knitme-purlme

The me I'm supposed to be...

2009-11-01T17:22:00.001-08:00

life has been going on...

some knitting...
some work...
some daydreaming...

life is too short to spend time worrying about the what-ifs in life...
make the best of what you have, sleep in the bed you made and deal with it....

change is difficult but necessary...

52 in 52 ...

2009-08-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

To try to get me back into blogging, I thought I'd try something new. I'm going to commit to 52 posts in the next 52 weeks. This is a take on the 365 in 365 that I've seen on other blogs.

The next post will count as the 1st in the 52 in 52.

Uhm, so not blogging much...

2009-03-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

What have I been doing??

Not blogging obviously! I find that it doesn't hold my attention as it once did, so I don't know how long this will stay active.

Did the Yarn Train to Portland in January- Loved it, will do again, went to Madrona Winter Fiber Retreat in Tacoma in February- had a nice time, doubt I'll stay overnight next year, and plan on going to the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival this summer, and Sock Camp in the Portland area in August.

My current projects include:

February Lady Sweater: Dream in Color Classy - Gothic Rose. I've purchased 5 skeins, and am using skeins 2-3 right now. One of the skeins was noticeably darker so I decided to alternate two skeins. This is working well. Based on how much I have left I'm sure I can get the length in the body and at least 3/4 sleeves. I do plan on narrowing the sleeves as the armholes are very comfortably wide. I plan on removing 1 pattern repeat and go down needle size from 7 to 6.

My queue:

1. I still haven't completed Marthas socks…. Ugh!!
2. Need to rip ( too big) then reknit my green watercolor faux colorwork sweater. It will be my first steeked cardigan.
3. I need to knit some baby booties, hat, sweater & bibs for some friends that are expecting babies this year.
4. I'd like to knit Molly a "big girl" cardigan, perhaps the February Baby Sweater or sweater dress….
5. Must make Lyle his fingerless mitts.
6. Was asked to knit a "sock" for a friends car armrest.
7 & 8. Knit a shawl from my new Knitted Lace of Estonian book as well as my Stahmans Shawl & Scarves book.

Good news is that I have the yarn for most of these projects. We'll see just how much of this list actually gets done.

Trip to Port Townsend mid October

2008-10-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Drove up to Port Townsend the weekend before OFF, visited two yarn shops ate at a cute historic restruant and came home with a few pretties! A hank of Fiesta Boomerang, 2 shell & wood shawl pins, 5 stitch markers and 2 DellaQ bags. They were on sale for like $3! What a steal!

Close up of the stitch markers I picked up as well. They're a bit heavy. I think I might string one from a satin corde and wear it as a pendant.

Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival

2008-09-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

A good friend and I spent 2 days in Oregon this past weekend. We stayed at this lovely B&B called the Anna Becke House. I fell in love with the bed! I never would have thought I'd like all the girlie prints and flowers, but I did. If I had a slightly larger bedroom I'd find a bed frame that was similar.
We arrived early enough in the day Friday to unpack then drive into Portland to visit Yarnia. If you haven't been there, its a fun way to design yarn. I put together a 3 stranded burgundy yarn w/a dark gray thread of silk.
This is the lovely owner and the machine she uses to make the special yarn blends.
Mine was bamboo, rayon & silk.
The main reason we went on the trip was to go to OFF. It more than met my expectations for vendors, people and animals. next year we're going to bring a 3rd person so we can set up a picnic blanket along with food and our spinning wheels in the center of the green. I found this vest knit in once piece at a booth that was just so cute. I intend to make one similar. With some millends from Mountain Colors that I've purchased at other events.

While at OFF I purchased some fiber from Klaus from Crown Mt, 1 skein of the black angora/merino from Toots Leblanc and some wool/silk at BlueMoon. I think I'll make a cardigan from it. The fiber will be spun up and knit into a shawl.

I also found this cute booth by MissPurl on etsy that had a ton of cute stitch markers with coordiating little tins.

I spent a short while looking at the animals on display and thought this one was a darling! Isn't this the cutest little goat?

Yellowstone vacation pictures - 6-12/20-08 post 4

2008-09-13T21:04:00.001-07:00

More Yellowstone!

Yellowstone vacation pictures - 6-12/20-08 post 3

2008-09-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

Continuation of pictures from the Yellowstone trip. This one is all about the animals!

When driving in the park, you knew there was something interesting to see if there was a line up of cars and a slowing/stopping of traffic.

These guys were the first animals we saw as we entered the park. They're standing up a cliff side to the right of the car.
The Buffalo were the animals we saw the most of.Deers and bears and birds oh my!

Yellowstone vacation pictures - 6-12/20-08 post 2

2008-09-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

Here's the 2nd installment of picture from my trip to Yellowstone during June of 2008.

I think what surprised me the most was just how close the animals would get to the road. Most of the images are taken from the car and the animals are perhaps 5-15 away.

Lyle in front of Yellowstone Lake, near the Yellowstone Lake Hotel.

View from the car. It had snowed for a few days before we arrived. There was still snow when we left a week later. Here are a variety of shots of geothermal things.
Series of pictures of Old Faithful. It steam a bit before actually going off.

Yellowstone vacation pictures - 6-12/20-08

2008-09-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

The first leg of out trip was to MT so I could visit the home of Mountain Colors. I really enjoy working with their yarn.

Shelves of undyed yarn. It hasn't been washed or preped yet.

Once the yarn is washed and prepared it is counted for the particular order and then layed out on a stainless steel countertop and dyed. The shelves above the yarn have squeeze bottles of dye. Each color has a few bottles. Each colorway has, if I remember correctly, 6-9 colors each. The dyers take a bottle which is numbered from the shelf and then dye all the yarn in a row with that color. The next person takes the 2nd bottle of dye and walks along behind the 1st dyer applying the dye to the yarn. This process continues until each of the colors for the colorway have been used.

Close up of the countertop.

After the dye has been applied, the yarn is placed in steamer tubs (electric chafing dishes with steamer inserts). I think they had about 30 of them around the room.

Just inside the entryway of the shop are cubbyholes of yarn. They do not have the types of yarn separated. They organize their yarn by colorway. Within each cubbyhole you could find 5 or more types of yarn.

One of my favorite areas was where their mill ends were located. They had more of their sock yarn than other types. I cam home with this batch:

I came home with two batches of yarn, Weavers Wool, in 2 color families for my two buddies, Rhonda and Ialiuxh. For myself I purchased two hanks of the colorway Yellowstone, in Weavers Wool. I also purchased some mill ends of their 3-ply bulky and enough Weavers Wool Millends in a light blue for myself.

Pictures?

2008-08-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the Spring and Summer of '08.

Alpacapalooza .... this Alpaca was very friendly.

The baby sweater I made for a co-workers 2nd baby. I used Duet yarn from a swell yarn shop.

At the beach in March '08

Mother In Law on Mothers Day starting her new lawn mower. I'm glad she likes useful gifts!

Lyle saying hello to Dottie. Dottie is 93 this year and is Molly's great grandma. Hasn't Molly grown so much?!

Catch-up, or Ketchup?

2008-08-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Pretent is June 30th 2008

Catch-up, or Ketchup?

Yes, I've been a bad blogger. Or should I say I've just become very inconsistant? Eh, life happens..

So, since I last posted, I went to the beach over the weekend ( 4/12&13) with some friends.. Had a great time. Got a bad sunburn too. It never occurred to me that my eyes could feel sunburned.
That was the starting point of my pneumonia. I had a little bit of chest irritation/rattling that weekend and over the next week it rapidly developed into full blown pneumonia. I ended up being out of work for about 2 weeks. I wasn't fully well until early June then came down with a cold and adult onset allergies!! Go figure! This spring was pretty miserable for me in some respects but quite nice in others.

I've been out to see 3 movies with two of my friends (Iliauxh & Rhonda): Maid of Honor, Prince Caspian ( 2nd Narnia movie), & Wanted ( Angilina Jolie). I liked all of them. I hope to see a few more before the summer is over. My plan is to see Wall*E & Hancock.

I've knit a few items, all small items. A hat and matching sweater for a co-worker who is due in early August, a headband thingy out of some handspun I picked up during the Yarn Crawl this year. It’s a lovely blue shaded skein from SpinCycle Yarn from Bellingham Wa.

I've also been to Yellowstone National Park. I spent just over a week there in the middle of June. It was a ton of fun! If I could live in the park I certainly would. I have to say the Lamar Valley & Hayden Valley are my favorite locals in the part.

Now that we're all caught up.. Lets hope I can do this a bit more often!

Bedrooms and stuff -really a post written 3-25-08

2008-08-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Pretend its really March 25th.

Sleeping… that's what most people use their bedrooms for.

What a waste of space. Last night when I was rearranging and moving around furniture in our 2ND bedroom/office/craft room. Lyle came in and said that he had this wacky idea of moving our queen sized bed into the tiny 2ND bedroom and turning our bedroom into the computer-craft room. At first this idea seemed rather strange. However, upon thinking about it a bit more, it makes a lot of sense. We rarely ever spend time in the bedroom unless we're sleeping or getting read to go to sleep etc. We do have a 2ND TV in there, but use it perhaps 1-2 times a month.

So, here's the plan for the warmer months of the year. We'll move our bed into the smaller room and get a bracket to hold our TV near the ceiling and get two small end tables. We will remove the door to the closet in that room and use a curtain to cover the opening. This gives us another 2ish feet of wall space if we don't have to worry about that door. I think I may paint it a nice periwinkle blue. I'm sort of feeling a bit shabby chic meets Heather Bailey. Check out her site, I have yet to purchase any of her fabric, however, I do love her photo's and her decorating. While I'm at it, I think I'll add crown moulding too. He he he, Lyle doesn't know what he got himself into with this!

The new craft room: All of our clothes will stay in the larger room as it has a very large closet and the space for a dresser. The new craft room will be set up with a table that I can use to sew/cut fabric on and have my knitting machine out and ready to go. We'll install shelving and paint it.

*Update- 8.29.08 - we've moved the bed and small side tables into the small room and I just love it. We haven't pained or added anything. There really isn't the room for anything else. I still hope to add moulding and a new paint color. *

Updates.... and probably no Yellowstone!

2008-04-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

I would love to be able to update with pictures however right now I'm feeling quite crappy.

I did receive my camera and do love it. I definitely need to have the 55-200mm lens though. I'm finding I can't get the shots I want with the generic lens it came with. Don't get me wrong. It's a nice lens for basic shots, I just want more! Oh and we got a new Lazy-Boy rocker recliner too. It was ordered several weeks ago and finally arrived. I just love it. Eventually we're going to order a coordinating sofa too.

So, after the camera arrived I took it with me around town and to work to get some shots, had quite a bit of fun. I've also been to the beach with some friends and had a blast. However, a few days before the beach trip, the 9th or so of April, I noticed some congestion in my lungs. I didn't think much of it however when I was at the beach I noticed my chest hurt a bit after taking some long walks. When I got back to work that Monday I visited with a PA at my clinic and was told I had a virus and could use an inhaler to help my lungs a bit until I got better. Fast forward a to Friday... I was coughing so much and in quite a bit of pain I was prescribed a cough med with pain reliever in it. Fast forward to the next week. end of 2nd refill on the cough med and another visit to the Dr. So it's been about 13 days since I first noticed that crap in my lungs. After missing some time at work, and a chest x-ray later.. I was diagnosed with pneumonia. Happy times....

So, I've been home coughing like mad etc sleeping whenever I could with practically no energy to do anything, especially knit. I've got another appointment for the 30th and we'll see if the Dr says I can go back to work. I'm not sure how I'll feel at the end of the week.. just getting showered, dressed and out to the car for a very short errand like dropping off movies at BlockBuster tires me out. I can't even hold a telephone conversation w/out stopping to cough or catch my breath. I've used so much of my time that was supposed to be for Yellowstone that I doubt we'll be able to go at all now.

Anyhow.. I haven't gone to knit night in a while and really miss everyone, but I can't find the energy to do anything... Oh, and to top it all off our dryer died so we had to get a new one. Luckily there is an Albert Lee Appliance within 10 minutes from the house so we zipped on down there and found a very decent replacement in the "scratch and dent" section. The dryer we came home with was originally around 800, we paid 399 +tx for it. We're both such dorks.. the first 2-3 loads we stood in front of the dryer just watching the clothes tumble. *grin* It's got a glass front just like the washer does!

c'est la vie!

Finally finished a 2nd pair for myself!

2008-03-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

Quick snapshots of my very happy feet this AM.

Why isn't a teleporter avaliable when you need one!

2008-03-24T21:54:00.001-07:00

I practically ran to a local camera store on my lunch break just to fondle the camera I'm desperately waiting for today. I had very little time to eat lunch too. It was a ribbon like rice noodle with grilled chicken on a bed of salad veggies covered with peanut sauce... good eh? I'll definitely eat there again.

So, just to keep myself somewhat busy, I purchased this book. It should help with the wanting of the camera feeling I'm having just about every 10 minutes!

I think Lyle my strangle me if I mention the camera one more time. :)

My new toy: Nikon D40

2008-03-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

I decided in a slightly rash moment to purchase this camera. I had been looking for one to purchase for our trip to Yellowstone in June and was going between this one and another.

It's on its way from Ritzcamera.com. I was amazed just how quickly they had the box packed and shipped. We're talking very speedy.. like 6 hours total! The price was right and there is a 50.00 coupon that will be emailed for my next purchase. I'll probably use it on the zoom lens I also want to buy.

My new baby.... the Nikon D40 . I'm also going to purchase this lens 55-200mm Nikon vibration reduction and maybe this one too. Definitely the first one for our trip and the other for my own basic use.

Yellowstone planning is under way. We haven't decided on if we're going to stop at Mountain Colors on the way there or the way back. I voted for the way there.. It's like 7 hours from Seattle. If we get there on a Thursday we can watch them dying, however if we do not arrive until Friday then we can only buy yarn from their shop. Either way I'm happy to be going.

I know we'll be doing at least 1 horse back tour and one maybe two motor tours. We'll be in the part for 8 days so we'll have plenty of time to futz around. There is even a wildlife photographers guided tour that I'm very keen on attending.

On the knitting front, I've got just the heel to kitchener on my SOTR chickabiddy socks. I also finished Lyles Crown Mt hat too. Pictures to follow later.

tata...

I knit up a hat from my own handspun yarn!

2008-03-08T22:16:00.001-08:00

I've got a cold and this project kept me going at work on Friday. I began is Thursday night and finished it Saturday mid day.

It's been a while..

2008-03-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

I could try to post about all the things I've done or made in the past few months since I last posted but I think I'll refrain from doing so.

In the most recent past I attended the Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat and took a class with Margret Radcliff, bought yarn, fiber and a new drop spindle from the vendors & knitted a bit. I've also bought a new car.. and plan on actually following through with the process to get myself a license.

Currently on the needles are: Pictures uploaded to Ravelry

Wool Peddlers shawl from Folk shawls - Using Bouton d'Oro Ksar in a lovely Ivory. Since I wont have enough of that yarn I will be doing the patterned portion in Queensland Kathmandu Aran and DK in a lovely tan/ivory tweed and a light blue tweed. I'll be double stranding them as the main yarn is bulky and these two together should come close to the same guage.

Socks made from Blue Moon Fiber Arts medium SOTR in Chickabiddy. I just have to finish the after-thought heels on both.

A top down raglan in Louet Gems Pearl, mostly green but the yoke was knit with the same yarn but dyed to give it a stained glass effect w/out having to actually use that many different yarns.

2 hats are also nearly done. They're basically just at the point where I need to do the crown decreases.

Anyhow... photos to be uploaded later.

It's been a while... Blue Moon Fiber Arts & Molly

2007-11-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in a while as some of you may have noticed. To make along story short, I had some disappointing news that hurt me and I found that I should refrain from blogging as I didn't want to call people names etc. So, to keep things from escalating, I stopped blogging for a while.

Here is what has been happening with me knit-wise and new Molly pictures. Since she such a j0y in my life, I'll begin with her.
The green and white hat is the newest of knitted items I've made for her. Below is the inspiration for a new sweater I am going to make for myself and the yarn I've dyed for it and a picture of the main body yarn. It's Louet Gems in fern green. The original was found over a year ago on someones blog and for the life of me I can't find my notes as to where I got it from. I remember it was made from left over sock yarn for an infant. I fell in love with the color combination and had to have something similar.

This past weekend I went to Oregon to take part in the destashing sale that Blue Moon Fiber Arts was hosting with two friends Rhonda & Ialiuxh. It was held at a lovely B&B in Scappose Oregon called the Scappose Creek Inn . It was about 3 hours from Seattle, NE from Portland, along the river. We had such a nice time we plan on making a few other yarn excursions together.

They had chickens roaming the property and Llamas corralled for us to feed. I just snapped a few shots of them. The sale was held in a Red Barn like structure that is set up for events, such as weddings and their receptions. I enjoyed myself so much that I hope to take a trip back here with Lyle sometime in the future.

The line outside just before they let us in and me, with my first haul of yarn prior to my reality check.

It's too bad I didn't get any photos of what the racks looked like before people began snatching yanks of yarn from the hooks, it was truly impressive!

Bare racks..
My yarn haul: 10 skeins work of sock goodness! I plan on giving 1 skein away as a gift to a fellow knitter I used to work with. With the change in jobs back in May I haven't seen much of her. We try to get together outside of work but with our busy schedules it hasn't been easy. I'm hoping this gift will convert her to a Socks that Rock groupie!

*smile* Her skein is covered by one of mine! I know she looks at the blog and I want it to truly be a surprise!

This is the first pair of socks I've ever completed. They're Toe-Up with an afterthought heel, also made from Socks that Rock. This was a purchase from Madrona in January 2007.

Lyle's pair is made from Duet Sock yarn( purple and yellow, kinda UW colors ), sold by A Swell Yarn shop. I happen to have the owner and creative genius, Angie, as part of my weekly knit group, RentonStitchers.

The 3rd pair is in the colorway Chicabiddy from the stash sale. It's a lovely combination of yellow, pinks, red, and cream.

ta ta...

Progress picture of my vesty thingy and my new Harmony needles!

2007-09-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

My new Harmony Needles are mostly what I expected. I wish the colors were as bright as the photos on the site showed, but hey.. they're very nice otherwise! I can't wait to actually use the on a project.

I as able to work on the never ending ribbed vest this weekend. It just isn't that inspiring to work on. I didn't exactly measure the width of my back, just light stretched the first piece across my chest/shoulder area and cast on the amount to fill that space. The image with below appears to be too narrow. Oh well, if I need to fudge it and crochet on an additional piece I will!

I also spent some time with Molly at the pool. Here she is in her post pool wrap!
On the SP front, I've dyed some lace yarn, wound it into yarn cakes and picked up a few other goodies to post to my pal. That package should be off any day now!

Pioneer Ponco is done!

2007-09-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

I was able to finish it at work today. All that's left is sewing in a few ends and washing. I can't wait to wear it! We're nearly cool enough for me to wear it when no one would look at me funny. It's a great length too, I'm able to still be efficient at work while looking very cool at the same time! I also plan to use the left over yarn, about 2/3 a skein to make fingerless gloves to match. If I don't have enough to make them, I'll use what I have as the edging and use a solid color that coordinates for the rest.
Also in knitting news I've completed part 1 of the vesty item I was inspired by the gals at Blue Moon Fibers arts to make. I now have to pick up a section of knitting and work it in the 2x2 ribbing for the back piece. I noticed once I got into that either the skein was dyed in a funky way or my tension changed just enough to alter the appearance of the fabric. It went from having circle like patterns to a subtle zig zag appearance.

In other news.. knitting related that is.. I've been browsing some blogs and came across a very pretty cabled hat. It's from smariek.blogspot.com. It's the Karma Cap. I found it originally on another blog that I had happened upon after looking at the blog links on grumperina's blog.

I plan to make it in a very slightly variegated yarn. I'm hoping to find some medium/dark grey. Perhaps Malabrigo or Lorna's Lace worsted weight.

ta ta

FO's, makeshift swift and football!

2007-09-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

So, today was the first regular season Seahawk game, Go Hawks!

My DH had a few friends over and I was able to get in some knitting/crocheting time. I was able to finish the crocheted poncho I began 1.5 years ago. As I washed it by hand a ton of green/brownish dye came out into the water. I was just hoping that wouldn't muddy the other bright colors in it. Luckily it stayed fairly bright!. It also grew about 4 inches in length, not too surprising since it's cotton.
I also mostly complete the Lorna's Lace poncho from the previous post. It turned out a bit too large and instead of frogging it, I'm going to try to weave in several black elastic threads through the top 2x2 ribbing. It hangs a bit low. If this doesn't work, I'm going to pick up the edge of the ribbing and crochet around it. This will keep it from being too stretchy.

I have also spent some time looking at the new fall yarns over at webs (Yarn.com) and found a few I hadn't heard of, but just love the color ways! One of them, Marisol Hacho, seems to be from South America(Peru). I can't seem to stop looking at Tutti Fruti-300,Coral Reef-303 and Northern Nights-307. The intensity of color is eye catching!

I also started attending a new knitting group in my area. They meet at a local Star***ks that is very close to my home. Since they all seem to be avid sock knitters I hope their experience will rub off on me! I still haven't completed a single sock, I always rip it out as I'm never satisfied. To help keep my interest in sock knitting, I've ordered some of the new KnitPicks Harmony multi-colored wood needles. Hey.... I had to have an excuse! You all know I don't *need* them at all! Aren't they just beautiful! They're like a rainbow!

They are similar to another brand I've seen but couldn't afford. Since they're interchangeable with my existing KP Options metal set I couldn't resist trying some of them out. If I like what I feel I'll purchase a few more of the fixed and the sizes I mostly use in the tips. I hope that I can knit the Seasilk more easily with them.

I still haven't seemed to sew anything this weekend either. I did however hyperextend my left leg and my knee isn't too happy, t's a bit puffy and painful. To top things off, I somehow manged to hurt my lower back too.. so... I'm not too happy of a camper right now.

ta ta..

What I've been working on... and buying!

2007-09-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

About a week ago I visited Bad Woman Yarn in their new location in Wallingford ( near the University of Washington in Seattle). I found the owners and staff quite friendly and warm. What I didn't like, was their over abundance of Berroco and very small sock/hand dyed yarn selection. They did have a very small selection of Lorna's Laces, which I just adore.

I purchased 3 hanks of the Shepered Worsted in the color way Pioneer.

It's a lovely combination of bright blue that fades to a denim blue, a charcoal grey that seems black in places, and a variety of shades of a warm rich brown. I didn't have a plan in mind when I chose it. I did figure that if I had at least 3 hanks I could work something out! In the end I decided to "wing it" and cast on for a poncho/shawl thingy. I've worked an area that will allow me to steek it should I choose to and add buttons. However, right now, its been worked in the round with 3 inches of ribbing, 4 inches of st st and so far 7 inches of a moss like stitch. I did add some "shoulder" shaping in the st st section.

I also recently found a few great bargains at Lane Bryant when I was actually on my way to JCPenny to pick up some trousers for work. I stumbled upon a rather cute tan cardigan.. It has elbow length sleeves & the sweetest little sections of what I think are butterfly stitches bordered with a purl background along with some standard 1x1 and 2x2 ribbing. I would really like to make a sweater just like it, okay not in the lace weight I'm sure it was knit with, but with something like DK. *pictures posted later*

Another great find of the century was a subtly striped black suiting-like jacket/blazer I can wear to the office. The final price was between $15-$19.00!

This weekend I have a wedding to go to, we're not very close to the couple, in fact I've never met them, so I'm not too worried about what I'm going to wear. I have a few crafty projects to start/complete as well.

1. A simple bag made out of some brown/tan/teal MODA fabric.
2. 2 paper crafted inspirational phase/saying thingies to hang on our new office wall at work
3. The quilt for a friends daughter.

Recently I also purchased Knit Kimono - which I highly recommend, Last Minute Knitted Gifts, One Skein, a ball winder, some items for my SP, plus some new dye.

I still need to hang two sets of shelves, reorganize my knitting books &stash, and weed the garden. I swear the tomato plants from nowhere have really begun to take over!
** They sprouted from seeds left in the soil that was used as a planting bed by the previous owner ** So far they haven't lead to any ripened fruit, but I'm still holding out some hope for my own tomatoes!

Also on the gardening front, I have a pepper plant, not the Green Bell Pepper plant I thought I had purchased, ready to harvest!

Ravelry is addicting!

2007-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

It's amazing just how much time you can spend on one project. I've been quiet here but busy taking photos & cataloging my stash and projects for Ravelry . Luckily, or unluckily depending on how you see it, work has been so terribly slow and boring these last few days that I've spent many hours.. yes, hours.... reading posts and viewing peoples profiles on Ravelry.

Bitty and some yarn

2007-08-25T22:40:00.001-07:00

Picture 1894
Originally uploaded by littlebittyknits

I was finally sent my Ravelry invite and was progressing through photographing my stash when I was visited by 'bitty! She had to see what was going on. Luckily she wasn't in the way and I was able to get quite a bit done. I'm littlebittyknits on Ravelry.

Nearly there!

2007-08-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Found you!
You signed up on July 6, 2007
You are #9975 on the list.
194 people are ahead of you in line.
17728 people are behind you in line.
35% of the list has been invited so

The UPS man is my new favorite person!

2007-08-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sitting on my rear watching a program off my TIVO and I hear this little 'tap tap tap'... turns out the UPS man, at 8:45 at night, had the replacement package my SP10 pal sent out.

I just love everything in it!

I can't wait to make the socks and the baby pattern! The hat has ears on it!!

Did you know youtube has knitting content! It's sucking me in!

UPS was at my door! Sweater ideas...

2007-08-21T13:08:00.001-07:00

I can't wait..... ohhhhhhhhh I've got a package with UPS and it has to be the one from my SP10 pal! If they don't deliver it tonight when we get home then my husband has the day off Wednesday and can get it for me!

There's nothing like getting packages in the mail! *grin* I've got an order into knitpicks too. One I made for myself and SP11 plus the new knit Kimono book. I saw it at a local book store and it's fab!

I've also scouted out several cardigans that are listed as "kimono sleeved" on two different department store websites. The 3rd, 4th and 5th are similar to what I saw in person when I purchased my plaid jacket earlier this month. I had thought I could make one, I didn't want to spend 80.00 on it.

Here's a few examples of what I'm talking about.This green one is my favorite. I like the ribbing on the cuffs/bottom, the size of the buttons and how it hangs. I'd like to make one very similar to this using a shade of red or blue.

Sunday night & Molly, plus a pic of my Hibiscus tree!

2007-08-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

We had Molly over this evening and she is just growing like a weed! I couldn't resist taking a few snap shots of her in her pj's!(pssssst.... you need to click on the photo to read the message!)

I had also succumbed to taking a few pictures of my first house warming plant. It's a Hibiscus tree. I nearly killed it as it isn't hardy below 50 degrees.

Update..

2007-08-18T20:52:00.001-07:00

Found you!

You signed up on July 6, 2007
You are #9975 on the list.
676 people are ahead of you in line.
16461 people are behind you in line.
35% of the list has been invited so far

Answers for my new Secret Pal

2007-08-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was very pleasantly surprised by a nice card in the mail from my new SP. She asked a few questions... here are the answers!

1. I enjoy all natural fibers. I haven't worked with Bamboo or Tencel yet and would like to.

2. I drink both coffee and tea. I prefer organic medium to dark roasts for coffee and black tea blends. I usually drink Earl Grey or Darjeeling tea. I'm usually not into the fruity teas.

3. When it comes to books, I do have a few amazon.com wish lists. I'll make them all public. Look to the link on the right hand side of my page. It'll show the main list and then once on Amazon you'll see the other lists that I have. It's too difficult to list the sci-fi / trashy romance I read, as I have so many and check quite a few out from the library.

4. I have three cats, Kiki who is approximately 10, Simon who is about 5 and l'il bitty who is around 3. Kiki is the talker of the bunch, the other two are quite. Kiki is a treat fiend, Simon only likes cat food and 'bitty will eat just about anything!

5. When I quilt I usually make bed sized ones. However, I have been known to make baby/child quilts. Due to my fiber obsession I haven't purchased much fabric in the past 1.5 years. The collections I really like that are out now are:

Bleeker Street, pictures at Hancocks Paduchas It's mostly blues/greens/browns/creams.
Fall Back in Time by Sandy Gervais for Moda Fabrics picture here at FatQuaterShop I would specifically like the "Cream Large Floral Yardage" & the "Moss Geometric". These colors are perfect for my new place. I plan on purchasing enough to make a quite eventually. So anything else would be good for pillows etc. The charm packs are great too!
The Thimble Blossom Quilt Patterns are quite lovely as well.

6. Sadly, I never got around to purchasing the yarn or making ANY pillows for the new place yet. My darling husband just can't agree on colors and it's really ticking me off!** See the above fabric though.. he seems to like it!***

What we painted the largest wall in our living room, this great reddish orange color. The rest of our unit is mostly beige and white. See how that fabric matches? It's actually gotten a stamp of approval!! I think I see pigs flying outside my window!

7. It's difficult to say which room is my favorite, I liked them all well enough to purchase the place after all! However, I just love the view of the lawn and trees from my front room. We've hung up two bird feeders and boy oh boy are they used by the local birds! Mostly we see wild finches. We were very lucky to see one of these at our feeder. It's an American Goldfinch. The yellow lilies have dropped all their blooms and the other flowers have taken over. I plan on planting 2-3 other varieties of lilies during the fall as they do well here. As well as some other plants that have reddish leaves etc. Like Heuchera

Just a few more days and I'll be in!

2007-08-17T21:13:00.001-07:00

Found you!

You signed up on July 6, 2007
You are #9975 on the list.
826 people are ahead of you in line.
16191 people are behind you in line.
34% of the list has been invited so far

ho humm... tiwddle the thumbs...

2007-08-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

Found you!
You signed up on July 6, 2007
You are #9975 on the list.
962 people are ahead of you in line.
15841 people are behind you in line.
34% of the list has been invited so far

When I signed up for this site, I wasn't sure I really needed or wanted another place on the web to post about my fiber.. However, I CAN'T STAND THE WAIT!!! I WANNA BE ON THEIR SITE NOW! NOW! NOW!

I suppose I should just photograph my stash ....

Secret Pal updates!

2007-08-15T09:38:00.001-07:00

I'm still waiting for the last package from the previous round of SP. Apparently it was mailed and never got here, so a 2nd package was sent in it's place. It should show up this week.... I'm just so excited. I've also just received my new pals information and once she has her questionaire up I'll begin working on a package for her. She's a Christian and makes no bones about it. I just hope she's okay receiving gifts from someone who really doesn't believe in God.

I'm feeling very fiber obsessed at the moment. I just finished up a podcast from knitpicks where they discuss the different breeds of sheep, their fleece and how you determine what type of project the resulting yarn should be used for. It was very interesting hearing how the length and crimp really matter when determining if it's an against the skin or an outterwear item.

The vest thing I mentioned is coming along nicly too. It's grown about 2 ft since I last posted. Pictures to be posted soon!

Oh, and I won a bag of Mission Falls 1824 wool yarn off ebay. The color is Nectar. The color wasn't really what I expected so I'm going to have to overdye it. I'm thinking more redish or perhaps try for a brownish shade. That will have to wait until next week as I really don't have the space to do it with house guests over.

Just waiting around ...where is my Ravelry Invite?!?!?

2007-08-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

You signed up on July 6, 2007
You are #9975 on the list.
1196 people are ahead of you in line.
15497 people are behind you in line.
34% of the list has been invited so far

Oh, and I've had some house guests since Saturday 8-11. They're the couple that introduced my hubby and me way back when. Also included in the bargin is their daughter Amanda. I've known her since she was about 18months old. She's one of my favorite little people in the world. We've spent time at the fabric store this past weekend and will be making a quilt for her to take home with her this Sunday. I can't say I like the fabric.. it wont be on my bed.. so I guess it doesn't really matter. Once it's done I'll post a few pictures.

Must buy this yarn!

2007-08-07T16:02:00.001-07:00

I was browsing a few blogs, you know how it is... One click leads to another and you forget that you're actually supposed to be working on something... and you find....

Shelridge Farms Wow, just look at their products, I really like their colors.. Oh Mi Gawd! The 100% merino superwash Worsted weight.... the colors Autum Orange, Terra Cotta, Melon and Pumpkin Pie... I'm in love! I have no idea what I'd make out of it, but I have to buy some!

Wow..... double wow......'nough said!

Secret Pall 11 questionaire

2007-08-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I should have my new match soon! Here's my questionaire. Feel free to email/comment with any additional questions.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I really like merino and alpaca. I really don't like scratchy yarn. My neck is very very very sensitive.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a blue plastic pencil case for some items and a black KnitPicks needlecase.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
About 2 years. I'm mostly self taught. I'd say I'm an adventurous beginner.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes. Amazon.com. It's linked on my blog.. On the sidebar.

5. What's your favorite scent?
Lavender/sage/lemon grass

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Chocolate!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I sew/quilt and I have a drop spindle. I also enjoying gardening.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I own an MP3 player, 30GB.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I really like browns, blues & magenta. I'm not too fond of neon yellow/green or neon orange. Fall oranges are okay though.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm married and have 3 cats.

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

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I love to think about sweaters, but I find I knit more hats and fingerless gloves.

13. What are you knitting right now?
A red alpaca sweater, a ribbed vesty thingy based on an item I saw at the Blue Moon Fiber Arts booth, a baby hat and uhm.. I think that's it.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes, for sure!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I only knot on dpns or circulars. I prefer my Options( KnitPicks) or bamboo (Clover)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, and I really need both!

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Erm, I've recently frogged several, so I really don't have much on the needles right now. Uhm, I think my Red Alpaca sweater, based on Glee from Zephyrstyle probably fits the bill. It's actually just about done.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
I don't really have one. My favorite time of year is either spring or fall.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Books!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I am currently subscribed to Interweave Knits. I have an Amazon wishlist with a ton of knitting, crochet, and needlework books on it. I'd really like to work some some Louet yarns. I'm not into "wild and crazy" artsy yarns. I'm a bit traditional I guess. I prefer less lumpy/bumby, and more uniform. Saying that, I really like Malabrigo.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
No, I really just learn as I go.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I've tried to knit socks a few times. I even have sock needles and yarn. I haven't however, gotten past knitting a few inches of one before moving onto another project. I firmly believe that I will someday persevere and get a pair done…. Eventually.

23. When is your birthday?
July 30th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
No, I'm not. I've signed up for it but am waiting for the invite.

Birthday gifts from my downstream pal in the UK!

2007-08-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely time this past round of Secret Pal! My pal live in the UK and was very very very patient with me! We got along very well and she decided to send me a birthday gift as well! She included some beautiful yarn ( from Colinette I believe), some great blue sock yarn, & some alpaca from Debbie Bliss. Last but not least is the great vintage book she also sent along.
I also recently received my newest Interweave knits magazine. On page 66 is a sweater titled the "Placed Cabled Aran". I just love it. I will have this sweater done by the end of September to wear in the office during the Fall/Winter. I've never knit with this yarn, and am anxious to knit the sweater exactly as it appears. The only modification I may make is if I can find organic yarn that is soft enough on my neck I'll choose that instead.
At the top of the first image is one of my wpi. It's a Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted yarn I'm using to make a vesty like thing. In my previous posts, around January - February '07 you'll see the inspiration for it. I've been working on it here and there.. not really adding much to it as it doesn't excite me anylonger. However, I am determined to see it through. Hopefully by the end of August I'll have the main piece worked and can pick up the stitches to work the back of it.

Birthday goodies, working on a friends house and Harry Potter

2007-08-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

So, where to begin. Well, I had a birthday this past weekend and had a load of fun. We had many people over for an early dinner then I went over to my best friends home. I went there to assist her husband with a tiling project. Once we get this done we can begin on laying the Bamboo flooring.

On to presents..... I received many knitting books and the latest Harry Potter. I actually just finished it and I have to say that I'm a bit sad. I would like to have had it remained open so other stories could have been written, but hey, that's just how it goes.Much to my surprise my husband actually bought exactly what I'd suggested to him ( as a gift for me). I was the very happy recipient of 9 skeins of Beaverslide wool in a lovely brown shade and 2 skeins in a wonderful shade of blue. I just had to include a close up of the yarn! It's a bit tweedy!
And this isn't the whole lot of them! I can't find a few of them! I have to search a bit more.. I may have left one at Martha's!
I did go through my stash and better organize it yesterday. There are now fewer bagged items and some things visited the frog pile, all in all I'm happy with the organization. Now I can shop in my stash for projects a little easier.

Have you seen the latest posts by brooklyntweed? The adult tomten was the inspiration for the my Beaverslide purchase. I can't start that until I finish at least 2 other projects that are on the needles. The ones I'm rooting for are the baby surprise jacket & a small shrug for a friend.

On the back burner are a few baby items for an expecting friend and at least two shawls.

Cute new jacket!

2007-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

If you're a Nordstrom shopper you know what I mean when I say "Anniversary Sale". This is a preseason( for fall fashion) event where they sell items for fall, during the summer when you really wouldn't be wearing them. I picked up a pair of jeans that I can wear now, and a fab little jacket in brown/grey and orange plaid. It's cropped with the cutest wide neck opening, wrist length belle like sleeves, and fabric cover buttons! Since the material irritates my neck I'll have to wear a mock or turtleneck with it at all times. The shorter than average sleeves are meant to show off the long sleeves of the top you're wearing under it.
All in all, it was an early birthday present to myself. It's something I like the style of and…. I can wear it to work! Now I just have to buy a few tops to wear under it *grin*

Oh, and get this they're selling a knit from the top down circular yoked sweater with a pretty ribbed pattern for like 60.00. I saw this and was not interested in buying it because I *know* I could make it. I plan on visiting the store on Monday afternoon to snap a few pictures of it for reference. I'd like to make it out of cotton fleece.

We've also ordered a few things from Amamzon.com lately. I can't wait for all the packages to arrive. I see 3-4 charges on our credit card and they're probably all for me!! Whoo-hoo!. I'm pretty sure they all books to! I decided this was the year for knitting/craft books so we'll see how many I receive this time!

First Veggies from the garden and growth of knitted items!

2007-07-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the first beans from my 4 green bean plants! I harvested them yesterday and already see a few more than could be picked tomorrow. Right now though we aren't getting enough each day for more than a snack. Hopefully, in the next few weeks we'll have enough each time we harvest for both of us to have a side of them with dinner. On a side note, I never expected them to be so soft. They have this downy like texture to the skin.

So I've had this shawl, made out of Mt Colours Bearfoot sock yarn millends, pretty much done for the past 3 months... just hadn't sew in the ends. I decided it was time to actually complete it so I could wear it to work this week. Boy oh boy did it grow! I'll have a picture up of it tomorrow once it's dry.

Updates, Knitting, Sewing & Family

2007-07-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

There's good, bad, and so so news.

The good news first! I've finally made something for my best friend, Martha. Okay, okay, I know.. You'd think I would have made something for her by now. No, I think I've gotten just about every other member of her family instead. She's just turned 31 and I've made for her these lovely pink fingerless gloves. They're based on the Fetching pattern from Knitty.com. I thought they were too short and the cables too far apart so I modified the number of knit rows between the cables to 3 and did 7 rows of the cables. I've also added a 2x2 ribbing to the top, this helped pull in the opening. I also used a 2 row purled edge and then bound off knit wise (thumb only) using the knit 2 pass 1st stitch over the 2nd. On the opening since I was using the 2x2 rib I bound off in pattern.

I've also begun a baby surprise jacket using some left over from the gloves and other scraps of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino aran. It'll be pink/red with whatever other colors I pick up at the store. I think I'll shoot for brown/cream/orange/fuchsia. I have this idea of that colors I want but don't know how they'll all look together. ** Update: I went for cream and green RYC Cashsoft since my local store didn't have any of the DB Aran.
Also on the knitting front. I enjoyed my trip to the Black Sheep gathering in Eugene Oregon this past month. It wasn't as large an event as I'd hoped, but I still had fun. I picked up some Socks that Rock & some cream dk weight alpaca that is listed as "seconds". The only reason I can see it as there is a bit of "vegetable matter" in the yarn. I can pick it out so it isn't too bad. I hope to make a shawl from the Stahman shawl book. I actually paid full price for it at a shop during the Yarn Shop crawl my friend Susan and I made about 2 months ago. I can't say I have a favorite in the book. They're all wonderful.

I also saw my sister and her new twins for the first time. They're pretty cute.

I've also ordered a few books from Amazon.com recently. They're an early birthday present.

1. & 2 Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitter's Almanac & Knitting Without Tears
3. Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects
4. Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns
5. Last-Minute Fabric Gifts: 30 Hand-Sew, Machine-Sew, and No-Sew Projects
6. Confessions of a Knitting Heretic - Annie Modesitt

This last item is actually for my secret pal. I sent her an email letting her know her package is delayed as I'm waiting for this book to come in. I had actually already purchased a book for her knowing it was a difficult one to find in the UK for a good price. However, she went and bought it for her birthday so I had to choose another one for her.

I've also cast on this One Skein Wonder shrug. So far it's working up quickly. However, I have to admit I've become somewhat of a yarn-snob. This yarn only has 20% wool in it and I don't like it as much as I did when I bought it!

On to sewing, I've worked a bit on the Amy Butler fabric quilt I've had cut up for seaming for over 2 months now. I hope to get the top nearly pieced this weekend. Pictures of that are going to be posted this weekend.

Now on to the bad news.. My brother-in-law, whom we hadn't heard from in over a year and half has surfaced recently and since he has no form of work or income, we are "baby sitting" him, as I like to call it. He does a few things around the condo, but mostly just eats and sleeps on our couch. I really don't know how much longer I can put up with it. I'd like to think of myself as a nice person, however when the person you're dealing with has no desire to change their life it can be very frustrating! I want him to be happy. I want him to be productive. I want him to feel good about himself. This is me talking… not him.. So until he wants this for himself there is little I can do about it. I certainly don't want him on the street, yet its difficult to take care of someone who is able to *do* something about their state of being.

On to my lovely garden! It's it just smashing! The lilies have finally opened and wow, what a surprise. I was told they'd be orange.. oh well. I can't complain.. I didn't "buy" them.

Anyhow.. Rant over now…

Getting caught up with life and work

2007-06-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

I've started a new job and so far it's going quite well. It's with the same company but at a different location and duties. I ended up with a much nicer raise than I thought I was going to get and it's resulted in a net increase in my yearly salary of about 7.5k. That's a nice jump because we've now got a mortgage payment to make, (YEAH!!!). We finally own our own place! We live on the bottom level of a 3 story building. Part of our unit is below the ground up to 10 inches below the window sills. This is great when it's hot as it helps keep the temperature down inside!

This is a kinda view into the side of the Condo park we live in. Note the wonderful trees and seasonal stream that runs through the property. We have a view of it from our dinning room and sliding glass doors. The arrows kinda point back in to the property where our unit is. You can't see our unit from the road so its quite private.

(The trees viewed through the windows are the same ones that have the arrows on them in the first picture. This view is from the dinning room and the sliding glass doors.) This is before we moved in.

Best of all, I have a garden!!! The previous owner had planted quite a few things and was kind enough to leave plenty of them for me. I've supplemented what was present with some Lavender, Dahlia, Rose, Yarrow, Poppy, and a Japanese Maple plant. I'm lucky enough to have a shade and sun garden. So I've also planted to really cool Hosta that have white stripes on the leaves.

I'm also fortunate in that it's a quite area and I can leave the window or sliding door open and hear birdsong! It's just so relaxing. I really can't believe just how lucky we were in finding it.

The challenge we're currently facing is picking colors to have on the walls. Everything is a nice shade of beige or white and well that's okay, if you want something a bit plain. We don't. At this time we've a lovely shade of orange that we're testing on the living room wall. As much as I like it, I can't seem to get over the idea of having that much orange in my living room. I keep thinking I should choose a shade with more red it in, then I do and it just doesn't seem right either. We haven't been able to agree on a theme or inspiration picture to choose colors from either. We have to get the walls painted this weekend as the 16Th is our housewarming. Cross your fingers and toes we can make a good decision.

On to fiber…I AM GOING TO BLACK SHEEP!! WHOO-HOO!!

I can barely contain myself! I get to go to Black Sheep and see all the lovely sheep/ goats /rabbits /alpacas! I've got an idea of what my budget should be for fiber goodness but right now I'm not sure. I really want to make sure whatever I buy is for a specific project. So, keeping that in mind. I really need to go through my pattern books and make a list of what I want to make and the yarn
requirements. That includes a skein that I'm sending to my Secret Pal in the UK as I've been a somewhat bad Pal. With all this moving and new job craziness I have to say the exchange went on the back burner. Now that things have mellowed I can actually take some time to finish the item I was making for her and get things to her in a timely fashion. I've also started a second item to send to her in the last package. I figure I'll have 12 hours of driving time to knit with so I should be able to get at least 2 hats and 2 pairs of fingerless gloves done.

My new project….. Drum roll please……

The Clapotis from Knitty.com!! Ta Da….

I've been waiting for an excuse to buy enough Silk Garden (244 A and 245 A, I've got 5 skeins of 244 and 6 skeins of 245) to make something other than a scarf or hat but couldn't decide on what to make. Seems a chance visit to my new LYS Nancy's Knits on my way home was a key factor. They had a sign up stating 20% off reg price items. However, when I asked the clerk, whom I believe to be Nancy, she said 30%, gee.. Whom am I to argue! I ended up with the only 5 skeins of 244 lot A they had. I figure that should be enough for a medium sized wrap. If not.. Well, I could always frog it then make a triangular shawl.

Of course I had to photograph them in all their yarny glory!!

My red alpaca sweater has gotton a lot of time latley as I was trying to hold back on any new purchases. I had put it aside because it wasn't turing out as I had imagined it would. Not to say it doesn't look lovely, but well…. Its just so darned big.. And I hate to really see myself as quite that large. I am though.. And I have to deal with it. So, I've picked it back up, knit the body to the length I think it should be, knitted 1 arm and have to finish the second. Since it's being knitted in the round, I've got neeldes in all three places right now. In the end, what was supposed to be a long/lean pull over, will turn into a 3/4 wide sleeved, simple st stitch, ribbed cardigan. It'll be my first progject with steeks too. Wish me luck! After it's steeked I'll and the final edging to the bottom/button band and cuffs.

On to Molly updates! The lucky girl is now 1 year old! It's amazing how time will fly! It was just yesterday she couldn't turn over.. Now she's nearly walking on her own! She birthday party will be this Sunday. I can't wait!!! She's such a special girl and I just love her to death!

It has been a while.

2007-05-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

We're all moved in .. no wait perhaps you didn't know we bought a condo and moved in April 15! Well... we're not organized as of yet but we're here! It's been a struggle to have the energy to do anything other than just relax after a long day at work. The new commute is 45 minutes longer than the one from the Apartment so I'm getting plenty of reading done. Knitting just seems too difficult for my commuting hours. I just love my kitchen though and wow the washer and dryer are just freaking amazing! I can get 2 loads washed/dried in about 2.5 hours!

I made a great chicken & veggie soup last night. I can't believe just how easy and great tasting it was!This is a somewhat crappy picture of the quilt I'm currently working on. It's stripped from approximately 10 different fabrics. Most of which are Amy Butler. Since the 1st condo payment is coming up I figured I'd work from my stash instead of purchasing more fabric. I have to say that fatquatershop.com has some of the most yummy fabrics right now and I'm just about dying to buy about 15 yards of fabric from them!With so many errands put off these past few weeks my husband and I had planned on tackling several of them this weekend, only to have the car die! We did get a few things done, like a visit to a yarn shop, before the Volvo overheated and died! Thank god for good friends. We were able to call Martha and she came and helped us out. I was able to see Molly too! I had actually gotten to Old Navy that morning to purchase her a sweater I saw online.. so even though the car died she still got her sweater! I just love the ribbed design, using a 2x2 in the mid section pulls it in w/o shaping. I can't wait to make one for myself!
Recent purchases include LaceStyle & ScarfStyle. I plan on making Lady Eleanor sometime in the future but with the price of Silk Garden, I may have to pick up a few balls here and there and then hope for the best!

Sp10, yarn goodness and a walk in the park

2007-03-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just lovely!

I've traded quite a few emails with my downstream pal and she's a hoot! I've decided to send her two packages since she's in the UK and she's alright with that. I'm currently working on a project for her, using MT Colors Weavers wool in the color Sagebrush. It's a lovely green/blue/cream color way with hints of a greyish undertone. At the same purchase, I picked up another color way called Wildflowers. It's quite bright as you can see in the pictures below. I've made this pattern before with the sock yarn Barefoot and liked it quite a bit. This time I'm using the exact yarn as the pattern specifies and it's turning out great. I only worry that it'll be large enough.

Promised new pictures, Molly and knitted goodness!

2007-03-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

This darling kitty is Simon. A month or so ago, this rather large cat tore his back left ACL and was in pain for a while. It's finally healed enough that he rarely ever limps so we know he's doing better. In any case, he really enjoys laying on his back in my husbands lap while he's in the recliner.
This was where we spent part of our Valentines day. It's great little beach park called Golden Gardens. It was quite grey outside and it did eventually rain. Take a look at the trees though. In the next picture you'll see several just roosting together in a tree.
Molly from about a month ago. She loves to gum anything she can get near her mouth. This time it happened to be her Dad's wine glass.. then her ducky! This is the cutest little dog sweater my good friend Susan made for her future daughter-in-law's tiny doggie!

This picture of Molly and her Grandma Sandy was taken in early March.
Here's Molly-moo and her Mama Martha at a local pub celebrating our new condo by buying dinner for Lyle and me.

Updates! I've been a bad blogger.. but with good reason!

2007-03-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

** Pictures to be uploaded sometime tonight **

I have been a very bad blogger. I haven't updated my site for quite a while due to real life issues. My husband I and I bought a condo, it's our first place that we've owned together. It's a 2 bd 1 ba place. It's located in a complex that is on the small side, yet is cared for very well. All of the buildings are in great condition and the grounds are park-like. Our's is a ground floor unit with access to a lovely lawn area that then backs up to a stand of mature trees and a stream. I'm just so in love with the complex! We also have a small area near the entry way that we're able to add our personal touch with garden statues etc.

On to knitting news, I've been working on Glee - it's that red alpaca sweater I started many months ago. It's moving along nicely. I need to try it on now and see if I have to make any adjustments. I've also picked up another project that is something I just threw together. It's a center out square shawl, made from kool-aid dyed alpaca.

I am currently lusting after more of the Barefoot and Weavers Wool: Mountain Colors yarn and the thicker Sea Silk that has now come out from HandMaiden. I finished the green shawl made from the mill ends of MT Colors I picked up at Madrona a few weeks back but have yet to wear it. I think I need to undo the bind off edge and add a few more rows then use a different bind off as the one I used is too tight.

I also found the perfect colors for my new place too. I had been thinking of what colors to use and found some wll colors in the new Pottery Barn Catalog. They're using Benjamin Moore paint and show the color number etc. To add to that pallate that I found, Louet Gems Opal yarn in colors Caribou, Mustard, Willow, Aqua & Terra Cotta I'm going to buy some of this yarn and make a few pillows with it. I plan on matching a few other accessories with them as well. They aren't too femine or boyish. As long as I don't go 'PINK' my husband will be okay. In his words 'it's okay for *that* tree to be pink' - he's of course referring to the large quanity of flowering cherry trees in our area right now.

I've really been good about not buying any yarn or related items these past two months with the whole condo thing going on. But I really *need* to buy LaceStyle, Arctic Lace, and Folk Shawls. I think I'll make some shawls etc to use as decorative items around the new condo as I just don't see myself wearing some of the styles I really want to make. They're just so darned beautiful and my fingers are itching to make a few of the shawls I've seen both online and in books!

I think I'm ready to actually work with the Sea Silk I purchased a while back as well.

Secret Pal 10 questionaire - not quite yet!

2007-03-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I haven't been blogging for the past 1 month and a few days... I've been busy with life etc. We're buying a condo! I promise to get the questionnaire up in a few days. If you're my pal you can search my past entries for the SP9 one. Nothing has changed much!

My Secret Pal Rocks!

2007-01-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick post to let the world know I have the best Secret Pal! She's a secret no longer! Her name is Becca and she lives in the SouthWest. She sent some wonderful yarn and other goodies! I'll post pictures and a whole list once I get home tonight!

Mollys cabled hat finished and a trip to Madrona Fibers Arts Retreat 2007

2007-01-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

I like most of how the hat turned out. As I fudged up in a few places and didn't want to frog it, I modified the pattern and completed it. It doesn't look as cute as it could, but for my first cable project is isn't half bad.Here are my newest stash acquisitions and a few photos of projects I'm making with the new yarn. The colorful balls are my stack of Mt Colors Bearfoot sock yarn mill ends. I was able to purchase them for 2.50 an oz from Linda’s Knit ‘N’ Stitch. The yarn is destined to be a wonderful shawl I found on display at the booth. I purchased enough yarn to possibly make two shawls. The pattern is free on the web.
The green -blue-brown ball to the left is Socks that Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts. The two in chocolate and pinks is from Angora Valley Fibers. The yarn I chose is called Monarch Sock yarn, sport weight.

This wonderful multi-colored yarn is also from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. It's called Twisted. I was able to purchase this yarn 560/8oz/skein for 28.00. I bought 3 of them. ** After further reviewing this yarn I believe its Henry's Attic Licorice Twist dyed by Blue Moon **. So far their website only shows two colorways available to purchase in this yarn. I hope to see more up there soon. They had 4 at the show. I had intended to make a sweater from the yarn, but came back to the booth and saw this wonderful vest. It was in a colorway not represented at the booth, but still very lovely. It's essentially 2 rectangles that are knit in 2x2 ribbing. One is the back panel and the other is shaped more like a scarf. Since they didn't have a pattern written up I've needed to make up my own. It's attached along 3 edges, leaving room for armholes. I'm currently 2/3 the way done with the back piece. I plan on adding some sort of edging to it. Perhaps a seed stitch or lacy pattern.

I had the best time at the show. I met many wonderful and friendly people. I have been inspired to make the Swallowtail shawl from the Fall '06 Interweave Knits. The gals, Rebecca & Peggy, I sat with had shawls on. Here's a link to a KAL for the shawl.

Molly's first waterbabies class!

2007-01-22T22:41:00.000-08:00

Molly is a star swimmer! Isn't she just lovely!

.... and here she is all tuckered out on the way home! She's wearing one of the sweaters I knitted for her too!

Sea Silk and cables!

2007-01-20T13:36:00.000-08:00

I finally took the plunge and started a project with Cables. It's a small project, and yes there are some mistakes. I'm sure the recipient will not care, Molly is good that way!

Also, my local yarn shop told me they were going to be getting in an order of Sea Silk, of course I got on the list! They called Thursday afternoon, and I had my much appreciated husband drove me there to pick some up. I came home with two skeins. They're darker than I envisioned my first purchase of this yarn would be. It's still very nice though. There are browns/blues/purplish tones along with bright green that mellows down along the way. I plan on making a shawl from Wrap Style, the Shetland Triangle. If I have enough I'm going to make it larger than the pattern calls for.
I've also decided to go on a modified yarn diet. I resolve not to buy single skeins anymore. I have to have a good idea what project I want to make and buy enough yarn for it at one time. Now, this doesn't apply to socks, hat, scarf projects. I will be attending the Madrona Fiber Arts this month and plan on taking 150 or so with me to spend on yarn.

Now, this is of course with 6 sweater projects researched and several accessories picked out. I've also got a list of projects for "other people". So far I'm doing a ME ME ME ME list first.

For me:

1. Aysmmetrical Cardigan, Knitting Nature, bulky yarn
2. U-neck sweater, Knitting Nature, DK yarn size 4 & 6 needles 22 st x 30 rows, dk weight
3. Poppy, Yarn Play, 11 skeins Silk Garden for the top and 9 skeins Cash Iroha for the bottom.
4. Sienna - Interweave Knits Fall 06, Suggested Blue Sky Alpaca worsted hand dyed (100yd/skein) 13 required for my size, 16 st x 22 rows
5. Ogee, Knitting Nature, Suggested yarn Filatra di Crosa Zara, 23 sts x 32 rows 137 yrs per ball 16 balls for a 48" bust. I'll need to make it 3 inches larger.
6. Glee, Zephyrstyle, in progress.
7. Something Red, KnitandTonic, have the yarn and pattern. I need to cast on!

Accessories:

1. Calometry - head wrap from Knitty.
2. DIY tote - have pattern got some some misc site or book, can't remember.
3. Fetching - knitty.com, fingerless gloves. make slightly longer than pattern calls for so 2 balls of Cashmerino Aran or Cash yarn from KnitPicks.com

For others:

1. Huskies crocheted blanket, for Lyle. It's been in progress since spring of 06.
2. A sweater for my best friend Martha. I haven't decided on the pattern or yarn.
3. Grandma's sweater.
4. Lyle's fingerless gloves in Lambs Pride in a Dark Blue.
5. Hat for Michelle
6. Mittens - just for fun.
7. baby booties
8. Surprise baby jacket by E. Zimmermann.
9. Sunflower Tam, Knitting Nature.

Is it really cheating to go to a different knitting group?

2007-01-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

I went to a different knitting group this past Monday night and it felt like I was cheating. I usually attend a group that meets close to my work, however because it was MLK Jr Day we had the day off. This gave me the chance to meet up with people from another knitting list I belong to. Boy of Boy what a change. Don't get me wrong I like my original group, but wow what a difference. This new group meets at a "cafe" which really has a great bar and good food. We sit in a back room and talk up a storm, share projects and chat about movies, patterns and blogs. I loved it! I will certainly make and effort to visit with these gals again!

I also was able to go to The Fiber Gallery, near Woodland Park zoo. This is a great place to buy yarn. The people were so friendly and understanding about my indecisiveness! I do have some yarn on order so technically I didn't leave without making a purchase... okay it's an intended purchase. I can't want to be called to pick up the yarn. It's RYC Cashsoft Aran in Burst. Burst is a dark coral-ish shade. It's so yummy soft too!

I think I'll buy some more, in sale colors at Yarn.com. On another note, it's still snowy here in Seattle. We were the lucky recipients of approximately 1 inch on our balcony.

Somewhere along the way yesterday I wrenched my neck, and its hurts. I called in sick to work because I can barely turn my head let alone pick anything up heavier than my yarn bag. Since I've had some great couch time along with my trusted heating pad, I was able to complete the GOD DAMNED LEG WARMERS. I just love how they turned out, don't you!

It's freaking cold here! I wasn't meant for 28 degree temps!

2007-01-14T20:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it hasn't been 28 degrees the whole time, but I'm in Seattle of all places, near the water. We shouldn't have snow quite this long! Luckily I haven't had too difficult of a time getting work on our buses, but some people have! My mother in law wouldn't drive so we had to come pick her up and take her to work. The parking lot where she works is a complete mess. There is ice 2-3 inches thick in places and snow everywhere else and she lives just 30 minutes from us.

Due to the fridgedness I've made some "God Damned Leg warmers"! * Since it's so God Damned Cold here I thought the name was appropriate! I don't have any long underwear and do not plan on aquiring any so... I guess I need them! I was determined not to purchase any new yarn for them, so they're made from yarn I had on hand for other projects. They're made out of Lambs Pride in 3 or 4 shades, KnitPicks Wool of the Andes and some left over Noro. I deliberately didn't want them to match exactly. The same colors repeat in both, but in differing amounts. I find these colors especially appealing with all the white/grey we've got this time of year. I cast on 72 stitches using a size 8 16inch bamboo circular and knit them in an 2x2 rib the whole way down. I've got larger calves so they're roomy.. they can fit over my pants.

This weekend was also a Seahawk football game. Lyle and I drove down to a friends house to watch the game... it began at 10, and since we had to drive his mom to work, we left the house at 7:45. It was waaaaaaay too early for me. I've had a cold since 12-21 and usually don't wake up until 9:30 or 10. Thank God I wasn't expected to keep up a lively conversation. K2P2 ribbing and a few rows on my Glee sweater was all I was able to accomplish on the drive down. During the game however, I did spin some roving I dyed the night before, then I nearly passed out asleep.. okay that was probably due to the fact that I had 3 very large screwdrivers. Lyles buddy sure can make a mean mixed drink!

I also held myself back from buying yarn.. I know... *gasp* what a thought! I'm trying very hard to not purchase yarn just because it's "on sale". I have 3 sweaters that I want to make, not including the one I'm currently working on. No.. I've miscounted, really its 4. I have the yarn for 1 sweater already and the pattern purchased. It's Something Red from knit and tonic. I'll be using a light sage/grey color of yarn from Cascade - a wool cotton blend. I'll also be adding longer sleeves and enlarging the pattern a wee bit. Then there's the Asymmetrical Cardigan, Poppy and the Turbulence U-neck Pullover. That isn't too many is it? Poppy was the sweater I nearly purchased yarn for too. However, I needed 10 balls of Silk Garden and they only had 8.. what a bitch it would have been if I couldn't have found the other balls I needed!

All in all it has been a nice weekend. I don't really mind the weather, it's just fun to bitch about it! Here are the snapshots:

Last but not least, some knitting content!

2007-01-10T22:16:00.000-08:00

I neglected to take a photo of the felted purse I made for my Secret Pal for the Secret Pal 9 exchange. She was kind enough to email me one after she'd received it.
I have also been working on a red sweater. It's Glee from Zephyrstyle.com. I'm using a baby Alpaca yarn from Knitpicks in the shade listed as "Embers". It's a dark red tone that is heathered with a charcoal/black fiber.(row 40ish shown here)
I can't begin to express just how yummy and soft this yarn is. I want to rub it all over! I've even promised to make Lyle a pair of boxers out of the same yarn, it's that good!

I finally counted the rows, and I'm only on 72. Once I reach 106 I can do something different. Right now I'm in stocking knit hell! Other than a KFB before and after each of the 4 stitch markers on each knit row, it's sooooo boring! Keeping that in mind, I plan on making another one with a few modification. I plan on using the same yarn, color either "Woods" or "Granite". They're both a lovely shade of brown. I also plan on making it a long sleeved cardigan and add edgings from one of Nicky Epsteins books. She has a terrific collection of edgings. I'm leaning toward a picot or lacy finish. Now keeping those things in mind, I can't do a plain knit. I think I'll knit in stripes of moss or ribs, just to make it textural.

I have to admit, I have atleast two other sweaters I want to make. They're both from Knitting Nature by Nora Gaughan. I've recently found out that there are also several errors in the patterns and errata information is on the web for many of the patterns.

The first one is the Asymmetrical Cardigan using a yarn that is just so far out of any persons budget, I can't believe they used it. It's like $28-30 per ball and I'd need like 29 of those suckers! Yeah, like I'd ever use that! None that I've seen online have been made using that yarn either.
I think I might use Debbie Bliss merino chunky if I can find it in the color and quantity I'd need it in. It's been discontinued, so I don't know if that will be an option for me. I wouldn't have as may problems locating a substitution if I was open to a different color. Right now, I want to stick with a light blue or a dove/pearly gray.

The second sweater is from the same book. It's called the Turbulence U-Neck Pullover. I found a great picture of it made out of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Dk on thedailypurl.com
I've found the merino on Knitpicks to be a nice option too. I haven't decided on a yarn for this one yet though. It might end up as a gift for a friend though, I haven't really decided yet.

v

Molly, beer bottle and the Holidays!

2007-01-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

Well... that title really says it all. I had to post some more recent Molly pictures as well as this picture of a funny bottle. The beer wasn't half bad either. The caption that is blurry reads "Tempered over Burning Witches". What did you expect, it's a Monty Python Ale!

I've finally got a good picture of Molly and her Aunt Michelle, Martha's sister. Since Molly is teething she loves to gum bottles and cans. She doesn't limit her self to alcoholic beverages either. Diet Coke and water bottles work as well. However, since there is always some one with a bottle during these get togethers, I nearly always get a new picture of her with one in her mouth!

Updates on the Dr Who Scarf

2007-01-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

So as my readers and I say that with a smile, would recall, I'd been working on a Dr Who scarf for a Holiday present for my friends Dad. It turned out quite well if I do say so myself - even with out the fringe. Due to the fact that I didn't follow the pattern exactly when it came to the suggested yarn, I came out with a scarf that was 10 inches wide and between 13-14 feet long but with only 2.5 of the 4.25 columns of pattern. When I was looking for the yarn I didn't notice that the suggested yarn was perhaps 1.5 or a 2 vs. the 3.5-4 that I ordered. Needless to say it's a friggin' long ass scarf. Here are some pictures of my darling husband modeling it as well as pictures of the happy recipient, Jim, on New Years eve.

SP9 pal struck again!

2006-12-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky to have my secret pal! I actually called in sick today ( but I have to work tomorrow) with a cold. To my surprise I had a package waiting for me! In the box were some chocolate covered strawberries, home baked cookies and some biscotti, very cute snowflake earrings, a book from my wish list (WRAP STYLE), a bag of chocolate caramel squares and a box of teas! I love love love every thing!

I've also included a picture of my first hand dyed hand spun hank of yarn. I used Jacquard acid dyes on superwash merino. It is approximately 44 yards, it's a very bulky yarn. This has been done for over 2 weeks. I've been somewhat lazy at updating my blog!

Holiday pictures and more Molly!

2006-12-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures that were taken over Halloween, Thanksgiving and at Molbaks ( a local garden/gift shop ). These were our Holiday pictures. Yes, they feature the little imp! The other people in the photos are her Parents Martha and John, her Grandparents Sandy and Jim, and her Great Grandma Dottie. We've had a very windy December so for a few days Molly and her parents were at Grandma and Grandpa's because they didn't have any power, hence the fire going in the background.

Dr Who Scarf progress, dyed roving spun up and snow in Seattle!

2006-11-29T21:48:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a Dr Who scarf for my friends dad, Jim. I haven't worked many hours on it but it already 48' long. I have a pattern that haz 4 colums of pattern repeat however, since I'm less then 1/2 way thru the 1st repeat and it's already quite long I doubt I'll get through the end of the 2nd column of pattern. Anyways, here's a pic of it:

There has also been some progress in my spinning of the merino roving I dyed. It turned out a lot more red that I had thought it would. I still really like looking at it so it's okay!:

There's actually a whole spindle of this yarn. I just haven't taken a new picture of it. I'll be plying it with a white single of the same type.

So, it's snowed in Seattle. I've taken a shot of the yarn in front of a condo next to my aparment building ( from my balcony) this morning, then again tonight as it was snowing again.

Spinning, dyeing, knitting, and more spinning

2006-11-18T18:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've been a bit lax about posting as of late. I've spent my time knitting, taking a spinning class, and spinning every night. I do find that I have a certain amout of pain the morning after I spin, so I think I'm going to try to spin in the morning and work out the stiffness during the day.

Here are some picture of my spun yarn and dyed roving.

Spinning, socks, a red sweater, and Noro Oh My!

2006-11-11T18:59:00.000-08:00

So, I've been lazy these past few weeks. I had a few small projects to get done and gifted ( a green beabie for my husband lyle and a Noro scarf for a friend who watched my cats when we were on vacation) and decide on my next big project.

I still need to get the yarn for the DR who Holiday scarf I'm commited to making, a black hat that's 3 months overdue .. no wait those are my only two projects I have to make by Xmas! Yippee.. now I can really begin on that red sweater I've been meaning to make! I've got a few patterns I'm interested in and a few types of yarn. I can't decide which to use. So, I'll sit on that a few more days and then make a decision.

Since I was gifted with a drop spindle I decided to check out our lys for classes. It happens that there is on on Nov. 12th that I've got a place in. I am sooooo excited to learn how to spin! I also have a discount coupon to use at the same store.

I still have yet to post pics of the fingerless gloves and hat I made on vacation so I'll get to that shortly. Look for a link to flikr soon!

SP9 Pal, she's great!

2006-11-04T15:12:00.000-08:00

My week was great but it got better! I was sorta surprised to hear my buzzer this morning. I wasn't expecting anything else in the mail. However to my extreme happiness, I received a package from my SP9 pal. She's on vacation so I figured she'd mail something when she got back. My box contained a 4oz bag of alpaca fiber - from Rhinebeck of all places, a Louet top whorl spindle, some munchies and a bath bomb from lush! What a great package! I was going to buy a spindle this week or the next, now I don't have too! Yippe! I can spin tonight! Pictures to be posted later.

ISE 3 exchange! Ive got the best pal ever!

2006-11-02T23:41:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of what Debi from Las Vegas sent me! She couldn't have chosen better items!

Molly pics from a few weeks ago!

2006-10-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

What can I say, I was sick and had lots of catching up to do!

Scarf Exchange scarves! I'm finally done with them..

2006-10-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, I said "them". I didn't think that the "artistic" dye job, and I use that term loosely, that I did on the original scarf was perfect, so I made an additional scarf. It's my own pattern. It's just garter stitch rows with a seed stitch variation with panels of stockingknit. I like it so much I'll be making another one soon. It's in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino aran - red. I hope my pal enjoys them both. I'll be sending them out on Saturday the 14th along with some other goodies.

Things I want to buy, or ya know, get as gifts!

2006-10-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this bag and thought it was so darned cute. I happen to want a tatoo and have finally decided on the type and area of my body to get it. Now I just have to go to a tatoo parlor and ask around for prices and sketches!

Anyhow, take a look at the bag! 'Will knit for tatoos!'

scarf - not sure of dye job

2006-10-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

It isn't what I'd planned on. I need to overdye it I think or I'll knit another scarf and keep this one!

Secret Pal 9 questionaire

2006-10-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love Alpaca and Debbie Bliss yarns, hand painted yarns like (Socks that Rock, ArtYarns supermerino, & Malabrigo) I hate anything scratchy. Most 100% wool items like Lopi yarns are way tooo itchy. Merino is usually okay.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a plastic pencil box I got at Office Depot.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I taught myself with a bit of help from a few kind LYS employees in June of 06. I consider myself a very adventurous beginner.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes. It's under my regular email address; charitymw@msn.com If you decide to buy a book from it, I am not into new books. I love used books. Infact, I prefer them. I hate to think of things being discarded when they may have few blemishes.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I love Crabtree and Evelynn Savannah Garden, lavender, vanilla. Just about anything from Lush

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I like chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I quilt. I would love to learn how to spin. I plan on getting a drop spindle and try to teach myself sometime by the end of the year.

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

Depeche Mode, Sarah Mclachlan, Dixie Chicks, 3 Tenors, Pearl Jam, Sting, James Blunt, Dave Matthews, Annie Lennox, Avril Levinge, just about anything 80's, Bob Marley, Creed, Cyndi Lauper, Enrique Iglesias, Santana, Jonny Cash, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis, Herbie Hancock, John Mayer, Inxs, Jewel, Lenny Kravitz, Niel Young, No Doubt, Norah Jones, Patsy Cline, Paula Cole, Pet Shop Boys, Queen, Rem, Ray Charles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Robert Palmer, Seal,Sheryl Crow, The Cars, Tina Turner,U2.. uhm, I think that covers about 50% of my MP3 player. I have a Creative Zen Xtra 30gb player.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Blue/Greens(celery - light greens)/ Burgundy/ Rose. I hate dayglo floresent colors. I'm not into stark contrasts like black & white. Tonal variations are great. I'm really into salmon/pink/tan combos or blue/green/purple right now.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married to Lyle and I have 3 cats. Kiki, L'il Bitty and Simon

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

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? hats

13. What are you knitting right now? Hat, scarf, poncho, baby sweater, another felted bag

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circular/double pointed bamboo? I use circular and Dps, single points are bad.... I currently use mostly bamboo but am interested in metal.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? uhm, about 1 month.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Dunno, they're all fun! The 4th of July is near the bottom of the list and Thanksgiving/Easter is near the top... if only because of the typical color combinations are great!

19. Is there anything that you collect? YARN and Amy Butler fabric.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I do not have any knitting books! I actually just use our local library. They've got just about every new title I could want. I really like, scarfstyle/wrapstyle, any of the barbra walker stitch dictionaries

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I have a pretty standard size 9.5 womens foot. My heel is a bit narrow but that shouldn't matter with socks.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) July 30th

Progress pictures

2006-09-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

These are my scarf pictures. I think I want to dye it/paint it after I'm done. Also here's a better picture of my cool-aid dyeing attempt. Its the same yarn as the cream scarf.

Cutest little girl in the whole world!

2006-09-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Dinner September 24th at Grandma Sandy's!

Dyeing adventures!

2006-09-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

So I thought I'd try my hand at kool-aid dyeing some yarn I got a good deal on off eBay. I got 9 hanks for 3.00 each. It's very soft natural color, gotta be a mohair blend, fingering/sock yarn. The person selling it wasn't exactly sure of the fiber content. It looked like a wool blend so I figured at that price I could try it. The colors were just something I thought I'd try, no plan in mind. Since I wanted enough to do something with I dyed 2 hanks at once. They sorta look like the Irving Park colorway from Lornas Laces. Gee, I already have some of that! Go figure! Oh, and in the background, is a shower curtain I made.

Progress on a scarf using the Rowan Tapestry yarn

2006-09-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

I decided to try the Old Shale pattern. It's coming along quite nicely and isn't giving me the problems it has in the past. A different pattern and larger needle worked wonders. The picture makes the colors seem bright, but they're not. I'll upload a better picture once I've made more progress on it. This was supposed to be the yarn for my scarf exchange but since I've learned more about my pal, I've decided to use different yarn. I may try a solid yarn and add beads to it.

Lunch with Molly and Martha

2006-09-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

We tried a new Italian place just of NW Market St here in Ballard. It was awesome. I've tried serveral times to get Lyle to do dinner there but it's usually very busy and there is a wait. This morning though, it was very open. I have to say their bacon was great! I'm a huge lover of bacon, I think I could eat it several times a week and not get tired of it!

Molly is growing so fast, she makes the most adorable sounds and faces! Every time I see her there's something new to watch for.

This past week...

2006-09-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

So this past week a family member was in a motorcycle accident, he's okay enough to be at home now. Anyways, I got some knitting done in the Hospital and worked out a lace pattern that I love. Here's a picture of the 2x2 ribbed scarf I've been working on. It's used up 3 balls but I think it'll be a better length once the 4th is done. The yarn is Debbie Bliss Merino chunky. I bought a bag of it at a LYS at a great price though I didn't know at the time what I'd do with it. I've since found the same yarn on sale at Elann. They have several different colors to work with - I see several scarves in my future!

On another front, my cat Kiki has taken it in her head that the sock basket is a great place to find things to carry around and meow with. She constantly has a sock in her mouth and walks around the apartment leaving them like presents for my husband and I to find. I don't mind the present part, but I have to draw the line at the loud meowing that goes on at any time of the day or night! She can wake you out of a dead sleep, even if you're wearing earplugs!

First time dying, over dying to be more clear

2006-09-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to try overdying some yarn and the results were better than I could have expected. I didn't follow the directions exactly for proportions so I know I can't get an exact duplicate skein, but I stil enjoyed it immensly. Here are some shots of the test swatch. Once the 2nd batch cools enough to spin in my washer I'll post those too. The orange beast is my cat Simon. He's a 15lb loving machine that sometimes likes to jump into my husbands arms with no warning!

International Scarf Exchange

2006-09-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

So it's begun! I found my yarn and isn't it gorgeous! I thought I'd try a new type of yarn. It's from Rowan - tapestry - color potpourri. The colors aren't as vibrant as I saw online, but I still like them! Hope my pal will too.

Molly Pictures!

2006-09-06T11:17:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite little girl! She's such a doll! I had a great time with her this past weekend. She is at the stage where she is starting to imitate sounds and smile a lot. She loves to blow bubbles and stick out her tongue. She was born June 3rd weighing 6lb 9 oz now she's approximately 14lbs and just over 3 months old.

My small stash!

2006-09-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

I finally decided to post a picture of my stash. This doesn't include projects I have on the needle or my acrylic that I use for utilitarian afgans we keep for the couch. I have a football inspired one in Gold/Purple that I have to finish before my husband kills me.

I have some Debbie Bliss, Reynolds Rapture, Patons Decor, Lorna's Laces, Missions Falls, Knit Picks ( merino, alpaca, cotton, felting wool), Hand Painted Mohair from a gal off Ebay, Plymouth Rimini Rainbow, Lions Brand WoolEase, Brown Sheep Lambs Pride, and some other wool stripe 2 balls. As you can see I have a ways to go when it comes to having a real "stash". My favorites are the Lorna's Lace. I love the handpainted look! I haven't worked with Mohair yarn yet and am hoping to produce a nice lacy scarf from it. It has a some great shades of blue and green.

100 things about me, okay only 50 so far! I'll add more!

2006-09-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

1. I spent the first 17 years of my life in the Bay Area ( SF/San Jose/Cupertino Ca), but I feel I didn't grown up until I moved to Seattle Wa in 1993.
2. I have 3 cats, Kiki, Simon, and L'il Bitty, and 1 husband, Lyle.
3. I hate Apartment living.
4. I have plans for what I'd do it I won 25Million dollars. Yes, I actually think about this a few times a week!
5. I feel everyone should have some hobby or "work" that produces a tangible item.
6. I like having "stuff" though so many people say its a "freeing experience" to live with less clutter.
7. I don't have a drivers license. Hey, I live on a good bus route.
8. I really enjoy gandening, but have no luck with it on my balcony. House plants do very well in my hands.
9. I've been to Canada, Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho, Neveda, Utah, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas - most of those just on a layover between flights!
10. I love, love, love to read. ( Mostly Scifi, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy)
11. If I could have a part time job that I'd love, it would be home remodeling/demolition/decorating.
12. I quilt, knit, crochet and sometimes scrap book.
13. I can't imagine living far from the Ocean.
14. It took me 30 years to discover what a really good beach was like. I never realy understood why people just loved the beach until I visited the Oregon coast. There I found the brilliant golden/creamy sands. When I visited Hawaii, it was 2 months after a hurricane and the beaches were awful!
15. My middle name is Michelle
16. I like watching football ( sometimes ) Okay, as long as I have a knitting/crocheting project to work on at the same time.
17. I love to vaccume!
18. I recently discovered a passion for Indian food.
19. I may never have childern as I'm too selfish and don't think I could handle the responsibility! Though, I love being Auntie to my best friends new baby Molly.
20. I can eat just a few bites of my favorite pint of HaggenDaz Coffee Ice cream and then put it back in the freezer.
21. I preferr fountain drinks to bottled or canned. It's the crushed ice I think.
22. I had some gray hair at age 13.
23. I keeping telling myself I don't like pink but I have too many pink items in my closets to really make that a true statement.
24. Orson Scott Card is one of my favorite authors.
25. I like milk and dark chocolate.
26. I really hate the smell of peanuts on anyones breath but I love peanut butter and peanuts, go figure.
27. I'll drink milk a few days past the expiration date.
28. I love the smell of real roses but hate the fake sent that is used in so many products to smell like roses. Icky!
29. My favorite sents are Crabtree & Evelyn "Savannah Gardens" and Kneipp Body oil or shower gel "Ylang-yalng".
30. My favorite tea is Earl Grey. I always sniff the packet of tea before putting it in water! The bergmont scent is increditble! I enjoy a good green tea every so often too.
31. I think that everyone should have a lavender plant in their garden.
32. I have a Creative Zen Xtra 30gb MP3 player that I use daily. ( work alone in the evening so I need entertainment)
33. I think that stores/places that don't take debit cards are crappy and should be closed!!!!
34. People who hurt animals/children should be shot!
35. Just about everyone should have their eybrown shaped.
36. I can curl my tounge into a tube.
37. I have pierced ears and used to have a pierced nose. ( had to take it out for work).
38. I want to get a tatoo someday.
39. I watch every home decorating/remodling show I can. I have TIVO
40. I enjoy Micro-brew beer. Mass produced beer is terrible!
41. I enjoy looking at pretty clothes and accessories but I usually prefer simple items. I'm not in to "bling". I really appreciate the detail work and precision that goes into hand crafting.
42. The only time I've been scuba diving was in a pool on Maui. We never did make it into the ocean.
43. I think Vancouver BC & Portland Or are some of the most beautiful cities in the world. If I could move to either I would.
44. I like dogs, but am I cat person.
45. I own slippers with a rabbit fur puff ball on them. The cats really like those!
46. I have a fabric addition. I have over 30 yards sitting in my closet for no other reason than because it looks pretty!
47. I used to play online games for 10 hours at a time.
48. I use only Philosophy face products.
49. I am the picture queen of my circle of friends. I always have my digital camera with me!
50. I shop for Christmas all year long.

Berry bag ( aka 3rd felted bag)

2006-09-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

So I didn't have enough yarn to complete it, oh well, off to the yarn store! I did hold back and only purchased what I needed to complete the bag. Hopefully, I'll have it done by 9-6 so I can begin on my International Scarf Exchange item.

Progress pictures of my 3rd bag

2006-09-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

I was able to work on the bag yesterday and a bit this morning. So now the top flap is done and I've cast on the required number of stitches for the sides & front then joined it. I'm now working in the round and have approximztely 4 inches of the body of the bag done. Here are some pictures that show the color. The 3 shades that I chose are different from one another 2 of them seem very close depending on the light they're viewed in.

I finally have enough on the needles to show some progress!

2006-09-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Since my first two bags were smaller than I had wanted I've made this was deliberately large. The flap is now done and I'm casing on stitches for what will be the front. I'll then join and work in the round. It'll go much faster as I wont have to purl anymore!

Update on my 3rd bag

2006-08-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

I had really thought to try to use just stockingknit stitch, make a very long/large rectangle and then fold it to make the bag body. However, since I'm not quite over my dislike of purling it is taking much longer then I had anticipated. So, I'm going to go back to the drawing board... and using cirular needles etc. I find them more comfortable anyways.

More on my felted bags

2006-08-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

So I'm working on the handles for the brown/blue bag. I haven't decided what sort of handles to use on the first one. I think due to the amount the bags are felting in the washer that I'll hand wash the next bag to see how it turns out. I wasn't able to control the amount of shrinkage as I thought I was going to be able to. Better luck next time! I hope to make the Booga bag with Noro as my 4th bag. Since I found Noro at a great price on Yarn.com

Second felted bag!

2006-08-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

I loved felting the first bag so I had to make another. This one had a bit of shaping to make the top portion tulip out a bit. Here are the before and after shots. I think I'll make Icord handles for it. The other bag may get a crocheted strap( then felted) or a leather strap.

First Felted bag!

2006-08-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

I finally completed the bag I had intended to felt. I have put it throught the wash and it came out great. I still need to decide on what type of handles I'd like. I may go for leather. Here's the bag unwashed. I'll post another picture of it felted tongiht.

Projects... projects.. and more projects!

2006-08-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

I was writing a list of all the knitting, crocheting or quilting projects I have yet to do and was a bit astonished that I had that many left to do by Christmas.

Knitting:

Wrap style sweater for my best-friend Martha
Baby sweater ( which has really turned out to be a toddler sweater) for Molly her brand spanking new darling daughter!
VW cap for John her husband
Cardigan for Grandma Dottie ( Martha's grandma - whom I've know since I was 8 years old!)
A Dr Who scarf for Jim, Marthas dad
A halter top for my friend Michelle, who happens to be Martha younger sister

Oh, and I can't forget myself. I have atleast 2 scarves in the works and a pull over sweater and then there's the cardigan I need help resizing the pattern and a corset pattern I saw on Knitty Gritty by Anne Modisett that was to-die-for cute.

Rastafarian hat for my husband Lyle - who is a football fan so it has to be the Philidelphia Eagles colors

A bag I keep meaning to finish so I can felt it.

Crocheting projects:

Husky blanket in bright purple and gold, on a p hook 2 strands together half-double and single crochet
Another blanket - same pattern but a variety of different worsted weight yarn. We have another blanket similar to this one but it isn't quite large enough for the two of us and our 3 cats.. so I get to make another one.
5 scarves to weave the ends in and fringe
2 hats to weave ends in and spif up

I can't forget the quilting projects.. whew... I fell in love with Amy Butlers fabric last year and spent somewhere in the neighborhood of 750.00 on just her fabric in the period of 3-4 months. To some people that doesn't seem like a lot.. but to me it was huge. I then completed 5 quilts over the coarse of 4.5 months during the fall and gave myself a bad case of carple tunnel and nerve compression in my shoulders. I haven't quilted since. I really need to start again. I have too many potential quilt/pillow/shower curtains started. The whole crocheting/knitting habit was taken up after I paused in my quilting obsession.

okay.. so I think that's the end of the list. I have to think more... argh... what a thought!

Irish Hiking scarf knit-a-long and first project pictures

2006-08-20T22:20:00.000-07:00

I just joined an Irish Hiking Scarf knit-a-long and picked out my yarn. I'll probably make the scaft a bit shorter than the pattern says just to save time. Okay, and yarn. I only have 4-5 skeins of the Debbie Bliss yarn I plan to use.. what can you say.. "sale bin". We'll see how it goes.

Portland was wonderful!

2006-08-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

As I had hoped Portland was wonderful! The yarn shops were sublime, especially the yarngarden. Lint had a great selection but the gals in the shop seemed a bit snooty.

I recently visited a few of the outlying shops in the Seattle and so far my favorite is in West Seattle. I believe its named the Seattle Yarn Gallery. Everyone I spoke with was very helpful and upbeat. I actually had one of the help me out with a little purling problem I was having and wouldn't you know it, I no longer have that problem. I can purl a way with nary a curse word! Who would have thought I didn't have to curse every time I attempted that dreaded purl stitch!

That kind gentleman has opened a whole new world for me, pattern wise!

Fiber Heaven, I hope!

2006-07-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

So, I've just learned that Portland, Or has a plethora of yarn shops! Luck for me I'm visiting that knitters haven this Thursday and Friday!