Diagnosis:Single Sock Syndrome, Prognosis: Excellent!

I'm not a doctor nor have I played on T.V. So, I'm diagnosing without a license. Maybe I should make an appointment with Dr. McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy. After all, he's not a real M.D. and single sock syndrome's not a real disease. Perfect! As of the weekend, I now have handknit socks and all with mates!

lookie here, we're mates!
These socks are called "Seaweed socks" by Nancy T. McGlynn. I used knitpicks "Sock Garden". It's 100% Merino yarn in a color called Zinnia. they're really soft and comfy. I did use wooly thread to reinforce the heel, so they'll last longer. Definitely a fun knit. It's difficult to see the pattern in the picture, but its cool!

Sixth Sense Socks
The pattern for the sixth sense sock came from a member of the sixth sense knit-a-long. Members of this group get a new sock pattern every 2 months. A KAL is done for each new sock. At the end of every 2 months a new sock design is offered. There are some talented knitters and sock designers in this group. Most of the patterns are original designs offered for free. So far, I haven't met a pattern I didn't totally like ( well... Not totally disliked).The Sixth Sense sock is good example. It was a fun knit, moved quickly, and was well written. The only part of the sock that bugged me were the short row wraps! Otherwise, things went smoothly. Its made from soccotta's denim yarn. For both socks I used size 2 DPN's. I used metal for one pair and bamboo needles for the other.

This week's plan is to complete the Fuzzy Feet felted slippers. I love the yarn and the colors for fuzzy feet. These were a gift from my secret pal (#8)whose enabling me to felt everything and anything I want! (Hi Kate!).

Well, it's time to get my weekly fill of Prison Break and Heroes. I'm really hooked on Heroes!!!

Weekend in New England

This has been the first weekend in 3 weeks in which I have not been in constant pain from the grand case of tendonitis I had. I actually only thought about it a couple of times and I no longer have to think about buying stock in ibuprophen (motrin)! The muscle pain radiate from the tendon in my elbow to the muscle of my forearm down to my wrist. Then it decided to radiate around to the back of my arm up my shoulder and stopped at the scapula on the same side. An occupational therapist told me this is actual not uncommon. Gee thanks! So, you know this meant no knitting was touched. However, since the inflammation has been reduced to a minimum. I was able to knit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, now that I can get my knit on, there'll be more knitting content soon. I did have a really good weekend. It was a beautiful and sunny Saturday,tho a bit brisk! My friend Katie and I went to the Regatta to watch some of the races and see the sailboats. Here are a couple of photos.

These are the sailboats that braved the wind. I thought for sure a few of them were going to go over, but everyone of them held on. The pictures don't really do these boats justice. We missed several of the international scullers for the regatta, but the races we saw were fun. Katie used to scull and compete in college, so I had my own guide to the races and what goes on. I learned a lot.

This picture didn't come out as clearly as I wanted. The sun was so strong, I had a hard time seeing what I was taking a picture of. The sun reflected off the LCD screen on my digital camera. Katie said: "Some of my best pictures were taken when I couldn't see what I was taking." This didn't work for me (LOL).

After leaving the race, we walked around the Boston University campus, Katie's alma mater (I'm an Emerson College alumni) and stopped at Uno's Chicago Grille for wine and a quick lunch to get warmed up. Next stop? The Public gardens and Boston common via Newbury street. It was then we realized today must be parent's weekend and every college student in the area was giving their parent's a tour of the city. Man, it was crowded!!! You could hardly walk on the sidewalk, but it was actually fun and brought back a lot of good college memories! I kept an eye out for two recommended yarn shops on Newbury street, but had no success finding them! Just means a yarn crawl for another day 8-)! I did find a yarn shop close to the public gardens. It had a huge banner that said Now knitting too! It appeared to be a cross stich/needlework store. Although, it had some nice yarn, but was definitely was not knitter friendly. So, we looked briefly and left.

At the public gardens, a wedding party was having pictures taken. The bride was beautiful and probably freezing her ass off! It was late in the day and the temps had cooled quite a bit. However, she'll have great pics for life. The setting was really pretty. As we were walking to the gate exiting the public gardens, I looked across the street and saw a huge crowd...HUGE! I did not know it but we were about to join the The Great Pumpkin Festival! I couldn't believe the number of pumpkins I was seeing. There were thousands and every one of them carved!!! Turns out a Group called "Life is Good" was sponsoring this year's festival.

Just the beginning...
This group raises money for children with serious medical problems and their families to attend Camp Sunshine for some respite. There were over 4 thousand pumpkins and they were planning to carve a thousand more to make the Guinness book of world records for the most lit pumpkins in one place. All of these pumpkins were going to be lighted at nightfall. Here are more photos!

more pumpkins!
Pumpkins wound all around the Boston Commons walkways. It was a sight to see! The pumpkins were donated by various companies and carved by kids and anyone wanting to contribute. This was one of my favorites. Though all of them were good!

Cool, huh!
I was not able to stay for the lighting, but saw it later on the News. It was fantastic. I have one last picture that I took before heading home. It was such a fun and relaxing day. I love the color of the trees. Autumn is definitely my favorite season. Today, was a perfect Autumn day!

I love autumn!

Insert witty title here " ".

I haven't done much knitting this week, but have been looking at it longingly. I'm still have trouble with my elbow, but it's significantly better than last week!!! I did get to do a little, tiny bit of knitting. I'm using this post to show you what's on the needles. I am making beadwork by Alice Starmore. I'm using knitpicks merino style and can't believe how the stitches are popping out on the swatch Yes, I actually do swatch for projects...Well some projects (LOL). Here is a picture of the sweater:

I can't believe blogger is cooperating today! Back to this sweater. I'm making it in a knitpick's color called Hollyberry. It's a beautiful red. Not too dark and not too bright red. I really love it! I'm knitting this as part of a KAL. I wasn't too sure how complicated it would be to make and figured it would be a good way to get support and tips. The knitter's in the group are unbelievable! They're a talented group and many are experienced in fair isle, aran knitting, and techniques in general. Some are making this sweater in the round as a pullover:, are knitting it in the round using steeks to make the cardigan: and some like myself making it in pieces!

I'm also in the middle of making felted slippers. I can't wait to felt them. I have almost finished the second sock. Here it is in progress:

This is an unbelievable knit because it knits up so quickly! Right now, I'm calling it the sasquatch sock, because of the size! I'm sure I'll be making more of these. I think my sister would really like them. I'll have to make a before and after picture, these babies are felted!

Well that's all the knitting for now. However, I can't help but show off my little niece. The last picture I had of her on this blog was her year old picture. She is now 16 months old. Here is a picture of her at someone else's birthday party.

I said: "Balloon, don't you speak babble?"

My sister was trying to give her the bottle. All she was interested in were the children and the balloons. Eventually, she ended up with three balloons!
Have a good week and get knitting!

SP9 contest..Let the games begin!

I think SP9 is going to be really fun. Patty, the hostess for our group is already having a contest! The winners (2) will have a choice of handmade book marks or stitch markers.

Post on your blog your favorite:
Actor - This is hard. I have 3 absolute favorites! But I'll say is Cillian Murphy ( I've liked him even before "Red Eye" and "Batman begins"!
Actress - Another hard one! Jody Foster
Animal - Cats (jungle and domestic)
Band - I like too many!!! Dave Matthews band
Beverage - Tea (alcoholic/ frozen maguritas)
Book - from childhood (The Secret Garden) as an adult (The Tower Series)
Bubble Bath - Sweet Pea (bath and body works)
Candy - Don't really like candy (I know, I know what planet am I from!)
Color - Mauve
Flower - roses
Food - Italian
Lip Balm - Bert's bees lip balm in peach
Lotion - Evelyn and Waughs gardner's hand cream
Movie - Raiders of the Lost Ark (fun movie!)
Song - don't have one!
TV Show -Smallville
Vacation Spot - Scotland
This contest was harder than it looks! I'm a real movie fan and could list many favorites. I also love to read and could list many more than one as a favorite. As for music, I have eclectic tastes and pick music to suit my moods. Thanks Patty this was fun!

I'm baaaaaaaack, sorta!!!

It's been one hellacious week, I can tell yah! First, I went to get my car inspected and the cute inspector guy comes out to the reception area to say "Wendy, I'm sorry, but I can't pass your car." I'm thinking "why not" nothing seemed wrong with it. Well it was a big thing! A "broken strut coil" A what? And where is it found? SP, needless to say I took my "turn away document" NO rejection sticker for this girl! The document helps one avoid getting a ticket for an expired sticker. I got the car fixed. This years inspection sticker cost me $269.00. That's a lot of yarn, folks! The real hell of the week is the pulled muscle in my neck that extended down to my scapula and made me keep my neck cocked to the left to relieve the pain. Then 2 days after that started I got a grand case of tendonitis on my right elbow! By Thursday, I was wishing humans were put together like snap on toys, so I could unstrap that section of my body and put it aside, until it decided to behave. It's Sunday and the first day I feel human again!! Of course, this would be the week my M.D. would be out of town! I finally got hold of the office's nurse practitioner, who was really helpful and why I feel better today! I've been in a knitting mood and really want to knit, but not yet. I tried to do a little on Friday and boy was I sorry! So. I resting a few more days!


I'm doing my second SP. I really enjoyed the first one and had a great secret pal! So, I'm ready for more fun!
Greetings new secret pal (I don't know who she is yet, but should today)

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I like all kinds of sock yarn, wool and wool blends, hand-dyed/hand-painted, and bamboo. I don't like or use fun fur,chunky yarns,novelty yarns, or acrylic. As I've knitted more and more I like the way certain yarns look and drape. So, I'm more choosy about yarns now.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My needles are usually kept in a drawer.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've known how to knit since I was a little girl (my grandmother taught me). I've been obsessively knitting for about 3 years now (LOL). I think I'm an advanced knitter now.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes! It's on Amazon.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)I like fresh scents and citrus scents like grapefruit, light floral, and some spicy scents. I don't like vanilla,lilac or rose scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? You won't believe this, but I don't like candy or chocolate!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Mostly, I love knitting and learning new techniques. I would like to learn how to spin, but I don't now.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like all kinds of music. Country is probably the only music I don't listen to. I'm a classical guitarist, so I do love classical music, some rap, alternative rock, and Jazz. I'm a Tori Amos fan and recently heard Leona Naess, so I can't wait for her next CD. I'll basically try anything, so bring it on!

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love fall colors and shades of pink (mauve,rose). I think the only color I don't like is bright yellow.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm single and have two very spoiled cats !

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear all except ponchos. I'm highly allergic to ponchos. They make me run, screaming from the vicinity. (LOL).

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I love knitting socks. I also make sweaters, scarves, and lace knitting.

13. What are you knitting right now? Beadwork- a sweater, socks to be felted into slippers, and starting a dragon shawl.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Sure!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I like all types, except plastic because there's too much drag on the yarn. I just got my first pair of addi turbos. I'm excited to use them after all I've heard. Generally, I just use what works!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes. I love em!

17. How old is your oldest UFO? 4 months old. I've actually caught up on all projects!

18. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween (It's because fall is my favorite season and Halloween is part of fun memories of Autumn!)

19. Is there anything that you collect? Knitting books, yarn (of course!), and decorative knitting needles.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Current books are on my Amazon wish list. I subscribe to Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits, and Knit Simple.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I would like to learn magic loop or knitting two socks on circular needles and spinning. I'm really open to learning anything new!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Absolutely! I have size 9.5 foot.

23. When is your birthday? March 20th

I started this post yesterday and finished it this A.M. Damn tendonitis! Anyway hope to have a more interest post next time.
Get knitting!