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!

Okay, I know that I said I would finish that %@#^^%$ sweater this week but (I do have an excuse!!) I haven't knitted in 3 days. I had some sinus/allergy/cold stuff going on and just laid around and sneezed and blew my poor, red little nose. Feeling better today so I will probably work on the sweater tomorrow. I did re-do one sleeve and will only have the other and the neckline to do. So I will buckle down and get it finished. I promise. ('cause the sock yarn is calling).heehee.

Ooooh, oooh, ooooh! I just received my yarn prize from http://www.romancingtheyarn.blogspot.com/. It is 2 skeins of Gedifra Fashion Trend Sportivo in a beautiful black tweed/sunset colorway and I can't wait to make socks from it. Of course, I have to finish my first pair. lol.
Worked on the tee sweater last night and had finished one sleeve...Sheri, cover your eyes if you are reading this...and tore it out when I got home. I didn't like how it looked when it was bound off so I ripped it out and started it again. The directions said to cast on 25 stitches before starting the sleeve and then pick up 16 more but ended up having this extra "wonky" bit that was sticking out and no where to sew it together so R.I.P. But it looks much better now. Just can't give it away without having it be the best I can do.

I knit and knit and knit and still am not at 21" on the sweater. I see it increasing in length and don't understand where all the knitting is going. I am going to finish it this weekend or know why not. Got some PBS dvd's from the library so I can knit away. Keep your fingers crossed.

A lazy kind of weekend. Getting quite hot so staying in is quite alright by me. Did go to ....wait for it....'bucks last night for an iced soy latte...mmmmm! Also got 2 pretty cups/mugs. A very pretty paisley pattern, one in blue and one in red. Also got to work on the harloty socks as I am now calling them.
Still slogging away on the t-shirt pattern and it's moving right along.

Here's another shot of the carillion tower...Eyore is in the foreground...teehee.

I've been knitting on the sweater in the round and have come to the conclusion that it is too small...gggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrr! What a surprise. I think it will fit Sheri though (hi Sheri!) so at least it will have a home. Why,why,why, everytime I make something for myself it just doesn't come out right? Maybe I'll just make socks. Sigh.

You Are a Soy Latte
At your best, you are: free spirited, down to earth, and relaxed.At your worst, you are: dogmatic and picky.You drink coffee when: you need a pick me up, and green tea isn't cutting it.Your caffeine addiction level: medium

Funny, a soy latte is my favorite drink. Teehee. I could use one about now. I have been working on the t-shirt in the round and have just put the sleeves on a holder and am working on the body. It's going fast but I think it's because I am having alot of fun knitting it. As a matter of fact I think I'm going to go and work on it now. See ya later. Knit away!

Obligatory yarn shot! This is my felted messenger bag that was from knitty.com. I decided that it should have some flowers so I hand-felted them...I guess they are ''fulled". I think it came out looking quite nice, don't you?

A beautiful day today. A nice breeze and much cooler. We went to Jungle Jims's junglejims.com( a grocery/specialty store) for some groceries and various sundries. They have a wonderful tea section in their England section as well as a Chinese tea section, a Japenese, Indian...tea section. I bought some tea....quelle surprise! An almond tea from Benchly (cheap but usually good), Autumnal Darjeeling and Tropical, which is a black tea with cornflowers, hibiscus and other flavors from an inn in Kentucky called the Elmwood Inn. Can't decide which to have first. Also got some good sushi. Well.... not so much sushi as it is the vegetable combo but still sushi.

Then decided to drive down and listen to the carillions in Mariemont. Stopped at Starbucks for a "holiday" treat...an iced venti soy latte...mmmm. The music was wonderful and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. I knitted on my sock ( the pattern from The Yarn Harlot is fabulous) and they played one of my favorite pieces of music, Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. All in all just a wonderful day.

Also finished A.'s sweater, cast on for m's and cast on for my knitted from the top down tee-shirt style shirt. Think that one should be fun. I can't remember the pattern right off the top of my head but I'll look and post it next time.

I've spent the last few days mostly napping....had some kind of sinus/bug grunge. Didn't even knit for 2 days. :( Feeling alot better but still a little tired. I have however, been knitting. Finished a round dishcloth and now working on a parallelogram one that is alot of fun. I am almost finished with A.'s big sweater- just working on the second sleeve and then the hood and voila! finished. Then I'm going to make a short-sleeved cotton sweater for myself. I am going to knit it from the top down, which I haven't attempted before. I have a dvd to follow also if I get stumped.
Just a short post as we are expecting more rain...YAH... and thunderstorms. Which is why I didn't post last night as I wanted. Lots of lightening so I watched a dvd instead.

Oh so sad. Remember the lovely sock that I have been working on for quite some time? I just could NOT figure out how to turn a heel from the pattern that I was using. So I took a deep breath, pulled out the entire sock and cast-on from a pattern from the Yarn Harlot's book "Knitting Rules". It looks to be a LOT easier and hopefully I'll have a sock soon.

Here is one of the washclothes that I have making lately. This is a smocked pattern that was alot of fun. I gave it to m. but she won't use it because she thinks it is too pretty. Um, okay but it is a washcloth.

Went to Starbucks earlier and had a venti soy latte....mmmmm. It was delicious.

Here's a fun meme that I stumbled on the other day (I know....I am incredibly behind in this things) so here goes:

The Knitters' "Been Around" meme.
KEY: Bold=done, Italics=Will Do, Normal=No Way

Afghan
I-Cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks:top down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens:cuff up
Mittens:Tip down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own homespun yarn
Slippers
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (including Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths,washcloths,tea cosies...)
Knitting socks (or any other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else's handspun yarn
Knitting with dpn's
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting 2 socks (or other small tubular items) on 2 circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchner BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/selfstriping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public


If you haven't seen this feel free to play.

Just got back from Barnes and Noble looking at the knitting books and vegan cookbooks...yum. I found lots of vegan cookbooks including "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World". I think that it's definately a must buy. I also found Mary Krueger's newest knitting mystery so I have something good to read tomorrow. Going to be in the 90's for the next few days so will lay low and stay cool.
Robin....your email to me was in my spam folder and I didn't realize it...sorry I didn't mean to ignore you. If you send it again I will certainly take a look! Thanks for reading.

Haven't been on the computer much this last week but have gotten knitting done. Worked on A.'s sweater last night during the game...GO SPURS! Tonight is art night and we now have a new member. I am going to get on later tonight and post more. Okay, I'm back. We had a productive art night...everyone played with using bottlecaps for jewelry or embellishment for their artwork. I didn't knit but did get some cards made. Which is always good for the stockpile.

Explanation of last post's quote: A glass sculpture at Summerfair had some of the most beautiful glass vessels. Some of them were matte and almost looked as if they had been crumpled. A. asked the artist if she could touch one and he said "Sure, it's better than the woman who asked if she could lick my art." He told her if she bought it she could do whatever she wanted. We just thought it was very amusing.

Yesterday we went to Mariemont to listen to the carillons. It was a beautiful evening and really enjoyed it. Here is Eeyore at the carillons with his program and his venti iced soy toffee nut latte....(shhhh! don't tell A.....it's hers).

" Can I lick your art?"

Not much knitting content today. Went to Summerfair yesterday and am just worn out...physically and mentally. So much inspiration and art! J. and S. went with us and we had great time. The quote above is from a customer who asked an artist there that very question. He didn't have any problem as long as she bought it first. I will post more later.

Okay, enough teasing. Here is the picture of the mysterious triangle put together. It is supposed to be a diamond...tilt your head to the side to see it...lol. I am working on the Celtic poncho/sweater lately. I have to knit 72 triangles for the basic piece...I have 30. woohoo. I figured I better get moving on it or another fall/winter will go by and I still won't have finished it. I am still slogging along on A's other sweater and finished the front left section last night during the Spurs-Jazz game....booo! Too bad they lost. Since I don't have cable, just regular t.v. I only get to see 1 or 2 games and I really want to see my team win. I am sure they will go to the playoffs though.

Non-knitting picture content! I also rubberstamp and do alot of mixed media pieces. This is a piece that I did for a "challenge" that a group of us "played" together. The challenge was that you got a bag of all kinds of stuff and had to make something using at least half of the things in the bag. This is mine. I enjoyed making it and probably will do some of the techniques again on something else.

Just read this on the blogteaandcakes.net and decided to play. Anyone that wants to be tagged you're it!

7 Random Things about Me:

1.I can't stand my hair down or on my face--it must be "scraped" back in a ponytail, no matter how severe it looks. Can't stand little flyaway bits and pieces.

2.Even though I really like coffee (hot and black), I almost always drink hot tea at home.

3.When I'm concentrating on something-like putting something together (like a vaccuum) I always have my tongue sticking out.

4.I like to fall asleep with the light on.

5.If I can't fall asleep I listen to the soundtrack from "The Blue Lagoon"...don't judge me...out like a light.

6.When I'm knitting for myself I will leave some mistakes but if it's for someone else I will tear it out and restart or go to before the mistake.

7.I love basketball...NBA. GO SPURS!!! I don't play any sports and only watch basketball and golf.

Here is the sweater that I finished this week. Yah! good for me. Actually it has sleeves but A. stopped by and had her camera so I grabbed it up and snapped the picture. I think it came out really well.

I have also managed to work through some lace patterns and obviously it was just me and not the patterns. heehee. I also am finishing sewing together my felted satchel andmade some really cool knitted flowers to sew on the flap. I used the same wool that I used to knit the bag and I hand-felted them in the sink. They are more "fulled" than felted but look really nice. I will try and get a picture of it next week.

FINALLY!! I think that I have broken the "lace" pattern block...I have managed to make a dishcloth in the Baby Fern pattern and it's doing really well.
I found this quiz on someone's blog...I don't remember which one.. and I couldn't play because I didn't have a MP3 player. But now that I have I-Bob I will play.

Open music library or MP3 player, place on shuffle and answer each question. When answered, hit next for next one.

Opening Credits: 18-Moby
Waking Up: If I Could Be Where You Are-Enya
1st Day of School: Broken-Belly
Falling in Love: Deliver Me-Sarah Brightman (very appropriate)
Fight Song: Bus Driver-Caedmon's Call
Breaking Up: Autograph-John Denver
Heartbreak: Anakin's Betrayal-Revenge of the Sith ( I swear...this is how it came up..no lie)
Prom: Calypso-John Denver
Secret Love: Cecilia-Simon and Garfunkel ( I don't know why)
Life: Don't Talk-10,000 Maniacs
Stress Day at Work: Don't Forget Me (when I'm Gone)-Glass Tiger
Mental Breakdown: How-Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories
Driving: Fire-Chocolat
Life's Okay: Candy-Johnny Mercer
Flashback: Car Song-Elastica
Long Night Alone: Long Gone Lonesome Blues-Sheryl Crow
Final Battle: Cool for Cats-Squeeze
Death Scene: Dream Weaver-Gary Wright
Funeral Song: How Can I Leave You Again-John Denver
End Credits: (I just) Died in Your Arms Tonight-Cutting Crew

I thought this was just funny how some things really seemed to go together.

This is something that I've been working on ...and off...and on ... for the past year. It doesn't look like anything now but the next picture will show more of what it will be when it "grows up". I have put it aside to work on various other things...mostly for other people. As if it makes it alright for it to be languishing in it's bag because they were things for other people. It watches me reproachfully as I go blithely past to pick up some other knitting and creep back by it as if it doesn't know I'm ignoring it. But...this is the only ufo I have...well, the crocheted afghan is still a work in progress but that doesn't count because it's not knitting. Well, and the sock, but I have worked on it some. I am almost finished knitting on the sleeve and then put it together and that's done. And then I will work on the above piece.

I cannot get the lace patterns correct for the washcloths for anything. I thought maybe the pattern was wrong but I tried another and it's obviously me. I guess I will have to go to the knitting group at Barnes and Noble on Tuesday. How sad...heehee.

Crazy weather these past few days. And chilly,grey and drizzly today. Went to the library this morning and stocked up on some videos and new release books...woohoo. Since it's going to be a long weekend (not much to do) I will watch some cool PBS and A&E videos. It's nice to be able to get those from the library since I don't have cable.
www.bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com


Does what you read vary by the season? For instance, Do you read different kinds of books in the summer than the winter?
If so, do you break it down by genre, length of book, holiday, or...?
I read all types all throughout the year. Although sometimes it is fun to read a Christmas book during the holiday. It doesn't matter when, I read it.

On the knitting front. I have been working on some dishcloths and are enjoying them but have gotten stumped on the one pattern. It is the horseshoe pattern and I keep losing stitches on the last line of the repeat. I think that maybe there is a mistake in the pattern and will have to look for corrections on the website. I also have been working on the sock...getting ready to turn the heel...keep your fingers crossed.

I feel I am, I only know I am,
And plod upon the earth as dull and void;
Earth's prison chilled my body with its dram
of dullness, and my soaring thoughts destroyed.
I fled to solitude from passions's dream,
But strife pursued: I only know I am.
I was a being created in the race
of men, disdaning bounds of place and time;
A spirit that could travel o'er the space
of earth and heaven like a thought sublime;
Tracing creation, like my Maker free,
A soul unshackeled like eternity:
spurning earth's vain and soul-debasing thrall-
But now I only know I am, that's all.
John Clare


Okay, I will try posting again. Last night I just couldn't seem to get it right so I just gave up.
The knitting is going along...the sleeve of the v-neck is over half finished right now. I have been making dishclothes this week. They are fun and fast and I can learn loads of different stitches while making them. Now that the weather is warming up I will have to take my knitting to go....al fresco if you will. So the washclothes and socks will be good for that.

When stars are in the quiet skies,
Then most I pine for thee;
Bend of me, then, thy tender eyes,
As stars look on the sea!
Baron Lytton


Just an update on the drat-ed v-neck sweater. 6 more rows and ready to bind-off. I figured that any mistakes I can cover up when I pick up the stitches for the neck. I don't know why it isn't working because I made it once before. GGGRRRR!!!

"When he shall die,
Take him and cut him
out in little stars,
And he will make the
face of heav'n so fine
that all the world will
be in love with Night
And pay no worship to the garish sun."
Anonymous

Knitting is still going along. I am almost finished with the front of the v-neck sweater so hopefully the increases will have worked out. I did finish a dishcloth today from the Mason Dixon knitting book. M. took one look at it and decided she really liked it and I gave it to her instead of A. but she gets the next one. The only problem is that m. will not use it as a dishcloth as it is "too pretty". I guess I will just have to throw it in the sink.

Happy National Poetry Month! In honor of that I shall post a poem every post in April. Some are well-known, some maybe not so much and just maybe....one or two shall be mine. So here we go.

Green, green, and green again, and greener still,
spring towards summer bends the immortal bow,
and northward breaks the wave of daffodil,
and northward breaks the wave of summers snow:

Green, green, and green again, and greener yet,
wide as this forest is, which counts it leaves,
wide as this kingdom, in a green sea set,
which round its shores perpetuated blossom weaves--

green, green, and green again, and green once more,
the season finds its term--then greenest, even,
when frost at twilight on the leaf lies hoar,
and one cold star shines bright in greenest heaven:
but love, like music, keeps no seasons ever;
like music, too, once known is known forever.
Conrad Aiken


On the knitting front....not so good. I had the front on my v-neck sweater almost finished last night when I took a good long look at it and realized that the increases and decreases did NOT match. GGGGRRRRR! So I ripped it all out and started again. Maybe this time it will work.

Crazy weather. It was in the 80's on Monday and now in the 20's. Just ridiculous. This morning the expressways were shut down due to black ice and they were asking people to stay in until mid-morning. It was cold but not too unbearable until the wind kicked up. BBBBRRRR! I've been knitting since it's too cold to do anything else. Half-finished with the front of the v-neck sweater and started working on the sock. Time to turn the heel....kinda scary. But I can't wait to try it.

Here is a picture of A.'s Doughboy jacket that I cross-stitched for her. She loves it and I did one on a short-sleeved denim shirt as well. Grilling in the back yard!

I know, I know....bad blogger. I haven't done much of anything this week including much knitting. Wednesday night I went to a new knitting group-well, new to me. A. drove me in the new, fancy car and waited until S. showed up. The group starts at 7:00 so we looked around for awhile-all the time being ignored by the owner's daughter who was quite rude and never once spoke to us. At 7:35 we decided that we could have gone to Starbuck's across the street. So we looked at each other, grabbed our knitting bags and split. Still without a word from rude girl. Yeah I'll be back....NOT. Had a lovely time at 'bucks, except the part where I spilled coffee on A.'s computer bag and felted bag. Niiiiicccceeeeee. Although the felted bag held up well. So no knitting group there. So much for that one. Plus, the one at the library is no longer. I would like to find a new one so I can have a knitting "sensei" when I have the need. So I will keep looking. And knitting.

Here is a picture of A's felted satchel ( the green one) and mine pre-felting. Her's is actually a very large size but looks small next to mine.

Went on a small road trip today. Since A. got the new car we have been driving all over. We went over the river to Knit On in Bellevue. A small store but packed with loads of stuff. I didn't buy any yarn but sure was tempted. They had lots of Noro and sock yarns of all kinds so next time I will be prepared and take extra money so I can add to the yarn stash. But did buy a set of circulars so I can knit a sweater from the top down. I've never done that before so it should be fun.

"We sheep are not alone."

Now that the warm weather is here I have my poor, lonely wristlets lying about looking rather pathetic. They are so lovely and warm it's too bad the time to wear them is just about over. I enjoyed knitting them, very fast and easy. They are made of Berrocco Ultra Alpaca and I got 2 pairs out of one skein. Which is a good deal, I think.

Nice warm weather today but windy. I suppose I can pull out my short-sleeved sweater tomorrow. It's a lovely coral color but I'm not sure how good it looks while on.

Here is a picture of A.'s new car. Isn't it pretty??Like her sweater, it suits her "marvelous much". I am giving it a welcome to the family hug.

It was the one nice warm day and was lovely not to have to wear a coat or sweater.

Speaking of sweaters, I just finished sewing my "big ole sweater" together and wore it today. I think that I shall put buttons on mine though. It came out quite nicely and was an easy knit. Which is good since I am making another for A. I also have been working on my v-neck sweater that is knit side to side in beautiful autum colors. Should look very nice. I have more pictures to come.

It was a beautiful day today! Supposedly winter is over but you never know. Sunny and warm-ish but just a great day. Went and had a double decker sandwich at a place we haven't been probably since summer and mmmmmmm! it was fabulous. Sliced egg and tomato on rye with mayo and onion. Yum. Followed by a venti soy cinnamon dolce latte. I don't usually drink the sweet drinks but that one is just like a melted cinnamon bun in a cup. Didn't get much knitting done today but still might later.
Spent a few hours watching season 6 of Northern Exposure. Great fun but too bad there aren't any more. I own 1 and 2 and eventually would like to have the whole series. Good knitting shows.
I think that I shall take my tea-Jasmine Estate-and do a little knitting. Good night all!

I got my package from KnitPicks the other day and the sock yarn is even prettier in the "flesh". I don't know which pair to knit first. I am almost finished with the big ole sweater...just have to finish the hood, knit the pockets and crochet the drawstring. Just a quick post because I have been lax about posting...will do more in the next day or two.

" I am alone with my sheep, but they are not alone with me." Wonderful things abound today! Even though it's rainy,windy and quite gruesome outside it's fun in here. I found out today that I won Regia sock yarn from Romancingtheyarn.blogspot.com. It's a beautiful brown colorway and will look great with A.'s sweater. Yah for me.
Yesterday I went to the lys and found the KnitKlips that I've been wanting. And if I go on Sunday and take a few things that I knitted from yarn that I bought there I will get a 40% coupon for each item. Then I can buy some more KnitKlips.
I also placed an order from KnitPicks....I wish it were here. I ordered a dvd-How to Knit a Sweater from the Top Down, 2 balls of the Memories sock yarn in the color Rocky Mountain Dusk (which will go beautifully with my new lavender Crocs that I also bought yesterday) a set of KnitPicks ID tags, a sweater stone (yes A. your sweater needs to have a nice "stoning") and the book- I Can't Believe I'm Knitting Socks. Should be fun when the package comes.
Almost finished with the second front on my sweater. Got alot done today while watching ''Fiddler on the Roof". I hadn't seen it in years and enjoyed it immensely. Just found this blog and it looks quite good:
Booking Through Thursday

A couple weeks ago, we asked about how you take care of your books, with one of the questions asking whether you write in your books. Well, what about books that are meant to be written in? Like, say, a journal or diary? Do you keep one? Obviously, if you're answering this, you have a blog--do you just let your blog be your journal? Or do you also keep one for private stuff also?

Yes, I keep a journal, I've kept one since I was in junior high back in the 70's. I do blog but I have several journals as well--one that is more of an everyday "art" journal for everything and then a private one only for me.

Yes, yes I know. Bad blogger. I have neglected my blog for I-bob. I can't help it...I am enamoured with it. It's just the coolest toy I've had in quite awhile. But I have knitted some although no pictures yet.
I did embroider a pair of jeans that I finished today and I think they look really cool. I may do another pair eventually. I do want to turn the heel on my sock soon so I think that I will probably work on that in the next day or two. Still working on the sweater but am about half way through the second front. If I buckle down and really work on it I can realistically have it finished by next week.
I am thinking about going to the knitting group that meets a lys here. A friend of mine goes and I thought it sounded like a good time. It depends on the weather as it is supposed to rain tomorrow with some thunderstorms...yuck. Maybe I will just download a few more podcasts into i-bob. We shall see.

Finished the alpaca wristlets and A. is very pleased with them. I have been slogging along on the ''big ole sweater" and am making progress.
The big news is....my new ipod!! Well, I call it an i-Bob 'cause it's not an Apple but I'm pleased with it and am going to play with it tonight. So I will post in a day or two. Off to play!!

You would think....think that after all 34 years Ad. would recognize one sister's voice over another. Oh well, on the upside he did call and wish A. a happy birthday...hahaha. It's the thought that counts anyway. Had a deee-lishous lunch at the chinese buffet and all of art club came (including a husband which was cool). Lots of snow again but at home and toasty warm.
Finished the "top hat" from Knit 1's The Love issue yesterday and quite pleased with it. Very warm and thick. Used Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in Adirondack and I would make it again. It looks really cute on everyone who tried it on...the wonder hat.
Started a pair of the wristlets for A. with the remainder of the alpaca. She really liked mine. But they are mine, mine, mine!! hahahaha. But I will graciously make her a pair. Aren't I just the nicest sister ever? I know.

Ice, ice everywhere. Sick of watching movies and being inside the house. Did get out for the first time since Monday. The ice is awful but it is beautiful with the sun shining on the iced branches of the trees and bushes. I wish I had a camera for some of these images. On the upside I did finish the wristlets and ooooooooooohhhh so warm and soft. Want to wear them all the time. Time for ER. so more later.

Finished all the hexagon hats...including one for m. and ''Sanchez",who absolutely LOVES it. And she's thrilled that hers is the same color as m.'s. It's good to be little; it doesn't take much to please you. I'm now working on the Ribberta wristlet in the Ultra Alpaca....oooooh soft.It is knitting up quite fast which is good as we are having a "winter weather advisory" here. Doesn't that make it sound official? I am guessing that art night tomorrow night will be a bust because we are supposed to have freezing rain and 6-8" of snow. Oh fun. Luckily I have lots of dvd's from the library and books on tape. As well as knitting to do.

Here's a shot of the never-ending sock. I really should get going on it and finish at least the first one. I am at the turning of the heel and have never done that before. I understand how to do it in theory but....we shall see.

See, you didn't think that I would knit the mittens and hat did you? I not only finished them I also started another hat for A. I am knitting on size 11 dpn's and hopefully it will be bigger for her.
Knitting will abound the next couple of days as it is going into the negative degrees and we are having the "white death" tomorrow!! Panic ensues...lol. They are predicting 3-5" of the crud and it so cold that it won't melt. So knitting and movie watching it is. I watched THE funniest movie today. It is the Reduced Shakespeare Company The Complete Works of Shakespeare in 90 minutes. I haven't laughed so much in years. Everyone should watch it and laugh.

Well I finally stopped knitting long enough to get here and post something. Brrrrrr! cold today. And for several more days. In the minus temperatures tonight and only in the teens tomorrow. Good thing I have my new hexagon hats. That's right...I said hats. I went to Hobby Lobby the other day 'cause they were having a good yarn sale and got a couple balls to make a hat and some mit-ens. Can't beat a set for $2.00. Bought a pretty black with colors all shot through it for another hat for A. and some for a hat for "Sanchez" and some mitts. Also got enough for 2 sweaters so I should be set for awhile.
Went to the lys today because I had (drumroll please!) $25.00 credit and it was burning a hole in my wallet. Got some size 10 1/2 and 11 dpn's and a skein of Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca. OOOOOHHHH soft. Got a free pattern for some wristlets that are oh so comfortable so I thought I would try my hand at that.
Think it's about time to put on my flannel pj's and robe and have a nice cup of tea...Harney's Cranberry Autumn. It's just fabulous. And a coconut-almond muffin. Sounds like just the thing for a cold winter's night. I also just got "The Friday Night Knitting Club" from the library so maybe I will read for awhile. No, no, no... I must knit and finish Sanchez's hat for her birthday. Then I will read.

Finished my hexagon hat this morning. Which is good since it is supposed to go into the 20's and lower in the next coming week. I'm also almost finished with the felted satchel for A. At least I don't have to felt it...A. will do that. She picked up the yarn the other day and it's a beautiful forest green-Cascade 220 and a light tan. The pattern knits up quite fast so that's always a plus. I'm going to try and finish it tonight so I can get working on my "Danbury'' sweater.
Went to Trader Joe's today to pick up a few things for the dishes I am going to make. Tomorrow is mushroom and barley stew, tomato lentil soup, and fancy biscuits...which are just biscuits with herbs and some green onions in them...yum. Also going to make some coconut-almond muffins for art night Monday. Love those vegan cookbooks!

Okay, I just typed my post and the annoying message...there was an error came up and my post was gone. GRrrrrrr! I finished A.'s "hexed" hat and it was much easier to knit than I thought. So I started mine this morning. I have 2 out of 7 hexagons done and it shouldn't take too long to finish. The hardest thing will be to decide what color to use for the backstitching. I will try and get a picture of it soon.

Just a quick note to say...the "hexed" hat is finished. It was much easier to knit than I thought so I started mine this morning. I already have 2 of the 7 hexagons finished and just have to decide what color to use for the blanketstitch. I will try and get a picture of it soon.

Well, it did actually snow here. I awoke to large flakes of the "albino brain suckers" rapidly filling the sky. And the driveway. I did manage to slide across the street to Krogers so I could grab the Sunday paper and shoveled part of the drive (in front of the garage so the car can get out) and the front walk and porch. It is icy/slushy underneath so I'm thinking we will probably stay in and keep warm. I am going to make some curried vegetable bake later (from The Garden of Vegan...govegan.net) and some coconut cupcakes for art night tomorrow night. Yum.
I did get started on the felted satchel last night and am moving right along so I will watch the Heat/Mavericks game--Go Heat!--and work on that.
Another picture? Why sure. Here's a work in progress. A scarf for me out of ribbon yarn and right off the top of my head I can't remember the pattern but I will post it later.

I finished the "droplet" hat from Knitting Nature and while it was a fun knit it looks TERRIBLE on me. The upside is that it looks really cute on A. so she has a new hat. I am still making her the Hexed hat from Knitty but one can always use another hat. Had a trip to the yarn store earlier (must have things to knit as the "white death" is coming tomorrow...everyone must be prepared!!) as A. decided she wanted another felted satchel but the big one this time. She picked a very pretty forest green and brownish/grey. I think it will be very nice. I also bought myself some Lamb's Pride Bulky for a hexed hat for me. The color is Tiger Lily and should knit up attractively. I don't usually pick that color at all but it was so pretty I couldn't help myself.
Time for some pictures!! Here's A. in her lovely "big ole sweater" that suits her "marvelous much" to quote her. Don't you think she's loverly?

Here is a pic of my scarf, mitten and hat set that I knit out of super bulky yarn from Hobby Lobby. Very thick but warm which is good because it is cold now and going to snow.

The sweater is a hit! I don't think she's taken it off since I gave it to her...lol. I had about 3 skeins left over and so I made her a pair of mittens and a scarf to go with it. The scarf is a very pretty basketweave pattern and shows up quite nicely on the burgandy yarn. I'm also knitting the "hexed" hat from the Winter 2006 issue of Knitty.com. I didn't see any sense leaving a whole skein lying around.
I cast on the yarn for my big ole sweater...mine is in brushed denim and also a v-neck sweater for myself in a bee-u-ti-ful autumn colorway. It should be very pretty. I made one for A. last year and it is knitted side to side. Since the weather is supposed to change to actual winter in the next day or two it will be good to have a new sweater.

Just a quick post...the cardi/coat is completely FINISHED!! Yup, all sewn up as of an hour ago. Hands tired so off to rest.

Finished the cardi/coat sweater last night!! Happy dancing all around. I was going to sew it together today but ended up going to the discount produce place and Trader Joe's. Then it was art night. I ended up with about 4 1/4 skeins left so decided to make a scarf to match A.'s coat. It is a basketweave pattern and so far looks really nice. Supposed to have a little snow tomorrow and windy so maybe I will get it sewn together then.

First FO of the new year! I finished the hooded cardigan. Well. Actually I finished it several days ago but it took me forever...or what seemed like forever...to sew it up. But it looks nice and now onto other things. I am almost finished with A.'s cardi/coat, just a few more inches of sleeve, the hood and 2 pockets and a drawstring. So it should be done by the end of the week. And then I can start on mine. I will try and get some pictures of it and put on here.
Went down to Coffee Emporium today so A. could get some coffee and I got some Harney brand Chinese Flower tea. Got alot of knitting done over the new year's weekend as well as lots of dvd watching. Watched the HBO mini series of Elizabeth I that was very good and quite engrossing.

I was getting my behind kicked by this pattern of Nora Gaughan's from Knitting Nature and feel like a bucket-head because it was my fault. When I wrote out the pattern I must have made a mistake. I couldn't figure out the line [(k1,yo 4 times,k1)] into next stitch to make 9 stitches. See, that makes sense....but when you leave out the INTO next stitch it makes everything all discombobulated. Eeesssccchhh. What a mor-roon. So I went to Barnes and Noble tonight and looked it up in the book (I could have just looked at the printed pattern but that would have been too easy) and found out my mistake. And got to pick up the new Vogue knitting and the new Knitters. And got some Harney's Holiday tea that was half price. Yum.That should keep be busy for the holiday weekend. Nothing to do but knit and watch some videos. Maybe I can get the hat knitted. We shall see.

Well, I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. Ours was spent eating, watching movies, more eating ('cause you have to keep up your strength to watch movies), more movies, more eating. And of course there was knitting. On the second front panel of the cardi/sweater and looks good. The movies we watched you ask? "The Family Stone" (a Christmas present for mom from A.), "10 Things I Hate About You"--Heath Ledger...need I say more? and "The Breakfast Club" 'cause it's a classic movie. Just a note to say hi to anyone and have a great week.

Here is the sweater that I made for Ad.I haven't heard if it fits or not, but I'm sure it does.

I just finished the back of A's sweater. It knits up very fast and quite pretty if I do say so myself.

Rain, rain, and more rain here. I'm really not complaining (too much) 'cause it could be snow. At least it is still warm out. Until Christmas anyway. I kind of feel like some winter weather. Maybe not snow but some colder, grayer weather. So far it's doing mostly that. So enjoy the picture and I'll be back soon.

Tonight was the last art night until after the new year. Which is too bad because we really had a good time tonight. It will be interesting to skip these next two times but it will give me a chance to get more inspired. Sherri made all of us the most beautiful earrings personalized with each one's hobby. Mine had a knitting charm on them and are a beautiful fall color. The others were in their favorite colors and had charms on them. A wonderful surprise.
Working on A.'s sweater--the Danbury sweater from Lion Brand website. The color is burgandy and is nice and bulky looking. It is knitting up pretty fast and I am already decreasing for the armholes on the back.

Everyone happy dance with me!! Ad.'s sweater is finished. Yes, you read that right, the sweater is finished. I am so pleased and it looks pretty good. So I am sitting here with my Christmas Starbuck's mug filled with Harney's White Christmas tea (yummy times two) having a pat on the back. Yay! for me.

Finally! I have triumphed over Ad.'s sweater...or the nemesis as I've been calling it. I finished a sleeve last night and just have the other to do and then the neck and done. Also finishing the cardi/coat. Turned out that I messed that one up as well. I went to sew the shoulder seams together and it seems that I made both fronts the same instead of a left and a right. What a gormster. But I have mastered the hat pattern and am about half finished with that. I also started on A.'s big ole sweater and got yarn for another one of the hats that I made her. It was the Rebel, rebel hat from Lion Brand Just Hats. It is a one skein hat and knits up really fast and is v. cute. It is in the Wool Ease Chunky and the color is Walnut which is v. pretty. I think she will really like that. I am going to make it a little longer and try and figure out how to make the "pigtails" a little heavier.
I found the best handcream--Williams- Sonoma's Spiced Chestnut hand lotion. Very good and smells ever so good. And the smell lingers throughout the day which is v. nice.

This is a picture of the niece's sweater that I made last summer. The blue border is crocheted on afterwards. (Notice the Starbuck's table it is posing on...Hi 'bucks).
Have you ever had one of those knitting days where nothing goes right? Seems like today was that day for me. I FINALLY finished the front on Ad.'s sweater....I think it's right but the good thing is that you can't tell if it's wrong so that works for me. I asked Jill to look at it and she couldn't see anything so finished it is. Just have to do the sleeves but didn't want to look at it anymore tonight. So I started on my Scalloped hat pattern with the Noro but after I ripped it out for the third time I gave up on that. I kept knitting the pattern incorrectly or ended up with too few stitches. I was going to seam together my coat/cardigan and pick up stitches for the hat but I was afraid I'd do irrevocable damage so I just put everything away and enjoyed the rest of "art" night.
It's freezing out tonight..19* and windy...brrrr! My scarf, hat and mitten set came in very handy and they are very warm. But I am glad to be home in my flannel jammies and drinking a cup of Harney's White Christmas. Yum! One of the best teas.

Okay. The headache is finally gone and knitting has commenced. Actually the headache was gone by Thursday but I was so annoyed that 1. all the NBC Thursday night shows were overridden by the stupid Bengals game and 2. I totally, totally messed up Ad.'s sweater. I am knitting "The Natural" from Family Circle's Easy (haha) Plus-Size (not) Knits. It is the first charted pattern that I have done and finished the back with no problem. Now I am to the part on the front where I start binding off for the neck split. Thought I had it all worked out but after I did all the decreases and bind-offs it turns out that I am off in my count somewhere and the pattern is off. GGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! So I ripped it out and have made at least 8 pattern charts and will just have to go one little stitch at a time. I HATE MATH! I got sucked into knitting before realizing how much math there is to it. Stupid, stupid counting.
On the positive side I am almost finished with the cardigan/coat for myself. Last sleeve and then the hood and finishing work. Also did a hat last night out of some Lion Brand Wool Ease Think and Quick that I had lying around. A cute basketweave pattern and knit up in under 2 hours. Doing a scarf to match and then the fun one. Went to the lys and bought a skein of Noro Silk Garden for the Striped and Scalloped Hat from 1 Skein Wonders-1o1 yarn shop favorites. It's a pretty pink/purple colorway and can't wait to see it knitted. Also bought a skein of Twize-100% Bamboo by SWTC in the color "twurple". I am going to make some kind of scarf out of it. Since the weather has gotten so cold...from 64* to under 30*...what is that all about? I figured I could use a few scarves. And hats. I cut my hair today so it is all hat ready and don't have to worry about pulling it out of the ponytail and having some wicked, nasty hat hair. Then by the time it is spring it will be long enough to "scrape" back into the ponytail.

I will post something in the next day or so...have one of those vile, pounding headaches. New yarn to report so check in again.

Well, I never recovered my favorites...what a crock! But I did remember more than I thought I would so it isn't the end of the world, although it did feel like it at the time. I have been moving right along on Ad.'s sweater, finally. It seems like it is taking forever and I suppose that it really is since I am a little unsure of what to do. I think I have worked out the pattern so maybe I can finish it this week. I hope so because I am sick of working on it. I want to start on A.'s big ole sweater.
I have finished a scarf, hat and 1 mitten for myself out of a lovely, soft bulky weight. I decided that I might as well have a set. It is just some Hobby Lobby acrylic yarn called Illusions but it looks nice.

This is a sweater that I made for myself last year. It's actually one of the first bigger projects that I attempted and it's a nice coat-style cardigan. I posted it to the Knit1 magazine gallery and won a go pouch that I use for my sock knitting. I call this the "Big Orange".

SON OF A MOTHERLESS GOAT!!! The other day I had to uninstall and then reinstall AOL due to a corrupted file or some such crud. Everything worked out great except the fact that ALL of my favorites are gone. Poof, disappeared, nada, nothing!! I know I had over 75 of them, from cross stitch to knitting sites and lots and lots of blogs. Some of them I've found and others I guess I will have to stumble over them. All the other screen names have the favorites with no problem...but noooooooooooooo, couldn't be the one name with just a few. So. I'm disgusted and will write more later.

Having fun making hats and scarves this week. I am finishing a hat from Lion Brand Just Hats--the Rebel Rebel. It's in WoolEase chunky in Spice and knits up really fast. I really like making cables although I can't imagine making them without a cable needle. I am still slogging along on the on the hooded coat and on Ad.'s sweater and sooner or later I will finish at least one of them. I am on the sleeves of the hooded coat so it won't be long now.

Woo hoo!! I am finally able to add pictures. Even though I don't have a digital camera and will have to have A. take photos for me at least I can add some here. This is the zigzag sweater that I made last year for Ad. I was quite pleased with how it turned out even though he wanted ribbing on it. I certainly wish that he would have told me that before I made this one. Still think it looks good though.

Sweaters have gone by the wayside lately.... scarves, slippers, and mit-ens abound. I just finished a scarf for A. Used Lion Brand Suede prints on size 13 needles in a dropped stitch pattern. Knit 2 rows and then *k1,yo across row, drop stitches on next. Turned out beautifully and so soft. Also made a pair of slippers for K. and am working on the second mitten. Also finished my scarf. I need to get working on Ad.'s sweater so that can be done. I spent time this weekend knitting and watching a dvd of "Frontier House".

Went to the lys the other day to get the Tahki Charles accessory pattern book that just came out. Quite a few things in there that I want to have. And some yummy yarn for a scarf for A. that turned out beautifully. It is Classic Elite Yarns Desert in pink, browns, golds. I knit 4 rows and then 2 rows of dropped stitches. The colors even matched when I added the second ball. A nice patterning yarn. I think A. will really like it. I am tired of making hats though. Now we are on slippers for K. And mit-tens...notice the enunciation there! I must finish my first sock one of these days. So I can start on the second. And then a pair for A.

I haven't posted anything this week because I haven't really gotten much done this week. I did finally finish A's big crocheted afghan...I am glad because it was getting so large I couldn't even handle it anymore. I am working on Ad.'s sweater and it's moving along. But the thing that I would like to have is the new pattern book by Tahki-Charles, the accesory issue. I love the twisty hat that is on the cover. I am knitting the hat from Knitting Nature by Nora Gaughan and also the spiral scarf but haven't started on them yet.

I went to pick up my package from Patternworks at the post office the other day...the thrill of the package...the anticipation of opening it even though I know what's in it...oh I am excited!! So I rip open the package (in a nice, lady-like way of course) and the two patterns are great but, what's this? The needles are the WRONG size. They are supposed to be size 13 dpn's but they were 7's. Ummm, no. I repacked them and sent them back for an exchange and they were quite nice on the phone but at least I don't need them yet.
Luckily the order from Herrschnerr's was right. I ordered yarn from the catalog 'cause they were having a great sale and A. and I wanted bulky yarn for the big cardigan that is on the Lion Brand website. I ordered Bernat Softee Chunky in Burgandy for A. and Denim for me. It came to about half-price for each, which is a much better deal because it would have been over $70.00 each. And some cool Hot Socks yarn in tropical colorway for A. I am still working on my pair so it will be awhile before she gets hers. But then they will be great.

Started and finished a hat for K. last night and made my first pompom. Which turned out cute if I do say so myself. Haven't really done much today but missed my box from Patternworks...boo! Don't they know that I WANT my stuff??? Granted, it's only a set of dpn's and 2 patterns but still. It's mine and I want it. I suppose I'll get it tomorrow.

Well. Tomorrow is supposed to be cold so I can wear one of my sweaters. I would really like to knit the sweater from Lion Brand that is the knitted version of the loomed one. It looks like it would make a really great coat and warm. A. wants one too. I found similar weight yarn that is less than half the price so maybe I'll order some. I'm still working on the "Kermit Gump" cardigan and have also started on Ad.'s sweater. I was trying to figure out how to do increases while maintaining a pattern and I think I've figured it out. When I did sleeves the pattern always came out "wonky". This will be my first time following a chart as well so I wasn't too sure about myself. Even though I don't have any problem with cross stitch charts. I'm pretty sure that it won't be too bad. We shall see.

I finished my short-sleeved sweater. I haven't tried it on yet but it went together pretty well. I will wear it to art night since everyone has been watching me knit on it for awhile. I cast on for Ad.'s sweater. It is in WoolEase grey and kind of a checkerboard pattern. I am also working on the hooded jacket and I'm about half-way through the back.
Still slogging along on the celtic poncho...half the triangles are done ...half more to go. I might get it done this winter if I start making triangles every day. We shall see.

I tried to post the other day and got knocked off line by the phone. So I will try it again. I finished Katie's sweater and it looks great. I hope she likes it. I am almost finished with my short-sleeved sweater--just one more sleeve and I can put it together and pick up the neck. And I didn't have any size 8 needles (what's that about?) so I couldn't work on the neck anyway. But I ordered some of the KnitPicks' Options needles and they just came today. Woohoo! I am going to try and finish it this weekend because it will be the perfect weather to wear it next week. I was going to start on my cardigan with the beautiful fall colored yarn but could not get the gauge to work. So I scrapped that pattern and found another. But I needed ...guess....that's right .... size 8 needles. So I am making a hooded car coat from the Cast-On magazine. It is done with Bernat boucle bulky in a pretty forest green. I call it "Kermit Gump".

It's finally fall here. Cold, wet, windy and generally gross. On the upside-I finished Katie's sweater today. I just have to attach the sleeves and seam up the sides. I am also about half finished with my Edgar scarf as well. Since it is going to be a nasty weekend I am going to knit, knit, knit. I would like to finish crocheting A.'s afghan since it is cool enough to work on it now. It is so big that it has to be thrown over me to work on it. So maybe I can do it...it is done with size Q hook so it goes pretty fast. I'll update as I finish.

So. Here's the funny thing. I couldn't post anything on here because I had sliced open my middle finger on my left hand the other day. Yesterday I got a new knife and sliced the other middle finger on my right hand. Hahaha. Not really too funny but the left one is healing nicely. At least I can now knit...although the bandaids make it kind of tricky.
I am on the second sleeve of Katie's sweater and the end is in sight. I did bring down the Noro to cast on for the Edgar scarf but so far have resisted the urge. Maybe tomorrow. It is supposed to rain all day so I can knit for awhile and then knit at art night too. We exchange our Atc's and bookmark swaps tomorrow night so that should be fun.

I will be posting in a few days as I sliced my finger with a serrated knife today....OOOOWWWWWWWW! So until it is a little less sore I won't be typing or knitting. See ya soon.

***You Are Grape***
You are bold and a true individual. You are very different and very okay with that.People know you as a straight shooter. You're very honest, even when the truth hurts.You are also very grounded and practical. No one is going to sneak anything by you.People enjoy your fresh approach to life. And it's this honesty that makes you a very innovative person.
What Color Purple Are You?http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorpurpleareyouquiz/ Interesting. I never really thought of myself as grape but there ya go.

I finally finished A.'s shawl and it turned out beautifully. The only thing we didn't care for was that it could have been longer to wrap around. But other than that it was great. And I am glad to have it finished because it was getting heavy to work on the longer it got. Now onto finishing my sweater.

Art night quote: " I bet it wouldn't go through customs" Deb.
Got a bit of knitting done this weekend. The back of Katie's sweater is done and halfway through the front. Almost at the decreasing point of my short-sleeved sweater and I did finish the "lap-ghan" that I was crocheting. Didn't take too long to do since I used the size S hook (just like crocheting with a fireplace poker). Started on one for m. in Cape Cod blue and maroon. THis one will take as long as A.'s big one since she wants it to be big. Maybe it will be cooler soon so I can have it in my lap to work on it.
Went to one of the parks yesterday to see raptors and then went to lunch. It was good but it was the deep-fried OREOS that were the bomb!! There was a restaurant in the food court that was called "Carnival Foods" and that's what they sell. A. absolutely had to have them ( I may have encouraged her just a "little" bit) but she could have skipped the gyro and just had oreos. I don't really blame her....they were bits of deep fried love.
Also went to the lys as they were having a sale. It would've been unpatriotic not to go and buy something as they were celebrating one year in business. I bought a couple of skeins of half-price yarn for a hat for me and a skein of Noro to make the Edgar scarf from Knitty.com. I already had one but I wanted a longer scarf. I will have to look at what kind of yarn I bought 'cause it was Sunday and shame on me, I cannot remember what kind. Geesh.

What was said at art night: "I can only fit her head on it." Amanda

A very rainy forecast for the weekend. It's a holiday...you have to imagine the song so you can sing along. Lots of knitting ahead and some dvd's from the library so I'm set. Plus, the new Laura Childs' "Motif for Murder". Finishing the back of Katie's sweater so I can get going on it. I have too many things going on at one time that I haven't finished anything. But I plan on getting some done this weekend. I am going to knit as soon as I get off the "box" here. But first, I may have a cinnamon chip muffin (mmmmmm!) and a cuppa tea.

Finished the spiral socks...woohoo! Cast on a pair for me with the Opal yarn I'd gotten some time ago. I finally found a pattern that I liked so we will see how it goes. I'm still working on A.'s shawl, which is coming along really well. I have at least 4 more skeins to go so it will be huge but she doesn't mind a bit. It's a beautiful grape color..."you're turning violet,Violet" heehee. I need to finish a few things 'cause I have at least 4 things going at once. I should have gone to the knitting group at Barnes and Noble tonight but am easily distracted by the books. Maybe next week.

Still so bloody hot!! But the knitting waits for no one. First, the loot from the yarn market. It's tempting to start a project with all the new stuff but I must finish some others first. I got 6 skeins of a beautiful sportweight plush from the Yarnsmith (www.yarnsmiths.com) and it is a lovely reddish/coppery color. Also got 2 balls of the soysilk yarn "Oasis" in a reddish color to match the plush.(www.soysilk.com). I also got a really cool thing but can't post it since A. has been known to lurk around here and read...Hiya A.! For my felted satchel I got 8 balls of Galway Highland Heather in a lilac color and a "tweedy blue/pink". Also a beautiful ball of Reigia sock yarn for me, me, me.
Right now I'm knitting a shawl for A. in Lion Brand Homespun in Grape that is a wavy shawl pattern from Coats and Clark. Coming out quite nicely I think. Also making another sweater for Katie in a size larger than the first. A's second sock is almost finshed so I can start on a pair of socks for me. I think I am going to use the Opal yarn that I have and do it in a pattern I found on www.knitty.com. I can't wait to start them. I'm also working on a short-sleeved sweater for me in a shade of pink called shrimp. The pattern is from Knitter's magazine Summer 2006 issue and is called Sweetpeas. So far it is coming along great!

I have survived the yarn fix. The yarn market was Tuesday night and it was great. Lots of good bargains but it was so HOT in the room that I could barely stand it. I got quite a few great deals so I was pleased. Wool for a felted bag for me. I will post my loot on here in a day or two.

Whew! It's hard to believe that just walking around and shopping for hours will absolutely wear me out. Stampaway was yesterday and it was lots of fun. Got lots of new stamps and unmounted rubber and still have money left over to go shopping at the yarn market on Tuesday in Monroe. Geeze, who knew there was going to be a yarn market here, much less so close and so soon. I was going to go here A WOOL GATHERING and still might but, really, who can pass up one so close. And with leftover shopping money? That would just be wrong.

Haven't posted anything lately. Been busy doing too many things with not enough time. Stampaway is Saturday and I have been trying to make a new necklace to wear. I have incorporated the cd with stamping and made the cord out of yarn that I crocheted. So far it looks pretty good. I am not going to spend all the money that I saved on stamps but save some for the yarn market that is on Tuesday night. I didn't know that we had anything like that here so I'm looking forward to it. I went to the yarn store earlier and bought some more SOCK yarn. I LOVE knitting socks! I bought another skein of the Rainbow Lorna Laces so I can make my sock longer and some bee-u-ti-ful Opal. I can't wait to knit with it.

Too hot. Finally got rid of the nasty sinus, heat headache and then the heat came back. Mostly been sitting inside and not wanting to do anything. Will post more later. Time to go lie on the floor under a fan in the dark.