whatchagotknits

pics????????????????????????????

2009-03-16T14:39:00.003-07:00

the purpley's are cherry tree hill all in ribbing

the multicolors are also cherry tree hill in the Cookie A. Monkey pattern.

the big off white thing is a xmas stocking I did from the Cookie A. Twisted Flower pattern

except I scanned them all, 3 pages in 1 document....now it's too big to be uploaded...any way to copy just 1 pic at a time from a pdf I already made???????

wabbit??? I know you know how to do this!!!!

abuse me??!!!

2009-03-16T12:34:00.002-07:00

sandie & wabbit...this ones for you girls.....

I know what a usb is but where is the cable??? it's not a regular sized one, it's a teeny tiny itsy bitsy one...goodness, I am in the computer field after all.....ha ha ha!!!! that's a good one!!!!!!
anyway, I have been looking thru all kindsa boxes & it is just not here.....I can scan small things but not anything bigger than the scanner...EW!!! let me go scan the sox I just finished!!!!
then maybe you'll see 2 posts in 1 DAY instead of one month!!!!! whoo hoo!!!!

monkeys!!???

2009-02-22T22:08:00.002-07:00

I am probably the last hold out but tonite I cast on for the cookie a. monkey sox & they really are fun & easy...altho I am doing toe up & completely forgot there is no pattern on the bottom of the foot because that is where you walk...rip it rip it...just to the end of my increases.....the sock is really big tho...I'm doing 64 st on size 1 addi's & wow....I'm used to the 0's but hey, maybe the yarn will shrink a bit...I'm using a pretty colorway of cherry tree hill.
I finished by twisted flower xmas stocking so yeah, I was able to find another ball of the encore...deb at the good yarn found it for me...she is such a sweetie pie. there again, forgetting that nobody needs a pattern on the bottom of the foot but when I realized it I was already down to the toe so this xmas stocking has it all over the place....it's ok since it'll only be hanging...

and yes kim, I still need to figure out this camera...joe must have hidden some intricate piece somewhere & for the life of me I can't find it.....even tho there is hardly anything left in my house!!! oh well, things happen for a reason I guess!!!!

sandie, I am very proud of you for your spinning!!! kim here, is a whiz at spinning so you 2 should hook up!!!! LOL!!!

what I've been up to

2009-02-03T18:35:00.002-07:00

let's see...I took off from work on wednesday & went up to Flagstaff for the free King Arthur flour baking demo...it was really nice....we got free flour, yeast, gift cards & dough scrapers...also stopped at the new Purl in the Pines yarn shop which was just lovely. she had all kinds of new & interesting stuff.
since then I've been trying to find another stinkin hank of encore to finish my cookie a. xmas stocking...maggs, my pal who moved away to san diego (the big ol poop!) sent me some that she had but it was too light...thanks for tryin, maggs, you are still ok by me, don't care WHAT everybody says about you.
still no camera so still no pics & that really stinks. I need some teeny tiny usb thingee to download once I take pics & I have no idea where joe put it....he must've had one...or at least 1 of those lil card thingees that you stick in the pc...no clue...well at least I know what my stuff looks like. too bad for the rest of you!!!! hee hee!!!! ok, just kiddin...I feel for ya, honest I do.....
I joined 3 swaps on ravelry & actually mailed my pgs out today...ahead of time....& I'm the coordinator on 1 of them, can you believe it?? me??? I have a feeling I left something out of 1 of the pgs tho.....is that embarrassing or what...& not a little something but a BIG something....if any of my swappers are reading this, please forgive me.....my alzheimers is really kickin my butt these days...
was sick over the weekend but I can't even talk about that anymore w/out thinkin about it & dry heaving so go in peace & try not to worry about me....I'll live....

too lazy, too busy....

2009-01-06T20:52:00.002-07:00

stop naggin me, you people!!!!!!!!

what a way to open a post, eh?? sorry....forgive me.....just haven't had the gumption to write/type/think/be my charming witty self on here....so busy at work...winter humdrums...you know how it is....& what about the camera???????????????????? ok, well I'm bringin it to work tomorrow to see if an ex photographer can take a look & let me know how to take a pic.....ok??? ya'all happy now???
and not fer nuthin but some of you don't even have yer own blogs so you shouldn't be naggin me now should ya?? don't be haters!!!!! (I love that line, always cracks me up!!!!)

my friend kathy was nice enough to take the fiber trends southwest shawl I made out of lite blue ambrosia, home to block it for me......wait till you see it...it's gorgeous, no really!!!! it's still in on the guest bed until I can snap a photo.

maddie, my newest family member, the golden mix is just the most precious lil sweetie ever....so smart, so well behaved, so housebroken...all good things! she chases kitty kitty but kitty kitty hisses & chases her right back...hedda & lolly here I tell you. I am much blessed w/my babies.

yesterday while just hangin out & goofin off I knit a hat....just round & round k1 p1...some pretty hand dyed wool in brownsy autumn colors....I maybe should wear it 1 of these days...coulda worn it this morning when it was 19 degrees & I was scraping the ice off the car...damn, I love northern arizona!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but you see I recently got a haircut & didn't wanna mess up my doo....that's just how it goes.

tomorrow night is knit night at the shop.....missed it for the past 3 weeks w/the holidays & all....should be lotsa fun....deb, the owner, is such a sweetie pie...which reminds me!!!! I better tell her to order a bunch of those cookie a. sock books that will be out in april!!!!! remind me somebody!!!!!

ok, that's enough. I wanna knit on my sox for a bit....I have been depriving them of me for way too long...maybe I'll write again tomorrow...we''ll see....now be good & go to bed.

back again!!!!

2008-05-20T06:41:00.001-07:00

hi guys, yes I'm here!!!! alive & well......man, this heat is a killer....gonna be in the 90's today...they say back to the 70's by thursday tho...can't wait!!!!

Eve, thanks for the Jaywalker tip...I've heard nuthin but good things about those sox so I shall give them a try!!!

wabbit, I'm really so glad the sox fit you!!!!

sandie, hopefully I'll get my camera to work (wish me luck) & finally post a pic or 2!!!!!

maggie, I hope you settle in nicely in san diego...I know you've missed being there.

kim, are you surprised to see me !!!!!?????

austerman step sox

2008-03-09T19:42:00.003-07:00

yep, a pic of the sox just finished....can't believe it myself...used the scanner!
anyway, pattern is toe up on 2 size 0 addi's, w/a traditional heel...very nice & they fit me like a glove!! lol!!!
that's why you see the yarn woven in....pattern is by Shibui called Toe Up Sock & you stop 3" before the toe to do the heel...really easy tho it was designed for dpns so I had to use my brain...now I'll write down everything I did, measure the sock itself, & from now on I have the perfect sock pattern...for me!

thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes!

just busy

2008-02-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

don't write much these days...just too busy...along w/pc problems so what else is new. but I am knitting...the cabin fever evening in eden shawl...so easy & just lovely!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

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!!

december already

2007-12-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

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!!!

I love you, Joe

2007-11-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

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

Ene's Shawl from Scarf Style

2007-11-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

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.........

still going strong

2007-10-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

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!!!

SP11 package

2007-10-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

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????

dentist

2007-10-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

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!

Rowan Birch is done

2007-10-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

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!)

Breeze from Knitty.com

2007-09-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

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

finished lotsa things!!

2007-09-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

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.

so many things

2007-09-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

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.

my 1st SP 11 package!!!

2007-08-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

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...!!!

SP11 Questionaire

2007-08-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

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

no way it's August!!!!

2007-08-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

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....

it's raining it's pouring

2007-07-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

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!

thank you secret pal!!!!!

2007-06-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

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!)

almost july!!!!

2007-06-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

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!

scary

2007-06-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

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......

I'm back

2007-05-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

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!

EIGHT RANDOM THINGS

2007-05-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-05-12T12:23:00.001-07:00

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

look how purty!

2007-05-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

my way of knitting

2007-05-06T09:10:00.000-07:00

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!!

hooray for the weekend!!!!

2007-04-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

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!

Camo Sox & other stuff

2007-04-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

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!!!

pics!

2007-04-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

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!

Regia Sox

2007-04-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

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.

my 1st Secret Pal 10 package!!!!

2007-03-31T17:12:00.000-07:00

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!!!

March is almost gone!!!!!

2007-03-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

Favorite Knitting Accessory

2007-03-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

Secret Pal 10 Questionairre

2007-03-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

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.

birthday thank yous!

2007-03-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

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.....

WARNING.......adult content

2007-03-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

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.

too much going on

2007-03-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

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.

something amazing!

2007-02-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2007-02-15T06:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Favorite Color Swap Questionaire!!

2007-02-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

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

2007-02-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-02-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

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.

New Addition

2007-02-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

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!

my 2nd SP9 pg has arrived!

2007-02-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-02-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

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!!

My Gorgeous Swans

2007-01-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-01-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

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!

SP9 package...thank you!!

2007-01-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

2007-01-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Border's & Clapotis

2007-01-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2007-01-21T00:19:00.000-07:00

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??

clown sox yarn info

2007-01-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

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!

clown sox

2007-01-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-01-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

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.

happy new year

2006-12-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

let's just hope 2007 is better than 2006 was. it's ODD, so it should be. and you know how I love my ODD numbers!!!!!

I finished my Clapotis...but it's not blocked yet. started another pair of sox too. just about to finish up the heel. also started another throw which I will trade w/wabbit for a spinning wheel. guess who's getting the better end of THAT deal, eh??? ha ha ha!!!!! of course I told her that would include a lesson. does my greediness ever end???? I think not.

my son & his GF will be coming over tomorrow to welcome the new year & to also celebrate her birthday. should be a very pleasant day. I'm having a crown pork roast along w/other assorted goodies. today I'm working on taking down all the xmas decorations. it went by so fast, as usual, didn't it????

we also got a new cat....so now we have tabitha & kitty kitty (the only name she answers to) & they have been doing the usual hissing at each other but no problems other than that. giving lots of love & playtime to tabitha so as not to hurt her lil feelings.

hopefully I'll have some pics soon as possible. in the meantime, I wish you all a very happy, safe & healthy new year!!!!! ollie

Webster, my ol pal...is he cute or what???!!!!

2006-12-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

this is Webster. He's my buddy. He's a black cocker spaniel & man, is he smart. He belongs to Maggie. She sings "what'll I do, when you, are far away" etc & he sings along. well. she THINKS he sings along. he hates it but he does it just to make her happy. I wish she'd stop. so does he. but this is Webster. He's my buddy. He has many important jobs to do. Hi Webster. It's me, Ollie, wavin atcha. I hope you get lots of goodies for Christmas & I hope your mom doesn't make you sing. Bye Bye.

oh brother

2006-12-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

this is what my dear friend, woman of the world that she is, wrote on my blog:

maggie said: ok kim, that's a really NOT cleaver way to try to get a blanket, esp. THAT blanket!!!!!!! I'll be watching to see how this one plays out!!!!! Oh yes I will!!! M

and one more thing, what the hell is a sp9????

maggie dear, you really do need to get out more. SP9 is a secret swap where 1 person spoils another w/goodies for a few months. in secret. you don't know who your pal is until the end. it's fun!!!! maybe we can talk YOU into signing up for the next one, yes?????
MY SP9 writes to me, in secret, & I can even write back but it's all anonymous. you'd love it!!!!!

fingerless mitts

2006-12-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

very busy right now. not much time to blog. I wait all year for Christmas, the most wonderful time in the whole world!!!!!!!! it takes forever to get here & then whizzes by in a flash. & all the ideas I had LAST christmas are now forgotten. write them down, people...you WON'T remember, even if you think there's no way you'll forget!!!!
here are some fingerless mitts I made in 2 evenings w/some Interlacement Toasty Toes I had left over from the sox I made a while back. the pic does no justice at all to the gorgeous colorway. maybe it's the white background?? who knows.

gotta go, lots to do.

just in case I don't get back here until after the holiday, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!! and a safe & happy for whatever holiday you celebrate!!!!

facecloth frenzy

2006-12-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

no pics to post. everytime I'm ready to snap a pic, it's blocking on the board, which has the red & white checkered background which just messes up the look. when I'm all done, if I haven't already given them away, I'll take a group photo....maybe.
also on the needles is the Shedir cap from Knitty, my triangular shawl, still...& a Clapotis.....geez, do I get bored easy or what......
till we meet again.

Christmas Trees??????????????????

2006-12-04T01:49:00.000-07:00

this picture came out AWFUL!!!!!!!!!! I have the sweetest 3 lil trees & they look precious but in THIS pic my big boy in the middle looks like he's floating in the air! and they sit in the corner but since my walls are 2 different colors it looks....well.....odd!!!! but still, they are up & decorated & loved so what the hey, eh???!!!!

sock pic...maybe...I hope....finally?

2006-12-04T01:45:00.000-07:00

one sock done

2006-12-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

I put the sock in the scanner to take the pic...because I'm not speaking to joe at the moment. it came out ok, even tho it's a bit cramped in there. the scanner, that is...not the sock. I really have no desire to cast on for a 2nd sock at the moment so instead I cast on for..........Clapotis....yes, that's right. I wasn't thrilled by it. It looked almost exactly like the magic shawl where you knit in stockinette until you feel like puking & then drop the stitches (yes, that IS the best part) only I did mine in Berroco Suede & it kept sticking to my fingers & I kept having to stop, emery board my hands, & pile on lotion. then I made it too darn short because I just couldn't stand knitting it anymore. anyway, this is a bit different. it's diagonal. its got "knit in the back loops" which I like alot. And this time I'm using Mountain Colors in a dark black/purply really soft yarn on size 5 addi's so yes, I'm enjoying it a bit more. I have to admit. I saw Gracie from the yarn shop in 1 that she just made out of SWTC bamboo or soy or something & it was really stunning. I like to copy things I see, didja notice???
and thank you to Colette (the knit witch) for directing me to a wonderful penguin pattern to knit for my son's GF!!!

Pinstripe part well on the way

2006-11-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

I was corrected at knit night. apparantly I am knitting a green & purple sock. not a green & pink sock. it's a very pale purple but purple it is. the pinstripe part is very easy. knit 1 stitch pink knit 1 stitch green & so on & so on......... I keep the green on top & the pink underneath & carry both in my left hand. can't knit w/my right hand anymore to save my life...at least not until I practice & practice but why bother.

and just let me say that it is cold in these here parts. in the 50's. that's cold. who says it never gets cold in arizona. I'd like to take them outside & slap them around a bit. that's all for now.

Mosaic Sock

2006-11-28T00:42:00.000-07:00

getting ready to start the heel....I don't really like to do sox from the cuff down or do sox w/the gusset...I'm partial to short row heels & no picking up of stitches or decreasing or any of that silliness. but as you can see, I'm giving this version another try. I'm just too easy, I tell you!!!
the yarns are green & salmony pink. no idea why, I guess I wanted a gardeny look?? who knows. the mosaic is really fun to do. I'll post the finished sock if I ever finish...I might just get disgusted & rip the whole thing out.

thank you, ladies....

2006-11-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

thank you so much for all the nice comments!!! I'd love to just click on you guys to reply but alas, I am illiterate w/certain web stuff...but just know that I thank you all very much!!!!

Holiday Knitting

2006-11-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

I really don't have many people that are interested in anything knitted so that's 1 thing I don't have to worry about. getting them to tell me what they want is another. so while I wait, I cast on for a mosaic sock. it's color knitting at it's very best. no worrying about the strands being too tight...you just have to remember to do every row twice. maybe I should have done a larger project 1st, like a felted purse, just to get back in the swing of it but I guess it's too late now. I shall post a pic when I've got something you can actually see. that's all for now.

Baby Alpaca Throw

2006-11-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my throw that I finally finished today....the throw itself was done months ago. it was the edging that has taken me this long to do. that is 1 heavy blankie, lemme tell ya. it's a bulky weight & the edging is worked back & forth so I couldn't even do my knitting back backyards as most of the edging was knit on both sides & I haven't quite mastered purling back backwards so I wasn't gonna take any chances. the edging is pretty tho, & it matches the leaves almost perfectly. it wasn't even part of the pattern. Maggs found the edging in a book somewhere & told me if I didn't put an edging on it after all that work, that I was nuts. she was right as always. no blocking has been done yet. I'll probably have to lay it on the floor on top of a clean sheet, of course. the thought of it on the floor at all makes me cringe. I have issues after all. anyway, it was a fun project & I really like the way it came out. very naturey!!! even with all those damn bobbles.
happy thanksgiving everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Multidirectional Scarf

2006-11-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

that Karen Baumer...boy, she really is something. look at Hester now, all dolled up in 1 of the most enjoyable patterns of all time. I hope I did her justice by capturing the colors that her multidirections take...and yes, that's Noro Kureyon in a gorgeous purply/red colorway. I went to a garage sale when I 1st moved here & got the bargain of a lifetime....all for 20 bucks. besides the Noro, there was some Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride & a lovely silk/wool too. most of it has been knitted but I wanted something special for my 3 balls of Noro & this is it.

I've been searching for a penquin stitch pattern so I can knit my son's girlfriend (a penguin fanatic) a scarf or facecloth or something. so if anybody knows of 1 please let me know! now let me get back to my baby alpaca throw....I'm making some mad progress on that edging, by golly!!!!

oh, and I read all my comments...just don't know how to reply in there now that I foolishly signed up for that stinkin beta program...it makes me log in all over the place just to do something simple. anyway, thank you all for your kind comments!!!

Brown Sheep Cap all done

2006-11-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

heaven knows I can't just work on 1 thing at a time...oh hell no. but I did manage to get this lil cap finished, blocked & on the way to the giftee who will be using it to ski. it's brown sheep lamb's pride & it was simple but boring. I hope it keeps his lil head toasty while shushing down the slopes.

I'm a thief

2006-11-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

stole this from somebody else's blog...there must be a coffee swap going on & nobody told me. ME!!! biggest coffee trollop of all time. ME!!! who drinks NOTHING but coffee from the time I get up until I go to bed.
who is responsible for this outrage, I'd like to know!!!!!!!!!!!??????????

Coffee swap questions

1. Whole bean or ground?
why whole, of course!!! my coffeepots (oh yes, I have many many many) can grind beans themselves, thank you very much.

2. Fully-loaded or decaf?
fully-loaded

3. Regular or flavored?
I mix 1/2 columbian and half or 3/4 hazelnut, vanilla, or chocolate.

4. How do you drink your coffee?
1/2 coffee 1/2 whole milk.

5. Favorite coffee ever?
Frangelico. tastes & smells like Nabisco Sugar Wafers. I can't eat the wafers anymore because of my wheat intolerance so Frangelico is just as good.

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do?
not fussy really, as long as they're fresh.

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee?
the coffee by itself IS my treat.

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences?
not that I can think of.

9. What treats do you enjoy with your coffee?
is this a trick question?? see #7.

10. Yarn/fiber you love?
anything new & gorgeous that I see!!!

11. Yarn/fiber you hate?
novelty, acrylic, extremely furry or hairy.

12. What’s on your needles?
a baby alpaca throw that I am STILL doing the edging on....a cap for a friend, 2 pr of sox, a triangular shawl.

13. Favorite colors?
I love all colors. all time fave would be flame colors (red/orange/yellow mixed together) & jewel colors (deep dark purple/royal blue/emerald greens/black)

14. Allergies?
just to gluten as far as I know.

15. Anything you really love, really don’t like, or just need to get off your chest?
I love to watch people knit. I would like to see more dvd's/videos made. I have a hard time learning from the written word so if I can see it done, then I can learn!!

very plain. very gray.

2006-11-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

round & round & round..... k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl k1tbl purl and so on & so on.....in the grayest shade of gray on & on & on.................................................................but I AM using lamb's pride by brown sheep which is a great choice for warmth & durability. a picture soon, I hope....if I can stay awake.

SP9 pal o mine...I would most definitely knit a hat for you...anytime!

on a lighter softer note....I saw & touched the most awesome yarn the other day...it was Handmaiden sea silk (if I'm not mistaken) & it was luscious!!!!!! the color was lily pond which was pinks & greens but in any color it would be gorgeous..the girl had made a shawl out of it....oh my!!!! I have just the shawl pattern that would befit such an outstanding procurement...now I just need to save up all my pennies because I have no idea how much it would cost; pricey to be sure, & I would need alot to cover my fluffy self...the site is from canada I do believe....nobody in my area carries it...and they are somehow connected or affiliated w/fleece artist too, more gorgeous yarn!!!!

better check under the couch seats while I'm at it!!!

cap sent to florida

2006-11-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

well, I ran the elastic around the ribbing, tacked it down so there was no chance of it being seen & sent it off. I'd like to cast on for another cap but this time, just a plain warm wooly one that a friend wants to go skiing in. I have some nice manly wool I could use so I better get started. I had also cast on for the Birch (by Rowan) but already need to look for something else to do in the meantime. I cast on for a cap for caps for the capital, which should take no time at all. and now I plan on having a nice relaxing weekend!!

updated hat all done

2006-11-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

I ripped out the white on black hat & reknitted it to become the black on white hat. tomorrow it will be on it's way to my SIL in Florida. I already warned her that it might be a bit too big so maybe she'll have to wear ear muffs underneath!! ha ha ha!!!
Donna, I hope you like it.

I think the ribbing could have been longer, at least 3 inches, but I followed the pattern specifying 1 inch which was a mistake. next time I'll make it longer. I think I love the inside almost as much as the outside...it has it's own pattern going on! here are a few pics, hopefully showing all the details, modeled by my dear sweet Hester.

Fair Isley-ish Cap

2006-11-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

I think I did something awhile ago w/2 colors but it was hard & annoying so I gave up & ripped out.....maybe I put something small around the top of a sock...who can remember. but I thought I would try it again & I am in love! I started it 1 evening & by the 2nd evening (altogether 2 hours TOPS!!!) I had 3/4 done....I'm using my left hand for both colors because it's next to impossible for me to knit w/my right hand anymore; and it is fun!!! I could probably loosen up my strands even more next time, but this is a practice piece & I don't wanna stop. the pattern I'm doing is from Hat's On by Charlene Schurch & it's called Ullared Cap. I'm not following it exactly because I wanted a different pattern look. It's not Fair Isle, it's Swedish actually, but I'm calling it that just so's I can remember what I did....so if you're some kinda fanatic, my humble apologies.

Red Featherweight Shawl

2006-11-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

here is the red shawl made of berroco pleasure from the knitter's scarves & shawls book. very easy pattern & here it is being blocked. I think I should have made it longer tho....I might just rip back & add 2 more panels. after I finish the edging on the baby alpaca throw, that is!

Ethereal Fichu completed & blocked by Maggs

2006-10-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how impressed I am by my lovely & talented bestest bud Maggie....she has taken my Ethereal Fichu from the blob of rosy, messy stitches & turned it into a creation of beautissimissness....she really has....
and as friends go, she is pretty awesome ESPECIALLY considering the fact that she has been feeling less than perfect or even just blah for the past few weeks. I understand that old age takes its toll but this was too much even for her!!! LOL!!! but in all seriousness, I can never thank her enough for taking the time & trouble to do this for me. Maggie....well, you know how I feel about you, old girl....many, many thanks...

now, give me a moment & I shall present....ta da....my Ethereal Fichu in all its glory.
I shall attempt to post them in order from the pile on the floor to the glorious, in the blocking stage, completed item.

when last I spoke to Maggs, earlier today, she had stretched it another 8" or so & straightened it out because she said the line was crooked, but you sure couldn't tell if it was crooked from what I could see...to me it was just PRETTY!!! REALLY PRETTY!!!! she is a perfectionist tho & that's 1 of the things I love about her. especially when she is being picky with MY knitting!!! ha ha ha!!!!! anyways, I'll post another pic if she decides to send it to me but if not, these will just have to do!

Jasper, I will miss you.

2006-10-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

One of my dear friends, Wabbit, lost her wonderful dog Jasper recently. He was tired & passed away in his sleep. He was one of the sweetest dogs I ever knew. A section of my heart is broken forever & I will miss him always.
I also know that he is running around with my Sandi & my Spike & having a ball.
I love you, Jasper.

Sandie's Sachets

2006-10-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

I should be taken out & beaten for the way I screw things up on the computer. dear Sandie was kind enough to send me a pic of the lovely sachets she gifted me with when we finally met face to face at the Rhinebeck Fiber Festival in New York & it has taken me THIS long to post them. I swear to you the intention was there, it was just time bashing that got the better of me. so here they are....and they are lovely!!! and they smell great, each a different scent from the others!!! I have 1 in my closet, 1 in my "craft" room & 1 in my bedroom & they are heavenly. Thank you so much, Sandie, for scenting my life so sweetly!!!!!!!!

happy halloween from my SP9 bud!!!!!

2006-10-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

is this the most adorable lil punkin you ever did see???? secret pal o mine, did you knit & felt that yourself????? it came out just lovely!!!!! and check out the card that she made just for me me me!!!! yes, I know she did!!! I can tell!!!!
and look really really closely now......fobs that say I for Increase & D for Decrease....I have NEVER seen anything like that before!!!!! they are adorable!!!!! thank you so much my dear SP9 pal...you are the best!!!!

news!!!!

2006-10-28T23:22:00.000-07:00

so much to tell!!!!!!
my SP9 sent me a very special goodie today!!! I'm just waiting for my pic so I can post it properly....thank you so much, my awesome goodie giver...I'm delighted by what you sent!!!!!! happy halloween to you my dearest!!!!

maggs was kind enuff to take my fichu today & will block it for me as soon as she can....but my sweet friend has a bad tooth & it's been paining her for quite some time now. there's no hurry, dear friend...you just take care of that tooth!!!!! and thank you for all that you do for me....even tho I threatened you with bodily harm altho I really don't think anybody needs to know that if you get my drift.

I'm still moving along on the triangular shawl but decided to take a break & do the edging on the baby alpaca throw that's been done now for almost a year. it's the nature tree of life lionbrand pattern & it's just beautiful w/all the leaves & trees on it. it's also buttery soft as only baby alpaca can be. I just love it so I better hurry up!

and sandie is still whipping out hats for caps for the capital http://www.savethechildren.org/capstothecapital/ so please check it out & get started on those caps for those innocent lil babies. It’s a truly worthwhile cause!!!!!

home...safe & sound!

2006-10-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

well, it's been a hectic 2 weeks but I'm now back home....I couldn't just come straight home from the airport...no....we had to stop for groceries on the way. I thought my bladder was going to explode!!!! (yes, I have issues & never ever use the bathrooms on the plane...all 2 of them for 300 people...I'd rather pull my eyeballs out thru my nose)....and having a window seat meant I could just sit there & try to sleep for 5 friggin hours...yeah right. but who's complaining???? I managed to finish 2 of the 3 projects...my Fichu (yes, it still needs to be blocked 1st) & my red scarf from the Knitter's Scarf & Shawl book...very easy but it looks fabulous!!! I might be able to finagle maggie to block the Fichu for me since she is such an expert & does a truly awesome job. we shall see.

sandie & me

2006-10-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

this lady is awesome....finally we meet in person!!!! more to come!!! (let's just hope I can post the pic of the 2 of us!!!)

contest questions!

2006-10-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

http://javajem.blogspot.com/2006/10/get-to-know-you-questions.html#links

a contest!!!! answer before the 18th...whenever that is....I'm still so confused being away from home!

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot? in my bed, where the light is great & it's quiet & nobody can distract me. did I mention I miss my bed being 3000 miles away from home??!!!

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead? what a horrible thought!!!!!! I don't know....oh my.....what was the question???? well let's see....watch TV & tuen into a big ol vegetable, what else!!??

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why? I would go to vienna & austria because I've always wanted to. no idea why. not for the pastries, in case that's what you were thinkin!!! LOL!!!

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it? I wanted to be an actress & a singer. I can do neither. I can't sing a note & I'm extremely shy but in my dreams....ahhhhhhhh!

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? anything vanilla w/nuts & hunks of chocolate!

hello from NY

2006-10-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

no pics to report but I did hit a few yarn shops so far. my nephews wedding was wonderful & there was alot of tears along w/seeing long lost relatives. the weather is gorgeous...typical autumn in upstate NY...I love it & I don't wanna come home...cept to see my sweetie & my friends of course. more to come!

what am I doing anyway????

2006-10-08T00:33:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy trying to organize myself for next wednesday when I leave for NY that I've really had nothing to post about. I have projects, this is true. my triangle shawl appears almost done but in actuality I have a really long way to go & will be forced to wear my sweatshirt jacket instead. maggie made a gorgeous pi shawl last year & has offered to lend it to me so I'll have something to wear over my dress while heading to the wedding. I already told her that when folks start complementing me on my shawl I shall say that I made it. and why not??? they can't PROVE I didn't. well, if they read this I guess they can. but now your talking technicality & I ain't gonna go there. let's just leave it at that.
my friend kim had emailed me the other day, all in a dither, telling me to go read the yarn harlot...like right away!!!! so I went to her site & saw a pic of a lacey thing & in the title was the word ETHEREAL. stupid me thought she was working on the ethereal fichu that I'm also working on & my 1st thought was "wonder if she had the same problem as me"...I emailed kim back splaining my thoughts to her & got chastised for not noticing that the yarn harlot had gotten married!!!!! how the hell am I supposed to know???? I thought she WAS married!!!! that's what I get for reading her books when she says "my husband joe". oh well, at least I'm posting. if you want quality you'll have to go to somebody else's blog.
I should probably take a pic of my triangle shawl while I'm here. but the pics never come out w/the nice bright color of the yarn I'm using. everything I make appears neon & beleive me, it's really not. I use some really nice stuff. but then it's really not my fault because I'm not taking the actual pic...joe is. I'm at his mercy because I'm too damn cheap to buy myself a camera. yes, sandie, I know what you're thinking & you can just yell at me at rhinebeck. better not have your camera with you to take my pic either. I just might steal it & then what'll you do, huh??? it's a real long way from your house to mine, sugar puff!
I must tell you what joe did. I was chatting w/him the other day as we sat on the porch smoking our cigarettes & I just happened to mention that maybe I should get 1 of the sony portable cd things...for my plane ride all by my lonesome for which I will be a basketcase. it would at least keep me occupied. never being 1 to keep a secret, he told me that he had ordered me a portable cd/dvd player & sure enough it arrived the next day & it's just wonderful! so now I can watch my knitting dvd's (yes, I love to watch knitting, in any shape or form & think more people should make dvd's so that maybe I could finally manage to knit without looking...my goal in life...that & being able to fake burp. did I just say that out load???) while on the plane in between knitting the backyard leaves scarf, the 2 sox on 2 circs, or the ethereal fichu (maybe I should hold off on doing the fichu on the plane since I am easily ditracted & could possibly make a mistake. ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!! no, really.
geez louise have I been babbling on & on over nothing for the past 1/2 hour? let me see if I can get a pic taken of that triangle shawl. wish me luck.
and as a spcial added treat, here is a pic of Tabitha, who didn't want to move while the pic of the shawl was being taken.

SP9!!!

2006-10-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

yep, I joined...1st time for me & I'm very excited. excited to meet & become friends w/another knitter...excited to hand pick goodies just for her/him (?) & excited to get goodies myself!!!!! this is the questionaire we are to complete & I tried to be as honest as I could but I was heavily sedated so you know how that goes. and I'm leaving next wednesday for NY to meet more knitters at the Rhinebeck Fiber Festival (especially my great buddy Sandie!!!....hiya Sandie!!!!) & also attend my nephew's very posh posh wedding in Tarrytown so I'm nervous & very flustery & not even sure I understood the questions!!!! but here it is anyway:
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? My all-time favorite is alpaca…baby alpaca especially. And also quiviot which a dear friend gifted me with after her trip to Alaska. I whole ounce of it! I DO NOT like acrylics. Of any kind. Not even for children. Especially NOT for babies as they are a fire hazard. Some lovely baby yarn in the softest of wool is so much nicer

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a holder w/pockets on the back of my door for my double points & assorted sized crochet hooks & a Circular Solution for my massive addi turbo circular collection. I never use straight needles at all…for anything… Cept for maybe testing the doneness of cakes.

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 been knitting off & on since I was a teenager but still consider myself just an intermediate. I get easily distracted & bounce from project to project, rarely finishing anything. Very immature, I would say!

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

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) vanilla is 1 of my favorites. Or anything spicy or oceany.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I like chocolate…hard chocolate candies too like Nips!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I have, off & on, but can’t say I’m very good at it. I stick to knitting mostly.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) yes, most definitely. Not into hip hop…prefer soft instrumentals or dance music w/lots of drums, almost tribal!!

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love flame colors…oranges/reds/yellows…also love the purple/babyblue/pink colorway…adore chocolate brown…greens…geez, I love color!!!!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Recently lost our dog. We just have a beautiful, mature female cat named Tabitha. I live w/my soul-mate, my best friend, my babis; Joe.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? All but hats…never got into hats much.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Lace shawls. Not that I’m very good at it, but I love to attempt them. They boggle my mind.

13. What are you knitting right now? 3 shawls, 2 pr of sox & 2 purses.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? absolutely

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I love the circular addi turbos. I have several in every size. I recently acquired a rosewood circ which I adore & would love to own an ebony circ…..I expect to find them at a garage sale 1 day.

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

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Not very old as I recently ripped them all out.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Other than gorgeous yarn?? I have a collection of hideous trolls from Norway that I love…well I have 6 but 3 or more is a collection, in my mind.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Lace lace lace….I would love Fiddlesticks or maybe something unknown that I never heard of…trust me, I am very easy to please!

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Would love to improve my cabling w/out a needle & my fair isle…among many many others…..would kill to knit w/out having to look at my hands.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Definitely!!!! I love handknit sox!!!!! I’m a basic 8-1/2 but my feet know enuff to fit into just about anything.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) march 7

lace lace & more lace

2006-09-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

I'm going crazy in lace. I'm a fairly new lace knitter. I've started maybe 20,000 lace items in my lifetime & finished 2. it's my own fault. but w/much help from dear friends maggs & liz, I am finally moving along on the Ethereal Fichu by jackie erickson-schweitzer (heartstrings patterns)....I fell in love w/this the moment I saw it but did not realize that markers could float. I assumed they were glued in their spots for all eternity. so I repeated & ripped the same row out about 10 times, swearing up & down that the pattern must be wrong. well kids, markers move. known as floating I beleive, but don't quote me because who the hell knows. not me.
the color here is awful...mine is a deep rose color knit in Optim by SWTC (discontinued I think which is a shame because it is very soft airy merino that has been stretched)...anyway, I'm still working on it but just had to take a pic so you can see the pretty lil patterns & my pretty lil markers on my pretty lil styrofoam blocking board held on by my pretty lil t-pins.

new sock book!!!

2006-09-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

check out this amazing new sock book!!!! it has a little of everything & I got it from dear sweet Laura Andersson. her blog is here siriusknitting.blogspot.com and has all the info you need if you'd like to order it. this talented lady makes some awesome patterns & she is truly a gifted & generous woman...thank you Laura!!!!
(& please excuse the poor pic which I scanned...unable to get a pic w/the camera at the moment & couldn't wait to share!!)

mason dixon dishcloth

2006-09-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

I must tell you that I started this cloth about 3 times & just couldn't quite "get it". I ripped it out & decided that allllllll these people that had made it must know something that I don't....so I gave up.
I love the look of it so I decided to cast on again & just take it slow & put my lil post-it under every row & tra la la....it was as smooth as could be. so what was I doing wrong in the 1st place?? I have no idea. I do know that that same dilemma happens to me more often than not & that I just need to get over myself. my friends who know me well know to just accept my whining; they tell me to shut up & try again, and so that is what I usually end up doing. bless my dear friends hearts.
and not for nothin, but I heard nothing about contaminated spinach until I got home tonite, sprinkled my italian dressing over my spinach, bacon, grilled chicken, olive & hard boiled egg salad & was about to plow into it when joe informed me or should I say, jumped up in front of me flailing his arms all about screaming NO NO NO, you can't eat that!!!!! so I picked out all the chicken, bacon, olives & eggs & proceeded to eat them. that didn't please him much either as apparantly I had contaminated them by just being in the same room w/the aforementioned. that didn't stop me. I was hungry. well, I'm still alive & am just about to wolf down a nice cold raspberry yogurt. If I die before the morning, say good-bye to this blog because I know joe ain't gonna keep it up. ha ha!!! I made a funny!!
ok, here's my dishcloth, made from some unknown cotton....butterfly I assume (the lilac) & sugar & cream (the navy). next time I think I'll use a very fine cotton for the dips in between..might make a nice change!

bamboo lace dishcloth

2006-09-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

it wasn't until I had this on my blocking board that I finally remembered what the yarn was...bamboo!!!! anyway, it was fun to knit & the blocking wires are homemade & I'm quite proud of that because I really do not have the money to buy a set for 25 plus dollars. the blocking board is nothing more than a piece of styrofoam that has a checkered cloth over it. the cloth makes it easy to even things out & they are all equal sizes so you can really shape your finished item. I could have said "garment" but I never liked that word. ever. do you have a word that you've never liked...that just rubbed you the wrong way???

yellow baby sweater

2006-09-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

this is for charity & the yarn is wool & something else for $13.99 a ball....must be wool & gold!!!! LOL!!!! anyway it was given to me for my charity knitting & the label is blue & white but all in japanese, I believe??? no idea...but the sweater is a top down which I just finished....ends not woven in & no buttons either, but I gotta pose when the camera man is ready or else I wait & wait!!!

blue cotton dishcloth

2006-09-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

very easy pattern from 1 of the dishcloth sites...a mock cable....sorry, I have the site listed somewhere but I can't find it at the moment...nor the pattern to check it!!! done in navy blue w/sugar & cream cotton.

red poncho all done

2006-09-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

just finished the child's poncho in the jelli beanz yarn. wonderful to work with & the pattern is just round & round, increasing at either side. I added a rounded hood too.

all better!!!!

2006-09-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

look what my sandie did. she fixed my blog & made it all better & took out all those nasty multiples that somebody managed to put in & get all screwy. how did I deserve such a good friend anyway??? she knows how snippy & greedy & nasty & moody & poopie I am & yet she is always there for me. I think she might have me confused with somebody else. somebody oughta tell her. in the meantime, thank you sandie, my dear dear dear friend for all you do for me. you are the very bestest!!!!!

I am nearing the end of a child's poncho; very simple style knit in the round & increased every other row. the yarn is jelly beanz by plymouth & it is a wool/acrylic blend w/bits of colors here & there. I am really enjoying it & I don't care for acrylics at all but this stuff is soft & sweet & it looks like it would split but it doesn't & all I can say is.....I really like it! if I have any left I shall attempt a child's beret perhaps, to match. pics shall be coming soon!

water bottle holder

2006-08-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at how nice this came out. it was my own pattern that I started w/an emily ocher crocheted beginning of 8 stitches increasing up to 32, in the round, of course, #5 addi circs (2) w/worsted weight wool. I knit to about 8" including the 1 " of ribbing. then I just picked up 7 stitches on 1 side & i-corded a length of handle & sewed it on the other end. I might have made it a bit too long but hey, that's life. the i-cord is real nice it's 7 stitches where you knit 4 then slip 3 w/yarn in front & turn around & do the same thing for as long as you like.
let's hope only 1 pic goes thru & not 4 like the last time...sorry bout that.

sandi, I hunted all over the place trying to find a spot to delete the xtras...it was probably right in front of me & I never even saw it!!! LOL!!

kerry, thank you for the nice note on my sox!!!