Where's Spring?

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!

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!

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!