Friday, August 31, 2007
Ravelry is addicting!
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.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Bitty and some yarn
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.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Nearly there!
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
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
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The UPS man is my new favorite person!
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!
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...
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.
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, August 19, 2007
Sunday night & Molly, plus a pic of my Hibiscus tree!
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.
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.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Update..
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
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
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
Friday, August 17, 2007
Just a few more days and I'll be in!
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
Thursday, August 16, 2007
ho humm... tiwddle the thumbs...
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 ....
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 ....
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Secret Pal updates!
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.
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?!?!?
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Must buy this yarn!
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!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Secret Pall 11 questionaire
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.
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.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Birthday gifts from my downstream pal in the UK!
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.
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.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Birthday goodies, working on a friends house and Harry Potter
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.
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.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Cute new jacket!
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!
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!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
First Veggies from the garden and growth of knitted items!
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.
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.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Updates, Knitting, Sewing & Family
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…
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…
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Getting caught up with life and work
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.
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!
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