Sunday, December 31, 2006

Last Post!!!

of 2006! I can't believe a year has gone by so quickly!

Here's a sneek peek at whay I've been working on.



Jaywalker's that I lost in a card game.....



Pomatomus, which I started last night.




The vest that i strated back in Sept.


Premie sweater/ Teddy Bear sweater that I started a few nights ago.

I'm just starting to get back in the swing of things!

2007 will be a year full of great knits!

Happy Knitting and Happy New Year!!!!!!

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Lots of Knitting....

but no pics! I have finished a ton of Christmas gifts ( 1 pair of ankle socks for Mom, 1 pair of gloves, 3 pairs of socks, 2 scarves and I am still knitting the blue lace vest, 3 shawls, 1 baby blanket, 1 baby sweater. I'm probably forgetting things too!

Life for me has been very hectic for me the past 2 weeks, but I'll get through it!

Hopefully blogger will allow me to post pics tomorrow.

I just wanted to send a big Thank You to Claire, my Knitters Review Swap pal. I'll post on what she sent tomorrow as well!

Happy Knitting!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Secret Pal Goodies

Thanks so much secret pal! I love everything!!!




She sent me whole bean coffee (which smells delish!), chocolate (looks super yummy), Bath & Body Works Lavendar Vanilla hand lotion and 2 skeins of chunky yarn. I can't wait to get into the yarn! I've never heard of the maker, but I do know it is hand dyed and pictures don't do anything to represent the colors! They are so vibrant, so purple, so me!

Thanks again secret pal! You really made my day!!!!!



Saturday, December 02, 2006

Saturday Shopping

After running aroung all morning doing errands, I decided to start my Christmas shopping. I know what I want to get everyone and *almost* everything I can get from the store where I am working (seasonal).

So, where did I go first, Marshall's. I don't work at Marshall's, but I went there anyway. I found some cute things for some swap pals and such, but alas, I did not pic up *one* thing from my Christmas list.

What I did pic up, however, was this.






And the price was a whopping $7.00. Yes, I know. Seven Bucks. I've been wanting to get books 1,2,and3 for the longest, but didn't want to spend $29.95 on them. I thought this was going to be the best deal all day.


Then, I went to Borders. I had a gift card and figured, hey, maybe I'll find something there off my Christmas list. I found this buried in the knitting section. The Borders that I go to never has the books I want. I usually find them at AC Moore or Micheal's. I have been wanting to knit the mittens and baby cardi from this book for a while, but I couldn't find it anywhere.






I shopped a little more, but left with more swap gifts and nothing off my Christmas list.

After that, I was tired, so I went to the grocery store. I needed lettuce to make my "Olive Garden" salad. Afetr figuring out what I wanted for dessert, I picked up this.





If you like candy canes, you'll love this ice cream. I haven't had it since last December and by the time I went back for more, they were all gone. BTW, the ice cream was 50% off too!

After all my hard work and all the things I purchased today, not *one* iten from my Christmas list came home with me. I guess I'll have to shop another day!

Happy Knitting!!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Coffee Swap

Woo hoo!! I got my package form the Coffee Swap I joined on SwapBot. My secrat pal was Sissie. Thanks so much Sissie!!






Happy Knitting!!

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Well....

I was planning to post about the desserts that I made for Thanksgiving with pics and all... but I forgot to take pics! So, you will just have to imagine how yummy the brownies and cinnamon buns (from scratch!) were. I also made stuffing (delish!) and candied yams, which I can't get enough of! All in all, it was a success. Everyone prepared a dish and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Since I started working, I haven't had much time to knit, but this is what I have completed so far.



I used the same pattern back in May, but for some reason, I pretty much followed the pattern and used sz 1.5 dpn's.


These are the Jaywalker's I lost in a bet and they STILL aren't finished. This bet was back in August. They'll be done for Christmas, though.



This is a basic toe-up sock. I have already started the mate and they'll be done soon.

Look for more posts this week, I only have to work 13 hrs!! YAY!!!!!


Happy Knitting!!!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

I'm Here!

And very well! I started a new job 3 weeks ago and my knitting time has been cut drastically. I barely knit anymore. But anyway, I've been participating in a lot of swaps and having fun with them. I have a ton of "secret knitting" and gifts that I'd like to post about but the people that are receiving the gifts stop by my blog, so....

Since I'll have time tomorrow, I'll post pics of my "me" knitting.

Right now, I'm making Cinnamon Buns, like 3 batches, along with 2 trays of brownies and tomorrow I will make candied yams and stuffing! Yum!!

BTW... Happy Turkey Day to you all!

Sunday, November 05, 2006

The KMKS Questionnaire:



What are your favorite colors?

Purple, blue, green, black, red.

Are you a new mitt knitter? How long have you been knitting mittens?

Yes. I haven't knit a pair yet!

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?

Either!

What fibers do you prefer in mitten yarn?

Natural fibers (wool)

Where do you usually knit mittens?

I knit everywhere :).

How do you usually carry/store small projects?

In a small knitting bag that fits inside my purse.

What are your favorite mitten patterns?

Don't have any as of yet.

What are your favorite mitten knitting techniques?

Ditto.

What new techniques would you like to try?

Hmmm... Blocking? I can count the times I've blocked a project. 3. Nuff said.

What are your favorite needles for knitting mittens?

Wood needles (I'm into those right now).

What are some of your favorite yarns?

Koigu, CTH, Schaefer Anne, Trekking XXL, Cascade 220 and Cascade 220 Superwash.

What yarn do you totally covet?

Shaefer Anne Yarn!

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?

Hmm...a really difficult lace pattern, I guess.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?

Right now, Crystal Palace DPN's and addi turbo circs.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?

Schaefer Anne, cuz its super pretty ;)

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?

Really yummy chocolate :)

What’s your favorite animal?

Liger...j/k cat.

Would you prefer super warm mittens or something more like fingerless mitts?

Super warm, please.

If you were a color what color would you be?

Purple.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?

Tulips.

Do you have a wishlist?

I can make 1.

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today?

Hmm... Not really :)

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Thank You, Sockret Pal!!!

After running a ton of errands, I came home to a red box...... and this is what was inside!



3 Skeins of Knit Picks Dye Your Own
3 Boxes of Rit Dye
1 Baggie of candy
1 Halloween Toy
Needle holders
and a cute card.

Thanks sooooooooo much Sockret Pal!!

I was so excited to dye the yarn, that I got started right away. I used the denim color Rit dye and some of my Wilton's Icing coloring and came up with this....



I'll try and get a better pic... but the blue is much softer and there are shades of fuschia to an eggplant purple along with a beautiful medium blue jean shade of blue.

I think I'll call it Purple Mountains Majesty. Or maybe just Majesty for short!

Happy Knitting!!

ps.... I've also joined Knit Mitt Kit Swap sign ups end Nov. 4th

AND

the Coffee and Knitting Swap sign ups end Nov 18th.

Go check them out and sign up!!!


Saturday, October 28, 2006

I'm Dead!!

Yup... I'm officially out of Sock Wars. The lovely socks were knit by Mama-E, and I'd have to say.. they are a perfect fit!! Thanks so much Erin!



Along with the socks, she sent these. (Indian Corn and Late Harvest)



I was so excited, I started knitting right away! I'm using the majic loop method toe-up. This yarn is sooooooo soft and squishy. It knits up wonerfully. I love seeing the colors change.



Her yarns are truely to die for. Yummy! Thank you, thank you, thank you Erin!!!

I went to the LYS today and found out that she now carries Schaeffer Anne. So... you know what came home with me! I lost the tag for it already but I know I will not be knitting socks with it. I think I'll do a modified Print o the Wave stole by Eunny .




There's so much I want to knit!! On top of everything I have on the needles right now, I still have tons of Christmas knitting to do. Wish me luck!





Happy Knitting!!

Friday, October 27, 2006

Happy Turkey Day!!


Fall in NEPA

Fall is such a pretty season. The variety of colors that the leaves change into is just beautiful. One reason why I like fall is beause I get to wear my knitted socks. To date, I have knit 21 pairs with several "singles" and also 4 pairs OTN.




1. Jaywalkers in Opal Docktorifish
2.Dragon Skin Lace in Kiogu KPM
3. Plain StSt sock in Knit Picks Dancing
4. Plain StSt w/picot edging LL Pinstripe


I've also been knitting away on this Lace Leaves Shawl in Navy Blue Paton's Grace. I dont know if I'm going to give it away yet or keep it. I am 3/4 of the way through the 2nd ball and it's knitting up pretty quickly. I must say, this is a very well written pattern and I will probaby knit several of them!



3 weeks ago, my hubby surprised me with a lap top. It's super pretty and I love it. So, you know what I had to work on right away... yup... a lap top case. I guessed with the measurements, so I hope it comes out ok.

I used Cascade 220 in grey and a purpley color and Eco Wool in that funky blue color. It should felt up really nicely. I used my tape measure to show how jumbo this bag really is.



Since today felt like a cold November day, I decided I would make it Thanksgiving in October. Why not? We all have something to be thankful for. So today, I spent 6 hours, cooking, baking and "sampling" just like it was Turkey Day.

I made a small turkey (10 lbs), stuffing (not just any stuffing, but my Mom's recipe, which is THE best), candied yams, mashed potatoes and this beautiful Squash Pie. I was hesitant to make this pie b/c Pumpkin is my all time fave.... but I don't know... this pie has won me over. Its super easy to make and definitely better than Pumpkin (hubby says so!)



MMmmmmm!

Happy Knitting!!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

WOO HOO!

This is what my IT3 Pal sent. I Love It!!! Thanks so much Janelle. She also included my favorite lotion fron Bath and Body Works.. Lavendar/ Vanilla and also Magnolia Blossom (which I've never tried). Thanks again Janelle !!







Yeah... I jumped on the bandwagon too!! Here are a few ball band warshrags that I made a few months ago.. I mode TONS of them. I plan on giving them away in Christmas gifts and what not.




So, I have this in the stash... and I'm wondering.. what am I gonna do with it. I know I don't want to knit socks with it. Maybe a scarf? or gloves? or maybe I DO want to knit socks but haven't found the right pattern. I'm stuck. Any ideas?




While I was at the Yarn Barn in Woodbridge, CT, I came across this most beautiful shade of olivey mossy green and knew right away they were destined to become a pair of footies for my mom. I've started them already and have 1 done, now I only need to finish the 2nd one.





Boots says Bye!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Sunday, October 15, 2006

SP 9 Contest


Actor - Denzel Washinton/ LL Cool J (even though he can't act... he can lick his lips through the whole movie, I don't care!!)
Actress - Gabrielle Union
Animal - Cat
Band - Don't like bands too much
Book - Author -Omar Tyree... Love his books!
Bubble Bath - Lavendar Vanilla from Bath n Body Works
Candy - Peppermint/ chocolate and some times both of them together (like Andes Mints)
Color - Purple
Flower - Tiger Lily/ Tulip
Food - Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Lip Balm - Chap Stick
Lotion - Lavendar Vanilla from Bath n Body Works
Movie - Dance With Me
Song - Sunshine- Coco
TV Show - Grey's Anatomy
Vacation Spot - Somewhere warm!

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Colorado






Here are some pics of Colorado from a few weeks back. Since then, I have basically criss-crossed the U.S. from coast to coast. I had a great time in Colorado and the people there were very welcoming. I didn't get a chance to go to any yarn stores, but thats O.K. b/c I brought TONS of projects along with me.



What a view! I took this picture while atop Climax Mountain.





And here are my Sock Wars socks, which can FINALLY go in the mail.



Yes, it did snow while we were there! As a matter of fact, some parts of the highway were closed and it snowed 32 inches. Sheesh! (I REALLY hate snow!)

I was so happy to leave the cold of Colorado and enter the warmth of Arizona. Here's a peek of the landscape of south eastern AZ.



Sunday, October 01, 2006

Secret Pal 9 Questionnaire

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

Trekking XXL, LL, Koigu, CTH, Laines du Nord, ect. I *don't* like 100% acrylic yarns or yarns that are scratchy.

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

I made a few needle cases for them.

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

I have been knitting for about 2 years and I am self taught. I think I'm intermediate to advanced. There isn't any pattern that I won't try!

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

I can make 1.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

Lavendar and vanilla.

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

Yes, chocolate.

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

Sew and quilt.

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

Mostly R&B

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

Purple, blue, green, red, black. I like them all , I guess, but I do have enough orange in the stash!

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

Married with 2 cats.

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

Yes, yes, yes, and no.

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

Rigth now, socks and baby clothes.

13. What are you knitting right now?

1. Lorna's Laces Pin Stripe anklettes (1 down, 2nd at the toe)
2. Opal DocktorFish Jaywalkers (1 down, 2nd at the heel)
3. Trekking XXL mid lenght socks (1 at the toe decreases, 2nd 1 inch before the toe decreases)
4. Cabled baby blanket (1/3 the way through)
5. Mini horse shoe lace vest (back finished, 1/4 way through the front)
6. Serrano cardi (2 inches done)
7. ISE3 Scarf (9 inches left)

I think thats it, but I might be missing a few!


14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circular, bamboo or aluminium.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No and no.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

3 or 4 months?

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving b/c it's when I see most of my family.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Besides yarn? Nothing really.

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

Yes, lace shawl patterns. "A Gathering of Lace" by Meg Swansen.

I dont have any magazine subscritions yet but I was planning on signing up for IK.

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

Not really. I think I've tried them all.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. Sz 9. Email for more details.

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

4/28

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Sockret Pal Questionnaire

The basics:
How long have you been knitting?

About 2 yrs

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate,
or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair
in your sleep?

I've knit about 15 pairs so far.

The measurements:

sz 9

(fiber related) Favorites:
What colors do you love?

Purples, blues, greens, i guess all of them,
but i do have enough orange in my stash right now.

Do you prefer solids or variegated?

Both.

What fibers do you most love to knit with?
Wool, wool/silk blends, alpaca/silk, i'll try just about
anything but i dont like acrylic too much.

Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors?
LL, Trekking XXL, Koigu, STR, BFL

What projects do you most enjoy knitting?

Baby clothes:)

(fiber related) Dislikes:
What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear?
Acrylic.
What colors would you never wear?
Hmm... i wear them all!~

The Tools:
Plastic or Metal?
Both.

Bamboo or wood?

Bamboo

Circs or Straights?

Both

DPNs or Magic Loop?

Both!

Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your
collection but would like?

Hmm...Lace blocking wires.

The Extras:
Do you have a wish list?

I'll have to make 1.

Do you like sweet, sour or salty?

Sweet.

Do you have any allergies your pal should know about?

No.

Favorite scents?
Vanilla.

Scents you can't stand?

Nothing really.

Do you collect anything?

Hmm... not really. Maybe patterns?

When is your birthday?

4/28
Do you spin?

No.

Dye your own yarn?

Yes.

Your favorite author/band/vacation spot,
anything you think will help your pal know you better...

Can't think of anything right now :(.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Lizard Lace Socks

Woo!! They are finally finished!! Why is it that the 1st sock i fly through and the 2nd sock always takes for-ev-er ? Anyway, heres the specs...

Pattern: Lizard Lace (My Own)
Yarn: Kiogu KPPPM in a lavendar/multi colorway
Needles: Crystal Palace size 1 1/2 bamboo
Gauge: 26 rows x 14 sts 2"
Notes: Done toe-up with short row heel.



Close up of pattern.

Yes, I'm in the truck. We-re in Colorado for the weekend ;).


All in all, I would definitely knit this sock again in maybe a green/jade shade of kiogu. This is the best fitting sock that I have knit to date! Let me know if you want the pattern.

Happy knitting!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

What's On The Stix

This is my *almost* complete Dragon Skin Lace sock. I made a mistake 1 row after the heel and have yet to fix it. I'll probably finish it tomorrow or the day after. As soon as I am done, I'll post the pattern!




Planning and charting out the vest has been a trial in itself. I didn't include any side shaping though. Maybe I'll figure that out by the time I do the next one. It's an easy to remember pattern and a great knit.



So far, I have completed the arm hole decreases and I *think* I've figured out the correct math for it. Wish me luck!













I've been knitting like a mad woman lately! I started my Tote Exchange project and I'm almost finished my Scarf Exchange scarf and that doesn't even include the vest and tons of socks that I am knitting.

But I do have good news! Here are the birthday socks. I finished them in record time! The recipient loved them and we "retired" the last pair that I made for him. WOO!!


I'm off to knit some more!

Happy Knitting!!

Friday, September 15, 2006

Criss-Cross Apple Sauce

Isn't this kitty soooooooooo cute! My bro snagged a pic of this cat.

BOO!!! It's coss-eyed! I have never seen such a thing! Have you?


But anyway, this is what I am working on right now. It will be a vest with some mini horse-shoe lace and hopefully I will be able to pull off a v-neck, which I have never really tried before. I broke out the graph paper, knitted a swatch and went digging in the stash to find the right yarn. It is Laines Du Norde baby yarn that is washable (a big plus!) and 100% wool. This yarn is a dream to knit with! This vest is knitted on sz 1's (ribbing) and sz 2's for the body. I only started this afternoon and have about 4" done.




Here's my ISE 3 scarf. I hope she likes it! I'm almost done and its about 5 ft long. I used Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk and it feels wonderful! I can't wait to make one for myself!




Here's the blue and green sock I haven't been working on. I need to have it finished by Sunday afternoon. I think I'll have it done by then. The recipient turns 11 on the 23rd and I'll be out of town, so he'll get an early gift. I knit him a pair of socks last winter and he has worn them every day since them until about 2 weeks ago when I found out they had a hole in them. I tried to fix them, but the hole was too big. I bet he'll be happy now!

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Rainy Days

For some reason, I haven't been knitting too much lately. It's not like I don't have a ton of projects OTN b/c I do. It has been raining all day long and I feel like *bleh*. TImes like this is when I make a cup of hot cocoa or tea and watch a movie. But anyway, here's what I've been staring at (instead of knitting).





This is sock #2 in the Dragon Skin Lace pattern. The first sock took only 6 hours to knit but this sock is taking for ever. I gues I'm having SSS!



The grey hat is for my hubby. I used Cascade 220 and sz 4 addi turbo majic loop method. I liked his so much that I started one for my with the yarn sent to me by Carrie in one of my secret pal exchanges. It is Artyarns Supermerino in a purpley color (the dye lot paper is in the UFO bin) and I'm also using sz 4 addi turbos.


Well... I guess that's all for now! Happy knitting!!