additional info about me for the HSKS 3 swap... I'm looking forward to getting to know you (and the rest of the swappers).

Questions:
For the kit bag:
Would you prefer knitted or sewn? No particular preferences - whatever motivates your creativity. I just love handmade items and the creativity and effort that go into them.

Do you want the Harry Potter/Gryffindor theme to be discrete or screaming? Again - I'm flexible--- up to you.

Are you most interested in a bag to hold just your sock project or one that can hold more than one project? I think I would like a bag to hold a single smaller project that I could put inside my purse or tote. I like to take socks, mittens or hats along with me to work on at lunch or out and about if I'm waiting somewhere. I currently don't have anything to hold them nicely with some notions -- I just throw them in Ziplocs which has pluses and minuses.

For the socks:
Would you like an easy sock pattern with self-striping yarn?Do you want any cables or lace?
Flexible - I would consider myself a beginner to intermediate sock knitter. So not anything to complex yet. I love cables - not a huge fan of lace in socks. I'd like to learn how to do socks from the toe up. Love any kind of striped or variegated yarns. I'm a sucker for color.

What are your following foot measurement: around the ball of your foot (8"), around the arch of your foot (8.25"), around the smallest part of your ankle (8"), length from toe to back of heel (8.75"), length from the floor to where you want the sock to stop on your leg (7"). Also if it helps, I wear a US women's size 5.5 to 6.0 shoe.

For the needles and such:

Which would be your preferred method: socks on double points, sock on two circulars, sock on one large circular needle 'magic loop style' Currently, I've done DPNs - - But I'm learning 2 circulars and that may become my preferred method. I haven't tried Magic loop yet.

Do you prefer wood, plastic or metal needles? I like wood or metal. My current love is Addi Turbo's but I'd like to try Lantern Moon or one of the other woods besides Clover Bamboo. I like exploring new things. Not a big fan of plastic - I just don't like the feel or movement of the yarn on them.

Do you like dangling stitch markers or non-dangling? Either -- I like both depending on the project - just not so big that they slide all over the needles.

Misc:Favorite music? Book? Food? Treats? Any allergies? Wow -- these are tough ones.
I have eclectic music tastes -- I like everything from classical (Beethoven, Mozart, etc) to pop (Maroon 5, Train, Nora Jones, Anna Nalick, etc.) and on from there.

Huge book fan - I love to read and love books on tape (so I can listen on my way to work or as I knit). I like mysteries, romance, anything with a good story that you can get lost in. As well as knitting and quilt books - I love looking at them and turning patterns and ideas into something uniquely my own (even if I didn't originally intend it that way :O)). My favorite author is probably Nora Roberts. I think Barnes & Noble is my second home or was that the LYS - it's hard to tell sometimes.

Food/Treats - Coffee and tea first and foremost. Love Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, Black, white and green teas - Not a big sweets person. I prefer hard candies to chocolate (I know shocks and scares most people). Half the time - I'd rather have a salad than a plate of desert. Cheesecake factory cheesecakes and carrot cake are the exception to that rule. LOL.

Allergies - lots of environmental allergies, but nothing to worry about (molds, dust, pollens, feathers, that kind of thing).