Knitting Infinity

Books,Books, Books!

2008-12-27T00:04:00.001-05:00

I was on ravelry this evening looking through the new groups and found a group called 52 books in 52 weeks! There was a time when I devoured at least 2 books a week and would 've managed this challenge with with one hand tied behind my back! It's really sad that currently, I'm lucky to read a book a month. When I do read, it's usually something for work. When I pick up a knitting book, it's usually to look at the pictures to decide on the next project. However, I still can get lost for hours in a book store browsing at anything that grabs my attention! So one of my new year's resolutions is to read more. I don't make all that many resolutions anymore because they're too easy to break! I figure if winter is going to be as crazy as its been so far, I'll have plenty of time for reading and knitting! One of the threads from this group was a self meme. I'm going to try it for fun. Have a go and see how you do!!! The directions are below.

What we have here is the top 106 books most often marked as “unread” by Library Thing’s users. As in, they sit on the shelf to make you look smart or well-rounded. Bold the ones you’ve read, underline the ones you read for school, italicize the ones you started but didn't finish. since there is no underline button, I just bolded what I read for school too.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Anna Karenina

Crime and Punishment

Catch-22

One Hundred Years of Solitude

Wuthering Heights

The Silmarillion Life of Pi : a novel

The Name of the Rose

Don Quixote

Moby Dick

Ulysses

Madame Bovary

The Odyssey

Pride and Prejudice

Jane Eyre

The Tale of Two Cities

The Brothers Karamazov

Guns, Germs, and Steel: the fates of human societies

War and Peace

Vanity Fair
The Time Traveler’s Wife

The Iliad

Emma

The Blind Assassin

The Kite Runner

Mrs. Dalloway

Great Expectations
American Gods

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

Atlas Shrugged

Lolita in Tehran : a memoir in books

Memoirs of a Geisha

Middlesex Quicksilver

Wicked : the life and times of the wicked witch of the West
The Canterbury Tales The Historian : a novel

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

Love in the Time of Cholera

Brave New World

The Fountainhead

Foucault’s Pendulum

Middlemarch

Frankenstein

The Count of Monte Cristo

Dracula

A Clockwork Orange

Anansi Boys

The Once and Future King

The Grapes of Wrath

The Poisonwood Bible : a novel

1984

Angels & Demons (reading now-It's good!)

The Inferno (and Purgatory and Paradise)

The Satanic Verses

Sense and Sensibility

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Mansfield Park

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

To the Lighthouse

Tess of the D’Urbervilles

Oliver Twist

Gulliver’s Travels

Les Misérables

The Corrections

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Dune

The Prince

The Sound and the Fury

Angela’s Ashes : a memoir

The God of Small Things

A People’s History of the United States : 1492-present

Cryptonomicon

Neverwhere

A Confederacy of Dunces

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Dubliners

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Beloved

Slaughterhouse-five

The Scarlet Letter

Eats, Shoots & Leaves

The Mists of Avalon

Oryx and Crake : a novel Collapse : how societies choose to fail or succeed Cloud Atlas

The Confusion

Lolita

Persuasion

Northanger Abbey

The Catcher in the Rye

On the Road

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Freakonomics : a rogue economist explores the hidden side of everything Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : an inquiry into values

The Aeneid

Watership Down

Gravity’s Rainbow

The Hobbit

In Cold Blood : a true account of a multiple murder and its consequences

White Teeth

Treasure Island

David Copperfield

The Three Musketeers

Even though I haven't been blogging for a while, I have been knitting! Mostly socks and I'm still not sick of it! I will get pictures and post specifics about finished socks. One the things I'd been wanting to knit for a long time was a Clapotis. I finished in October. Just in time for Rhinebeck! I made without any modifications (why mess with a good thing!) using bamboo yarn. It has a really nice drape and has a soft shimmer because of the bamboo fiber. I had a lot of fun making this and would make another one. There was a point when I thought the pattern repeats would go on forever, but just when you start thinking that, it's more than halfway done. Of course, one the most fun aspects of this pattern is dropping those stitches, on purpose!

Well that's it for this post. Hope to be more regular with the posts. I've missed blogging! I have been reading everyone else's blogs and that's always fun!!! Uh-oh, Allegra (Ms. Kitty) has insomnia too. She just jumped in a pile of knitting magazines, now strewn around on the floor. So much for feline grace! Gotta go!

RHINEBECK 2008

2008-10-21T15:00:00.001-04:00

This was my second year going to Rhinebeck and so far...The BEST! Last year, I went by bus with Yarn Safari for the day. It was fun, but definitely not enough time to see and do everything and to get caught up in the total experience. Even this year, there were things I'm sure I missed! As soon as I got on the bus headed for home, I planned on making a weekend of it . This year it was an adventure that started back in june or july. I knew I was going, but didn't want to go by myself. So, I put a feeler out on the rhinebeck ravelry board to see if anyone South of Boston would be going. I would be glad to share all expenses. OTKate responded and we began talking about it to see if it would work out. Now, Kate could have lived anywhere south of Boston from next door to Cape Cod. Turns out she lived in the same City and hospital organization where I worked! We were also both therapists! We decided it would work out and we'd finalize plans as it got closer to the festival dates. In the meantime, Kate met up with two other women who were planning on going to rhinebeck. Things kept falling into place and it became a road trip of 4! Threescompany (Heather), PurplePear (Maro), OTKate (Kate) and I were heading for Rhinebeck!

We started out as 4 strangers traveling together, but you'd never know it. Everything went so smoothly. I had the best time with everyone. I've always supported the Red Sox( come on, I was born in Cambridge and lived in MA all my life.), but I'd never hung out with such enthusiastic sox fans! It's contagious!!! I even joined the Red Sox knit group on Ravelry!

We left VERY early and arrived at Rhinebeck right at 10:00 a.m. Maro was able to get our tickets ahead of time (Thanks!). No waiting in line for us. It was off for a fun filled day of sensory overload!

Besides all the fiber goodness to be had,there were ravelry meet-ups, wine and cheese tasting, herding demonstrations, pumpkin throwing, people watching, kinearing, and my new favorite- kilt watching. I've never seen so many men in one place wearing kilts. I wasn't able to get any pics...next year. Anyway, on to what you want to see...Fiber!

Our first stop was The Fold for STR. Believe me when I tell you the booth is small! Yet, everyone seemed to get what they wanted. That was only the beginning. The line to pay is loooooong, but it went by faster than I thought it would and we got to meet other knitters. Here's what I scored:

Maro, Heather, and Kate found some yarn for themselves and friends. After the first booth, we were on a roll. I didn't come with any particular haves on my list. However, the ravelry que list came in handy for buying yarn for particular projects. This somewhat prevented the "I don't know what I'm going to do with it, but it's so pretty syndrome" to a degree (not totally-LOL). Heather and Maro were totally organized and had que and vendors list in hand. For anyone going to Rhinebeck next year, it's the way to go! At the end of the first day, it was back to the hotel. We stayed a the Quality Inn Hotel. There were lots of other knitter's there. Some sitting in near check in knitting away. Here is what our first day's haul and how it looked like all in one place!

After we checked in; looked at the day's finds; and freshened up, it was already time to head out to the Ravelry Party. The place was packed. It was held at the Pavillion (outside) of an Elk's lodge. There were a few tents with heaters, but these filled up fast. I had a great time, but Seriously, I froze my ass off! Next year, I'm knitting up double thick long johns, hats, gloves, and scarves! I'll be prepared. There were giveaways, finger foods, and giftie bags. The bag had coupons and yarn inside. There was also a notions keeper from one of the sponsors. After the party, We headed back to the hotel to see how the Red Sox were doing. They won. GO SOX!

The next morning we were off again for another good day. There was more shopping to be done and sights to see. The day flew by. Before we knew it. it was time to head for home, until next year. See you all at Rhinebeck in 2009. I'm saving some pictures of yarns for another post. I'm afraid blogger is not cooperating!

What's new You ask?

2008-07-28T19:24:00.005-04:00

Or maybe you didn't ... I'm telling you anyway! I haven't been posting for quite awhile, but I've been knitting! I'm on a finish those WIPS mission. I finished a pair of socks and work on some other socks in various stages of being done. I had also started a Clapotis. At this time, it must make me the last person on earth to cast on for this! In fact, I've seen many blogs where people have knitted it more than once. A few hearty souls have made several (4 or more)!!! It has been fun working on it. I'm making mine with bamboo yarn. It's really coming along nicely.

At some point this spring I became a lace addict and cannot pass on a lace KAL as evidenced by the buttons on the right!!! Have I completed them all ? No. Even started each one? Nope! They'll get done...someday. Now as if I didn't have enough knitting in my hands and overflowing out of my knitting basket, I"m now participating in the Ravelympics. You've all probably read about this until your eyes bleed by now, so I'll be brief (sort of).

The events will coincide with the opening and closing of the Summer Olympics in Beijing. I will have 17 days to complete one or more knitting projects. I have challenged myself by signing up for two events: 1.) the Sweater Sprint and 2.) the Sock put. I am knitting the Canopy Cardigan from KNITSCENE and Gumdrop socks. Pictures to follow (translation: can't find the damn things). I joined Team Overly Ambitious Yet Plausibly Possible -OAYPP and these mates are ambitious! Can't wait to see what we do. I've knit a pair of socks in three days for Sock Madness the first year out, but that's the extent of my speed knitting. Now I'm committed to a sweater AND a pair of socks in seventeen days...

If you smell something burning or see smoke, don't worry, it's me setting those needles on fire with my lightening fast knitting!(LOL ;0) ).

Well, that's it for now. I will have more juicy pictures and info on projects and progress. Gotta go...Allegra, STEP AWAY FROM THE YARN!!!

A mouse of my own!

2008-06-07T15:54:00.008-04:00

Hi everyone in blog land. Wendy is out today and I'm a little bored...can ya tell? I never get to post on this blog. So, I'm taking over! Also, I like playing with the mouse. It's not a mouse as I know it. You know like the cute little furry kind...They're not allowed in the house! No wonder I'm bored! Anyway, I was checking out blogs and Finn from Pink lemonade, oops... pink lemon twist left an open invitation for a meme. It's my first...Here goes:

1.What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was en route, almost born

2.What are 5 things on your To Do List for today, in no particular order?
- Eat. Actually, this could BE the list of 5 things.

-. I'd Sun myself a bit on the bedroom window ledge or by the slider door, but it's too hot and I can't unzip myself out of this fur coat! So instead, I'll lay out near the air conditioning. I love the way the air blows my fur about!

-Check each of the windows for birds I can chirp at and make other funny sounds.

- Unroll the toilet paper in the bathroom (I usually do this when I'm bored or being annoying)

- Wash myself from head to toe. I love doing this, but hate the fur balls ...yuck!

3. Favorite snacks?

cat food, yarn (she won't let me near the stuff!), human food (when I can get on the counter without being noticed!), kitty snacks, and I love chewing on those little plastic milk caps. Of course, a little cat nip is great crack..ooh, snack!

4. What would you do if you were a millionaire?

No brainer, Daily order of McDonald's chicken nuggets and fresh shrimp. Then, I'd hire Wendy full time to take of my every whim (then I could get on the dining room table anytime I want!) and who knows me better than she!

5. List the places you've lived:
a. Marshfield, MA (I was born here at the CodyCats Cattery).

b. Middleboro, MA

Just like Finn , I won't be tagging anyone in particular, but if you need a blog post, feel free to consider yourself tagged!

Well time for me to sign off. It was fun and I'll take over again sometime! Gotta go, I hear a key in the door...

P.S Wendy will be back soon!

Samantha...sweet girl

2008-04-23T19:22:00.002-04:00

September 1993 -April 15, 2008

This is my sweet Samantha who left this world for a better place last week. She was a beautiful cat with a sweet disposition. All I had to do was look at her and she'd start purring! She loved to play with her basket of toys and often dropped them at my feet to join in her fun and was a big fan my yarn and knitting. She never met a yarn ball, she didn't like. I thought I'd have her for a lot longer, but it wasn't meant to be.

Samantha was a charmer right from the start! I had offered to pick up the "twins" for my mother who wanted 2 cats to keep each others company when she was at work. They were 2 siblings that looked alike expect for the size of a white stripe that went from the top of their heads to their noses. Otherwise, you couldn't tell them apart. My friend Sandy, kept the kittens in the recreation/playroom, so they wouldn't get into to much mischief in the rest of the house. She told me she had one more kitten left and that one was going to the pet shop, because there were no offers to take her. I thought about it ,but wasn't really planning to get a cat at that time.

All of the sudden we heard pool balls rolling and out of one the pockets popped up a kitten, who then scurried across the table doing 100 mph! When I saw that beautiful and spirited cat, there was no way in hell she was going to any pet store! She rode to her new home that night tucked in my sweater with her head poking out every once-in-while and purring like a machine. She's been one of my best decisions in life!

She had recently developed a slight limp that resulted in a Vet visit. At the time it was thought to be an ingrown toe nail. it was clipped and she seemed fine. For a few days she seemed like her old self, but I thought her weight had changed slightly, the nail seemed to be sticking further out than the other nails and she was limping again. At the follow-up visit, Dr Wolfthal felt a small bump behind the nail. It was one of two things " An infection or tumor. He treated it as an infection and if it wasn't perfectly normal in a week, He'd x-ray it and remove the tumor. Everything went down hill quickly. The tumor grew rapidly and the foot a just didn't look right. We scheduled her to have the toe removed in the event it was malignant. She continued to decline and X-rays the day of her surgery showed a malignant and fast invading tumor. It had gone to her bones and lungs. The only thing that could be done was feline hospice or euthanasia. Dr. Wolfthal recommended euthanasia because although she never was a cat who showed any sign of pain, she had to be in great pain. I took her home that day so I could have one more day with her and brought her back the next day to be "put to sleep" . It's one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make and I didn't want to be selfish and hold on to her for my sake. She just wasn't the same and looked as though she wanted it to be over. All she wanted to do was to be held on my lap and sleep. I was there with her and held her to the end. My sweet little Samantha, you always be in my thoughts and in my heart. I miss you more than you'll ever. know.

Hibernating,knitting and a sick cat.

2008-04-06T10:03:00.007-04:00

can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. At the beginning of the year, I had joined blog 365 and then decided that blogging 7 days a week would be more of a challenge than I thought. I ended up going from posting 7 days a week to zip, Nada, zilch, zero! I haven't dropped out of knitting though. I joined a few KALS and have been knitting scarves and socks. The KALS have all been lace related. So, I have projects to keep me busy! I'll have some picture to show soon. I broke my camera back in January. It still works for the most part, but when I try to adjust or use the zoom lens, it goes out back-and-forth in and out of focus. Ain't that a bitch... My camera needs glasses!

2007 was a mixture of good and hideous! My last few years have been like that and I was hoping to get a break in 2008. I'm probably no better or worse than off anyone else, but it would be nice to have a year that goes smoothly for a change. For fun I went to a psychic party in November of 2007. I'm always a little surprised when someone tells me things about myself or my life, especially when I don't volunteer any info that can help them with the predictions. This psychic new I had surgery and told me to expect another one but minor nothing to worry about! She also told me that 2008 would be a great year because so many good changes would be happening. These included a new house, going to a wedding and having a wedding. Now all I have to do is meet prince charming, fall in love, get engaged, plan a wedding and get married. This woman also told me I would write that book I'd been planning (it's true, but I never shared that with ANYONE until now!) but not until a few years from now. I was also told that as much as I disliked by job and as "itchy" as I was to escape from it, I needed to stay-put. I am still there, but looking... It was also interesting that she brought up my dancing and skating. She told me I was artistic and that I wasn't finished dancing. Peta (the psychic) insisted I would be dancing again. I had to laugh out loud and tell her: "My dancing days are over!" except maybe for some dancing at parties. I was told the above prince charming would be well off (slackers need not apply!) and finished off the reading by chuckling and saying: "hmm, I see you getting a new computer".

Should I have asked for a money-back guarantee? Do you think I can get my money back or do I have to wait until the end of 2008 to see how much came true? I'll tell you readers right now, this year is not shaping up to be a winner as predicted!

One of the most important reasons I haven't been blogging is my cat, Samantha. My beautiful purring machine has not been herself for a while and I've been spending time taking care of her and giving extra kitty love. About a month ago, I noticed her holding her paw up when she was sitting down and easing herself off of furniture instead of her usual leap. I inspected the foot, but didn't see anything wrong with it. I called her vet and a few days later we were at the office to check it out. It seemed she has one of her nails in-grown into the pad. Her nails were clipped. The small nail in the pad was removed and she was placed on antibiotics as a precaution. The other problem was her weight loss. I bring her in for blood work every 3 months due to hyperthyroidism. She takes medicine daily and did well. I did notice a small change in her weight and the vet confirmed it, but decided not to change her medicine because all of her blood work came back normal. He felt she might stressed by the foot problem and cats will lose a little weight when sick or injured. She took her medicine without too much trouble and I thought things were going well, until I looked at foot one morning and noticed it seemed swollen. I mentally made a note to call the vet from work. As I was leaving for work that day, I returned to my bedroom to retrieve my forgotten glasses and give Samantha a pat on the head. My brain couldn't quite wrap-around what I was seeing ...blood. there was 4 streams of blood rolling down my bed quilt to the floor! I picked her and saw it was coming from her nail . Right then, we were back at the Vets. He put her on more antibiotics, inspected the wound (she must bit the nail while grooming and that started the bleeding). He felt a hard lump at the base of the nail and came up with 2 possible diagnoses. A bacterial infection from the in-grown nail or a tumor(that caused the nail to curve into her foot pad. He went with the bacterial infection because after Samantha opened it by biting at the nail, it stunk. So, she was put on antibiotics and I had to soak the foot twice a day. He said if the foot wasn't completely normal when I returned in two weeks, we'd have to consider there is a tumor behind the infected part of the foot.

We returned to the Vets office on Thursday and he was not pleased. The infection is gone and the wound is closed up. However, the hard lump is still there. The Vet felt if it had been just an infection, the lump should be completely gone. She has also continued to lose weight despite eating (she is eating less). The next step is a chest X-ray and an X-ray of her foot. If she has a cancer it will show up in her lungs first. If the Chest x-ray is negative, he'll operate and remove the affected toe.

She's fifteen years old and other than hyperthyroidism is in excellent shape. I'm hoping for the best, but every time I look at her I feel very sad. In the last month, she's lost a lot of weight for a cat (3lbs). Since the infection has cleared up, she's been more like her old self. I'll know for sure on the 14th whether she'll be able to have the surgery.

I'm out of hibernation and plan to post more regularly. Until the next post, happy knitting. It's a great stress reliever, for sure!!!

Special Notices Only...

2008-01-27T13:07:00.000-05:00

When I became obsessed with knitting, I also became obsessed with joining Yahoo groups related to knitting. I joined a particular group based on my current interest or if I thought I'd have difficulty with a particular pattern, I'd join a Yahoo KAL. Well, 15 groups later: "Stick a fork in me, I'm done!" Just like Ravelry (which I enjoy immensely), groups and the numerous e-mail messages that go along with them, can be real cyberspace vacuum cleaners, sucking up all your available free time!!!
As people who are involved in these groups know, you can participate as much or as little as you like. This morning, I decided to have it my way (just like McDonald's burgers) and used the Special Notices button! This means, I will only get a message from the group when something important information needs to be imparted. The amount of time reading e-mails was only a part of my reason for going on special notice. Lately, the threads seem to be the same tired topics and the "Off topic messages are worse! I think that people e-mail for the sake of seeing themselves in print ( you know 50 people sending a "Me Too" message). Others are lurkers, like me who only post sparingly. I generally like the lurkers because when they do post it's something interesting, helpful, or seem to put the group back in balance when the flame wars start. I've noticed a trend in the last year or so, in lack of internet manners or out and out rudeness. Members in various groups used to be gentler, kinder and more helpful, now behavior is more like the terminator! No question was too stupid and discussions were real discussions with various points of view accepted. people could "agree to disagree". Now, when one posts, he/she better read it 6 times over, wear their thick skins, and be prepared for the hailstorm because at least 3 or more readers is going to rip you a new...you know what! It's really sad. For instance, a member of one group writes in CAPS due to a vision issue. She was so excited to be a part of the group and share her experiences as a new knitter. This woman clearly explained why she did this. She still got several message telling her she was yelling when she did this and it was rude. Others replied that it was okay and they understood her need. Still, some people couldn't leave it alone and specifically told her what she needed to do to rectify this. One woman, was bold enough to tell this woman in no uncertain terms that it bothered her even though it didn't bother anyone else and instructed her in what needed to be done! The woman felt bad that she'd caused such a problem and offered to leave the group. Many people encouraged her not to and offered to help the woman figure things out off the group. This woman was very gracious and accepted offers and stayed in the group. Tell me, is it me or is this insane or what? I've decided for the most part many group members are sane, rational, polite people who love to knit and love sharing their knowledge and handiwork, but more people are critical, have to be right all the time know-it alls who lessen the experience for others. I'm a pretty laid back person. I'm usually one to go with the flow and just use the "delete" button, but it's time to reduce e-mail toxicity and take a vacation. Calgon, take me away! (do they even make this product anymore?). Now don't let me sway any of you away from groups, If you have a sense of adventure, can take the thrills and chills, then by all means continue on...
P.S. Hope this doesn't sound like a rant, it's not meant to be. Just expressing my personal experience. Next...

To my very small group of supporters of my 365 days of blogging (Chris, Are you here? ;^) lol, I've decided that blogging everyday just does not fit my lifestyle. I definitely plan to blog more frequently than last year and my ultimately goal is to enjoy blogging and continue to meet some incredible people. Since I started blogging nearly 3 years ago, I think I live in the best Internet neighborhood around. All you knitters rock!!! Now don't start pulling out the tissues, you'll get me started ;-(Other than having my ass glued to my desk chair reading e-mails, knitting blogs (I'll never give you all up!), I am really knitting and will have some progress pics for the next post or some eye candy to show!Enjoy the rest of you Sunday ( Mine is a bit snowy) and break out the knitting!

Tag, double dutch, rollerblading...

2008-01-13T11:39:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid I was always outside playing with the neighborhood kids. We played tag, jumped rope (double dutch- that's exercise!), chinese jump rope,skating and riding bikes. Of course in the "old days" we had no choice! As soon as I got home from school, My mother or grandmother told me and my sibs to change into play clothes and go outside until supper time.

As an adult, I never seem to have the time...

Now I'm sitting at my desk and looking out the window at the bright sunny day. I think for 2008, I'll try to come up with more reasons to exercise instead of reasons why I can't!

Time to get off my ass and go for a walk! So, I'm off. Hmm...Where did I put those sneakers?

Enjoy your day.

Go for a walk!

353 knitting and blogging

Knit Related

2008-01-12T23:22:00.000-05:00

A few posts ago, I wrote that I had signed up to parallel play with some other bloggers who wanted to blog every day for a year, except on February 28th (leap year day). This will be a day off from blogging should choose too. This posting everyday is a lot harder than I thought! I don't want to bore people who visit often. So, it will be good to challenge myself to be a better writer and to find interesting material! Today was definitely a knitterly type day. I belong to a sock group and one of the women in the group mentioned a LYS in Cohassett, MA has moved to Hingham, MA. These are quaint little towns South of Boston. I had never heard of the store, so I thought this weekend would be a good opportunityto take a ride to find it, especially because all the yarn and books in the store would be 20% off this weekend. I'm so glad I went! The store is beautiful and looks exactly the way I like a yarn store to look (if I had one ;-) . This store has every kind of yarn you could imagine and some I'd never heard of. At this point in my knitting life, I recognize a lot of different yarn brands!

The store was very well stocked and organized. The owner was there and I was very impressed with her treatment of customers and down to earth manner. It's no wonder the store was as busy as it was. Both the owner and her staff were helpful, pleasant and seemed to really enjoy interacting with the customers. I over heard the owner helping a brand new knitter choose project, needles and yarn. I bet she's given many a newbie the passion to knit on! As I was shopping she came over introduced herself, offered help and chatted for a few minutes and then left me to explore her store. I was able to get the yarn I needed for the SOTSII KAL I joined (fiddlesticks/ lace weight 50/50 wool & silk). Of course, because there was a sale, I had to buy something else...Noro sock yarn!

For anyone trying this new yarn, one of the employees gave me some helpful hints for using the Noro . she told me to:
~pull the yarn from the outside, not the middle because the yarn tends to stick on itself

~ Use slightly tighter gauge for knitting the sock because if it's too loosely knit, it will felt in the
washing machine. At the tighter gauge (tighter or smaller?) it will not felt when machine
washed.

I had some restraint and just bought the 2 different yarns, but there many many yarns to be tempted by, but I was good today!

I will definitely visit this store again for future knitting needs!

No pics today. I will take some and post them later.

Almost forgot! The name of this wonderful LYS is Creative Stitch.
354 knitting and blogging

TGIF

2008-01-11T22:33:00.000-05:00

This is going to be a really short post! It was such a crazy busy day today that I almost did the happy dance as I left work! I grabbed some dinner and headed for a knitting group I go to once a month. It was nice to sit and relax and laugh my ass off, cuz it's one funny knit group!!! Now 2 whole days of off .. time to play! So, this post isn't totally boring. Here is some random cuteness:

It's my favorite old chair and I'm not moving...

Where are you sleeping...

Never met a box, I didn't like!

355 knitting and blogging

Knitting Around the World

2008-01-10T19:57:00.000-05:00

Last year I read a couple of blogs about Japanese knitting and was immediately drawn to the patterns and the idea of trying something new I fell in love with the sweaters in a book called "New Style of Heirloom Knitting" . I really wanted to knit the cover sweater! The problem I faced was my lack of the Japanese language. NO, it wasn't the language barrier in terms of making the sweater. I was bold enough to think if I could conquer a french language pattern, then ...Japanese-schmapanese.. this would be no problem! (yeah, yeah... I know...I'm an idiot). My biggest problem was order the book from a Japanese website. I was clueless and afraid I'd order a million dollars worth of books (a million yen might be a little cheaper). Luckily for me, after joining the yahoo group --Japanese knitting, I found an English website and ordered the book. Turns out Japanese knitting depends more on charts than text in making garments and they have standard knitting symbols! Maybe I'm not such an idiot. If you don't like working with charts, your SOL. I have to say, the patterns and the layout of the book are great and the pictures are beautiful. With a little patience and references from the knitting group, I could tackle any item in the book. Many people went Japanese knitting crazy (that old knitting OCD) and bought several books. Me..I bought two and that will keep me busy for a long time. (With my knitting OCD and ADD, they could just be coffee table books for a loooooooong time). The other book I bought is called "KNIT" and I love the patterns in this book too. they're a little more funky than the Heirloom book.

French patterns were my first trip in transatlantic knitting and Japanese the second and now in 2008 Denmark is the "it" knit! My first glimpse of this book was on Fleegle's blog last spring. At the end of her post on this book...sad news! It was not available here in the states and it was not in English. Damn, not another language to decipher!!! What's a knitter who has plenty of English knitting books to keep her busy for this lifetime and a future lifetime to do? Don't let unavailability of the book or not being born in Europe where people grow up learning 20 or so languages ( I know I'm exaggerating aaaaaaand I'm envious... Europeans do learn at least a few different languages!), find it! I e-mailed a Nordic yarn website and asked about the book. I got an e-mail a month later stating were interested in the book and would pursue getting it here! They are now the only U.S. distributors for the book. It became available in October and I was right there ready to order a copy. The book is not in English, a full 3 page translation from danish to English of knitting terms is included and the charts in the book are clear. The book was worth the wait! There's not one pattern in the book I dislike (this is rare!). So who knows, I just might be knitting a something danish. That's the nice thing about knitting..do what you want,when your want or not... or Hmm, it just might make a nice addition to the coffee table.

356 knitting and blogging

Bubbles!

2008-01-09T20:19:00.000-05:00

In the middle of working on a language activitiy, one of my pediatric patients said "Bubbles!" with enthusiasm and a giggle. Now this is a kid who loves bubbles! He knows all the words to the "Bubble Song" (maybe I'll teach you sometime) and it's his favorite activity outside of playing with cars. I'm thinking to myself, cool ...that would be a nice way to end the session today. Then he says again: "Bubbles" and he's giggleing. I'm just about to to tell him, we can play with the bubbles at the end of this activity when I get a whiff of "eaude de Bubble". See class how "bubble " can have more than one meaning? Kids say and do the darndest things!!! Now where do I keep that room spray?

357 knitting and blogging

A quilt, Couch, Clicker, T.V. and Knitting

2008-01-08T19:58:00.000-05:00

I love it when I'm camped out on my couch with my "clicker" and knitting. What do people call their remote controls? Am I the only one (and my family) to call the remote control a clicker? I started calling it that when I was a kid and still do. Tonight, I'm watching two of my favorite shows: "Bones" and "House". I never saw the first episode of either one and tonight both shows are showing their first episodes! The shows are on the same station and back to back, so I might not even have to touch the "clicker". I have loved David Bonreanaz ever since his days as "Angel"! I love "House" because of the rare and weird diagnoses he and his team of tortured colleagues(House tortures them with that scalpel-like tongue of his) have to figure out each week. His bad boy behavior wouldn't fly in a real hospital, but it's fun watching him! It's also time to break out the Shibui! I feel a sock coming on.

358 knitting and blogging

Just another Manic Monday...NOT!

2008-01-07T10:56:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning my usually Monday morning crabby self because it was the beginning of another work week. I arrived at work and put my coat and bag in my office. As I was heading for the fridge to put away my lunch, I ran into the outpatient team leader who had a total look of surprise: TL: What are you doing here?

Me: Huh? (looking surprised and a little speechless. Did someone have a pink- slip party and I wasn't invited?) Ah, It's Monday. I'm supposed to be here.

TL: No, your off today. I'm not kidding, really!!!

Me: No, that can't be. I was on vacation last week. I'm supposed to be here.

TL: (laughs) Come on in (her office) look....No patients on your schedule.

Me: Sure there....HUH? How did that happen?

TL: Let's see whose name is in the computer for cancelling.

Sure enough, somehow when I cleared my schedule for vacation. I inadvertently cancelled by self for today! My team leader said "No patients today means you get to have to have today off! WOOT! What did I do next? You guessed it. I grabbed by keys, coat and bag and said: Hold all my calls! I'm going shopping!
359 knitting and blogging

SHAZZAM!!! ...No, it's SHIBUI!!!

2008-01-06T16:59:00.000-05:00

It's time for some sock knitting and I'm trying some new yarn! It's SHIBUI and it's beautiful. The pattern is a mystery pattern so, I'll show progress photos until it becomes a whole sock! It uses two shades of yarn and has a little bit of intarsia. The pattern is on a need to know basis and that's all we need to know this week! I'm making mine in ivory and Chinese red. Here's a sneak peak of the yarn color. I lurve this yarn!

360 knitting and blogging

FO

2008-01-06T00:10:00.000-05:00

Here the first finished FO for 2008. It's a scarf made with Lion Brand 100% wool. It was a simple chevron pattern I found on the Crystal Palace website. This yarn knit up well with no splitting and it was very soft. It took almost 2 skeins of yarn knitted on size 10 needles. I started it in late December, but was not able to work on it too much due to the silly season craziness. So I finished it a couple of days ago. It's already been gifted ,so I have this picture to add to my knitting journal. I try to keep a journal with pictures and info on each project, but I don't always add them to the journal right away, so...

some day!. Of course being a creative knitter (lol) I have another use for this scarf...

The Kitty Shawl! Note the reluctant model or is that "Strike a Pose"?

P.S I didn't finish this post until after midnight. I almost forgot to post. I went out to dinner with friends and decided to see a movie. I saw "I am Legend" starring Will Smith. Intense!!!

361 knitting and blogging

New Year , New KAL

2008-01-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

It's not even a week into the New Year and I've already signed up for a knit-along!

After the fun of Melanie's Mystery Stole 3 last summer, I'm ready for another one. Mind you, I still need to block the the stole from it. The theme turned out to be "Swan Lake". It was my first experience with lace and I really enjoyed it. After this one, I'll be ready to work on the Here Be Dragone shawl. I still have a few UFO's from 2007 that are nearly finished that I'm working to turn into FO's. I don't know what's gotten into me, but I'm actually enjoying working one these. Sometimes, I get a case of "startitis" and then abandon one project to start a new one! Short post tonight cuz my stomach is growling and I see Chinese food in my immediate future.

362 knitting and blogging

Gunslingers, Towers and Quests...No Knitting.

2008-01-03T21:41:00.000-05:00

I learned to read at a very young age and have never stopped since. In elementary school it was fairytales, short stories for children and comic books. My grandfather brought me my first comics and I enjoyed them so much, I started asking for one everytime we went near any place that sold them! I liked the comics for "girls", but I really loved the superhero comics. Batman,spiderman, and others not as famous. As I got older, I traded comics and fairytales for the Secret Garden,Anne of Green Gables, and stories of the supernatural (ohhhhhhhh scary!). I loved scareing the crap out of myself with my blanket pulled up over my head, imagining there were ghost in my room . The closet door was always SHUT, because you never know what's hiding in there, damn closet monsters! I used to check it twice, just to be sure.

Let me loose in a bookstore and you'd have to send a search party in to find me. To this day, When I say: "I'm just going in the book store for a minute..." The answer I get from friends/family "We'll meet you at the_________" or from my smartass sister "Did you Pack some food and bring a sleeping bag?" My sister didn't read for enjoyment until she was an adult. Until that point, a book was like her own personal kryptonite. "NO,NO get that book away from me, your killing me! I don't need no stinkin books!"( only exaggerating a little B-> )

Right now I'm reading the last book in the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. If you think Harry Potter fans are a dedicated lot (I read all those books too). It ain't nothing compared to Rowland Fans. The first in the series of 7 books came out in 1982 and the last book in the series was published in 2004! I didn't come across the book until 1986. I wasn't even sure I wanted to read it. It was different then Carrie and another one I'd read. I had loved the Carrie book! Wow, to have telekinetic powers!!! Anyway, one rainy day, I started reading the Dark Tower: The Gunslinger and have been a faithful reader since. Unlike Rowling, who published a book every one to two years, King really teased and tortured his readers by writing the next in the series every 4 years. After Wizards and Glass, he took a 6 or 7 year break and he even stated in the afterward of the 4th book he might not complete it and leave the story where it ended! What? What!!! Are you F*%$#ing kidding me? What kind of Bullshit is this?! Luckily he came to his senses. Though he didn't come to his senses until after he was nearly killed by a hit and run driver! I don't know if his life flashing before him had any influence, I'm just saying... I'm glad he he got better from the accident and got around to finishing the damn book!

If you haven't read any of this series, what are you waiting for? Get thee to a library, used book store or friend's bookshelf. Thank ye sai and if your reading this post, its Ka. What am I talking about sai? Ka? Get the book!!! The story has influences of Lord of the Rings, Arthur legend, and a poem by Robert Browning called "Childe Rowland to the Dark Tower Came". The main character is Rowland, a gunslinger. A kind of knight of the Round Table. He is the last of his kind and on a quest. Along the way he meets 3 other characters who will become very important to his quest of reaching the Dark Tower and have their own personal demons to conquer. It's how they meet and become a band of gunslingers to be reckoned with that gets and keeps the reader invested in these characters. Just like Harry Potter, I'm going to miss these characters when the adventure ends! Some of the other science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers I enjoy are Graham Masterton, F. Paul Wilson, Dean Koontz, and Theodore Sturgeon (The Dreaming Jewels), and Terry Brooks. There are many more, but enough about me. What do you like to read? I'm always up for reading new authors (anyway, new to me ).

363 Knitting and blogging

Reducing your stash? Let me help!

2008-01-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

I've given up on New Year's resolutions. That way, I can't fail and feel bad that I couldn't stick to them! Last year, I posted that I was going to not buy any yarn. I lasted about three months, before I found myself standing at the cash register of my LYS with an armful of yarn, reaching into a bag to see what my discount would be (Damn mystery discount sales!). I got all that fiber goodness for 50% off. How can you argue with that? It's like getting yarn for free!

Joining Ravelry made me take a good look at my yarn inventory. It's too large to call a "stash" anymore. I think of a stash as a little (yarn, money etc..) something you can put away for a rainy day. My "stash" is not small enough to hide away (lol). My plan this year is to knit some of it up. So, I'm on the look out for patterns. Like I really need more patterns!!! We won't go there today.

Here's one very nice neck warmer to help reduce that stash and keep you toasty on a winter's day! I found this today on Veronik Avery's blog. It's a Chevron Neck Warmer. She didn't write a formal pattern, but provided her notes on making it. These notes and chart are very easy to understand. According to her blog, people saw her wearing it and requested a pattern.

I know exactly what yarn I'll be using and where I can get some buttons ! Go visit Avery's blog and get knitting that stash down. I'd love to see other's neck warmers. So, post it to your blog so I can see ! I'll Post mine too.

364 knitting and blogging

Only 364 more days to go...

2008-01-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

Reading my blog post title, you'd think I'm anxious for 2009 to arrive, but I'm really not. Instead, I've just lost my mind and signed up for blog 365 ! I've seen badges for this on other blogs and my curiosity got the best of me . The premise is to blog every single day for 2008. Currently over 600 people have signed up. This will be quite a challenge for me seeing as I only blogged 24 times for all of 2007. This means more knitting posts than ever before AND you'll get to know more about me than you ever have or maybe want know!!! I have to have something to write about daily!

365 and knitting/blogging!

Let's do the time warp again...

2007-12-31T20:16:00.000-05:00

Well readers (if there are any of you left!), it's been awhile since I last posted. When I first started blogging, I read all the newbie articles explaining how to have a good blog and make it inviting to readers. One of the first suggestions was keep it current like a diary and write about what your doing now in real time. So, much for that on this blog!!! I've been criss-crossing back in forth in time with my posts and projects! but...

I can't let 2007 close without a December post! So, here goes...

I joined Ravelry awhile ago and have been having some fun meeting up with other ravelers at different events! The first one was Rhinebeck and the most recent was at a Ravelry meet up in Fairhaven, MA (12/8/07). Pam of Lick my Sticks organized a Sunday Brunch meet-up At Eva's Yarn Store. It's a beautiful store with lots of wonderful yarns, patterns and more. She was very gracious and opened the store 2 hours before the normal Sunday time and offered a nice discount for any purchases. (Oh, you know I bought yarn!!!). The food was plentiful and it was so much fun meeting everyone. Lots of shopping and lots of conversation and new friends. Even without another meet-up (one's in the works for Spring!), I'd go to Eva's again. Eva is a knitter and her shop is very welcomingt o knitter's with places to sit, knit and chat. There's coffee and of course lots fiber to drool over . Thanks Pam and Eva!!! Eva was a good sport and modeled Cadbury Keeper's knitted Punk Mohawk. The picture og her shop is just a small part of it . Believe me there's much more to be seen! While there, I bought some Artyarn to make a seafoam scarf (2008), new sock yarn from J. Knits. It's a hand-dyed yarn in an almost solid color of burgundy red called "Massachusetts". It's a super wash too. I'll let you know how it knits up. It hasn't decided what kind of sock to be, so I'll decide later or maybe even have a contest with suggestions and a fiber prize. I've never had a contest, so maybe 2008 is the time to have one! I also bought some Chrystal Palace -"Taos" . I love the colors. It's 100% wool and very soft.

Now,onto the F.O.'s! The first is the "Lace Leaf Pullover" This was a fun and easy knit, until I got to the grafting part of it. This sounds crazy, but I actually enjoyed seeing the grafting as it was completed and the fact that once done, It was not obvious where it was grafted. However, I pulled it and my hair out 4 times before doing it my way and looing the way I wanted it to- invisible!. Teva's directions has the have the upper part of the sweater bound off and the lower half of the sweater with live stitches. When I tried to graft it , I kept getting a line showing exactly where it came together. Finally, I undid the bound off edge and grafted both pieces live. Voila, a whole sweater. Would I make it again? Yes, but would make just a few modifications. Should I make it again, I'll share those mods. A year ago, I would never have thought of making my own modifications! I think this means I've grown at least a little bit in my skills! I used the recommended yarn and loved it. While making it, anyone who saw it commented on the beauty of the color. Believe me, my photography just doesn't do it justice. The yarn is Filites-Van Dyck. It's a chunky yarn and very warm! As you can see it's not fitted, but was comfy and went great with my jeans. here is a close-up of the wooden buttons I used. I found these at my LYS. This store sells sewing,quilting, and other craft supplies. What I didn't realize was the extensive button section at the back of the store! If I hadn't procrastinated for so long, this sweater would have been finished last spring instead of his November! My next project is one that just made me smile and think of summer every time I took them out of my bag to knit... watermelon socks! These were fun to make and I was fascinated by how the stripes and the watermelon seeds appeared just as they should as I knitted them up! The yarn is from Freshisle Fibers in Canada. It is 100% suffolk wool. I was obsessed from the moment I saw this yarn and had to have it. Only so many batches are made each year. 2007 was my lucky year! Initially, I wanted the fingering weight for socks, but like vesper yarn (which I scored this year too!) disappears 5 minutes after its put on the website for sale! I went with the worsted weight to make boot socks or around-the-house and am very happy with the results. These need to be washed before being worn ( I was in a hurry to post them), because the yarn is minimally processed ( I found straw in it). After the wash, they will be fluffier and whiter. So consider this a before picture and I'll post an after Pic later. Lastly, I make a the Noro scarf from Ocean Wind Knits. I loved the pattern and the scarf came out beautifully!. The pattern calls for Noro, but I substituted Plymouth Yarns - boku. It was easy to knit with and the color runs are similar to Noro. The pattern in the scarf is called Orca scale stitch. It's a free pattern. Check it out!

Well that's my end of the year knitting and I'm ready to start 2008 with enough projects to keep me going till the next millennium! I want to say thanks to everyone whose stopped by to say hello, offer support and be the wonderful people you are!! Hope you'll join me again in 2008. I'll certainly be dropping by your blogs with my coffee and knitting in hand! This last post for 2007 ends with Pictures of my sweet cats(although they look more haughty than sweet ...they really are sweet!)and me wishing you a:
HAPPY, HEALTHY,AND KNITTY NEW YEAR!!!

Rhinebeck... It's stuck in my head!

2007-11-04T19:56:00.000-05:00

It was really stuck in my camera, which decided not to give up the pictorial memories!!! I don't why the computer couldn't upload them, but I finally found a way to get them and without further ado...Rhinebeck!

As a newbie to I jumped in with both feet by going with a group of knitters via Yarn Safari Tours. I met some great knitters/bloggers and despite a few bugs with bus route and and late start, it was a good way to go. Next year, I like to go for the weekend. Besides the festival, the area itself is absolutely beautiful! Fall is my favorite season and the Hudson Valley area was a dream! I played blogger bingo and even before getting into the festival, I met one of the other players, Pam! She has a great blog called Lick my Sticks. I was so excited to meet my first blogger bingo person, I called her by the wrong name and then forgot to get a picture! Pam remembered. It was great to get to meet her!

There was so much to see that I walked around in awe not sure of what to do! I decided to stroll through several areas to get my head together and then shop. First, I walked around the outside vendors and animal pens and then went into some of the buildings. There were lots of knowledgeable 4H students and farmers talking about their animals and products. People for the most part were pretty laid-back and friendly, despite the large, sometimes slow moving crowds.strollers, shopping bags, etc.

Here are a few pics of some animals I saw. The little boy in the picture was great at answering every one's questions about these sweet alpacas. One was making little cooing/chirpy noises and snuggling with the other one. Sometimes, they'd snuggle around the boy and put their heads under his hand. You could tell he was very proud of taking care of these animals.

For me, it was a real eye-opener learning about all the different types of sheep there are! Here is a picture of two peaceful looking sheep. These two seemed totally unfazed by all the visitors looking at them and touching them. After seeing all these great animals and having time to get myself together, I was ready to shop! Here are pictures of the great stuff I Bought!

I promised myself not to even think about spinning... hand spindle or wheel! Seeing all those different spindles and wheels, put me over the edge! I broke down (It didn't take much !) and bought a Rakestraw Spinner and some beautiful roving (new vocabulary). I also got some lace weight yarn from Briar Rose Fibers. They also sold patterns. So, I bought a pattern I'd seen online called the bumblebee shawl. I was good and only bought two skeins of sock yarn. The pink one is made out of wool and soy silk. I haven't knit with this blend and it's so soft! I bought a few patterns (not shown) and I had to get the Ice Wine after taste testing some of the wines.

I didn't think of eating until later in the day and stuck to my usual fare... sausage with peppers and onions. Everyone was talking about how good the lamb chili and lamb kabobs were. Never, never, never...not Me! I just couldn't think about eating those cute little lambs! I know what your thinking...hypocrite...she ate the sausage. I have to draw the line somewhere. Dessert later in the day was much less of a dilemma. I had chocolate pudding cake drizzled with chocolate sauce and raspberry sauce. It was delicious!

I had a great day and can't wait till next year. I figure this post is better late than never. If your in the area next year and have never been to Rhinebeck. it's worth your time!

Now... Spider Man 3 is waiting for me

Rhinebeck here I come...I'm a Player and a Square!

2007-10-17T20:28:00.000-04:00

When I saw the date of my last post, I almost fell off my chair! Yikes!!! All I'm gonna say is "Ditto" cause I have the same reasons for not blogging that you've read on other blogs and I don't want you to have read them again!

I'm very excited aboutgoing to the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival. I've never been before, but always read about how much fun it was and of course, there's all that beautiful fiber! Like I'm in dire need for more yarn(LOL), but I just have to feed my addiction. I'm also going to jump right in and play Rhinebeck Bingo. It's a chance to meet lots of other fiber lovers and knit bloggers. I heard it was a blast last year, so I'm jumping in with both feet this year and being a player and a square! The object is to find all of the players who are on your bingo card. I got mine via e-mail and the countdown to Rhinebeck begins. 2 days and counting. There will be prizes for bingo and who doesn't love prizes!

I'm going by way of Yarn Safari Tours. It's run by a woman named Peta Bailey who arranges bus tours to the various fiber events in New England. I'll be able to meet fellow knitters and sit back, socialize and knit. Who could ask for more? No driving to New york for

me! Anyone else out there in blogger land going on the Yarn Safari bus? Drop me a comment!

Now onto knitting...

I really have been knitting . I finished a pair of socks that have been sitting around since March and another pair is close to being done (clementine's). Of course, I can't leave sock knitting alone until I completely finish all my UFOs. I've started another pair "Watermelon"...love these socks! Last but not least, the lace leaf pullover is finis! I really like but the grafting....aaaaaaaaaaaah! That's all I'm saying for now. I'll give more details in the next post when I show it off! Despite the screaming, I'd make it again! I don't have any pictures of the above for this post (no batteries in the camera), but I'll have some for the next post.

Almost time for the "Bionic Woman" gotta go!

Boston, yarn and duck ponds

2007-09-03T18:34:00.000-04:00

Today is the end of a much needed and enjoyed vacation. Tomorrow I return to work..ugh! However, I want to share a fun day I had with my niece and mother! I was born in Cambridge, MA. and lived there on the second floor of my grandparents house,until I was 11 years old. My mother had grown up in that house. We lived between central and Harvard square and by the time I moved to the suburbs, I knew the area like the back of my hand. My parents worked Monday-Friday, but weekends were family time and they kept us busy! One of the places we loved to go was the Boston commons and the garden to ride the swan boats and see the ducks. It was, and still is a great place to people watch, or as my father would say: "Take in the sights".

On Friday, I called my mother to find out what she was doing. I thought we could go to lunch together. She said she was babysitting my niece and maybe we could take her to a park to play. That's when it hit both of us at the same time, Boston! So I picked up commuter rail tickets and we were on our way to Boston. This was my niece's first train ride and she loved it! It was a little crowded on the train and I ended up sitting one seat behind her. We played peek-a-boo and hiding games that sent her into the giggles. I got this picture when she peeked around the seat. She thought It was great that the conductor gave her a green ticket. After that, every time he walked past she waved and said: "Hi!" I was kicking myself a little bit for not bringing some knitting with me. It's a 30 minute ride on the train. I could have knit in-between games of peek-a-boo ;-).

We arrived at South Station ready to hit the pavement! I like walking though south Station. There are book and magazine stands that seem more like bookstores and plenty of places to get food and "take in the sights". We stopped for a light snack because we knew it would be a while before we actually sat down to relax. This is what the building looks like from outside the station. While we were drinking coffee and deciding what we wanted to do first, I was looking around for some lunchtime knitters. I know the Boston SNB group members sometimes meet at lunch or after work at the station to knit/crochet. However, no one was there today.

One of the side trips we took was to the Windsor Button Shop. I didn't know this until I mentioned where I'd like to stop my mother used to buy most of her buttons and zippers there! When I was a kid, she used to sew a lot (she was damn good!). I had never been there myself. I was so excited to see all the different yarns they sell and all of the knit related books and magazines. The only problem I had with the place was the heat. It was really warm in there and I couldn't concentrate on all that yarn goodness. I plan to go back and spend some time there looking at everything and buying! I don't know about anyone else, but all stores seem to be holding out on the AC. Anyway, off to the Commons! My niece was enjoying her stroller ride and every few minutes we'd hear "LOOK!" She's two years old and is talking in sentences, but when she's excited you hear real sentences mixed with jargon. It sounded like: "Nana, look jargon-jargon over there! " Eventually, we figured it out. That kid's really a hoot and so smart!
We walked though the Boston Commons and sat on a bench near the frog pond so my niece could stretch her legs. She had a great time seeing other children and watching the pigeons . Look, Bird! Hi Bird! Me, I'm thinking rats with wings. Time to head to the gardens. Here's a picture of the swan boats. We took my niece for a ride, but had no one to take a picture from the dock. So, here's a picture of some people riding the boat. It doesn't hold the same kind of excitement as when I was a kid, but I loved watching my niece's expressions and chatter.

The ducks are really used to people and swam really close to the edge of the pond and then hopped on the grass to visit. My niece giggled,waved and told all the other kids to look at the ducks and then it was a jargon-a-thon cuz all the toddlers were talking to each other and the ducks!

There's a sign that asks visitors not to feed the birds. It didn't stop a woman from throwing bread in the pond. The ducks came for out of the water for more food and a visit. They're really not afraid of people.

This duckling seemed to be the smallest and youngest in the pond. It walked right up to us, stood for a few seconds, shook itself and proceeded to groom as it stood in front of us. It was really cute! It was a really nice way to spend the day and a nice intro for my niece to the city and the commons. We spent the rest of the day walking through Copley square, stopping at the Church and square across from the Copley Library. There was a farmers market there with lots of beautiful flowers and vegetables. We ate at Legal Seafood's in the prudential Center and strolled through the shops on the way back to South Station. By the time we got back to South Station, I was wishing I was young enough to be pushed in a stroller! (If you live in the area, you can appreciate what a walk that was!) Have a good week everyone and the next post will be knitting updates.

Wow, I'm in!!!

2007-08-05T17:44:00.000-04:00

I play well with others!

After reading about it on a few blogs,I signed up in early June for Ravelry and got my invite on Saturday. I can't believe how much is going on there and how good it's going to be to find so much information in one place. When it comes to knitting sometimes I have amnesia and end up buying more needles, stitch holders, etc... I already have. Ravelry allows one to keep a personal inventory of yarn,books, and other knit related stuff. I had some time today to go through two of the boxes I have in my closet and talk about amnesia! I swore I had not one acrylic yarn in my stash. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I had quite a bit! When I went back to knitting 5 years ago, I wasn't as choosy about yarn as I am now. My only thought was how much I needed, weight and softness. Blasphemy I know, but I didn't think much about the fiber. Oh...color was the only other consideration. However, I thought I had given most of it away, but obviously hadn't. I still like the colors and tended to buy the Caron-soft and I actually have red heart-soft. Looking at the yarn now, I think they might make great sweaters for my nieces. I don't tend to make sweaters for young children because they grow so quickly and I don't want my sisters worrying about taking special care. So, know I can knit some cute everyday sweaters that can be tossed in the washing machine. Everyone's happy. It can also be used to make toys, or bratz/barbie clothes for the girl's dolls. A little charity knitting would be good too.

Looking though my stash and thinking about what's in the other boxes, I'm seeing my progression as a knitter from newbie to intermediate/advanced (more in the intermediate)with the variety of projects I now like to knit and the kinds of fibers I've learned about and choose to use. Like everyone, I'm always looking for bargains. On occasion, I splurge and buy the "to die for" yarn. The other thing is...MY STASH IS SCARING ME TO DEATH! If I want to knit everything I've bought yarn for or are thinking about making, I don't have time to eat,sleep ,or work for a living(scratch that one, gotta work!) (hmm, perfect diet though-knit your way thin! ;-) ) Do I want to stop buying yarn? NAH!

Knitting updates:

1.I'm on the heels of the socks that have been hanging around on my needles.

2.I'm working on MS3 and loving it! I'm not as up to clue 5 yet. Melanie told us this years theme is Swan Lake. Cool, huh! She recommended using black or white yarn, but I chose indigo with gunmetal seed beads (they're blue and a little metallic looking) and a perfect match to the yarn!

3. Kauni Kal - Is on my list to do. I've put it on hold until I finish #1,#2, and#4.

4. My green sweater (Teva Durham) is coming along. I need to make the sleeves and graft the top and bottom pieces and voila, a sweater! I'm loving making this sweater using the Van dyck yarn. The search and wait for it was worth it!

Sorry for the long post. I've been too quiet on this blog! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

OOPS...Caught!

2007-07-22T12:14:00.000-04:00

In my last post, which was eons ago (June!), I stated I would not be joining any KALS for the summer ,because I get too stressed trying to finish everything. After writing that post, I was net surfing and found the Kauni KAL. I just had to join ,despite my post about a join free summer!(So, much for my resolve 8-o ) !). I got a comment posted by a reader (who had a good chuckle while reading it). Why you ask? Cuz she found my blog though the KAL! BAM, caught joining another knit along! When I read her comment, I had a good laugh and a laugh AT myself!!! I must remember to take off my invisibility cloak! Here is a picture of what made me join the KAL ! Many people are making their Kauni sweaters in the original rainbow color seen in the picture. I like it ,but wondered whether it would be too bright for me. So, I ordered the yarn in a different multicolored shade. Mine will be made in shades of Autumn. Here is a picture. It has golds,browns,reds and a couple of other fall colors. I really like the look of it and can't wait to make this one. I'm not starting it until I finish a couple of other items. I'm actually glad I joined this KAL because some of the gauge information and sizing in the pattern is as clear as mud to me! Knitters participating in this KAL are unbelievable! There has been so much sharing of information that by the time I'm able to start this sweater, I should no problem making it. Thanks in advance to any Kauni Kal readers!

In other knitting news, my Teva Durham sweater is coming along. The bottom half of the sweater is done and the top half of the sweater is nearly complete. I had to go to the frog pond once and rip it back to the collar. That was a big rip back! It was almost completed, but the look of the leaves at the neck was bugging the hell out me. They looked wonky, while the leaves at the bottom looked beautiful. That was not going to do, so...rip it. rip it. I have two pairs of socks and both are close to the heel. I'm a little stuck on one of sock heels, because instead of making it on 2 circular needles, I chose DPNS. I think I just need to find a quiet few minutes to read and mull it over to figure out the orientation for knitting the heel and gusset. It's a really cool sock pattern I got from a Socktopia knitting competition. My team came in second, but it was a fun re-match!

Non knitting news... Harry Potter! I reserved a copy at my local borders and picked up yesterday. I can't wait to see how it ends. I have all I can do not to look at the last page! I did not go the Hallows Ball bash all the borders had, but heard it was fun. I was too tired Friday night to stand in line after midnight waiting for my reserved copy of the book. Instead, I picked it up the next day and still got a free poster and magic wand! (will I every fully grow up? Hope not!). I think my 9 year old niece will enjoy the extras. All of you enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Sending out happy knitting thoughts!

Keep It Simple

2007-06-18T20:33:00.000-04:00

Ever since I started blogging, I've joined a million (feels like that many!) KALS or other virtual group activities (i.e. summer reading) . My problem? I overwhelm myself and treat them like "must get dones" rather than enjoyable activities and nothing gets done. Then the fun factor disappears. Not this summer! No sock-along, color a-longs, read-a-longs etc. I've joined one and that's it!!! The Mystery 3 stole along. Every week each person in the group gets a clue (part of the pattern to knit). There is a theme to be revealed later. The other groups I joined over the winter are ongoing, but I haven't done much. So, I'm wiping the slate clean! I still want to read (can't live without a good book! 8-} ) or stop knitting, but as my little friend above so eloquently states:Simplify. It's gonna be a no pressure summer!

I haven't any progress pics yet for my sweater, but I have been working on it. The bottom half is completed and I'm making progress with the top half of the sweater. I'm working the separation rows and increases. Once the increases are done and armholes made, the sweater is joined again and worked in the round. Once both pieces are knitted, the upper and lower body will be grafted together using a Kitchener stitch (that's when the language on this blog may become quite colorful!!! ) The sleeves look like fun to knit. We'll see... So far, I'm enjoying it. My socks are UFOs right now, but I keep them in the car in case I need something small to knit. That's it for updates. Hope everyone is having a good week so far.

I'm a wordpress dropout, knitting, and back to blogger!

2007-05-26T08:03:00.000-04:00

Well my blogging friends , you must be dizzy going back and forth reading postings between word press and blogger. Despite, the number of issues blogger had, I was one of the fairly lucky ones in terms of posting. I wanted something new, so I switched to word press. It's been a very frustrating experience for me. Learning to post and have pictures wasn't difficult (well, maybe the pics upload, a bit...), but most of my frustration was with the post loading to my blog. It was either lost in cyber-land someplace or I'd get a 404 message! Every time, I posted it took 2 - 3 rewrites to attempt to post. It's one of the reasons, I haven't been posting lately. So, here I am! I kept the new blog name (I really like it) and ditched the blog. From now on you'll find me here. Thanks for hanging in there!!! Now onto actual knitting content!

I have been making socks for ages and decided I needed a change. Last year, I bought some really beautiful yarn and it's been sitting in my stash, waiting to become a sweater. When I bought the Loop-de-Loop book by Teva Durham, I fell in love with the green sweater that many knitters have already made. Here is a progress photo: The yarn I'm using is Van Dyck. The photos don't do justice to how beautifully shaded it is. It's a chunky yarn that's soft and easy to work with. I've finished knitting the lower body of the sweater and have starting the neck up to the leaf section. When the upper body is finished it is grafted to the lower body. I've never done this before so it will be a new learning experience. That's it for now, Enjoy the long weekend!!!

Moving time...come visit

2007-04-16T10:40:00.000-04:00

I am still learning how to use wordpress,but have been posting to both blogs. I've decided to stop using blogger as a crutch and just move! Today's post is at www.knittinginfinity.wordpress.com. It's been fun starting my blog and making friends here! I hope you'll all come to the new blog. all future posts can be found there. I'm leaving this one up for a while. I still have to export my archives.That'sthis weeks goal. Enjoy the week and stop by!

Happy Easter

2007-04-07T23:12:00.000-04:00

First off, I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter! If you don't celebrate Easter, then Happy Weekend or whatever you enjoy! It's been a blah kind of week for me. I haven't felt like doing much of anything. I need some spring weather fast! I will post more next week, until then hope to get some knitting done.

Counting sheep...er blogs

2007-03-28T20:28:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about moving to wordpress, but was having trouble posting. For some reason ,my posts were disappearing into thin air or cyberspace. Who knows they might be in outer space! So, I am using both blogger and wordpress ,until I feel ready to make the move to wordpress permanently. Chris from http://www.stumblingoverchaos.com dropped by and left a welcome message. Thanks! I don't think she knew that it was me...then again, Chris knows all the news in the knitting world! Want to know about the latest blog contests , blog news or need a book recommendation visit Chris and say "Hi" to chaos and mayhem..what? Just go visit! I decided I needed a name change for my blog too! The posts for each blog site is different or a variation on a theme and there are links to all you wonderful regulars under the Blogroll, with plenty of room for more! I'll post a last message here before I move on to wordpress for good. Still time this evening for a little knitting. I'm outta here!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

2007-03-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

Who can resist colorful birthday balloons!

Today is my birthday and so far it's been wonderful! I love that it's on the first day of Spring! It's one of my favorite seasons, Autumn being my most favorite! I think anyone having a birthday should shout it out to the world, so we can all celebrate your special day with you! To all of you having a birthday today: HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MAY YOUR WHOLE YEAR BE SPECIAL!!! Leave a comment if it's your birthday. I'll visit and wish you well!

Post surgery, books and...

2007-03-20T09:27:00.000-04:00

I have a bad case of spring fever! (what's a post without a picture!)

In the list of books below, bold the ones you’ve read, italicize the ones you want to read, cross out the ones you won’t touch with a ten-foot pole, put a cross (+) in front of the ones on your book shelf, and asterisk (*) the ones you’ve never heard of.

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien) Will never read
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien) Ditto
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien) Still no!
8. Anne of Green Gables (L. M. Montgomery)
9. *Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. *A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. *A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15.+ Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. *Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger) (read twice)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. *Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis) (read all of them!)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom) (IDK if I want to read this)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks) (saw the movie)
33.Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. *The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. *The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. *The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40.* The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. *The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella) (won't read)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom) (not likely to read)
45. Bible (Only what was assigned in sunday school and confirmation classes)

46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. *She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. *The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) (in H.S. for a class)
53. *Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. *The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood) (saw the movie)
60. *The Time Traveler’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) (never read it/probably never will)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy) (never again!)
64. Interview with the Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. *Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. *One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares) (not likely to read)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery) (read it in H.S. french class)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. *Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett) (4x's favorite childhood book!)
76. *The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. *The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. *Not Wanted On the Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. *Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen) (saw the movie)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. *The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. *Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. *Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. *In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. +The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S. E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch) (saw the movie)
98.* A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Hmm... I watch to many movies (not complaining!). I say from the list above that I read to many books, but in truth, one can never read too much!!! I said in a previous post, I wouldn't do too many of these, but I couldn't resist this one! I just might have to make up one for knitters and see how many knitting books are on people's shelves or one related to yarn. I'll have to think about it for a while.

My knee surgery went well. The surgeon took care of that mean old meniscus tear and I was only on crutches for 3 days. I didn't need to take too much pain medication after the surgery. Overall, it wasn't a bad experience as surgery goes. Right now my knee is stiff and I'm icing it, but still , I can feel a difference from pre-surgery status. The only bummer was the surgeon told me I have arthritis in my knee and down the road (I'm hoping years from now) I'll need a partial or full knee replacement... for the moment things are good. So, I'm not asking for more!

I lasted for one round of Sock Madness. My surgery prep and surgery kind of clashed with the start of the competition, but I did pretty well for my own personal record! I actually knit a sock in one day! That's a record for someone who usually makes a sock in a week. It took longer to get the second one done and that cost me the round. Win or lose, I still get the newly designed patterns. This makes me a happy camper! I'll post some pics of the socks a little later.

Have a great day, enjoy the sun!

Sock Madness, Mad cow and Meniscus...

2007-03-10T09:43:00.000-05:00

One of these things is not like the others, but all the items listed in my blog today have one thing in common...knitting or not knitting well! I joined the Sock Madness competition and it's going to be a fun! We got the first pattern this a.m called Mad Cow. I can't say anything else about the pattern except that it's done in two colors. Here is a picture of the yarns I'll be using.

The varigated yarn is from knitpicks in a color called Sock Garden and the solid is wildfoote's Lullaby. Both are 50 gram skeins. The fun thing about this competition is even though I may be eliminated, I will still receive all seven original patterns! So, even if I lose, I win! This first round is a timed one and the first 16 competitors from each team to post their socks on the flickr group will advance to the next round. I'm a team member of Nancy Bush's traditional knitting. Each team is named for a well known knitter/sock designer. My weapon of choice: magic loop and top down. Wish me luck! I'll need it. I'm not the fastest knitter on the planet!

The sock you see on the left was the current sock to keep me busy while waiting for sock madness to begin. It's a simple self-striping sock in spring colors done in a basic pattern I found at: http://www.chicknits.com/socklove.html These are bare bone directions, but clear and easy to follow. Actually, at this point, I could knit basic socks with my eyes closed! The basic directions are like a security blanket for me. 8-D So, for now until the madness ends, these socks have been banished to the Stash.

In the mood for something medical...

I said that the items in my post today were all related by knitting. The fact is my knee is not knitting together! Boo Hoo... I had an MRI done about two weeks ago and met with the surgeon, who has now become my surgeon. I have a horizontal tear in my right medial meniscus with effusion (no, I'm not cursing at you...just fluid in the knee). It will not heal by itself, so I will be having arthroscopic surgery this Friday to fix it. Here's what a picture of a normal knee and a torn meniscus looks like (always need pics in a blog..lol) The picture on the right is normal knee anatomy with a nice smooth intact medial meniscus. A tear can cause the knee to lock or be unstable. I'm of the unstable variety and every so often my knee gives out. The tear you see in this MRI picture (not mine) is what a horizontal tear looks like. The surgeon feels it will be an simple repair and many people are up walking on crutches one to two hours after they wake up from surgery. Well that's nice Doc, but I'll also take that ice pack and the percocet Rx (or whatever they give for pain these days) thank you very much! Now for the good part..11 days home from work and LOTS of knitting! Anyone not a knitter reading this must be thinking I touched in the head, but that's how we knitters think and I know I'm not alone! Thanks to everyone to who has sent me well wishes since I started this topic. You're all the BEST!

Have a great weekend !!!

137movies and counting...

2007-03-04T21:05:00.000-05:00

This is a non-knitting post. I love movies and have since I was a child. It states below that if you've seen over 85 movies, you have no life. Believe me, if this were true, I'd win the award for no lifer of the century! The list below doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the number of movies I've seen in my lifetime, thus far! I thought I'd add brief comments or my reactions to some of the movies to make it more interesting! Try this quiz yourself or save it for a rainy day, when your lacking a topic for a post! I'm trying to post more regulary. Also in over the time, I've had a blog, this is the first quiz of this type I've done!

It’s been said that allegedly if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own blog, paste it in and put x’s by the ones that you have seen. Add them up, change the header adding your number, and post it.

A lot of these are horror or science fiction movies. I watch a variety of genres. So, maybe sometime in the future, I'll have to come up with a more varied list or even do one for indie movies. I took this quiz from http://short-n-craftysista.blogspot.com thanks!

(X)Rocky Horror Picture Show -Saw it during a summer in N.Y. When friends found out I hadn't seen it, They took me to a midnight showing with props and all. While waiting, to get in I thought I was being indoctrinated into some strange cult! It turned out to be a blast and actually ended up seeing it 4x that summer!

(X)Grease

(X) Pirates of the Caribbean

() Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest. I love johnny Dep, but once was enough

( ) Boondock Saints

() Fight Clu

() Starsky and Hutch

(X) Neverending Story

() Blazing Saddles

() Airplane

(X)The Princess Bride

()AnchorMan

(X) Napoleon Dynamite: I've seen this a few times/funny movie!

(X) Labyrinth

(X) Saw -suspense and surprises

() Saw II - Oh no, I couldn't bear to see the sequel !

(X) White Noise

(X ) White Oleander

() Anger Management

(X) 50 First Dates

(X) The Princess Diaries -Cute!

() The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Total so far:12 out of 22.

(X) Scream

(X) Scream 2

(X) Scream 3

() Scary Movie

() Scary Movie 2

() Scary Movie 3

() Scary Movie 4

(X) American Pie

() American Pie 2

() American Wedding

( ) American Pie Band Camp

(X) Harry Potter 1 - YES, I admit it, I'm a harry potter fan and have read all the books and seen all the movies. Can't wait for the next ones!

(X) Harry Potter 2

(X) Harry Potter 3

(X) Harry Potter 4

(X) Resident Evil 1

(X) Resident Evil 2

() The Wedding Singer - I do want to see this one. Just haven't gotten around to renting it!

(X ) Little Black Book

(X) The Village ..and I was the idiot to rent this one. really bad. Actor talents wasted!

( )Lilo & Stitch

Total so far:24 out of 43.

(X) Finding Nemo

( ) Finding Neverland

(X) Signs - This M. Shamylan movie was better than The Village, but...

(X)The Grinch - Now who hasn't seen it...I'm talking animated not Jim carey

(X) Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Too scary . I switched channels after the first 15 minutes and If I'm ever stuck on the side of the road, you can bet I won't be walking into any condemned looking house or going with anyone who looks like they haven't had a bath in a year! (just a helpful travel tip).

( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning - What did I just tell you? Stay away from scary looking farmhouses!

() White Chicks

(X) Butterfly Effect I was glued to this movie, but in the end my thought was...huh?

() 13 Going on 30

(X) I, Robot - I love me some Will Smith!, Oh ya the movie...lots of action!

(X ) Robots - very cute! Tho, I think adults would get more of the humor!

(X) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story- Had no desire to see this when it hit the movie screens, but saw it on HBO and laughed my ass off in some spots. Has anybody seen it..the movie not my ass, believe me I found that!

(X) Universal Soldier - Jean claude ...sigh. The movie was okay

() Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events - still in the wrapper. I'll save for a rainy day when my neice visits and we need a movie

() Along Came Polly

() Deep Impact

( ) KingPin

(X) Never Been Kissed

(X) Meet The Parents - I liked it better than the sequel

(X ) Meet the Fockers

( ) Eight Crazy Nights

( ) Joe Dirt

(X) King Kong - too long and just alright. There were some good moments...

Total so far: 38 out of 66. YIKES

( ) A Cinderella Story

( ) The Terminal. Sounded too claustrophobic for me.

( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie

( ) Passport to Paris

(X) Dumb & Dumber I watched this for about 30 minutes and had to change the channel..ugh. What a waste of celluloid. This was even a movie to knit by.

( ) Dumber & Dumberer - I didn't even think about seeing the sequel. Please readers, tell me you didn't do it!

(X) Final Destination ok, ok I watched it..my excuse? good movie for knitting!

( Final Destination 2

() Final Destination 3

() Halloween

(X) The Ring The japanese versions of both 1 and 2 was much better and more suspenseful.

(X) The Ring 2

( ) Surviving Christmas

() Flubber

( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle

(X) Practical Magic

(X) Chicago

(X) Ghost Ship

( X) From Hell Johhny Depp was good in this movie. Alittle bloody tho..had to peek between my fingers at time. Damn, I dropped the knitting a few times during this one!

(X) Hellboy- fun comic book movie!

(X) Secret Window - suprise ending!

(X) I Am Sam - had my tissues for this one. I have to say Sean Penn was pretty good (I'm not usually a fan of his movies) and dakota fanning a cutie.

( ) The Whole Nine Yards

( ) The Whole Ten Yards

Total so far: 50 of 90.

(X) The Day After Tomorrow

() Child’s Play

() Seed of Chucky

() Bride of Chucky

( ) Ten Things I Hate About You

(X) Just Married

(X) Gothika

(X) Nightmare on Elm Street - earned my 2 nighlights and a "no doze "or pot of coffee rating. There'll be no dreaming in this house tonight.

(X) Sixteen Candles

( ) Remember the Titans

( ) Coach Carter

(X) The Grudge - I sound like a scratched CD,but the japanese version was better!

( ) The Grudge 2 -

(X) The Mask

(X) Son Of The Mask

(X) Bad Boys

( ) Bad Boys 2

(X) Joy Ride - I liked this one. Here's another travel tip: Don't be scamming the truckers on the CB radio when you get bored. Play the usual in the car games like licence plate or looking for certain brands of cars. You'll still be bored as hell, but you'll live to tell about it!

( ) Lucky Number Sleven

(X) Ocean’s Eleven lots of eye candy, but the movie..

( ) Ocean’s Twelve

(X) Bourne Identity eye candy and action . who could ask for more!

(X) Bourne Supremecy- ditto

( ) Lone Star

(X) Bedazzled- no, no, no. This movie is good for 90 minutes of steady knitting!

(X) Predator I

(X) Predator II This time the sequel was better than the original!

(X) The Fog. It's okay

(X) Ice Age - very funny watch it with or without kids!

( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

( ) Curious George

Total so far: 68 out of 121.

(X) Independence Day

(X) Cujo

(X) A Bronx Tale - crime movie. Well done

(X) Darkness Falls

(X) Christine - be nice to your car or it won't be nice to you.

(X) E.T. Seen this one a few times!

(X) Children of the Corn another travel tip Stay out of weird towns. Get recomendations from your friends and STAY out of the cornfields. No good has ever come out of walking or running for your life out of cornfields, except in that movie with Kevin Costner...

( ) My Bosses Daughter

() Maid in Manhattan

() War of the Worlds

(X) Rush Hour - Funny the first time around

(X) Rush Hour 2 - I didn't take my own advice on sequels!

( ) Best Bet

() How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days - I don't need a movie for this one!

(X) She’s All That

() Calendar Girls

( ) Sideways

() Mars Attacks

(X) Event Horizon - The best part of this movie.. The end!

() Ever After

(X) Wizard of Oz

(X) Forrest Gump

(X) Big Trouble in Little China. I loved this movie. It was fun! I found it as a rental .It's an older movie with Kurt Russell.

(X) The Terminator

(X) The Terminator 2

() The Terminator 3 I didn't bother. I was terminatored out by then.

Total so far:84 out of 147.

(X) X-Men

(X) X-2

( ) X3 x1 +x2 does not = x3.

X) Spider-Man

(X) Spider-Man 2

(X) Sky High

(X) Jeepers Creepers- Travel tip Don't go looking for trouble. Just dial 911 and then drive the hell out of town and don't stop until you reach your destination. Also, don't drink any liquids cuz you can drive without stopping so often. And another thing...get your car checked and serviced BEFORE you hit the open road. Nobody ever has the part you need in creepy towns and there's no way out!

() Jeepers Creepers 2

() Catch Me If You Can

() The Little Mermaid

() Freaky Friday

() Reign of Fire

(X) The Skulls

(X) Cruel Intentions

( ) Cruel Intentions 2

() The Hot Chick

(X) Shrek

() Shrek 2

Total so far: 100 out of 165.

() Swimfan

(X) Miracle on 34th street

( ) Old School

(X) The Notebook - See it and have tissue ready

(X) K-Pax

( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe

( ) A Walk to Remember

(X) Ice Castles - politics in skating for dummies for the rest of you its just a movie

(X ) Boogeyman - I still don't like leaving my closet door open or let my feet dangle over off the bed. It's just a precaution..

( ) The 40-year-old Virgin

(X) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring

X) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

(X ) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King

(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

() Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Total so far: 110 out of 181.

( ) Base-ketball

( ) Hostel - Travel tip not all hostels are the same. check em out carefully. I only saw a trailer of this at the movies. It was enough to know I would be passing on this one

( ) Waiting for Guffman

( )House of 1000 Corpses

( ) Devils Rejects

( ) Elf

(X) Highlander

(X) Mothman Prophecies again , I say huh?

(X ) American History X This was a powerful movie, that still gives me chills, when I think of certain scenes, one in particular...if you've seen this movie. I bet it the same scene.

( ) Three

( X) The Jacket

(X) Kung Fu Hustle

( )Shaolin Soccer

(X) Night Watch Ewan Mcgregor is in this. Need I say more.. It's a thriller with Nick Nolte,patricia Arquette, Loren (gilmore girls) and josh Brolin. It's pretty good and you can knit at the same time.

(X) Monsters Inc.

(X) Titanic

() Monty Python and the Holy Grail

(X) Shaun Of the Dead

() Willard

Total so far: 119 out of 200.

( ) High Tension

() Club Dread

(X) Hulk

() Dawn Of the Dead

() Hook

(X ) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

(X) 28 days later - This was not the one with Sandra Bullock (drucg/alcohol rehab). It's the sci-fi movie movie about a virus that causes rage. It was really well done and Cillian Murphy was great. I'll tell you one thing, 28 days later ...the last thing you be thinking about is drugs. Tho you might wish for a drink or 20..

( ) Orgazmo

(X) Phantasm

(X) Waterworld This movie was water logged This would be rated a 4 skein movie. Lots of knitting to be had!

(X) Kill Bill Vol. 1

(X) Kill Bill Vol. 2

() Mortal Kombat

( ) Wolf Creek

( X) Kingdom of Heaven

( ) the Hills Have Eyes - only saw a trailer for this one and I'm telling you all the above travel tips should be heeded to avoid a shortened life span.

() I Spit on Your Grave -

( ) The Last House on the Left

() Re-Animator

() Army of Darkness

Total so far: 126 out of 220.

(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace - The star wars movies are check your brain at the door fun. It doesn't hurt that Ewan Mcgregor is in ep. I, II, and III!

(X) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones

(X) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith

( ) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope

(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back

(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi

( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage

( ) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor

(X) The Matrix

(X) The Matrix: Reloaded

(X) The Matrix: Revolutions

( ) Animatrix

(X) Evil Dead

() Evil Dead 2

( ) Team America: World Police

(X) Red Dragon - scary - too close to real life possibility!

(X) Silence of the Lambs

() Hannibal

Total: 137 of 239

Surgeon general's warning:On second thought... don't do this to yourself. You'll get a migraine.

Labels: quiz

Irregular Socks ...How'd I do that!

2007-02-23T22:39:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid, I'd go shopping with my mom and she'd sometimes buy an item labeled something like: "Irregular sheet" or just a white tag with "irregular" written and stuck to the outer packaging. I asked her one time what this meant. She said "It means that the item wasn't perfect. It had a little defect", but was still good to use. I thought to myself: "Hmm, in that case, I knew a lot of irregular things and people!" I did wonder why she'd purposely want something "irregular". Especially, when she had to pay for that way! Funny thing, I usually coudn't find the little defect and when I did it was usually a little extra stitching where a small tear might have been or the color was dyed evenly. My mom was right. It was just fine. Perfect in it's own way.

Well, my just finished socks are just a bit "off". First of all, I used a pattern from the Plymouth company that was supposed to be a a simple top down sock with short-row heels. I've knit several pairs of socks and thought this would be a breeze (all my other socks had stitch patterns). These socks had a little bit of ribbing and then it was just knit until I got the length I wanted for the sized needed to fit. The pattern wasn't well written and a beginner would've sworn off socks after knitting these. Now, despite how the pattern was written, I should have been paying more attention to setting up the sock for the toe portion. Instead, I blindly followed what I thought was the right place to start the decreases. Having knitted for a bit, I should be able to look at a pattern and modify as needed or least know how to set up a toe. I had already kitchnered (real term?) the toe and was admiring my work, when...damn! My seam was going right down the center of the sock! So, I have one sock that's irregular( 8-D ) and one that's done the usual way. They both fit/feel fine and mostly knitters would be able spot the mistake. I decided to leave it as knitted ! Can you tell which one is irregular?

It also counts as a project spectrum color FO for February/march!

I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks. It's amazing how time flies! When I last blogged, I was moaning and groaning about my knee. First of all thanks to everyone who wished me well ! I didn't get to e-mail everyone back. So, here's the scoop: An X-ray was taken and the only thing it showed was a little degeneration and free floating debris. Not enough to cause the pain I was having. I finally got to see the orthopedic Doctor this week. He thinks I tore the meniscus (cartilage). So, I'm having an MRI on Monday and then have a follow-up appointment a few days later. So, I'll keep you updated. It is definitely feeling a lot better than when I last posted. The only time the pain worsens is when the knee gives out on occasion. That's the part the Dr.'s not happy about. However, I'm feeling much better now, I'm also a knitting maniac again!

It's 11:19pm , but I had to post and now...Good night and dream well!

THANK YOU SECRET PAL!

2007-02-08T21:27:00.000-05:00

What's all the shouting about? I got my final package from my secret pal and the reveal. This wonderful package came from Vicki over at http://vickiknits.blogspot.com . I've had so much fun getting to know her! She is making sure that I get some new experiences in knitting. In her last package she sent me a needle felting kit. In this package she sent me some items to learn a new skill. I'll show you the picture. See if you can figure out what I will be learning to do this year!

I've been thinking about dyeing my own yarn to make socks for the last few months and I couldn't believe it when I opened the box and saw the yarn and kool-aid. Vicki also gave me some sock yarn in "Morning Glory" . I've never used malabrigo yarn, but have wanted to try it. The color is a yummy looking and soft to the touch "velvet grape". Now I just have to pick out a pattern! I love it all. This should keep me blog postings for a while.

In the box was also some delicious dark chocolate truffles and Milk chocolate clouds (with caramel and pecans). Both are natural /no preservatives. See, a secret pal can even keep you healthy. I also go a really pretty journal to keep track of my knitting adventures or...

The tea light candles (didn't make it into photo) made the whole box smell awesome. I have had a great time getting to know you Secret Pal! I love the packages, e-mail and cards. I'm glad I got to know you!!! I'll be dropping by your blog to see what your up to!

P.S Vicki, I bet you didn't know even the box you sent is a gift. As soon as I had taken everything out of the box to photograph, Samantha took one flying leap and landed in the box. She got herself ready for photo op! Her green eyes are so hard to capture on camera sometimes. She looks like an alien!!! Thanks again, for such a fun time!

The person I got to spoil was Adelle from http://www.girliscrafty.com She is a very talented knitter with a great blog. She also travels more than anyone I know! I'm envious!!! Go visit her!

Well that's it for this post. This round of secret pal is done. I've done the last 2 rounds (SP8& SP9). I'm going to sit the next one out and go back for more in the summer!

Update Sunday

2007-01-28T14:54:00.000-05:00

I've changed to the new blogger. Let's see what issues pop up here. I was planning to move to the free word press blog, but have found it to be very frustrating in terms of posting. Pictures haven't been a problem, but many of my post disappear after I hit the publish button. I'm already tired of writing my posts twice with a 50/50 chance of going to the land of lost posts. Blogging used to be so easy! For now, I'll put my effort in here and hope for the best.

Just when I think I'm healthy and had my share of flu bugs, I'm on the injured list. I hurt my knee a few weeks ago and it seemed no big deal at the time. Now it's back with a vengeance. I finally got an M.D. appointment on Friday. Her thinking is that it's a bad tendinitis (my ankle and leg hurt too) due to possible compensation in my walking when my knee was injured. In my opinion today (Sunday), it's a lot more than tendinitis (practicing without out a license). I went for the x-ray she ordered on Saturday. Walking toward the hospital, my knee gave in and I felt a horrendous pain. At that point, I think I invented a few never before heard curse words! The x-ray was taken and I was sent on my merry way. I'm on 800mg of Rx ibuprofen 3 x a day until I hear from my M.D. I think maybe I'll go to bed until 2008 and see if that's going to be any better. I hurt my knee bending down to floor level and leaning way in the back of the shelf to get a bottle of Arizona brand of diet green ice tea. My sister once said: "I wouldn't care if I weighed 1,000 lbs I'd never drink any diet drinks" I'm beginning to see that diet drinks can be hazardous to your health! I'm going to try to settle down and knit to take my mind off of my knee.

Speaking of knitting, I'm finally near the end of knitting the second self striping sock. My plan is to start the 2 socks on 1 needle (magic loop) for the KAL that's going on with the "For the love of socks "yahoo group. It ends the last day in February, so I'd better get started. One of the women in the group is nursing us through this technique for knitting socks. We have a pattern that spells it all out with colored notes and everything. Plus links to other tutorials. It's nice because everyone has similar questions and gets stuck in the same places, our host is good at explaining how to get past these issues. So, maybe at the end of the KAL, I'll have learned something new for 2007!

I finished my swatch for Beadwork and will be casting on for the actual sweater. I'm doing the this gansey style sweater as written . Other's in the KAL are doing it as a pullover, pullover top down or modifying it in other ways. It's been interesting to learn new info about sweater construction and making modifications.

Lastly, I don't know if I mentioned it in a previous post, but I've signed on for Project Spectrum.

I'm telling you folks, I'm a glutton for punishment! 8-)

Update Sunday

2007-01-14T11:16:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for 2007 was to post more frequently. Well that went out the window when I started 2007 with a particularly nasty bug. It' one of those that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy! It started on 12/28/06 and I'm finally feeling human this weekend. I haven't had any real enthusiasm for knitting the last couple of weeks. I've frequently read blogs and knitters commented on how they use sick time to knit. I don't know how you do it and I give you props!!! When I'm sick, I'm down for the count! Now that I am feeling better, here are some updates on projects and other knitting trouble I get myself into!

This round of secret pal is almost over. I have one more package to send to my spoilee. Her birthday is this month and I'm trying to coincide her package with special day. As you probably guessed, it will be birthday themed. It's been a lot of fun shopping for her. In fact, her blog was one of the first I read before starting my own blog! When this round of Secret Pal ends on the 31st so will my future participation, at least for a while...thoughts on past and present SP exchanges later.

1. I am getting my charts ready (enlarging, arranging etc.) to start working on the Maltese shawl (VLT) and the dragon shawl.

2. Self striping socks - One is finished and I'm working to complete the second sock. These socks are a hold-over from 12/06

3. I'm working on the back of beadwork doing the bottom border. I'll have progress pictures when I get a little more done.

Well that's it for current projects, but I'd feel as if I were slacking without a couple of other knitting activities to add...

Magic Loop - I belong to a yahoo group called "The love of socks" Instead of the usual knit-a-long pattern, a magic loop tutorial/workshop is being done to help people learn ML a little bit at a time. So, of course I joined that!!!

Last, but not least I signed up for Project Spectrum (need new button). Well, that's it for updates. Hope everyone is up to their ears in knitting and having fun! Have a great week and get knitting!

Where's the snow...Just kidding!

2007-01-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

Patty, my hostess for this round of Secret Pal 9 has one last contest for us. We have to tell why we like and/or don't like snow. So, here it goes:
Reasons I like Snow:
1. I loved waking up to snow as a kid and knowing it meant a day home from school.
2. It's beautiful to see it on blanket the outside
3. The whiteness of the snow and the fact no two snowflakes are alike.
4. Snows texture and sound: It can be fluffy, crunchy, cold, light enough to blow it around.
5. The way it sits on my eyelashes
6. Snow Angels and snowmen
7. Snowball fights and making snow forts
8. Seeing bird and animal footprints in the snow
9. Skating on a pond while the snow swirls around me

Reasons I hate Snow

1. As an adult waking up to snow and thinking "Damn, I gotta go to work in this crap!" and no snow days!!!
2. Its beautiful until it gets dirty and yellow (yuck)!
3. It's terrible to drive in...Icy roads, crazy drivers,and whiteouts
4. Brushing that crunchy or heavy wet snow off the car and try to get into the block of ice, so I can start the car!
5. Still like the way it sits on my eyelashes!
6. Snow is now a health hazard. At my age, If make a snow angel, people will think "She's fallen ,call 911...Hope she didn't break a hip"
7. Adults who make snow angels and snowmen must be accompanied by a child.
8. Still nuts about nature!!
9. No time for skating and swirling snow. Gotta shovel the damn stuff..Oh my aching back!

So far, Most of New England has been devoid of snow. I feel for all you skiers out there, but...

whacked out royalty

2007-01-02T09:41:00.000-05:00

I think this flu has finally put me over the edge! I put my name into a box and voila I'm royalty!

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Her Most Serene Highness Lady Wendy the Perplexed of Longer Interval
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Knitting 2007

2007-01-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I'm already planning this years knits. I've entered 2007 with 3 works in progress...Not bad. A pair of self-striping socks. I have Chris from www.stumblingoverchaos.com for sending me to some nice tutorials on short rows with wraps. Otherwise, I'd have ripped the sock apart and moved on to the next sock project. I like short rows and seeing the shaping it produces, but I hate the wraps! I've done socks in short rows without wraps and love it. However, I felt I needed to persevere and learn to do this for future projects. The tutorials were great and the first sock looks great and the heel fits well. I'll have a picture when I finish the pair. I'm still working on Beadwork and I have a shrug to finish. I joined the STR club last year and received the last pattern as well as a certificate. I have to say the last sock pattern and yarn are my favorite of all the patterns. The color is called "mustang sally and it's beautiful. My camera doesn't do it justice!
It's a beautiful blend of shades of red. The sock is beaded and patterned after a Victorian boot. Difficult to imagine, but I will post pictures because I'll definitely be making these socks. We also got bonus yarn because a batch did not turn out as expected. I have to say if this yarn was in error, keep making mistakes! It's called rare gems and no two hanks are exactly alike. I did sign up for the 2007 club back in October, but I'll make the final decision when I get the invoice because I already have a lot of socks to make!

I want to share some of the projects I've got lined up for 2007. I am definitely doing the Knit from your stash (see previous posts). Let's see if I can last until September (LOL).

I've joined the Victorian Lace Today KAL and had to decide on a project from the book and get my Yarn. This KAL starts this week. Here is a picture of the yarn and the pattern I've chosen.
Maltese Shawl I'll be using Jaggerspun Zephyr lace weight yarn in Jade

The next project I've been thinking about since the summer is the Heere Be Dragone. I joined the Kal, but couldn't decide on the yarn or the color. Well, I finally decided on both and here is a picture:
Amazing, huh? This pattern was created by Sharon Winsauer of www.Alpacawithatwist.com.

Well that's it for planned projects, thus far. I got some yarn for Christmas. My family knows me well. It's 100 percent DK weight cashmere in deep sable. It's 200 yards a hank and I have 4 hanks. That's 800 yards of soft, beautiful yarn. Now, I just have to decide what make with it!!! Any ideas?
. I don't have a lot of brown yarn and I like the deep shades of brown.

I've spent the last 2 1/2 days on my couch with the flu. It hit me like a ton of bricks on Friday morning and I've been prone since. I actually did work on my sock last night and am feeling much better today. It's raining here and is supposed to rain all day. I'm going to spend it on the couch knitting and watching my most favorite actor in the world! Knitting and watching movies go together...So,Its a good day for a knitting marathon and my own Ewan Mcgregor film festival. I leave you with a bit of Scot goodness:
Anyone else a fan of his work. Got a favorite movie? Let me know!

Happy Knitting in 2007!

'TWAS A COUPLE OF NIGHTS BEFORE...

2006-12-22T19:47:00.000-05:00

KNITTERS CHRISTMAS EVE

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep;he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was 6 inches too small,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew in like a flash,
tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
reminded me of how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both Dad and the boys.
Although I was tired, my brain a bit thick,
I knew at a moment it must be St Nick.
But what I heard then left me perplex-ed,
for not a name I heard was what I expected,
Move Ashford, Move Lopi, Move Addi and Clover!
Move, Reynolds! Move Starmore! Move Froelich--move over
Paton,don't circle 'round;stand in the line.
Come now, you sheep will work out just fine!
I know this is hard; it's just your first year.
"I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill; What I saw was amazing,
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing.
and then, in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned 'round St Nick I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe,
And his clothes were hand knit from above to below.
A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back, and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace.
a beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
the scarf 'round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I espied a small label,
"S.C." Was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
And I asked, "Hey, Nick, dId you knit all this stuff?"

THIS WAS POSTED ON A KNITTING LIST LAST YEAR WITHOUT A CITATION. I LIKED IT AND WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH ALL YOU OBSESSED, WONDERFUL KNITTERS OUT THERE! ENJOY AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO KNITTERS AROUND THE WORLD.

Ahhhhhhhhh...I'm out of Control!!!

2006-12-18T19:03:00.000-05:00

And loving it, but still...Last week, I was looking for a yarn needle to graft some sock toes and decided to look in my stash. I was actually shocked at how much yarn and proposed projects I have! There's yarn for sweaters, shawls, scarves, socks...You name it I have yarn for it. I'm exaggerating a little when I say I have Yarn beyond life expectancy, but not by much! How did this happen? Actually, I know how, but like most people with addictions, I'm not willing to give it up totally!!! I'm just going to yarn stash rehab to "clean up...dry out" "Cuz, you know I can get clean", "I can handle it", "I'm not like those other fiber addicts" "I can stop anytime I want to!!!" Who the hell am I kidding?!!! I'm just making room for future, buys!!! After all, I don't want to be responsible for collapse of the world's fiber cartels and my local dealer...er, I mean LYS.

I've decided to join in on Wendy of www.Wendyknits.net Knit from your stash 2007 Here are the rules in case I can entice anyone else into rehab with me!

1. The Knit-From-Your-Stash-a-Thon will start January 1, 2007 and run through September 30, 2007 -- a period of nine months.

2. We will not buy any yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:

2.a. Sock yarn does not count. What? You think we are made of stone?

2.b. If someone asks for a specific knitted gift that we really and truly do not have the yarn for, we may buy yarn to knit that gift.

2.c. If we are knitting something and run out of yarn, we may purchase enough to complete the project.

2.d. We each get one "Get Out of Jail Free" card -- we are each allowed to fall off the wagon one time.

3. We are allowed to receive gifts of yarn.

4. Spinning fiber of any sort is exempt.

Anyone else who would like to join us in this is welcome to do so! You may also alter the guidelines to suit your own situation.

I'm too weak to edit the rules to fit my situation or I wouldn't be reducing the stash! So, I sticking to the above rules.

Have a good week and get knitting!!!

Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan...mm good!

2006-12-12T06:29:00.000-05:00

Patty, our SP9 hostess has come up with a new contest. To win, one has to post about a memory/memories attached to a favorite recipe! Two winners will be chosen. M favorite recipe is my mother's stuffed eggplant Parmesan. It didn't start as a family tradition, but quickly became one! I was in high school at the time. My mother and her friends at work would have recipe swaps based on dishes brought to company potluck lunches or Christmas parties. By popular demand we started making it for all holiday family/friend get-togethers. In fact, my aunt who lives in FLA. called this summer to say she was coming up to visit and would I make the "eggplant" and bring it to the family barbecue. During the holidays my mother and my sister and I would prepare it together. Each cutting up a different vegetable. It was a time for us to share gossip, talk about what was going on in our lives or just to get downright silly about some event or crazy situation!

Like the time my sister's new boyfriend pulled into the driveway to pick her up for a date (She was a high school senior). My father came around to the front of the house, when he heard a car in the driveway. He was absentmindedly swinging an axe while walking down the driveway to the car! With a look of horror, my sister's date whispered "Is Kim home?" My father had forgotten he had the axe in his hand(cutting dead branches off a tree). When he realized why the boy had a such a look of shock/horror...He laughed and said "Don't worry, I always wait until the second date to make a decision!
In the meantime, to the boy's relief, Kim came outside and off they went on their date. My sister later told as they drove away he said: "What did you tell your father about me!!"

Stories, hopes and dreams have been shared while making this recipe. Here is the recipe below. Enjoy!

Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
(it makes a lot!)
2-3 eggplants
1 chopped pepper (any color you like!)
1 tablespoon garlic (more or less as you like it)
2 tablespoons olive oil (I've also used canola or vegetable)
1 box fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup seasoned croutons
1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
If you want to "stuff" the mixture back into the eggplant skins, then slice the eggplant lengthwise and scoop the eggplant out to make "boats". Then when the mixture is cooked, it's put into the eggplant boats and covered with sauce and cheese, then baked.

Me, I do it the lazy way. I peel the skin from the eggplant, cube it and put the mixture in a foil lined or no stick pan like a casserole.

First, cut up the pepper and mushrooms. In a pot or a large pan, heat the olive oil: ADD peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Saute, until the peppers and mushrooms are starting to soften/cook. Add cubed eggplant a little at a time until its all mixed together. Cook until, the eggplant becomes slightly translucent. At this point, if the mixture looks a little dry, you can add a little more olive oil or a little water to moisten. When eggplant is cooked ADD: 1 egg, breadcrumbs, and croutons. Mix it all together and heat for about 3-5 more minutes. Its ready to put in a pan. Pour tomato sauce over the mixture and then the mozzarella cheese. Cook in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly brown.

bon appetit!

THANKS!!!

2006-12-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

I got my first package from my secret pal today. She checked with me the other day to see whether it had arrived. I had a mail notice and thought it was for the package, but nooo! and as usual I never coordinate well with the postman when it comes to being home to accept packages. While I was at the post office picking up a package Saturday morning, he was delivering 2 packages to my apartment!! The slip I had was for Victorian Lacy Today. This was exciting, but it was not secret pal! Well, today's 2 packages included secret pal and boy was it worth the wait for Monday to arrive!! My SP is awesome! Let me show you the goods! First thing I smelled when I opened the box was Burt's Bees Essential body kit. . Just in time for the cold weather! MY skin gets so easily chapped.
I love Burt's Bees products! This was only the beginning. I've been totally spoiled! Next was Zhena's Gypsy Tea (raspberry earl grey) I absolutely love tea and will definitely be having a cuppa tonight. There was also a tin of Traveler's chocolate. However, the only place this chocolate will be traveling to is my stomach! Along with all these goodies came some cascade yarn begging to become some fetching wrist warmers or maybe a little felted something. Lookie here! Now by this time, your all thinking what more can there be? Let's continue with Show and Tell! I got something new to try called An embellishment Kit for felted knits. This one is called String of Lights and just in time for the Holidays. My head is swimming with ideas! Perhaps a felted scarf with a string of lights or a wall hanging. Hmm...that cascade yarn might notturn into wristwarmers after all. Of course,there's plenty of yarn in the stash... My picture doesn't do justice to the beautiful colors of roving included in the kit.

I also got a Christmas themed memo pad!

Thank you SP for such a wonderful package. I'm going to enjoy every bit of it!!!

I'm a Winner!

2006-12-01T19:36:00.000-05:00

In more ways than one! But I'll just share the good, fun kind tonight! Our Hostess for this latest Secret Pal exchange has made things even more fun by having a series of contests! The most recent contest required participants to make a dishcloth and post it. Here's mine It's the famous Mason-Dixon ballband dishcloth made with sugar&cream yarn. It was easy and fun to make. Well, guess what? I won second place (names of winners drawn from a hat). There were four winners chosen. Here is my gift!!! The colors are really beautiful. The yarn is from Newton Country Yarns and the color is Truffle. It's a cotton rayon boucle. It's quite a good size hank too. My challenge is to decide what to make. So, stay tuned I will think of something cool. I love it! Thanks Patty!

In other knitting news:
I am working on a simple pair of socks using self-striping yarn and being amazed at the stripes! (I'm so simple to amuse sometimes 8-)). The heel is done in short rows with wraps. I like doing short rows, but hate the wraps! I had to frog once because, I had holes! Second time has been the charm. The swatch is done for beadwork and I'm ready to cast on!

Have a good evening everyone and good weekend. I'll probably be posting again this weekend because I have some postal notices about packages waiting for me. Yahoo!

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T12:43:00.000-05:00

~*~*HAPPY THANKSGIVING ~*~*

'TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING, BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS, I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED - THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE.
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING IN ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.

SO I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR.
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TILL ALL OF A SUDDEN I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.

I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING FLOATING INTO THE SKY
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.

BUT I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES

HAPPY EATING TO ALL, PASS THE CRANBERRIES PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP;

MAY YOUR POTATOES AND GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.

MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS, MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE -

MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF YOUR THIGHS!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING (Irene @ New England Textile Association)

--

I've come to the conclusion ...

2006-11-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

that I need to find a new job. If you want to skip this part and go to the knitting feel free. I just needed to get these thought out of my head, where they've been intruding all weekend. I work as a therapist and really enjoy what I do. However, I don't like where I'm doing it. There have been many changes where I work over the last few years and not many of them are positive. Some things have happened at work this week that have made me see clearly that I have to make a change. My body has been telling me for I while(headaches, body aches,stress eating,insomnia), I just haven't been listening. I thought that because I like what I do and the people I see, that I could just ignore everything else, but I can't anymore. So, I've starting updating my resume and beginning the search for a new job. I'm being vague on some details for now...never know who reads these things. It's been a lousy weekend because I can't let it go. Hopefully I'll start feeling better about things, now that I've made the decision to leave. Thanks for listening. I'm so glad I have knitting... I don't want this post to be a total downer, so here's some knitting:
I finished the Ballband Dishcloth from Mason*Dixon Knitting . It was a fun knit and fast. The pattern was really easy to remember after a couple of repeats. It's cool how it all comes together. At first I couldn't picture how the vertical stitches were done, but it's clever and simple at the same time. Here is a close-up of the pattern and colors:
I'll be making more of these in the future! Completing this dishcloth put me contention for the grand prize of stash enhancement, courtesy of Patty our Secret Pal 9 hostess. She is keeping SP9 fun and exciting by have contests. In other knitting news, I actually have nothing to finish, this is sinful. However, I'm correcting the situation immediately by starting the Beadwork sweater by Alice Starmore. I had been putting it off to finish other projects, so Let the knitting beginning. Lest you think I'm slacking, I do have other projects in mind. They're just not on the needles!

Felting 101

2006-11-08T19:44:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it, but I've finally finished my felted slipper socks. They came out really cute! They were huge after knitting them! The picture does not clearly show the size and the knitting well prior to felting, but here is the before picture:

I really like the color for these slippers. The yarn is Paint Box and is 100% wool. The pattern is from www.knitty.com . When it came to felting these, I thought it would be a piece of cake. Not True! My machine was not very cooperative and I forgot to put in that little bit of detergent to help with agitation. I must've worked it with the machine for almost 40 minutes and there was no felting to be seen. I got online and quickly looked up "felting". Lucky for me the first hit was a good one. The author talked about felting in the kitchen sink with step-by-step directions. Here's a progress pick:

The soapy hot water and hand agitation resulted in almost instant results. It was kind of fun playing water! I was also determined these were going to felt or else! I think for first time felting they came out really well. They are a still a little bit big, but I was afraid of over felting them. Still, I love the feel of them and they will definitely keep my feet warm this winter.

This won't be my last felting project. I have a bag to make next using Noro yarn. Both felting projects are courtesy of Kate of Secret Pal 8.

In other knitting News...

Our group's SP9 Hostess, Patty has dreamed up another contest! The prize will be yarn. You know I can't pass that up, though I'm beginning to feel like I have a stash beyond life expectancy ( and I've got a long way to go ). The contest is making a dishcloth by the stated date and posted to the blog. Winner will be chosen and yarn dispatched. I'm making the dishcloth from the Mason-Dixon book. I can't believe how easy it is!

Dishcloth in progress
I'm off to watch Bones on T.V. it's a great show. It's a crime drama laced with humor. I can relax and knit too. Who could ask for more on a weekday evening.

Diagnosis:Single Sock Syndrome, Prognosis: Excellent!

2006-10-30T20:08:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-22T19:34:00.000-04:00

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 " ".

2006-10-15T17:11:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-10-11T19:19:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2006-10-08T08:46:00.000-04:00

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!

RIP update and a little knitting.

2006-09-30T14:19:00.000-04:00

I have been reading like crazy lately!!! I'M doing the Reader's Imbibing Peril (RIP) challenge. I got a little side tracked and read two books not on the list. The only requirement is to read 5 books by the end of October and I've already read 3 since sept. 12th when I signed up:

"In Silent Graves" by Gary A. Braunbeck- This was a quick read and a real page turner! The story is about a man whose whole life gets twisted and turned inside out on Halloween night. This book is not for the squeamish and easily creeped out. At the same time, as much as you don't want to know what's going to happen next, your compelled to turn the page to find out!!! I don't want to say anymore to spoil it. Get this book!

"Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman. This was a fun read! It had scary moments but overall, I love the characters. It's about to brothers who have a god as a father. However, one is unaware of his father's "skills" and or the fact he even has a brother! He is soon to find out and then the fun begins!!! I've never read any of Neil Gaiman's books before, but I will definitely be looking or more (he's written several books, including graphic novels).

"Cell" by Stephen King. I buy or borrow King's books as soon as they come out. This one, I was kind of undecided about and wanted until now. Early on in the book, I felt like it was just going to be a rehash of "The Stand" which I loved, but didn't want to read the same thing again. This book had some of the same elements, but with a new twist. I enjoyed it from the start and couldn't stop reading it. I'll say one thing, I'm seeing cell phones in a whole new light (LOL)!!!

For my next read, I'm going with another Stephen King book : The Dark Tower V, Wolves of Calla. I absolutely love the Dark Tower Series and have read all the books to this point. I've been putting off reading the rest, because I hate the thought of finishing them. Have you ever read a book and then wished you'd read it more slowly, so it wouldn't end? That's how I am with Dark Tower books! Now on to knitting!

I am finished with the first "fuzzy feet" slipper. This thing is HUGE. I can't wait to finish the second slipper, so I can felt them! I found the pattern for the "Beadwork" sweater and will be swatching for it this weekend! MY socks are all completed, so there's not second sock syndrome in this house! (pictures soon).

I went to the Boston knit out and crochet last weekend. I had a fun time. There were a lot of people there, but I wished there had been even more! I think the threat of rain and thunderstorms kept some people away. I volunteered to teach knitting and crochet basics at the ongoing workshops throughout the day. That was a blast! There was a little girl there that amazed me. She learned the basics quickly and was knitting garter stitch in no time. She and her mother came close to the end of the day. Once she had learned, she want to stay because she was having so much fun! The look on her face was priceless when she found out the needles and yarn were her's to keep! I think she was only 6 years old! All of the people who attended the learning workshops were able to take the needles/hooks and yarn home with them for free. We had a few brave boys/men come to the tables to learn how to knit!

I enjoyed the keynote address by Wren Ross and Daena Giardella. "Discovering The Fabric of Your Creativity". It was a great talk about why we leave some projects unfinished, have so many going at once, and some of the reasons we knit the things we do. It was about finding support for your creative process, not matter what you wish to create and how what we do/learn in knitting spills over and impacts other aspects of our life. This was presented with great humor and insight. People in the audience asked some good questions and shared some great comments. Boy, we knitter's are creative, talented, and intelligent lot, aren't we? I'm not totally sure about the intelligent part in my case, why? I forgot my damn camera! S0, no show and tell for some of the fantastic knitted and crocheted items people made! One woman knitted a head to toe vintage sweater and skirt with hat to match. She looked amazing! She looked like she stepped out of a 1940"s vogue magazine! Allister, made some amazing hats and wall hanging using double knitting. He told the audience, he'd only been knitting for about two years. WOW!

Goodies!
Last but not least, I scored a door prize and complimentary signed copy of Jil Eaton's book "After Dark: Uncommon KNITS for NIGHT TIME" It has some nice knits in it. My door prize was a book Linda M. Niemeyer called "Knitters I Know" Cool patterns from cool people. I couldn't agree more. Its a great little book. Here are some pictures.

from: cool people book

i pod/cell phone cozies
The above are a couple of the projects that can be made. There are socks, a cute block quilt and other projects. Just what I need...Projects!

A quick hello!

2006-09-19T22:19:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged in over a week! It may be because I've been knitting and reading! I haven't mastered the knitting and reading combo at the same time yet, but I will!!! The book challenge has been fun for me. It might be the theme or my mood, but whatever it is, I've devoured two of the books on my list!
Blogger is not cooperating tonight, so this entry will be sans pictures! I've been trying to finish some projects before starting new ones. So far, two lonely socks are now couples, and I'm caught up on my Sampler "M" Kal. I have 2 more items to complete. A crocheted bag and a knitted bolero style shrug. Only then can I cast on for something new!!! Since, I've been wanting to try my hand at felting, "fuzzyfeet" is next. I can't wait for Kate of "can't you see I'm knitting here" to see my handiwork! She is the enabler who is adding to my knitting obsession!!! (thanks Kate!). Well that's it for now, I'll be back in a day or two with more info and pics.
Have good evening!

Last week a rant, this week...Raves !!!

2006-09-10T12:40:00.000-04:00

Secret Pal 8 ended in August, but I wanted to keep it going for a little while longer by not revealing the name of my secret pal! So, my Secret Pal goodness ended this week with a last package and my pal revealing herself. She is the fabulous Kate of http://www.knittinghere.blogspot.com. I was totally and wonderfuly spoiled by her. When you see what was in the final package, I'm sure you'll agree! Kate was not my original match-up for SP8. My initial match was not able to participate and Kate stepped in. Her experience did not start off well either. I know nothing about the initial match, but I have to say I'm glad things work out the way they did. Kate is a new friend and it was fun getting to know her!!! She also has a great blog, so check her out! Try not to drool on your keyboards...ready?

This bag is beautiful!!! The photo doesn't quite do it justice. It also has a really pretty pin, with the cutest ladybug on one of it's petals. I've already started using it! It's going to be my weekend bag. I don't like carrying a lot of stuff around on weekends. This is perfect to carry just what I need. Kate did a beautiful job knitting and felting it. I can't wait to finish my first felted fo (fuzzy feet). Now the bag itself would have been a great gift, but Kate didn't stop there !! Lookie here:

Two skeins of cascade yarn. I have never tried this yarn before. I like the feel of it and the colors are great. Believe me, I'll find use for these!! Last but not least, feast your eyes on some Twisted Sisters Mirage, in Olive Gold. I'm absolutely in love with this color. You have to see it in person! I see a sleeveless tank or piccovoli in my future!!!

Just when I thought the box could yield not more, out dropped a laminated needle inventory card. So I can see what needles I already have! This great for me, because I seem to have needle amnesia and end up with multiples of needle sizes (not really a bad thing!) Kate, I can't say a big enough thank you for making this exchange so much fun and I'm lucky to have met and gotten to know you. Everyone stop in and visit my new friend!

My spoilee for SP8 was Katrina of http://www.topekatrina.blogspot.com(sorry, blogger won't let me do the links right!)
I had a lot of fun spoiling her and dropping in on her life, via her blog. She's got a great blog, runs contests for movie buffs and has the cutest family on the internet! Just as Kate is, Katrina is generous and fun! She sent me this thank-you!

thank you Katrina!

In other knitting and none knitting news

Knitting on sampler "M" continues. I'm having so much fun working on this. It is a good way for me to work on lace knitting and to know I can't have knitting A.D.D., otherwise I forget to YO or where I am in the pattern! Here's a progress picture:

Sampler "M" progress

This summer I joined some KALs and challenges. How did I do? Don't ask!! I'll tell you anyway. Project Spectrum- was okay. I did do half of the colors and this was a do whatever months you wanted to participate, so...Success! Summer of socks- yah right, one pair of socks! And then there's the reading challenge. I did read 6 books this summer, so that's fair. Of course, 3 of the six were not on my personal list (LOL)! I'm the girl who used to read 2 books a week without any challenges (sigh). Well that didn't stop me from joining a new reading challenge. This one is an autumn/spooky/ atmospheric/Halloween type challenge and I love me some scare the wits out of me books!! I present RIP reading challenge!Readers Imbibing Peril with a
broad criteria of being scary, eerie, moody, dripping with atmosphere, gothic, unsettling, etc.

new reading challenge
My five books will be the following:
1. Forever Odd -Dean Koontz
2. The Dark Tower V: The wolves of Calla - Stephen King
3. Broken -Kelly Armstrong
4. In Silent Graves -Gary A. Braunbeck
5. The Dreaming Jewels -Theodore sturgeon
Wow, I'm looking over my shoulder just typing these titles!
Long Post!!!!!!!!!
Have a good rest of the day and great week...Get knitting!!!

MY FIRST RANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOPEFULLY MY LAST!

2006-08-31T12:02:00.000-04:00

The title is a warning for all willing to enter:
I am so frustrated and angry right now. It all started with wanting to join a knit-along that's starting in october. It's for the Beadwork pattern by Jade Starmore. Knitter's who do not have the pattern, have been going crazy trying to find it. therefore, I've have about as much chance of getting it as I have that "snowball in hell" or stealing Brad Pitt away from Angelina Jolie!!!!!!! Don't even think to ask, "Did you try...? I used every search engine available to man, contacted every library available and speaking of that...WHY DO YOU NOT CARRY KNITTING PERIODICALS,EXCEPT FOR SCATTERINGS OF KNITTING MAGAZINES AND THE ONES YOU DO CARRY WTF?!! FOR ANY LIBRARIAN'S READING THIS, KNITTING IS HERE TO STAY GET WITH THE PROGRAM. I do understand about money and fiscal constraints. Knitters tend to be generous people and we read. I would donate a subscription to get the ball rolling. (Sorry librarians, didn't mean to put all on you and community libraries!).

Rant part Deux!
The beadwork pattern is in the Interweave Knits winter 99/00 magazine (hence the library search and mini rant!!!!) On e-bay the bids have been outrageous and if you win...might as well fashion the issue into a sweater and wear it, because it ends up costing the "winner" as much as the sweater!!! As soon as the KAL officially starts , the price will drop back to the usual Ik e-bay price!

Well, I think I can't find it using the usual ways so "What to do? What to do?" Why of course, GO TO THE SOURCE! I found Alice and Jade Starmores website and lo and behold...Adult Beadwork in all it's glory. I think I'll by the book, save myself the the trouble of a continued frustrated search and start swatching! But,no that's not to be.

RANT PART TROIS
I get the book in the mail, open and excitedly look through the book...child's beadwork. WHERE THE HELL IS THE ADULT BEADWORK. NOT IN THE BOOK...WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I try to look at the positive side. I can e-mail and nicely ask why there's no adult beadwork becuase after all it states on the website page "The Collector's Item" (name of the book) is needed to complete all sweaters shown" The adult beadwork was one of the patterns shown. I got a lovely (ggggggggrrrrrrrrrr) return e-mail informing me that the "beadwork situation" was well know and Jade felt obliged to write a supplement to the child's pattern for adults. NOW GET THIS! THE SUPPLEMENT IS FREE IF ONE BUYS THEIR YARN, OTHERWISE NO CAN DO!!! AGAIN, WTF. I PAID GOOD MONEY FOR A BOOK IN WHICH I EXPECTED TO SEE THE PATTERN AS LISTED ON THE WEBSITE AND NOW AM SOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know what THE BEADWORK situation IS, but I do know I will not be buying anthing else Starmore related!

This is the first time I've encountered such frustration over one pattern. Most designers I know of or heard about who offer patterns for sale, actually sell them to the public without drama. I really want to make that damned sweater!!!!

END OF RANT.

It's not rocket science...Maybe it is!!!

2006-08-23T21:37:00.001-04:00

No, I'm not talking about knitting. I'm talking about this $#%*!!blog. How hard can it be to put titles, buttons, links etc. On the sidebar? Hard I tell you! HARD!!! I know, just shut-up and read the directions provided by blogger or make use of the internet and find websites that explain it in simple terms... or buy "blogging for real dummies". I finally got something on the sidebar. It's the logo for the Boston knitout and crochet 2006 that will be happening on the Boston Commons the last weekend in September. I can't wait to go! I've never been to one before. I discovered it last year on the Lionbrand website of events, but couldn't go. Now that I was able to get one thing on the sidebar. Nothing will keep me from getting your buttons and links listed!!!

Let's move on to something I do know something about! The local yarn store near the hospital, where I work had her annual anniversary sale. When I say sale, I mean SALE! All items including yarn, needles, and books were 30% off. Some yarns were anywhere from 40% to 75% off. I'm not talking about yarn no one would want, but the brands all us knitter's covet! Now, I told myself at the beginning of the summer that I would not buy yarn until I worked projects I already have or used up the "stash" yarn. However, with a sale like that can you blame? Before I walked in the store I had vision my head of Addi's, Inox, Bliss,Rowan, sock yarn. I could go on and on...

Once I entered the store, I was able to keep myself in check and shout "CHARGE IT" "I want it all, every last skein, hank, ball!!! Instead, when Karen (the owner) said: "Can I help you?" I said: "No thanks, I'm just looking" (yah,rat's ass, I'm just looking!). I ended up buying some beautiful bamboo yarn to make a clapotis. I would imagine by now I am the last knitter in the world to make one. Most people have at least half-a-dozen by now, am I right? Isn't this yarn beautiful?

beautiful!
The other item I'd like to make that puts me in the category of "last person in the world to knit_________" is a pair of jaywalkers. I even have the sock yarn I want to use, in my stash.
Lately, I've been seeing stars. Not the clunk on the head, in the sky or celebritieskind of stars...More later!
Get knitting!

It's a vanilla day, week...

2006-08-14T20:32:00.000-04:00

I heard an expression a few years ago, while I was a part of an internet group. The moderator of the group would talk about his family's day as being a vanilla day. Initially, people had some fun trying to figure out what a vanilla day was. was it about icecream ?(doesn't take much to trigger thoughts of icecream!) color? Mood? Turns out a vanilla day a normal (whatever that is)day with no surprises and life's rhythms are maintained. That's the kind of week I had. I've been enjoying my vanilla days, because one never knows when life will get crazy! I've been knitting, but feel as if everything is taking forever to finish. I have 3/4 of my second sixth sense sock done (yeah!) and am catching up on my M sampler. I have 3 patterns to knit. Two of them have only a small number of rows to complete the pattern and the third one has only about 20 rows. I will have a more complete entry in a few days. I need to take some pics of knitting progress and stash enhancement! Enjoy the beautiful flower and hope your days are pleasantly vanilla (unless you want wild and crazy!!!).

My SP is amazing,cool,...The shizknitz!

2006-08-01T19:34:00.000-04:00

yah, I took license with the spelling of shiznitz. I couldn't help it. My secret pal is making my first Secret pal experience the best! I came home yesterday to find a postal notice. Oh no, it's too late to get to the post office! Like the postman's motto through wind, storm... I was going to get that package. I'm like a kid in that way! I could not believe my eyes when I opened the package.

I think she has ESP or a crystal ball, because I was just talking to a knitting obsessed co-worker about socks and how I loved to get the book "Socks,Socks,Socks" and here it is!!! It has some awesome patterns. How did my secret pal know I journal??? This journal looks good enough to eat. The pictures of chocolate look so real, I swear I could smell chocolate! Now here's the clincher on the ESP/crystal ball theory.

Ever since, I saw a pair of socks made with trekking XXL, I've had it on my list of yarns to try. LO and Behold, this beautifully colored trekking yarn was in my hot little hands. The picture doesn't do this yarn color justice. Thank goodness, she included some aquatanica spa, cuz I need to calm down from all this secret pal goodness! Included with all this was a great card. Secret pal, I hope your pal is being as good to you as you've been to me. You deserve it!!!

Take a sock to lunch!

2006-07-30T12:16:00.000-04:00

I love always having a sock project for those times when a bigger project is not feasible. However, I'm constantly being driven crazy, when pulling the sock out of the bag. Why? The needles fall out of the sock and I have get it back on without messing up the pattern/stitches. So, while strolling through wal-mart the other day, I saw mothers checking out a lunch box for her kiddies that stopped me dead in my tracks. Now, I should be bringing my lunch to work because I'd have more money to buy yarn, of course. I always seem to choose an extra five...10...Okay,okay 20(I'm lying)30 minutes of sleep after the alarm goes off! This lunch box was not meant for no stinking lunch, it was meant for my socks!!! Looking at it from the outside its just a regular old lunch box. I like it because when I open it up I can easily pick up the sock and needles without losing anything. It's small so easy to carry. What is really a nice plus with this box, is the compartment inside the box.

It has a zippered compartment that holds ALL of the knitting supplies (pattern, pen, measuring tape, markers, etc.). I'm now a very happy sock knitter and keep my cursing to a minimum!!! How much did this peace of mind cost me ? $6.99 plus tax. I'm sure you can get this lunch box anywhere that sells lunch boxes. I read a blog recently where the knitter divided and lined the inside of a metal lunch box she got on e-bay. It was really cute, but I'm in lazy mode at the moment and wanted instant gratification. Okay enough about this topic.
I'm still sailing along on the "M sampler" KAL. Week 4 just ended and I'm current (hard to believe). This week's pattern is called "Roman Arches" Here is a picture of the sampler (please blogger, work!)

The blogger gods are with me. I didn't have to resort to plan B. Anyway, I love working on this sampler. I've never worked on anything with a lace pattern. So, this is good practice for me, because I have some lace projects on my ever growing list! When I started the sampler, I was anxious because there were no pictures to guide me. My solution? Wait for someone to finish a section and look at their photos. Now? I just jump in and knit. I now like seeing the pattern unfold! The other patterns in the sampler included the M initial, snowdrops, ladders, and zippers. This week's roman arches should be fun!!! This knit-along now has close to 700 knitters! The people are loving the group so much, a weekly pattern(Wednesdays) is offered of international patterns for people to take. Many of them are special family,cultural, or favorite patterns. Cool!

I'm still reading "The Princes Of Ireland". It's a good read. The first chapter gave a really lush description of the genesis of the land. The second is about the people who inhabit the island. I'm now meeting the main characters and the plot thickens. Of course any book that had druids and secret plots has my attention! It's also fun to have an appendix for pronouncing some of the Irish names/terms. Just when I think I have the hang of it...I don't!!!

I can do all this posting with pictures, but I'm brainless when it comes to the sidebar. I've made such good blog friends and read such awesome blogs that I want to shout to the world where they can find you all! I thank all of you who have added me to your list of blogs to read. I always get that "WOW" feeling when I see my blog listed. Again, thanks. My goal this week is to figure things out and plump up the side bar.
Have a great week and get knitting !

What kind of weather are you?

2006-07-29T21:25:00.000-04:00

Wow, 2 short posts in one day...end of the world? I was playing on the computer and found this quiz. I was hoping to be more edgy or more ferocious...thunderstorm? hurricane?, but truthfully, this weather is me for the most part. I do have some stormy days.

You Are Sunshine

Soothing and calm

You are often held up by others as the ideal

But too much of you, and they'll get burned

You are best known for: your warmth

Your dominant state: connecting

What Type of Weather Are You?

A quick hello!

2006-07-29T19:36:00.000-04:00

This is a quick post to say hello. I will have a more thorough post tomorrow. I can't believe how the time gets away from me sometimes. I've been moving slow as molasses in this heat. For me, it's the humidity that's a killer! I went to Arizona a couple of summers ago and one of the days was 123 degrees and that was the day we picked to do outdoor activities! However, it was dry heat and despite high temps, I really enjoyed myself. Florida is one of my off-limits place to life, cuz of the humidity. I've done more blog reading than knitting this week (Will you all stop having such fun and interesting blogs, so I can get some knitting done?). From my reading of some blogger blogs, the theme has been no pictures because blogger is acting up. I'm prepared. I got a back-up plan (what a pain). Anyway, enjoy the evening and drop in tomorrow for some knitting content. Thanks, for taking the time to read this blog!

Week in Review

2006-07-14T06:39:00.000-04:00

Hi secret pals, spoiler and spoilee. I hope your have a good summer and keeping cool. I will be sending another package out next week to my spoilee. I love spoiling people!!!

I think I'm doing well with my summer reading challenge. I've read 3 books on my list and am on to the 4th. I've enjoyed reading all of them. All three of the books I've read have been page turners and always had the books in my face because I couldn't wait to know what happened next! This next read will be slower paced I think, but I'm looking forward to a more leisurely pace.

"The Princes of Ireland" Is a book that explores "Celtic roots in a magnificent epic of Ireland spanning eleven centuries". The author of the book, Edward Rutherford does this using fictional characters to portray major events in Irish history. It looks really good!!! From Ireland, I'll be traveling to Japan (in my head,anyway) to read the Memoirs of a Geisha. I'm going to be a world traveler without leaving my porch!
There has been knitting going on this week. I think I mentioned it in my last post, but can't remember. I made something for my secret pal, but can't reveal it here, until after SP8. I don't want her to guess quite yet, who I am. I've also been working on my sampler for the "Sampler M knit-a-long. It's coming along well and I'm ready for the next pattern. There are 29 patterns in all. The sampler is made out of cotton and size 0 needles. Here is a progress picture.

Although size 0 are the smallest needles I've worked with, the project moves quickly and looks good (I'm so modest). The first square is the letter "M" .There has been some discussion as whether the M is the initial of the knitter or means something else. This particular sampler was made by a young girl in the 16oo's. When the sampler is displayed, the "M" is actually upside down and looks like a "W". (how lucky for me! I can use it as my initial). The second pattern was named "snowdrop" by Carla, the woman who interpreted the pattern and wrote the directions. It's difficult to see in my picture, so here is the flower it represents.(blogger has decided to limit my pictures. #%&* never works!!!)

snowdrop
I'm stubborn, so let's see If I can end this blog with a picture of my niece. It was her first birthday and she had a great time. I almost fell on the floor when I heard her say "what up"! She also says Dada and mama and what that as she points. That girl's gonna be a talker. Just like her auntie!!!

I love my new toy!
I had to be sneaky about getting my pictures on this blog. Thank you "HELLO" this program allows me to send pics to blogger. Blogger needs to get this fixed!!!
Anyway, Everyone have a wonderful weekend and keep cool! Here in MA, it's going to be hot,humid and hazy at 90 degrees. As the witch in Oz would say "I'm melting!"

It's All about the spoiler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-07-03T21:11:00.000-04:00

After having a grumpy monday and the thought of having to work on the holiday (I work at a hospital), I came home to a wonderful sight. My mail box was bulging because it was filled with mail! I'm one of those people who loves most junk mail (catalogs, new stores, sale flyers). I opened the box and folks believe me when I say THIS was not junk mail. It was a package from my secret pal!!! woot! I know you all THINK you have the best secret pals in the world, but...behold!

First thing I saw was some scrumptious yarn. 3 skeins of multicolor Noro. I love the colors! Next was 3 skeins of "Paint Box" in beautiful colors. I wonder what to do with all that yarn? I just can't look at it and fondle it. My secret pal has that covered too. Next came these patterns:

She read my questionnaire and is putting me on the road to felting! I'm so excited...More projects!!! I will be making felted slippers with the fuzzy feet pattern and The Booga Bag Pattern! I love trying new things. So this is great. I bet at this point your thinking, wow what a good secret pal you have. Well, that ain't all!

This was the last but not least of a fun package! I received a tape measure, CHIBI (psych!!!) and a silk lotion bar in rosemary mint. The little blue bag you see in the picture is the cutest bag ever. This will be great when I just want to carry my license, money and keys on the weekend. I can let it hang from the belt of my jeans and be hands free!!
I guess I could have said just thank you secret pal, but I wanted to acknowledge the thoughtfulness and effort she put into spoiling me. THANKS, SECRET PAL!
Wow, I think I have to go lie down now. I posted two days in a row!
Have a wonderful holiday!!!

Hostesses, Angels and Updates!

2006-07-02T16:07:00.000-04:00

It's been a crazy, busy week and summer has just begun. First, There was a little glitch with my Secret Pal 8 exchange. I want to say that all of you Hostesses out there are fantastic. Now, I'm just going by my experience with the hostess for my group, Christine, but I imagine your also making this fun for all involved! So, thanks for your hard work!! I have a new secret pal, AKA Kate...AKA?(I don't know yet),but will do my best to figure out 8-}! Thanks, for being an Angel!!!

Let the knitting begin!

The color this month is purple. I have some nice lavender colored sock yarn that would make a great pair of Aran cabled socks! I finished the blue pair. Pictures to come. I'm also using this as my first pair of socks for the summer of socks!

I finished reading another book on my summer reading list. I'm not reading in sequence listed on this blog. I'm going by my mood! The book I just finished was a quick read and I'm missing the character already. It's a book of fiction that takes place in Ireland during the 60's and 70's. The main character in the book "Patrick Braden" is always in search of family and love. He was abandoned on a doorstep. Throughout his childhood, he longs to discover the truth of his conception,find his mother, and live a happy life. Although life is far from happy personally and culturally, and in some instances tragic, Patrick's strong personality and beliefs get him through some of his more difficult times.

I have been knitting, but I can't show it here, because my SP8 spoilee might see it!
As if I didn't give myself enough knitting to do, I've joined a KAL to replicate an antique sampler. The woman who organized this thinks it would be exciting to make a sampler that is as unique as the person knitting it. She has gone through the trouble of knitting the sampler herself and writing down the patterns (with original mistakes and a version with mistakes corrected). She is hoping that some people will want to use contemporary fibers to give it a new look. It's really exciting because people from all over the world have joined. When I joined, there were approx. 145 people. There are now over 600. The youngest knitter is 12 years old and the oldest 81 years old. I will have a picture of the original sampler in my next post.

My mother was right...

2006-06-22T15:09:00.000-04:00

When she told me as a child, not to run with sharp objects, usually scissors. (WALK WITH THE POINTS DOWN!) Though, she never let me have anything sharp! I should have remembered that today. However, I was too concerned with answering the door. I had my knitting needles (DPNS)in hand, when I heard the door bell ring. I jumped up to answer it and must have frightened "Nervous Nell"(my Maine coon cat, Allegra), because she shot out in front of me. I became an instant ballerina, trying to pirouette out of her way. As I grabbed for the doorway with needles in hand, I realized to late, I was about to become stab victim! Those damn needles are sharper than they look. I actually put a small hole in the palm of my hand!! It's minor compared to what it could have been. I think I just put a detour in the life-line of my palm!! That cat needs valium! A bandaid and neosporin did the trick.

In March, I took a knitting class. At the time, We were instructed to find a pattern to work on in class. That way, If we had any problems, the teacher would be able to help us problem solve. I decided to work on a pattern from the book, Loop-d-Loop.

I really love this sweater and I especially love the color... And don't have much green in my wardrobe. This would be perfect winter wear. Oops, I digress...The yarn.
I thought I would like to make it using the yarn the designer used. I had seen other knitter's blog pics of the completed sweater in a variety of nice yarns, with excellent results! I could have easily substituted a similar yarn as did others. But noooo, I had to have the King Filtes-Van Dyck yarn. It was hard to find locally, and on the net. Especially, in the color I wanted. So, I searched the internet and found a site that would order it for me. Guess what? I ordered it in March. (the first week) and received it in June (last Friday). It was definitely a "Murphy's Law" purchase. Everything that could go wrong went wrong. I won't go into further details (You're all prolly noddin off at this point!) I nearly cancelled the order several times, but my knitting OCD wouldn't let me. Also, I'm a sucker for nice people.The woman who does the ordering was so nice about trying to get things straightened out. Needless to say, the class is long over,but the yarn was definitely worth the wait! It's a beautiful yarn and the color true to the pics in the book.

I have three outstanding projects to finish. So, although my fingers are itching to start the sweater and some other projects, I am not going to do another thing until the current projects are done!

Sock Progress
Here is a picture of progress I've made on the current sock. I hope to finish it in a couple of days. After that, I'll either continue and make the mate to a previous sock or continue to this one gets a mate right way...Maybe both at same time!

Lately, blogger's be a pain. It's so hard to get pics put up. Today, I got around it using "Hello" a free program for uploading pics and sending e-mail pics. It's easy to use and does a decent job.

Summer Reading Challenge Update
I've finished reading the first book on my list by Lisa Jackson and I'm onto another book on the list. "Breakfast on Pluto" by Patrick McCabe. This one's a fast read and really funny at times. It took me a little bit to get used to the Irish syntax and expressions. It's a good read!

Project Spectrum
The color is Blue. I'm blue because I haven't any blue to show for it. I wonder if "Singing the blues" counts. This month hasn't started off well, but it's ending on a better note.
Hope all is well with you bloggers out there!!!
Get knitting!

House of Flying Needles!

2006-06-09T19:22:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not writing a screenplay for a sequel to the movie "House of Flying Daggers" It was how I vented my frustration over not "getting it" on a sock heel that I haven't done before. I went to the frog pond several times and ended up with holes where there shouldn't be holes, stitches that kept slipping off the needle, and split yarn. Instead of the calm, "Hmmm,let's see where I went wrong" or the Zen/yoga like approach of just meditating and letting the answer come to me...I sent those suckers flying across the room!!! I left the damn sock alone for 3 days and when I couldn't stand it anymore, I sat down and tried it again. This time, "light dawned on marble head". So not a lot of knitting this week, but I should have something to show for my recent efforts soon.

In other news, It's the summer reading challenge and I'm off to a good start. I'm 3/4 of the way through the first book: Lisa Jackson's "Cold Blooded". Its a suspense thriller with a serial killer, hard boiled detective, and a beautiful woman with visions of the murders and romance thrown in. Here's a list of my other summer choices:
Arthur Golden - Memoirs of a Geisha
Dan Brown - Angels and Demons
Edward Rutherfurd - The Princes of Ireland/Dublin Saga
Stephen King - Dark Tower V - The Wolves of Calla
Stephen King - Dark Tower VI - Song of Susannah
Stephen King - Dark Tower VII - The Dark Tower
Patrick McCabe - Breakfast on Pluto
John Connolly - The Black Angel
F. Paul Wilson - Crisscross

This list of books will keep me busy for a while do have list of other books that I can't wait to read, should I get through these before the challenge ends! Anybody in blogland knit and read at the same time? Just imagine what I could get accomplished...Just kidding! I think I like the idea of just doing one of these activities a time to get the most pleasure out of each!

Have a good weekend everyone and keep knitting!

Fun, Fun, Fun!

2006-05-31T19:27:00.000-04:00

I'm having too much fun on the internet and I blame it on all of you bloggers! Lately, I have to limit myself to a certain amount of time for blog reading. I really enjoy reading the knitting adventures, daily happenings, and all the other talents y'all possess. Sometimes, I'm nodding my head in agreement with people's opinions, empathizing with someone's plight,happy for other's good news or laughing myself silly over amusing stories(that I can see myself in or have experienced) !! So, thanks for sharing. Do I have a life? You bet your ass!!! But, I have to find time for my blog friends! This brings me to why I'm blaming you for my abundance of fun. I've become a join-a-holic. I'm gonna need more steps for recovery than there are in the empire state building or eiffel tower! So, if you hear me complaining in this blog that I'm too busy...Just say "shut-up".
Below find updates of knitting and my joining list (I've stopped! For now, Anyway!)

The color this month is green. This month I'm in the better later than never group for posting my observations/projects. I didn't do anything knit related, but did look around my environment to see how "green" affects me. I am a nature girl and love when every thing blooms. There is rhododendrum bush outside of my bedroom window that's beautiful. It started to bloom this weekend.
I also enjoy green tea and and have two cups I usually use. Both happen to be green. One says "Cat Lover" and the other has a sheep on it and says "Baa...Time 2 dream". Of course, there's green yarn.

and last, but not least is a green bottle of "millions of bubbles", because I always have to nurture the child in me. It's a great stress reliever too. Come on, go ahead. you know you want to play with bubbles (lol)! WAAAAAAh! blogger's not cooperating in getting the pic. It was a good one too! It seems that blogger has decided I have enough photos for the day, so...
Stay tuned. I will have more progress pics and banners to show for the other groups I've joined:
1. Summer reading challenge
2 socks that rock sock club
3. Summer of socks and traveling sock contest
4. Illustration Friday (I've yet to draw something!)
I think Im missing one...

Socks, Socks and more Socks

2006-05-24T19:11:00.000-04:00

For the last few months, I've been hooked on knitting socks. I made my first pair during a stash-a-long to use up some yarn from my project bins. In a previous post, I stated: " Socks are a waste of time" (I know, it's high treason. If I were the President of America's knitters, I'd be impeached !). I had so much fun making them, I didn't understand how I had waited this long to try! When it comes to store bought socks, I always stuck to solid colors (usually med to dark colors). Now, look out! Any color, colorway or self striping yarn, is likely to become a sock. I love seeing how the pattern and the color of the yarn become luscious, warm socks.

Here are a few reasons I love making socks. They are portable, work up quickly, and are great for learning new techniques in small doses. I'm working on a sock called the "sixth sense sock". It's being knitted on U.S. size 2 DPNS in a denim yarn (sockotta). I really like the way this sock is turning out. It's hard to see the pattern from the picture, but it creates a look. From working on this sock, I've learned to make a knitted hem, instead of the usual ribbed cuff and will be learning a new heel and toe technique. (wait till you see the finished sock!).

The orange and yellow sock you see here is a project spectrum knit. It still needs it's mate. I'm working on finishing it now. ( I couldn't wait to start the other sock!!) It's called the "seaweed sock". Again, the photo doesn't do the sock justice. The pattern was fun to knit and at the end of the first 12 rows, I was like "Wow" because of how the pattern was emerging. It's definitely not boring. With this sock, I learned how not to get those little holes around the gusset and heel that make sock knitters crazy! I used Knit Pick's 100% merino wool in "Zinnia".

Several months ago I saw an invitation on www.bluemoonfibers.com to join their "Socks that Rock club". You pay a fee for a set number of months (you choose the length of your subscription)and receive patterns and hand dyed yarns before the public does. I waited to long to decide whether I wanted to join. As usual, by the time I made my decision, it was too late. I put myself on the waiting list. Well, Lo and Behold! They opened the club to 200 more members and I jumped on the STR bandwagon. I'm so glad I did. The colors and feel of the yarn are YUMMY! It's really beautiful yarn. I can't wait to start knitting with it. OH, PLEASE SOMEBODY SAVE ME FROM MY KNITTING OBSESSION! No really, I didn't mean it. I want my addiction (LOL)!

Hi secret pal I have guessed who you are, but wanted to give you a shout out! Hope your having a good week!!

Get knitting!

Handmade versus Homemade

2006-05-17T20:40:00.000-04:00

Ever since I started knitting again (2 years ago), I've been just as obssessed about increasing my knitting library as I am with increasing my yarn stash. I started out with basic technique books, so I'd be ready to tackle any pattern! I haven't reqretted any book I've chosen, but I started seeing a trend in the books I'd bought. Different set-up,patterns, and layouts, but the same techniques explained in slightly different ways. I'm not knocking it, but... I needed to find something with more finishing techniques, especially after the last knitting course I took.

The woman teaching the class discussed how knitted garments, bags, socks...whatever you knitted should look handmade not homemade. She went on to explain what she meant. It made me think back a woman I worked with, who knitted beautifully! However, the moment I saw the finshed garments (she made lots of sweaters and baby items)I thought to myself "yep, anyone can see it's homeade). She didn't always block garments and they just didn't look finished. I thought it was too bad, because she was an excellent knitter, who could pick up any pattern and make it!

In terms of my own knitting, I'n no stranger to frogging when things don't look right, or spending as much time putting the garment together as I did knitting it!
Well...I was in a craft store with no intentions of buying any books (believe it or not, I had hit the book buying wall!!). After picking up the dpns I needed, I headed for the checkout. You all know how it is. Stores put enticing items near the register, so you'll by more things on the way out. I didn't want to look, but I saw a book titled "The big book of knitting" by Katharina Buss. It couldn't hurt to look...could it? I'm not going to buy it anyway. It'll be more basic techniques and easy patterns. I"M NOT GONNA BUY IT! I flipped though it. Next thing I know, I'm pouring over it like it's the holy knitting grail. It may not be, but I have to tell you readers, I fell in love with it! It's all about the finishing! Anything you could ever want to know to make items look professional!!! The explanations are good and the layouts help support the instructions. I really could just stare at the pictures for hours. ( I know, I'm a knitter over the edge! 8-})

I've included a couple of pictures from the book. My photography techniques could use some fine tuning, but they'll give you an idea of what's included. Anyway, enough about my book crush (LOL)! Have a good evening. I'm going to check out American Idol ( How could I have gotten sucked into this...it's my first season!)
Get knitting!

Bridget Bardot and secret messages

2006-05-08T19:33:00.000-04:00

Hi fellow bloggers in lieu knitting content (everything is in progress), I took a quiz to see what kind of pin-up I am. Voila! Je suis Bridgitte Bardot. Of course, Brigitte is now considered an eccentric, who is very involved in animal rights, to the extreme, as portrayed in/by the media. No doubt tho' she was a beautiful woman.

Bridget Bardot.

You are Brigitte Bardot

Naturally sensual and beautiful

You're an exotic beauty who turns heads everywhere

You've got a look that's one of a kind

What Famous Pin-up Are You?

My secret pal sent me this cool card. Thanks mysterious person. It was a nice way to end the day!

That's it for now. Have a good evening. Don't forget, Prison Break is on in 4 minutes. I'm on the edge of my seat and the show hasn't even started!

Hi Secret Pal!

2006-05-05T19:13:00.000-04:00

Wow, answering this questionnaire makes Secret Pal 8 real. Here's my info secret pal!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like sock yarns, Marino wool, cotton, & bamboo. I'm really open to using a variety of yarns. The only yarns I don't like are novelty yarns and redheart brand yarn. Otherwise, my addiction allows for most anything!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I store them in a vase and a knitting bag that hangs in my closet. On occasion I've been known to store them in my hair!

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for 5 years. I'm intermediate level.

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

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
citrus,light floral, clean scents (cotton/linen), and ginger. I don't like lavender, rose, or vanilla scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I don't have a major sweet tooth, but I'm crazy about Swedish fish and mounds bars (anything coconut & chocolate).

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?Crocheting, beading, and drawing. I don't spin, but I'd like to someday!

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
My music choices are very eclectic. Anything from classical guitar (I play!) to alternative rock. I really love music, so I'm always open to hearing something new (that's right...Another addiction!). My computer can play MP3's.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love autumn/fall colors,rose/mauve,sea green/blues.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a boyfriend and 2 cats.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear all ofthe above except ponchos. I'm highly allergic to anything poncho or poncho related!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Sweaters (all types), socks (always a pair on the needles, scarves, and always looking to branch out. I'd like to make some felted bags. (I'm probably the last person on the planet to do so!).

13. What are you knitting right now?
Cardi with suede yarn (bolero style), socks, and a summer crochet bag.

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

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I don't have a preference. I like working with all kinds of needles. I do prefer smaller needs 0 -9's I've never knitted with gargantuan size needles!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, but I plan to own both at some point!

17. How did you learn to knit?
My grandmother taught me when I was 11 or 12. I made a million granny squares! I started up again 2 years ago and have no plans to ever stop!!!

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 months old.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween!

20. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect knitting books,needles with decorative tops, and cat stuff.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
The book, socks, socks, sock. I subscribe to vogue knitting, knit simple, and creative knitting.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Yep, fair isle, lace, and Nordic knitting.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
YES! I'm a 9.5 shoe

24. When is your birthday? (mm/d)

March 20th.

Secret Pal 8 begins!

2006-05-04T21:08:00.000-04:00

Secret Pal 8 is beginning and I'm very excited to be a part of it. It's a secret exchange among knitter's. I learned about the secret pal exchange a year ago, but didn't have a blog at the time. (it's a requirement of the exchange). I thought, if I ever became brave enough to start a knitting blog, I'd join in the fun. The time has arrived. This will be my first time participating and I'm expecting to have great fun. I definitely believe giving (in this exchange) is as much fun as the getting! A big part of the fun will be figuring out the identity of your secret pal.

I will have my secret pal 8 questionnaire on the blog by tomorrow night (Fri).

In the meantime, get knitting!

That bug came out of nowhere!

2006-04-30T20:15:00.000-04:00

I swear I was as healthy as could be until Thursday night, when I got those little body signals that tell you that, "Something wicked this way comes". I was exhausted for no reason and the "nose thing". You know, you just don't feel right. By Friday afternoon, I knew it wasn't gonna be a just "little cold" and by Saturday the couch was my best friend. All I could do was look wistfully at my knitting bag and wish. I seem to have lost the "faucet handle" to my nose to stop the flood! If any of you readers have stock in the tissue companies, you should notice an increase in profits!! Anyway enough of how I was invaded by the body snatchers...

My cats were very empathetic and chilled for the weekend.

Knitting update: I finished one of the socks I'm knitting for Project Spectrum. I had planned to crank the second one out this weekend. Instead the second sock will be this week's goal.

I'm also excited for May's (tomorrow) Project Spectrum color- Green. Now that spring is here, there should be plenty of green around!

Have a good week and get knitting!

Gadget girl and Prison Break...

2006-04-24T20:15:00.000-04:00

I love trying out new gadgets. Some end up being useless. Others make me glad I tried them! Today's "Show and Tell" include a knitting thimble, Norwegian knitting thimble and a stitch holder for circular knitting...Cool, huh? The two thimbles are for keeping two color knitting yarns separate as they're knitted. The Norwegian thimble is the one made of metal. It might not be as cumbersome (don't want that vocab going to waste).

My socks for project spectrum are progressing. I'm working on the heel. More pics to come. This is a short post tonight because I'm hooked on the series, "Prison Break". There's more suspense in this series than is legal! Just when I think I've figured it out...Damn! Always a plot twist! Anyway gotta grab my needles and go!

Get knitting!

Knitting , Crocheting, and some proud auntie pics

2006-04-17T15:43:00.000-04:00

This week's knitting content is limited. I'm still working on the socks I started a couple of weeks ago for project spectrum. I'm having fun knitting them, but just haven't found large chunks of time to get anywhere! The first sock is just about down to the heel flap. As soon as these are done, I want to finish the bolero top and start a pair of "sixth sense socks" from the six-sock-knitalong I joined. As all you knitters know, we're like the energizer bunny...Keep goin and goin!

I crochet, but not as much as I knit. Something about the patterns just remind me of afghan squares and crocheted dishtowels turned into clothing, or those barbie-like dolls-in-gowns tissue covers (you know the ones!). However, recently I've seen some garments that I would definitely wear and they look nothing like what I imagined! I bought the "Spring Interweave Crochet" and was pleasantly surprised! After looking through the magazine (intense scrutiny, really) I found some patterns I'd make with a few modifications . Anyone whose has the magazine, what do you think?

1. Guilded Twinset: pg-14/15: I like the design and the idea of mixing knitting and crochet in one garment. I'd make it in a different color and ditch the bow on the camisole!The design is by Mari Lynn Patrick. I'm not familiar with her other designs, but I'd look for more.

2.Lacy Leaf Cocoon - pg.30/31- This pattern just pulls me in. I don't know what it is about it. It's got that element to it that makes me think of the household crochet object to garment change. The designer stated she got her "inspiration from vintage doiles (seee!). I said above that's why I don't crochet garments. Having said that, there are elements of this pattern that I really like! So, what to do? Make it of course!, I love a challenge. This one was designed by Annie Modisett and there are few (and I mean few!)designs of hers that I haven't considered making. In my hot little hands, I have the famous "corset" and "butter and jam" patterns and there are others in interweave knits issues that are earmarked.

3.Tassel tote: pg 35 Cute bag!

4. Pink Frosting- pg.48-52: I really like this. I'm not a caplet sleeve kind of girl, so they'd have to go. Otherwise, I'd make it as is. It's another design in this issue that's a combination knit/crochet. I also might forgo the one of the crochet rows of ruffles. The designer is Elissa Sugisita.

There are other projects in the book such as cardi wrap,children's sweater (cute),caplets, and some accessories. The two dresses to crochet are surprisingly cute and look like dresses. However, whether it be knit,crocheted, or sewn, I'm not into making dresses.

If you think you'd want to expand your fiber horizons, pick up a copy.
Here are a couple of pictures of my neice. The little one is shown enjoying her first tast of meringue from a lemon meringue pie. One of these pics has a little orange /yelow project spectrum goin' on.

enjoy your week and get knitting!

She's a maniac, maniac...

2006-04-09T10:04:00.000-04:00

Nooo, I'm not flashdancing in my living room, but I am a maniac for socks these days! After finishing my first pair of socks, I went looking for a new pattern and some yarn. I bought some knit picks yarn in "Zinnia" and a pattern called Seaweed socks by designer Nancy T McGlynn. It's a fun pattern to knit and has a really cool pattern. The pattern can't be seen until the first 12 rows are completed. I sat back and looked at what I'd knitted and thought "wow"! The Zinnia colored yarn is perfect for this month's Project Spectrum! See progress below. My picture doesn't do the pattern justice. I'm going to have to try different angles/shots to get better pics.

Of course, I couldn't stop at buying 2 little skeins of yarn for a pair of socks, I went CRAZY! Between internet shopping and supporting my LYS, I have enough yarn to make socks into the next millennium! (Nah, not really...Maybe next few months!). Don't even get me started on the handpainted yarns! (excuse me...Drooling). Here is a pic of yarn goodness!

I'm also in the middle of making a bolero type cardi...Photos later. It's cloudy and chilly...Dammed cold in MA! So, I'll get lots of knitting done today.

Enjoy today and get knitting!!

YES IT'S TRUE, I MADE IT! I'M A STASH-ALONG-SURVIVOR!

2006-04-01T10:17:00.000-05:00

I've made it though the stash-along without buying one single solitary skein, ball,hank, or knot of yarn!!!Though I was envious of those who took the plunge and bought yarn! However, the addiction to knitting and yarn had to go somewhere. I now need to by a bookshelf display the knitting books I purchased!! It really was a fun 3 months and I've met some new bloggers!. I completed the Harry Potter scarf and my first pair of socks. Two out of three planned projects were completed...Not bad! I also started a project for my knitting class using yarn from the stash. That's reduced the stash a little more. I want to thank Kim from "Knitter in Progress" for doing this STASH-A-LONG! I'm not going to join the monthly one right now (I need to get some yarn goodness!), but I am going to try to buy yarn specifically for projects I have in mind to keep the stash more manageable! One more thing... I'm now a sock-a-holic and have no plans to seek help through a "12 step stop the sock madness" group (Nah, I bet one doesn't exist, who'd want to stop %-))

Project spectrum colors for April are yellow and orange. I can't say enough about how I'm enjoying this project! These days I'm looking for color everywhere and in everything! Last month I made a bunch of stitch markers in pink, red, and in combinations of those colors. I'm pleased with the way they came out. This month, I'm going to make socks in yellow and orange! I'm also going to grab my camera and head outside (yeah, for spring) and get some project spectrum photos!

I will give more specific details on the sock pattern and yarn, once I get it started.
I can't wait to see some of the completed projects from other spectrum participants. Even if your not participating, go visit "Lolly knitting around blog" for pictures. People are very creative!!
Have a great weekend everyone and get knitting!

Where's Spring?

2006-03-26T11:56:00.000-05:00

March 20th was the first day of spring and nature has nothing to report. Here in MA., it felt like winter. It was windy and raw! I've had spring fever since January and I really, really want spring!!! I just looked out the window and it's partly sunny. So, I guess I can't complain too much. Here's a picture of what I'd like to see when I walk outside. Enjoy the photo. Maybe your part of the country looks like this now (LUCKY!!!).

Knitting update: I am madly working on my second sock to get it completed by the last day of the stash-a-long. So, I can say I met the goal of at least one completed project from my stash. Actually, I think I can finish it today. But first, I have to do a couple of errands and put groceries in my empty fridge. I guess a girl cannot live by knitting alone...Could try. I took a 5 week knitting class. There's one more class to go. I didn't learn as much as I'd have liked. It was a large class (20) and half the class were total newbies! I did learn some nice finishing techniques and measuring garments for a more custom fit. I want everyone in the world to knit! I loved seeing the excitement of a new knitter, when she figured out a stitch, or a pattern!! One woman in the class had the simple goal of learning to purl. Although, she wasn't able to finish or even start a "real" project, she was thrilled with her sampler of stitches. At times, there was some real frustration and the "I can't do this" or "I'll never learn this #!&*%#!" only 2 students didn't return. I think that's impressive! We all helped each other in the class and there was great commeraderie. I think that it's amazing there was never any knitting cliques within the class. Everyone was willing to share ideas and help less experienced classmates.

I was looking at my site counter and noticed people are stopping by to visit!! Feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEKEND AND...Get knitting!

Stitch Marker Mania!

2006-03-14T07:20:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun making these stitch markers! As can be seen in the picture, I couldn't stop, and I want to make more!!! They will definitely include colors other than this month's project spectrum "red and pink". They were really easy to make after learning how to do it. I'm already planning and scheming for next month's colors. I went the lollyknitting blog to see what others are doing. You're all so talented! Awesome projects!

In other knitting news... I actually have a picture of the first knitted sock, promised eons ago ! It's mate is 50% done. The Harry potter scarf has grown 5 more inches. Last night was week 3 of a knitting class I'm taking. It's finally getting really interesting and fun for us intermediate knitter's in the class. She's started teaching us various finishing techniques. Her philosophy is: "The way a garment is finished can mean the difference between handmade and homemade." She brought her album into class. She is an unbelievable knitter. It was fun the first couple of weeks watching the new knitter's get excited about their new found abilities. Of course this occurred with much sighing, cursing, and "I'll never get this" or "I'm throwing this yarn/needles out the window!" She has nooooooo problem making people frog a project. My initial dilemma was yarn for my project because of the stash-along. But, I pulled out my stash bucket (enough yarn for a whole class) and decided to use the spice color lionbrand suede. It was yarn I bought when I went by look and feel alone (8-) )! I found a project for the number of skeins I have, so now I have a fourth project and slightly smaller stash (lol)!
That's it for now. Have a good week and get knitting!

Project Spectrum...Decisions, decisions!

2006-03-05T10:04:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about what I want to do for project spectrum this month. I wanted to knit something because I have both pink and red yarn in my stash. I must have had an "I can't get enough red attack" because I have a lot of red yarn,with textures from cotton to Mohair! I even have 3 balls of cotton yarn that has dark red, with little flecks of pink. I don't think it's all cotton, because it's got a little sheen to it and its very soft. However, I already have 3 projects on needles, two to knit and one to crochet. The exceedingly long and neglected Harry Potter scarf has red in it, so I will continue to work on that. My one sock is on it's way to being a pair and I can't wait to finish them because, I already have another sock pattern I'm itching to start! I'm very proud of my first sock. I can't believe I did it with little difficulty. (I'm sure there will be future sock challenges!). I'm also excited about finishing the cotton crochet bag. The pattern doesn't require a lining, but I'm going to line it with a perfectly matching material...Can't wait to share photo. So, with all that needs to be finished by the end of march (my goal)...What to do? Stitch markers, of course!

Again, I'm the last on the bandwagon (laugh..Different drummer thing!)! It's okay though because I'm benefiting from others experience! I found a great and simple tutorial by Michael at http://www.wormspit.cp,/stitchmarkers.htm Sounds squeamish, huh? But it a great tutorial with pictures and his site is all about silkworms and silk. It's really interesting. I also found out how to make stitch marker charms on http://knitpowerstopeace.blogspot.com/2005/01photo-stitch- marker-tutorial.html (sorry for not using the link button on blogger, It's not working for me,grrh).
I will be using this month's spectrum colors, so look for photos. My program for getting photos from my camera was not cooperating, thus there is still no sock photo!! There will be one for the next posting!!
Enjoy your day. It's a sunny one here in MA. And...Get knitting!

I'm knitting again!

2006-02-26T08:25:00.000-05:00

It snowed here yesterday. Not too much, but enough to make it look pretty in the morning sun. In lieu of a knitting photo (I'll have one for the next posting), I've included a snow pic. No polar bears here, but I like the pic, so enjoy!

Most of this past week, I haven't felt like knitting (I must be sick or something!!!), but by friday evening, I was a knitting fool! It feels good. I woke up this morning and picked up the needles, while waiting for my coffee. Yeah, I'm back! Work hasn't changed since my last post, but I have some new goals in place and hopefully there will be some new scenery in the near future!

I'm working on the second sock and it should be finished quickly at the rate I'm knitting! HP is next and then I'll finish the crocheted bag. I've signed up for "Project Spectrum" and am excited for that to start. The march colors are pink and red. I have mucho of both in my stash. I think a knitted or crocheted item will be the first project, since I already have the colors. I'm also signed up for "Illustration Friday" . This means I'll be posting drawings related to posted topics (I have No art talent whatsoever, but that's not stopping me 8^}!) This weeks topic is "Tea"

Enjoy what's left of the weekend and get knitting!

In-a-slump, in-a-fog, in-a fugue-state...

2006-02-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

Just when you think everything is back to normal...it's not. Work is sucking the life out of me. I get fooled into thinking that things are going well, because I love what I do. (I'm involved in pediatric rehab) In the past, I looked forward to going to work despite departmental issues, and that's why I've stayed. However, things are so toxic where I work, that loving my job is not enough anymore. The past few weeks have even been more trying. This week made me see I can't fix a work environment that's more than dysfunctional. It's broken. So, it's time for me to make some changes. I've been in such a funk, that I'm not in a mood to do much of anything. Thus, the major lack of knitting content. Thanks for listening. Perhaps soon, it will be a livelier read! that concludes the "and" part of my blog. Onto knitting!

On a happier note, I did enjoy the stash-along's Valentine's Day shopping allowance. Thanks, Kim! I surprised myself with the restraint I had shopping at my LYS. Especially, because of all the new yarns that had just come in. I was also happy to see the interweave knits magazine out a couple of days earlier than the website announced. Kathy told me she had just gotten the magazine in that day. Perfect timing! She now sells bamboo yarn and the colors are beautiful! So, I think I'll try some bamboo yarn during "project spectrum". Maybe for may, june or july depending on the available colors. I already have a pattern in mind. I think I did pretty well limiting my yarn purchase(see picture above). I couldn't pass up the "Knitted Babes" book. I think my neices will love these dolls! "who am I kidding?" I'll have just as much fun making them!

I'm glad for this 3 day weekend. It will give me time to recoup. I've already started relaxing since I got some knitting time in today. My poor sock is in need of it's mate! Happy long weekend everyone and get knitting!

This looks like a sock you'd by from a store!

2006-02-05T08:38:00.000-05:00

Today's photo is brought to you by "Photo Impressions". I forgot to buy more batteries for my camera. So, there will be no knitting progress pics today. I really have to get a battery charger or invest in some battery stock, cuz I'm always buying batteries for something! Enjoy the photo. It's where I'd like to be "gellin like a felon" right now. I have such a case of spring fever and it's a long way off!!!

What's up with knitting you ask? Or not... I just finished my first sock, YAH!! I keep looking at it in amazement, thinking I really did it(with a little help from "Socks 101" ( web tutorial with pics and step-by-step instructions for heel and gusset).I've cast on right away for the second sock. No sock syndrome here! I got a nice complement from a non-knitting friend(I',m working on converting her.8-> ). She said: "Wow, this looks like a sock you'd by at a store. You got skills!" "How did you do this?" The Harry Potter scarf is a little over half way completed. So, I'm happy with myself about knitting progress. Also, Kim and others who commented on this blog about sock addiction, You were all right! I love socks!! I'm already searching for more patterns, cuz I still have sock yarn in the stash. By the way, I've decided not to go crazy on the valentine's day stash-along furlough. (Kim your really having an influence on me!) I've already chosen a project and will buy yarn for that project only. I really want to make "Trellis & Vine" by sauniell N. Connally. It's a pattern on the MAGKNITS website. They've got the February patterns up. hmmm, I was just thinking, maybe I'd also buy a little more sock yarn...(damn, off the wagon already!). Have a good rest of the weekend and week.
Get knitting!!!

YEAH...

2006-01-29T07:23:00.000-05:00

Why "YEAH"?
It has been quite a week. Actually, quite a year and it's only begun. I had quite a few good things happen this week, so things are beginning to looking up.

1. I had a big project at work that carried over from 2005. It was a very complicated and stressful work project that involved many staff and alot of disagreements, etc. However, it was completed this week and I will now have my free time back and be able to concentrate on my life. No more bringing work home and working on work on the weekends!!! It's not a way to live, that's for sure. So, yeah for getting my life back!

2. Yeah... I found a knitting group near home, met up with them saturday morning. It was so much fun!!! We got alot of knitting done, talked about anything and everything, including knitting stories and best of all it was sooo relaxing! The 2 hours flew!! I can't wait until next month's meet-up. I have to say knitters are the nicest group of people anyone will ever meet.

3.Yeah... I found a knitting class and signed up ASAP! it's a class for a variety of levels of knitters. I consider myself to be an intermediate knitter. The class will teach the basics to new knitters with a goal to complete a project in 5 weeks. For more advanced knitters, the class will be offering advanced techniques in knitting and original designs . I like to learn about how to go about designing my own garments. This will be information for future use. I'm definitely not ready for that step yet!!!

4. Yeah, for socks! I wanted to be able to have the heel finished this weekend and that can still happen, but not for this post (darn!). Still, I'm having fun with the pattern and the knitter in saturday's group (whose made dozens of socks, with 6 on the needles right now!!!) complemented me on my progress,thus far! I plan to have one sock done by Kim's next patrol through my blog!

5. Yeah, for Kim of knitter in progress who started the stash-a-long and got me focused on knitting with yarn I have at home. It's really got me thinking about what to do with the stash and, by working on my current projects, I'm using up yarn and of course, making room for more. So, thanks Kim for your encouragement,weekly patrol and reigning in this stash-obsessessed knitter! I imagine this takes up a lot of your time.

6. Yeah, for cats. I just had to show off Samantha. If there's knitting to be done she there! yarn, needles, notions...she doesn't care! It's all good! My other cat Allegra could care less about knitting. I'll have to get some photos of her just being her cute self!!
Hope all of you had some yeah moments in your life this week.
Get knitting!!!

2006-01-21T11:42:00.000-05:00

it's looking like a sock!

I started working on a pair of socks last week and initially, I didn't get much done, because I ended up frogging the same sock over and over. I had trouble with a very wide opening as I completed each round. Then, the damn stitches kept falling off the needle! However, I'm not one to give up easily! So, there will be a pair of handmade socks in this abode or else...!!!

I spent a some time re-thinking why I was having trouble with these socks. The pattern wasn't a difficult one. It was just a k2, p2 rib pattern. The yarn is a good one and I like working with it. The bamboo needles were fine. The gauge and the yarn type was appropriate. S0, what's the problem?

I went to my LYS and decided to look at some other patterns or ask the owner for a little help( she's a wonderful knitter and always willing to help her customer's with questions/problems). I found some nice sock patterns and came upon one from the Plymouth Yarn Studio made with sockotta yarn in mind. I purchased the pattern and bought size 2 needles. What a difference! I've been having so much fun with this pattern and knitting these socks! I haven't finished my first pair yet, but I'm well on my way and there will definitely be more sock knitting. I had great restraint at the yarn store. Of course, I had to touch the various new yarns that had come in, but I did not buy any!! I couldn't leave the store with just needles and a pattern, so I bought Cat Bordi's knitting with circular needles for a later time. Right now, I enjoy using the DPNS. I hope everyone is having a good week.
Get knitting!

Glad for the weekend!

2006-01-14T20:05:00.000-05:00

Until today, there wasn't much knitting accomplished. It all began Monday evening, on my way home from work. I started feeling dead tired and not in the mood to do anything, but lay on my couch, with remote in hand. In my head, I knew once my body touched down on the couch, I'd be out for the count and I should've gone straight to bed but... By 2:30 am Tuesday morning my head was over the toilet bowl and the puke-a-thon was on. I haven't been this sick in about 2 years and I hope to get a lot longer reprieve, after this bout. At times, I needed the toilet and a bucket to cover all bases (you know what I'm talkin about out there!). I was out of work for a few days and too sick to do much of anything, except drag myself to the kitchen and feed the cats. As all pet owner's know, your fuzzy,cuddly, cute as hell animals know when your sick and feel your pain, but ... Where's the food, my dish is empty, dammit!
O.K. enough of my whining. I've read a several other blogs and know there were enough stomach and other bugs to go around for everyone. Hope all of you out there are well or on the road to feeling better!!!

As can be seen in the pic above, I've started working on my first sock. Kim told me I'd be addicted to sock knitting, once I started. My first thought after losing some of the cast on stitches and some of the first row of stitches, because they kept slipping off the needles was maybe she'd meant,I'd be "committed". If this were the case, I have plenty of time for knitting! My next problem was coordinating all the needles. I also forgot to use the fourth needle as the active knitting needle. I'd look down and think "wow, I really have the hang of this and....%$##*&..ahhhhhhh.. I'd have to divide the stitches again, I forgot about using the fourth needle. Well, finally all is well in the world of sock knitting.

I have also been working on finishing my summer bag (from last summer). It's crocheted. I really like the pattern. It's one I found on the lionbrand site. I will also be lining the bag and found a material whose color is similar to the cotton yarn in "natural". It's perfect for the bag! The pattern in the material has a slighlty antique look pattern. HP scarf continues to grow (yeah!). Well that's it for this week. How is everyone else doing with the stash-a-long. Anyone stopping by for a visit, feel free to comment!
get knitting!

knitting at a snail's pace this week.

2006-01-08T16:41:00.000-05:00

I had planned to do lots of knitting this weekend, but that didn't happen. I had unexpected visitors for the weekend! My fingers were just itching to touch some yarn and needles. So instead, I'm going to sit on the couch this evening and knit, while watching t.v. A relaxing way to end a busy weekend!
I placed a pic with this post to show what I've done on the scarf. I'm also knitting a swatch for my socks. One of my new year's goal is to swatch for all projects. Swatching makes me crazy, because I'm always anxious just get new projects started, but I'm going to behave and do it! I know the results will be much better in the end! I wish everyone a good week and more time to knit, so..
Get Knitting 8>) !

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

sock yarn...will I ever get post and pics in sync?

eenie, meenie, minie, moe...pick one from the stash and GO!

2006-01-04T10:02:00.000-05:00

I"ve decided to start using the sockotta yarn to make my first pair of socks. When I started knitting, I swore I would never make a pair of socks, when there were so many scarves, sweaters, shawls etc.. to be made. ( translation: waste of time). However, after reading many of the blogs out there and reading how much fun people have making them and seeing how great the finished socks look, I feel compelled to make a pair ...or 20 8-)! There are so many patterns and of course, so many sock yarns to choose from... no no, I must'nt think yarn or I'll be heading to the nearest LYS.

I was driving around doing errands when I passed by a yarn shop. I started thinking maybe, I'll just go in and look around. After all, I don't have any project info with me,sooo..., what's the harm? Since when has not knowing how much yarn needed for a project stopped any of us from buying yarn, just in case...

NO, I didn't buy any yarn (ye of litle faith)! Instead, I drove right by that store and ordered a pizza! It's gonna be a tasty 3 months at this rate (haha!). Hope everyone is having fun discovering just what's in that stash.
I'll have a progress picture soon of the first sock. Let's hope I don't come down with sock syndrome 8-0!
get knitting!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

2006-01-01T20:08:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday and wishing everyone a fantastic 2006! It's gotta be better than last year, right? My first official new year's resolution is to use up some of my stash that has a life of it's own and keeps growing! Even as I write this entry, there is yarn en route. A few days ago, I ordered "Kidsilk Haze" from The Knitting Garden and "Blue Sky Alpaca" (50% and 50% silk) alpaca from Knit Picks. That's it let yarn withdrawal begin! Why no yarn buying you ask? Kim from Knitter in Progress is hosting a Stash-Along and I've joined. So, no more yarn until the spring!!

I'm very excited to be doing this. First of all, it's my first "knit along" and second of all, I'm looking forward to seeing what all of you talented knitters do, with all of that beautiful yarn stashed away!! I have a long list of projects I want to complete. Now comes the hard part, what do I start with?

I think I'll finish the second Harry Potter scarf (sorry, no pics of the first one). It was a last knitted chrismas gift. The next project from the stash will be my first pair of socks or Rowan's "Butterfly".

Have a good week and get knitting.

It was worth all the holiday stress!

2005-12-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

It's a wonderful life!

The above is a picture of my niece. She looks sooo cute!! She wore a red velvet dress with white fur trim on the hem & sleeves, with a red santa hat! She is almost six months old and the best baby in the world! ( I'm the auntie, I can make comments like this 8-) ). she only cries or fusses when she's hungry or wet. Otherwise, she always smiling and loves people! She has 2 new bottom front teeth and is enjoying a good chew on her new teddy bear blanket.

We all gathered at my mother's house for dinner. We had such a good time. Everyone was there and of course there was excellent food, music, and good conversation! Was there any knitting going on? Yes, there was!! knowing how my family likes to hang out and talk, I brought a scarf to work on (no need to concentrate and it's a small project). My neice asked me all sorts of questions about knitting, such as "Did you knit when you were a girl?" "What d'ya knitting?" " Is it hard?". She's ten years old and wants to learn! yeah, I get to pass it on!!!

Enough of me going on about my christmas. I hope all you bloggers had a safe and happy holiday. Let's do it again! Now get knitting!!

If they can do it, I can...

2005-12-22T22:16:00.000-05:00

A holiday truce...

It appears Allegra and Samantha have made a truce, sharing the bed without hissing and sniper shots. ..when the unsuspecting victim gets smacked with an outstretched paw, at lightening speed. Followed by a facial expressions that says " what's YOUR problem?"

Work has really been making me crazy lately. I love my work, but,upper managment... It's gotten to the point it doesn't take much for me to get upset, about the smaller issues. It's time for me to take a long hard look at my reasons for staying, and what my goals are for 2006. I've decided to follow the cat's lead and have a personal truce with work, so I can enjoy the holidays. Otherwise, I'll lose my mind and a mind full of knitting is a terrible thing to waste!!

2005-12-22T22:14:00.000-05:00

ideas for next year...hmmm

I was out shopping for a couple of last minute gifts, when I spied "Weekend Knitting" by Melanie Falick. You can guess what happened next. Yep...that's right, I bought it! A gift for you and a gift for me. I love shopping!!! Anyway... I was looking through the book and saw these mini sweaters. They're really egg cozies, but can be used to decorate. I've already decided to make a bunch of these with yarn from other projects and string them together to make X-mas tree garland(2006, not time now!) If, you haven't checked this book out, do so. It's got some really quick and fun projects. (In truth, I'm probably the last knitter to look at it, because ya'll are always on top of anything knitting related 8-0>!)

The picture of my Christmas Tree below does not do it justice. It's smaller this year, but decorated just right. It really puts me in the holiday mood when the lights are on, knitting in hand and a glass of wine near by. What more could I ask for...well, don't get me started!
Keep knitting and Happy Holidays to all!

2005-12-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

I love my christmas tree!

Lights, Camera,Action...Blog Photo!!!!!!!

2005-12-11T20:24:00.000-05:00

Finally, I managed to put a photo on my blog! I still have a lot to learn, but this is a start, Yeaaah!!!!!!! The beauty in the picture is Samantha. You can't tell by the cover or the cat laying claim to it, but it's the newest Harry Potter. Anyone who owns a cat will tell you, it's no good argueing with a cat...you'll lose!! Allegra, the resident maine coon cat is in the background wondering what the fuss is about. And, before you even think about asking, not that you would, but... she's not named after the allergy medicine! Her name is a musical term meaning "light and quick" and she is!!!

Since, I won't be reading HP anytime soon, I might as well do the next best thing...knit, of course! My "Prisoner of Azkaban " scarf is coming along well. It's easy to do... just a very long scarf. I'm determined to finish some knitting and crochet projects to start the new year off right. Believe me fellow knitsters, when I tell you , I have a loooooooooooooooooong list of knitting projects for 2006.

Have a good week and keep knittng!!! (p.s. I hate mondays!!!)

2005-12-11T20:16:00.000-05:00

Get your own copy of Harry Potter...