I have some awesome friends!!

I just have to say I have some awesome friends. Last night at knitting, look what my friend Annie brought to me!!! Sock yarn for my blankie!!! And while we didn't actually talk about the yarn, I know atleast two of them are from her hand dyed yarns that she did.


The first shot is a better representation of the colors. I'm trying to learn how to use the different settings on my camera, so the below picture didn't come out as nicely, but I just love that she brought them to me! I can't wait to make the mini's out of them! And the SQUARES!!

Here are the 16 squares that I have done so far, hexagons rather. They have all of the first four colors used in different order. Last night at knitting I worked on the last few and then tucked in the ends that were sticking out.

Considering I only started them on Saturday, I'm not making bad progress with them.

So perhaps I will be done with making all the Hexagon's before November! That would be good.

These colors seem a bit dark, however, some of the next ones have a bit of lighter color in them and I am hoping it will help to lighten it up a bit.

The next issue will be HOW to place them in to a blanket shape...... hmmmmmmmmmm......

Knitting Obsession

Today I wanted to start out with a picture of the "birthday boy", my nephew Paul, from his party, and his favorite gift! It's the one we gave him. The darn thing, and kid are just too cute together. Boys and their toys!


Next we have our Mystery knit along Hat. I am making it out of some Cascade 220, one of my favorites, and some yarn that I dyed with Kool Aid a while back. I am not sure how much of that I have, the pattern said that I needed a total of 100 grams of yarn, so there were 25 grams of it, hopefully it will be enough.

I love the way this is knitting up and it will be a hard one to give away.



Here is my garter stitch charity square that I talked about yesterday. It is a simple 34 stitches and just knit. I checked my gauge and it's 8 x 8 square, which is what they asked for in blue. I will send it off in tomorrow's mail.

Now here is a smile on my face. I was searching Ravelry to look at patterns for the sock yarn blankie that TONS of people have done, and I found several that I commented on, some I even asked for their suggestions about doing it. "Lyn" over in Oxfordshire, England wrote me back her thoughts and said she'd send along some of her extras to help me with mine. IMAGINE my surprise and JOY yesterday when I got a package and these were enclosed?!!! Knitters are great people (crocheters too)

These will really help me along my way and I have will a special memory when I put them in.

And lastly, this is what I carry at all times, in my purse, a sock to knit. I am never without one. I feel as if there will never be enough time to knit everything that I hope to. I should have started 30 years ago.



Until next time,

Almost a year

It is one day short of a year since my last post. I wish to change that. I hope to be able to find the time to update this blog and that someone, anyone, will read it and leave me a message. Ravelry has taken over my life and so I spend too much time there, too much time dreaming of all the things I have yet to knit.

My morning knitting is a pair of children's socks. Believe it or not, my first pair of children's socks and yes, they are on double pointeds because that was what I could find, plus they are zephr super smooth anodized aluminum, still in the package, from my mother, and they are MADE IN U.S.A. and when they were purchased, they cost .60.

These socks will be donated to WOOL AID, for their many charity knitting donations.

Here is my trusty knitting companion, he sleeps all night and most of the day and I can usually find him right under my feet!

Here is what I am currently knitting from, a container of donated to me yarns. I need to get some of my stash out of here, so I found the donations from a RAK list friend and have been making hats and now socks for a WOOL AID campaign. I want to empty the full container, which I have already used up two full skeins and most of two more, but here is still yarn in there, sigh.

Until next time,

keep on knitting!!

Week 5

Busy week and I'm a day late with my update.

I finished the Blankie for Baby J. It came out cute and soft. It will make a nice carseat/stroller/crib blanket. I have TONS of the yarn left though so I have to figure out another project to get it used up.

I also completed two more bibs, one wash cloth and a burp cloth.

I took all afternoon Saturday (almost) trying to find a pattern for a hand bag. The squatty that I am carrying has been with me since May 08 I thought it was time for a new one. I have finally chosen (after a false start) a bag by Moda Dea called simply "felted knit bag". I am using Bartlettyarn in Dark Lovat. Looks like a nice demin blue color. It's been a few months since I've used any Bartlett and I still love the smell of it!

I chose my Personal Sock club package. I will be using Knit Picks again, only in Palette, Brindle Heather is the color. A new yarn again this month, but I have to choose the pattern. I will try to do that this evening to get to work on it in the morning.

The NEW YEAR!

These are the first installment that will go to Warm Woolies this week. I used up some of the yarn from hats that I made for the holidays. Two strands held together is a bit tough on my wrists so I have to slow down a bit. I did these four pairs in about 5 days. They are a "quick fix" project.



Here is the sock I have made Warm Woolies style that will fit m. I had him try it on while I knit it to make sure that it fit well enough.



Here is the box that holds my Personal sock club bags and my other project bags. I waited until about 7:30 this morning and chose a bag.

My Personal Sock Club will be "Hedgerow" in Knit Picks Essential Kettled dyed in Wine. The color is very subtle, not quite what I was expecting. But I like it.

Updates!

I know, lame. I haven't updated in a while, but I have been busy and sick.

So this is a quick one.

I'm not going to get the french market bag finished in time.

I have gotten hats done for nearly everyone.

Toni was nice enough to let me use her sewing machine and I was able to get the linings done for four of the stockings. I just need to sew them in now.

I am trying to make the perfect fit hat. Seems either my gauge has loosened up, or I don't know what. The hats fit okay, but they aren't as snug as we'd like. I am making another one using 78 stitches and size 6 needles this time.

I have decided, after a BAD visit at Walmart Friday, I am NEVER SPENDING MY HARD EARNED MONEY THERE AGAIN! I don't care if I have to spend an extra hundred dollars to buy what ever it is I want or need. I AM NOT GOING THERE AGAIN!!!

Birthday came and went quietly. I did manage to score some yarn. The kids bought me four skeins of Kroy Sock yarn in the SAME colorway...... Plus I placed a knitpicks order..... plus I did some stash enhancement at the Cozy Cabin!! (MY favorite LYS)

I am thinking about which charity to knit for this year. I need something. So I have been looking at Warm Woolies and The Seamens Institute. Years ago, Carol Kerbel, a women I knew, went to minister there. I may do both to help get rid of some of my stash.

I am also trying to make a Baby Surprise Jacket right now. It is such a cute pattern.

Well, we put the tree up yesterday, and R decorated inside and out. So that is done, and we managed to get some cleaning done.

OH MY! Busy am I!

First I just have to send a belated thank you to my SP Jeanine. She is just so awesome! She has sent me a subscription to Interweave Knits!!! I am so thrilled about that. I can't thank you enough Jeanine. You are just great.

Now, on to some knitting.

Thank you Ali for helping me to obtain this pattern for the "farmers market bag" I have been working on this one for a gift. It is made with Soy Wool Stripes and it going to be awesome. Notice, more stranded knitting!!

Aren't the colors just great? Wish it wasn't a gift!

These are the pair of peds for R. She asked for some of them for christmas. A super quick knit done in the Red Heart Heart & Sole yarn. Almost used the whole skein. Perfect.

This is the completed scarf for my brother for christmas. Done in Brown sheep Nature Spun. Love this yarn. Love that it's made in the USA! You should try some.

Here is the waffle scarf I made for my sister in law, Jill. It's a lovely color yellow. Also Nature spun.

I also did one in Victorian Pink for R. Also in Nature Spun!

NOW! Stash enhancement! These little cakes of Beauty are Berroco Ultra Alpaca purchased at the Cozy Cabin http://www.cozycabin.biz/ (hope that link works)

I also bought my first addi Turbo needles to try for some sock knitting. I have been told they are just awesome and I can't wait to try them.

Toni has had the store in her home since June and has done so well, that she has expanded to a store front! How cool is that?!! I think it's awesome! Plus she got in new yarns, AND she also has fabrics for quilters. She is getting more of those in in the coming weeks. It is all so exciting.

Yesterday was her first day in the new store and I went to cheer her on and sit and knit for a few hours. It was such a thrill to share with her and my knitting friends.

Oh, and I have to say thank you, once again, to Carolyn for letting me borrow her ball winder. It will get tons of use this next week as I make more of these adorable cakes out of my hanks.

I have updated my Ravelry projects and added some more of my stash, primarly the sock yarns. And boy does that eat up alot of knitting time!

Gotta go!

Pictures~!

Ok, here are the pictures that I didn't post from my last swap package from the awesome Jeanine! She had found another ball of the DB that she forgot to send along with the other package. Now I definitely have enough for that needle case in the DK magazine! She also sent some great burts bees lipbalm, which I've never tried before and have since had to HIDE.

She also sent along the great stitch markers. Better photo below!

I had such an awesome time in that swap, once things with the other upline were worked out. I am so glad that I have actually met Jeanine and that we both have enjoyed spoiling each other.

I have been busy, knitting. Every spare minute that I find, I knit!

Here is the one sock of the Aisling yarn. This one is the last wild samon. I am done with the cuff on the second sock.

Here is another Aisling yarn, called the christmas story. I started this one the morning we went to Rhinebeck and it is the Campfire pattern. One sock completed.

Now for the STOCKINGS! I have of course fully finished the original Polar Bear.

The second one is complete to the toe and just needs the heel done.

Here is the one Moose. And yes, the pattern calls for it to have a FLAT BUTT! It does look odd, but that is the pattern. Completed through toe, except the heel.

The second moose stocking was completed, to the toe, minus the heel this week.

I did start the first of two Holly stockings, no picture yet. These two will be gifts for my brother and his wife. Same yarn. (LOVE the bartlettyarns)

Now one picture of the stash enhancement of my SOCK YARN from Rhinebeck. I didn't and don't need ANY sock yarn, but I just couldn't seem to help it.

This is Lorna's Laces fingering weight, which I have never used. The top is Purple Iris and the bottom is Seascape (I think) maybe it's seaside.

Here is the everlasting bagstopper that I did. I took it along to Rhinebeck. I used the baggstopper pattern but the handles are from Ilene, I also used smaller needles, a size 7 for the bag portion. I wanted smaller holes. Talk about STRETCH! This is going to be a great shopping bag to gift. I have more of this kitchen cotton and plan to make these as a few gifts for christmas. I hope!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed these pictures. I have to get all my errands done now. It's saturday and I have the day off.... some day off.....

Catching up to do!! Picture intense post!

I got a package in the mail from my SP 12 pal! How cool is this? I was looking at this DB magazine when it first came out (Linda at sit and knit was going to look for one and brought me one to look at too!) Anyway, I decided against buying it then, but never mentioned it to my pal. She thought I would like it.


Plus she sent along three skeins of Rowan handknit DK cotton. I have never knit with any Rowan before and this has to be the softest cotton I have felt to date. I also love the color. I have been into greens and blues and teals and even rusts and oranges. I don't know where my color palette is going, but I'm liking color lately.

Anyway, I have had the most awesome "angel" pal. You see, my original upstream, fell off the face of the earth. It really hurts when that happens and you don't know why. I can only say, that I feel bad and hope they are okay.

But, it all turned out.

AND, even though I am not sure yet if Jeanine received my reveal package (I am her upstream) Jeanine is my "angel" pal! How cool is that? I don't know if they did it on purpose or not, but it worked out great and we are hoping to meet at Rhinebeck!

Jeanine, I enjoyed getting to know you and having you for my first SP pal. I hope you enjoyed the goodies I sent you. It was great fun.

Now, here is my stranded stocking! Tonight is the last class, and I've been bad! I got the heel done but I haven't kirchnered it yet. (I don't think I spelled that right) Anyway, class has been an absolute BLAST and I have enjoyed every week and will miss going. I learned how to do an "afterthought" heel, and while I don't think I would ever do that for a sock, I will definitely do it for more of these stranded stockings. I also learned how the knit with two hands and two colors. OH! And I learned how to "pick" too. I am a thrower. Carolyn has done a great job as a teacher, always willing to jump right in with each one of us, no matter where we are at in our knitting and help us get over the "hump".

I am now planning on doing a few more stockings as christmas gifts.

Here is the dish cloth (the yellow one) I received from my friend Barb (Hi Barb!) I loved the pattern so much that I want to make more myself. BOY! Am I a tight knitter or what? I started out with a #5, got that far and decided it was too small, so went up to a size #7 and believe it or not, it came out smaller! So I ripped it back and I am going to try again!

Here is just the beginning of a completed project. I had bought this "honking" skein of kitchen cotton when it was on clearance, with the idea of market bags as gifts. like the one I eventually ended up with. Forgot to photograph it though. Anyway, I will probably make more, but do a different pattern.

Okay, I didn't tell you anything about the Fiber Festival Carolyn and I went to. This is just a small amount I am showing you. This is the sock yarn that I purchased from an Indie dyer. She names her yarns after movies! isn't that neat!? I fell in love with several, just for the names they were named after! Silly, I know.

We had an awesome time at the festival. It wasn't too large or overwhelming for me. Carolyn did the driving, and it was a rainy day, but we got there and I think we both enjoyed it very much. It was so nice to see the different animals and to pick up some new fibers to use. (I promise to post more of that on another day)

Alpaca! I am a touchy feely type of person. Alpaca! I could have stood there, eye's closed, arms out, and feeling Alpaca yarn ALL DAY! I bought enough of it to keep my happy for a while! OH! And Alpaca roving!! While I haven't bought any, if you ever, EVER have the chance to feel it! FEEL IT! It's like what you would imagine a cloud to feel like.

I still have not dealt with my nubby cardigan. I just haven't had the time. I talked with Carolyn about the slight tightness in the upper arms and I am going to gently block it first and then see if it loosens just a bit. If not, I am going to knit two gussets to put in just under the arm. I think it was the stitch pattern that makes it feel "tight". But, I think I will have time this weekend and hope to get to that project then.

I have not done much at all on my socks for september. Sad, but true. I did get them onto my new knitpicks needles and I am doing them magic loop. Which is fun so far.

Well, that is my update for this week and for the end of September.

Projects!

Well, it's a new month. I have to begin a new pair of socks and I'd like to try them on a size one needle, only I don't have any circulars in that size, so I will have to use DPN by default. I didn't have a chance to pick a pair up. I am going to use the wildfoote yarn I bought and see how I like it.

I am feverishly working on my nubby cardigan. A little behind where I'd like to be, but I have already done the armhole shaping on the right arm and only have about 22 more rows to complete it and begin a sleeve. I think this may be why I like top down sweaters so much. You don't have all these pieves to be worrying about. But, I am loving the sweater and I am planning to have it done for Rhinebeck to wear there. I still have to look for buttons.

I need to start another project, I am not sure what yet though. I bought some LOVELY bartletyarn in the colorway Medium Green Heather, from Cozy Cabin this week. What a GORGEOUS color green. I don't know why I am liking greens so much lately, but this color is to die for. Perhaps I'll have to buy more and make Lady February out of it...... Otherwise, I was thinking of making another clapotis out of this. Love the pattern. Love the yarn.

Well, today is a holiday and I've dubbed it "pajama day" so I will stay in them as long as I want to today and knit as long as I feel like it!

Yarn. Notes to myself.

Have you seen Alpaca Sox by Classic elite? The plum blueberry peacock looks fun for a clap! Seattle Haze and Woodland in Autumn look nice too. Decisions, decisions.

News! Pictures! Packages!

Okay, first things first. I came home today to not one but TWO packages. Both are from the dishcloth swap that I was in. The first package is a great cloth by beginknitter. Also included was a neat bracelet with the word "hope" on it. We all need that, don't we.

Next, a package all the way from Stafforshire England! The package says "royal mail" on it! I love it. Ceri included a cloth that is so squishy and not one but TWO skeins of kitchen cotton in perfect colors for my kitchen!


If either of you take a look at my blog, thank you so much. I enjoyed the swap alot and I hope that you did too.

Here is the beginnings of my CLAPOTIS. I am using Elsabeth Lavolds silky wool. I absolutely love it. You can see some of the stitch marker that I got from Glitterbear, from the odd ball swap. They came is SO handy and made me smile while knitting.



I finished the clap today, scarf size and I still have some stitches to drop, and to weave in the ends, but I just love the weight of it and the look. It is a definite gift possiblities to it.

This next photo is of the new Bartlett yarn I purchased at the Cozy Cabin (HI Toni) last night before going to sit and knit. Anyway, the colorway is "terra cotta" it is the 2 ply and I am planning to make the Obverse Jacket, by lisa shroyer from the fall 2008 Knitscene magazine that I bought last week.

There are so many FABULOUS patterns in this magazine. I really, REALLY want to make the nubby cardiagn by deborah newton, but I am afraid I am just not experienced enough for it. I am going to make it though. Because I just love the classic look of it.

I would also LOVE the big ivy scarf by christine lorin made of Aslan Trends Artesanal. It just looks so soft and cuddly.

Those are my favorites. but I like a LOT more of them!!! smile

I sent off my package to my downline SP and the tracking says it has arrived. I got an email from her this evening, but she didn't mention the package. GEE I hope no one stole it!! I'll be on pins and needles until I hear from her.

My first Swap package has arrived!

This is the package without the mailing stuffing in it. Look at the awesome colors! I hope they show up well. It is from the "Odd Ball Stash busters Swap" on Ravelry.


This is a scarf that is woven by "glitterbear". I absolutely love it. I love the colors of it and I love the fringe! It is just wonderful. I have never received anything like it before and I plan to wear it to work tomorrow.


Also in the package is some 100 % cotton. I have never seen this brand before but I can't wait to try it out. I'll be searching Rav to see what to make. Also included is a circular needle in a size 2.


Then, look at this sox book! Isn't this awesome?! I think it's great and I love to make ankle length socks so this book is right up my alley.

And, a set of stitch markers, which, I don't really have many of so these will come in handy as I am hoping to finally start Clapotis and will need these.

Plus, SugarBabies! I haven't had these in YEARS and they are one of my favorites.

Thank you Glitterbear! This was an awesome first swap for me and I had a great partner. I hope your's has been/will be as good to you!

New Questions

I know there are new questions to answer for the SP12. Mostly they deal with vacation. Where you like to go, what you like to do, where would you like to go.

Considering it has been nearly 10 years since we've done any kind of family vacation, I am not sure how I would answer.

The place I love most in the world is the ocean and the jersey shore. I grew up in the summer at on Barnegat bay in a bungalow. No heat, no air conditioning, no telephone, no tv, no shower, well water and the bay. Dad sold the house nearly 30 years ago and I miss it every summer. I wish that I had been able to help him with it more and being a teen had wanted to go more often. But as a teen I wanted to do "teen" things. Be with friends at home, not at the shore. So he sold and my heart has stayed behind there with all our happy family memories. Memories that I have not been able to give to our son. It makes me truly sad to think about.

Life goes on.

I need to see the ocean every year, preferably for a few days. It is my connection to happiness. I could sit at the bay or the ocean for hours, regardless of the weather and literally feel myself recharge from it's energy. Life energy. I love the colors, the smell of the water, the feel of the sand on my feet, whether hot or cold. The dampness of the air. The smell of the salt and the seaweed. The sight of the water coming in and going out. The sea spray. It breathes life into me, life that I don't get but a few days of the year.

Someplaces I would like to go some day are Savannah, Georgia. I had hoped to go there last year, but it didn't work out. I want to see all those old home and go to the water there. I want to eat at Paula Deen's restuarant.

Really, any coastal place I'd like to go to. I've never seen the Pacific. I'd like to go there someday, perhaps Seattle. Is that near the water?

I have also dreamed of some day seeing Alaska, on land, rail and cruise ship.

This year though, I am working. And I only get four days. I have to follow the guidelines of my employer. So I will have two days and a weekend down the shore with my Aunt and I will drink in as much of the water as I possibly can. I am hoping that Matt and I will be able to fit in one long weekend at Cape May in the fall. It is my other favorite place, because of all the old homes and architecture there.

I finished my socks! Yeah! I got a pair done for July. I am so very, very happy about that.

I have now started a roll brimmed hat for quad riding this fall and winter. I am using the Bartlettyarn that I got from the Cozy Cabin and I am absolutely LOVING it! I love the feel of it and the smell of it. Very natural. I am so pleased also that the yarn is from sheep from America and it is made in Maine and it has a very reasonable pricepoint that makes it extremely affordable. I am so in LOVE with this yarn.

On Thursday night I met Carolyn there and I got some to make a Cabled Hobo bag for myself and some to make a scarf with. Then I picked up some things for my Odd Ball Swap Partner. I am getting her package ready to go out this week. I can't believe how fast this month went by. I also have to get my SP 12 package ready to go out. It's not "THE" biggie, it is just another teaser.

Sorry there aren't any pictures this time.

A visit to the COZY CABIN

After work yesterday, and a quick dinner with dh, I took a run over to the "cozy cabin" our new LYS and met Toni the owner. The shop deals with quilting supplies and with yarn. She is offering a few classes beginning in September, that will be taught by Carolyn from our Thursday night knit group. Anyway, the shop is really very cute and the perfect size. She offers lovely choices in Wildfoote, which I have never used before and picked up two skeins to make a pair of socks with. It is in the colorway "mums". Then after much "touching and feeling" I decided on one skein of Bartlett yarn in 3 ply, 145 yards of Md. Sheeps gray. I'll be using this for a pull over cowl, and a skein of Bartlett yarn in 2 ply, 210 yards in Dark Sheeps Gray, for a hat. Both of which are for myself and for winter when we go quad riding. I like the color, as it is not really a gray, but more of a brown. I like it alot.

As a matter of fact, I liked a lot of the colors she offered. There was also some other yarns, but I had to be good and I went with the hat and cowl in mind and perhaps a pair of socks. So I stuck well to my budget and to my list. Though I would have loved to have purchased more! And probably will in the future.

I have also signed up for Carolyn's class that she will offer in October. It is making a gorgeous colorwork christmas stocking. I can't wait.

I heard from my SP12 spoilee, she got the goodies that I sent along. I can't really mention what at the moment, just in case she happens along this blog. Which, hardly anyone reads my blog, so I don't know why I worry or wonder, but I have been looking at everyones blog who has one listed on the website trying to think who could be my SP. My upline as they say. She must travel an awful lot for work. I have not heard from her this week and last week she told me that she had been to Mexico on business so that was why I hadn't heard from her. That must be hard to be away from family.

I find it very interesting reading other peoples blogs. It is so much fun when they are from another country and they talk about their home and the pictures! It's just great. I have always lead such a boring life, I just love being able to see what other peoples lives are like.

I had some "ripping" yesterday. Well, the cabled hobo bag had a noticeable mistake about 5 repeats back, so RIP. And continue on. Then, I had all the decreases done on my toe of sock one, and it would have been just a tad too tight, so RIP. All the way back and put in five more rows and then began the decreases.

I have to work tomorrow, but I promise to get some pictures on here. It's been too long since I've taken any. I want to show the yarn I got.

It's a Surprise Vest!

No pictures today, just didn't have the time to down load them.

I got another package in the mail from Julie at J-Knits. This project will be a test knit and a sampler for a childs vest. I've never done one of these, so it will be fun. I love the colorway she sent this time, it is blues and purples, one of my favorites.

I sent off the sweater to her last week and I can't wait to get my yarnie goodness surprise from her for knitting it up. I am sure it will be a good one.

Why couldn't we have found each other sooner?

Well, tomorrow is a new day for me. I am very sad that I will not be an at home mom anymore. But I know it is for the best, and it will get me out, and meeting people and it is a good job. For that, I am grateful.

Yesterday, I spent nearly the whole day making a Felted Sweater tote. Pictures soon. I had great fun making it and plan to make some more. This one I will use for toting back and forth to work my knitting in progress.

Which, besides the vest, is my Mr Green Jeans. I have the body done, and one sleeve up to the ribbing. I am pleased so far with the fit.

Excitement!

Well, here it is, the Yarn cake I have been telling you about. Isn't the hand dyed color just Awesome!

Now we'll talk about my reclaiming day that I had yesterday. This charcoal grey one is 70% shetland wool and 30% Acrylic. It is a mens XL and I am planning to make this one into a cobblestone sweater for my brother for Christmas. I think it will be great!

This pink one is just yummy, it is a Ladies Large Gap stretch. 98% Lambswool and 1% Lycra and 1% other fiber. That part has me a bit worried, other fiber.... but it is so yummy I couldn't resist it~!

And here is the AWESOME sweater!
It is 100% ALL PURE WOOL Made in Ireland and it is a Women's XL. I have it in the sink as we speak I am so excited about this one.
It was a beautiful knit sweater, hardly worn and too large for me, so I am trying to think of what to make of it. I was able to get almost 1,400 YARDS out of this sweater~! I could make TONS of small stuff or I bet 2 sweaters if I plan it all right! Yahoo for me. And for only $2.50!

Tonight is sit and knit, I am so excited that this group seems to be starting and going. I have such fun knitting with new people, seeing new projects and yarns, and most of all talking with people who have the same interests as me!