Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Merry Christmas!

no idea when I'll be able to post again for awhile so I'll say my holiday greetings now!!!! may you all have a wonderful, safe, healthy & peaceful holiday season & let it continue throughout the new year!!!!!!

I finally got everything moved into the new place but the mail service is a trip & a half...they are returning my mail to the senders & I'm not getting stuff...I mean nothing!!!!!! so if you've sent me something & I haven't responded please forgive me but I have a feeling I haven't gotten it...I spoke to my mail carrier & told her to send anything & everything addressed to the street address through...regardless what name it has...you know me & my many names...so lets hope they straighten up!!!! New York was never like this...the mail went thru no matter what!!!!!
I treated myself to a winter coat because under 30 is cold & I've been real cold at 4 in the morning when I leave for work.....you'd think I'd have knitted myself something to wear by now, but no such luck....I had a lovely pair of mittens w/side holes to stick my fingers out to make it easy to smoke (hush wabbit) & they have vanished...maybe I need a length of string attached to run thru my sleeves that attaches to mittens so I don't lose them...anyway...I also have a wimple I made in shades of autumn, very pretty...my baby alpaca laceweight Faina's Scarf that is toasty warm so at least my neck is happy....nice warm wool washable wool sox would be nice for my feet...maybe I can whip up a pair...oh, actually I do have a pair that I had knitted for joe that he wore constantly....I had made him a nice matching cap too which he also wore all the time....instead of saving them in the closet I think I'll start using them...it'll be like he's warm & toasty alongside of me. I think it's going to be a very strange & lonely Christmas but my son & his girlfriend are coming up on saturday to spend it with me so that will be very nice....I don't get to see my son as much as I'd like to...he's a wonderful cook too, so I better take advantage of that!!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

december already

wow, the holidays are very much upon us...got the 3 lil trees up at home...most of the house is fairly tidy but the re-arranging & sorting is what is hardest for me.
but I am almost finished w/the Faina's Scarf...had to rip it back 3 times because of a blatant error (on my part, of course) but it sure is pretty!!!!
started some nice regia silk socks too...love that yarn...wish they would come out w/some more colors tho......
other than that, I wish you all a safe, healthy & wonderful holiday to those celebrating other things...& a merry xmas to me & mine, politically correct or not!!!

Monday, November 19, 2007

I love you, Joe

my sweetie was taken from me...much too early...I'll miss you Joe...always

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Ene's Shawl from Scarf Style

I'm doing this is a lovely stretched merino from Southwest Trading Company...unfortunately this yarn, I beleive, has been discontinued...always the nice stuff...such a shame!
I am done w/the 1st chart & haven't gotten up the nerve to turn the page to see what's next...big coward that I am....it's kinda nice being afraid tho.........

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

still going strong

well, I'm still alive & kickin.....pretty much anyway!!!!! working on a Heartstrings pattern called the Hanging Vine Stole...just lovely & very easy...a lovely green alpaca/wool/mohair & you can make any size from a scarf to an afghan....I'm doing the shawl size & after it's blocked it should be just gorgeous, if I do say so myself!!!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

SP11 package

it's times like this that I really feel bad about not having a camera...my pal sent me a package & inside was size 0 32" knit picks circular needles...they really feel nice & I can't wait to try them out...
a whole collection of pampering feet stuff, just in time for winter weather, keep away those cracks for sure...
a medicated lip balm, truly a necessity cause I go thru blistek like crazy so I can't wait to try this....
& the most gorgeous shade of pink alpaca silk yarn...truly scrumptious!!!!!!
I'm hoping I didn't forget anything...but my goodies are at home & I am at work cause I don't even have the use of a pc at home anymore, at the moment anyway!!!!
thank you again, my pal....you are the best!!!!

in other news I finished another birch (cept for blocking!) in a merino/silk brick red color...it really came out nice.....
still working on joe's sox...& another lace shawl that will take me forever because the yarn is so fine....
and it's already the middle of october???? how on earth did that happen????

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

dentist

gotta go to the dentist again today...for a filling that will most likely turn into a pulling, which is quite likely for me.....last week I had an abcessed root...a root that should not have even been there since it was canaled & stuff years ago. did I mention I deplore the medical field???!!! ok, enuff whining.....
I started another Birch in a brickish red merino/silk....I gotta find me a new lace project...I'm getting tired of the Birch...but it took me this many years to actually get it right, I figured I owed it at least 2, right??
my sweet kitty kitty is w/me at the apt....she is the nicest lil thing...she is still snooping around, chatting up a storm & getting used to the place. that's all for now!

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Rowan Birch is done

story behind the Birch...been trying to get past the 1st row for several yrs now...had a block in my brain or something...my own stupidity....anyway, I had some real pretty yarn a friend gave me & at about 70 stitches or so I ran out...you're supposed to decrease down to 3 stitches. too lazy. so instead of a point in the back it has a mesa or plateau or whatever you wanna call it...but it's still pretty...needs a blocking badly too. that's about it for me as far as knitting (or should I say finishing!)

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Breeze from Knitty.com

check out these adorable lil sox made from egyptian cotton.....they are very fast & easy & i'm almost finished...yeah for me!!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

finished lotsa things!!

I finally finished (not blocked yet tho) my orangy merino shawl from knit1crochet2 Triangular Shawl pattern...it was so easy & really came out nice...I enjoyed knitting it (even if it DID take me like almost 2 freakin years but that was my own fault!!)

also finished the orangy Heartstrings Concertina sock pattern for the shop...made 2 sox yep 2, & can you tell I just love my orange??? must make me happy or something...who knows...but the yarn was that squishy swooshy Dream in Color stuff..really nice....what else??? can't remember if I finished something else or not...pics would be real handy at a time like this, right? oh well. such is life.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

so many things

it's really been crazy for me lately...& I've been chastised for not blogging...which I certainly deserve....still, it makes me feel bad.....

so

I finished a pretty peachy pair of sox, top down, from Heartstrings called the Concertina(?) pattern?! they are for a friend so she better come by the shop soon so she can see them at least!
started the red sweater dress from the recent Interweave & the directions started off very mootebootly at least for my mind.....a really weird way of saying to do the moss stitch & after just the 1st row I ended up ripping it out....very frustrating. but someone will come along & say "look, this is what you need to do" & I'll be smacking myself wondering why I couldn't figure it out.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

my 1st SP 11 package!!!

was I shocked...my wonderful pal sent out her 1st package already!!!! I could just kick myself for not having pics to post but I'll try to explain in excruciating detail....
2 balls of sock yarn from lang jawoll..in a twisty blue/gray color..
3 lil balls for kitty kitty to play with...she says thank you for thinking of her!!
yummy vanilla candles...
beautiful purple stitch markers..did you make these???
Scrumptious Lindt milk chocolate (which I put right in the freezer so as not to tempt...
lovely tissues...something I use ALL the time...VERY thoughtful!
and a pretty striped case w/sugar mama candies inside.....(I did have a mama..couldn't resist just ONE!)
Thank you so much, my awesome pal...!!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

SP11 Questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love to knit with baby alpaca because I love its softness.
Do not like acrylics, acrylic blends or novelties of any kind.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a circular solution for my circs & dpns.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Probably over 30 yrs & I think I learned from videos I took out of the library. Nobody in my family knitted.

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate...I never gauge...I should but I don't...so I haven't earned a higher place in the chain of things!!! LOL!!!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No

5. What's your favorite scent? Vanilla

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes
Favorite candy? Milk Chocolate, Nips.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? nothing else really.

Do you spin? a little bit, but I got frustrated so I gave it up...maybe someday I'll try again.

8. What kind of music do you like? anything weird w/lots of drums. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes

9. What's your favorite color(s)? I like all colors but my absolute faves are the fiery colors...reds/oranges.
Any colors you just can't stand? Not really

10. What is your family situation?
just me.
Do you have any pets?
1 cat

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes to all but ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
lace & sox

13. What are you knitting right now?
A shawl, baby sweater, sox & a hat.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circular Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Aluminum. Circs...my newest crave is the Lantern Moon Ebony...any size!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
a shawl that's going on 1 year.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? gorgeous yarn

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Lantern Moon Ebony Circs, Socks that Rock lightweight, Jitterbug in the yellow Popsicle colorway (can't find it anywhere!)

What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
none, only buy them if I like them.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
new bind offs..interesting heels...

22. Are you a sock knitter?
Yes
What are your foot measurements?
8" long..

23. When is your birthday? March...I'm a Pisces.

24. Are you on Ravelry? Yes If so, what's your ID?
I think I signed up but haven't heard back yet

Thursday, August 09, 2007

no way it's August!!!!

I can't beleive it's almost mid-august...I have been so bad about posting here...I hate to post w/out pics to show tho...kinda takes something away... back home, mine is the only PC that works, but won't take the pics to download...not until joe sets his up...doesn't look like he plans too any time soon...after the move I assume.
so anyway, I recently finished a pair of red/black/gray trekking...really short footies cause I might be the only person in the world that feels this way, but I find the trekking kinda harsh to work with....don't think I like it at all anymore...but I'll see how they feel after they're washed, which they're waiting to be as we speak.
the other lil short footsies are of regia silk...nicest stuff in the world to work with...soft as butter & sturdy as hell...love em to death!!!!!
I've been on a quest to find Colinette Jitterbug sock yarn, but in the Popsicle bright yellow colorway...seems they change the colors in the colorway...makes no sense to me to do that...just name it something else, right?? but who am I...anyway, I shall not rest until I find it....I see it knitted up & on others feet but short of knocking them down & stealing their footwear I simply must be patient & assume that what will be will be.
I started a lil green baby wrap sweater from the Knit Cafe book & then I ran out of yarn...so I started another...just about up to the sleeve now.
******I saw the new sock book by Cat Bordhi & it is truly amazing, unique & inspiring...not the same sock book as you always see where it's pretty much the same pattern, just a different stitch or color...this has so many weird & wonderful techniques....I'm saving up for that as it was a bit pricey!
ok, my fingers are numb now...way too much typing for so early in the morning...later....

Monday, July 16, 2007

it's raining it's pouring

I love the rain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thunder & lightning in the distance too...so romantic!!!!!

almost finished w/joe's bamboo/wool sox....I knitted the foot until it was exactly 10-1/2" long & then I did the short row heel...I never saw such a long sock in my life!!! but it's almost done now; just working on the ribbing for the cuff.

I have been at a friend's house since last week, babysitting her pets & 2 daughter's while she is away. they are coming home tomorrow & then I will be home knitting away & hopefully posting more regularly...I have the laptop, now all I need is internet service....a minor challenge!

Saturday, June 30, 2007

thank you secret pal!!!!!

my final pg of the secret pal 10 came & it was from Kele www.paganhooker.blogspot.com
and is that the coolest name or what??!!!! I think I might rename myself greedy pagan or something like that...I love it!!!!!
anyway, she said me a luscious smelling vanilla candle, a fabulous fiber trends shawl pattern, some gorgeous chocolaty alpaca, some mohair blend that matches the chocolate alpaca to a T, a great fan that not only keeps me cool but also has a secret message that lights up when it's on...incredible!!!...& some delicious chocolates & candies!!!!!!! thank you so much for spoiling me rotten...I really enjoyed everything so much!!!!!!!
(sorry I have no pics...camera/pc combo is down at the moment!)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

almost july!!!!

wow, I've been so busy...haven't had the time to post...or I've had the time but no PC....I can't win!!!!! oh well, it could be worse I guess.
I'm really hoping to have pix of my alpaca shawl taken this weekend...and the sox I'm almost done with....the sweater is way far from being done as are the slippers so no pix for either of those.
tomorrow I'm going out of town again for my job...just overnite but still. it really slows me down!
I hope all is well w/all you guys....it's been waaaay too long!

Sunday, June 03, 2007

scary

had a real bad episode w/joe last night....couldn't catch his breath...eyes rolling in the back of his head. he's just fine now. was just out smoking. something really nice to be said for the single, I live alone life......

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

I'm back

hope everybody had a nice holiday....I've had a toothache for almost a week but it's gone now....so hoorah for me.
still working on sox....AND I started a modular sweater from the 2003 holiday issue of vogue...it looks kinda nice but all that garter stitch is just about gonna kill me....I might not even have enough yarn to finish it....but I'm gonna plow on because suffering builds charater!!!!!
been so busy that I don't get to blog as much as I would like...I have some pics (yes, still) that I would like to post...should happen this coming weekend!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

EIGHT RANDOM THINGS

EIGHT RANDOM THINGS

Sandie (http://stash-n-stitch.blogspot.com/) tagged me...
But first: The rules:

1: Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.

2: People who are tagged, write a blog post about their own 8 random things, and post these rules.

3: At the end of your post you need to tag 8 people and include their names.

4: Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

1. If I don't know you well, I am extremely shy. My friends don't believe it but it's true.

2. I am very greedy...I always want more. but alot of the things I get I end up giving away. still....I am very greedy.

3. I love animals more than people. I really do.

4. I am afraid of the dark & have used night lights my whole life.

5. I have a built in poxy that causes icky things to happen to people when they are mean to me. nothing tragic, just annoying little bruises or they lose important things....I never know what it will be, but it sure does work.

6. I am always thinking about knitting. Always.

7. I have to visually see something to learn it...I cannot read it out of a book...& then I have to write it down in my own words in order to remember it.

8. I don't even know 8 other bloggers well enough to ask them to do this "Random Things" thingee......how sad is that.....so I guess it will end here...unless somebody wants to volunteer. I'll add Number 9 to make up for it.

9. I cannot type or knit without looking & I can't seem to learn a language either. I've tried. Although years ago I started to learn sign language from a library book. Maybe if I can get my hands on a dvd or video I'll have better luck.

Wabbit, I'll be happy to tag you if you want but I have a feeling the answer is no. well ok then.

happy mother's day!

happy mother's day to one & all...and thank you joe, for taking the pic of my stitch markers!!!

look how purty!


this is what my secret pal just sent me!!!! she knows I love sox & she knows I love lace so....is she not with it??!! thank you so much, I love them!!!!

see my beautiful stitch markers that she made just for me!!!!

Sunday, May 06, 2007

my way of knitting

the secret pal swap 10 is having a contest & we're to describe how we knit & why. so here goes. I usually sit, cross legged, on the couch, my coffee at my side. I knit the continental way & still can't knit w/out looking directly at my work...a problem I can't seem to overcome. I have my knitting coming out of my yarn bag because heaven forbid it touches the floor or the cat rubs against it...it would just kill me! when I start to get tired I carry everything into the bedroom & sit cross legged in the same way on the bed until I fall asleep.

have a great week!!

Thursday, April 26, 2007

hooray for the weekend!!!!

just arrived home & it's been crazy to say the least but here I am!!! the week after next I'm scheduled to be away for 3 out of the 5 work days. I'm really getting too old for all this.
both mine & joe's PC's are acting up so he's hooked up his printer to my PC so I'm unable to scan until he shows me how...just confusing enough to throw me off!!! but I started a new pair of sox & I'm about 1/4 thru the blue sky alpaca shawl pattern...or is it a scarf??? who knows. it's a very easy pattern but it is a bit boring. hopefully I'll have pics to show soon!

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Camo Sox & other stuff


my poor joe still has such swollen feet & the blue stretchy sox I knitted were "all stretched out" said he. now why on earth would he wear them out, & especially to the drs. office??? they were for lounging around the house!! so I started another pair of stretchy regia but w/less stitches. I just finished both heels & will knit round & round till the cuff is done. hopefully I can finish them before I leave tomorrow.
this week will be very busy. I stay in a motel during the week because I still haven't been able to find a place to live up north yet...just too darn busy traveling w/the job!!! this week I'll be upstate in ANOTHER hotel while we install a new phone system....hopefully, joe will call a few of the apts we circled in the newspaper because thie is my last week in the motel unless I pay for another month & it is exorbitant!!!! I'm thankful for the new job but wish the excitement would end long enough for me to catch my breath.

today I got to meet my dear friend Maggie's "mommy"...yes I said mommy. Maggie hates it when I call her mother that. must be why I continue to do it!!! anyway, she was a doll & I'm so glad I finally had the pleasure of meeting her.

also got to see kim...she popped into the shop today....sorry I was so busy, sweetie!!!! but it was great seeing you & let's plan for a knitting day at Border's or somewhere 1 of these sundays, ok??!!!

then Wabbit breezed in along w/her honeypie Dan & the 2 furbabies, Cole & his son Chance...they were looking all handsome having just been groomed & coming from attending a golden retriever social...the pups looked handsome, not wabbit & dan, altho they looked good too.

ok then, that's about it...I'm still hunting for the darn camera because I have lots of pics I want to take...but it'll just have to wait I guess...do I ever do what I'm supposed to WHEN I'm supposed to??? no. & no reason to start now. I hope you like the pics of the sox!!!

Saturday, April 07, 2007

pics!

well ok then...it allowed me to post my pics...whoo hah....I wrote about these sox in my last post in case you were wondering. that's all for now, altho I did cast on for another pair of sox in the regia stretch but on 48 stitches....because of the stretch, they do come out kinda big...it's a real nice green brown that comes out looking kinding camo!



Friday, April 06, 2007

Regia Sox

here are joe's blue regia stretch (almost done) & my regia silk (all done).....the regia silk is so soft...I can't wait to start my lil brown & white shorties (thanks kim!!)
well, for some reason the image is not opening so the pics will have to wait...I'll try again later.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

my 1st Secret Pal 10 package!!!!



What a great 1st pg my pal sent me. Handspun & handpainted merino sock yarn, from All the Pretty Fibers...& just look at those colors...are they me or what? & it's a huge hank!
a yummy thick hand cream from Burt's Bees, 1 of my favorites, but I have never seen this particular cream before...& it's wonderful!
last but certainly not least, chocolate..Lindt 's to be exact. now how great is my pal, I ask you? along w/a wonderful note too! thank you so much, dear pal!!!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

March is almost gone!!!!!

wow, I can't even beleive that April is just around the corner.....& I've been so behind in posting....not that anybody ever reads or responds anymore (my peeps, you know who you are!!!!)
In the process of just finishing up a pr of the Regia silk sox....doing the ribbing as we speak.
but joe's feet have been so swollen lately...he's going in for a vascular doppler test to see if there's a clot or some other gosh awful thing going on. anyway, I started a pair of the Regia Stretch in a lite blue denimy color on size 1's & I'm whipping my way down towards that ol heel (from the toe, of course!)....it's been hard because I'm away from home & sitting on a motel bed trying to knit & my spine is hurting alot. ok well, I guess I better head off to the motel...I'm being very sneaky at work, accessing the computer....wish me luck!!!!

Friday, March 23, 2007

Favorite Knitting Accessory

wow, that's a tuff one........I like the curlicue point protectors because they stay on & look so cute.....I like my lil addi needle sizer because I don't always know which size to use & any other needle sizer just won't measure the add's correctly...I like my extra sticky Post Its to mark my spot on my pattern...I like my knee-sel that sits on my knee & gets velcro'd on & holds my pattern up close where I can see it....is it ok to like more than one?? I hope so!!!!

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Secret Pal 10 Questionairre

The Questionnaire .....sorry new secret pal...you were given the greediest of all folks & I feel sorry for you.


1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
no acrylics or acrylic blends please.....I love most merinos & alpacas....fleece artist, karabella, jitterbug by colinette, gems by Louet just about anything soft, lovely & colorful.....no cashmere is necessary...see, not all THAT greedy!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a Circular Solution for my Addi Turbos for which I have more than enough....but would love to try the Suzanne Circulars!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
over 40 yrs...learned by videos mostly....intermediate in some areas & advanced in others.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No. I buy all the new books pretty regularly...cept for the new yarn harlot book...I do covet that!

5. What's your favorite scent?
I like vanilla mostly...not crazy about fruity scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love chocolate. milk, not dark...chocolate & peanut butter is wonderful. chocolate w/nuts. Nips or Werthers too. & Lifesaver peppermints.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
nothing. just knitting. sock & lace mostly...& collecting lace patterns. that's my whole boring life. very sad actually.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
no, too picky about my music. send yarn instead.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I lean toward the FLAME colors...red/orange/yellow combo....I also like the baby blue/purple/pink combo....but colors is where I really am the least picky. I love solids too so don't dismiss them. color is good. no bad.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
none to speak of. it's all about me right now. me me me.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
delicate lace scarves...otherwise no, this is arizona after all.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
lace shawls & scarves & sox.

13. What are you knitting right now?
lace shawl, still, which I really need to finish already & sox...many sox...

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
if it's lace or sox....I would love some nice handknitted sox...I rarely get them....in a nice tight thin merino sock yarn...no cotton or acrylic please....just plain, nothing fancy...& short is fine too, like a tennis sock....for a size 8 foot...that would be just lovely.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
circs, addi turbos or rosewood or ebony (yeah right)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I own both because I prefer hanks of yarn & wind them right before I use them.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 months approx. but I really am still working on it

18. What is your favorite holiday?
would have to be Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
hanks of lovely sock yarn....lace patterns...Fiddlestick lace patterns....Just 1 More Row Patterns are nice too! Socks that Rock...Claudia Handpaint...Brooks Farm...damn, I am a greedy so & so....yarn is really my true desire.....

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
glad you asked: hanks of lovely sock yarn....lace patterns...fiddlestick lace patterns....Just 1 More Row Patterns are nice too! fleece artist, Socks that Rock Light, jitterbug by colinette, gems by Louet just about anything soft, lovely & colorful.....check out etsy for goodies too! no magazine subscriptions needed...I just get what I like.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
too many to mention...I love to learn. let me recommend lucy neatby, elizabeth zimmermann to name just 2....I have their dvd's already but for you, it would be wonderful!!!!! learn all you can, is my motto!!!!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I am a sock knitter....size 8 sock would be fine...or 40 in the euro size I would guess. if somebody knits me sox you can bet they will fit me. no matter what. I will cut off my toes if necessary. no, really.

23. When is your birthday?
march 7...I am a Pisces...I am wishy washie....as greedy as I am I am still very nice. just ask my friends who I have threatened w/bodily harm.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

birthday thank yous!

I have been properly chastised from all my good buds for not posting anything about my birthday....I am very sorry....& yes, it was lovely!!!! wabbit wrote a very detailed & wonderful description on her blog & I just didn't wanna repeat what she already said, is all.
but all in all it has been a great birthday month so far w/lots of exciting happenings. I guess I'm just feeling a bit confused & overwhelmed by it all. after this next week when I see how everything goes, I'll hopefully be back to my old self again.
at the same time I have swaps going on & I'm trying to stay on top of those too....nobody shall get passed over, no sirree bob!!!! I shant forget to send to anyone!!!!!! I did do a really stupid thing in the swap I sent out last week tho. I put some tape over the stamps because they looked like they could use it. how was I supposed to know you can't tape over stamps???? dumb stupid ol post office w/their damn stinkin rules. so it cost me DOUBLE to send it. dumb stupid ol me too, since I guess I shoulda known better. but really, how can I be upset when all things around me are so wonderful!!!!???? I tried but I can't. shuddup wabbit, I'll be gushy if I want to!!!!
well ok that's about all for now.....I'm still trying to organize myself into what I need to pack up for next week & what can wait. later guys.....

Friday, March 09, 2007

WARNING.......adult content


I finished a willie warmer for a friend who's trying to impress her boyfriend to be??!! who knows. but here's a pic.
I also made a bra/bikini top/whatever you wish to call it, out of the same yarn a few yrs ago, but for some reason Joe refuses to model it for me. it's Fixation by Cascade & it's an elastic cotton...easy to work with as long as you don't overstretch it.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

too much going on


I've been way behind in posting....so much happening at the moment & nowhere to begin to tell so I have a feeling I just won't post much until everything settles down. I really don't like putting alot of my personal life on my blog. my close friends are aware of my situation so I shall save the blog for just knitting stuff.
I'll be teaching a toe-up sock technique class again this coming tuesday nite...my birthday eve since you asked!!! ha ha ha!!!! yeah, I know you didn't but that's ok too. I have just 1 woman signed up & she is very sweet so we'll have a good time I'm sure. I have 2 pr of sox on the needles at the moment; 1 pr are pretty bed sock w/holes & bumps (pic included) & the other are just plain w/a built-in stripey pattern. very simple but as always it takes me forever to do anything.
today is also 3 weeks of not smoking & wouldn't you know, I'm putting stuff away & stick my hand in the lil thingee we have hanging in the kitchen for keys & crap & find a 3/4 filled pack of my smokes. well I broke off the filters, dumped them in a bowl & preceeded to douse them w/water, crumple them up & flush em. I am very proud of me. I really don't miss the smoking as much as I miss the act. it's a mind thing for me I guess.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

something amazing!

I just met a Windtalker....yes, an actual Windtalker.....he was even approached by clint eastwood to be in that movie. he wanted no part of it tho. he considered it an honor to do what he did & felt that being in the movie would exploit that in some way. I respect his decision. he was a real sweetheart & was accompanied by his daughter who seemed to take very good care of him.

Valentines Day

I am horrible. I am truly awful. I got nothing for Joe for Valentine's Day. absolutely nothing. I remember asking him a few days before if he wanted anything because I wanted to make sure he didn't give me some dumb ol stuffed animal or dead flowers or something. can you tell, a romantic I'm not? he said no, there was nothing he wanted or needed so that's exactly what I got for him. nothing. but did he get ME nothing? of course not. he got me a gift certificate to my yarn shop.
in the condition that he's been in lately, having not even been able to drive in months & months, not being able to breath, not being able to even walk, he got in the car & drove himself to the yarn shop & got me the goodie. so do you know what brightened up his whole day??? me, heating up his lasagna for him. is this a match made in heaven or what? the giver & the taker, living happily ever after. need I say that I am the taker? no, I didn't think so.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Favorite Color Swap Questionaire!!

Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your top three favorite colors?
orange/purple/red...not necessarily together, but I really do like all colors

2. What crafts do you really enjoy?
knitting sox & lace...collecting patterns & yarns

3. What products do you really covet?
the new hanks of gorgeous sock yarns

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things?
I enjoy begging for goodies...& I'm good at it too!

5. Is there anything you collect?
hanks of sock yarns & lace knitting patterns

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol?
I'm a pisces.....I'm a fish & very wishy washie

7.What are your favorite…

…scents/smells?
fresh brewed coffee....vanilla

…types of music and/or bands?
too weird to mention

…authors?
too weird...I'm embarrassed

…animals?
adore all animals

…places to shop?
needler's nest in surprise, AZ & jessica knits in scottsdale, AZ

…season?
winter

…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies?
sock yarn like Louet Gems or Blue Moon Socks that Rock

…candies or goodies?
milk chocolate...chocolate w/peanut butter or nuts....vanilla coffee beans

8. Do you have any wish lists?
nope, just want nice sock yarn...I have everything else

9. Are you allergic to anything?
can't eat wheat products so no cookies & can't stand tea so please no tea

10. Do you have any pets? What are they?
it's just me...all about me. me me me

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy.
just the nice sock yarn like socks that rock or jitterbug or a new Opal or regia silk.......nothing else is necessary!!!! and thank you for understanding that I want what I want. hopefully I'll get my pal what they want too.

SP 10 Questionaire update

I cannot believe I left off Socks that Rock as a yarn that I want too....and Claudia's Handpainted...and.....ok, I'll add more as I think of it. just what you wanted to hear!

SP 10 Questionaire

The Questionnaire .....sorry new secret pal...you were given the greediest of all folks & I feel sorry for you.


1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
no acrylics or acrylic blends please.....I love most merinos & alpacas....fleece artist, karabella, jitterbug by colinette, gems by Louet just about anything soft, lovely & colorful.....

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a Circular Solution for my Addi Turbos for which I have more than enough....but would love to try the Suzanne Circulars!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
over 40 yrs...learned by videos mostly....intermediate in some areas & advanced in others.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No, but if you ask I'm happy to tell.

5. What's your favorite scent?
I like vanilla mostly...not crazy about fruity scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love chocolate. milk, not dark...chocolate & peanut butter is wonderful. chocolate w/nuts. Nips or Werthers too. & Lifesaver peppermints.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
nothing. just knitting. & collecting lace patterns. that's my whole boring life. very sad actually.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
no, too picky about my music. send yarn instead.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I lean toward the FLAME colors...red/orange/yellow combo....I also like the baby blue/purple/pink combo....but colors is where I really am the least picky. I love solids too so don't dismiss them.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
none to speak of. it's all about me right now. me me me.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
delicate lace scarves...otherwise no, this is arizona after all.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
lace & sox

13. What are you knitting right now?
lace & sox

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
if it's lace or sox....I would love some nice handknitted sox...I rarely get them....in a nice tight thin merino sock yarn...no cotton or acrylic please....just plain, nothing fancy...& short is fine too, like a tennis sock....for a size 8 foot...that would be just lovely.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
circs, addi turbos or rosewood or ebony (yeah right)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I own both because I prefer hanks of yarn & wind them right before I use them.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 months approx. but I really am still working on it

18. What is your favorite holiday?
would have to be Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
hanks of lovely sock yarn....lace patterns...Fiddlestick lace patterns....Just 1 More Row Patterns are nice too!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
glad you asked: hanks of lovely sock yarn....lace patterns...fiddlestick lace patterns....Just 1 More Row Patterns are nice too! fleece artist, karabella, jitterbug by colinette, gems by Louet just about anything soft, lovely & colorful.....check out etsy for goodies too! no subscritions needed...I just get what I like.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
too many to mention...I love to learn. let me recommend lucy neatby, elizabeth zimmermann to name just 2....I have their dvd's already but for you, it would be wonderful!!!!!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I am a sock knitter....size 8 sock would be fine...or 40 in the euro size I would guess. if somebody knits me sox you can bet they will fit me. no matter what. I will cut off my toes if necessary. no, really.

23. When is your birthday?
march 7...I am a Pisces...I am wishy washie....as greedy as I am I am still very nice. just ask my friends who I have threatened w/bodily harm.

Saturday, February 03, 2007

New Addition


I have been very lax in getting Kitty Kitty's picture posted....but she is a cat on the run so it's very hard to pin her down sometimes! but here she is.
she is about 10 yrs old & she & Tabitha still have not made friends yet but at least they try to keep out of each other's way. Her fur has to be the softest I have ever felt in my life. She is very sweet & loving & loves to butt people w/her head. We just love her to death. She came w/the name Jill but never answered to it so Kitty Kitty it is!

Friday, February 02, 2007

my 2nd SP9 pg has arrived!



This was waiting for me when I got home....a knitted facecloth from the Weekend Knitting book and the book too!! a wonderful box of great smelling soap, French milled...I adore fancy soaps like these...or soaps that people have made themselves. I never ever buy them for myself for some silly reason! she also sent me a skein of the cotton chenille yarn used to make the facecloth! my question to you, my pal, I thought you didn't like pink??? why would you subject yourself to knitting it in pink...that must have been a hardship for you!!!!! LOL!!!!! the card was adorable, w/a bathrobe & slippers...just right for stepping out of the bath! and the theme she used for all these goodies was "Tiny Bubbles"...as always, she did a great job of wrapping everything so nicely...I hope my pics do it justice! thank you Linda!

Thursday, February 01, 2007

I seemed to have hurt something in my back on thursday so sitting is almost impossible & so I haven't been on the computer much at all lately. I can stand w/no pain & I can lie down w/no pain, but sitting seems to hit my spine at just the right spot to make my eyes roll back in my head. I even tried putting a Lidacaine patch on (thanks maggie) and it numbs in a bit but the pain is much more internal so not much luck there. I figured if I'd have pulled something, it would unkink itself by now, doncha think?? maybe it's worse than I thought. maybe something imploded & now there is toxic waste coursing thru my body giving me just hours to knit all the things I've wanted to but kept putting off. why oh why didn't I buy that gorgeous Brooks Farms yarn while I was at Rhinebeck??? why didn't I sign up for that awesome sounding sock cruise???? now it's too late....
hey....it's really not that bad so I shall stop whining & carrying on...there are lots more people out there worse off than me!!

Friday, January 26, 2007

My Gorgeous Swans


Is this incredible or what??? Look what Sandie sent me!! Look what Sandie MADE for me!!!!!! When I saw the box it came in I was floored...I thought she sent me a dead body to hide in the desert out here LOL....but instead it is 6 lovely swans. I wish I could say I crochet that good, but I can't. I really can't crochet at all. Look at all the work involved...all the detail...I hope it comes thru in the picture. They are so delicate & sweet just like you, Sandie...thank you my dear dear friend!!

Sneaky Secret Swap Pal!


Hidden away in my sheepy mug were 2 balls of Heirloom Sock Yarn in a deep dark chocolate brown..yum! Thank you for being so sneaky, dear pal, it was a wonderful surprise!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

SP9 package...thank you!!



Thank you so much for my package! It centers around coffee & includes regular as well as espresso beans, an espresso maker (mine was lost in the move out here!) a sheep mug & gobs & gobs of Werther's & Nip's coffee candies! and look how pretty it was wrapped...not to mention the lovely card that you made yourself, you talented person you!!!! it's wonderful & I love it...thank you!!

Swaps

what's the deal w/all these fun swaps??? I mean, is there a site somewhere that tells you what swaps are going on or is it just a matter of chance where if you're lucky enough to be at the right blog at the right time you'll see 1 & join up??? I need to know because missing that coffee swap was bad enough but if I miss anything else I'll be niffed, miffed & annoyed....so help me out here...send me your info...keep me informed...I got goodies to get & goodies to give....I wanna swap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

almost finished w/the cottony sox, thank heaven, cause my hands are getting raw knitting w/that stuff. a nice long bath in some conditioner should soften them up a bit, I hope. I use an emery board for acrylic nails to file down my skin. maybe it's time to buy a new one, I've worn this one down so much! LOL!!!

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Border's & Clapotis



just got back from a wonderful afternoon knitting w/my peeps at border's. there was alot of laughing along w/the usual Ollie Abuse, but hey...it's a small price for getting 2 free coffees...& they were quite yummy I must say!!! caramel mochas or something like that...just awesome!!!!!
I finished the Clapotis from knitty.com & it just needs to be blocked...also done in Bearfoot but in the lighter weight one....I know I have the labels somewhere but I can't find them & have too much knitting to do to stop & look!!!

hey, something new...finally!!!




well I just hope you're all very proud of me. I actually got a camera lesson, took these pics myself & even downloaded em on my pc....clap clap clap...thank you very much.

we have 2 pics of the Mountain Stream Scarf blocking nicely (thank you ms maggie)...it was done in Bearfoot & has a built in as you go border. it was a very lovely pattern.

then just a quick pic of the progress on the clown sox...as you can see, I am probably 1 of the slowest knitters in the west, but the yarn is a bit scratchy because of the cotton & I don't think I would use it again. but hey, everybody needs 1 pr of cottony sox in their lifetime right??

Friday, January 12, 2007

clown sox yarn info

this yarn is a cotton/wool blend...not a favorite choice for me...I prefer wool only as the yarn has the tendency to be a bit heavy & scratchy....but it should soften a bit after it's washed. I doubt I would ever buy it again tho. it's called CLOWN & it's by Marks & Kattens. the shade # is 1854. I hope that helps!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

clown sox


clown yarn, really pretty colorway. I gave up trying to match them up a long time ago. they have much more personality this way, don't you agree?
I have a nasty cold at the moment. other than that....that's all folks.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

footies...pinkish....very short, very quick. paton's kroy yarn. really soft yarn too, I was surprised...yarn snob that I am. I have my eye on some regia silk now after seeing it in person. makes real nice sox! thanks alot for addicting me, kim. now I need some. must have some.