SP9 contest..Let the games begin!

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

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

I'm baaaaaaaack, sorta!!!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. When is your birthday? March 20th

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

RIP update and a little knitting.

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!

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 !!!

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!!!