just Knitting/Sewing/Needleworking away

And then there was another post!

2010-01-22T07:05:00.001-08:00

Oh Boy, did it ever rain the other day!

I did knit a sweater for me last week. I still need to wash and block it, but it came out nice and it fits! The yarn was Berroco's Air which they don't make anymore. It's a very chunky style yarn and since I made another sweater out of it and washed that one in the washer, it felted! So now I know this is hand-wash only. Live and knit I say!

And ever heard of "knitting elbow"? Same thing as tennis elbow but caused by too much knitting. Yup, dang arm is hurting really bad, so I'm on a knitting break for a little bit. Don't know how much I will listen to the doctor and for how long, so right now I am sewing.....

Since I am learning to quilt, this is 2 tops that will be quilted and donated to the children's hospital here in Memphis. I belong to the local quilt quild and we do alot of quilts and donate them to different organizations. One of them is the children's hospital so when the child is admitted, he/she receives a quilt (at the nurses discretion) to use while in the hospital and then take home with them.

We got Austin a bike and helmet for Christmas and this was taken on the first nice day he could go out. Still doesn't understand the concept of "pedaling", but he's slowly getting there. We do alot more of teaching this in the house. Happy knitting all! :)

Happy New Year! 2010

2010-01-01T17:05:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know it's been months and months. The time just flies by so I'm going to try better this year to going back to a couple of times a month blogging. This is not all I have done over the months, but it is a sampling at least.

Another vest for Austin in a different color. I love the pattern for this vest so he has a few of them.

Since I am learning quilting, this is called a rag quilt. It's really very easy to make BUT a friend of mine has the big square cutter, so at least I didn't have to do all of the cutting for it.

What would my week be like if I didn't finish a pair of sock. The yarn is Regia Silk, which I have never used before, so I'm going to see how they stand up to use. It is very soft and "silky".

Yes, I did finish another sweater for hubby. This one actually fits him pretty good. The sleeves are a little long, but since I was knitting it as a surprise, I didn't get to size them up very well, so he just rolls the cuff back once. Doesn't look too bad on him.

Isn't Austin getting big? He's such a cutie. This is at the play area at the Boston Airport. He had alot of fun playing on the planes, and slides, and a really cool castle. I have to say traveling with him on vacation was nice. He handled all the flight, all the relatives AND all the car rides very well. You couldn't have asked for a better kid!

Take care and Happy Knitting! Here's hoping your new year is wonderful and kind to you.

Shawls and daughters

2009-07-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

Just a simple lace shawl. I picked the pattern up at Michael's as a "freebie". It is called the friendship shawl. Ummm....daughter didn't like it.

This is "folage" hat. It is a very simple knit and I did it up to match the shawl that my daughter doesn't like. I really need to quit trying to knit things for this girl. LOL Okay, maybe I should quit trying to make things as a surprise and then get disappointed when it isn't "her" style.

This shawl is a replacement one for the one she didn't like. It is by evelyn Clark and it is the bison lace shawl. It went pretty well and blocked out very nicely. I'm going to try to get a picture of her wearing it, but if it went to her work today (her office is cold), I probably won't see it for awhile. Guess I should have made sure the picture I took was okay before I released the shawl.

Live and Learn.

Happy Knitting ALL!

Time Goes By - Part III - All Caught Up!

2009-07-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

This posting should pretty much bring me up to date. Of course, I really don't post pictures of work in process so I do have a few of them. Hopefully this month I will finish everything. At least that is my goal.

Truck Race - Memphis. Hubby did pretty good putting up everything. Of course, it was over 100 degrees so honestly we only spent maybe an hour and a half total in the tent. Otherwise, we were in the camper unless we were at the track.

For a friend who really like Harry Potter. With the new film coming out soon, I did the rendition of Hermoine's Hat in Half Blood prince and a couple of wash cloths. One cloth is called the golden snitch and the other is the Flying Keys
Finished this doily yesterday. I was a little disappointed in the finished size. My crocheting gauge must be off. The cloth only came out about 7-1/2" and it should have been 9-1/2". So going to use it as a large coaster for hubby right now. He likes it alot!

Finished an angel amigurumi and an angel ornament for a swap on yahoo. The swap is Christmas in July. I really need to order the actual amigurumi eyes with the safety backings. This time, I used 1/4" half-shank buttons in black to do the eyes. It came out okay, but it was hard to get the eyes to stay flat, so I still ended up glueing them down.

Austing getting ready to help water the plants. Ummmm...I think he ends up MORE wet than the flowers! Happy Knitting All!

Time Goes By - Part II

2009-07-04T05:40:00.001-07:00

South Dakota Trip - Okay I have over 300 pictures and that is too many to load. South Dakota ROCKED! Mount Rushmore is gorgeous and the work involved in sculpting this is massive.

The Crazy Horse Memorial is really very nice. There is still alot more to do, as it will show him on a horse. It started to rain not long after we got there so we had to do this memorial pretty fast. It is an impressive site

This place was unbelieveable. The woodcarving went from caricatures, to statues, to wild animals to moving parts and puppets!

Where the deer and the buffalo roam! Wow, these animals are huge and they just walk around on the state park. It was a little scary when you think how close you are to them!

Another amigurumi got done. I love this one.

Did manage to finish a pair of socks on the trip for hubby. Of course the yarn is STILL Brown sheep wildfoote, which is the only sock yarn he really likes!

Worked on a comfortghan for a friend in Nebraska. Everyone sent me squares for her and I put the border on them, then sewed and put the border on the whole think. There were 25 squares so it's a little over 5 foot square. Hubby laid the squares out for me - color wise. He's so good at that.

And where would my week/month be if I didn't make more dishcloths and potholders!

Austin sitting on the step to the treadmill. This is in hubby's office so he is supervised when he is in there for sure. He likes playing with the tigger slippers.

Happy knitting All!

Time Goes By!

2009-07-04T05:00:00.003-07:00

Trying to go through pictures a month or two or more after you've done something is hard. These pictures were in my May folder so I do know I did them then. There were more pictures of baby gowns, wraps, memory boxes etc., but figured I would just show so of the more personal ones or RAOK items I did during the month.

Just some ordinary dishcloths and potholders, but they are easy to do and come in very handy.

This is going to be a sibling support bag. Basically, it is a bag that you give a child who's had a trauma of some kind and it will include a small blanket and the game of tic-tac-toe. It will either go to one of the community services (fire/police) or to a hospital. Not sure yet as I am also working on 5 more of them, so it will be a nice donation.

Some more jumpers for Austin. These are fun to make and only take about an hour or so once you have all the pieces washed and cut out. In the picture on the left, the light color one was a bought one that my daughter really likes so I had to try to do a rendition of it for her. Don't you just love your kids requests!

Don't ask me, I've started working on the little Amigurumi critters and this is a bee. The pattern was free off the red heart site, but I made him out of cotton classic. Like the feel of that yarn better.

Donations to a crisis center in Missouri. These all worked up pretty fast, so I may try to do some more of them.

A hat and scarf for a woman that worked with my hubby. She's being transferred to New Jersey/New York, so I knit up the entrelac scarf and hat out of Plymouth encore. Since she's only 22, I figured it better be machine wash/dry for easy care!

Austin Helping Poppy work on the lawn mower. Doesn't he look/act like he knows what he's doing? Not bad for a 16-month old! :) Happy Knitting All!

April Crafting

2009-05-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

I worked on opening my gardens and did the edging over around the back deck. I really like how it looks now.

Learning applique on my machine. Just a simple dog on a t-shirt, but Bina and I went to one of those "specialty" children's stores and boy is anything with applique on it EXPENSIVE!

Made Austin a couple of little rompers. He's a little small for them or maybe they are a little big for him. LOL But I think they came out cute.

Just a little hooded sweater for Austin. The weather is getting too warm, but he'll be able to wear it next fall also.

A cabled vest for Austin. Now this was a fun project and the yarn used was Berroco's comfort. Softest yarn I've ever knit with. Pleased with it.

For Easter, Little birdies in a nest. Of course Austin picks them up and throws them. Not sure, if he's just "throwing them", or if he expects them to fly.

First Experience with Corn on the Cob. For a kid who didn't like corn at all, he sure likes it on the cob!

Happy Knitting ALL!

P.S. Well, I can't figure out why my text keeps wrapping so sorry about that!

Burial Gowns/Wraps done

2009-04-07T06:31:00.001-07:00

Not sure where these are going yet, but this is part of what I managed to sew up last week. I still have a few more 95% done that just need the finishing details, lace, velcro, etc., but I got a little burnt-out on sewing so I'm fighting my natural procrastination to stop and leave them alone for awhile. I learned how to use the applique feature on my embroidery machine and that was fun. Not too impressed with cinderella as she is too big, and that's why I went with just the faces on the other 3 gowns.

Small projects

2009-04-06T06:04:00.001-07:00

Been on a small projects knitting binge the past week. I'm still working on 2 larger projects but not enough knitting done of them, so talk much about them. So here are the smaller projects:

Multidirectional Diagonal Dishcloths - Only change I made to this pattern was to add a sc border around the outside. I like how this "evens-out" the square.

Well, I can't seem to find the link for this potholder. It's crocheted and SOLID. It's a little fiddley when you start it, but I love this pattern as it is thick, solid, and really keeps the heat away.

The Double Woven Dishcloth - another favorite for using varigated yarns, easily memorized pattern and works up fast.

The Garterlac Dishcloth - I can't believe anyone does this pattern to make scarves, vests, sweaters, hats. I can get the dishcloth done, and I've done quite a few, but anything bigger.....I would definately stay as a WIP!

The Eloomanator's diagonal Knit Dishcloth. Another favorite and no I don't think the dark blue shows this pattern off to it's advantage. Again, the only thing different I do, is add a sc border to even out the square.

If you have never checked out this blog, you need to. Cathy has a ton of patterns she's designed and some wonderful cooking recipes also. These are the Plain Vanilla Coffee Sleeves. Changes? Hmmm....I did them flat by adding a stitch on each side and then sewing them up. I didn't feel like dealing with 2 circulars for such a small project, and since I don't use DPN's, and didn't have the sizes anyways, flat straights was the way for me to go. Pattern still worked out fine though. I also made them out of kitchen cotton instead of wool.

Austin loves being outside. Whether it's during the day or at dusk, he's an outside child for sure.

Happy Knitting!

6 weeks? - No excuse!

2009-03-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

Sweater for Hubby. This is the Smokin' jacket out of Son of Stitch 'n Bitch. I did it in Plymouth Encore Chunky. The pattern was easy to follow but my gauge on a big knit seems to be way off. Not sure what I'm going to do. The sweater is HUGE on hubby. Do I knit if over (this was a pattern HE picked out) or try something else, or take it out and do it over. Hard decision since this is the only sweater he has ever asked for.....

Finished socks....wondering if my camera is not doing well, as you can't see some of the stich definition. The yarn of course was Brown Sheep Wildfoote, which is the only yarn hubby likes his socks made in. The pattern was Yarrow Ribbed Socks out of the Knitting Vintage Socks book by Nancy Bush.

Another pair of socks for hubby in Brown Sheep Wildfoote. The pattern is from Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd and the pattern is the Cable Clock Socks. Shame the picture isn't better as the pattern is pretty cool. I've been wanting to knit him a pair of socks with a cable in it, and this is the first one to come out as planned.

Another crocheted lined bag for a friend. Love the pretty purse pattern and it's an easy pattern to do.

3 knitted burial buntings. These are already sent off. Another easy knit and done on size 11 needles, so a very fast knit.

The fingerless gloves and socks are really finished, but they are in the wash. The yarn was Plymouth's Happy Feet and they are for me. The pattern is from Plymouth and one of their patterns. For the life of me, I can't find the pattern now. Must have filed it away in the big black hole. If I find it soon, I will update this post.

Snow anyone? Supposedly we were supposed to get 2-4" of snow. I think it was a lot more. The paper said we got 8" of snow. I believe it. It was pretty but gone within 1 days. Snowed on Saturday, this is Sunday AM and all the snow was gone by Monday. My idea of a GREAT Snowstorm.

Easy pair of slippers that are crocheted. I put Dr. Schol's in them to give the bottoms more stability.

I'm working on 3 other projects, but since I keep starting and stopping them, I'm not sure if I will ever finish them, so will keep that off this blog for awhile. One of the patterns is actually from the new Vogue Knitting magazine. Wow, it is gorgeous, my style, etc....have just never knit a vogue before, so I'm really hoping it goes well.

Austin wearing his sweater set. It actually fit him for a little while!

Happy Knitting All!

Charitible Donations this week!

2009-01-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

10 burial wraps and hats are finished and will be going to a hospital in Tennessee for angels who have passed on. This is an on going project that I work on for HAIN.

I still want to make some memory pouches to hold ultrasound pictures, or other memories for the parents of these babies.

These are kitchen sets to raise funds for the propane fund at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. These donations are for the group I belong to on yahoo called Crafting for a Cause. LuAnne will be putting the sets in the group store located here. The store raises dollars and ALL dollars are given to the propane company to help families cover the costs associated with keeping the families warm during the winter. There are some really neat things for sale right now in the store, so if you get a moment, check it out!

Well, that's it for today....back to sewing as I have 4 burial gowns and hats done and want to work on blankets to go with them. So hopefully today, I'll have more to post later on. Happy knitting all!

Austin's Sweaters

2009-01-23T05:36:00.000-08:00

This is the L'illo pattern sweater I made for Austin. The yarn is I Love This Cotton by Hobby Lobby. The pattern is very well written and this is the first time I have done a saddle and was very worried when I was working on it and praying the pieces would all fit together. I shouldn't have worried, as it all went together exactly as written. As everyone knows, sometimes you have to "fiddle" with the pattern, but I have to say, when the designed writes so many rows/inches, she is exactly on target. This is the 12 month size so it should fit him to spring. He's still very tiny and just now fitting into 12 months clothes. I still haven't done a matching hat. I've tried, but so far I have failed. It might be the fact that the yarn is 100% cotton so it really doesn't have a lot of "give", but going to try again. This will be my 3rd time on the hat. :(

This is a hooded crochet sweater on Bernat's site. You have to be a member of Bernet to get to their patterns, but it was an easy sweater to do and didn't take any time at all. This was the 12 month size which is supposed to be 18" chest size, but comparing the 2 sweaters together, this is more of a toddler size sweater. I'm thinking he's actually not going to be wearing this until the fall at the rate he is growing. :)

Happy Knitting All!

Most Cherished Christmas Present

2009-01-10T15:47:00.000-08:00

I was sitting outside after Thanksgiving but way before Christmas when I looked over at the wood pile and what do I spy....A Pecan Log that had a perfect heart in the middle of the log.....I called hubby outside and said...look at that log. I've never seen anything like it. I asked hubby for a slice of it, finished, for a cutting board or something. Of course, he thought it was really neat, but that I was a little crazy! Instead of a cutting board, I got a piece of "ART". Hubby sanded, and polished, and mineral oiled, and sanded, and polished, and for Christmas I got this! It truly is a piece of Art. I have it standing in the book case right now, until I find a perfect place to hang it. God is wonderful and amazing and this piece of wood makes you wonder, how did a heart grow in the middle of that branch?

Happy Knitting all. By the way, I finished the sweater for Austin, but NOW Bina wants a matching hat, so hopefully I can finish and post pictures tomorrow of the sweater set. It is gorgeous! :)

Small Projects done

2009-01-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Just a bunch of different dishcloths and potholders for different small swaps.

A couple of scarves and a hat.

Really, not much to talk about. Been keeping busy with small swaps and small projects in between cleaning closets and stuff. I am working on a sweater for Austin and hoping to have it finished tomorrow. Have to finish a sleeve and then block/sew it together.

Boring Post I know. More tommorrow. Happy Knitting All!

Happy New Year! Welcome 2009

2009-01-01T15:16:00.000-08:00

I'm sure I have some pictures I didn't post for 2008. Oh well, I did work on some things over the past week, but I've decided to start this a new...with a new year! I welcome the new year with the challenge of finding a job I want to do, not something I have to do! Losing my job in November is probably a blessing as I need to think about me this year...what do I want to do. I can't stay home as I'll get bored and spend way too much money....Been there, done that quite a few years ago. I don't have to work, I just need to work. I now have the luxury of working because I want to...not to pay for kid's college, or after school activities or a new vehicle, or someone's medical bills, or, or, or....etc. But I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up...okay, I'm grown-up, just don't feel like it especially when it comes to a job. I don't think of them as careers, since I never figured out a career.

So...until I figure this out, Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas Projects and others

2008-12-20T07:49:00.001-08:00

Finished 3 stockings yesterday and actually a 4th one, but going to do that one over, as I chose red lettering and my son's name does not stand out at all. Oh well, live and learn. LOL

The spiderman round ripple is for Austin. Thought this was totally appropriate for him, but know it will probably be a couple of years before he even knows what it is. :)

Also did a stuffed elmo toy and embroidered Austin's name and an elmo on a blue bag for him. The bag is filled with elmo books and the toy so he can keep his elmo stuff together. :)

This comfortghan went to an alzeimer's unit for one of their residents. Now I think I am done with committments this year. LOL Probably not, but hey, I can dream sometimes. :)

Oh boy, what a mess Austin is. Of course, this time it's not my fault as poppy gave him a biter bisquit to make a mess with!

Happy Holidays All!!!!!

Almost the end of 2008 charity projects

2008-12-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Months ago, I joined a yahoo crocheting group. In the process of that, this is where most of my "charity" work began. A woman in the group, Sissie, had a personal goal of 100 afghans to be given to the senior center in her town as Christmas presents during their Christmas Party in December. From this idea, she received afghans and squares from all over the United States to help her reach her goal. I had already made one afghan (See this post as a reminder. :) ) These are the last 3 that I completed this week and they are on their way to her as I write. She has another goal for next year to help the VJGC with 100 afghans for the kids. You can see all the afghans put together, crocheted, etc from last year and read about her goal for next year:
Sissie's Blog. I had an opportunity to meet her in person last May when we went to R.I. on vacation. We were driving within a couple of miles of her home and I'll called her. She met us off the highway so we could meet. Since we were pulling the Travel Trailer behind us, it was better to meet her on the side of the road! She's a trip and a lovely person also.

Scarves for the Special Olympics Scarf Project. No I didn't crochet all of these, but I did do 2! I hosted a challenge on the yahoo group I am in and received 24 scarves. Wahooo! This is will towards their goal of 5000 scarves. I really appreciate all the help I received and have to say DebbieC, you ROCK! She did 13 scarves. How cool is that?

Ahhhh the memories and sweetness of a small child! Austin looks so much like my daughter in this picture, I may have to go digging up a few pictures of her when she was little to compare!

Happy Knitting

2008-11-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

Three hats I knitted for a charity. This is a nice pattern but it originally called for 90 sts on size 7 needles. I found this made a hat way too big....so I cut the pattern down to 72 stitches. You start with a provisional cast on - knit 10 rows, purl 1 row and then knit 10 rows. On the 22nd row, combine the provisional cast on with your life stitches and off you go to the basic hat.

Tried a new memory box but I'm thinking they are going to be too small for storing much stuff in it. This box only fits the little gown and the bracelet in side. May have to rethink this size, but when I went to Michaels, they didn't have a big selection of sizes and I like using the wooden boxes.

These baby layettes went to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation OB unit. I can't take the credit for all of it as it was a combined effort between myself and another woman. She made the sweater/hats sets and I made the blankets. Then I found little socks and mittens that would go great with them, so I ended up buying these instead of knitting them.

Scarf for the special olympics project. I also have another one done and my goal was to complete 2 of the scarves to send off. I am also hosting a challenge for the yahoo group I am on, so expecting quite a few scarves in to mail off.

I've been playing around with making some ornaments for the tree, and this is what I have completed so far. I actually have more than this done, but Austin is sleeping in my sewing room, so will have to wait to take pictures. I love the gingerbread figures!

I haven't made wheat rolls in over 20 years. This recipe was simple to make, but note to self, don't roll out so thin next time. I'm hoping to make them again next week.

Austin looks like he is getting ready to go hunting. But he's over 19 lbs now and has 1 tooth and another on the way. Boy is he cranky with the teeth coming in. Lord, help, if he touches the bottom of his gums....Ouch, my ears with the yelling!

Happy Knitting All!

Vacations are wonderful things!

2008-10-28T04:34:00.000-07:00

Being on vacation last week, I managed to finish quite a few things. It's really nice to sit at the lake for 4 days and just knit or crochet. Here is a blanket I finished for Austin. Just using the 12" pinwheel square, adding a border and decorative edge. The white square in white border is the glow in the dark yarn.

My very first doily using #10 crochet thread. The doily is 17" across. I've never been interested in thread work before, but I had received a couple of doilies in a few swaps and thought I would give it a go. I love it! For my first time using thread, I think it came out great.

A couple of sets I did also. These were for some swaps I needed to complete. Ignore the date on the Xmas ones....couldn't figure out how to change dates after replacing the battery.

A stocking for a stocking swap on ravelry. This was an interesting one for me as you do the cuff with a provisional cast-on, knit the cabling, and then 3-needle bind off the cuff together. Then you pick up the stitches on one side and start the leg of the stocking. there are of course little stuffers inside and since my partner is a newbie knitter, I did a total notions package for her.

This is the cottage behind my house that my daughter lives in. The picture before and after starting the work on the cottage. So far, we have had a brand new roof put on, started the painting of the cottage, and put in a new kitchen window. There is still more to do, and we are hoping to have the cottage finished on painting over this week. Then there are 5 windows to replace, a new heating system and 1/2 of the back wall has to be replaced. Why are we painting first? Well, to make it look better and then after we have done some of the work, we will touch up what we did. Made since to hubby...not to me! LOL

Finished a pair of socks for hubby. And yes, I have started on a new pair for him. Always have to have a pair going.

Also finished all of these squares for different comfortghans. It was a very busy week, but dang I got a lot done and it's amazing how much better I feel just being away from work for a week.

And of course the updated picture of Austin....he is way to cute. And NO CeeCee did NOT knit the hat. LOL

Happy Knitting ALL

Another Full Schedule but alot done!

2008-10-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

The 3 bib set I did for a swap on ravelry

I really do like the white one. That yarn is the New Hobby Lobby I love this cotton. Dream to work with.

The green/blue varigated is Cotton Tots and the varigated with whie is Sugar n Cream

Still Hosting bears for the Traveling Teddy. This time I had two of them in and had a blast. You could pose them so they had a playmate. This was when we first got to the lake and they "watched" us set up the site. I love our new RV....so much more room. :)

This was a set I sent off to a family who lost their baby at 18 weeks gestation. This project gives me a lot of satisfaction in my life so I will most probably continue with the burial gowns/blankets for babies who have gone on.

Did a Dishcloth swap and my theme was similar but differant. The ballband cloth and the circle cloth are similar in technique but different in results. I love the circle cloth.

This is the last pair of socks I did for a swap. I have really backed off on swaps over the past few months so only have what I call small ones now, like bibs, cloths, etc.

Purple slippers anyone? Not my cup of tea, but this was what someone really wanted. I don't know if I'll ever do another pair of these, but they were fast and pretty easy. Maybe to me they would look better in a different color? Don't know as purple is not my color of choice. LOL

My first 12-point Round Ripple. I didn't think this would ever get done but it only took about 7 hours to complete so really an easy project. This is for a sick child in Nebraska and I will be mailing it off on Tuesday. I blocked it today and it looks alot better blocked. I love the colors and for a child it is bright and cheerful.

Austin is really growing. He's up to 16 lbs now and 8 months old. He's starting to sit up to play but we are still overprotective so we are right there in case he falls over....and Cee-Cee's job...feed him until he falls asleep. There's something about me watching him that he seems to fall asleep when we have him and it's always over food. LOL I love those little thingy's what ever they are. I wish they had them when my kids were young. You put soft food (like fruit) inside of the netting and the baby can suck on the juices and not get anything they can choke on. Cool idea for who ever invented them.

Happy Knitting all!

Circle Cloth

2008-09-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

New Cloth called the Circle Cloth by Hakucho. Wow! It is addictive and amazing. I absolutely love the 3-dimensional look and whether you are working with self-striping yarn, or 2 colors the look is unique and beautiful.

Thank you so much for this cloth pattern Hakucho!

Dang, I did it again!

2008-09-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe almost a month has gone by again. I've gotten quite a bit done this month but was really hoping to get back to posting once a week. It's been very busy at work lately and working 50-60 hours a week, has really taken a tole on me.

These are for some swaps I signed up for, so I've been busy catching up and making sure I am ahead of what I obligated myself for. I am cutting back on the new swaps but some I already commited for: Reusable grocery tote, pineapple dishcloth and a dishcloth theme for autumn.

When we went to the lake a couple of weeks ago, Daddy didn't pack Austin a hat and since I was working on bibs that weekend anyways, I whipped up a hat for Austin to match his bib.

This is one of the bibs I did for a bib swap over on Ravelry. I have the other 2 bibs done, but I want to machine embroidery on the plain one, so I'll post pictures in another post of all 3 bibs at one time.

On Crochetville, a woman was asking for squares or finished quilts for the American Red Cross for some of the fire victims in Iowa. This is the finished afghan I sent her for her cause.

Another dishcloth swap. This one was Mason-Dixon theme and I did one ball band in Knit and one in crochet. I had also included a candy from NECCO and one pecan cluster from TN.

More charity squares for another cause. These haven't been mailed yet as I just finished them this weekend. Hoping to get them out on Tueday.

And of course, can I post without putting a current picture of Austin up? Of course not.

Happy knitting all!

A month? where did it go?

2008-08-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

This is an emergency shipment to a family for an "angel". I didn't think I could complete 2 burial wraps, a small hat and a memory box in one night, but I did. I hope it brings the family some comfort during their time of need and shows the support of the whole "hain" foundation during their sorrow.

How about Austin's first feeding of himself? Of course, he had to have a bath afterwards! :)

A couple of bibs I finished for austin.

These were squares I knit (yes, I did say knit! LOL) and added embroidered details to. The squares will be used as "pockets" in scarfs that are being done by the leaders for "scarfs for victim abuse"

I'm doing the traveling teddy on Ravelry and this is Norbert. I showed Norbert around Memphis and here he is in the information center on the river.

Happy Knitting everyone! And Hopefully, it won't be a month before I post again. Wow! By the way, I am still boycotting M&M's and nope, haven't bought or eaten them. My own one family boycott! :)

Where's my knitting mojo?

2008-07-06T04:17:00.000-07:00

I only seem to be crocheting lately. Not sure why....

This is a finished lapghan for a nursing home. I still need to block it so it lays down flat but it is done. Not bad for 3 days. :O

This is for the July swap on yahoo. 2 6" squares and 1 12" square.

This is also for a july swap. One pot holder and 1 dishcloth.

And the last swap for July - 2 potholders. I think I am done with the red/white/blue colors. :)

These are for a secret pal but I can't send out yet. 1 hot pad, 2 potholders, 1 dishcloth, and I embroidered 2 kitchen towels to complete the set. She likes daisies....can you tell? LOL

I hope someone is knitting, because it sure isn't me. I miss it, but every time I pull knitting out, I seem to mess up, so I am on a vacation from it, I guess.

Have a great day everyone!

End of June projects - Still busy

2008-07-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is a crocheted lined handbag for a "wish" list. Aurora loves dragonflies so I added an embroidered one on the inside pocket of the bag. Cute Idea, I think! LOL

Recently I joined H.A.I.N and started working on burial gowns and blankets for babies born to early and gone on to be Heavenly Angels. Here is 2 sets completed (mostly) for a boy angel and a girl angel. I'm not sure what hospital they are going to yet as they are still prototypes and I want to get the patterns down and details written before I send them off.

These squares are for a little girl on crochetville that is moving to a new state and city and is upset about it. Her mother wants to do a comfortghan for her to help with the transition. Since she "loves" Hello Kitty, I thought a knit square with embroidered would be a great idea! :)

Happy Knitting All!

Busy Week of Finished Objects! YEAH!

2008-06-24T04:53:00.000-07:00

Finished another pair of socks for hubby. Done in Wildfoote yarn in the camel color.

These are 3 strips measuring 36" long by 7 rows. Tammy wants to make a comfortghan out of strips for a boy going into the hospital. She said it would take 15-20 strips, so I volunteered to make 3 of them. Would love to see how this turns out as I'm still not sure how she is putting them together.

30 6" squares done for a little girl that loves mickey. she is going on the liver transplant list and her mother wants to make an afghan to comfort her during all that will be going on over the next few months. I made one of the squares knitted and finished all 4 sides so it will be easy to make the trim work on the square to include in the blanket. I did a crocheted cast on and purled the first stitch of every row and for the cast off I did a knit-2 together thru the back loop, return to left needle and continue with the k2tg. It finishes the cast off just like the sides. I love this cast off when working with dishcloths as all 4 sides look the same.

Also made a little carry tote for Nesa. The bag says Nesa's Stuff and it is filled with coloring books, instruction books like adding/subtracting, writing, etc. a couple of mickey reading books and playing cards. Figured she could have something to do while she is waiting around hospitals for all the tests. Overall I'm pleased with how it came out.

4 more 12" squares going for another comfortghan. I think I am done with what I have volunteered. I really need to get back to knitting as I miss it very much!

And of course, another picture of Austin. Getting tired of looking at him yet? LOL He is so funny now and loves to laugh. He found his hands so he wrings them out all the time. I laugh so much watching him find new things.

Happy Knitting!

Boycotting M&Ms - Ok, it's a soapbox - ignore if you want!

2008-06-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

I'm not a Nascar fanatic, but I do watch the races -- All 3 of them. :) There's just something about the cars/trucks going in circles...nevermind I have time to knit also. So it's relaxing to me. Anyways, my soapbox.....I'm boycotting M&Ms brands of candies. Yep, that's right, no M&Ms, no plain M&Ms, no peanut M&Ms....#18 driver is a danger. If you like him, that's fine, keep it to yourself. This is my soapbox today! :) He's going to get someone hurt very bad one day and if his team owner doesn't care or can't control him, then I'm going to do my "small" part and just not buy anything pertaining to his main sponsor. So....M&Ms...maybe you won't miss me as a purchaser of your candies, but I'm doing my part by saying that driver is dangerous and either wake up and say something or don't, but not a single M&M is passing my lips while he's a driver.

Have a great weekend everyone and I'll be knitting while I'm watching the truck race tonight and I'll be applauding for Hornaday to take a certain driver out, not hurt him, just take his truck out!

20 blocks done and mailed! Phew!

2008-06-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Finished this morning the 20 blocks I promised for a comfortghan. They are on their way to their new home. Remind me not to volunteer 20 12" squares! But they are done. By the way, those squares are all blues and reds, but for some reason they seem to look like some oranges in there!

Austin loves being in the walker. He's also figured out how to move the rings on the bar. He's really growing!

A busy week!

2008-06-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

Finished a pair of socks - IN A WEEK! - big surprise for me lately, but I really love this pattern. It's called checkmate and it's very easy.

A dishcloth for a dishcloth swap

3 12" Squares for a comfortghan

2 chemo-caps for a fund-raiser

A one sleeping child! I fed him a small jar of applesauce and I think I wore him out. My daughter said Austin normally only eats a 1/3 of the jar. Oops! She didn't tell me that and I was feeding him and he kept on eating. :)

Happy Knitting ALL!

Keepin' Cool in Summer Dishcloth Swap!

2008-06-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

Please post to your blog no later than the end of registration June 6th!
1. Do you Knit or Crochet? Both For how long? Crochet - 30 yrs, knitting 2-1/2 years.
2. Do you enjoy using metal, wooden, or some other kind of needle\hook? All of them. It depends on what I am working on
3. What are your favorite types of yarn? Any you just can't stand? Cotton, cotton classic, SnC. Can't think of any yarns I don't like. :)
4. When it comes to cotton, are there any brands you'd love to try and haven't? Nope.
5. When you make Dishcloths, do you use them yourself, or tend to give them as gifts? Both
6. Do you have a favorite color? Blues/Reds Any that you dislike? Neons most probably.
7. What color(s) (if any!) are your kitchen and bath decorated in? Kitchen is a Tuscany/Wine thing with creams, beiges, reds, black Bathroom is Ivy and peach
8. What are your favorite scents around the house?Vanilla or baked goods
9. What is your very favorite thing about summer? The long days and the flowers in the garden. My roses are gorgeous this year. :)
10. What is your least favorite thing about summer?The heat....and the humidity.
11. Do you use soap or body wash in the shower? Body wash
12. What scents do you enjoy in the bath? Cleans scents
13. What is your favorite dishcloth pattern? Hmm...that's hard. I love so many of them, but I seem to do entrelac, DW cloth, seeded window quite a bit.
14. What sort of treats do you enjoy? Sweet or Salty? Chocolate and more chocolate! LOL
15. Imagine today is one of the hottest days of the year - what do you do to keep cool? Or are you one of those folks who loves the hot weather? It's not the hottest day of the year? Feels like it! LOL I drink lots of Ice Tea and dream of an inground pool! :)
16. What sorts of hobbies do you enjoy besides knitting or crocheting? Sewing/embroidery
17. Do you collect anything (besides yarn!) Piebirds
18. Are you on Ravelry? If so, share your ID! cindybmw2004
19. Do you have any allergies? Work, dust? LOL
20. Do you have any pets? one black cocker spaniel

Back from Vacation

2008-05-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Drove from Memphis to Rhode Island for a 10 day vacation. Here we are parked at a friend's house for the trip! It was so nice to go home, but property costs, taxes, etc. is too much for us to move back up there, so we try to go every couple of years! :)

We took the new trailer for what hubby said was a "shake-down" trip and only found a few small problem that we have to get fixed. Will have to schedule the trailer into the shop over the next couple of weeks since we have no plans for going away until end of June.

A sampling of what we brought back! Count them.....35 lobsters! Had the family over for Memorial Day and we dug in!

Knitting for the trip up and back was:

14 comfortghan squares

and 15 baby hats!

All are for charities of one kind or another!

Austin is 3 months old now and up to 11 pounds! He is soooo cute! :)

Happy Knitting all!

Phew! Back up and Running

2008-05-16T03:21:00.000-07:00

There were the socks I sent to my monkey swap pal in Australia. Mel said she is enjoying them very much! Yeah!!!!

Here are pictures of all the goodies I received from Barbara for the Spring Fling Coffee Swap! What a wonderful package. Homemade bread, coffee, ginger snaps (my favorite); coffee mug, note pads, flowers, a garden pot, sticker, etc. etc.

Love on-line yarn, in a very pretty color, hand dyed scarf (daughter already took it!) and the piece de resistance: A hand painted pie bird, with a reminder for what swap! How cool is that? Thank you so much Barbara and so sorry for posting so late! You were wonderful!

And if you are wondering where the heck I have been (blogger cut off the left of this picture!) Here is our new travel trailer. You can see the other one in the back ground (we gave this one to our daughter) So we are off to travel around. Leaving tonight for a 10-day trip to New England (I know gas is at $4 a gallon!) I gave up my trip to Italy to pay for the trailer. Didn't know if I could justify $20,000 on a 10 day trip to Italy vs. getting a bigger trailer and traveling around the US on our vacations. Decided to see the U.S. :)

And a current picture of our cutie pie. Austin is doing great. He had surgery for 2 hernias but everything went well and he's growing. He's probably still small for his age as he's 3 months now and 11 lbs. He is a cutie and it appears the "colicky" stage is over with. The crying for 45 minutes every night was getting to everyone! LOL

Computer is Down!

2008-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

My laptop computer is down right now and hubby still doesn't have it up and running.

I finished my monkey socks for Monkey Swap#4 and they are on their way to my pal. I hope she likes them.

I received my box in for the Spring Fling Coffee Swap and it was wonderful. I will post pictures as soon as I can and update this post. It was filled with coffee, bread, flowers, a container, a beautiful pie bird, etc. Thank you so much for the package. Unfortunately, I am trying to do this from work and the box is at home! :( I'm sure I will be up and running soon and will update at that time. Please have patience with me!

I got a little lost......

2008-04-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

A couple of dishcloths and a scrubbie. But mostly because I was working on a felted bag....okay....3 of them!

This is the size of the bag before felting. It is crocheted and takes hardly any time at all. I have to say crochet is faster, but not as pretty as knitting.

Two bags done after felting. I like the one in the back better, although you can still see some stitch definition. The one in the front is fully felted, but so tiny. Not a good picture to show the difference in size, but there is a big difference in size. I'm thinking that the unfelted one above, will only be partially felted and not fully felted.

Monkey socks.....I'm in Monkey Socks Swap 4 and this is how far I have gotten on this pair. This is the first time I have used cherry tree hill sock yarn. Overall, it is a very nice yarn and the sheen of the yarn is very pretty. I don't think this is a yarn I will be buying in multitude though. Too me, it is just a nice knit.

Happy Knitting!

Another Jacket and swap

2008-04-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

Started working on the carolyn jacket. It is a combination project where the jacket is already made and you add knitted sleeves and sides. I have one side one and have started working on the other side.

Thank you Tammy for the wonderful package for the Big Bag Knitalong and swap. I was hoping when I saw the picture for the red-white-blue bag that it was for me. she also include wildfoote sock yarn on a spool (didn't know it came that way), dunkin donuts coffee (my favorite) a little pouch she made (it's too cute), journal, notebook, etc. some chocolates and the best part of the package besides the bag is the PIEBIRD! Look in the middle of the picture and you will see the piebird. He has already been added to my collection in the kitchen! Thanks So much Tammy!

An update on Austin. He's growing! :) That makes us so happy to see him gain weight and he has a wonderful personality!

Happy Knitting

Questions on my likes

2008-04-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

I received a question from my anonymous swap pal about my pie birds. The pictures of the piebirds can be found here. It was way way back in one of my earlier posts! :) Some of my favorites are the first picture, center piebird. My best friend picked this up at at yard sale for 25 cents and it is the speckled piebird. It was used by another family for years as you can see the patina coloring on the inside. How cool is that? The one in the box on the top left, is the one I use when making chicken pot pie.

Gardening....hmmm...I have 11 beds. Not all are finished yet as some winters are harder than others and I lose some of my plants over the winter, so sometimes I just have to wait and see what comes up in the spring. I've slowly started uncovering them and will probably finish this weekend if it stops raining long enough! I prefer Perennials over annuals and love plants that just keep reseeding themselves.

Happy Knitting!

Projects on the Rise!

2008-03-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

This week:

In the sewing arena, I made a blanket and 2 burp cloths for my grandson.

I've also started on a replacement for the sweater I felted last week. Making good progress. Have the back and both sleeves done and only need to work on the front. I just haven't decided yet on whether I want to add a cable to the front or not. I am doing it in Berroco Air (discontinued) and the pattern is called Doreen, Free pattern off of Berroco site

Received the package in from my swap partner for the Sockittometwice swap. She sent a pair of socks, gorgeous, smoochy sock yarn (really feels nice, can't wait to use it) 4 skeins of cotton classic (which I love) a Loopy ewe project bag (can't have enough) a book called shadow knitting, a sock pattern, starbucks coffee and some stitch markers. Although the package was late, it was well worth the wait! Yahhhhhh! :)

Happy knitting all!

Boy, I've been busy!

2008-03-25T05:04:00.000-07:00

Big Bag KnitAlong&Swap This is the bag pre-felted, made with Galway

And after felting. This is the first felt project that has come out. The first 2 projects I made, did not look at all like they were supposed to and I ended up throwing them away. :(

Remember this: Well it is no more......I accidentally felted it. Now it is no good. :( I have no idea how it happened. I hand-washed in cold water (like normal) and when I went to get it out, it looked funny. Yup, it felted. Yarn was Lang Breeze (discontinued) and composition was 68% wool and 32% nylon. Any ideas?

And these are finally done! Hubby gets a new pair of socks but boy did they take a longgggg time to knit. I think it was the color, I found them boring!

I want to thank Sarah for the beautiful box she sent to me for the Longing for Spring Swap! It was filled with gorgeous goodies. The lorna laces sock yarn, the journal, the Chocolate, the stitch markers with little garden items at the bottom, and on and on! Thank you so much Sarah!

Monkey Sock Four Questionnaire!

2008-03-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Measurements:
Shoe size: 8.5
Foot length in inches: 9
Circumference: 8.5

Yarn Preferences
What are your favorite colors? Blues/Reds
What color clashes with your wardrobe? None really
Do you prefer solids or variegated yarns? Hmm.....both
What are your favorite brand sock yarns? Wildfoote, jitterbug, STR, Jawall, ummm any
Is there a new sock yarn you really would like to try?Anne by Scheafer?

Cookie A. Patterns
List the patterns you do not have but would like to receive: Flicker or Twisted Flower or Mona

Allergies
Do you have any allergies that your pal needs to know about? (animals, fiber, sensitivity to smoke etc.) No
Will you knitting be exposed to animals? 1 dog
Will you knitting be exposed to cigarette smoke? I smoke but only outside. Shouldn't be as I wash and block before sending

Shipping
What country do you live in? US
Are you willing to ship outside your country? Yes

Spring Fling Coffee and Yarn Swap Questionnaire

2008-03-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

Coffee
1. What is your preference? Whole beans or ground? Dunkin donuts – regular - ground
2. What kind of coffees do you enjoy? A rich, bold roast; a light, fresh one, or something in between? Leaded or non? Regular roast, nothing too strong
3. If you were headed out right now to buy some coffee for the house, what would you be picking up? Dunkin donuts if I can find it, otherwise Folders
4. Do you drink for caffeine, pleasure, or both? Both
5. Do you enjoy flavored coffees? How about add-ins or flavored creamers? No, I do not like flavored coffee….I will drink a mocha frap occasionally
6. A large, lovely mug or a small, dainty cup? Definitely a mug
7. Describe your perfect cup - not JUST the coffee, but how you'd enjoy it! Sitting outside in the early morning hours, watching the sky lighten, listen to the birds chirping, drinking my first sip!
8. You're sitting down to enjoy a nice cup in the local coffee shop, knitting bag in hand, iPod all tuned up - or maybe you're there with a few friends for knit night! What treat do you pick up to enjoy with your coffee? A sweet, rich brownie, or something more healthy? How about a salty treat? What goes best with that great cup and company? Blueberry muffin or coffee cake (Drakes)
Yarn
1. Do you knit or crochet? Both
2. What are your favorite types of yarns to work with? Cotton, wool blends
3. What do you have on the needles (or hook!) right now? A big wool bag to be felted and socks
4. What are your favorite colors in yarns? What about those that you'd never find in your stash? I seem to tend towards reds/blues and lately greens. I know I don’t have any neon in there and hopefully never do :)
5. What sort of needles or hooks do you enjoy using? Any you just detest? I like my knit-picks, denise, addies, hiya-hiyas. I don’t like wooden circulars or Plymouth needles (don’t like the ridge)
6. Are there any particular notions you absolute do NOT need? Some of us swap a lot - are you sure that you have enough tape measures to last your lifetime? Enough stitch markers to mark every stitch of a 10 foot wide afghan? I can’t think of any notions I do need!
7. You walk into the yarn shop and have exactly and only enough money to purchase 2 skeins of yarn in their 2 for 20 special they have going..The choices are a soft, thick cotton/viscose blend in your favorite colors, slightly variegated..a beautiful sock yarn that's just squishy and sproingy in your hands.. a soft, worsted weight wool like malabrigo.. and a lovely bamboo blend with colors to just die for. Which do you walk out the door with? The sock yarn!
Spring
1. We're starting sign-ups on the first day of Spring - is it already truly Spring-like where you are? Well it was, but then we got a cold front so it’s been in the low 30’s and upper 60’s
2. What's your favorite spring flower? Do you have one? Daffodils or tulips
3. What do you most look forward to about springtime? Working in my gardens before it gets too hot.
4. They've predicted a gorgeous day tomorrow - Sunny and about 65 with a nice breeze - how do you spend your day? Working in the yard in the morning and then just sitting outside in the afternoon
5. The day after, it's going to be cooler and pouring down rain - does that impact your mood? How do you spend that day? what helps cheer you up? I love the rain occasionally, especially on a weekend as I love to open the blinds wide, watch the rain come down, and knit or read
Odds n Ends
1. Do you collect anything BESIDES yarn and needles? Piebirds
2. Are you allergic to anything? Dust/Work? LOL
3. Do you have pets? Yes, 1 dog
4. Is this your first swap, or are you an old pro? What are the last 2 swaps you participated in? I guess I would be considered a pro. The hot cocoa swap and the defeat the winter doldrums swap
5. List 3 of your favorite blogs - craft related or not - and tell us why you love them: These are listed on my blog for addresses.

Luvs2knit: Love seeing what she is knitting (which is phenomenal), watching the kiddies grow and her life.

WishingIwasknitting: Wow, I feel like I know her very well. Her baby knitting and dishcloth knitting is wonderful and love getting recipes, and reading about her family life.

14wheelerknitting: Traveling on the road with her hubby and son. Seeing the different areas they travel too, pictures, etc.

Grandson takes alot of time! Little Knitting done!

2008-03-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Presto Chango by Valerie Wallis. Done is Brown Sheep Serendipity tweed color of African violet. The socks and the hat is just a basic knit project of:

socks 32 sts, 3 inches, double wrapped short-row heel, foot of 4 inches decrease to 8 sts for toe, graft

hat 90 stitches, 2x2 rib for 1 inch, stockinette for 4 in. total and decrease
This is for my great-great-niece. No, I didn't stutter! Hubby is youngest and oldest sister is 14 yrs older than him, her daughter's daughter's daughter! Wow!

And of course, we can't forget my little possum.....LOL He doesn't like strangers so he has a habit of keeping his eyes closed when anyone else besides the family is around. As soon as that person is gone, pop goes the eyes! It's so funny!

Dishcloth swap and forgotten Mood Buster Buddy

2008-03-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

This young lady decided she didn't want to leave tennessee so when I mailed my package for the Hot Cocoa Swap, she was left behind. She is on the way to Marie to her new home! Hope she likes her and she's happy!

Received by swap in today for the Defeat the Winter Doldrums Swap from AmandaT.

WOW! Look at all the goodies! A book I have been eyeing but didn't buy, Dunkin Donuts coffee (my favorite) 4 - count them 4 dishcloths in burgandy and off-white. Beautiful smelling soaps she made her self with shea butter. They smell wonderful. A passport to Texas to mark off the cities you have been to.

A candle stand and candles from the yankee candle company, chocolates, look at the little lamb. So Cute

Lip balms, and it keeps on going........

Inside the small project bag was 2 skeins of yarn that are gorgeous colorways, needle protectors, some markers and a case with beautiful stitch markers.

Amanda you are the best! Thanks so much!

Big Bag Knit-a-long Swap Questionnaire

2008-02-26T16:32:00.000-08:00

Do you knit, crochet, or do both? For how long? Both, Crochet 30 years knitting 2 years
What other crafts do you do, if any? Sewing and cross stitch
What are your favorite colors? Reds/Blues Colors you loathe? Neon
Favorite yarn brands? Hmmm...that's a hard one. Cotton Classic, Wildfoote, Louisa Harding Fiber types? Cotton or cotton blends Yarn you can't stand? Can't think of any
What is your favorite type of item to knit/crochet? Socks and dishcloths
What kind of needles do you like? (i.e. circular, straight, metal, bamboo, etc.) Bamboos, Knitpicks, Denise
Any knitting tools you lack but crave? Can't think of any
Patterns you've been dying to get but haven't yet? Central Park Hoodie and the Hoohaus (spelling?) hat
Do you drink coffee, tea, cocoa? Flavors you love/hate? Coffee- Dunkin Donuts or Folgers
Favorite sweets & snacks? Chocolate (any kind)
Any pets, kids, spouses? Spouses that act like pets or kids? (j/k) That's too funny.....Kids are grown, hubby for 29 almost 30 years, 1 dog - black cocker spaniel AND a new grandson (only grandchild)
Favorite things to knit/crochet for the above, if applicable? Socks for hubby
What kinds of books do you like to read? Favorite authors or genres? I love to read but it interferes in my knitting LOL. Love J.D. Robb, Christine Feehan, futuristic, suspense
Do you collect anything? (besides yarn! LOL!) Piebirds
What, if any, are your non-craft related hobbies? non-craft? Hmmm....We go Rving
Scents you adore? Vanilla Scents that make you gag? Flowery or strong
What is your idea of a relaxing time? Watching nascar and sitting at the lake outside the RV and knitting!
Oh yeah, are you on Ravelry and if so, care to share your Ravelry ID? cindybmw2004

Loverly Swift and Ball Winder

2008-02-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

Wahooo! I finally joined everyone else and broke down to buy a swift and ball winder. Normally I get my skeins wound when I buy at my LYS, but I do a lot of swaps, and I get skeins in that are not wound and I tried once....never again....to wind by hand. What a Mess!

This is the beginning with the skein on the swift and connected to the winder.

Half way through the skein and the "cake" is looking good!

Ahhhh....finished cake and no knots! I'm so excited!

Just to enable my sock yarn, like I need any more!. 8 skeins of wildfoote. I love love love this yarn for socks for hubby. I can do 60 sts on size 3 needles and get beautiful socks that wash great and wear great and take hardly any time. Just a regular 2x2 ribbing, short row heel, stockinette foot and in 2 weeks, a pair of socks! Hubby is happy and I'm very happy! :)

And of course, my little dream grandson! :) If he grows some, I can take some pictures of him wearing something I have knit. Right now, it is all too big on him!

Happy Knitting

Yes there is knitting being done!

2008-02-19T18:09:00.000-08:00

finished the socks for my sockittometwice swap. The pattern is called checkmate. A little hard to see in the self-striping yarn, but over all I'm please. Box should go out at the end of this week. I just have one more thing to finish and everything else is ready to go.

Did 2 new dishcloths in crochet. The pattern was one I down loaded, and I'm not sure where. Will have to find the url and then edit this post

Working on squares for the VJCC. This is a project on ravelry where we will knit/crochet during the nascar races and hopefully by October have a blanket done to send to the camp. They give every child a blanket to take home with them, so this is a good project to do when you are sitting around watching the race. I did 12 squares during the Daytona 500

Yes, he is still cutie. He's mad from his bath, and hungry, but he's wearing his new Tigger outfit.

I just love looking at him!

Meet Austin Hunter!

2008-02-13T19:51:00.000-08:00

Well, Austin is a month early, but please meet Austin. He's a cutie. Weighing in at only 5 lbs, 8 oz. Now I don't have to worry about that little sweater. He'll fit it just fine!

Mother and baby are doing fine. Grandmother (calling myself CeeCee) is another story!

What a ride! He's a cutie! :)

Hot Cocoa Swap ----Received!

2008-02-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

How cool is this? Adding marshmallows as packing, but you know it is really for the hot cocoa!

What a swap! Received this cute little guy as my "happy" in case I get "blue" in the winter. Which I don't get, but he's still going in my knitting bag in case I do get "blue". He'll just take over. Wonderful yarn ----Regia (which is a favorite -- in blue); Rowan Cotton (in red!), candle, lotions and shower gels in a really yummy smelling scent of rice flower and shea. I love shea. It's so nice to the skin and a wonder moisturizer! Chocolates, hot cocoa (from Gharidelli- how nice is that!).

Stitch markers in a really pretty green (maybe-oblique) shape. The case is the only thing that got broken in the box. A beautiful snowflake cup, perfect for having hot chocolate; with a matching spoon!

Thank you so much Sandy! You are a real sweetie and I enjoyed opening every wrapped package! :)

Happy Knitting all and yes I will post knitting pictures soon. Daughter to the Dr's in the am to find out if baby comes tomorrow.....but I really need the next 3 weeks to catch up! :)

Longing for Spring Swap

2008-02-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

Questionnaire
Do you knit or crochet? Both How long have you been at your craft? Knitting - 2 years; crocheting 30 years
What are your favorite yarns/fibers? 100% cottons, sock yarns What are your least favorite yarns/fibers? Acrylic unless I have a special use for it
What are your favorite colors? Red/Blue What are your least favorite colors? Neon
What ‘warm weather’ project are you looking forward to making this year? A shell
What are you favorite scents? Vanilla Least favorite? Strong flowery
What is your favorite flower? Yellow Roses
What are you favorite spring time hobbies/activities? Getting the gardens ready
Do you have a garden? If you do, tell us a little about it. Do you like to plant flowers or vegetables? Yes I have 11 gardens around my property. I only plant flowers and have mostly perinnials and roses although I do grow one patch of tomatoes as I love home-grown tomatoes
What are your favorite sweets? Chocolate
Do you collect anything? Piebirds
Do you have any allergies? No
Do you have any pets? Yes, a black cocker spaniel

Pea Pod Baby Set - Done!

2008-02-05T03:43:00.000-08:00

Finished the Pea Pod Baby Set but had a hard time trying to find complementary buttons. The buttons aren't sewed on yet, but it's too beautiful to keep hidden until they were. The yarn was Brown Sheep Seredipity Tweed. Very nice yarn to knit with and I bought more of it to make a large set of this pattern. Pattern is well written and I had no problems following the pattern at all!

Happy Knitting All

Baby Blanket is DONE!

2008-01-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

BABY BLANKET IS DONE!

Wahoooooo! The baby shower was last Sunday and I finished the baby blanket at 4:30am that morning. I'm pleased with how it came out overall. I wish I had done the border a little longer but 32" of garter stitch was enough to drive me crazy and I had to do 4 of them. My daughter was very very pleased with the blanket and I'm sure the baby will love it for years. The bottom right square is for the baby name and birthday. Only 6 weeks away! I took our birthdays out of the picture but basically it is from the bottom right corner going up is my daughter, then me, then hubby. Going from bottom right to left of blanket is baby's dad, his mother and then his father. I was going for a "family tree" type theme. The other 9 squares are different baby theme pictures, like a rocking horse, carriage, stork, lamb, bunny, etc.

Happy Knitting!

Swaps received!

2008-01-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

Received my package from the Monkey Sock 3 Swap from Barb. The package was full of yarn goodness, little monkey items, pattern, and of course the socks. The socks are in On-Line sock yarn in a very pretty pink varigated. Thank you so much!

Also received my socks from Kelley for the Vintage Sock Swap. They are done in the Madder rib pattern and I love them. The blues are gorgeous. I was a little concerned about the toes (never did this pattern before) but have to admit they fit wonderfully as you can see.

Happy Knitting!

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap

2008-01-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Both
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Bamboo #7
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try? I use all kinds of cotton, PnC, SnC, Twists, Self-striping, cotton classic, patons
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)? Kitchen: Tuscany, beige, black and red accents. Bathroom: peach and ivy
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite? Bright, burgandy, beige. Least: Neon
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends? Winter is okay. I don't count the days, but prefer spring/autumn better
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps? Hmmm...hard one....going to yarn storeand seeing new yarns? LOL
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps? Chocolate of course!
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa? Coffee- Regular - Dunkin Donuts when I can get it!
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? I would go to a beach, anywhere on a coast and spend the days watching the waves.
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? No

Hot Cocoa Swap Savenger Hunt

2008-01-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? AnneK.
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa Angela T
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States Bianaca B, Clarrisa R. Jenn S
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter Lesley
5. Name someone who crochets Nicole D
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions Christy B
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ) Heather F 1/7/08
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Baileys - Jodi H
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' Marie P
10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Alex K
11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) Kris L
12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat Emma G/Kristen M
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Lora B
14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs Ashley C.

Just Knitting happily away----and sewing!

2008-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

I'm at the toe of hubby's first sock. The pattern is from the Vintage sock book by Nancy Bush. The yarn is Jawoll Cotton, which I love.

Ifinished the socks for my swap partner for the Vintage Sock Swap. They have now been washed, blocked and dried. I had to try them on before this. I love love love them......I hope she does also. The box is ready to mail in the morning and I think I have put together some great things for her. She is also getting the cat project bag below. I think together, the whole box is great!

3 more bags completed. The left one is going to one of my dishcloth swaps for the New Year Swap on Ravelry. The cat one to my Vintage sock swap partner and the blue one with hearts is for the Boo-Ty Swap partner that was left out. I am playing angel for her so did the bag, a skein of Vesper's handdyed sock yarn and a few other small things!

Finally done with one of the socks of red/white/blue. I didn't think I would ever get done with this sock. Now I have to start the second one. This has been a very long project. Almost as long as the Seahawks socks!

Happy Knitting all!

Cocoa Swap Questionnaire

2008-01-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

Cocoa:

1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? Any of the above would work for me!
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Whipped Cream

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet

1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? Sock yarn (any) in grays, reds/blues
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? Both
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? Addi, knitpicks and Denise. Also bamboo wooden ones. I have all I need, but thanks
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? Short on beaded markers. :)
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? Most probably a ball winder and swift. I'm looking at them at my LYS. Hubby got me a $200 gift certificate for Christmas, but I'm still looking!
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification). Dishcloths

Miscellaneous

1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? Curl up in front of the fireplace
2. What is your favorite animal? dog
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? No
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Take a bath
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? Going to Italy
6. What are your favorite treat? Chocolate and more chocolate
7. What is your favorite board game? Scrabble
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? Grown 2 kids, first grandchild on the way
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? Nope!

Projects Galore

2008-01-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

Vintage Sock Swap. Interesting. I'm almost done and should be done by Tomorrow night. This gives me time to wash, block and dry in order to mail on Monday. Going along great. Stripes match up until you get to the heel.....then.....

the heels don't match, but the stripes line up again. On this picture you can't really tell, but if you look at the first one, the stripes do match....except for the heel. I hope my partner doesn't mind too much, but if she does, I plan to add a note that says if they bother you, please send them back....they fit me like a glove and I love love love them!

Trying my hand on some small project bags. I have to say I love these also. There is a pocket on the front for small items and a roomie inside to hold a pair of socks or other small project. Not bad for my design! I do a lot of swaps, and I was spending a forture on small project bags. This way I can send more in the box but the bag is personally from me! Cool huh?

Did the first shawl a month a go and absolutely love it. Hubby got me this book for Christmas (how did he know? LOL) and started on the first of several shawls. This one is called Constances Shawl and is being made out of Filatura DiCrosa Luxury 100% silk. At $16.00 a skein for 145 meters its a little steep (ok, a lot steep!) it's going to be beautiful. The color is a beautiful red and exactly me! :)

These are the red/white/blue socks I feel like I have been knitting forever. This is the first time I have knitted a full stockinette sock and I am going to say it is also my last time. It has taken forever and it is only the first sock. I still have to make another one. I keep thinking I should frog it and start over and then I look at how much I have finished and think only a few more inches and I can start the 2nd one. Not sure yet, so It sits in my project bag.....resting!

I love the rib sock for the Vintage sock exchange so much, I started one for hubby. This is being done in Lowell Cotton and I love this yarn. It washes great, wears great, and best of all, hubby loves the yarn....so....great incentive!

More on the way and counted my swaps I am in....8 and counting...Really need to knit more for home than for swaps! LOL Not going to happen.

Happy knitting all!

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap!

2008-01-03T13:58:00.000-08:00

Wahooo....I really enjoyed the autumn dishcloth swap and am so happy to see one for the winter. Here's the link....now join! :)

http://dishclothexchange.blogspot.com/

Another post later tonight on what I have been doing. It's end of year and end of month at work so I'm busy busy busy! Can I please get a clone? :)

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Since tomorrow is Christmas, I figured I could finally show what I have been working on. This is the winter set I made for my daughter. It includes a cable hat, matching handbag, multi-colored scarf and little slippers. I love how it came out and I had to design the bag and scarf to match the hat, so I think it came out pretty good for no pattern! :)

These are regular watch-cap hats. The 2 navy blue ones are for son and s-i-l. The black one is for hubby. I love the band around the bottom of the hat so there is no-rollup. I also changed the hat to a small decrease to make the crown rounder instead of "puckery". The decrease I used made an actual crown to the hat.

The gray hat is for my brother. It's thick and very warm, so when he is out working in the shop, his head should stay warm! I hope he wears it, and that is an "iffy" thing, but it made me feel good to make him something that hopefully he will like.

Well, that's my Christmas knitting. Can't say I am too happy that's all I got done, I still have a sister that I didn't finish her felted bag. Figured I would wrap up the yarn and the pattern and tell her I owed her one! I think she will wait, if now, well then........

Merry Christmas All! I hope you have a very happy one!

Cocoa Swap - Spread the Word

2007-12-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Wahooo...another swap! Just love them. Here's one to beat the winter blues : Cocoa Swap. Now just imagine being the middle of winter, after chrismas and still quite a while before spring and you get a package made up of things that make you happy and some gourmet Hot Chocolate beside.

Follow the link, post on your blog, leave a comment saying I sent ya....Would appreciate it!

Required Elements:*

A blog of your own*Post weekly*
Secret/Anonymous email address*
Gourmet Hot Cocoa*
A yummy treat that your pal says is a mood booster*
Enough yarn for a project. Here's where the mood-booster comes into play: You need to send yarn in a colour that your pal says makes them happy, for a project they are really going to enjoy. Remember: we want to make them feel really good. If their idea of feel good is sock yarn in dizzying neon shades, then send that.
*Stitch markers designed to cheer.*
(and this is our favourite) A Winter Blah Buster Buddy. This could be a knit or crochet stuffed creature that you make to chase away your pals blahs. The sidebar has links to free and fairly cheap patterns if you need inspiration, and feel free to get really creative and design your own. The point is to make something that will definiately put a smile on your pal's face.

Enterlac

2007-12-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

Well I tried Enterlac. In the dishcloth size, I have to say I do like it, but, I've been looking at vests, sweaters, and handbags. I'm not too sure about that! The hardest part was remember where you left off and to always make sure you finished that row. Went to bed one night at the top of it and got up the next morning and oops had to take out some stitches. Was going the wrong way!

This is the short-row pinwheel. This goes real fast and faster than the 4corner dishcloth. Both are gorgeous thou and favorites of mine to do for gifts.

Seattle Seahawks colorway that I picked up when I was in Seattle. The socks are pretty, but I am really disappointed that they ended up varigated instead of the pattern. The pattern sample I saw was nothing like how these came out. I lost the tag for the yarn, so I can't tell you what it was, but it was hand-dyed.

Overall, I've been busy, but just don't have the pictures done of how busy! I've started and stopped a few projects, can't really decide what to do next for my big project. I keep looking at my stash, taking out, putting up, etc. Maybe I just need a break. Not sure, so right now I am working at 2 pairs of socks. One pair is for the Vintage Sock Swap and the other pair is red/white/blue self-striping. Since I am on the foot of the first sock for the red/white/blue, I still haven't decided if they are for me or for hubby! Will know more when I get closer to the toe. Do I stop and make them for me or continue for a couple of more inches for hubby? Hmmm....actually he has 4 pairs more than me. That should be my decision right? LOL

Happy knitting

Busy Thanksgiving Weekend

2007-11-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

Summer Shawlette is completed. I made a couple of mistakes, but I think the lace is so busy no one will notice! Overall I am very pleased with how it came out. The only think I did different was add 4 lace rows to the bottom to open it up a little bit. The yarn was Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora.

Ravelry Dishcloth Exchange Group Dishcloths

These next 2 dishcloths were for the red, white, green exchange. The red/white one is my first ballband cloth. I'm still not sure how I like the pattern, but I hope my partner is pleased with the results.

This green one is a favorite pattern. I love how you can combine two cloths and get a pretty cloth. I just follow the regular grandmother's favorite, until 39 stitches, add the second color, continue increasing until 48 stiches, decrease to 39 stitches, go back to the original color and finish off.

These 2 are for the I'm dreaming of a white christmas. You had to do 2 dishcloths in white/blue with snowflakes or snowmen. I did the white cloth is a knitted-in snowflake and the blue one is a crocheted snow flake.

These 2 are for the Hark, the Harold Angels Sing. You could do either angels, musical notes or plain red/white. I decided on the plain red/white dishcloth. I still have to go find 2 dish towels to go with them as I like to send everything as a set.

Happy Knitting

Sock it to me twice Questionnaire

2007-11-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

The Questions
How long have you been knitting? 2 years. Do you consider yourself beginner, intermediate, advanced? Intermediate
How long have you been knitting socks? 1 year
What are your favorite fibers to work with? cotton or wool blends
What is your favorite color? blue
What are your current WIPs (works in progress)? 2 sweaters, 2 socks, baby blanket
Name your favorite yarns, (brand, fibers, colors, etc.). Cotton Classic (any colors) dreambaby (have to take care of the new one on the way!)
What are some yarns/fibers that you stay away from. acrylic
What is your family situation? (Married, kids, pets?) Married, 2 grown kids, 1 black cocker
Name some of your hobbies. Knitting, reading
Name some of your favorite movies? Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind
Do you like to read? Yes
Do you collect anything? Piebirds
Do you own an iPod or mp3 player? No, hoping for an Ipod for Xmas
What are your favorite type of knitting needles? Addi circulars
What knitting notion could you not live without? markers
Who are some of your favorite designers? None particulary
Do you subscribe to any magazines? (Knitting or otherwise.) No
When is your birthday? May 31
Do you have a "wishlist", (on Ravelry, Froogle, or Amazon)? No
Do you have a Ravelry ID? cindybmw2004
If you had a sheep, what would you name it? baby

Latest Projects!

2007-11-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

This is the Summer Shawlette project I am working on. After "frogging" 3 times between rows 7 and 9, I finally got the rhythm down! Whew! It took a bit let me tell you! I put in 2 lifelines, but now I have them out as I pretty much am on target. Unfortunately, I didn't estimate the yardage right, so I've had to order more yarn from here. I want to add a couple of inches to it as it says overall length is 15-1/2". 17 or 17-1/2 would be a little better I am thinking. So now I am at the point where I have to wait for the yarn to come in. I just ordered it today, so I'm going to start this:

This is an easy pullover from Berroco. I found the yarn here on clearance so it is a very big bargain. AND I get to use the new KnitPicks that my wonderful secret pal 11 sent me! Yes, I finally found out how I managed to get these in the mail. AND they are mine, ALL MINE!
Remember the square that my embroidery machine ate? Well, I knitted it over and guess what? I finished all the embroidery on all the squares (praying the entire time!) and they all came out great! So now I have to sew it together and work on the border. The border is going very slow as it is 4 strips, 4" wide by oh, maybe 30" long. That's a lot of boring knitting, but I still have plenty of time, the baby isn't due until March. Figure it will be easy knitting for the winter.
The newest baby sweater. I'm figuring this is 6 months size and it is done. I just have to sew in the sleeves and buttons (check them out!, little blue bears - they are so cute!) and then block it. Yes I do it backwards, but that is what I have always done! LOL

Anyways, thats a few projects and of course I am still doing socks as my on-the-go project. It takes care of the 14-15 stoplights on my way to work! A few of them are very long lights, good for a couple of rows!

Happy Knitting!

Embroidery machine ate my knitting!

2007-11-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

I'm working on the surprise blanket. I did a sample of 4 squares to decide how I was going to sew everything together. Sample came out okay. It is do-able. So I was originally planning to do duplicate stitch of names/birthdates, but realized I only have 37 stitches across (8 are not usable because it is the border), so I was left with 29 stitches across. Mine, my hubby, and my daughter's names are all too long to do duplicate stitch with 29 stitches, so I decided I would try on my sample, embroidery.

It worked just fine. Initials are one of the hardest on sewing, so I did that. No problems.......
Ooops....I get the name done, going good....getting to the birthdate, so far so good. The LAST NUMBER, break the top thread. Re-thread....going along and bang! The stitches get stuck. By the time I realize it's NOT moving....it's too late. The only thing to do is cut. It was stuck on the bottom at the bobbin level. Luckily, I only have to knit another yellow square, but now what am I going to do? I have no idea....I guess I'll let it Purculate in the back of my brain for awhile and see what comes out.

If I didn't order, can I keep?

2007-11-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

There was a box on the front steps today when I got home from work. I didn't order them, but here they are....Do I get to keep them? There was no note, no nothing, just these in a box. So, right now they are sitting back in the box and I will keep walking by them over the weekend to look and admire. I have the Denise set (which I do not really like) and have been wanting to try the knit-picks options, but didn't want to spend the $$ until I could see them. A secret santa perhaps? But it's kind of early for Christmas.....so if anyone knows where they came from, please drop me a hint, so I know that I can use them! LOL Dyeing to try them.....

Happy Knitting all! :)

My son was very Surprised!

2007-11-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

This is the cake I had the local bakery do for my son getting on the Fire Department. Boy he really was surprised! If I could have taken a picture of his face! LOL

Son made the Fire Department

2007-10-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Wahooo.....my son made our local fire department full-time. He's been on the reserves for 10 months, but starts full-time on Monday. I'm so proud of him! :) This has been a long-time dream for him, so we are very happy. I made him an embroidered towel set for his "duty" bag. We are planning to have a "congrats" cake for him on Sunday night. I'm thinking he will like this very much.

IT'S A BOY!

2007-10-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering my first grandchild will be a boy! :)

Happy Knitting!

Fall Felted Bag Exchange - Swap

2007-10-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

Wow! I get back from a trip and there is a beautiful box waiting for me....I dig in to it with great expectation! It was all I could ask for! A beautiful clutch in colbolt blue (my favorite color); new yarns, pattern book, chocolate, a needle case....do I need to say more! Thank you so much, it is gorgeous!

Boo-Ty Swap

2007-10-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is way too cool! I received a scarf (in my colors!), a pumpkin cup (great for morning coffee), hand-dyed sock yarn (to die for!), chocolate, body splash and interweave knits magazine! Thank you so much! :)

Sock Wars II and F.O.

2007-10-19T02:46:00.000-07:00

Sock War II----That was fun. These are the socks I made in ONE weekend. I had to let the house go, no cooking, only knitting. Whew! It was rough but I did it. Unfortunately, I ended up dying by Tuesday afternoon.

Yup, these are the socks I got on Tuesday afternoon, Express Mail. They put me out of the wars right away! They are gorgeous and fit like a glove. I'm very impressed!
Finished the socks for hubby. They fit kind of "loose" on him so I'm not sure what happened. This was a new yarn for me, it is very soft, etc. (see earlier post on yarn) but for some reason, the heel is loose and the socks are a smidge too long. I've washed them and they are hanging to dry. I'm hoping it is just a finished object stitch thingy and now that they are washed the stitches firmed up some. Remember I told you he wears them the next day and doesn't give me time to wash them! LOL

Let' see....I'm almost done with the second bag to be felted so I'm hoping to felt early next week so I can get one of the last 2 swaps out. We are on vacation starting at oh 4pm today (I'm hoping!) and will not be back until Tuesday. Then home for 2 days and then at the races! I love May and October as those are our scheduled 2 weeks off.

Today is the Day! Daughter goes for baby sex ultrasound. Will try to post a short post this afternoon on what she is having! I didn't think I would be this excited but I am sooooo psyched! I have so many projects planned for the baby, but most are waiting to find out if we can whether it is a boy or girl! Wish her luck that the baby is facing the right way and the parts are there or not! LOL

Happy Knitting All!

Finished Objects and 3 swaps gone!

2007-10-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

These were the monkey socks I did for the Monkey Sock Swap. They are on their way up North to Canada. I also sent a bunch of other stuff, but will have to wait until they get to their destination to post all of it! LOL

I did 2 cloths for the Autumn Dishcloth Exchange and also added a bunch of stuff to her box. I'm really hoping she likes everything I put together for her. Again, it's a matter of waiting for box to arrive to post!

This cloth is for the Boo-ty Swap 2. In case you can't tell, it is a witch! The box was supposed to be a Halloween theme, so I think I did okay on that one!

I have 2 more swaps to finish which is the Fall Felted Bag Exchange ( the bag is knitted, but still not felted!) It has to be in the mail and received by the end of the month, so I'm still okay on time. The other one is the Secret Pal 11. This one may be a problem, so I'm emailing the hostess again, for clarification of my pal not responding to emails. I hope she is okay, but I am really starting to worry!

Happy knitting

Ravelry Came in!

2007-10-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

I'm cindybmw2004

Just got my invite this morning, so haven't even had time to look over the site!

Autumn Dishcloth Exchange Package In!

2007-10-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

WOW! What an amazing woman. Received my Autumn Dishcloth Exchange Package today and all I can say is Gina spent alot of time on my blog getting to know me! Hand-dyed sock yarn, a new pattern book, beautiful twist cotton yarn, chocolate, an ameretto candle, ball-band dishcloth and red scrubbie, a bath mitt (colors match my bath) and the piece-de-resistance: A PIEBIRD!

Thank you so much Gina! You are a dream! :)

Autumn Dishcloth Exchange Topic!

2007-10-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

So for the Topic of the week:Either flash your needles and other items you use to make your wares or, if you don't have a camera, describe your goods for us in detail. Dpns, circs, straights, hooks, tape measures, darning needles, favorite stitch markers, needle holders, cases, the works!

This is my notions, etc. bag. I picked it up for $3.99 at Office Depot. It is actually a school bag, but it contains everything I have ever needed for knitting. There is a place in the front for the cable holder too. In the 3rd picture, you can see everything that is in it. If there is something else I need, I haven't found it yet. So comments on what I am missing would be appreciated! :)
There is stitch markers, stitch holders, crochet needles, sewing needles, scissors, tape measure, Gauger, pencils, pens, etc.! :)

Happy Knitting all!

Weekly Topics

2007-10-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

Fall Felted Bag Exchange:

How often do you change the purse or bag you're carrying? Do you change based on seasons? Outfits? Something else? What's your favorite bag in the world (and it doesn't have to be a knit/felted one!)?

I'm really bad about NOT changing my purse until I absolutely have to. The bag I currently use is one I picked up at Wal-Mart but I love it. It has a back pocket for CC's, checkbook, $$, etc. A large open section for the miscellaneous junk. LOL and 2 front pockets that hold my business cards and 2 cell phones! :)

2007-10-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

Finished a pair of socks for a woman at my husband's work for her birthday. He asked me to make her a pair as EVERY Monday, she asks does he have a new pair on. She is always interested in seeing the new pair I finished for him. I don't think she realizes how long it takes to knit a pair when you have other projects! LOL Anyways, I started these on size 3 needles with 60 stitches, got all the way to the foot and realized they were way to big....to the frog pond they went. I ended up doing them on size 5 needles with 44 stitches and the fit is a lot better. The yarn is ONLINE.

Finished the Monkey socks for my Monkey Sock Swap. The yarn is Luna Moon. I have to say I love the way they came out, just not really sure if I like how busy they are for the pattern. I hope my swap partner likes them. I have one more project to finish for the box and then I can mail them off. My goal is by this weekend since they have a long way to go.

This is the lastest pair of socks I am working on for hubby. It is a new yarn I have never used before, but they feel so soft I'm hoping he will really like them, since I bought ohhh maybe 5 differant colors in this yarn. The yarn is OnLine Supersocke 100 in the color Sierra

I finished knitting the bag for the Fall Felted Bag Exchange, and now I just have to get it felted. Since I have never felted before, I am taking it to my LYS to have them do it. I'm hoping I can be off to see how it is done. The yarn is Cascade 220 in a hunter green.

Since I'm getting the first bag felted, I went ahead and made another one. This one is for my sister and I'm almost done with the bag part. I'm about an inch from the start of the straps.

In between, I am still working on the surprise for the new baby, a sweater for me (which I have frogged 3 times) and I really need to start on the sweater for hubby. Not sure if I will get it done in time for Christmas as I keep joining swaps (really need to stay off the internet---NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! LOL)

Happy Knitting

Topic of the Week

2007-09-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? Why?

The cooler weather for sure! It's been very hot in Memphis this summer. Hotter than normal. I'm really enjoying sitting outside (vs. sitting in the air conditioning!) and knitting away. We do a lot more traveling during Sept/Oct and I can sit outside, people watch, and knit happily away! :)

I'm doing alot of knitting as I joined a few swaps and the dates are coming up fast. I have most everything done except for 2 dishcloths and felting a bag. The bag is knitted, but I'm knitting another one for my sister for Christmas so I will felt both at the same time.....Of course, I also want to make one for my daughter, so I just have to be careful of the time so everything has time to dry before I mail the bag to my partner.

Pictures later tonight of F.O. and stalled work. :)

Happy knitting all!

2007-09-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is the box I received from N.C. I am doing the Dishcloth Tag
and my tag member sent me a grandmother's favorite in blue, 2 skeins of pink and of course candy! I had to make up a dishcloth from one of the skeins and send to the next member who is in Texas. I used the pink Peaches n Cream and did the Pink Ribbon Awareness Cloth , but of course I forgot to take a picture. :(

I'm down to the last foot for the Monkey Sock 3 swap. I am doing them in Luna Park, 100% merino wool. I have everything else put together except for buying the yarn to make a pair of socks. I have all my monkey things, put some other stuff already, so now I just have to decide what yarn to get. I still have plenty of time, so I'm not sweating the "small " stuff! LOL

This is going to be a felted purse for the my swap partner for the Fall Felted Bag Exchange. The pictures do not do it justice. It is a hunter green in Cascade 220 and the color is gorgeous. I'm thinking my partner will like it very much.

Well, I'm still working on the baby blanket, a sweater for me, socks for Hubby, plus the other 2 listed above. Now, if I could just figure out how to knit at work, I might get everything done in time. Getting a little stressed out here!

Happy knitting all!

Socks are finished

2007-09-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Of course, I would give socks away without taking a pictures, so sorry for the quality of the pictures. They are cell phone pics! LOL

Anyways, the ones on the left were in the Opal Tiger colorway and I have to say, it is very nice. I love how they ended up looking like tiger stripes!

These yellow ones were for my sister's birthday (I was late!). But they fit and she loved them. She loved how she was the first in the family of "outsiders" to get a pair of socks from me! It's a long story, but the short tale is our older sister had said one time she was finished with Christmas shopping EXCEPT for the outsiders. When we asked who were the outsiders she still had to shop for, she told us "US". So for the past oh 5-7 years we have teased each other on whether we are "outsiders" or not! LOL

Mostly this past weekend, I did "sewing" stuff. Had to get my machines fixed and then pick them up and then go to Hancock Fabrics and buy some stuff, and then take my daughter back to Hancocks to pick up some stuff and then and then....LOL Actually, we got a maternity top cut out and started sewing it up, but I made a big "oops", so now I have to go get more material :( and at $10.00 a yard, I am not happy! Oh well, it's been awhile since I have actually sewn, so I'm "chaulking" it up to "blondness"! LOL

Happy knitting all!

Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Swap

2007-09-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

Wahooo....going to do a new swap. It is the Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Swap. The sign up starts From September 1 - 8. I think I am right in the middle of this one! :) I loveeeee dishcloths.

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been doing it? I do both. I have crocheted for over 20 years, but have only been knitting about 18 months.

2. Have you made dischloths before? Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both? I love love love dishcloths. I give as gifts, and use them always!

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ? It depends on who it is for. For my kitchen, I prefer Cotton Classic, for the bathroom, I like Sugar and Cream or Cottontots.

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles? I use all of them depending on the yarn I am using.

5. What are your favorite colors? Any colors you don't like much? Favorite colors are burgandy and royal blue. Least favorite would be anything Neon.

6. What do you like best about Autumn? The cooler weather. It's been very hot this summer in Tennessee.

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks! Pumpkin for sure!

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day? Always a school kid....loved it!

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the timeframe of the swap). Halloween--used to, until 9 years ago when we moved into a new house. There are no kids in the neighborhood, so don't do anything anymore :(

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose? Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!

11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;) All of the above! 1 black cocker spaniel (who is really spoiled); 1 son 26, 1 daughter 23 and one GRANDCHILD on the way! Of course my hubby of 29 years!

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why? Hmm....that's a hard one! I would have no idea...I'm a gemini for sure so I'm sure a yarn that doesn't know what it is!

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths? Both and love'em.

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays) Thanksgiving....I love the whole having family over, cooking, baking, etc!

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about? Dust? LOL

Trying to Catch up....but going backwards

2007-08-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

This yarn came in the other day: It is the Tofutsis from SWTC. It is one of the yarns for the sock club at yarnmarket. They are supposed to be special limited edition colors and there will be a pattern for each color. It is absolutely gorgeous, and since I love this yarn, it's going to be nice to get a skein in every 2 months. Should give me plenty of time to keep up with the pattern. I am "chomping" at the bit right now to start this sock, but have to wait. Have 2 pairs going and I don't want to get stressed out!

This is the sweater I am working on for me. I started it last week, but I'm a little concerned as I only have 7 skeins and only have this much done with one skein. I am going to go ahead and continue knitting and see what I use up on one side. That should give me an idea on whether I will have enough to finish. I stopped by the LYS and they don't have any more in this color. She can order it, but then I might have a dye-lot problem. Wish me luck!

This is one of the 2 pairs of socks I am working on. It is the new Opal in the Tiger color. It is very pretty and so far working up pretty nice. I have actually finished this sock and working on the 2nd since I took this picture. I did the heel in short-row double wrapped and I like that very much.

And this is the other sock I am working on. It is being done in yellow Wildfoot on size 2 needles. Can't say I like the pattern too much as it has plenty of k2tog and yarns overs, so my fingers are sore. Taking this pair very slow and giving my fingers a break after every 10 rows! :)

Now, I just have to start on all the swaps I am doing. Let's see, I have a knitted felted bag to do, a dishcloth but have to wait for the tag box to come in to start, a pair of monkey socks, ummm.....going to have to review my list I think. I'm in 5 swaps and that's only 3. But I have all requirements printed off, so I just have to clean out my knitting bag, and I'm sure the other 2 will show up!

Happy knitting All!

Finished baby sweater set!

2007-08-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Finished the baby set. It includes the sweater, hat, socks/booties and a knit burp cloth. The cloth has a stork on it! It is way too cute! Now, I just have to wait to find out if the baby is a boy or girl so I can add details, like pink or blue buttons!

This is a comparison of the 2 sweaters together. The little one is the first one I knit, but I think it is way too small, so I did the next one 2 sizes up from it. All of this is done in Dreambaby DK which is so soft and so nice to knit with. I hope the baby is happy and nice and warm.

I also did a dishcloth this week in Red White and Blue. Of course it is in the DW pattern as I love the way it works. The yarn is one I have never seen before as my LYS just got it in. It's more expensive than SnC or PnC as it is $2.75 a skein and only makes the one cloth. I did it on size 7 needles. The yarn is called: SRK coolspun cotton and only has 73 yards to the skein. I'm going to see how it lasts and holds up over time. I'm hoping the colors won't run as PnC has a tendency to do in the bright colors.

And I finally finished a pair of socks for hubby this weekend. I've only been working on them for oh about 2 months now. The baby through me for a loop and I was working on getting some stuff done ahead of time. Hubby has already worn them so sorry about the bad picture. He loves getting new socks and takes them to wear the next day before I have time to take pics, wash and block! LOL Gotta love him!

I'm also working on a new sweater for me and I am still working on the surprise baby blanket. I'm about 2/3 done with the blanket, so I'm hoping to have pictures soon. Well, at least in process as again for the final work, I have to know if baby is boy or girl. I think I am driving daughter nuts about that!

Happy knitting all!

Fall Felted Bag Exchange

2007-08-21T03:17:00.000-07:00

How long have you been knitting or crocheting? How did you learn? or from whom? I have crocheted for over 20 years. I have only been knitting for less than 2 years. I started in January 2006. I learned to knit at my LYS.

What was your first felted object, and why did you decide to try felting? My first felted object was a purse for my daughter. I wanted something to match her red wool coat she wanted last Christmas.

What are your favorite colors? Any you hate? Pretty much love all colors but neon.

What are your favorite styles\types of bags? (Long straps? Short handles? Handbags? Totes? Any and all.

Embellished? Plain? Include links to patterns or photos if you’d like – give your pal an idea of what you enjoy!) Most probably plain. I'm not a bling type person.

What handbag or bag are you carrying today? Do you use a separate bag to carry your knitting? What I would call a regular handbag, overthe shoulder type. I always carry a separate bag for knitting, except I do carry a sock in my purse. LOL

What other things do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? Sweaters, socks, dishcloths.

What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum) Actually I use them all, depending on what I am working on.

What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make? I have the pattern and the yarn for the felted clogs, but haven't started them yet.

What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with? I haven't work with Noro yarn yet.

What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden? I do not spin, but I do sew and garden, and read.

Besides yarn, do you collect anything? Piebirds.

What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to? Chocolate and more chocolate

Do you have any kiddos? (Furry kind count!) 2 grown at boy 25, girl 23, 1 dog and one grandkid on the way!

What kind of project best personifies you and why? I am doing the Sample Stitch Kimono, this keeps me interested in a long-term project. As I tend to hop or push getting something done before I lose interest.

What is your favorite part of Autumn? You can also share a special Autumn memory if you'd prefer! I love the change of colors on the trees and the cooler temperatures.

Tell us 3 things you would do if you won 10 million dollars in the lottery. I would quit work, and volunteer at a shelter or something along those lines, buy a maybach and buy a house near or on the beach.

Monkey Sock 3 - Questionnaire

2007-08-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Monkey Sock Swap THREE Questionnaire

The basics: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? Definitely intermediate

The measurements:
Shoe Size: 8.5
Foot circumference: 8.5
Foot length: 9

Yarn Preferences:What colors do you love? Reds and blues

Do you prefer solids or variegated? varigated

Do you prefer wool, cotton or acrylic yarn? Wool or cotton

What colors would you never wear? neon

What are your favorite brands of yarn? Lang Jawoll, Crystal palace, Regia

Are there any new brands you would like to try? Can’t think of any, but always, hand-dyed is GREAT!

Cookie A. Patterns: Which of her patterns have you already knit? Just the Monkey Socks

Which pattern(s) would you like to knit and don’t already own? All of them.

Other pertinent information:Would you be willing to have an international Monkey Pal or do you prefer one in the US? Either

Do you have any allergies? Work/dust! LOL

Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? I have an inside dog, black cocker spaniel, and yes I smoke, but NEVER in the house!

Are you on Ravelry yet? If you don’t mind having new friends, what is your Ravelry name? No I am not

SP11 Questionnaire - Secret Pal 11

2007-08-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Favorite yarn for knitting would be Rowan. Favorite Sock yarn would be Lang Jawoll (either cotton or wool). Fibers I do not like? I guess like everyone else would be acrylic! LOL

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Straights are stored in a large tin, circulars are stored in their packages (Addies or HiyaHiya) and I also have the set of Denise's circulars

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 since January of 2006. My level is intermediate or beginning advanced! LOL. I have a strong craft, needlework and crocheting background, so I picked up knitting pretty easily.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No, but I will say I do not have any Stephanie books, elizabeth zimmerman or *itching Nation books. Actually, I only have 3 knitting books that I use for reference. LOL

5. What's your favorite scent? Vanilla

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

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I knit, sew, embroider (by hand and machine), cross stitch, ummmm....and No I do not spin or weave and really have no interest. I love watching people do it, but it's not something I have ever been interested in.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Music: favorites would be REO speedwagon, MEATLOAF and Prince

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Reds, blues are my favs. Neon is not me.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married for almost 29 years, have 2 grown children, and 1 runt black cocker spaniel.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Any and all. And if anyone sees a patterns for the scarf/hat all in one I would love one of those. Not sure what it is called, but it's like a scarf but has a "back" to it so you can wear it on your head? LOL

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? SOCKS and dishclothes! But right now, baby stuff.

13. What are you knitting right now? Baby blanket, sweater, booties, etc. Expecting my first grandchild!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes

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

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, my LYS winds everything into cakes for me!

17. How old is your oldest UFO? My first sweater from Jan. of 07. I can't follow the right side directions and put it up. Haven't looked at it in that long either. The whole sweater is done, back, sleeves, and left side.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Most probably 4th of July. Love the whole red/white/blue thing.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Piebirds

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I do not have any books, besides 3 reference books and I do not have any magazine subscriptions. Boring I know! LOL

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Need to get up the "gumption" to try enterlac.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes I am. Love socks and actually got "stuck on them" from Oct to April. LOL I wear a women's 8-1/2 shoe, with 8-1/2 circumference and a 9" overall length. Pretty much normal.

23. When is your birthday? In May and yes I am a true Gemini! :)

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? No I am not. Still not really sure what it is although I have read the site! LOL

What a great weekend

2007-08-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I took the RV to the casinos over the weekend. This was our first trip with it as it is about 60 minutes from home and we wanted to make sure we could hook it up, we had everything we needed and if we ran into problems we were close enough to home to get help! LOL. We had a great time and everything went smoothly....except.....we need a check list BEFORE we take off. Left the house and turned the corner, the door swung open and the stairs were still down.....We had to stop to fix that. Other than that small problem, it went really smoothly.

Going to be in the Monkey Swap 3, so I'm pretty excited about that. Maybe this time, I can remember to check that ALL needles are the same size!

Also doing the Secret Pal 11, which I have never done any of them before, so I am "racking" my brains on doing it well!

And the Dish Rag T ag, which I think will be pretty fun. Dish cloths only take about 1-2 hours to do, so the purpose is to get your box in, knit a dishcloth and get the box mailed right back out either that day or the next day! There can be no cheating, so hopefully, everyone waits to knit their cloth with a skein from the box....then rebox in the SAME box, mail and get it done!

On the knitting front:

This is the cloth I did for my Swap Partner for this quarter's swap. Hopefully, she doesn't check my blog until after she has received the box. Hope she likes it. I loved the color and it is S&C beach ball blue.

I also did an extra one just in case I need to be an angel. I didn't have enough of the varigated yarn but I had a little blue left from another cloth and they matched in color, so I think it came out pretty. I asked hubby if he thought it looked like I ran out of yarn and he said he thought that was the design of it.....so I guess it worked! LOL

Other than that, I am still working on the "secret" baby blanket and hopefully soon I can post pictures, but it probably won't be for a couple of months, as I have to wait to find out if I am getting a granddaughter or grandson. So far I am pleased with how the color scheme is coming out and have the blanks ready to fill in with pink or blue. Are you wondering what I am working on? Is the suspense getting to you? LOL

Happy Knitting!

Drum-Roll Please!!!!!!

2007-07-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I am also busy knitting "little things"! I am going to be a grandmother for the FIRST time, so now you know what I have been doing! Besides holding daughter's head (she has morning and evening sickness - YUCK!) I am knitting, knitting away! Also working on a surprise blanket, but since I don't know if she reads my blog, I can't post that for awhile. The sweater (to me) appears to be very very small (haven't seening a "midget" in quite awhile) so I am making another sweater in white that is bigger! Hoping one of them will fit. Will add details (blue or pink) once the little "jelly bean" gets big enough to figure out what sex it is! LOL

Happy knitting!

So busy knitting, forgot to blog!

2007-07-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

Finished my sweater. It was supposed to be a shell, but I added short sleeves and put some of the detail work from the front and back of the sweater onto the bottom of the sleeves and learned how to do breast darts to compensate for my size D's. LOL. That was fun and I know I will be doing the darts again. The sweater is gorgeous and fits beautifully. I couldn't ask for a better fit! To me, this is the first time, I have knitted a sweater that I absolutely loved how it looked, feels, and fits! Can't ask for more than that!

This is the new ceramic yarn that is out. I started working on this in May before I went on vacation. I was hoping to get it finished, but I ran out of time. It came out very nice, but I haven't worn it yet. Supposedly it is supposed to keep you cool by 5 degrees. Well it is 95 here, so I am going to have to try it out. The only problems I ran into was the yarn is very "slinky" and has a tendency to "pull". It goes back into place, but that is a pain. Also, if you have any "rough" spots on your fingers, the yarn "grabs". I ended up always using cuticle oil before starting knitting and then washing my hands real good to make sure the oil was gone! I can't wait to wear it, but told hubby he was going to have to take me out for dinner to wear it as it is a little too much for work (the ribbons shows skin) and I spent too much to wear to the local club (which still allows smoking) and I don't want to have to come home with "smoke sweater". But hey, he'll take me to dinner and I'll feel wonderful wearing it!

More tomorrow, as I have an important announcement to make and to show what else I have been up to!

Happy knitting!

Different sizing of yarn needles

2007-06-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Monkeys were bad and the needles were worse!

No you are not seeing a bad image. The socks are different sizes! The top was done with Addi #2 and the bottom was done with Hiya #2

There I was knitting away and trying to finish the socks for the Monkey Sock Swap. I never measured the socks against each other since I was doing pattern repeats. I get done, graft the toes and UH OH! Major problem! Significant difference in socks! I almost cried! I thought I must have mixed up the #2's and #3's in their package. But nope, 2 sets of #3's were in their package!

I then got out the needle gage and lo and behold......#2 Addies measure 3mm....which is between a #2 and #3 and the Hiya's measure 2.75mm. This is a signicant difference in the smaller size needles.

So, I ask myself: "How come I never noticed this before?" and then it dawns on me. I've only used the number #2's for hubbie's socks and I do it by measurement. 68 stitches of 2x2 ribbing for 6-1/2 inches, the heel, and then stockenette for a total of 14" in length and then the toe start.

Now don't laugh (which I know you will!), but this now all makes sense to me when hubby said one of the socks feels tighter than the other! Duh! It would!

So, how do the solve the problem with my monkey socks? The only way I could, I went to my LYS, got another skein of yarn, started another sock, emailed the swap hostess and my partner and say! "I have a problem! The socks don't match!" So I'm late for mailing my package, but am making good time on the second (or would you call it the third) sock and should have them finished, washed and blocked sometime today!

So excuse me all as I go back to knitting this sock so it can be mailed, hopefully tomorrow! :)

The yarns I bought while on vacation!

2007-06-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

One skein of Lana Grossa Stretch Cotton and 2 skeins of DG Confetti Cotton were purchased from the Bee Hive in Victoria, B.C.
One skein of Opal Cotton and 2 skeins of Crystal Palace Panda Cotton were purchased from The Yarn Garden in Gig Harbor, Washington
Four skeins of Wildfoot in two different colors, one skein of Caryn's Creations (done in Seattle Seahawk colors - Hubby will love these come fall!) and 2 skeins of Tahki Cotton Classics (for some very nice dishcloths for me!) were purchased from So Much Yarn, in Seattle, Washington.

Of course, Hubby thinks I am nuts for wanting to go to yarn stores on vacation, but he was a trooper and hunted them down and looked interested in the stores! I think it was a great yarn vacation and only had wished I had room in my luggage to have brought home more yarns!

Seattle, Victoria B.C. and Tacoma

2007-06-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Pike's Place Market at the Waterfront in Seattle
The Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C. - It was beautiful!
The view from our room at the Empress (I didn't want to leave!)
Well, the Moose was just sitting there, so I sat on his lap!
One of my socks in progress with an ocean view behind me!

Pie birds and sweater

2007-05-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

My Super Sox Box Swap partner has asked about my pie bird collection, so the above pictures are what I have collected so far. I have collected pie birds for several years and love them all. In case you are wondering a pie bird is a ceramic figure or funnel that is inserted into a crusted pie to keep the crust from sinking and also to release the steam. I have a couple of them that I use but most are for my "dust collection"! LOL

I finished the sweater back last night and have started on the front. It is coming out very pretty and I love the yarn. I just hope 3 days of knitting left will be enough to finish the sweater. I really want to wear it while on vacation next week in Seattle. So, I'm going back to knitting, knitting, knitting! Wish me luck.

Happy knitting

2 monkeys - no feet

2007-05-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Didn't get as much knitting done as I wanted to this weekend, but did get both monkey socks to the start of the heel. They are coming along very well. Did quite a bit of sewing today, but can't show what I am working on, as it is a surprise for my Monkey Sock partner and the Super Sox Box Swap partner. But what I did make came out very nice. Hope to include pics (yes, I already took them) next week sometime as I mail my packages off and they are received.

Back to knitting on my sweater. I don't think I will get it done in time for vacation on Sunday, but going to make a good dent. Maybe I will have to finish it while I am gone.

Happy knitting!

My puffy arrived

2007-05-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Received this from my Dishcloth Exchange partner - Jen. I've never done the mason-dixon ballband pattern, so it is nice to see one done. I really enjoy the exchanges and really appreciate someone making something just for me! Thank you JEN! You are a sweetie!

Whew I'm tired!

2007-05-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Started working on my Monkey Sock for the Monkey Sock Swap part 2. I love, love, love this yarn and am going to have a problem sending to my partner. So now my goal is to find more of it. My LYS only had 2 skeins, so my partner gets this beautiful, soft, wonderful (get the hint here? LOL) monkey socks!

Another view with the label. I really have to find some!

Finished another dishcloth with matching keychain. This is in reserve for someone special! Don't know who yet, but I'm sure the new owner will identify herself eventually! LOL

Happy Knitting

Super Sox Box Swap Questionnaire

2007-05-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Super Sox Box Swap Questionnaire:
1.What are your favorite colors? Blue/Red
What colors make you cringe? Anything Bright Neon
2.Are you a new sock knitter? Pretty much
How long have you been knitting socks? Since October
3.Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? Multicolored
4.What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn? Wool or cotton
5.Where do you usually knit socks? Anywhere I can! Have walked around shows with socks in my hands! LOL
6.How do you usually carry/store small projects? In a small canvas bag
7.What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? 2x2 rib
Any favorite designers? No
8.What are your favorite sock knitting techniques? Circular – cuff down
9.What new techniques would you like to try? Toe up
10.Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting? I ONLY know circular
11.What are some of your favorite yarns? Tofutsies, sockatta, although I haven't seen much of any others
12.What yarn do you adore and yearn for? Any of the hand-dyes or small spinners. I have never seen these yarns, but the pictures make me “pant”. LOL
What yarn makes you happiest? Hmmm…just about any except cheap yarn (although they have their purpose!)
13.Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? I would love to do the 50 state dishcloth afghan.
14.Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? Have Denise set, love addi (not the bamboo ones) and the new Hiya circulars
If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Louisa Harding – Soft but tough! LOL
Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? Sweet or salty? Chocolate and more chocolate
Do you collect anything? Pie-Birds
What is your favorite scent? vanilla
Will you be celebrating a birthday, anniversary, etc. between now and the close of the swap? Yes Birthday 5/31
What’s your favorite animal? Hmmm….don’t think I have one
Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? I have a 4-year old black cocker
Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read. It’s time for me to fly (REO)
What is your motto in life? It’s time for me to fly
Do you have a wishlist? (ie: Amazon, B&N, a LYS, online store, etc.) Please list link here. Hmmm….not that I know of. Although I just found the blogs for Yarn Harlot and Stitch’n Bitch’n (not sure on spelling – sorry). I have never seen any of their books.
Anything else you’d like to share with your Sox Box pal? I’m rather spoiled and normally buy what I want or need. I live outside of Memphis and honestly have never seen any of the yarns on people’s blogs. I don’t know what hand-dyed yarn is nor have I seen Lorna Laces, etc. This just isn’t something in the LYS that is carried here.
Any allergies to be aware of for this swap? UMMM….work and dust? LOL
Coffee, Tea? Dunkin’ Donuts – We don’t’ have one here.
Anything Else? I am a fairly new knitter (since January 2006) although I have a strong crafting background. I catch on easily (the LYS can’t believe what I knit for being what is called a beginner) I have already taken the advanced finishing class and everyone wants me to begin the “master knitter” course (not sure about that one). I still think I have a lot to learn. I loved making socks from my first pair on size 2 in black wildfoote. Hubby wanted a pair. Since then I have made over 20 pairs. I like patterns from me, but the easiest is 2x2 ribbing with a short-row heel for hubby! LOL

Last Day at work! Wahooooo!!!!!

2007-05-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well today was a sad and happy day. My job moved to Florida so today was my last day. I have a new job starting on June 4th so I am off-work until then. Am I happy? YES. Am I sad? YES. I will miss "most" of the people I work with and a few I could care less! LOL More time for knitting!

Well Hubby's socks are done, but I am off a stitch or two :( Makes them look like they don't match. The dye lot is the same, but the color pattern on the foot changed. This is the first time I have seen that so I am not happy, but hubby being hubby, loves them and will wear them. You can't ask for much for much more than that! LOL

Ahhhhh my sweater top. LOL. I am at the sleeve pattern on new yarn and new pattern. I finished the 11" on Saturday at 5:30pm, but had to wait until Monday. I have never done a "knit cast-on" and got stuck! :( Not good. Turns out it was very easy!

Happy Knitting!
Cindy

I'm a bad girl, need to stop buying yarn!

2007-05-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

Cascade Bulky Fixation - Royal Blue

Cascade Bulky Fixation - Varigated

Sockotta

Tofutsies (like I needed more!)

Opal

Skacel Trampoline Stretch

Now to decide which of these to use for the Monkey Sock Swap 2

The only thing I did get done last night was the dishcloth and keychain for my dishcloth exchange. LOL Now to pick up a couple of things to go with the package and I am ahead of the game! I'm so happy about that! I can then work on my monkey socks (ohhhh the decision) and start working on a sweater for me!

Happy knitting!

Not much knitting done

2007-05-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

These 2 dishcloths are for my sister. The blue one is a hummingbird and the burgandy one is a Fairy. I think I should have chosen a differant color for the fairy as she is hard to see. The patterns for these are located here: RaAnn Designs RaAnn has very beautiful designs, all free and very easy to follow! The yarn used was blue (Paton Grace) and burgandy (Cotton Classic)

I did finish the one sock and have started on the other one. I am at the beginning of the heel for the second sock. This pattern goes fast and you see progress right away!

Flowers are in bloom in my gardens. I am so excited to see how pretty they are coming up this year. So mostly I had to work in the yard this week (which interfers with my knitting!). I have 7 gardens, so it was weeding, deadheading, and spraying for weeds and stuff.

Happy knitting all!