Ewe Keep Me In Stitches

Self-Imposed Sock Club 2011

2011-01-01T16:30:00.002-05:00

1) January/February- Why on earth did I ever put these A-Door-A-Bell socks in Siberia?! This
morning I put together my first two sock assignments. Pattern: COTY by IrishgirlieKnits. I can't remember which yarn I used but it feels just like buttahhh! Yum Yum... Given that the 1st sock is 1/2 done; I see no reason why I won't have these complete by the end of February!2) March/April -Setting myself up to succeed.... Can you believe that these have been in hibernation for longer than I can remember. It is my favorite Classic Sock pattern using Berrocco (I think) sock yarn. At LEAST two years ago (probably more) I learned to knit socks on 2 circulars... it's nice to know how, but I admit I prefer dpns hands down. Either way with once COMPLETE and its mate just about at the 1/2 mark, I'm thinkin' I will have 2 of my 6 pair complete come Aprils end.
Next up... yes its another hat! Over a year ago I started knitting my son a Log Cabin blanket. I am on square 4 out of 9 (not including the border) it was supposed to be for him to take away to college this past September. Then I figured he'd have it for Christmas (its not that I don't like it I just don't like knitting it... it is painfully boring! endless garter stitch). So when he mentioned a few weeks back ,"hey ma, am I still getting that blanket"!!! UGH the stabbing wound to my heart and searing shot of guilt that coarsed through my veins caused me to cast on something that I know he loves... Handknit hats! and a promise that his blanket will be ready when he goes in September for sophmore year! (bad photo-don't quite know what happened to this one)

It's done and he loves it! To top it off when I asked him if he was upset about the blanket not being done he says... no its okay, I don't need it. It would just be nice to have! UGH

Looking Forward...

2010-12-31T11:04:00.005-05:00

Happiest of 2011! I am looking forward and setting goals!
I am adopting a great plan from the Harlot! http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/
Stephanie's ingenious idea of a "self-imposed sock club" is going to land me 6 glorious pair of handknit socks by this time next year (God willing!)!! She knit 1 pair of socks from her stash each and every month of 2010. I know my limitations, my knitter's ADHD, and am all too aware of the speed (refer to photo) in which I knit...
so therefore am setting a more realistic goal for myself...
1 sock each month for 12 months; all knit from stash sock yarn. And I am starting with some that have been on the sticks for ehemmmmmm.... years and stashed away!
Pictures will follow :)

There Has Been Knitting...

2010-12-27T13:09:00.007-05:00

Lots on the sticks but first things first... Finally a FO! These slipper/socks were knit for ME! by ME!

The pattern: First-Time Tube Socks by Ann Budd

A fun knit and LOVE the pattern but don't think I'll be making another. They are VERY loose. Feel like sloppy slippers. I like my handknit socks to be snug.

These are meant to be big and quick. Which they were... and with VERY little yarn left over... check out that wee little piece!!
Knit in Dream In Color!
I want to wish a very Happy & Healthy 2011 to all!

Sending Out an S.O.S

2010-12-08T07:54:00.003-05:00

Calling for some knitterly assistance... Since I only have 3 or 4 friends who check in on my blog (WHO I AM FOREVER AND ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR!!) I am hoping one of you will reach out to your many friends for a pattern search.

2 1/2 weeks ago I had a bilateral mastectomy (and am now CANCER-FREE)! WOOHOO but I feel the need/desire to knit myself a comfort sweater... my reconstructive process is in its most beginning stages. I am SO not about appearances. HONESTLY ... I am pretty comfortable in my own skin. I just really want a "go to" big, comfy, cuddle up in, go over anything type sweater. NOT fitted. Maybe not even flattering... well not in the typical sense of the word. Kinda of like when you throw on your husbands sweatshirt over a pair of jeans type thing. I've knit tons of scarves... they hide a multitude of sins and are very forgiving when sporting a fitted shirt or blouse right now. But it goes against my grain to buy one of the many BIG shirts out in retail. I want to knit a cardi... open in front. Maybe to mark my road to recovery?
My S.O.S? pattern suggestions PLEASE!!

A lot of PINK

2010-11-27T15:23:00.006-05:00

It has been a very eventful fall.

Early this month my baby girl and I celebrated her Sweet 16 in Disney World ~ birthday dinner in the castle! The perfect way for a girlie girl to party!!

A good friend and co-worker gave birth to her 1st child... a beautiful baby girl. There was knitting....

And on Sept. 23 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I had a bi-lateral mastecomy on Nov. 19th~

Its good to be a survivor!

I won!!!

2010-10-31T16:40:00.002-04:00

I won the cover kit for the beautiful cabled cardigan in Vogueknitting!

Call me the SAD HATTER

2010-08-28T21:02:00.003-04:00

I didn't realize the process of leaving my son at college 275 miles

(a.k.a ~ 5 hours) away.... would be more painful than childbirth!

Therefore.... in order to be productive en route.... another hat!

From what I understand he will need it soon enough... His dorm sits directly on Lake Ontario!

Now what can I knit to fill the hole in my heart?!

Yawn.........

2010-08-15T12:22:00.002-04:00

Yes it's another hat! This one is for my daughter. Not the most exciting post but it IS a finished project! Go Me~

and there has been a great deal of knitting on multiple ongoing projects; including a cami top that I finished, blocked, tried on, realized it was not doing a thing for me, R-I-P-P-E-D it back to start, and am gearing myself to knit it again using one size larger needle. Next post will show the fabulous gloves, cami, cardi, shawlette, and baby booties I have in the works; or at least on the sticks~

YES There has been knitting

2010-07-31T12:25:00.003-04:00

Actually there has been quite a bit of knitting... but I only have one finished project to show you so far this summer....

My son is going off to college in less than a month... 26 days to be exact.

It will quickly turn cold... very cold...

His dorm room is right on Lake Ontario.

This hat is knit with Berrocco Vintage Chunky. I LOVE IT~!

the bottom 3" are lined (double thickness = warmer ears).

His school colors are Green & Gold.

In Spite of the Idiocy of "The Decision Makers"

2010-06-26T18:29:00.003-04:00

The Question of the day is...

Why invest the time & effort into implementing an alternate INDOOR ceremony plan...

If you don't have the intent of using it??????!!!!!

In spite of the lack of intelligence of the administration...

I AM SO VERY PROUD OF YOU ANTHONY!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE!

Braggin' rights!!!

2010-06-13T10:08:00.005-04:00

It's not often I can get a "loving" brother & sister pose!

Okay so it's not a knitting post.... but my son lookin' so handsome & his lovely girlfriend going to senior prom earn a mom some braggin' rights!

Berrocco makes a great WEEKEND

2010-06-05T15:16:00.004-04:00

Couldn't resist sharing the fabulous Clematis that
bloomed on my deck this week! Ahhhh the sweet
signs of summer!

and yes this is yet another new project I recently cast on.
The pattern is Banderilla by Susan Mills.

But ALERT the media!!!! I finished my Napolean!

Knit with Berrocco Weekend.

Darling daughter makes me smile!

TaDa!!!

Not getting calls from too many producers or agencies any
time soon!

but who cares!!

I think it's a reason to celebrate!

A Swift that doesn't wind wool.....

2010-05-18T21:50:00.009-04:00

So here I am.... that's me all the way on the right....
all the way at the back of the row.

Dinner with my daughter's friend's

moms! There is a reason to celebrate...

Cause we are going with our girls....

To see Taylor Swift! Fearless Tour - 2010

Talk about wholesome goodness.... Not a bad word in the entire event. She's a cutie patootie and a class-A act!

P.S

There has been knitting (I am so sticking to my most recent goals and there will be pics to post at a later date (sooner rather than later)!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T12:39:00.001-04:00

GOALS ~ Numero Uno

2010-04-27T18:18:00.005-04:00

As mentioned in previous post... I am setting a goal for myself. ONE finished project each month that is knit from my mulit-million $ stash including UFO's!
Here is GOAL #1 (My Goal for MAY)
Berroco Napoleon
Knit with Berroco Weekend (technically it is from my stash although it is a relatively NEW arrival 4/17). . . but still
I cast-on, knit the back, cast-off and ulitmately R_I_P_P_E_D the entire thing out after I realized it was too large. Now I shoulda known better. My yarn shop had a sample. I tried it on. It "fit". They told me it fit. They told me not to go up a size. But NO! I know it ALL! I thought hmmm... it was just a smidge too snug for my comfort level (I'm not 18 anymore). So I decided to knit a size up. What is wrong with pattern makers??? Isn't the next logical chest measurement after at 36 a 38? Why do patterns jump from a 36 to a 40 inch chest?
As I said, I shoulda known better... especially when I GOT PERFECT GAUGE! but anyhooo
It was too big. I frogged it! So I am committed to completing this item for myself by May 31st.
Go ME!

GOALS

2010-04-26T19:15:00.003-04:00

So I've hemmed and hawed and hemmed and hawed over whether to end this blog or not. After all for all but a trickle of wonderful women who've been so kind as to make a comment and/or take pity on me.... what would it matter?!
A - It's yet 1 more thing on my list of "things to do"
B- I feel guilty cause I put it on the "back burner"
C- I feel foolish for feeling guilty cause who's lookin' anyway?
And then I thought... who is this blog for anyway? Well..... it's for me; it's a forum for me to talk/write/vent and share about something that is such a BIG part of my life... KNITTING.
Simutaneously
I started feeling REALLY bad/guilty/embarrassed about the size of my stash and the amount of things I've cast-on with out finishing. I am always on a quest for that Holy Grail. My eyes are bigger than my stomach. I WANT IT ALL!
AND I have tried All the Yarn Diets (they suck) and I've joined all the "knit from your stash" groups.... ( I suck at that too).
But I need to find a better place in my knitting mind....
So I've decided I am not placing unreasonable demands or restrictions on myself.
But I am setting GOALS!
My goal is to complete ONE project per month that is knit from my stash or mountainous pile of UFO's....
that's ONE project per month....
while simutaneously working on a Log Cabin Blanket that I am making for my son to take to college.
I've committed to a project for May, one for June, and one for July... stay tuned!

The Best 7 Words I EVER heard...

2010-02-13T10:36:00.002-05:00

Mom... Will You Knit This For Me?!! Woohoo and be still my heart! My 15 year old daughter actually spoke those words and quite literally... the earth stood still (well not really) but it snowed in every one the the 50 continental U.S states! So here you have it! My personal knitting olympics goal knitting project: Surf Hoodie from Indigo Knits. I am knitting a size medium (cast on for a small and realized she wants it oversized) using Berroco Pure Pima. I don't particularly care for knitting with cotton but as cotton's go... this one's actually not bad; it's very soft.

So I've cast-on and I am up and knitting...

Happy Valentine's day everyone!

Random Progress...

2010-01-26T10:55:00.005-05:00

Random knitting progress report...
Here is Aibhlinn from http://www.knitty.com/
I tried on this baby at http://downcellar.net/ and
had to make it!
Nothing like having the opportunity to try on the
real deal; I'm an easy sell!
The Yarn is Cascade Eco Duo & it is like buttah!

Progress is about 1/3 of the way finished!

Next up is Shoulder Cape by Debbie Bliss

Knit with FEZ

Love her Love the knit!

Yet another item I tried on at http://downcellar.net/

hmm... are we seeing a trend here?!

Progress... 2/3 complete!

And just on the sticks....

A pair of socks for me!

Knit with Wollmeise I purchased from http://theloopyewe.com/

Apparently VERY hard to get and VERY much in demand.

I will have to see what the "hoopla" is all about.

L is for the way you look at me

2010-01-23T12:29:00.003-05:00

LOOKEEE ME!!! Here it is January 23rd and I am sporting my 1st finished
object of 2010 (and yes that is quite an accomplishment for me)!! I am lovin'
my new mittens.
Bella's Mittens by Marielle Henault
Inspired by mittens worn by Kristen Steward
in the movie "Twilight"
Knit in Cascade 109 Tweed
Color ~ Ruby (purchased at http://www.yarncountry.com/
using size 8 dpns.

Sorry friends! but my hunk doesn't come
along with the pattern.

Love is in the air!

The Twilight Saga Continues....

2010-01-18T08:08:00.003-05:00

Nothing like an obsession with a blood-suckin' hunk to light a fire under the middle-aged mom!

I'm so Mature.... NOT

2010-01-17T09:17:00.002-05:00

All current WIP's have ceased to exist....

I am in love!

Some of us...

2010-01-09T15:35:00.008-05:00

Some of us are starting off 2010 the same way we ended up 2009....

Living the good life! He ain't foolin' noone; he's got his eye on me.

Some of us are heading into 2010 armed with the latest technologies....

Meet my Kindle; I AM IN LOVE! I am such a geek.

Some of us are sporting more B*L*I*N*G!

Ahhh ~ the beauty of a flat 15 year old tummy!

and some of us are beginning 2010 knitting with a vengence! Not that some of us didn't end 2009 knitting with a vengence!!

Things are progressing; what a fun knit!

Here's a quickie FO... Can't remember the pattern but it's just a little something.

Now if only the chin/neck were as firm/tight as the 15 year old tummy. I'd be knitting thongs instead of neckwarmers/a.k.a neck COVERS!!!

P.S
Can someone out there help me "Spiff Up" my blog
a little? I used to have "The Blogs I Love to Visit" on the
sidebar~ it disappeared. I've tried more times than I care to
admit and simply have no idea what I'm doing :(

2010 is for knitting...

2010-01-03T17:54:00.005-05:00

I have been a bad blogger. Time flies by and before you know it another month goes by with no reported projects, progress, and or news. But there have been projects; there has been progress; there has been news.... and above all else there HAS been knitting. I don't think that a day EVER goes by where I don't knit (at least a few stitches).

So I've decided to blog forward. I will post projects as I work on them, show things as they progress, and model at completion. I currently have 283,209 WIP's and 750,901 skeins of lovely yarn just waiting to be worked. If I try and make heads or tails of what I have in bins, bags, and boxes, I will become totally overwhelmed, guilt ridden, and ashamed. I refuse to do that to myself. I know I loved every skein, pattern, and project at one point in time.

Therefore... on the sticks in 2010

Aibhlinn ~ free pattern available on http://www.knitty.com

I am using Cascade Yarns Eco Duo 70% baby alpaca 30% merino.

I LOVE it!

Counting My Blessings...

2009-12-29T15:34:00.003-05:00

A cutie patootie young lady...

A fresh & feisty dog...

A high school senior....

2009-12-20T12:39:00.000-05:00

Sad to say goodbye....

2009-11-01T16:08:00.002-05:00

A fun way to say good-bye to October.... FrightFest at Dorney Park!

It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

2009-10-05T20:44:00.004-04:00

Ahhhh.... my castle is starting to feel like home again!

I truly am considering keeping my halloween decorations up year round. It makes me so happy when the bats are flappin' around my bellfry!

Here we have a little number I cast on using... are you ready???? are ya?!
...........STASH yarn! This will grow up to be the Einstein Coat.
Go Me!

and here is the VERY beginning of my LOG CABIN blanket that will be going off to college with my son in September....

Last but not least... a little ole' scarf for me ;)

Size does matter

2009-09-16T20:50:00.004-04:00

Ladies.... Check your gauge!

A little update on the happenings around here. Not a whole lot going on since back-to-school in this household ALSO means back-to-work for me.
Therefore it is immensley frustrating when I totally screw up! Know I am screwing up! And yet contue to knit until the item is finished so that I can VERIFY that I screwed up, photograph the screw up, and blog about it. Sick, no?!
It happens when you don't take the time to knit a swatch and check your gauge.

Different Strokes...

2009-08-22T10:38:00.006-04:00

Spike never misses an opportunity to catch some zzzzzzzzz's!

Apparently neither does this man...
A hobo? Ha Ha Ha Ha No, it's just my hubbo! Ha Ha Ha Ha Couldn't resist! A bit hungover ~ taking advantage of a mini break at Dorney Park!

Meanwhile the girls dash off to take 2 or 3 spins on ...

this...

and I dash off to knit 2 or 3 rows on this!

I COULD NOT resist this little number in the new Vogue Knitting!

It is the epitome' of fall! And in case you weren't counting there are officially 24 more days until the start of my decorating season!!!

I haven't given up on my other wip's... it's just that knitting a cardigan with sock yarn on size 4's is a bit BORING!!!!

Maybe that's why it's meant for feet!

......opinions please!

2009-08-19T13:19:00.003-04:00

My son... the happy looking one on the right, is going to be a high school senior this year. I plan on knitting a blanket for him to take to college (one year from now) ~ smart of me to know my tendency to procrastinate, and start it NOW! In addition I am hellbent on knitting an abundance of sweaters/tops for myself this year... school year that is. I go by the school calendar which starts Sept. 1st as both my kids live by it and I work in it (the school that is).

I LOVE handknits! So... by hook or by crook I intend to build my wearable wardrobe while diminishing the size of my overabundant stash.

I gave my son some options... choose 2 or 3 of his favorite colors (I can start planning/knitting right away with just one trip to my LYS) OR choose the colors of the college he decides to attend (I'll have to wait it out). Either way I'm looking for pattern input. I will dig out my copy of Kay & Anne's http://masondixonknitting.com/ for ideas. But, I'd sure love some suggestions!

May She Rest in Peace...

2009-08-15T17:35:00.001-04:00

My laptop died! I killed it ~ SOB!

Not a whole lotta knitting.... actually none!

2009-08-10T21:10:00.005-04:00

There HAS been knitting ~ I just don't have the photos to show for it.
We have been busy... a wedding to attend

... a new tattoo!

and Edward!
Just finished re-reading Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. It was even better the 2nd time around.
I'm so mature?! hahaha

A New Challenge for Me!

2009-08-02T20:44:00.002-04:00

A quick update of a project I recently cast-on... ChicKnits NICOLE. I've decided to challenge myself ~ really challenge myself. For most of you this will not seem like too much of a challenge; but for me its really pushing the limits/ upping the anti/ calling all cars ~ you get the idea. I am making myself a commitment ~ a pact ~ a promise.... I will have at least ONE finished project to post each and every month. I have been "be-bopping" between way too many wips for way too long and each and every time I look at a new book/magazine/knitting blog OR even an old book/magazine/knitting blog, I am smitten by yet another project that I yearn to make. So todays is the day... although I do knit - a - bit each and every day, I don't have a lot to show for it... and I want to have an abundance... no.... I want to have an OVER abundance of handcrafted knits to wear!

Not necessarily in this order...

2009-07-23T11:45:00.005-04:00

It has been quite 'EVENTFUL" around here.
Yesterday we came home to this...
Our glass shower stall was shattered into a million little pieces.

I guess we were lucky no one was in it at the time!

On Saturday it literally rained ice cubes in New Jersey. We had a bit of a .... tornado?!

I guess we were lucky we weren't having a cook out.

Last week I took my newly turned 17yr old son for his 1st tattoo.
I guess we are lucky he has good taste?!

This is the current basket of wip's that sits in my kitchen and calls out to me throughout the day.

I guess I am lucky it is a Longaberger basket!

This is one of my current wips. It is taking FOREVER TO KNIT! The pattern is from ella rae and it is knit with Happy Feet sock yarn on size 4 needles. This is the back.
I guess I am lucky I am knitting a size medium and not an extra large?!

This is my empty dining room china closet. See the dust so thick you can make snowballs with it? It has been more years than I dare to admit/remember since I emptied that sucker and cleaned it out...china and all. I will post a pic of the finished project shortly. I forgot how nice it looks when you can see the glass.
I guess I'm lucky it rained ice cubes this week and I can make snowballs to go with them!

Painful & Pitiful Post

2009-07-10T16:50:00.004-04:00

For lack of a friggin' camera that works worth a crap.... I give you the 2nd in my FOs.... dishrag #2! Thanks to Sally & Susan for putting the bee in my bonnet, aka http://theraineysisters.com/ , I now have 2 new items which I can use as I go about the never-ending, mundane daily task of cleaning up after the slobs that I live with!So in order to appease myself and bring out the inner teenie-bopper in me... I share with you some of my favorite eye candy. I just completed book four in the Twilight series and am simply ga ga over ..... EDWARD!

All in a days work...

2009-06-29T17:54:00.006-04:00

Project jumpin' is one of my issues.... not necessarily a good issue but an issue non-the-less. I do however happen to absolutely love working on this latest WIP! It is simply a most enjoyable knit! The pattern was purchased from http://babycocktails.blogspot.com . I am using Classic Elite Provence in the Parchment colorway. It is a wonderful neutral. This ones a keeper.

So if I love this projects so much whyyyyyyy do I stray? IDK but Susan and Sally http://theraineysisters.com have an uncanny ability to strongly alter my project loyalty. It wasn't until I hopped over to their blog the other day that I realized I was in desperate need (NOT) of a new dishrag, or two, or three! Hey what can I say, it's all in a day's work!

Pomp & Circumstance....

2009-06-25T20:57:00.002-04:00

My little girl is going to high school! 8th grade graduate ~ you go sweetie! I wonder if the fact that her big brother will be a senior is a pro or a con?!

Here you see the start of a wonderful little number knit out of "Happy Feet" sock yarn.

And here is the BLOB update... one more hexagon, wash, felt, dry and it will be el' complete!
Spike thinks that is great news!

Poppies.... Poppies will make them sleep... sleep

2009-05-17T17:13:00.006-04:00

A little bit of columbine.... Poppies... aren't they grande?! I just love orange!

Can you tell? This fantastically fabulous infusion of orange will be knit up into my Juliette #2!

It didn't take too long for me to break my new rule ~ rotate only 3 projects at a time... but hey I'm only human!

The Juggler

2009-04-23T06:49:00.011-04:00

I have come to know (not necessarily understand) but to know myself as a knitter pretty well lately. I am 100% accurate in stating that I will NEVER be a One-Man-Band! There are just not enough knitting hours in the day and there are too many fantastically fabulous patterns, yarns, and projects, to limit myself in such a hideously inhumane way. Hell I can't stay within' my calorie limits for 24hrs most days... in the will power department, I am sorely lacking.

My stash can rival most small town knitting shops and my WIPs greatly exceed the single digits but I have come up with a plan that I think will make me feel most productive, oganized, and be fullfilling. I will become a 3-way juggler. At any and all given moments... I will have 3 current projects that I will happily rotate daily, hourly, minute/by/minute....whatever the mood of the moment! The ongoing rotation will always consist of: a sock project, a scarf/shawl project; and a top of some sort. Substitutions may occur by replacing the FINISHED scarf/shawl slot with a bag/purse project etc. I am most happy when I am knitting and I am a multi-tasker... but I am sad to confess that I have VERY few finished items because I tend to jump ship before the iceburg approaches... therefore in order to quench my thirst to cast on and satisfy my yen for finished items I am implementing the menage a trois of knitting into my life.See what a few days of few days of R&R in the island sun can do for the psyche?!

and here's a shot of the current 3! Notice there are two socks in progress ~ one is the mate to the previously knit sock and one is the 1st of a new set (see my plan is already evolving), the gorgeous gold is the beginnings of the Featherweight Cardigan from http://www.knitbot.com designed by Hannah Fettig, and last but certainly not least the funktastic multicolored skein is soon to be Clapotis from http://www.knitty.com So there you have it I figure I am covering all bases ~ cardigan, socks, and shawl.... Go Me!

Heartwarming!

2009-04-15T21:25:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY I can't stop watching this and I can't stop smiling every time! It literally brings tears to my eyes and gives me chills at the same time! It makes me remember there is sooooooo much good in the world.

2009-04-05T22:15:00.002-04:00

Nothing like a pair of clear clogs to pump up the jam on the sock knitting! Sock number one should be complete before 11:30 a.m tomorrow morning ~ just about the same time we will be landing in the BAHAMAS!!! Wooooooooohooooooooo.....

Item number two in the carry on case........ Whisper CardiganLOVE this colorway! Will post details of actual progress when we return from paradise.
hAPPY eASTER eVERYONE

I Can See Clearly Now.........

2009-03-14T12:03:00.003-04:00

Sock Yarn: Fortissima Mexico Kids Colorpak

Knit on TWO CIRCULAR Size 1 needles

Much to my daughters dismay I LOVE MY NEW CLEAR CROCS!

When I grow up...

2009-03-03T22:58:00.002-05:00

When I grow up I wanna be a weatherman/weatherperson. It's one of the only professions in God's Green Earth where you can be wrong 99.9% of the time... and still haul in a shitload of money! Go figure. So no, we didn't get the 12inches predicted by the "professionals", but we did get 4-5 and what better way to spend a day off from real life...an oven stuffer roaster in the oven, followed by a nice batch of chocolate chip cookies....

followed by KNITTING!!!!!and a little love from a little white man....

Decadence at it's best...

2009-02-26T07:19:00.004-05:00

Lookee what I got from the Loopy Ewe! Who needs chocolate hearts & long-stemmed roses when there is red hot yummy yarn to be had!

Now yes, I know, this sock looks familiar.... I was actually at this stage once before... but being the OCD perfectionist that I am.... I realized that the size 2 I had been using was much to loose for my liking.... so I riiiiiipppppppppped em out and cast em on size 1's ~ I am still "IN LOVE" with knitting socks on two circulars and don't think I will be going back to the 347 DPNs I have in every size and every type known to man, any time soon!

and now for my most decadent purchase of all...
A Must Have for Every Sock Knitter.... a showcase for all your handknit treasures!

Clear Crocs to show off your socks! ~ Life is Good! ~

The shirt says it all...

2009-02-04T19:16:00.003-05:00

Yes my friends... the shirt just about sums me up!
And did I mention I was just diagnosed with Flat Feet?!

Isn't it great...

I purchased one skein? and went back the next day for another...

I just can't wait to knit me some flat feet socks. What will they think of next?

I'm FREE...

2009-02-01T18:09:00.005-05:00

woohoo.... i'm giddy with my new revelation! I feel L-i-b-e-r-a-t-d! I taught myself how to knit socks on 2 circulars!! Now I am sure for most of you this seems a mundane and routine occurence, but for me ~ IT IS SWEET! not that I don't love my bazillion pairs of dpns.... but I happen to be an on the move knitter. Can I tell you what a royal pain in the ass it is (as Murphy's Law would have it) that every time I pick up and knit in the car I inevitably drop a needle in between the seat and console. It NEVER fails! OR I throw my sock in progress into my purse and when I retrieve it... it's off the sticks OR a needle is snapped in half. It NEVER fails! So to be able to have the security of the circular cable... well need I say more?! Plus MUCH faster on the addis for sure.

so anyhoo... I was a badddddddddddddd girl!

I bought myself some NEW stuff...........

awww.... how could hubbo be angry with a mug like that?!

Finished Project #2 ~ and it's only January!

2009-01-24T07:43:00.013-05:00

Well lookee here...I know its a streeeeetch calling a pair of fingerless gloves an official F/O but I just love them! The pattern ~ The Fingerless Gloves of Kathy's Brass Quintet ~ knit with Rowan Cocoon ~ and that is exactly what my mangy, man-hands feel like when they are in them, wrapped in a comfy, cozy coccon. (pardon the extreme man-hand appearance but I am in the recovery process of the dreaded removal of acryllic nails ~UGH!)

Spike says my mitts ain't got nothin' over his paws!

Organization in the making...

2009-01-13T06:36:00.006-05:00

A very BIG thank you to Anne http://www.knitspot.com/ Hanson and many others who are so generously sharing their organizatonal/or lack thereof/ methods for storing their stash

I was one of the relics who kept my "wee little delicate bundles" in GInormous rubbermade totes (the kind you could fit 2 or 3 bodies in)! The totes took up a shit-load of room and the thought of hauling them out and digging for a "wee little delicate bundle" of sock yarn was so daunting I literally DREADED the task ~ therefore ~ avoided the task ~ therefore ~ just bought MORE yarn ~not that there's anything wrong with that!

I bought 16 of the 16qt rubbermaid totes and Wha~la! Life is Good!
Another 6 should just about do it.

And here is my 1st finished project of 2009!
It is the Top Down Buttons Cardigan from Cabin Fever knit in exactly 2 skeins of Dirdar Snuggly. It is too cute!

K so now I'm sending out an SOS. Can someone direct me or steer me into a VERY specific VERY easy VERY user friendly instructional on how to link my finished projects into my sidebar?!

The Debut of the Scarf

2008-12-23T09:01:00.006-05:00

Wow! Can it possibly be a month since I last posted?! It feels like a week ago! I don't know how the awesome, wonderful, and incredibly entertaining "blog-maidens" like the Harlot, Mason-Dixon girls, KnitSpot's Anne, and the like, are able to so faithfully report their knitterly duties each day, but I am forever and eternally grateful to them and those like them who continue to insight and ignite the inner knitter in me :)
To all you knitting bloggers out there that still remain steadfast and true....

a BIG MAWAAAH!

Now pardon the goofy photo of me but after thirty bagillion attempts at getting a decent one, my daughter finally realized it was a moot point! And really.... how many people read my blog (sob!)

But hey, those who do are the salt o' the earth! and I LOVE YA LADIES! So here I am in THE scarf. Noro Silk LOVE IT!

My eyes are bigger than my pocketbook!

2008-11-26T21:42:00.008-05:00

Nothing like travel time to justify a GINORMOUS yarn purchase! It's funny that every time I travel I get the warped sense of how much knitting I am capable of doing in a 4-day time span.
This is "the" scarf that the Harlot has been touting on her blog
~ had to have it~had to knit it!~and I am loving it! It's knit alternating 2 different shades of Noro ~nice!

If Harry (my hubbo) asks "this is not MY yarn"! Take a gander at the extent of my illness. You cannot imagine my stash... It would give my friend Brigitte http://wrappedaroundmyfinger.blogspot.com/ a run for her money. I have big brass ones making a purchase like this but what the hey?!

First things first, my son requested another hat so that was my plane knitting while beginning book #1 Twilight (I know I'm a late bloomer)

And here we have a 1/2 way completed baby cardigan (no baby in mind) believe it or not I've decided to do some baby projects here and there to either A) have on hand when I need a baby shower gift, or B) begin a hope chest for the day I become a granny (none too soon mind you ~ my kids are 16 & 14) but I'm a slow knitter :)

I'm back with a vengence!

2008-11-17T23:05:00.006-05:00

Let me start by sending a big fat hug and a hardy kiss to my very sweet, generous, and totally fantabulous friend Lorraine!

AW shucks, blush, blush...

xoxoxox

and did I mentions thanks?!

Next is my pick-me-up purchase. Aren't these flowers beautiful?! A little gift I bought myself in lieu of self-medicating (teenagers~need I say more)?!

And finally, a finished item, and one I've worn half a dozen times... MEET Juliette! ain't she sweet?!

Somebody Loves Me!

2008-09-06T17:03:00.012-04:00

Button, button, who's got the button

.... I have a new hobby/mission/obsession. Not one that I will necessarily plan or schedule, but one that will become a part of my hording/stashing/collecting.... it's buttons. Buttons (as do handbags, jewelry & shoes) can make or break an outfit. Like Romeo, these babies will soon find themselves attached to Juliette.

Meet Juliette!
What should've been a "Knitting 101 ~ No Brainer" took 3, yes I said THREE, times to get right. I initially cast on and knit myself silly. Until I realized that I had cast on the incorrect number of stitches. 24 hours of basically uninteruppted, bedside, hospital chair knitting, went straight down the crapper.

Next attempt, knit to almost completion... started button shopping, found buttons at LYS, tried her on to get opinions on button placement,

too friggin small!!!!!!!!

Had I not been at my LYS and had Harriet not volunteered to r.i.p ~ let's just say I would've permanetly laid that girl to rest. Anyhow she's done (save for the buttons & loops). I'll post a modeling pic when I get my roots done.
Other WIP (One of Way too Many)! Is the Market Square Bag. I bought a boatload of Cascade 220 thinking I'd make the Great American Afghan. It's been sitting in the stash forever. Meantime I wanted to do the Market Square Bag ~ so I used what I had "in stash" CAN YOU BElieve IT?! I intend to use leather handles and line with fabric once its felted.

Finally LOOKIE here...........
see what I got?! It's a REAL, HONORARY, AWARD from my friend Lorraine http://sheriffofknittingham.blogspot.com/ Lorraine, even though I've been a bad blogger and

"let myself go" you've stood by me better than any woman stands by a two-timin' man AND I can't thank you enough. This blue ribbon came just at the right time! Thanks friend ~ I needed that!

Now here's what you have to do...

The rules are 1: Post the award on your blog. 2: Add a link to the person who awarded you. 3: Nominate at least 4 others. 4: Leave a comment on their blog so they can pass it on.

(I'm guessing I can't nominate the one who nominated me, but you know I would) so here's my nominees...

1. Carol http://www.numbknits.blogspot.com/ ~ A rare gem "true blue and hard to find". She was my first bloggin' buddy and has helped me in more ways than one.

2. Susanne and Sally http://theraineysisters.com/ ~ Don't have a sister so I can live vicariously through their relationship. Continually provide incredible, inspirational, knits that I always want to emulate and are more than generous in sharing, helping, and responding. They make me want to be a better knitter.

3. Nora http://black-dog-knits.blogspot.com/ ~ simple, elegant, soft spoken, classic, pure, and kind (both Nora and her knitting).

4. Brigitte http://wrappedaroundmyfinger.blogspot.com/ ~ I could see myself hanging out with you!

5. Marina http://wrappedaroundmyfinger.blogspot.com/ ~ Whips out fair isle faster than I can whip out a batch of cutout cookies! You rock girl! I wanna be you when I grow up.

6. Anne http://www.knitspot.com/~ Kind, creative, and extremey talented! Keeps my queue full :)

xoxoxo

K Lorraine.... mission accomplished ;

Its been a while.......

2008-07-15T20:29:00.003-04:00

Rules: You must answer the questions using only one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? Right in front of me

2. Your significant other? Harry

3. Your hair? Fried

4. Your mother? Needy

5. Your father? Scheduled

6. Your favorite thing? Autumn

7. Your dream last night? Forgotten

8 Your favorite drink? Wine

9. Your dream/goal? Happiness

10. The room you’re in? Office

11. Your hobby? Knitting

12. Your fear? Arthritic hands

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here

14. What you’re not? Young

15. Muffins? Lite

6. One of your wish list items? Knitting shop

17. Where you grew up? New Jersey

18. The last thing you did? Knit

19. What are you wearing? Contacts

20. Favorite gadget? Keurig

21. Your pets? Nasty

22. Your computer? Crap

23. Your mood? Pensive

24. Missing someone? No

25. Your car? Chevy

26. Something you’re not wearing? Smile

27. Favorite store? Borders

28. Like someone? Most

29. Your favorite color? orange

30. When is the last time you laughed? This morning

31. Last time you cried? This afternoon

Thanks Lorraine! I've been in a bit of a slump & lacking in the "creative thinking" dept!

Second Times A Charm!

2008-06-11T18:56:00.002-04:00

Catching up is hard to do! GEEEEEZ Louise! Where to begin?! Where did I leave off?! Hmmm... I think it was somewhere after my daughter's 6 weeks of mono, followed by my son's 3 months of mono, while he battled impacted sinuses, along with my son's acute appendicitis and appendectomy, in anticipation of my son's upcoming hernia surgery on the 26th, followed by my dog, Spike's kneecap surgery (luxating patella). Oh yeah ~ and did I mention I knit 3/4 of the above "juliet" only to come to the realization (which I had a sneaky suspicion of all along) that it was to friggin small?! So, I riiiiiiipppppppped that baby out and cast her on again! Thank God my LYS was savvy enough to come up with another 3 skeins of the same dye lot from their distributor :) Needless to say I"M BACK!!

Ready ~ Willing ~ but Unable!

2008-06-03T18:31:00.003-04:00

Sending out another S.O.S! I have spent the past 2-3 weeks wrestling my crapola digital camera and CANNOT get my photos to upload on any computer. According to the jackass who answered the 800 customer service number I "probably" need a new USB cable and have to search the camera stores to find the one that fits. I've been waiting to post until I can show photos. Photo-less blogs are poop.
What kind of digitals are you all using? or would you recommend?

Time flies .... whether you're having fun ~ or not

2008-04-27T17:52:00.003-04:00

and yes.... I did have fun. Meet my new friend Iggy.

Blue skies and 80 degree sunny days helped to keep two kids entertained (for the most part).
Wild apples bohus is on hiatus with a group of pairs (aka~pears)! Ilove knitting on her but it's a tad too wintery/fallish for the moment. We will resume our affair shortly.
My latest WIP (one of 432,209) but hey who's counting?! Is the Hydrangea Shawl by Jade Sapphire (Bad Cat designs). I'm using a yummy blend of cashmere and silk (nice summer knitting)!
Kudos and once again MANY thanks to the one and only http://www.theraineysisters.com Not only have I been saved on more than one occasion by their wonderfully fabulous suggestion of using a "lifeline". Girls.... I could just kiss you xoxox
But I also won the totally cool, really to-die-for, awesome Rainey Sisters Mug! You girls are da'bomb!

Under MENTAL Construction...

2008-04-14T07:23:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting! Life has really gotten the better of me. I really want to keep those few tried and true blog buddies I have so please hang in. Now excuse me while I finish my breakdown :)
More details to follow...

Happy Easter Friends!

2008-03-22T07:43:00.000-04:00

Going Green...

2008-03-02T20:22:00.003-05:00

In honor of the upcoming "luck o' the irish" ~ "irish eyes are smiling" ~ "top o' the mornin' to you" St. Patricks's Day holiday..............

I thought it would only be proper to cast-on something green...

I'm still standing... barely

2008-02-22T20:22:00.004-05:00

Yup here I am.... still alive and kickin' (but just barely)! It has surely been a rough couple a weeks but there has been some good....
These beautiful tulips for Valentine's Day!

And finished sock! Yeah! Finished socks are good!

Yessiree finished socks are good..... Nine days of no telephone service, no internet service, 4,290,002 calls (from my cell phone!), 2,309,908 minutes on hold, 2,390,980 talking to computers, and 334 minutes talking to incompetent Verizon employees.... not good! Having to take an incomplete due to inability to complete and post online final project.... not good! Having to drop new class due to lack of internet and paying $224 penalty... not good! Dealing with 13 year old who has been home sick with mono for 3 weeks.... not good! And let's just say a 15 year old who has arrived at the point in time where... he knows it all!..... not good!

But finished socks are good!

It all leads to this...

2008-02-07T16:18:00.000-05:00

School, finals, work, house, husband, sick kid (daughter has mono!), need I say more?!

One down...one to go...

2008-01-26T22:43:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love to knit! I have decided to designate 2008 as my year of finished knits. I really WANT completed projects to wear and love and to have others oogle over and admire and say amazing things about how wonderful and talented I am :)
sooooooo here we are.... one down and one to go!

I am soooooo impressed!

2008-01-07T18:39:00.000-05:00

To start off... my current "mobile" WIP ~ its a little beaded scarf knit with "tilli thomas". I got sucked into purchasing 2 skeins (what was I thinking?) I mean, its nice and all but $40 per skein?! Clearly I need to refrain from impulse buying.... honestly, I don't love it. Next is my "that little scarf" mentioned in an earlier post. It was ripped back today and I am just recasting on now. I dropped a stitch (actually dropped a bunch ~ this is not a good throw in your purse project) and the pattern is pretty intense, at least as far as correcting errors.

Thats me casting on :)

Now for the good stuff.... MY BOHUS KIT arrived today! Can you get better service?! I think not. This package arrived in record time all the way from Sweden! I just placed my order last week! It shipped out on Jan 2nd and it was on my doorstep today. Now that's what I call good customer service. I've waited longer for items to be shipped across town for cripsin' out loud!

I am savoring every minute with this lovely bundle and am ehem.... patiently awaiting for my "company" before I begin. No hurry http://www.sheriffofknittingham.blogspot.com and http://www.wrappedaroundmyfinger.blogspot.com I don't mind waiting around... not one bit :)

Just hurry it up a little .... okay?

A is for acorn...

2008-01-05T17:43:00.000-05:00

Fall harvest, fall colors, fall weather, fall smells, fall festivites..... all my favorites! So for the new ABC-along 2008 ~ I start it off with acorns...

I'm a BIG wiener!

2008-01-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

Yeeeeehaaaaa! It looks like I am a big wiener! I can't believe it...... I just received an email that I am one of the winners in the Random Acts of Kindness contest on http://pencrafto.wordpress.com/ ! It seems I've won 2 skeins of yarn. I think I like 2008!

Yes it's still a knitting blog...

2007-12-30T13:25:00.009-05:00

See... it really is still a knitting blog! The holidays, along with my schooling ~ I am still a full-time student ~ (UGH!) and the fact that on Dec. 17th I started a full-time job (last time I worked full-time was more than 15 years ago)... have put me in a tailspin... I keep thinking, now, if I was working full-time in a knitting shop, life would be grande! but se' lav vi'.... it ain't so...
Anyhooooooooo more and more I realize how much knitting is an enormous part of me. I enjoy it more than I can put in words... queer huh?!
Now... back to knitting (which is why I created this blog in the 1st place). I am in l-o-v-e!
In love with "that little scarf" ~ a pattern available from the wonderful designer, Anne Hanson, at http://www.knitspot.com/ I am half way through the 20/12 row repeats. It is one of those perfect little pieces. I don't necessarily love knitting the pattern since each row is different and I need to pay close attention but, still well worth it! My goal is to wear it on Wednesday when work resumes :)
....Here's wishing you all
a Happy, Healthy, Knitterly New Year!

It's here....

2007-12-24T17:57:00.000-05:00

I say hip hip hooray! Cause the faster it comes.........the faster it goes! But for the sake of my fabulously, inspirational knitterly friends...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

I been thinkin'........

2007-12-16T16:48:00.001-05:00

No photos to post at the moment but I've been thinkin'.... Its just 2 short weeks until we say goodbye to 2007 and welcome in 2008 and no~one... at least to my knowledge is brewing up any new years knitting resolutions OR new years KALs....
any thoughts?
ps......Marina :(
you blocked me out of your blog!
sob

MENTAL BLOCK

2007-12-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

I need some quick help as I am having a lapse in mental capacity and my 459 kazillion knitting books are not handy at the moment....

When doing a y/o after completing a purl stitch and going to a knit stitch next..... i.e~p1/yo/k1

do you just bring the yarn from the front up and over the needle and knit or do you wrap it around then knit?

All In All It Was A Very Good Day

2007-12-07T23:11:00.000-05:00

You know when its just like... one thing after another ~ Wake up with a totally grossly thick head, sore throat, crappy weather, messy house, called in to work overtime, kids need to be in a katrillion different directions, no sign of Christmas in the house yet, no shopping done, the diet has been in the shitters, stepkids.... ah.... nevermind.... best left unsaid.... schoolwork is overdue and overwhelming... and to top it all off..... my nice little two hour a day p/t job that I've had for the past 7 years.... is soon to be a thing of the past.... like now.... fulltime work ahead.... like Monday "why didn't my mother ever teach me to say no?".... did I mention diet is in the shitters soooooooooo no wardrobe is available in the closet for Monday.... and then just as you think things are just so damn sucky..... POOF! a wonderfully fantabulously unexpected package arrives, containing incredibly generous goodies (see photo) from a little Floridian angel by the name of http://www.knit-and-run.blogspot.com Carol. Kisses and hugs to you my friend! thank you a million times over. You know I gotta say..... there ain't nothing in this world like the power of women and the kindness, compassion, and selflessness of what we ladies are lucky enough to have in girlfriends. It will never cease to amaze me!

Lights ~ Cameras ~ Action!

2007-11-24T22:56:00.000-05:00

A severe spending spree hit me two days before take-0ff. Now, common sense tells me I am only going to be away for 4 days ~ Really just a total of 7 flying hours. Flying hours in which I am under the over-sedated influence of Dramamine. However as many of you can understand I had to have enough knitting with me. And it had to be a good enough selection to settle me. S0 after two visits to a terrific LYS $233 one day and $50 the next, I felt ready to travel. What did I wind up knitting? Three hats 1 for hubbo and~ 2 for my son... all in all ~ God just did not make enough hours in a knitter's day!

Anyhoooooo now that I am home and I need to do schoolwork, cook, clean, wash the never-ending mounds of clothes, do schoolwork, holiday shopping (UGH!), do schoolwork, and prepare for 1) colonoscopy on Tuesday ~ prep. on Monday (more info than you needed) and 2) prepare for a Longaberger demonstration I am hosting on Friday evening for 30-35ish friends w/dinner .... I will be bagging up the rest of my haul and adding it to my stash-er-ino. But man-o-man wait til' you see how BEAUTIFUL the bag I will knit with the tilli thomas orange satin lining I bought is going to be.

Happy Turkey Day!

2007-11-20T08:44:00.000-05:00

A quickie post to wish my blogosphere buddies a happy and healthy holiday! It is Tuesday and we are headed to the airport for our annual trip to the BIG "D" to see the Dallas Cowboys massacre the Jets on Thursday. I am taking an enormous leap of faith because I am turning a blind eye to my schoolwork (my bad) but the grading gods be what they may... I simply need a break.... so I am leaving my laptop at home. Look for me on the 30 yard line ~ row 2.... I'll be the one who is knitting :)

Almost enough to make me quit!

2007-11-17T20:43:00.000-05:00

Let me tell you this disaster has happened to me one too many times. It's almost enough to make me quit knitting. I'm spittin' nickels I'll tell you. This disasterous mess went right in the trash! again! and I'm sure you can see that I was up to the heel. Now once again I am left with one skein of yarn that will be useless. Any before you ask .... yes I wound it on a ballwinder but guess what.... somewhere in the center was a jumbled wad that just got bigger and bigger. The ball winder is just a load of crap. I will not be winding any balls any time soon.

New sock in progress.... no ball winding necessary!

Purdy, huh?! Believe me no ball winding will occur here either.

You know Dancer, and Prancer, and Comet and Vixen ....
Special thanks to those fantabulous girls who cast a knitting spell on me... http://www.theraineysisters.com/

A tisket a tasket, look whats in the basket.

Dancer? Prancer? Comet? Hey what about me?

I am boycotting tampons!

2007-11-06T17:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all the kind words and good vibes for Spike! He is recovering quite nicely ~spoiled pooch!

As for me.... I am in a time warp! I am sure it was just October 1st ...yesterday? My days are disintegrating before my very eyes.
MUch of my time (although I do enjoy every minute of it) is spent watching #63. Games on Mondays at four/ Saturdays at 1/ and some Friday evenings a 7pm.

Sundays are reserved for 3:00 games watching this chickita cheer! "S-A-C-K sack the quarterback, sack-sack the quarterback!

Now here we are just 48 days til' Christmas and what exactly have I accomplished lately?! Absolutely Nothin'! I feel as if I knit-knit-knit but stay on the same row. My classes (for those of you who are in the dark - I am a 45 yr old college student) are making me INSANE, miserable, insecure, testy, resentful... you name it, if its a derrogatory adjective ~ it fits! I want to be done with it, I want it over! UGH... aren't you sorry you tuned in today? From the sound of it I must be in PRIME pms mode...(more information than you needed, right?) but dammit it at 45 who needs it anymore anyway?! I'm ready for menopause! Calgon.... take me away!!!!!!! or at least my menstrual cycle!

God Bless My Grimerie!

2007-10-25T10:35:00.000-04:00

Let me start off by sending out a bit fat raspberry........ to my fresh friend Carol http://www.knit-and-run.blogspot.com/ for being such a smarty pants cause she's just soooooooo cool cause it took her 24 yes thats twenty-four days to make a blog post.
Good thing I reaaaally do like her or else "poof" I'd have to take out the old Grimmery http://www.musicalschwartz.com/wicked-grimmerie.htm and turn her into a chibi!
Now last I left off I quite bravely admitted that I am less than perfect as human standards go since (one of the main things) I suffer from is KADD. I blogged around and all the cures for this ailment sounded like rubbish so I found a great remedy...

Go out and spend $225 on unneeded but much wanted new wip's!

I cannot in any way shape or form justify this spending.
My bad!

Now on to a much more serious note. My poor babes got attacked my the big old moth()*& fu#$$in dog (german shepard mix) down the street. Spike and I were doing our usual walk that we've done a kabizillion times before and up from behind comes Bear (named appropriately!

By the time my screams were heard by the owner and all was said and done he had 4 nasty bites :(

I can't tell you how my heart broke. He was shaking like he had Parkinson's and has been pretty traumatized by the whole event. He barely leaves my side.

Well... I'm off to dust off my Grimmery so I can conjure up a spell to turn that dirty bast()&d dog down the street into a Colonial Rosewood DPN~ then I'll snap it!

Ritalin anyone?

2007-10-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

Yes.... I admit it, I have KADD

Thats "Knitters Attention Deficit Disorder"

I just can't stay focused, commited, loyal, faithful, or true to any one project!

Someone call a doctor!

Oh what a tangled web we weave!

2007-10-09T09:45:00.000-04:00

LOOK OUT! It's SSSSSammy the SSSSSSSSSnake!
NOT
Just the never-ending I-cord for the Autumn Cardigan that I must begin... Didn't I start a KAL?!
hmmmm ... must I?
Take a look at this and tell me what you think?http://passingdowncrazy.wordpress.com/2007/09/24/my-tapestry-kauni/

Mirror mirror on the wall...

Not much knitting progress at the moment, just a cast on for fingerless glove number two...

I'll get you my pretty...

Mumbo Jumbo

2007-10-05T09:09:00.000-04:00

I generally do attempt to be witty when I post an entry. That being said, today I have no wit. I did score a great buy on ebay "Poems of Color" ~ a fantastic buy at $4.26 (WITH SHIPPING!)

wARNinG!! scarey content ahead!

Want some candy?

I do have a tendancy to replace my ususal family photos and wall hangings with more appropriate autumn decor...

EEEEEEEEEEEkkkkkk! Not the foot!!

Yes here is "the foot".... 7 weeks post surgery. Grossly appropriate for the halloween festivities!

Even the pumpkin is horrified!

Will somebody please stop the madness so I can rest?!

Crap!@x*#

2007-09-25T16:11:00.001-04:00

In the hopes of hanging on to the few visitors I have on this blog, I will refrain from using my words of choice BUT DO YOU SEE THIS!!!!!! 4 DAYS!!! That's it just four friggin' days! $19 for a pair of 5.5inch ROSEWOOD dpn's .... did i mention they were NINETEEN friggin dollars and they lasted a whole 4 days.... 2 of which they were not removed from the package! See this is what happens when you own eleventy-billion knitting bags and you still continue to throw the crap right in your purse. OH damn!
Now please excuse the lack of a manicure.... but this is what I cast on while I was waiting for my Kauni to arrive.... cute ruffled fingerless gloves... two more fingers and I'm done with the 1st one. Aren't they just?!

Happy Fall!

2007-09-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

The first day of autumn marks the start of my absolute favorite season..... and lookee what I got just in time to commemorate the season....I got Kauni to knit my Autumn Cardigan!! Next post... I'll show a peak of what I've been working while I patiently (not) waited for Canadian customs to release my wool! Thanks again shelley http://www.funknits.com/ Marina http://www.woolyewe.blogspot.com/ did say to cast on something new in September right?! :)

They got me pegged...

2007-09-20T17:39:00.000-04:00

High Expectations

2007-09-03T20:20:00.000-04:00

It seems I need to adjust my perception and expectations. Persian Tiles is similar in comparison to climbing Mt. Everest. At first glance it seems that the summit is attainable and within reach, once the excursion begins the respect you had for this monumental undertaking quickly increases... and you realize that all good things come to those who wait ~and wait~ and wait :) .... all in good time.

There are 179 stitches in each round. There are 50 rounds in each pattern repeat. The pattern is repeated 9 times. Even if I do 10 rounds a day.... say a pattern repeat per week ~ it will take me 8 more weeks to complete it. I do believe the visions I had of myself wrapped in Persian Tiles while sitting in the stands watching my son's high school JV football games was a smidge inaccurate. It was actually a vision of me watching his Varsity football games next year!
Meantime Spike is having visions of his own.

One Day My Kauni Will Come....

2007-09-02T16:26:00.000-04:00

It looks as if the Autumn Cardigan KAL is a success ~ 68 members and counting... Now if only we had the yarn ~ UGH!

The Kauni that was expected at http://www.funknits.com/ .... still a no show :(

Meantime Spike wishes all of you a Happy Labor Day!

It a Special Day for a Special Friend!

2007-08-28T15:01:00.000-04:00

Hear ye, hear ye..... today is Carol's birthday!!!!! Let's all take a moment and sing... "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Carol, Happy Birthday to you! And Many more...........
Woohoo! who woulda thunk?! The Autumn KAL is turning out to be a huge success! Thanks to all who've passed the word along. I can't wait to get started. It's so much nicer to knit with the company of others who share the same passion.
In the meantime while I anxiously await my kit ... a quickie mindless scarf
and some slooooooooow and steady progress on Persian Tiles.

Time is on my side....

2007-08-25T10:55:00.000-04:00

Worrier, neurotic, procrastinator, crappiest prioritizer, you name it ~ I could win the award! But certain things (in my mind's eye) simply MUST get done. So, I now have 2 weeks "school free". My "deleted final" episode prompted me to take some sick time to mentally recoup from my surgery. Now I certainly have quite a "to do" list that I would love to cram into this time period but I am somewhat "limited" in mobility.
And my brain is on crappy prioritzer mode.... so there are two projects at hand.

Task#1 - begin the task of making 100 Christmas Cards
Task#2 - start my first KAL

Task #1 (wanna see?) Each year I like to torture myself by creating my own cards. Prior to surgery I had copies of the photo made and supplies ordered. Here's the front

and here's the back. Fifteen down/eight-five to go!

Task #2 Start my first KAL. I don't know if I'm savvy enough to pull it off but I ordered the kit and would love to have some company. Ruth Sorensen http://www.ruths.dk/ is a remarkable designer. I am a fall/halloween fanatic and just love this sweater. There are some seasonal things that are timeless and classic. This is one I'd reach for year after year pending I don't gain weight ! :) Thanks http://theraineysisters.com/ Susanne for introducing me to this beautiful cardi!
Check it out (link to group is on sidebar)and if you're interested .... wooohooo!
(p.s ~ any help in KAL's and how to make buttons, spread the word, etc.... would be greatly appreciated)

2007-08-22T18:24:00.000-04:00

So much to say, so little time...

So recovery? slow and steady. Katrillions better that days 1,2, & 3! Holy crap is all I can say! The staples will come out on Friday and we'll take a looksee at the old foot ~ iwwwwwwww!

So, drugged up on hydromorphone and barely able to find comfort for any length of time, I digently worked on my 2,000 word final and powerpoint which was due Sunday, post surgery. Had 1800 words done by Sat. evening... the end in sight... and dozed on the button and DELETED THE WHOLE THING WITHOUT SAVING IT!!! DID YOU HEAR ME!!! When I tell you I sobbed ~buckets~for hours~and hours~... no final, no credit, retake an $800 class and waste 9 more (valuable knitting time) weeks of my life. Can you feel my pain? So Sunday at 6a.m sucked it up and blindly typed up god only knows what, so I had something to submit by midnight. It's been a tough week. So on to knitting... hasn't been a whole helluva lot. I've actually just started knitting again over the last day or two. That'll prove I was out of it.

Started 2nd 1/2 of the summer tank. I vow not to post another photo until I am wearing it.

Next up! The Rainey Sisters are by far one of THE most talented pair of knitters I have ever come across. This is Susan Rainey's beaded amulet bag pattern http://www.theraineysisters.com/ and it was one fun knit! I did it in the car while heading to Boston and finished on the return drive. Thanks Susanne! (Hey, if you take dramamine and keep facing forward without looking down ~ you can knit without getting carsick... who knew?

Something to look at...

2007-08-20T11:27:00.000-04:00

A quick shot of something pretty, just until I'm up to posting something with hmmmm substance?! I'm jusy not up to getting into all the happenings round here so till I'm a tad more "with it" ...

Labor was a breeze

2007-08-14T08:24:00.000-04:00

Had to post and express my thanks for all your kind words. I am so touched by the kindness from this wonderful "support group" of women that I have been fortunate enough to discover through our mutual love of knitting. Thank you!

I made it through the surgery... hope I make it through the next 48 hrs... this is pretty horrific... I couldn't have imagined this pain... and I thought childbearing was tough?!

Excuse me now while I go collapse in a heap. I'll return when I am more coherent.

PS - Nora http://www.black-dog-knits.blogspot.com This is such an incredibly busy time in your life - with all you've got on your plate - I can't believe your thoughtfulness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The Calm Before the Storm and S.O.S

2007-08-09T20:30:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning we head off to one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE places... BOSTON! I just love it! I love the atmosphere, history, charm, hospitality, bloody marys, and ambiance. It's a great city (about a 5 hour drive) and the fact that we're going with friends makes it all the more!
Monday is surgery.... UGH!

P.S - I am in need of 1 skein of Claudia Hand Painted fingering weight yarn in Peppermint Mocha, Lot #002... if anyone out there has one that they would be willing to part with I would be more than willing to purchase it.... I'll include a little treat for your troubles... I have only one :( the second skein got sooooo tangled up when I tried to wind it without a swift (when will I ever learn?)that I had to throw it away... sob sob! Your help would be GREATLY appreciated!

Just give me some restrictions...

2007-07-29T09:15:00.001-04:00

Its an illness I sware... I am a psycotherapist's dream... Just give me some guidelines and restrictions... And I will find a way to do the polar opposite.

I should have known ~ the moment I signed up for "the summer of socks" it was pretty much guaranteed that the last thing I'd knit all summer long....a sock. And sure enough... my knitting progress... not a sock in sight!

I really do LOVE both projects!

Freaky Friday!

2007-07-27T07:59:00.000-04:00

The big day finally came...

Brand spankin' new braces. I hope this smile lasts (at least through the weekend) I am sure the novelty will wear off quicker than you can say... cha~ching$$!

and a smidge of a purchase (I simply cannot show the rest for fear it will incriminate me~beads are involved in both) I made from my ALLTIME FAVORITE NEW LYS (well new to me anyway~its been sitting there waiting for me to discover it for 2 years)!

check out the gem of all gems... http://www.downcellar.net/ Smile!

The good, the bad, and the UGLY

2007-07-24T09:56:00.000-04:00

Rank in at #1 of the Good... Persian Tiles. I am determined to discipline myself to the best of my ability. I have a strong desire to have this wonderful design wrapped around me while I sit on the bleachers this fall at my son's high school football games. Each repeat is 50 rounds of 179 stitches for a total of 10 rounds, then steeking (eek), then the border. The discipline? in order to accomplish my goal I will need to knit approx. 10 plus rounds per day. I am woman watch me knit!

I am thoroughly enjoying this project. I have one gripe...maybe someone can shed some light. Stranded knitting with 100% incrediby awesome wool leads to constant and continual tangling and entwining of the fibers and yarn. I hate the constant stopping to detangle. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. So that takes care of the good...perisan tiles and the bad...tangling of the yarn...

My big guy last year as a freshman...

Now brace yourself for the UGLY... Yes that is my right foot. The lovely lump is a spur that I've been contending with for a few centuries. The entire weight bearing joint...big toe included is coroded with arthritis. The joint is shot. Although it is not excruciatingly painful, it is a constant ache that I have lived with for quite some time and is progressively getting more and more uncomfortable...effecting my back and pinching a nerve in my right butt cheek (more info than you ever could have dreamed of wanting huh?). Well anyway the consensus of 3 opinions was it is way to far gone for cortisone and medication. I need surgery. The flip side was to wear orthopedic shoes/orthodics and nurse my foot. I'm sorry but at 44 yrs of age I am just not willing to give up activity (like walking to try and lose my fat right butt cheek) and nurse my foot. At 84 maybe, at 44 .l.. no way. So surgery it is... It involves metal plates and screws and is called a fusion. It involves 6 weeks of a wooden shoe... and no driving. So I am just pretending that all that is an option... I cannot make it through 1 day without driving, 6 weeks?! But... it is what is is... so August 13th I will be giving Lindsey Wagner a run for her money. Oh did I mention I can't even chalk it up to prime knitting time since my 2 fall classes begin promptly on 8/20.Just a shot of some of my lovely flowers to help you recover from the ugly.

a little help from my friends

2007-07-18T19:46:00.000-04:00

I am truly convinced that if you searched the world over, you would not find a more comitted, genuine, selfless, compassionate, kind, caring, group of individuals, as we have in the knitting universe. I DO NOT KNOW what I would do without the incredible giving group of women I have come to know and care about... through the knitting blog-o-sphere. Ask and you shall receive. Well ask I did and two wonderfully considerate women took time out of there busy mornings to respond to me almost immediately. Thank you http://www.theraineysisters.com/ and http://www.wrappedaroundmyfinger.blogspot.com/ Thanks to you I am up and running. God only knows why the "knitting professionals" who create patterns don't know how to explain in layman's terms the way you phenomenally talented knitters can. Thank you again and again.

So last nite we went to see Les Miserables. I am a huge fan of Broadway shows. I feel that anyone and everyone who has the opportunity should see whatever shows they can. My ALLTIME FAVORITE .... Wicked...saw it 3 times, Hairspray twice, Mama Mia twice, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Producers, Chicago, Caboret, Beauty and the Beast, Radio City Christmas Spectacular... saw 3 times. Loved em all. Lion King, and Cats ~ totally LOATHE... Lion King~I fell asleep...Cats...we left at intermission and never went back. Les Mis... was okay. I wouldn't see it again. Sorry if u r a fan :(

1/2 way through a pretty good read. The Memory Keeper's Daughter.

A little babysitting going on this weekend...who could say no?

I could say no...

I'm a real knitter now...

2007-07-11T17:06:00.000-04:00

It's here....... all the way for Scotland! My first purchase from http://www.virtualyarns.com/ The wool is beautiful! Doesn't it look lovely?! It was ordered to make the Persian Tiles Wrap. I am a bit disappointed however that it did not come with the pattern. :(
Now I have to hunt it down.

In other earth shattering news.... I finally realized that I am a "real" "true" knitter. I have graduated to the point that it is in my blood and I cannot imagine a time when I would give it up. Its kinda silly, but what made me realize it is that I am in the midst of knitting my Esprit Summer Square Neck Tank from http://www.elann.com/ ~finished the decreases and did the increases. As soon as I read the pattern I questioned myself thinking "this can't be right" but figured who am I to question. So I knit it up and sure enough it looked off, the increases were not as gradual as the decreases (no graduation at all). As a matter of fact I ripped and did it again and still it wasn't right. So I called Elann.
Now, I have always gotten quick delivery from them, but never made a call. Not only was the woman on the phone a sweetheart, she immediately checked the pattern and told me how she thought it should be. Then.......are u ready............ later on in the day I received a detailed message on my answering machine. She had contacted the designer of the pattern, who realized there was an error, and would have the changed made shortly. It was changed the next day! Meantime she read me the corrections via telephone. I was speechless. Talk about customer service above and beyond. Only in the knit-o-sphere does something like that occur. Elann~ your are top dog in my books! So about me being a "real" knitter. I was kinda impressed with myself that I was savvy enough to know it was wrong (Now a real brain would not have knit it up twice first) but whose counting?!

argggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-09T15:41:00.000-04:00

Calling anyone!!!!!!!! Anyone doing the Mystery Stole 3.............. Is there an error in the chart between rows 31 and 35?????????? I am losing it! I have ripped 9 times. Each at row 33. Now go figure how far I'd be if I hadn't a had to rip 9 friggin times!
HELP!

I Never STOLE A Thing!

2007-07-07T09:21:00.000-04:00

Hold it officer... Me at thief? No way... I Never STOLE anything... oh you mean this little ole' thing? Well I do declare! It looks like you're on to something.Tee Hee Hee...

and some progress on the tank top too!

Progress

2007-07-02T09:09:00.001-04:00

My latest cast-on is turning out to be quite an addictive knit. Cotton is usually my LEAST favorite thing to knit with, however the added 1.7% elastic in the esprit yarn, gives it the "give" my arthritic muscles need to flow along my merry way (take note of the fabulous new bag by Lantern Moon).

Then of course there's life as a new grandma. Cierra is becoming a regular visitor as well as a wicked poop-machine. Pooping and pooped out!

Please disreguard the vision of perpetual cellulite and ugly toes.

Spike fails to see what all the fuss is about.....

My name is Michelle...

2007-06-29T10:12:00.000-04:00

and I am a START-A-HOLIC or maybe a PROCRASTI-HOLIC hmmmm tough choice. I have a 15 page PowerPoint presentation due on Sunday by midnight. Its on one of the earth's major biomes...(insert yawn)... so what do I do? Do I start my project? Well, if you count purchasing yarn the color of the sky on a cloudy day and casting on for a new project, I guess I'm on a roll!

Did I mention that I love my blog-friends? Did I mention that back about a year ago in the beginning of the life of my blog, I happened upon http://www.knit-and-run.blogspot.com/ and met a woman who has become a dear friend and someone I would love to have as a neighbor. Carol how nice would it be to sit on a porch/deck/patio.... and knit to the sound of maybe............Bob Marley or some other type islandy music.... sip maybe some nice Margaritas and knit the night away.........(oh dear, I am showing my age)! I love my little baby sock blocker Carol! Thank you...you shouln't have...but I'm glad you did :

And here you see the latest addition to our family.... well she actually belongs to my stepson but I am sure will be a weekly visitor. Spike is non-too-thrilled.

Meet Cierra...

V~A~C~A~T~I~O~N

2007-06-22T20:20:00.000-04:00

Ahhh the dog days of summer

Just the right time to think about knitting a nice warm wool Neck Cozy

And kick of the 2007~Summer of Socks http://zarzuelaknitsandcrochets.com/summerofsocks2007/

And finish up these God forsaken dish cloths (what was I thinking?!)
And oogle over the arrival of the new babe.... both mother (above) and baby (below) are fabulous!

Sheer Bliss!

2007-06-09T08:24:00.000-04:00

What a way to start the day.... a 9a.m visit in a small, quaint, charming LYS with DEBBIE BLISS! She was fantastic, chic, and intriguing while remaining warm, genuine, and down to earth. A lovely woman. The yarn above was purchased with my hubbo in mind. Any ideas on a plain simple wear with jeans type sweater (he does not like bells & whistles) that I can whip up for him?
ps~can't wait for debbie's new book next month...not only did I get to see the book....I got to TRY ON samples of the new garments! it's the LUXURY COLLECTION!