Yarn Therapy

New Blog

2008-03-18T21:52:00.004-04:00

I've started a new blog at www.yarntherapyblog.wordpress.com. Come and visit!

A Nice Surprise

2008-03-18T15:03:00.002-04:00

Once in awhile, I get a nice surprise at work. Today, I received some mini-daffodils. I don't feel well, so this tiny bit of spring cheer is just what I needed.

I Am So Upset!

2008-03-15T21:49:00.002-04:00

Somehow, I lost most of my graphics, buttons, do-dads, etc. on my blog today. I really don't know how it happened. I'll probably just have to live with this for awhile, then I might investigate Wordpress or another blog service. Anybody have any suggestions?

Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

2008-03-13T23:01:00.005-04:00

Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your top three favorite colors?
Green, purple and blue
I like saturated colors, not pastels

2. What crafts do you really enjoy?
Knitting and crocheting, mostly. Have done cross stitch and beading, among other things. I don't sew.

3. What products do you really covet?
Pretty or novel buttons, hand-dyed yarns, knitting books and patterns, cute stitch markers

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things?
spending time with my family, reading, listening to music, cooking, working out (cause I have to)

5. Is there anything you collect?
sheep, hearts, teapots

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol?
Sun sign, Cancer and Chinese year of the Tiger

7.What are your favorite…

…scents/smells?
grapefruit, roses

…types of music and/or bands?
very eclectic musical tastes, like world music, classical, rock, pop, etc.

…authors?
I read mostly knitting books and psych books; nonfiction. Would like to read Friday Night Knitting Club.

…animals?
cats, dogs, sheep, alpacas (I only have cats)

…places to shop?
Sephora, Nordstrom, LYS, Kohl's, Torrid, Target

…season?
Spring

…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies?
Yarn: Malabrigo, Noro, Koigu, would like to try some indie dyers/spinners.

…candies or goodies?
good chocolate with nuts or cookies

8. Do you have any wish lists?
Amazon (on the sidebar) there is a knitting and a non-knitting one

9. Are you allergic to anything?
SMOKE and pollen

10. Do you have any pets? What are they?
2 funny cats

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy. Also, if you have a Ravelry ID, please include it here.
I'm yarnmaniac on Ravelry. I think that's about it!

Great Swap Package

2008-03-05T22:01:00.004-05:00

Amelia lurked over the package until I took the photo because she wanted the purple Peeps. Everything else was mine!

For more details, see the Scavenger Hunt Swap blog. It was a really fun swap, so if you are interested, email the leader and she'll notify you for the next one.

Not Bad

2008-02-24T22:33:00.000-05:00

In 4m 1s

Click here to Play

Fake, But Fair Isle Nonetheless

2008-02-17T20:41:00.003-05:00

One of the long-time items on my knitting to-do list has been to learn fair isle. I have several patterns picked out--Fairly Easy Fair Isle from S n B Nation and Easy Child's Fair Isle sweater pattern by Louise, to name two.

Today, I decided to try Fake Isle Hat from Mag Knits. I dug some Noro Kureyon and Knit Picks WOTA out of the stash box and jumped in. Well, it is very addicting! So much so that I didn't go to the knitting group because I didn't want to stop knitting long enough to drive there (do you see the irony?)

It is definitely not hard. I can even do it two-handed, which I wasn't sure I'd be able to do, but my hands are a bit cramped. I hope I'll get used to it. Just look!

Much Needed Knitting Update

2008-02-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

I suppose some of you may wonder what I am knitting right now. Here is the progress report. I must say that I am allowing myself to cast on more projects at a time than I used to. There are just so many projects I want to make, and who cares if I do lots at a time? Do you? I didn't think so. Can you tell I've been reading EZ? I am starting to sound like her.

Cobblestone: I got about halfway up the body and realized it would have fit my dh, me and our dd all at once, so it's been frogged. When I get over it, I will cast on again with smaller needles! Or maybe different yarn! I don't know!

Shawl Collar Cardigan: I have done quite a bit of the back, and it looks nice, but I have to admit I am ready for so much more than just stockinette stitch, that I am bored to tears knitting this. I have impulses to frog it and use the yarn for something else, probably for Amelia, but there is an awful lot of it. 12 balls, to be exact. Sigh.

Chevron Scarf: This looks good, I like the color combo, but it seems it will take forever. I tend to lose interest after awhile, so I keep putting it down.

Seamingly Simple Vest: I love the way the BMFA Twisted is knitting up. Very pretty. The saving grace of this vest is that it is done on large sized needles, otherwise the constant 2x2 rib could be enough for some homicidal ideation on my part. It is growing, but slowly.

Baby Sweater (above): This is a delightful knit, especially given the boredom factor of all of the above projects. The box stitch gives it just enough to focus on without being too fussy. The yarn, Valley Yarns Sugarloaf, is a good fit. It feels like cotton, but has the stretchiness of wool. It is a bit splitty for my taste, but not terrible. I love the way it turned out!

Thank Goddess for quick knits to break up the boredom.

Beautiful and Artistic? Or a Fugly Mess--You Be the Judge

2008-01-30T18:45:00.000-05:00

For a long time, I have wanted to devise a good way to use up those "scraps" of yarn; partial skeins that can't be used on their own. I have tried doing sweaters, shawls and the like, only to find I hate the project mid-way through and frogging it. This time, I think I may have arrived at a more "legitimate" way to use those scraps. I started crocheting a scarf long-ways using a single crochet stitch. I used one color for each row, creating random stripes.

I go back and forth. Sometimes I think it is very cool and funky, other times I hear "yarn vomit" in my head. It has been kind of fun to make, so that's positive. It's a good use of what would otherwise be trash, so it's recycling.

At any rate, it is one of a kind.

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

2008-01-27T21:11:00.000-05:00

According to this test, I am an Artistic Knitter. I like that!

My First Lace Shawl and Naptime

2008-01-27T14:26:00.000-05:00

I happily finished my Falling Leaves Shawl. This was a great pattern for a first lace project. I used Lush, a wool/angora blend. I think it turned out pretty, and it will be warm, too. I look forward to wearing it. For the purpose of actually blocking it, I invested in some T-pins. Right now, the "blocking board" is the chaise in our bedroom. The tough part will be keeping the cats off of it.

Now, it is naptime at our house. Amelia has company! I am going to work on the scrap-scarf I decided to crochet. It's a funky way to use of leftovers (yarn, that is).

I also ordered a few things for my Scavenger Hunt Swap partner. I think she'll like them. I've been trying to guess who will be sending to me.....

Conversation at My House

2008-01-19T23:18:00.000-05:00

Me: Amelia, Daddy's birthday is coming up. What do you think he would like for a present?

Amelia: Hmmm...I fink he would like some boy stuff.

Me: What kind of boy stuff?

Amelia: (after some deep thought) Hmmm..... I fink a lightbulb.

Me: A lightbulb?

Amelia: Yes.

I Dunno....

2008-01-16T22:29:00.001-05:00

The Recipe For Wendy

3 parts Flirtation
2 parts Charisma
1 part Fearlessness

Splash of Fascination

Sip slowly on the beach

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

What I Bought With My Amazon Gift Certificate

2008-01-12T14:09:00.000-05:00

Among all the knitting books (I know I buy too many), I decided I needed THIS

Now it is one of those things I wonder how I ever did without!

If you like Elizabeth Zimmerman, her DVDs are invaluable. I have learned a ton already! She makes knitting so unintimidating and user-friendly.

I need to grow a few more arms, but otherwise this is a good knit-year already.

Knitter's Scavenger Hunt Swap Questionnaire

2008-01-08T12:06:00.001-05:00

1) Do you knit, crochet or both? How long have you been doing it?

I have been crocheting for almost 7 years and knitting about 3

2) What is on your needles/hook right now?

A lace shawl, a cardigan and a vest for me, and a sweater for dh. Also trying the Chevron Scarf.

3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag?

I guess measuring tape. I check gauge a lot. Next would be the Chibi Darning Needles

4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)? What are your 3 least favorite?

Faves: Malabrigo, Cascade 220, Noro. Socks that Rock next.
Least Faves: Anything novelty or scratchy or sheddy and don't prefer cotton

5) What is your favorite color?

purples/greens but I like most colors.

6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack?

I'd list the projects I want to make and take yarn for that first, then just pull everything else I like! I'd probably ask friends what I should get for them!

7) What is your favorite FO and why? (post a pic if you have it!)

My Mr. Greenjeans in Malabrigo! It's on the blog further down.

8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet?

Sweaters for myself and my daughter, especially top-down in the round.

9) Do you collect anything?

Teapots and sheep. I collect mugs, but don't have any more room for any. Also love any unusual buttons or knitting tools.

10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)?

My daughter
My husband
My cats (2)
Knitting books

11) Are you on Ravelry? What is your ID?

Yes, Yarnmaniac

12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa?

TEA. I prefer flavored black teas and oolongs. I don't drink coffee and I am lactose intolerant, so cocoa is out unless I make it.

13) Favorite Sweets?

Chocolate and nuts, cookies, cinnamon things.

14) Any allergies?

smoke and milk

15) Do you have pets? kids?

Two cats and a 4-year-old girl. Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart. They all yell at me.

A New Year

2008-01-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

I've heard that what you are doing at the stroke of midnight on the First of January may foretell your year.

What were you doing? Drinking? Sleeping? Hugging someone special?

I'll tell you what I was doing: buying yarn on WEBS.

So, is that how my year will go? Kinda hope so.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-23T12:35:00.001-05:00

A Color Distorted FO

2007-12-22T15:14:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmakahh to me!

I finished this today, and I really love it. It is very cozy and warm. I ordered a button online today, so I should get that in a few weeks.

The color is very distorted in this picture. It is more accurate in the previous photos I have posted.

This just in: for those of you who hate Kitchener stitch as much as I do, Sandy Wisehart has instructions for doing it with knitting instead of sewing! Knitting Daily has the scoop.

Well, OK....

2007-12-05T23:29:00.001-05:00

In a Past Life...

You Were: A Mute Warrior.

Where You Lived: Ontario.

How You Died: Decapitation.

Who Were You In a Past Life?

Almost Year-End Wrap Up

2007-12-03T16:03:00.000-05:00

Last December, I made New Year's Knitalutions. Looking at them now, I did pretty well. Let's review:

1. Finish UFOs (a good attempt)

There were some failed projects, but they got frogged if I didn't finish them. The exception is my one Inside-Out sock. I have very bad SSS.

2. Take time to use good finishing

I am getting much better at this, because I realized that I can knit pieces perfectly, only to finish them into something that looks like doo-doo. I tried to take a finishing class at a LYS, but it was a terrible bust. Not sure if I will try again at another LYS, or just continue on myself.

3. Frog and redo, when necessary

Yes. Getting much better at this, realizing that, if I go to the trouble of buying expensive yarn and many hours knitting something, I might as well redo parts if they aren't the way they should be.

4. Start xmas presents earlier

I am not doing as many this year, which helps. However, I did start earlier.

5. Make one thing with lace

I made Camelia, by Stefanie Japel. I love the way it turned out.

6. Make one thing with cables

I am making Mr. Greenjeans out of Malabrigo worsted in a lovely teal green color. It is going so well, I vow to make many more things with cables in the near future.

7. Make one thing with intarsia

Nope. I tried the Heart Hoodie from Knit Picks and the gauge was just off, so I will try again later. I also want to start some fair isle projects.

8. Make Jaywalkers!

My attempt just failed miserably. I just can't seem to get the right gauge and don't have the patience to play with it. So I am the only knitter in the universe who is Jaywalker-less. Maybe I'll try Monkeys next.

9. Make a vest

Yes, did Sloane. I love wearing it, although I need to take in the side seams. I have two more vest patterns to try, one for me and one for dh.

10. Make the Yarnplay sweater!

Did it!

11. Make a shawl

Again, I tried, but lost interest in the scrap shawl idea. I have a shawl pattern from WEBS that I want to start, but haven't found the right yarn yet. That will probably be my first shawl.

12. Use circular needles whenever possible.

I think I have used circs almost all the time. What has made that easier is that I have made a bunch of things in the round from the top down. I also bought the Harmony needle set from Knit Picks, the pretty, colorful, wooden ones, and I LOVE them.

So that is my wrap up! I think I did pretty well, and it has been a good knitting year. Now that I'm on Ravelry, I am more organized and have increased access to LOADS of information and inspiration. I also started going occasionally to a knitting group that meets weekly (I don't go every week). I learn a lot from being around other knitters.

This year I also got up the nerve and submitted several items to the local county fair and won 3 ribbons!

My secret wish is to meet a fellow knitter with whom I really connect (locally or on the net) and develop a close friendship. Maybe in 2008!

How was your knit-year? What do you hope to do in the next one?

Cuteness Alert!

2007-11-24T19:06:00.000-05:00

Wrapped in Baby Alpaca Grande!
This was a fun knit and I think it looks so adorable on her.

Delightful FO

2007-11-02T21:00:00.001-04:00

Amelia is modeling the new sweater I made her. It was a Knitting Pure and Simple pattern of a child's bolero. The yarn was Plymouth Encore Worsted, a nice self-striping acrylic/wool blend. I have gotten away from using acrylic lately, but this is good for a messy girl because it's machine washable. I think it knit very well for this type of yarn. I may make another one, this was a very enjoyable project and I love the way it turned out!

KTS4

2007-10-30T11:40:00.000-04:00

I am happily sipping my Huckleberry Tea while I write about my fastasmic package from Emily in Seattle. She really found some unique items that I would definitely never come across here in Virginia. The teas: besides the aforementioned Huckleberry, she sent some spice tea and some Thai Oolong, which I tried and really enjoyed. (BTW, do readers know you can brew oolong leaves twice?) Also in the package, some gorgeous LP Brown Sheep Bulky Superwash in a lovely green, some nice handmade soap (another nice treat), two boxes of cookies with chocolate which I may not share, some Japanese teabags for putting loose tea in, some cute little teapot cookie cutters, and a journal with a cat inside of a teacup! Wow!

I love it all, and can't wait to hear her reaction to her package. A fine swap, indeed.

Stitches East Report

2007-10-21T19:46:00.000-04:00

It was a week ago, but I did want to report on my attendance at my first Stitches conference. My friend, Fran, and I went up just for the day to shop at the Market. It was a blast. Yarn, yarn, yarn everywhere!

Besides a whole lotta buying and ogling yarn, some other fun things happened:

Fran won a doorprize. I shrieked "Whoo!" I just couldn't help it. Knitting+prizes=Whoo!

I met some of the BMFA folks and they were cool ladies, as you would hope they would be.

I received a lot of positive responses to my shirt, which proclaimed, "If I knit fast, does it count as aerobics?" This included Lily Chin, who sat in a booth crocheting so fast you couldn't see her hand. She liked my shirt!

I also received many compliments on my Two-Toned Shrug I was wearing. Yay.

I also was in the presence of Lisa Souza herself ("I'm not worthy!!")

I almost got inappropriate with the Malabrigo representative, I just love that yarn so much. Ooh.

I also ran into the pretty black-haired girl who appears in the WEBS catalog. I probably sounded so lame, shouting, "Oh! It's you! You are the one in the catalog! You're famous!" She was very sweet and looked just like she did in the catalog, although she said some people said she didn't.

We ate crabcakes across the street (well, at was Baltimore, hun) and agreed it was a great day.

My Baby Turns 4

2007-10-14T21:37:00.000-04:00

OK, she doesn't really turn 4 until the 29th, but the relatives could come this weekend, so....it's a party, and the little girl doesn't know the difference. The theme was teddy bears, so the cake was appropriate.

Amelia's favorite gift was the laptop she got from Grandma and Grandpa. Now she is just like Daddy!

Fall Vacation

2007-10-07T22:40:00.000-04:00

I've definitely neglected my blog in favor or perusing Ravelry lately. If you are not on it, you must get on the waiting list. It almost makes one not even need a blog. It has helped me to become more organized with my yarn and projects and I've even sold and traded some yarn. If I'm thinking of making something, I can look at hundreds of examples people have already done. Pretty cool. Did you ever think there were over 30,000 knitters and crocheters out there in cyberspace? Mind-boggling to me.

We took our usual trip to Virginia Beach, VA a little later than usual this year. We've gone in September the last few years, but this year it was October. The weather was still good, not so hot, and the water was fine. We did the usual beachy things and I got some routine sunburn (within the first few minutes of hitting the beach even with sunblock 50.)

The second day was grey and drizzly, so...I had to go yarn shopping. I have been to all three of these yarn shops before, but I apparently must visit them every year. I like them all for different reasons:

The Knitting Corner
It is the homiest, with the coolest people. Ruth is an older lady, and she is my favorite all-time knitting store staff person, with lots of wisdom and I could spend all day with her. It was fortunate for her I went there first. If I had had more time, I would have sit and knit and talked to her all day and she would have gotten so totally sick of me, she'd close the store. I bought some Kool Kidz for a sweater for Amelia and some patterns.

The Hook and I
The prettiest, most elegant and organized shop with great patterns and inspiring projects. I was impressed that they even had custom-made nail files with a picture of yarn on them and the shop info on the back. I hope to give some of these to fellow Sit and Knitters in my Sunday night group back home. I bought all patterns here except for a little frog for Amelia to clip on the zipper of her jacket.

Ewe Knit Kits and Yarn
Probably the best selection of yarns, not a very pretty shop but well lit and cheery. The people were helpful. I found a very cool display piece and had to have the pattern and the yarn that was used in the sample. It is a Pure and Simple pattern for a little girl's bolero and it was made in pink, white and purple Plymouth Encore yarn. They helped me find it ASAP. I also bought some Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn and they wound it into yarn cakes (yay). Probably the best store to take a class.

That's my yarn adventures on my vacation. I also made lots of headway on the Bluebell Boatneck and a pair of Cascade Fixation socks for Amelia. When I get home, I will start that bolero for her. Is it wrong of me to be disappointed that she may have to wear a uniform at her new school? All I could think of was that the hand-knitted sweaters will remain in her closet, waiting for the weekends. Sigh. Is that so wrong?

Pics later.

I'm Somebody!

2007-09-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

The new phone book is here! (What movie is that, film fans?)

I'm on Ravelry!!

My screen name: Yarnmaniac. It will take me awhile to get the lay of the land and put all my stuff in there, but I've already joined groups (I'm a joiner, at least online).

Check it out, if you are among the fortunate. I am excited!

FO- Fitted Knit #6

2007-09-20T15:24:00.000-04:00

Voila! The Two-Toned Ribbed Shrug!

Little Elves Are Bringing Things to my Door

2007-09-18T17:06:00.000-04:00

....after I saw an email from Knit Picks that they were selling THESE, I had to order them. Poof! They were here. They are really pretty and I love using them.

Yes, that is the Two-Toned Ribbed Shrug from Fitted Knits. Just 4 more rows of ribbing, and it's DONE!! Yay! I am eager to finish and wear it!

What I Won't Be Making Next

2007-09-07T22:26:00.001-04:00

OK. I've seen some silly things created in the name of running out of stuff to knit or crochet, but this really takes the cake.

FOs-First BSJ and Another Fitted Knit

2007-09-02T17:33:00.000-04:00

I have finally finished my Baby Surprise Jacket, designed by the famous knitgoddess, Elizabeth Zimmermann. I used two skeins of dreamy Malabrigo in the colorway Violettas that I received as a xmas present last year. I added Orchid later to create some nice contrast. I love it!

At first, I was not sure about this pattern. It is quite ingenious, however, EZs directions were just not making sense to me. I searched the web for answers and found just what I needed. I found notes compiled by Dawn Adcock that made a line-by-line detail, plus this DVD!

Meg Swanson is terrific, and she teaches the project beautifully. Woo hoo! I was able to complete it without any problem, and it fit Amelia. I may lengthen the sleeves, but I may leave it as is. I definitely plan to make more of these. You can use any kind of yarn and you can be quite creative with it. I got the duck buttons at my new LYS, Needles in the Haymarket.

I also just finished the Thick and Thin Cardigan Coat from Fitted Knits. (Note the two greens are not as contrasting as they are in the photo). I didn't like the way my button hole band turned out, so I ripped it out and redid it. I am very glad I took the time to do that, even though I hate ripping. My local Sit and Knit group lent moral support while I did, so that helped the process. I think I found the perfect buttons for it. Now, we really need some cooler weather.

So, this makes 5 completed projects from Fitted Knits with one in the works. The question remains, should I start another? I am trying to decide between the Puff Sleeved Cardi, the Bluebell Boatneck, the Alexandra Ballet Top and the Back to School Vest. Probably the Bluebell Boatneck. What do you think--pink or black?

Check out my cool buttons!

Some Times These Silly Things Are Too True To Life....

2007-08-30T08:41:00.000-04:00

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Reverend Lady Wendy the Clement of Withering Glance
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Ha!

Report From the County Fair

2007-08-19T08:51:00.001-04:00

I'm very surprised--I won three ribbons! One of each. The sweater that I really thought might win had too much competition in that category and didn't win any ribbons.

Some of us rode lots of rides! LOTS of rides.

A good time was had by all!

Knitters, Drool With Me

2007-08-16T18:09:00.000-04:00

I really want this book!

Fitted Knit #4

2007-08-08T22:08:00.000-04:00

The Short-Sleeved Ribbed Cardi from you-know-what-book. It's kinda hot to think about sweaters, but this was a very enjoyable knit and I love this yarn--Cascade 128. I will surely find other reasons to use it very soon. I bought the dichroic glass buttons at my LYS and the owner, Aylin, helped me choose them herself. You really can make or break a garment with the buttons, don't you think?

I am doing the sleeves on both the Thick N' Thin Cardigan Coat and the Two-Toned Ribbed Shrug, two more fitted knits. If I complete them, that will be 6 patterns made from one book. That is definitely a record for me.

In a fit of bravery (or stupidity) am entering four items into our County Fair tomorrow. Wish me luck! My goal is just to win an honorable mention as I've only been knitting for 3 years.

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

2007-08-07T14:10:00.001-04:00

We had fun at the Land of Little Horses:

Comfy beds at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in between:

And at my family reunion:

My cousin, Earl, is 95, bowls in the Senior Olympics and still plays in a band! Go, Earl!

Our Mini Vacation

2007-07-31T11:31:00.000-04:00

First we're going here, then we are going here for my family reunion!

What a Girl

2007-07-29T14:37:00.000-04:00

Amelia found a crochet hook--size G, I think, in the car. "What is this, Mommy?" She asked. "It's a crochet hook," I said, matter-of-factly. She held it up and declared, "I'm a pirate!!!"

More Silly Stuff

2007-07-24T21:26:00.000-04:00

Who's Your Inner 1950's Pin Up Girl? (PICS!)

You Are Down To Earth And Fun Loving
Take this quiz!

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| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Cutie

2007-07-23T15:02:00.000-04:00

Amelia had a luau today and I had to share the photo!

I've Been Nominated!

2007-07-17T14:09:00.000-04:00

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tImbT7kDWHg/RppdHapWR_I/AAAAAAAAAB4/pp3Y3Hw9uZY/s200/Rockin_Girl_Blogger.jpg

Shucks, Isabelle, I'm so flattered, I'm speechless!

Well, almost. This is really nice, because I am never sure what people think of this blog. I know it is not wordy and descriptive like some. I guess I just don't feel like the chronicles of my everyday life are all that interesting. But, I do like sharing my knitting and occasionally, my daughter and cats. I can see I get a lot of hits every day, but not lots of comments. This gives me the opportunity to ask: what would allow people to comment more? More knitting content? Please feel free to let me know!

Not sure who I can nominate who hasn't been already, but I'll work on this.

HBTM (Happy Birthday to Me)

2007-07-13T19:31:00.001-04:00

Yesterday. The Cold Stone Creamery Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate ice cream cake. Amelia said, "This is the yummiest cake I ever eated." he he. It is almost too much chocolate. Almost, I said.

Today, I got several knitting books I ordered on Amazon from a gift certificate from BIL Mark.
Must have knitting books, as many as possible. Even more when someone else is paying for them.

I also got a package from my Knitter's Tea Swap 3 partner yesterday. Lots of great stuff, but my faves are the really pretty sock yarn and a cute pink teapot for one. It has gone to the office. Oh, and more chocolate. Aww!

I won the drawing on the Fitted Knits KAL! The prize came today, it is a $40 gift certificate for Webs. Shopping!!!!! Whoo hoo!!

What a Cup!

2007-07-11T16:33:00.000-04:00

My business partner gave me my birthday present a day early. Look at this cup! It says: "Sensitivi-Tea:
Your insight and perception makes everyone comfortable.
Your ability to understand and respond makes you a true friend."

Wow! What a flattering and beautiful gift.

I started the Short Sleeved Cardigan with Ribbing from, well, you know what book. The Cascade 128 is absolutely fabulous yarn and knits up wonderfully. Pics later.

Recent FOs

2007-07-07T19:31:00.000-04:00

I have saved up several FOs to share. The first one on the left is the Cozy V-Necked Pullover from Fitted Knits. The yarn was the recommended Cascade Pastaza in a comforting brown. I loved making this. Except for the sleeves, it is top-down raglan mostly in the round, so there is very little seaming. Yay! I am actually considering entering this in our county fair next month if I get up the nerve.

The next is a cardigan I made for Amelia. The pattern was winging it. The yarn was Muench Tessin in five colors. I couldn't decide which color I liked best, so I decided to use all five!

Next, the Bulky Mini Cardi from Fitted Knits in a burnt orange and cream. I loved making it, love the way it turned out, but it is small for me so I will give it as a gift.

The Baby Bolero from One Skein in Cascade 220, Shrimp. Shh! It will be a surprise baby gift, so I can't say for whom.

Next up, the Thick and Thin Cardigan Coat and the Short Sleeved Cardigan with Ribbing, both from Fitted Knits. If you haven't looked at this book, go on Amazon immediately! Can you tell I like it? Also, Knit Picks is having a sale on books!

Happy Knitting!

Fitted Knits KAL

2007-07-02T22:41:00.000-04:00

I was excited to find this KAL today and immediately signed up. I have almost finished 3 projects from this awesome book, soon to start at least 2 more. I have never wanted to complete so many projects from one book before. They are all doable, too. I love that they are all top-down constructed (that means not much seaming, great for the sewing-impaired like me). It is fun to see what others are doing with the patterns, what yarns they are using if they are substituting, etc. I, like so many others, find it challenging to envision pieces in colors other than what they are pictured in, so it is good to see what patterns look like when people make them in other colors. Also, and I hope nobody gets offended by this, I like to see what real people look like in the garments as opposed to the skinny models in the book. That will give me a better idea of how the sweater might look on me (I will never look like a model).

Off to knit!

When In Doubt, Do a Meme!

2007-06-29T15:50:00.000-04:00

The game is SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Here are the rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Your Name: Wendy

1. Famous Singer/Band: The Weathergirls (anybody remember them?)

2. 4 letter word: wimp

3. Street: Wisconsin Avenue

4. Color: White Gifts/Presents: Wool yarn! (for me, anyway)

6. Vehicle: Wagon

7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: wind socks

8. Boy Name: William

9. Girl Name: Wanda

10. Movie Title: Where the West Was Won

11. Drink: White Russian

12. Occupation: Window Washer (A double)

13. Celebrity: Winona Judd or Ryder

14. Magazine: Working Mother

15. U.S. City: Washington, DC!

16. Pro Sports Teams: Wizards

17. Reason for Being Late for Work: Woke up late

18. Something You Throw Away: Wine bottles

19. Things You Shout: Wow!

20. Cartoon Character: Wendy from Bob the Builder!

W is a hard one!

I've Been Tagged

2007-06-24T13:40:00.000-04:00

Isabelle, aka Tricotine, has tagged me for a meme. Here goes: you enter your birthdate into Wikipedia, and report 3 events, 2 births, and 1 holiday. Mine is July 12:

3 events:

1. 1543, King Henry VIII married his 6th and last wife, Catherine Parr.

2. 1804, Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel.

3. 1960, Etch-A-Sketch goes on sale.

2 births:

1937- Bill Cosby
1948- Richard Simmons

1 holiday:

N. Ireland- Orangeman's Day

Done! Play, if you want to!

Knit Update

2007-06-10T19:09:00.000-04:00

A long overdue knit update:

Carey Cropped Sweater and Camelia, both by Stefanie Japel. I wish I looked better in these photos, but I like the way these sweaters were to knit, and I like the way they turned out.

I'm halfway through the Cozy V-Necked Pullover now, but of course, I won't be able to wear it for months. I also finished Amelia's colorful cardigan, but I want to block it and put the buttons on it. Let's hope she doesn't grow out of it before she gets to wear it.

This morning, I noticed Amelia had put a gold-star necklace on her cup lid. I touched it, and she said, "Don't touch it, Mommy, it's my imagination."

My Favorite One So Far

2007-05-27T23:06:00.000-04:00

I love trees.....green is such a soothing color. I could look at this forever.

Some Flowery Goodness

2007-05-27T23:01:00.002-04:00

Fun, huh? Done with Mosaic Maker on Flickr. Try it!

Fun With Cats

2007-05-27T22:55:00.001-04:00

This was fun. I put in the word WHISKERS into the tag of the mosaic maker on Flickr. Mostly cats, but there is a cute seal, too. Try it!

Why Do My Flowers Keep Disappearing?

2007-05-26T23:32:00.000-04:00

Okay, I know I don't garden all that often. I get the urge maybe 2-3x a year. Plus, we just have a little front yard the size of a postage stamp. Still, when I decide to plant some flowers, I really like to see them thrive and brighten up our tiny corner of the earth. Amelia likes them, too.

I became aware that something or someone was eating the flowers I planted, and we have found the culprit. He sure is cute...so I hope the flowers were tasty.

Stop Me Before I Order Yarn Again....

2007-05-20T16:11:00.000-04:00

But how can I help it? When Webs is having their anniversary sale and has Cascade Jazz for $9.99 a ball? And Bliss Cathay for $3.99? And I've been wanting to make the Jazz jacket in Fitted Knits and Tahoe from Knitty? Never mind that I have enough yarn to probably take me into the next millennium? And I only seem to be able to end a sentence with a question? Wouldn't you do the same thing?

Anne Frank Tree

2007-05-16T16:55:00.000-04:00

I have a particular affinity for Anne Frank having played the role of Anne in the play about 30 years ago. I learned from Tricotine's blog that the tree Anne viewed from her window is diseased and may be removed. You can now place a leaf on the tree at the website. Try it!

I Have to Do This One, Too!

2007-05-13T14:50:00.000-04:00

Items in bold have been or are being knit.
Items in italics are ones you plan to knit.
Leave the rest plain.

afghan
Shawl
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Sweater
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Baby items
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Scarf
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…)
Purses, Bags
Stuffed toys
Jewelry
Gloves
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Rug
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Hair accessories
I-cord
Garter stitch
Stockinette stitch
Moebius band knitting
Drop stitch patterns
Slip stitch patterns
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Two end knitting (not sure what this is!)
Continental knitting
American/English knitting
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Buttonholes
Fair Isle Knitting
Norweigen Knitting
Holiday related knitting
Bobbles
Knitting smocking
Steeks (too scaaaarrryyyyyy!)
Fulling/felting
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Intarsia
Tubular CO
Short rows
Thrummed Knitting
Knitting with metal wire
Knitting with camel yarn
Knitting with silk
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with soy yarn
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Knitting with alpaca
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Knitting with cotton
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Knitting with wool
Knitting with beads
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Knitting with cashmere
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Knitting with Linen
Knitting with dog/cat hair (unintentionally)

Participating in a KAL
Charity knitting
Designing knitted garments
Publishing a knitting book
Teaching a child to knit
Knitting to make money
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Teaching a male how to knit
Knitting for a living
Dying yarn
Knitting art
Machine knitting
Darning
Writing a pattern
Knitting for preemies
Freeform knitting
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Knitting on a loom
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Knitting in public

8 Things Meme

2007-05-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

This time I have an excuse: I was tagged. The rules are I have to supply 8 random interesting? facts about myself and tag eight people. From Miss Scarlett's blog. OK, so here are my 8 things:

1. I am unable to use a port-a-potty no matter how badly I have to go. Same with behind a tree.
2. I married my high-school sweetheart--but he is husband #3. We have now been married 6 years and met 30 years ago.
3. I have had 14 cats and it all started when I wanted a puppy.
4. I taught myself to read the summer before Kindergarten, but I didn't ride a bike until age 12.
5. I had natural childbirth by accident because I didn't realize I was in labor and got to the hospital just in time!
6. I am left-handed with some things, right-handed with some things, and neither-handed with some (like tennis!).
7. I graduated college at almost 33.
8. I have never ridden a horse, but I have ridden an elephant, a turtle and a donkey.

OK, now I am supposed to tag eight people. I choose Laura, Trish, Jackie, Green Mountain Mama, Ginny, Tricotine, Karen, Knitting Zeal.

Now, I am supposed to do something, like make something for charity. I have already made a pair of socks and a scarf, but I plan to felt some left-over Cascade Magnum for a pot holder that Knitters and Crocheters Care of DC area is collecting for the formerly-homeless as they obtain new homes.

This MSW Went to the MSW

2007-05-06T19:10:00.000-04:00

Well, it was a fun time at MSW. The weather was great, just a bit on the chilly side, but I was able to wear Poppy, so that was cool. I got many compliments. The haul is pictured, except for two glass buttons I bought, and a travel cup.

Starting at far left going clockwise: 1 skein Mountain Colors, 2 skeins of Claudia Handpainted sock yarn, 3 balls of Regia, 2 patterns from Blue Moon Fiber Arts (I think these are from previous sock club years), a festival T-shirt, 6 skeins of Koigu, and a skein of really nice merino from Autumn Farm. I love those colors. The red yarn is for some secret socks I'm going to make.

I think I did pretty well. DH gave me money to spend in liu of Mother's Day and our anniversary (May 8th) and I did add to it, but not a huge amount. One disappointment: I failed to find the Blogger meet-up. I looked, but didn't find anyone. I did meet Amy O'Neill Houck, of Knitty Gritty fame, who lives in the DC area. She gave me some tips on potty training Amelia!

Our Trip to the Farm

2007-04-29T15:32:00.000-04:00

Amelia has been asking lately to go to a farm. We honored her request today by taking her to the Old Mine Ranch, just 15 minutes from where we live. It was perfect for her. They had ponies to ride, animals to feed, a hayride, moon bounce, tunnels, sandbox, and just lots of farmy goodness. One of the sheep got injured while we were there and they had to catch it and wash it. Fun to watch. Amelia loved the ponies the best. We got some pictures of the highlights. One really nice thing: Amelia didn't cry when we had to leave! Icing on the cake.

Some pics!

I Can't Resist A Good Meme

2007-04-21T22:37:00.000-04:00

Three Things That Scare Me

=Car accidents

=George Bush

=Who we'll elect next?

Three People Who Make Me Laugh:

-Todd
-Amelia
-myself!

Three Things I Love:

-chocolate — and lots of it!
-Knitting (duh)
-being a mom

Three Things I Hate:

-smoking
-loud, inconsiderate people
-porta-potties

Three Things I Don’t Understand:

-Why we should be interested in the love-lives of celebrities
-Republicans
-How mancala works

Three Things On My Desk:

-pictures of Amelia
-plants
-little handblown glass teapot with fish inside

Three Things I’m Doing Right Now:

-blog entry
-feeling thirsty
-preparing to frog several rows of Camellia

Three Things I Want To Do Before I Die:

-have grandchildren
-travel more
-go to a knitting retreat or cruise

Three Things I Can Do:

-sing
-accumulate junk
-talk to children in ways most adults can't

Three Things I Can’t Do:

-manage money
-fix things mechanical
-find a good friend in Woodbridge!

Three Things I Think You Should Listen To:

-your gut instinct
-Mozart
-your children

Three Things You Should Never Listen To:

-your critical inner voice
-mean people
-music you don't like

Three Things I’d Like To Learn:

-money management!
-world history
-more complicated knitting

Three Favorite Foods:

-Really good Mexican
-Turkey and gravy
-Sushi!

Three Shows I Watched As A Kid:

-The Bugaloos

-Family Affair

-I Love Lucy

Three Things I Regret:

-thinking I was fat when I really wasn’t
-Not paying attention in Geometry class in 10th grade
-Not making better friends in grad school

Latest Knitting Progress

2007-04-16T10:36:00.000-04:00

OK, so here are some pics of my recent projects, namely, Camelia, my ipod cozy, the Inside Out Sock, and the beginning of a gift sock for my friend, Claire.

Camelia is a Stefanie Japel design from her website and I

decided to use two strands of Karaoke (soysilk/wool from SWTC) in Fur Elise. I love the effect this is getting: not stripes, but a nice blended effect. I know a lot of knitters seem to hate orange, but I think even orange-haters could tolerate this combination of orange, lavender and brown. It is also hopefully hiding some of the errors I have made but reluctant to rip out. Yes, that is the hardest thing for me, still. I am definitely better but I still don't qualify for perfectionist status by any means.

I am not wild about how the Monsoon pooled on the Inside Out sock, but the sock was fun to do with the toe-up construction and the short-row heel. It kept me sane when I was sick as a dog with pneumonia last month. The Cascade Fixation sock for my friend is seeming very quick and easy by comparison. I love those colors, so I may have to make some for myself, however, if making two socks is a challenge due to SSS, how would I do with four?

I welcome comments on all of the above!

My Busy Girl Gets a New Sweater

2007-04-01T19:54:00.000-04:00

I am so proud of my darling daughter. We went on an Easter Egg Hunt yesterday at the local shopping center. She was on a mission. At one point, we got waylaid in the paint store where they had toys!

When left to her own devices, she puts together some amazing outfits. Notice the two shoes and the enormous pants are on backwards.

I made this sweater, hoping that she'll be able to pair it with just about anything in her wardrobe. (Note, the colors are truer to life in the previous post). I am very proud of this because I followed my resolution to use good finishing techniques and I think it paid off.

Amelia got adventurous later and decided to try using chopsticks to eat her Chinese food. She did pretty well!

Now I must choose my next project! Hmmmm....so many things I want to make. I know I should do the other Inside Out sock. I suffer from extreme SSS (Single Sock Syndrome). There should be a sock exchange where people make one sock and trade them to another for the other sock (make sense?)

Stay tuned to find out!

Latest Knitting Progress

2007-03-28T18:43:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share my latest knitting progress, in this case, the Prepster Sweater from The Yarn Girls' Guide to Knitting for Babies and Toddlers. Since Amelia will soon size out of the cute patterns in this book, I decided to eke one more usage out before I shelve the book for future baby gifts.

I have knitted several other items from this book and I love the simple but attractive patterns. The instructions are easy to follow and many of them are bulky yarns, which make for quick projects. This sweater is a plain, V-neck with ribbing on the bottom and the cuffs. It uses Noro Kureyon in color 175. I love, love, love this yarn. I have finished the front and back and almost done with the first sleeve.

As it is now in the 70s during the day here, she may not get to wear this before next fall. However, she is now keenly aware when I am knitting something for her. She comes by and asks, "Are you knitting me a sweater, Mommy?" I tell her yes. She says, "Oh, thank you, Mommy!" Wow.

Although I am sad that Amelia will not get to wear all of the cute sweaters and hats in this book, I am grateful that the Yarn Girls have come out with another book (which I already own), The Yarn Girls' Guide to Older Kids. Yay!

Funny Amelia Quotes

2007-03-27T22:36:00.000-04:00

I overheard Amelia pretending to call her aunts on the toy phone tonight. She had dh and I both talk to the aunts, then she took the phone back and told them, "That was my dad. He's a really good man and she's a really good lady."

The other morning I caught her pushing buttons, trying to get the computer to come on. She told me, "Wait, Mommy, Dot Com is coming on!"

I was baking muffins and showed her the tin with the batter in it. As I placed it in the oven, she cried, "Hey, what are you doing with my muffins!?"

Update

2007-03-17T21:49:00.000-04:00

That's pretty much it!
I finished one Inside Out sock from STR Sock Club. I had to modify the leg because once I tried to do the cable pattern, it wouldn't go on my foot at all. It is, however, a very comfy sock.

I frogged the Amelia sweater because my gauge was too loose and it was HUGE. She's growing, but not THAT fast. I plan to restart it soon. I may make myself a little sockie for my ipod (very little, because it's a Nano) as a break.

Shameless Plug for Sympathy

2007-03-11T15:49:00.000-04:00

Wah!
I have pneumonia! Off to rest, knit and cough (in that order).

Bye!

Less Than Two Months Until Maryland Sheep and Wool

2007-03-08T21:02:00.000-05:00

I had better start saving money, because going there unable to spend is torturous. Just look at the vendor list! Koigu, Tess, Ernst, Green Mountain, oh my!

I am plugging away at my STR sock, although using size 0s makes it seem interminable. You knit and knit and get a half inch! Woo hoo! I did myself a favor and transferred the stitches to 2 circulars and it makes it much easier. Thanks, Knit Picks!

We're Early For Once

2007-03-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

Amelia is very proud of the Easter Eggs we dyed!

The Underappreciated Felines Get a Pic

2007-03-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

Here they are, Simon and Zing, holding down the area rug in the computer room:

I Officially Have a Life! Whee!

2007-03-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

It’s been alleged that if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own blog, paste it in and put x’s by the ones that you have seen. Add them up, figure out whether you’ve got a life or not, and post it.

(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
() Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
() Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
( ) Neverending Story
(X) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
(X) The Princess Bride
() AnchorMan
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
(x ) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( x) White Oleander
() Anger Management
() 50 First Dates
() The Princess Diaries
() The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
( ) Harry Potter 1
( ) Harry Potter 2
( ) Harry Potter 3
( ) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
() The Wedding Singer
() Little Black Book
( ) The Village
( ) Lilo & Stitch
() Finding Nemo
( x) Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
( x) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
( ) 13 Going on 30
() I, Robot
() Robots
() Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
( ) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
() Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
(X) Meet The Parents
() Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
(X) Joe Dirt
( x) King Kong
( ) A Cinderella Story
( ) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( x) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving Christmas
( x) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
( ) Practical Magic
(x ) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
() Hellboy
( ) Secret Window
( x) I Am Sam
() The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child’s Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
(x ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
( x) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x ) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
() The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Sleven
( ) Ocean’s Eleven
( ) Ocean’s Twelve
() Bourne Identity
( ) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
() Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
() Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(X) E.T.
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
(X) Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
() Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She’s All That
() Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
() Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
( ) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
( x) The Terminator
( x) The Terminator 2
( x) The Terminator 3
() X-Men
() X-2
() X3
( ) Spider-Man
( ) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
( ) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
() Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
( ) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
() The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
() K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe
() A Walk to Remember
(x ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
( ) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
( ) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
( ) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
() Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Base-ketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
() Elf
() Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
( ) Hulk
( x) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
( ) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 1
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
( x) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
() Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
() Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
() Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
() Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
() Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
() Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
() The Matrix
() The Matrix: Reloaded
() The Matrix: Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
( ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

Wow. I've only seen 40 of these, so I officially have a life. At what point do I not have a life because I need to see more movies? Do I get extra points if I own the movie? If I got credit for seeing a movie multiple times I would not have a life because between Shrek, Shrek 2 and Wizard of Oz that is at least 200 viewings right there. Well, this is not scientific stuff.

Knitting update: Several failed starts to projects. My jaywalkers were too big with size 1 needles and I just stubbornly refused to go to 0. Yesterday, my STR Club Kit arrived with the most gorgeous yarn and pattern! I did a gauge swatch with 0 needles and so I've surrenderred to the fact that my gauge is going to require what seems to be way too small a needle.

I managed to wind the ball and finish a neat toe pocket using short rows that seems to be the right size with the 0 size needles. Oh, well, you do what you have to do.

Please Pass the Salsa!l

2007-03-01T17:51:00.001-05:00

You Are Mexican Food

Spicy yet dependable.
You pull punches, but people still love you.

What Kind of Food Are You?

Peruse the Purple Poppy!

2007-02-25T14:10:00.000-05:00

It's done! I'm very proud of it. I think it is the prettiest thing I have knit so far, and it is the first real sweater I've made for myself. I made a few adjustments to fit my ridiculously short torso, and it is still a bit too long, but better than if I didn't make adjustments. All in all, it was a fun and quick knit compared to other sweaters I have created. I'm not thrilled with these photos--I promised myself I would take them outside, but today it is snowing here in Virginia and I'm staying in! Stats: Pattern: Poppy from Yarnplay Yarn: Noro Silk Garden #241 and Cash Iroha #88 Needles: Bamboo Circulars and DPNs in size 6.

I'm a Triple!

2007-02-22T19:05:00.000-05:00

Saturday, I've agreed to be a volunteer at the TNNA (National Needlework Assn?) booth at the Conference of Women Effected by Breast Cancer. What will I be doing? I get to teach willing non-stitchers to knit, crochet, or cross-stitch (I know all three). So cool! I have rarely had to opportunity to teach any of these things, and it will be nice if I can turn on at least one person to any of these three crafts.

I learned to cross-stitch when I was 15, (almost 30 years ago) from my then-friend, Sarah, who just wanted me to do the same activities she was doing (she taught me how to smoke cigarettes, too, but I quickly abandoned that). To her surprise, I took off with cross-stitching, working up to an impressionist painting several years down the road. I still do it occasionally, although I really prefer knitting these days. BTW, I married Sarah's boyfriend.

I learned to crochet almost 6 years ago for something to do with my hands and ended up getting quite obsessed with it. I made lots of afghans and small items, including baby sweaters when I was pregnant with Amelia. I resisted learning to knit, even though my friends Nell and Claire were nagging me to. I insisted I was happy being a crocheter. Well, until I happened into the knitting tent at the Knit Out and Crochet Too of 2004 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Now, I am "bi," as I told Nell and Claire. I love knitting the most of all, and my Flickr photos show it. Glad I get to share the wealth on Saturday. It will feel good to do some good with my crafts.

Well, Ok, Just One More Meme....

2007-02-20T22:05:00.000-05:00

Alphabet Meme

Sorry, it looks too fun to pass up. From Miss Scarlett, my SP9.

A - Available or Taken: Taken

B - Best Friend: Todd

C -Cake or Pie: Chocolate Pie

D - Drink of Choice: Tea, cold or hot

E - Essential item you use everyday: Make up. I don't like the way I look without it.

F - Favorite Color: Green and Purple

G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Bears

H - Hometown: Arlington, VA

I - Indulgence: Trail Mix

J - January or February: February-Valentine's Day is in it.

K - Kids & ages: Amelia is 3

L - Life is incomplete without: Purpose

M - Marriage Date or Most Memorable Date ( and why): Got married May 8, 2001, in Santorini, Greece

N - Number of Siblings: 1 brother, Reuben

O - Oranges or Apples: Crispy, crunchy apples.

P - Phobias or Fears: Car accidents

Q - Fave Quote: "Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" --Helen Keller

R - Reason to Smile: My daughter

S - Season: Spring

T - Tag 3 or 4 People: You wanna play? Go for it.

U - Unknown fact about me: I got my first college degree at age 33

V - Vegetable you don't like: Green Pepper (and my mother used to put it in everything!)

W - Worst Habit: Not paying bills ontime

X - X-rays: Just chest, back, teeth. I guess sonograms don't count.?

Y - Your Fave Food: Mexican

Z - Zodiac Sign: Cancer. Wahhh!!!!!!!

Where Have I Been?

2007-02-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Semi Ta-Daaaaaa

2007-02-11T19:20:00.000-05:00

In keeping with my 2007 Knitalutions, I finished the Sloane vest for myself, as well as the Broad ripple Socks I started I don't know how long ago. That's two WIPs done! Using circulars! Made a vest! Yay!

In keeping with another knitalution, I've been plugging along on Poppy, with the help of the KAL. It is so helpful to have other examples of the finished item other than just the one in the pattern book, and to hear what others are finding as they attempt the pattern. I finished the bottom panel done in Noro Cash Iroha (love that yarn) in Periwinkle (with random Silk Garden stripes) and completed the top part of the back of the sweater. Now for the front and then the sleeves. The Silk Garden is fun to knit with to see how it will stripe next.

In further keeping with the knitalutions, I started Jaywalker socks, but the gauge is way to big. I will have to keep another knitalution (to frog when necessary). I plan to either start them over, or make Monkey socks from Knitty. I saw some on another person's blog, and they looked so pretty!

I also made my first mixed CD on my laptop's CD burner for my Favorite Color Swap partner.

Today, dh had to work, so dd and I made heart cookies and Valentines.

BTW, she is learning about people being married from her fairy-tale movies, but I think she is a bit confused. It seems she thinks people kiss and they are automatically married (I can see why from some of the movies, they kiss and the wedding bells start). She pointedly asked dh and I in a very quiet restaurant recently, "Are you married, Mommy and Daddy?!?"

Ta Daaaaaa!

But I Married One!

2007-02-08T22:14:00.000-05:00

In the year 2007 I resolve to:
Stop dating musicians.

Get your resolution here.

Fave Color Swap Questionnaire

2007-02-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

Favorite Color Swap Questionnaire

1. What are your top three favorite colors?

Purple, green and pink
I even love purple and green together.

2. What crafts do you really enjoy?

Knitting, (also crocheting, beading, aromatherapy, cross stitch and decoupage).

3. What products do you really covet?

Socks that Rock, Fleece Artist or Lisa Souza sock yarns, any other natural-fiber yarn (except novelty yarn), fancy buttons, ebony knitting needles, pretty knitting bags and any patterns.

4. What other activities do you enjoy besides your favorite crafty things?

Being with my family, shopping, working out, cooking, travel, Sudoku, reading, internet

5. Is there anything you collect?

Teapots and tea-related things, sheep. I also like hearts and little things to make my office look nice.

6. What is your zodiac sign and/or Chinese zodiac symbol?

Sign of Cancer and year of the Tiger

7.What are your favorite…

…scents/smells?

citrus, florals (NOT vanilla or anything musk-y)

…types of music and/or bands?

showtunes and old pop music (from early 20th century), world music, classical, but I like most things except rap.

…authors?

Bronte and Lucy Maud Montgomery
I read mostly non-fiction.

…animals?

cats and dogs (and sheep)

…places to shop?

yarn shops; Nordstrom, Amazon, Teavana, Border's

…season?

Spring

…yarn/fabric/paper/other craft supplies?

Webs is my fave online yarn supplier. Some favorite brands: Noro, Debbie Bliss, Lorna's Laces, Malabrigo, Rowan, Koigu.

…candies or goodies?

I love sweets, anything with chocolate and nuts or cookies. Also love to try different kinds of tea.

8. Do you have any wish lists?

On Amazon. One knitting and one non-knitting.

9. Are you allergic to anything?

smoke (very)

10. Do you have any pets? What are they?

2 cats

11. Please include anything else you would like your secret pal to know about you- anything that would be helpful in finding you little gifts that you will really enjoy.

I have a 3-year-old daughter.

A Fun Meme

2007-02-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

Things I like that start with P:

Purple- My favorite color
Peanuts-Yum. Good thing I live in Virginia.
Popcorn-A requirement for being part of my dh's family, but I loved it before.
Prince Edward Island-The nicest place I have ever visited!Also the best place to eat potatoes.
Purring- By cats! My favorite sound.

Pearls-Not my birthstone, but my favorite jewel to wear, because they go with anything, and there are so many types and colors.

Puccini-One of the greatest opera composers.

Preschoolers-My favorite age for children. They are so cute and full of life and personality.

Peonies-A beautiful flower.

Peter Pan-Besides the fact that I am named Wendy because of it, it's a great story and, especially, musical. I was raised on Mary Martin, but Cathy Rigby is so great!

Playing-I specialize in Play Therapy, which is the use of play to express onesself and is like a child's free association.

Pugs-I would love to have one of these cute dogs someday! Awwwww!

Pizza and Pasta-Do I need to explain?
Purling- A knitting one!

Peaches- And anything peach flavored.

Paradise Pond-My favorite place on the campus of Smith College, where I went to graduate school 1995-1997.

Now, if you choose to do this meme, you must use the firstletter of your first grade teacher's first name.(Mine was Peggy). Sorry, I couldn't resist this one!

Who Knew?

2007-02-02T19:59:00.001-05:00

I am a
Nigella

What Flower
Are You?

My Funny Valentine

2007-01-23T09:50:00.000-05:00

Amelia is showing off her amazing outfit today (and big hair)!

Weekend Update

2007-01-21T19:53:00.000-05:00

Here is half of Sloane (albeit upside-down) and the beginning of Yarnplay's Poppy, for which I have joined a KAL you see in the sidebar. I was excited to actually find a KAL right as it started, and as I was starting the project! A minor miracle, that. The Noro Cash Iroha is so nice! Love it.

Anyway, our weather was cold this weekend and today, snowy. Friday, I ran around buying birthday presents for dh despite getting used to one contact lens for distance and one for close-up. Saturday, Amelia and I baked him a cake and wrapped said presents. ("Can I bake another cake, Mommy?"). Today, I knit and listened to podcasts on knitting, namely, Lime and Violet, Sticks and String, and Knitty D and the City. I liked them all, and they are all different. Since I've got my handy ipod nano all synced up, I will be experiencing more, but these were a good start. Lime and Violet are raunchy, wild and really funny (and yarn obsessed, like me). The Australian guy on Sticks and String was very thoughtful and contemplative (and the accent is so cute, sorry). Knitty D and the City was in-between, very topical and informative and fun, too.

All in all, a good weekend.

An Actual Make-In-One-Day-One-Skein Project!

2007-01-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

For awhile now, dh has been asking for a hat with earflaps. So, I (never wanting to pass up an excuse to knit something fun...oh, I mean knit something for my sweetie!) looked for a decent pattern. Most were just a plain hat with earflaps made after the fact and attached. Hmmm. Ok, but not really what I wanted. There is also the matter that dh happens to have, um, unique ears...well, let's just say he identified with Dumbo as a kid.

Being a faithful audience member of DIY's Knitty Gritty, I watched with interest the episode in which a lovely ski hat with earflaps was made. The earflaps were incorporated seamlessly into the hat. Bingo! And bulky yarn to boot!

The first attempt before xmas was all wrong. The yarn I chose wasn't right, the circular needle too big (the measurement is with the needles, not just the cable) and I put the earflaps on backward. They proceeded to curl up. Like I said, all wrong. Holidays came. It was frogged and left alone.

Yesterday, a week and a half before dh's birthday, I decided to start the hat, armed with Rowan Plaid I got on closeout from Webs (which so rocks, by the way) a smaller circ, and relaxed determination. The yarn knit like a dream and the majority of the hat was just straight knitting in the round. Easy and fast and it was done in no time!

It's fun to knit large projects but once in a while it's nice to find a project like this that's done in one day. A very satisfying knit. Check it out! The pattern is called Camo Cap and is free on the DIY website.

I Finally Succumb to the Meme

2007-01-11T11:33:00.000-05:00

I've seen the "Six Weird Things About Me" meme around blog-dom, and I have resisted. After all, someone in my profession has to be careful about self-disclosure. I decided to try, and laid awake last night trying to come up with weird but appropriate items for this. I think I did. Here goes:

I have lived in the Washington, D.C. area most of my life and I've never been inside the White House.
I did, however, sing for two presidents (Bush, Sr. and Clinton).
I have never broken a bone or sprained anything (knock wood...).
I did, however, almost give birth alone in my house (long story!).
I am left-handed, but I knit and crochet normally. However, I sew with my left hand, so finishing is confusing!
I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was 12!

There you go! I'll probably think of more, but I think I'll leave it at six! You're it!

Another WIP Done

2007-01-10T12:32:00.000-05:00

This bag started out life as a hat. I was making Strut from Happy Hooker, but I kept going and made a bag instead. I think it'll go to my SP9. I love this color of Noro Kureyon, #40. I'm sure I'll find a way to use this again.

New Photo Alert

2007-01-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

Three new photos have been added to my Flickr stuff. Click on the Flickr badge to see pics of the Einstein Coat and of Amelia, too!

I am an over-achiever

2007-01-05T20:18:00.000-05:00

Most people experience a "bad hair day" once in awhile. I am proud to say that I seem to have had an entire bad hair week. Then again, I do tend to over do things.

I am also pleased to see by my neo counter that I do have quite a bit more blog traffic than I thought, from all over the place, apparently. I hope people find it interesting/entertaining to visit. I don't have the time or inclination to be a star blogger nor do I think my life is compelling enough to fill lots of bandwidth space, but I do like expressing myself online and meeting fellow knitters/parents/all around creative people.

My New Year's Knitalutions

2006-12-31T04:45:00.000-05:00

Knit-wise, I have had a productive year. I learned to master DPNs and knit socks with them and also 2 circs. I finished 6.5 pairs of socks. I learned to felt. I even finished the Einstein Coat! Pics later.
For 2007:

1. Finish UFOs (a good attempt)

2. Take time to use good finishing

3. Frog and redo, when necessary

4. Start xmas presents earlier

5. Make one thing with lace

6. Make one thing with cables

7. Make one thing with intarsia

8. Make Jaywalkers!

9. Make a vest

10. Make the Yarnplay sweater!

11. Make a shawl

12. Use circular needles whenever possible.

Have a good knit-year, everybody!

Post-Holiday Spoilage!

2006-12-30T21:26:00.000-05:00

I thought I would get off easy two weeks ago. DD's entire daycare was sick, including her. She had an ear-infection and a cough and recovered well with a course of antibiotics. We had to wrestle her to administer the meds, until we found out that she was willing to take it very nicely from a little med cup, like Baby Bear did in her Elmo Goes to the Doctor video. Who knew? I got a little cold, which went away in a few days and was no big deal.

Enter the in-laws, from Florida, both coughing like they were about to eject their lungs. They adore Amelia, their cutest granddaughter (my opinion) and the visit was fun. They, however, left me an extra gift. So, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself that I was spending the bulk of my VERY rare time off (own business, you know) laying around being sick and waiting for my antibiotics to work.

I had played with all my new toys (I got a pink iPod nano!) and almost finished the Einstein Coat. I started Strut from Happy Hooker and kept going, saying it would be a bag instead of a hat. I watched a lot of preschooler TV, which got really old.

This afternoon, there was a knock at the door with a package from my SP9!!! I was literally dumbfounded with the contents. Wow! The stuff for me was great, but Amelia was completely spoiled! She got two books, a letter puzzle (her letter puzzle lost some of its letters, so this is right-on!), a blanket for her baby dolls, and an adorable handmade dolly with its own bed and cover. I even noted the doll has its own little crocheted underwear.

I got a chocolate (gone, sorry), two skeins of pinky-purply yarn, a xmas-mix CD, some awesome-looking green tea in an innovative pyramid shape with tea-bag holders (and green!),Alchemic Dragon soap in Blackberry Sage (mm) some Belgian chocolates (!) and a tea-light oil infuser thingie with lavender oil.

I am pleased/sorry that the custom slip gave away the id of my generous and thoughtful SP, she is Michelle from BC, Canada. Thanks, Michelle! I love everything and Amelia ran off with her dolly and puzzle right away! What a nice surprise at just the right time.

I'm Smilified

2006-12-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

I've Been a Bad Girl....

2006-12-15T18:16:00.000-05:00

Christmas being just a week away, you would expect me to possibly have several projects underway that need finishing. And you would be right. I have a pair of mittens to make, less than half a sock, and an entire hat (I started the hat, but I don't like it, so I want to redo it). Lately, however, I seem to be spending the most knitting time on, what else, a garment for me!

The Einstein Coat is growing very well. I did find out halfway through that my gauge is off, but it doesn't much matter in this oversized design. It did take more yarn than the pattern suggested, so it will be back to Webs to place another order.

I also managed to find these cute sheep buttons to use in case I don't find something more glam.

Amelia went to her first movie today. We took her to see Charlotte's Web. She was so good and sat through the entire movie. She started to get antsy toward the end, but, heck, I was getting antsy myself!

All in all, a good weekend.

But I've Only Been There Twice....

2006-11-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: Philadelphia Your accent is as Philadelphian as a cheesesteak! If you're not from Philadelphia, then you're from someplace near there like south Jersey, Baltimore, or Wilmington. if you've ever journeyed to some far off place where people don't know that Philly has an accent, someone may have thought you talked a little weird even though they didn't have a clue what accent it was they heard.
The Midland
The South
The Inland North
The Northeast
The West
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Gifties and A Challenge From SP9

2006-11-27T22:52:00.000-05:00

Well, here you see the Great Gobs of Gorgeous Generosity from my SP9. First, she arranged for Shelby to send these cool stitch markers and nice handmade card. Notice the markers match the aforementioned Cha-Cha yarn! Shelby is not only our SP9 hostess, but a talented craftista. I had actually seen these very markers on Shelby's blog, but had no idea I would own them! Wow!

Today, I got a "parize," as Amelia would say. Just look at all the Secret Pal goodness that came my way: 3 books (I am assuming these are for Amelia and one has a tape) and bath fizzies, 3 kinds of tea, 3 skeins of yarn (2 cotton and some really unusual sock yarn in colorway Monster Mash), a knit gauge, a pretty sequined blank book and a very nice postcard. It seems my SP is from British Columbia. I must insert that I LOVE Canada! One of the teas is very interesting. It is called Swamp Tea and is supposedly a Native American tea that looks very earthy.

Clever and elusive SP said maybe I could guess her identity and job from "clues" in this package. Hmmmm.... from the postcard and all the contents I am thinking she does something in the way of conservation or hunting monsters in swamps while wearing cotton. Beats me. Later, I'll probably say, "Oh! Of course!" So, am I on the right track, SP?

Thanks for all the cool goodies, and especially for the neat neat books for Amelia. They look totally appropriate for her, and she loves books.

Next episode: The Einstein Coat takes over the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area...

Some FOs

2006-11-16T17:50:00.000-05:00

I'm attaching some pictures of the latest FOs: For me, the tea cozy from Last Minute Knitted Gifts (yarn is Paton's Classic Merino), For gifts, the Wavy Hat from the new book 101 One Skein Wonders (crocheted in Paton's SWS-Soy Wool Stripes),

a pair of mittens using the Budd Knitter's Handy Patterns book in another color of SWS,

and my lone Broadripple sock using Elann Esprit (imitation Fixation). This colorway of the Esprit looks quite similar to the SWS pinks so I may make them a set. I am working on that other sock now.

The Einstein coat is one big rectangle right now which will comprise the bottom half of the coat when it is long enough to go around my tush. Knitting this part seems to take forever, but I think when this section is done it will go more quickly. Cats do think it is a blanket I am making just for them, and it is a warm one, at that. There have been days where it is still too warm to work on a wool/alpaca coat with 2 cats on it because I ROAST. I do want to find some super-cool buttons for this coat. Any suggestions, folks?

My SP9 sent me some Cha-Cha, one of the sock yarns exclusively for SP9 participants. Yay! Love this. Thanks, SP9 (alias Shugahface)!

A Stolen Meme

2006-11-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

Stole this from my SP 9 spoilee, so she better not read this....

1. Flip to page 18, paragraph 4 in the book closest to you right now, what does it say?

Have baby's first wardrobe ready. Take everything out of the packages, remove any tags, and wash in a mild detergent that has no bleach.

2. If you stretch out your left arm - as far as possible, what are you touching?

The wall.

3. What’s the last program you watched on tv?

Mystery Diagnosis on the health channel.

4. Without looking, guess what time it is.

8:45 pm.

(It's actually 8:37)

5. Except the computer, what can you hear right now?

Pinocchio on DVD.

6. When was the last time you were outside and what did you do?

Took my daughter to the Natural History museum yesterday.

7. What are you wearing?
Green knit pants and a grey wool sweater.

8. What did you dream last night.

Lately I've been dreaming about my dh and I in high school (we did date in high school).

9. When was the last time you laughed?

Today, many times.

10. What’s on the walls, in the room you’re in right now?

Wallpaper, shelves and "tests" of paint.

11. Have you seen anything strange lately?

Well, not really.

13. What’s the last film you saw?

Peter Pan

14. If you became a multimillionaire, what would you do with the money?

Pay off the debts of my close friends and family, start a college fund for my daughter, and put the rest away for retirement.

15. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.

I used to sing opera. I've sung for 2 US Presidents.

16. If you could change ONE THING in this world, without regarding politics or bad guilt - what would it be?

No more terrorism or war.

17. Do you like dancing?

Why, yes i do.

18. George Bush?

No way no how.

19. What do you want your children’s names to be, girl/boy?

Done. Her name is Amelia. It would have been Asher, had she been a boy.

20. Would you ever consider living abroad?

Yes I would, but I would want to know the language first.

21. What do you want God to tell you, when you come to heaven?

"You did good."

22. Who should do this meme?

Anyone who wants to.

Lookie, Lookie, I'm Graphified!!!!

2006-11-08T00:09:00.000-05:00

Surprise! I've been secretly working on this for awhile, but I am now officially sporting a wonderful banner and button, designed by the talented Karen of Musings of a Mostly Self-Taught Knitter fame. She helps the codally-challenged like myself add cool things to their blogs! I admit I did help with the conceptualization work since the obvious couch was already taken by another client of Karen's.

Mommy news: I spent hours and hours (well, maybe one hour) applying gorgeous flower fairies to my daughter's wall on Saturday only to find some of them (the ones she could reach) in her drawer today! I told her that made me sad, to which she replied, "Don't be sad, it's not your fault! I happy!" What a kid. Luckily I know not to take it personally, she just did it because she could (I think).

My fabulous personal trainer, Linda, gave me a Border's gift card yesterday! Well, of course, I ran off and spent it ASAP. I scored 101 One Skein Wonders. A terrific book! Love the huge amount of patterns! Then, however, I get delusional about the amount of gifts I can complete before the holidays. I did start the Wavy Hat from the book. Here is a photo.

Knit and Crochet Progress Report

2006-10-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

Here goes:

I finished the wool tea cozy from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. The yarn used was an oatmeal colored Paton's Classic Wool. Despite the fact that I felt very slow compared to the estimate in the book (good thing this wasn't really a last minute gift for anyone), it turned out very nice. I tested it on my tea this morning, and it really kept it warm! Yay! My expectations were low because I only made it because it looked like it was fun to make and I wasn't too concerned about the actual use.

The Einstein Coat is going faster than I thought it would, courtesy of the bulky yarn, plain garter stitch and size 10 needles. I switched to a bamboo circular for the ease of it. Good choice.

I am almost finished with one of the Broadripple socks in Cascade Fixation. I ended up stopping the ripple a bit prematurely, but I think it will be OK.

I haven't worked on the ballband shrug at all lately. Boring.

I started the felted slippers...zzz....again, boring. Not too motivated on these.

I cast on and did a few rows on the Paton's Soywool mittens I am making for gifts. I do like the yarn, but it is a bit splitty.

Since November is just around the corner, I am feeling a bit pressured on the xmas gift arena. I keep telling myself that nobody expects handmade gifts, so why do I pressure myself? I guess it's because the handmade things are original and I otherwise don't have too many ideas on what to get all my husband's relatives.

In additon, there are so many other items I have in mind to make, I am wishing for additional arms to start growing. Yikes! This is supposed to be therapeutic, right?

A Good Time Was Had By All

2006-10-22T21:44:00.000-04:00

Well, we had the Wizard of Oz birthday party for the little girl. (People uninterested in cute kids should bail out now. No knitting this post).

Amelia made a really cute scarecrow, which she will reprise for Halloween next week. I used yarn scraps for the straw.

I made the cake. Those are my furry-looking arms in the background!

My business partner, Karen, brought her one-year-old, Hannah. It was Hannah's first birthday party! Hannah only weighed two pounds this time last year, so she's doing pretty well! (See the lit-up ruby slippers back there? Don'tcha love ebay?)

>

Do you get the flying monkey? lol

On days like this, I am struck by how many skills us mommies have to employ--baking, party planning, nursing, teaching, and on and on. Don't you agree, mommies?

Hot Socks Swap

2006-10-18T14:12:00.000-04:00

I don't know what possessed me to put my work address on this swap, but I did. It turned out well, because in the middle of a busy work day, I had a fun package to open on my break. It was from my Hot Socks Pal, Shannon, in the next town of Quantico! She sent some lovely treats and yarns! Just look! She acts like she knows me!

This has been a fun swap. I sent my box today to my pal in Germany. I hope she likes the Fleece Artist sock yarn and Celestial Seasonings Teas I sent. Now, I will get back to shopping for my SP9.....

Shelby's Game

2006-10-14T14:07:00.000-04:00

My hostess from SP9 is having us answer some questions. I'm game, but you'll see I have a hard time choosing absolute favorites...

Actor - Johnny Depp, Dick Van Dyke
Actress - Judi Dench, Juliette Binoche
Animal - cat, sheep, alpaca
Band - Sixpence None the Richer
Book - Anne of Green Gables
Bubble Bath - anything from Lush
Candy - chocolate covered almonds, Heath Bars
Color - green/purple
Drink- tea (Iced or hot)
Flower - rose, violet
Food - seafood
Lip Balm - Burt's Bees
Lotion - Ulta chocolate and rose
Movie - Amadeus
Place- beach
Song - "Let's Misbehave"
TV Show - ER
Yarn- Noro, Bliss, Cascade and handpainted sock yarn
Vacation Spot - Nova Scotia, Crete

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?
On our bed! We spend lots of time there watching TV and petting cats, especially after the cutie is asleep.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?
I guess I'd go back to crochet, but I'd be very sad.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?
Lots of places! Italy, Western Canada, California, Hawaii, Ireland, etc. All for different reasons.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?
I wanted to be a ballerina! Later, I wanted to be an actress, and then an opera singer. I did sing professionally for awhile. I didn't want to be a mother. Now, I'm a psychotherapist and a mother and love both!

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Peach.

Yaaaaaaaaaaarn..............

2006-10-12T21:28:00.000-04:00

I received some cool sock yarn "for my secret pal" (ha) that I had ordered from
Lisa Souza. You gotta check it out! This is nice hand-dyed stuff, and it looks even nicer in person (plus, it's soft). And the skeins are big.

The colors are awfully nice. I feel as though the Lime and Violet colorway was designed especially for me (my fave color combo). Never mind that there is a podcast of that name, it couldn't have been for them. No. I own the combination of green and purple, don't I?