So sad. Knitting injury. Well,actually I don't know how it happened but there it is. I either have a really bad bruise or a hairline fracture. It's a pain. Literally and figuratively. Hard to type. Be back later.

Here are my pretty new Crocs...I got a pair in metallic purple as well. They were on sale at Whole Foods (it was Wild Oats) for $12.50 each. I think they will be cute with skirts. And shorts. It is supposed to be almost 60* on Tuesday and I could wear them then. Oops, forgot it was going to rain. Ah well, I suppose that I can just wait for spring. Although we haven't really had alot of winter except those extraordinary cold days last month. And December. But I have been enjoying wearing my hand knits. And my socks are fabulous. I just finished my first Red Heart Strata sock and am working on the second. Mine seemed to take much longer to knit than knitting A.'s for some reason. Mine are even on size 2's and hers were on 3's. Don't know why they seem to be taking so long but I'll get them done.

Tomorrow there are a couple of lys's open for SuperBowl Sunday and having sales so I might just have to take a trip and see what jumps out at me.

I just finished crocheting a scarf out of some yarn that I had in my stash that I had gotten on Ebay. It's a cotton/chenille some kind of mix and I had no idea how many yards there were. So I grabbed a J hook and chained 30 stitches and single crocheted the whole thing. It's nice and thick and should be good and warm. A very nice light grey color.

FEBRUARY POETRY

I cry your mercy-pity-love!-aye,love!

Merciful love that tantalizes not,

Once-thoughted, never wandering, guileless love,

Unmask'd and being seen-without a blot!

O! let me have thee whole,-all-all-be mine!

That shape, that fairness, that sweet mirror zest

of love, your kiss,-those hands, those eyes divine,

That warm,white,lucent,million-pleasured

breast,-

Yourself-your soul-in pity give me all,

Withhold no atom's atom or I die,

Or living on perhaps, your wretched thrall,

Forget, in midst of idle misery,

Life's purposes,-the palate of my mind

Losing it's quest, and my ambition blind!

"I Cry Your Mercy" John Keats

Flying Jill fingers! Knit, Jill, knit!!

Here is the intarsia sweater...finished. Neither color is true--it is more of a pink/mauve color. But I think it came out quite cute and I hope K. finds it warm (and fits). I also made a pair of socks to go along with it...very fast and cute also.

Now I am going to finish my pair of worsted weight socks (the Red Heart Strata) while it is still cold enough to wear them. Although it is supposed to be 50* on Monday. Just long enough to get us used to warmer weather and then it will probably be freezing again and snow. Ah well. Spring will come soon enough. I'll be glad because I am getting a little tired of staying home since it is so cold. Really, who wants to go out in it?

Going to Trader Joe's on Monday for some groceries. They have really good and fresh portobella mushroons and baby bellas. I am going to make a pasta sauce out of them. Mmmmm. Must go get a snack to go with my tea...Jasmine Estate that is very tasty.

Here's a picture of the almost completed intarsia sweater for K. This is my first intarsia project and it was much easier than I thought. I really enjoyed it and I think it has turned out really well. I just have to finish the front and sew it together and pick up the neck. I will be glad to have it finished so I can start on some more socks for me!

Met with Jill and A. last night for "art"night. We went to Barnes and Noble down the street this time and decided to go across the street to Panera so they could have some soup. It was cold out again so it was nice to be somewhere warm . Well, warm is a relative term. I always find Panera to be quite chilly and last night was no exception. When the heat was running it was nice but then it would go off but they still have the fan running. Brrrrrr!

Jill and I worked on the scarf kal and managed to get the next bit done. I suppose it's right but it's rather hard to tell since we really aren't quite sure if we are doing it correctly. Still, it looks similar to the picture so it works for me. We did get to see the elusive A. working on some knitting(shhhhh,we don't want to scare her so be wery,wery quiet!). She decided to bring the scarf and knit along with us. Yah! and we were very glad. She's kind of blurry but you get the picture.

A good night (and day) to be inside. Right now it's 3* with the wind chill and supposed to go down to -10 to -15*. Brrrrrr! I haven't really missed anything outside so it's all good. Just have been watching movies and knitting. I was working on "thunderbarb" the sock and was finishing the decreases on the toe when I realized that even though I had measured it and tried it on, it was too short to fit on my foot. Grrrrr. I had to rip, rip, rip and redo. I must have had some kind of brain melt that made it look like it was going to fit...I can't explain it any other way. Getting ready to knit the front of K's sweater-it's intarsia-which will be the first time trying that-so we will see.
The sock yarn is A.'s for her next pair. It's kind of hard to tell from the picture but the yarn is BRIGHT. And GREEN. She really likes lime green so they should make a fun pair of socks.
Just sitting here in my jimjams enjoying a cuppa Berryblossom white tea (Tazo) thanks Jill and Pat! They found some at a 'bucks in Illinois and kindly bought me a box. Cheers to Jill!

Welcome Robin C. Glad to meet you. Not going to the retreat but sounds like you will all have a good time.

Started a KAL with Jill and Sheri tonight. We are knitting a scarf from the book Knitting New Scarves. It was tricky starting but I think we all have the hang of it. We shall see. We are meeting Wednesday night at the other Borders for a knitters' night. Kate Jacobs is going to be there doing a reading and signing of "The Friday Night Knitting Club" and an hour before she comes a whack of knitters are coming to knit. I would like to find my own knitting sensei so it should be interesting to see who shows.

I have decided (Robin H. was the vote that pushed me towards it! heehee) to make the Nora Gaughan (sp) wrap from the new Vogue knitting. I went to the lys and picked up 2 more skeins of the Ultra Alpaca to make sure I had enough. You can't tell so much from the picture but it's a light blueberry color. Just bee-u-ti-ful!

Aarrrrrrrrrggghhhh! I hate when I lose my post. Okay, let's see. Mail today. The UPS guy is always trying to guess what is in the package he's delivering. Totally stumped him with the yarn. Here's the first one that popped out of the bag. Guess what I'm going to make with it (psst. it rhymes with locks) heehee. These are for me.

Here is a picture of the first finished Bit of Lace sock for A. She was kind enough to try it on when we were at Borders having "art" night. I didn't make it long enough in the foot and had to tear it out and make it longer. Which was fine because I didn't really like the grafting of the toe and the second time was much better.

Not a great picture but a funky hat that I made with some yarn I had in my stash. It's a bulky weight and it's from Hip Knit Hats. It knit up about an hour so a fun, fast knit.
Crazy weather this week. Yesterday it was 69* and today it is WINDY! Gusts up to 60 mph and now it's raining. Knitting was on the agenda today 'cause who wanted to go and get blown away. I finished the first of A.'s socks and had to rip it down to right before the decreases on the toe because I didn't make the foot long enough. I did go to the lys the other day to pick up another set of needles (ssshhh, don't tell them about their "fallen" comrade). While I was there I picked up (you really didn't think that I wasn't going to get something else did you?) another skein of the Berrocco Ultra Alpaca Light so I can make myself a pair of socks. Although I saw a really beautiful wrap/scarf in the new Vogue Knitting that is made from that yarn. It takes 4 skeins and I would only need one more. I love the color also; a blueberry/tweed color. It would make a very pretty wrap. Or socks. I don't know. Decisions, decisions. So confused.

Knitting disaster has struck!! I was decreasing for the toe on A.'s sock when.....close your eyes, this is painful....my needle snapped in two! I have never had that happen before. They were the Bryson flexibles and just so sad. I managed to sharpen it to a point and finished the sock. I can't start the next one 'cause it's too short. I am going to try to get to the lys tomorrow and get a new set. I have heard that there is actually an "outside" beyond these 4 walls but so far the rumors have been unsubstantiated. lol. Tomorrow is going to be in the 30*'s so we will get out.(woohoo.)

Here is the sock I just finished for A. Hope she likes it.

"Purty" isn't it? This is the yarn that I won from romancing the yarn blog. I call it ''Thunderbarb" in honor of Barbra Bretton who sent it to me. The colors are not true but close. Just a plain sock pattern from the Yarn Harlot but knits up so beautifully.
It is COLD here. Right now it is 7* (but 0* with the wind chill) and going down to 4* overnight. BRRRRR!! The tea pot has been going all day and haven't gone out since New Year's Eve when we had Twin Dragon Chinese buffet. Oh yum...I love the mongolian grill with lots of veggies. Did have to shovel the driveway as we had about 2 1/2" of snow. But other than that we didn't step out. I did order some sock yarn from Herrshner's when the catalog came 'cause it was CHEAP. And I love knitting socks. I got 4 more skeins of the Red Heart Strata for A. since she really likes the nice,thick socks. And a skein of Sockotta, which I have never seen but looks really cool.
Right now I am making another pair of socks for A. out of the Red Heart. I am doing the first pattern that I've ever done on socks. I found it in the Knitting calender that I got for Christmas last year. It's called Bit of Lace magic sock and is very fun to work on. I just turned the heel on the first one and am going to try and finish it tonight. I am tired of watching movies but just too cold to do anything else. I am going to try and go to the library tomorrow and maybe pick up a couple of books on cd and maybe some documentaries...or something.
Stay warm and I'm off to knit.

Finished object alert! These are not the best pictures (cell phone camera) but you get the general ideal. I love the yarn...Lorna Lace's Shepherds superwash. Just yum. Unfortunately the first pair that I made were a little big but fit A. perfectly. I used size 8's which were to gauge but went down to a size 7's for me. I have one more to make and I will finish them tomorrow because I will need them on Monday. We are supposed to have a cold blast.

I would have worked on them tonight but A. and I went to Barnes and Noble to read (and mock) magazines. I didn't find any knitting magazines to buy. :( I did see a pattern or two in a couple but 1 pattern isn't really worth buying the whole magazine.

Off to knit, have a good night all.

Christmas baking! Ginger gems. So good and vegan. It's actually the vegan holiday here. I did all the cooking this year. I am tired though.
The sweater is finished! Was seaming it up at 11:00pm. I will sleep well tonight. Made Moroccan "meatballs" over couscous, candied lime sweet potatoes (from the Vegan YumYum site) which are absolutely fabulous!! A dip and a "cheese" ball and a carmel apple bake. Just have to make brunch tomorrow and then no more cooking for a few days.
Hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas with lots of yarn and needles!!

New shiny,red Croc feet. Bought them for myself for Christmas. Sssssooooo warm....I loves them!

I should have never said that I was all finished knitting for Christmas because Wednesday m. asked me to knit a cardigan for K. And could I have it finished for Christmas? Well, sure, why not. I only have the sleeves left to knit and then put it together. I should be able to have it finished. We shall see.

Be back soon.

Here is the Puffinstuff pin and Freddie the magic flute earrings that A. made for herself. She borrowed the pin that she made for me and copied it. They are polymer clay and isn't she talented?

One cold day today! 16* with the wind chill so I ran across the street to Krogers for the paper and some groceries and a couple of movies from the $1.00 movie rental box. Watched "License to Wed" and "Oceans 13". Enjoyed both of them but am tired of staring at the tv. On the upside, I did finish knitting A.'s soon-to-be felted bag. Now I will give it to her so it can be felted and then she can give it back to me for sewing together.

Well, off to knit on my fingerless mitts for awhile so keep warm and knit!

AAAAAHHHH! "ALBINO BRAIN SUCKERS"!!! It's not the snow that is the problem, it's the ice that is underneath that turned into slush when it rained this afternoon and then turned into more ice and then the 1-3" that is coming overnight. Yuck,yuck,yuck. I am glad to be at home. We went to the Chinese buffet(mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm) and then came home. That was enough out for me. A. wore her new birthday socks (yah for me) and I would have taken a picture of them but I was so busy stuffing my face with scallion pancakes that I never got around to it. But they looked cool. And she seems to really like them. So that makes me happy.

I'm glad that I have knitting and some movies so I don't need to go anywhere but in the kitchen to get myself some more tea!

Knitting going on like crazy here. Finished the "giant" socks for A. and gave them to her yesterday for her birthday. Happy Birthday A.! I think she really liked them. The second sock was much easier on the Bryson flexibles so they went alot faster.

Have been doing some Christmas knitting so haven't gotten alot of other stuff done. But here's a peek at my new sock yarn. Isn't it purty? I won it from www.romancingtheyarn.blogspot.com and I call it "Barbra" for it's former owner. Just doing a generic sock pattern but I think that I'm going to branch out next sock and do a pattern. I have to decide which one. Something simple but a little challenging. I am still working on the toes-up sock,which is fun, so maybe I'll do another one of those. Anyone have a good suggestion for a sock pattern?

Finished object alert! I sewed together the felted bag that was for me but decided that it isn't big enough for me so m. decided that she really liked it. Yah. I'm glad it will have a use for someone. I don't like the yarn as much as the Cascade 220-this was the wool that I bought at Yarn Market. It is the house brand from Lambikins and I don't like how it felted. It puckered up and slightly buckled in places. I won't use it again though. I hope that the one being knitted for A. felts up better.

SNOW!! Yes, we had our first snowfall this morning. Just enough to be pretty without being too annoying. I would post pictures but the cell phone won't send them right now. So I will show you some other pictures.

Knitting anyone?

First one of the socks for A. It is made from Red Heart Strata, knit on size 3 dpn's, using generic sock pattern from the Yarn Harlot. Very easy knit but the only thing I am doing differently for the second one is to use different needles. I was using the only pair of 3's I had -bamboo-but felt like I was going to break them because this sock is THICK. So went to the lys and got a pair of Bryson flex needles, which are not ideal because I don't really care for plastic and they flex(I know, I know...it's in the title) but at least I'm not bending my bamboo needles.

It's going to be a cold one tonight--15* --brrrr. I am in my pink jammies with penguins on them, drinking a cup of icewine tea. It's a tea from Canada, where they let the grapes freeze and then make wine from them. The tea smells like wine when you open the package and makes very good tea.

Working on some Christmas gifts so I can't tell you what I'm working on now but will post some pictures soon.

Here's a hat that I just made for myself the other day. It's from Hip Knit Hats and is very easy to knit and came out cute.

Here's a not-so good close-up of the Irish hiking scarf. Today was COLD! Windy and some sleet. Had to run to lys and get another set of dpn's-size 3-and wore my scarf, mittens, and the "beast". Boy, was I warm. And wore my hat that I knitted from the first issue of Knit1.

Finished the first big sock and started on the second. And some other things that will have to wait for awhile to post them.

Put a new handle on the screen door today and was it cold. I mean, my fingers were so cold that I couldn't hardly feel the screws to put it together. And, of course, it isn't working so I will have to go out tomorrow and try and fix it. At least it will be warmer tomorrow. I hope I can figure out what is the problem.

Going to rain here tomorrow but at least it isn't snow. Not yet anyway.

Here's a peek at what I've been knitting on this week.

I know, I know. That's one crazy looking sock! It's made from Red Heart Strata, a magical self-striping yarn. I found some at Wallyworld for 25 cents a skein. Who could pass up that kind of bargain? These are for A. and they are knit on size 3's. I should have done them on metal but only had the 3's in bamboo. But I do like how they stand up on their own. Very sturdy acrylic. They should be good and warm though. I may make myself a pair.

The metal pot in the background is my wonderful coffee/tea "butler" that holds about 14 cups and keeps tea nice and hot for several hours. AAAHHHH...nice tea.

The picture on the top is a close up of the "beast". Boy, is it warm. Especially with the Irish hiking scarf and the cabled mittens. I look like a walking ball of yarn with it all on....heeeheee.

Here is a shot of "Mike" before it was finished. You won't see any more shots of them because I finished them last night and gave them to A. this morning. I think she was pleased with them. I just used the Yarn Harlot's generic sock pattern and size 3 needles.
Went to one of the lys yesterday and bought....sock yarn. (gee,what a surprise). Got a lovely ball of Trekking XXL in a purple colorway, and Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca light in a teal blue color. I'm not sure why I picked that color, I have nothing it matches but is so pretty it had to go home with me.
Went to Belluvue,Ky today for their Christmas walk. Actually went to go the knitting store--www.knit-on.com and bought.....sock yarn. I'm getting nothing if not predictable. And some more dpn's. The yarn is Online supersocke 100 Sierra color (a beautiful fall colorway) www.online-garne.de. I just can't decide what to make first.
Thanksgiving was nice. We ate and watched alot of movies. Just what the day ordered. Nice and lazy! But I did get knitting done. A small hat and worked on my wristlets. Aaahhhh.

The view coming back from the library. See the lovely fall trees? I'm glad you enjoyed them because the trees are almost bare now. A day of wind and rain has stripped them. But at least it was warm. In the 60*s but tomorrow it is going to be cold. But the good thing about that is ...my mittens are done!! I will need them tomorrow. Of course I'm not going anywhere except to buy the paper. All the cooking for turkey day is finished...a. and m. eat all the traditional turkey stuff and mine is all vegan. I made the most fabulous Carmel Apple bake. mmmmm. I will definately enjoy that. As will everyone else.
Now that the mittens are done I am going to finish A.s sock and then knit on my toe-up socks. I will have pictures of the mittens. Hope everyone has a fabulous turkey day and gets to eat until we all pop!!

Went to a Christkindlmarket today -http://www.germaniasociety.com/. I thought it was going to be alot better than it actually was. I was rather disappointed. A cold, grey day....brrrr, very damp but at least it was sort of heated inside the tent. We did get to see some animals at the petting zoo...here are some shots. Isn't he just the cutest little piglet? You can't really tell but he was so small. A. and I wanted to scoop him up and just squeeze him. And the goat's name is Marie. They also had a Donnie.

Finished one of the cabled mittens last night. Would have been nice to wear them today since it was 41* and damp. Brrrr. I did have a pair of alpaca wristlets but lent them to A. since I just put my hands in my pockets. I am going to try and finish them tomorrow.

Having a nice cuppa...vanilla apple white. Very good and relaxing while sitting here in my yellow snowman pj's. Sometimes pj's feel so nice and comfy that I just can't wait to get them on and just sit back with my cuppa and read or knit. Last night I watched "Hawaii" with Julie Andrews. I loved the book (I read it for the first time in high school) and had seen the movie years ago but really enjoyed it. Love getting free movies from the library.

Here's a blurry picture of the "beast". The camera phone doesn't take the greatest pictures but you get the general idea. I do actually like it alot...very warm especially with the Irish hiking scarf wrapped around my neck. I made it a size too big so it would be good and roomy and it closes like a double-breasted coat. I think I might get some toggles to put on for closures. I didn't make any buttonholes because I didn't think it would work well with it.

I have started the cabled mittens to match and am about half finished with them.

Pattern Specifications:

Pattern is from the Lion Brand website and is the One stitch adult jacket.

I didn't change anything to the pattern except leaving off the buttonholes.

Would I knit it again? ...maybe. It was an easy knit, all garter stitch but booorrrriiinnnngggg. But I do like how it fits. So comfortable and warm.

Off to knit on the mittens. More later.

MMMMMM.....Indian for dinner. This is mine on the bottom...aloo vindaloo. Absolutely fabulous. And I had some garlic naan. I always save some of the vindaloo for the next day because it's soooooo good. I will have the buffet for lunch but not anything that I will eat for dinner so vindaloo it is. But so good. A. and m. had the buffet because they like the chicken tikka masala and the vegetable korma. Here's a picture of A.'s dinner on the top.

No knitting content tonight. Although I did finish the hat that I was working on yesterday and I will post pictures soon. ('cause I have some...heehee).

Ta dah!! Pictures. I finally figured out how to send from my phone so here are some. This is my new mug...pretty isn't it? Right now it's full of Cranberry-Autumn tea mmmmm)www.harney.com. Go there now...I'll wait. I think their tea is the absolute best. They also let you order up to 5 samples @ $2.00 each so you can try them. Which one is my favorite? Depends on what I'm drinking. I think my absolute favorite is the White Christmas tea. Just delicious. Of course, the cranberry-autumn is very tasty. The Paris is so smooth and subtle but then again the Bangkok is fabulous. Okay,okay. I like many, many of them. Order a free catalog and peruse at leisure. While knitting of course.

Go here for a contest (and it makes you want to overcome your fears and knit!) www.lotusknitter.blogspot.com

I know, I know. My poor pictureless blog!! I told A. that she needed to send me some pictures that I've taken (I am camera-less so I use hers...thanks, sis!) and hopefully she will send them soon.
The big news is...hold your breath...the "beast" is finished. Everyone sing and dance around!! Seamed and ready to wear. Whew. I am so glad to have it done. Nice and warm too. I have about a half skein left and picked up another one today to make a pair of mittens. Might as well have a pair to match since I already have the scarf. And I loves the scarf-the Irish hiking scarf was fun to knit and looks good. I found a pattern for cabled mittens in the new 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders that I found at the library. So I think that I will knit those.
Hopefully there will be a picture soon. Although I have to get a picture of the "beast", so everyone can ooh and awe in wonderment. Heehee.
Got my new Christmas Starbucks mug. Since we were meeting for art night at 'bucks it would've been wrong not to buy one. It's really cute, white with jolly written on the outside with a peppermint for the O and red and white stripes on the inside. The sad thing is that the Tazo tea that I really like (Berryblossom white) was just a special and now is gone. If I had known that I would have bought a couple of boxes. Now I shall have to hoard it....sort of like yarn.

Mini disaster ahead. So, last night I'm blithely knitting along on the "beast" and watching a movie, feeling smug because I only have 4 more rows to go before the bind-off and then finished. I looked down and...gasp...horrors of horrors, I was out of yarn. What?? There is no possible way. I was so sure that I had gotten enough yarn. Where did it go? At least I found out another skein today at Hobby Lobby (whew) and am going to try and finish it tonight. Then I have to figure out what to do with the rest of the skein. Maybe a pair of mittens to match? Hmmmm. I will have to think about this. At least I will have the sweater finished.

Knitting progress has been made. I am almost finished with the "beast" ...yah...just have to finish the right front and then, put together. Whew. Over half way through the front and I think I can probably get it done tonight. I won't knit that pattern again because it is sooooo boring but I hope it looks good. And fits. We shall see.

Cold tonight again. In the low 30*'s and breezy. A nice night to be sitting home in my flannel pj's, having a nice hot cup of white berryblossom tea and contemplaiting which movie to "watch" while knitting.

Well, A. felted my burgandy/orange bag for me the other day and I am not as happy with it as the others we have done. I used the Yarn Source Sol and it didn't felt up great. The I-cord bind-off around the edges seems to have bunched up some and the purse is not as big as the others. The colors are good together but didn't seem to felt up without pulling up. Even the pockets didn't felt like a straight line but rather curved. All in all I'd have to say that I am a little disappointed but I'm sure it will still be a nice bag. If I'm unhappy with it as a purse I can always use it as a knitting bag. Which may not be such a bad thing.
Haven't been doing much stamping lately since I've been on a knitting kick but I have made some stitch marker/odds and ends tins out of empty mint tins. They hold stitch markers, pins, various little sundry items and then I have some of my favorite papers on them and will always have them. I am also making a DPN holder from an old cigar box that is going to be pretty cool...at least to me.
Almost finished with the right front of the "beast" and going to cast on for the left. I wasn't sure if I was going to have enough yarn but I think I will have plenty (heaving a huge sigh of relief).

Got a lovely surprise from Jill on art night. Tea! She went to Boston and brought us all back some tea from this place called Tealuxe-www.TeaLuxe.com. So nice...thanks Jill!! She's the best.
Everyone got some different. M. and I got a total of 4: Green Tea with Pear, Kir Royale, Gingerbread, and Creme de la Earl Grey which smells absolutely fabulous. I had a pot of the Gingerbread today, which is a great tea for fall and the smell....mmmmmm. Also had the green with pear which was different. The smell was very reminiscent of ? what? I'm still not sure. I liked it when it was hot but when it cooled some I didn't really care for it. But hot it's pretty good.

On the knitting front I have finally finished the back of the "beast" or the garter-stitch cardigan. Whew! And almost finished with the first of A's sock. Maybe I will get those done this weekend and can cast-on a pair for me. Oh...still working on the toe-up pair so I suppose I should finish those first. Sigh...oh alright.

Drizzly, gray, foggy, chilly today. Perfect fall weather to put on a pair of Perry Ellis lounging pants...aka..pj's, slippers and making a pot of Jasmine tea. MMMMM. I have been making some progress on the garter stitch sweater-finally! I have decided that I don't really care for knitting a sweater that have the sleeves cast on while knitting the piece. It seems like it takes a week to finish one row. I only have about 3 1/2" left on the back and then bind-off. Woohoo. And I am almost finished with the first sock of A.'s. I think there will be enough yarn for a pair of short socks for me as well. Always a plus.
Went to Williams-Sonoma the other day and picked up some of their Spiced Chestnut hand lotion. It is a great hand cream and the smell...absolutely fabulous. Also got a nifty little peeler that rests in the palm of your hand and a nice paring knife. Used them to make sweet potato fries and portobello mushroom pizzas (vegan). Yum. Makes me hungry just thinking about it.

Not too much knitting content today. Spent alot of the day running errands...Trader Joe's for some vegetables and food and Coffee Emporium for tea for me and COFFEE for A. Yeah, 'cause she can never have enough coffee. Did stop at one of the yarn shops because I have been looking for reinforcement yarn for my socks and only one local place carried it. I got the last card of it...yah for me!
I did go to one of the other shops the other day-yarnsandfabrications.com and picked up another skein of (wait for it.....) sock yarn. It is Lana Grossa Meilenweit 100 Fantasy in a beautiful red/orange colorway. Very bright. Can't wait to knit with it.

This is the sock yarn that I am using for A.'s socks. I call it "Mike" although I don't know why. I am about halfway through the first one. I went up to a size 3 needle for hers.

I also have started knitting a pair from the toe-up from the left over yarn from my first socks. The pattern is very easy to follow but I had to rip it out because I couldn't "unzip" the crocheted provisional cast on.

I haven't really knitted too much today because I was painting around the outside of the house and my arms are sore. Took some arnica and will knit tomorrow!

First socks!!! I LOVE them. So soft and warm. The leg shot is an obligatory Starbucks' shot...art night but I had to show off the sockies.

Pattern: generic Yarn Harlot pattern.

Yarn: Opal sock yarn

Needles: size 2 dpn's

Once I got over my fear of turning the heel it was a very easy,fun pattern to knit. I knit the second one in a day. I think it went so fast because I was excited to have finished the first one.

The next pair on the needles are for A. Same pattern but went up to a size 3 needle to make them a little bigger. I also have some of the Opal yarn leftover (since I had no idea how much yarn it would actually take to make a pair) and I am using a toe-up pattern to make a short pair. I am using the generic pattern from http://wendyknits.net and once I finally master the wrap and turn it will go much smoother.

The weather is supposed to be nasty tomorrow-stormy and cool, so a good day to knit socks.

Just a quick note...I am wearing my lovely new socks as I type. I finished them last night and they are the most comfortable things I have ever worn. I have taken a picture of them but have to wait until it's sent to me. Then I will post a picture of the most bee-u-ti-ful socks ever!!!

Have I mentioned how much I love knitting socks? I have finished...that's right...finished the first sock. I am calling them my "I didn't ever think that I would be able to finish them but here they are" socks. I finished the first one on Sunday evening and was so excited that I immediately cast on the second as well as a pair for A. I will need them in a few days as the weather is turning cooler...finally! In the 60*'s tomorrow and in the 40*'s at night!!

Here is the Tofutsies sock yarn that I bought at Yarn Market that seems to be calling my name to knit. What do you think? Should this be the next pair? And should I try knitting from the toe up following a WendyKnits pattern? Maybe I'll just stick with what I've tried for a few until I get it down.

I lovesssssssss knitting socks. So cool and fast. Thanks to the Yarn Harlot for her nice, easy pattern that made me go ahead and just knit them! Love them. Can hardly wait to cast on the next one.
Found a great swap-http://www.wintercoffeeswap.blogspot.com. Go and sign up...registration opens October 24th. Coffee, yarn...can't get much better.
Still so HOT. 91* today. This is ridiculous. It's October. I want to wear long sleeves....sweats...nice comfy blankies. Not stupid shorts and sandals. Tired of them.

Doncha' just "lurve" this yarn? I have it on the list to make a pair of flip-top mitten/gloves. It is Lorna's Laces in colorway "Flames". I just think it is sooooo pretty.

It has been a little cooler these past few days but tomorrow it is going to be in the upper 80*'s and humid. Oh goody.

Finished my "Hilda" hat from "Hip Knit Hats" and I will have to see if I can get a picture of it. Tres cute. Made one for K. as well because I ended up having another ball left over. I think she'll like it.

Since it was cooler today I made a few fabulous dishes. Asian slaw with chinese noodles and vegetables and curried greens and pasta that was fabulous. Used collard greens which were very good and just a great dish. I never really enjoyed cooking but since becoming a vegan it's hard to find things to eat I have had to resort to *shudder* cooking. Luckily, I have found alot of great vegan cookbooks that are easy without alot of ingredients. So far, so good.

I TURNED THE HEEL!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, I'm not too excited...heehee. So easy, as I knew it would be, but just couldn't seem to make myself do it. But do it I did and quite proud as well.
Almost f.o. tonight. Have been knitting a hat from "Hip Knit Hats" the "Hilda". Very, very easy and cute. Only have to make the pompoms and seam it up the back. I think I am going to leave part of it unseamed so my ponytail can stick out. I think it will a cute look.
I am going to finish the sock this week and start on the second so I can have a pair when it cools down. It is somewhat cooler this week and we had RAIN today. The weather is "a-changin'". Finally. Still in the 80*'s during the day but has that fall feeling that is somewhat different...more moisture perhaps.

Much cooler today. Yah! Very enjoyable. Enjoying a nice cup of Jasmine Estate tea...mmm...and getting ready to knit some more today. I have been working on the slim-line tunic from Lion Brand which is knit side-to-side and is a v-neck. Made one for A. and one for myself in a beautiful autumn colorway and it turned out so nice that I decided to make myself another one. This one is in shades of blue.
I did work on the heel flap of the sock yesterday. I am getting ready to turn the heel soon. I just got Ann Budd's new sock book from the library yesterday and the pictures of turning the heel just made a light go on in my head. I know how to do it but just couldn't really "see" it but now I am raring to go.
Since the rain all day yesterday it smells like fall out now. Very damp and fallen leaves. I love when you get that first whiff of fall. I do hate that it gets dark so early though. Now it's dark by 7:30 and cooling down fast. Going to be in the 50*'s tonight. Yah! Will be good to sleep when it's cooler.

This is the lace weight yarn that I bought at Yarn Market. It's 800 yards and I have no idea what to do with it but it was sooooooooo pretty and soft that I had to have it. I'll have to eventually find the perfect pattern. But for now I will just pet it and tell it how lovely it is.

Finished the Irish Hiking scarf yesterday and I must say....it is very attractive. Used up all three skeins so it is long enough to wrap around, which is how I like my scarves.

It RAINED last night and alot of today!! Woohoo. It was somewhat cooler also but still hot and sticky. But the rain was so nice. Even had thunder and lightning which was almost a surprise since it had been so long. It was a wonderful "nap" day but unfortunately I didn't have a chance to indulge since I had to take the van to get new tires because one had a slow leak. So I knit on the sock while waiting...I am now working on the heel flap and am girding up to turn the heel. (I know I can, I know I can). Tomorrow I have to have AAA come and jump the Honda as the battery is dead, dead, dead. Nothing like having 2 broken cars. Hopefully it is only the battery and not the alternator. We shall see. And I suppose I will have some time to work on the sock while waiting for that.

Started on a hat today-"Hilda" from Lion Brand Just Hats. Unfortunately I must have made a mistake when writing out the pattern because I can't figure out how to get to the next part. I went to the library to see if the book was there (hahaha, I really knew it wouldn't be, but hope springs eternal). It wasn't so I had to put a hold on it. Hopefully it will be here in the next couple of days.

Is it ever going to cool down???? I don't think so. Or rain. We are 13 1/2 inches short and it is sooooooo dry and dusty. The heat broke a record today...over 94* and hasn't been that hot on this date since 1939. And we have had over 50 days in 2007 over 90*. Just awful. Happy first day of fall (insert sarcasm here).
The Irish hiking scarf is almost finished. 3 skeins and it looks nice and good and long. I ordered more yarn for a sweater made of it. I think that I am going to knit it just in garter stitch because the yarn really doesn't need any fancy stitches. I picked the Lion Brand one-stitch cardigan to work so it should be pretty fast.
Art night was fun tonight but I do hate when it starts getting dark so early. Makes me just want to put on some jammies and curl up under a blanket with a good book and a cuppa tea. Having some right now. It's called "tropical surprise" and the base is roobioos and lots of cinnamon, cornflowers, and other fruits and herbs. Very different and tasty.

OOOOHHH! Pretty Noro. And mine, all mine!! (insert crazed laugh here). I think that I am going to knit Argosy from Knitty. I am making one for A. and it looks quite nifty. But it will look even better with this yarn. Just yummy.

Still so freakin' HOT. In the 90*s and that is just ridiculous for this time of year. Supposed to be in the 70*'s and I can't stand it. I am ready to wear sweats and curl up under a blanket. And finish making the crocheted afghan that I am making for m. Started it last winter but quickly got too warm for having that lying in my lap. But it doesn't take too long since I'm using a size S hook. That's right, an S hook. It's like crocheting with a fireplace poker. But fast.

Pictures!! Here is the yarn for A.'s socks (never mind that I haven't finished a sock yet...I'm still working on it). It's so purty.

Later, gator. These are the mittens for A. A very fun knit and sooooooooo cute. Don'tcha just want to pet them?

Still working on the Irish Hiking scarf but it is going fast. Had to work on something that won't be in my lap since it is back in the upper 80*'s AGAIN. Supposedly going to be cooler next week but I don't believe it at all. Went to the park for awhile to knit but it was just hot with no breeze so home again.

Casting on for the large felted satchel for myself with the burgundy yarn (I will post a picture next time) and will have that to work on for awhile. Going to go and knit on that for awhile and listen to a book on cd; Fannie Flagg's "Can't Wait To Get to Heaven". Not as good as her other books but still funny.

I am excited to report that the weather (at least today) has cooled to a lovely mid-60*'s and is just lovely. It will be in the 40*'s tonight...ahhhhhhh...and it feels wonderful to put on cotton pajama bottoms. Long ones yet. I always enjoy when the seasons change and it's time to pull out different clothes. Of course, it is going to be back in the 80*'s next week so only long pj's tonight.
Finished m's sweater this week and I'm glad to be done with all of them. I have same pattern now and that's enough. At least for now. I started on the Irish knitting scarf www.helloyarn.com/irishhikingscarfpf.htm and it is a really fun pattern. Very fast knit and,oh so pretty. I am using the Lion Brand Vanna White acrylic yarn in the autumn colors and it's just so nice. I will have to see if I can get a picture of it. The cool thing is that I've learned to knit cables without a needle which was scary at first...loose stitches!...but quite easy once you get the hang of it.
Tomorrow we are going to one of the local parks to see raptors up close and personal. Well, as close as I care to get anyway. M. likes the falcons and hawks and I like "wols" so it's kind of fun.

The only thing that I really hate about having dial-up is that it takes so long to download podcasts. Takes an hour just to get one that is about 15 minutes long. I should bring my knitting and sit here with it. But there are always other knitting blogs to read. And the vegan sites with lots of good recipes. I am almost finished with the left front of the big sweater for m. and only have sleeves and the hood to do. I am tired of knitting this pattern after making 4 so it will be a relief to work on something else. I am going to make another v-neck knit side to side because I tried the other one on that I made and I think it looks very nice. So another one is always good.

I "have the sinus" so no knitting to speak of today. Ran to the library early as it is in the mid-90*'s again and spent the rest of the day staring at the tv/wall. More later.

I just don't have enough time to knit everything and do all the rest of the things that need to be done. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have sunlight for 24 hours, like in Alaska so there would be more time. At least I can knit while m. drives.
Tomorrow is a trip to Jungle Jim's www.junglejims.com to pick up some produce and items for some recipes. It's cooling down a little so I will cook a few things. Now I have alot of really super vegan recipes so I have loads of choices to make. Yum. I will have to tell you what I picked to make in my next post.

Ooooh I do hate when my post disappears. Not that interesting, but still. You take the time to write it and "poof", gone.
M. found out on Saturday that she also won a door prize from the Yarn Market...sorry Jill. Got it today in the mail. A cute little kit with raffia yarn (color: Dirty Denim) and instructions for crocheting flowers. Should be fun to play with soon.
Been knitting another pair of wristlets-pattern from lys called "Ribberta". Knit in Berrocco Ultra Alpaca in a purply-tweed. They are fast to knit and it is so hot, who wants to have yarn in your lap? Hopefully it will cool down soon. Still so hoooooooooootttttttttt.

Here is the razor scarf that I've been working on. It is made fromCrystal Palace Kid merino and is impossible to unknit. So don't make any mistakes. As I'm sure you know, I haven't made any mistakes on it....hahahahahaha. But I think it will still look good when it is finished and blocked. It's not too noticable.

Tuesday night was YARN Market and I marketed. I don't have any pictures of my stash...yet...but I can tell you what I bought.

Okay,ready? I bought yarn for another felted satchel for A. and me.

*Yarn Source Sol 100% wool-black and cream for A. and burgundy and burnt orange for me.

*A beautiful lace weight (drool) by Conjoined Creations-http://www.blogger.com/www.conjoinedcreations.com .Called Pastimes Album Collection, color-Love Child. 800 yards. Now I have to decide what pattern to use.

*DP Needle Tube-Telescopic DPN case

*size 2 5" Dpn's Brittany Birch

*ooohhh,ooooh, this one is gorgeous--Lorna Laces Shepherd Worsted 100% superwash Color-Flame.

*The Lizard Ridge pattern (actually the lady at the booth gave me the pattern free)

*Spiral Short Row Scarf pattern-a sock weight pattern and Mohair Spiral Scarf pattern (knit with Crystal Palace Kid Merino.

*A skein of Tofutsies by SWTC in a pink/purple colorway.

*A wonderful book-Knit Kimono-18 Designs with simple shape by Vicki Square.

*And....tahdah! I won a door prize. A Skacel Circular Needle Case,which is nice because I have been keeping all of mine in a plastic bag in a knapsack.

I am sure that if I had stayed longer I would have gotten more but I am pleased with what I bought and can't wait to start new things.

Here's a picture of the ill-fated tee-shirt sweater. It just looks awful. But I'm glad it's all done and I don't have to look at it anymore.
Still so HOT! Have almost finished the back of m's sweater and have started (don't judge me!) the alligator mittens from one of the Stitch 'n B***ch books for A. They should be really cute. And pretty fast.

Got to go to Stampaway yesterday but was feeling kind of cruddy because I had done something to my neck. Ouch! My poor neck. It looked really kind of creepy because one side of my shoulder was much lower than the other and just hurt all over my shoulders and back. Very tight and bunched up. But I had a good time anyway and got some really good "loot". And held back a nice amount for Yarn Market....woohoo! Have several projects that I am looking for yarn but otherwise I am going to see what tickles my fancy. Probably several fancy-tickling things will be looking for me, I'm sure.
And it is still hot! So far it's been 14 days straight over 90*. A few more days and we will break a record. Oh goodie.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSooooooooooooooooooooooooHHHHOOOOOOOTTTT.
Just the hottest,yuckiest ever. 100* and with the heat index it feels like 108*. I've been in the house but still have been dragging around. I did knit for a while but just couldn't seem to concentrate. I found a bunch of Vegetarian Times at the library and they have alot of vegan recipes so I have been copying some of those. Too bad it's too hot to turn on the stove or oven. So it's watermelon or cereal 'cause it's fast and cold and doesn't have to be prepared.
Saturday is Stampaway so A. and I will be heading out to do some shopping. I am not getting alot of stuff 'cause I'm saving up for the Yarn Market on the 21st. That's where I got alot of yarn last year.

Woohoo!!! I think I have fixed the computer problem, Praise Jesus!!! It was some kind of Internet Explorer problem not connected with the Panda security software. So far, so good.
I have been working on my "harlotty" socks and am now working on the heel flap. They knit up really fast and have really been enjoying them. If I need help I think I might go to the knitting group at Barnes and Noble tomorrow night and oops...the new Interweave Knits is in. How handy! And the new anniversary Vogue knits. Gee, maybe they will have to come home with me....heehee.
It is still so bloody hot. Had to get up at 7:30 this morning to get the lawn mowed. Those few days of some spotty rain showers obviously made the grass grow. Whew. Glad to have that almost done. Still have to mow inside the back fence but no one can see it, so who cares? Besides, I am almost afraid to go back there since the coyote is coming into the yard and eating some "snacks" and leaving bones....eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! Nasty. And the snake that I almost picked up when picking up limbs. I like nature, but mostly from the window.

"Watch it, she's a biter." Jill.
Heehee. That's a quote from Monday night "fight club". Still haven't gotten the ''box'' fixed yet, but think we're on the right track. So we'll see.
So HOT. Almost too hot to do anything but sit and knit and watch some PBS dvd's. And listening to the Yarn Harlot's books on cd's. Quite amusing. Went to 'bucks for a venti iced soy latte....mmmmm. Also got a few new mugs (when they are on sale it's such a good deal) and a sample of a very wonderful smelling tea-Berryblossom White. It is described as "A delicate tea with enticing hints of blueberry & white cranberry". I haven't tasted it but it smells quite lovely.
I am off to watch an episode of "Rosemary and Thyme" a very good British mystery series and knit on my sock. Knit away!

Finished A.'s big sweater...all the sewing up is done...woohoo! And the stupid cotton sweater. I am glad that is done.
I am not happy with this ''box'' right now. Had to spend at least an hour and a half working on the phone and online with AOL because we were having all kinds of trouble including not being able to sign on. Everything seems to be fixed except I don't have any of my favorite places. But I am sure they will be back. GGGGRRRR!