SP13 Questionaire....FINALLY!

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

Well, I like just about everything. I am not a fan of the fun fur or novelty yarn, but just about everything else is fair game.

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

I have a roll up needle case bursting with needles, and a couple of needle kits (Denise and Knit Picks) that come with a holder.

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

Oh gosh, maybe six years ago? I took a class, and I would say I am advanced.

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

No.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I like Jasmine and clean scents. Not too flowery or musky.

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

oh heck yeah. I love all chocolate and starbursts.

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

I crochet. Tried to spin but never really got into it..someday I may try beading or quilting.

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

I like all kinds. Some of my favorite artists/bands are Dave Mathews, Tori Amos, Buckcherry, Carrie Underwood, and many many more. And yes I am MP3 compatible.

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

I love pink. I steer towards greens and blues as well. But I really love all colors and try to represent them all in my stash.

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

It's just lil' old me. No kids, no pets. My sweet kittie passed away a while ago. Maybe I will get another one someday.

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

Yes. Not really ponchos.

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

Lace, socks, and sweaters.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Lace, lace, lace, socks, socks..and I have 5 sweaters I am dieing to cast on

4. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course.

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

Circulars. And I usually knit with KP options or addis, but I like wood and plastic as well.

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

Yup to both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

LOL I got no idea. maybe 6 years?

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

hmmm Christmas I guess and that answers the second question as well =)

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Dragonflies and frogs

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

The Princess shawl and maybe Lira, but those are expensive patterns I believe. I also subscribe to Vogue knitting and Interweave Knits.

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

I would like to do some more colorwork. Never tried steaking before.

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

Oh yeah babe. =) I am a size 8 1/2 - 9

23. When is your birthday?

It just passed. It's November 8Th.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

Yes I am. My ID is the same as this here blog thestitchinwench


P.S. Pal I am so sorry it took me so long to get this up. Had complications with the computer, but it's up and running now! =) Looking forward to getting to know you.

Guess I better go rent some of her movies =)

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Ingrid!

You are an Ingrid -- "I am unique"

Ingrids have sensitive feelings and are warm and perceptive.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Give me plenty of compliments. They mean a lot to me.



• * Be a supportive friend or partner. Help me to learn to love and value myself.



• * Respect me for my special gifts of intuition and vision.



• * Though I don't always want to be cheered up when I'm feeling melancholy, I sometimes like to have someone lighten me up a little.



• * Don't tell me I'm too sensitive or that I'm overreacting!

What I Like About Being an Ingrid

• * my ability to find meaning in life and to experience feeling at a deep level



• * my ability to establish warm connections with people



• * admiring what is noble, truthful, and beautiful in life



• * my creativity, intuition, and sense of humor



• * being unique and being seen as unique by others



• * having aesthetic sensibilities



• * being able to easily pick up the feelings of people around me

What's Hard About Being an Ingrid

• * experiencing dark moods of emptiness and despair



• * feelings of self-hatred and shame; believing I don't deserve to be loved



• * feeling guilty when I disappoint people



• * feeling hurt or attacked when someone misundertands me



• * expecting too much from myself and life



• * fearing being abandoned



• * obsessing over resentments



• * longing for what I don't have

Ingrids as Children Often

• * have active imaginations: play creatively alone or organize playmates in original games



• * are very sensitive



• * feel that they don't fit in



• * believe they are missing something that other people have



• * attach themselves to idealized teachers, heroes, artists, etc.



• * become antiauthoritarian or rebellious when criticized or not understood



• * feel lonely or abandoned (perhaps as a result of a death or their parents' divorce)

Ingrids as Parents

• * help their children become who they really are



• * support their children's creativity and originality



• * are good at helping their children get in touch with their feelings



• * are sometimes overly critical or overly protective



• * are usually very good with children if not too self-absorbed

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

The Sock mojo has returned!

Guess what? I got an FO to show you. It's a pair of socks that took me about 7 months to complete. Yeah I know, for someone that competed in Sock Madness and was busting out a pair a day, that is pretty abysmal.
However they are done now, and even though these pictures absolutely suck, ( I was in a hurry to get them to the recipient), I think they turned out rather nice.

I made these for my sweeties mom. She is a fantastic woman and I adore her. I have told Adam ( my sweetie) That the only reason I am with him is because of her...not entirely true but she does sweeten the deal. =)
Pattern: Pomatomus socks by Cookie A

Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy..I am guessing Blue Lagoon??

Needles: Addi Turbos size 000

Pat (the sweeties mom) absolutely loves them. But she keeps telling me they are too pretty to wear. Hopefully one chilly day will change her mind.

The Pom's and Socktoberfest really put a hitch in my get along and now I can not get enough of socks. I have joined the Mystery sock along (from Through the Loops) and I am LOVING it so far. I have Clue 2 done on one sock and I am getting ready to start Clue 2 on the second.

And as if that, my UFO socks, and all the other goals I have for the month were not enough..I have plans to cast on two more pairs sometime this week. Check them out:

Little Pumpkin Socks

I think these are perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving. I would love to have them done before the end of the month but I am not holding my breath.

And ...

Esther socks These socks are for the October sockdown Challenge (Sock Knitters Anonymous group). They are absolutely beautiful! This designer has so many amazing patterns. I think I put like ten of them in my queue!

All this talk is making me itch for my needles. I am off to knit!

The blob

I started knitting this shawl around this time last year. It has been sitting on my coffee table untouched for about 8 or 9 months now. Which is pretty sad for many reasons..the biggest one being that I only have 22 more rows to knit + bind off and it would be done.

It really does look like a blob doesn't it? But the finished project is quite lovely. Here is (hopefully) a link to a picture of the final product.. Dracula's Bride
One of my goals this month is to finish this baby. One row takes about an hour to complete..and there is patterning on both sides. It is a lesson in patience believe me!
But I tell myself that if I did just one row a day, I could have it done by the end of the month, possibly maybe even for Halloween!
It is going good so far, I did my row for the day already..and surprisingly.. I kind of enjoyed it.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have a small mountain of knits calling my name.

It's that time of year again!

I am amazed to find that we are in October already. Guess it is time to say goodbye to summer and welcome in Fall already.

Today starts the kick off for Socktoberfest 2008. Although I already have a lot of goals set for this month, I am hoping to squeeze in a few socks for the month as well.

I could be a good knitter and try to finish off some of these:

from left to right counter-clock-wise: Blue Pomotomas socks, red Twisted Flower sock, Charades in Yarn Pirate, and an I-cant-remember -what-it-is-called in Trekking.

Then there are all the sock club packages from the Loopy Ewe sock club (of which I have not started ANY!)

And, well, if that does not inspire me...thenl there is always this:

The sock yarn stash. Want a better look?

Here you go:

Although this last picture does not show everything cuz my room is too small, and I forgot about 6 skeins that were sitting on my dresser.

Happy Socktober everyone!!!!

Yadda yadda Yadda

On 08/30/08 I was a passenger in a pretty serious car accident. However, as you can tell I am alive and despite some injuries I am doing well.

The worst injury is that my left humerus (that is upper arm bone if you did not know) is broken. And if you are a knitter you can understand my horror.

But do you think I would let a broken arm stop me? Heck no! With a bit of fiddling I am still able to enjoy my sticks and string. And since I have about 3-4 more weeks of downtime I have decided to make some knitting goals for October...accomplishing them is another matter of course. =)

1) Finish skull illusion scarf (UFO) . Finish by 10/05

2) Keep up with clues and finish Halloween shawl by Moni. Finish by 10/25

3) Finish Dracula's Bride shawl (UFO) . Finish by 10/27

4) Start and keep up with clues for Mystic Earth KAL. Starts 9/30, finish by 10/31

5) Participate in Socktoberfest. I hope to finish up a few pairs on the needles and maybe start a new pair. (some UFO's)

6) Finally finish store sample for Ben Franklin's (if they even want it anymore...lol) (UFO) Finish by 10/11

As you can see by the list I am trying to narrow down the UFO's I have floating all around the house. Let's just say 2008 was a huge bout of startitis.

However even with that, I did manage to finish the Mystic Lights Shawl:

Stats:

Mystic Lights Shawl..not sure of start or finish date!

2 skeins Cherry Tree Hill in Dusk(?)

Size 2 needles

Now if only I could get to the post office to mail it off....it is last years Mother's Day gift and has been done for months. Oh well, mom's Birthday is Oct. 14Th, maybe I can get it to her by then.

It keeps me out of trouble...well most of the time anyway

I have mentioned more then once that I am addicted to the Lace Mystery KAL's. There have been a lot of them lately through Yahoo and Goddess Knits..and I can't help but join them all. (The fact that I have not finished a one of them to this date is besides the point.)

Now granted, I have not been crazy about all of them. And usually I can tell pretty quickly if it is something I will be into or not. But the thrill of getting that first "clue" is too much for me to pass up. So I will start them, and I have got pretty good about stopping if I lose interest. After all, it's not like I can't reuse the yarn for something else.

So I thought I would share with you some of the projects I have been working on, and some that are coming up in the very near future.


First up is the Mystic Light's Shawl. I am absolutely loving this. It is hard to get a good picture because it is getting too big for my needles, but it is lovely. There is a wonderful cable that gos up the middle of the shawl and also cables along the edges.

I am doing mine with Cherry Tree Hill in the Dusk colorway. This picture shows the shawl with Clue 3 finished. We just got clue 4 yesterday and this clue has patterning on both knit and purl rows....guess what I am going to be working on for the rest of the evening?

The second shawl is Mystery Shawl #8 from Goddess Knits. Here is Clue 1 finished:

(Bad pic, I know. But it is dark out and I did not want to use the flash. Hopefully the future pics will be more blog worthy.)

The yarn is one I have had in my stash for a while and just so happens to be the exact brand that the designer used for hers (although a different color).

It is Alpaca with a twist Fino, an Alpaca and Silk mix..and it is a dream to work with. I am really liking how it looks so far and can't wait to get the 2nd clue on Saturday!

Unfortunately, both of the KAL's above are now closed..but if YOU wanted to catch my disease, there are a few coming up (one starting tomorrow as a matter of fact and another on Saturday)..and I believe sign ups are still open.

The one that starts tomorrow is from a Yahoo group called Mystery Lace. It is free to join! The designer said to pick a white, pastel, or light color..and mentioned a bead option. I love me some beads! This is what I am planning on using:

Now this next one I am REALLY excited about. This is another Mystery from Goddess knits and it is for a Spring shawl. I went all out for this one, check it out:

That would be three skeins of MMMMalibrigo lace and again..BEADS! Saturday is going to be a good day let me tell ya!

And finally, another KAL I am excited about, although there is no fixed start date as of yet. The theme is already known for this one. And after hearing the theme I had to join. Want to know what it is? Casablanca...one of my favorite movies.

I chose a white yarn, after all Casablanca means white house. And the beads have a purple base to them but have other colors mixed in with them as well. They look like jewels. And correct me if I am wrong but doesn't Casablanca take place in Morocco or some city that makes you think of rich colors and jewel tones?

Yeah, I am going to have busy fingers..but I am loving every minute of it! I am hoping to have time to work on these and also get crackin on some UFO's/ WIP's.

K, enough blabberin. Time to wind some yarn and get busy on Clue 4!

What can I say? Except thank you.

Thank you to all who responded to my last post. Whether or not I got back to you, your words and love meant so much to me.
I guess for the most part I really, really needed to work through some things, and learn how to forgive myself and others.
This past year I went through so much, (personally and otherwise) and it took a lot out of me. But through adversity comes growth and I am happy to say that I have pulled out of that black hole and I am now standing on firm ground with my face towards the sun.

I am not saying that everything is roses. Life is never like that. You have to know true sadness to feel real joy. I know I am waxing poetic here..and badly at that..lol. but I guess I am just trying to convey a little of what I have been learning.

So again, thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you cared...even if we have never met. =) I love you all.

I have a lot to share with you..knitting and otherwise. I have some good news, and some sad news...and I am tempted to just blurt it all out in one long strung out post..but I will save those things for another time (tomorrow and the next few days hopefully!)

Until then may your needles be sharp, your yarn drool worthy, and your gauge spot on everytime!

Realizations

This is the time of year when people reflect on the past, and then look to the future. Many of us make resolutions. We resolve to stop (or start) doing something. But how many of us actually live up to these promises we make to ourselves year after year...after year?


Sure, some of them are fun...like knitting resolutions..but what about the more serious things we all hold inside of us? The secrets? The pain? Dare I say it????



The baggage.

Does anyone ever resolve to try and let go of some of the crap they got hidden inside? Or is it all about the superficial.

(Ex: Instead of getting help for my depression I am going to resolve to lose weight this year).

Now sorry, I don't mean to offend. But I know I am not the only one trying to avoid my real issues.

Because lets face it, everyone has baggage of some type of another. Some of us have a small carry-on, while others of us have the matching 5 piece designer set. (Yeah, I'm the latter.)



For a long time now I have been known to say, " We all have baggage, we are just looking for those who have matching luggage." Cute huh? What a great way to make lite of something that in reality can be quite serious.



I am sure you are all saying, "OK, OK, Mel..would you stop trying to bring us all down? Give us some happy knitting pictures, or tell us a funny story."



I will get to that, soon.



But for now, I want to come clean about some things.

This past month I have had a lot of time to think. And when the New Year came around and I was going to sit and do my resolutions..I realized I couldn't. I was to fogged up in my head. And I knew I had to find some clarity before I could make plans for my future.

So here go's nothing...from here on out peeps, I am shooting from the hip.

I have avoided this blog because I don't have anything positive to say, and I can't lie anymore. It's hard enough to put on a game face in real life..I don't have the energy to lie on my blog as well.



The truth is..I am sad. I am lonely. The people I have called friends for the last 8 months (or so) are for the most part idiots. They are the type that will suck you dry. You give and give and give..and they only want more. Never thinking to give in return.



And I realize it is out of my desperation, my NEED, to not feel alone and to be accepted, that I have allowed these negative influences into my life.



I have lost myself. And to be honest, I don't know if I ever really found myself in the first place.



I have pushed away those that truly care about me. And I am so ashamed of myself that people who could be good for me? I close off from. I worry that if they really knew me they wouldn't like me anymore.



I do think I am a good person. I know I have a good heart. I get told all the time from people how much they appreciate my positive, spunky, self-assured attitude (enter game face here). And yes, that is who I WANT to be.



If only I could let go of some of this crap inside of me. If only I could stop doing things that made me feel bad about myself, just because I didn't want to be alone.



So yeah, lately I have had a lot of time for self-reflection. I got the nasty head cold that everyone has been talking about. And believe me, it sucks.



But it's more then that. I spent Thanksgiving with one of the "friends" I talked about above. I spent Christmas alone..til I went out later that evening. I spent New Years at work..and there was no one I wanted to kiss at midnight. Although trust me...that night is a story in itself..when I feel more upbeat I might share it with all of you.



And I don't want to be alone anymore. I don't want to push away the positive influences that come into my life. I don't want to be scared anymore.



I want to believe in myself again.



I want someone to believe in me.



Shit guys, this "getting in touch with your feelings" crap really sucks sometimes.



I miss B. I was not going to say that, but I know I need to. He has always been my friend, my confidante, my cheerleader..even after we broke up.



I knew if I needed him for anything..he would be there.



But not anymore. I miss him more then words can say. I hope he is happy and doing well in his life.



B, if you read this? I miss you my friend. And I am sorry.

Hello? Can anybody hear me?

Despite what you might have thought, no, I am not dead.

Life has definitely kicked me around some this past year, and boy could I tell you all some stories! But, well, it's not really worth the retelling..at least not for now. But let me just sum up and say THANK GOD I am no longer 30!

The day of my 31st birthday I woke up so peaceful. And ever since I have been able to hold on to that feeling.

Sure life is still crazy at best, but at least now I can see the humor in it all. Or at least I try. =)

Part of the reason I have not posted in a while is because my computer is a piece of crap. It crashes on me all the time. I would love to get a new one but there is this thing called rent and car payment that just seem to be more important..but so far, so good tonight.


Hold on a sec...I need to find some wood to knock on.



K, lets see if that does the trick.



So yeah, hi!



Despite my lack of blogging I have been doing some knitting. Actually I have been starting a lot of knitting..but I have not finished much. Maybe this blogging thing will make me be more responsible...I did update the sidebar, did you notice?

However, even with my knitting ADD..I did finally finish the My So Called Scarf:

Ain't she a beut? Now that it is finished I love it. The Malabrigo is soft and warm. This scarf has been worn many times already this season.

Knitting it on the other hand? It got to be quite the chore by the time I attached the 2nd ball. I think I need more of a pattern to keep me interested.

And, I have another FO to show you. This is another store sample I did for Ben Franklins. Forgive me, I don't remember the yarn..and I am too lazy to look it up.

They were a fast knit. I usually do my socks on size zeros, but these were done with sizes 2 and 1. They seemed to just fly off the needles!

Despite my best intentions to make the stripes match, the yarn decided that would not be the case. Oh well, I tried.

Now, this next bit..well..I try very hard to not succumb to the craziness of Christmas knitting. But a dear friend/coworker was expressing her desire to learn to knit better, and was telling me how much she would love a scarf. Well, what would you do?

But since she is a coworker..and there are only 7 of us total for the front of house staff..plus the owner...I realized if I was going to do something for my dear friend I should probably do something for everyone else as well.

I am not sure if the 3 boys will get handmade stuff or not...depends on how much time I have left after the girls gifts..maybe I can crank out a few hats in the final hours..but no promises.

Here are the first 2 Christmas WIP's:

Look familiar? This is the Backyard Leaves Scarf from Scarf Style. This one will be for my lovely friend. It's more intricate, but I know she will appreciate it. And the yarn is a wool/acrylic blend that is sooooo soft.

This second one is just flying off the needles!

This is a multi directional scarf made with Noro Silk Garden. I am much further along then this picture shows. I hope to have this done in the next couple of days.

I am also hoping to make a pair of Lake Park Gloves and a Skull Illusion Scarf. Cross your fingers for me k?

And now, for something completely different! Guess who is addicted to the Mystery Shawl KAL's?

I have yet to finish one of the shawls...but I just love joining up for them. I am bound and determined to keep up with the latest one.

The first clue was released earlier today..and guess who blew right through it?

That would be moi. This Mystery is supposed to have a snow theme..the first clue was labeled "snowflakes", can you see them?

Yeah, so that is what I have been up to (knitting wise anyway).

But, what I would like to know is how are YOU doing?

(By the way, the comp crashed once while I was writing this post..could be worse)

I must be some kind of a Super Nerd!

Look what I got:

Don't be hatin'! I promise not to tell you how it ends....as long as you promise to do the same. I am afraid to read or watch anything because I know some dumb ass will give it away.

Me? I am many things, but dumb ass is not one of them. =) (Well, not usually anyway).

So I am taking the day to read some HP..and when I am ready for a break, I have this to distract me:

The Mystery Stole..am I the only one doing it in a lighter color? There are beads on it, maybe if you click for big you can see them.

All the while I will be drinking this:

A nonfat, no whip, peppermint mocha......yum!

So yeah, I may have gone out late last night, had a few drinks, crashed at my friend Erin's house, woke up feeling like poo, and looking worse...but did I go home and take a shower and rest up a bit? Nope, I went sans shower, in clothes from last night, with last night's hair and make up to Starbucks...and then the Barnes and Noble...yep, I am THAT hard core..

But you know what? There is always someone that is going to be a bigger nerd then me:

Exhibit A: Exhibit B:
(This is a friend of mine doing his "happy dance". No, not for the new Harry Potter, just cause he's an uber dork.)

And with that, I feel much better. Time for a shower and then I got a hot date with a young wizard.

Gettin' My Groove Back

Sorry y'all. I know it has been a long time.
You probably have given up on me, and I can't say I don't blame you.

There has been some changes going on in my life...some more difficult to adapt to then others. But I am here, and I am going to try and make it up to you. =)

I have not been doing much knitting at all until lately.

However, I did manage to finish up my Dulaan items..but I did not get them mailed in time. Oh well, I am sure they will be appreciated for next year. I will post pics of them soon.

In other knitting news, I have WAY to much on the needles. My goals are shot all to hell. But I am OK with that. Hopefully I will get some things on the FO list soon. You know how it is, I know I am not the only one.

I too succumbed to the lure of the Mystery Stole, and after a crazy hunt for a small enough crochet hook to get the beads on, I have begun. I am half way through the first clue..and I am addicted. Again, pics soon...promise.

Also I started Fifi with The Sexy Knitters Club. I am not that far into it, but I am loving the yarn (Rowan Calmer) and the pattern.

And of course, there are socks. I have the Twisted Flower Socks,(going very slowly), the Victorian Lace Socks (from the 6 socks KAL), a pair of Sidewinders, and some plain socks in Austermann Step on the needles.

And if that was not enough? I got my invite to Ravelry...I am not even going there yet...I know once I do it will be all over for me.

So how are YOU doing?

I'm a Groupie!

I will get to the whole "groupie" thing in a minute...but first....


I finished the Round 6 Sock Madness socks! These were the socks that got me knocked out of the competition (and a good thing too! I was getting a little crazy there for a while. =) )


Here is the bottom view of the socks, yes they are patterned on both sides!

And here is the top view:
I am not really sure which sock I like better. I think the top view looks better with the more pink sock..but I think the bottom looks better with the more brown sock. Oh well, they are super cool all the same. I don't think they will get much wear, but I love looking at them in my sock drawer!

I used Lorna's Laces Chocolate and Pretty in Pink for these beauties.

OK. So on to the groupie part of the post (warning, there is yarn pRon ahead!)

I have been having a rough time lately, and earlier this week I decided to do a little retail therapy. Some people buy shoes and makeup..I go for the good stuff, sock yarn!

If you knit socks, (and if you don't you really should! They are so much fun!) you probably know about a little online shop called The Loopy Ewe.

If you do knit socks, and you have not heard of The Loopy Ewe, go there NOW! I love, love, love this store. And Sherri (Ms. Loopy herself) could not be a nicer person no matter how hard she tried.

And fantastic customer service! I ordered my yarn on Wednesday, and it got here today. And that is how it always is when I order from her.

And the yarn? Well, I will let that speak for itself:

From L to R: sKNITches Bebop sock in Woodlands, The Knittery Merino Cashmere sock in Forest Moss (eat your heart out sockergirl!), Wooly Boully in Beneath the Cherry Trees (this stuff is so darn soft!), and finally Claudia's Handpainted in Peppermint Mocha. (It's my drink of choice, I had to have the yarn!)

By the way, that customer service I was talking about? Well, with the first 5 orders you place with the Loopy Ewe, you get a little gift. I am not going to tell you what they were, but they were all very cool.

When you place your sixth order with them, you become a Loopy Groupie...guess which order this was for me? ;)

And look what I got:
Is that not the cutest tote you ever saw in your life? Plus the soak samples, I have been wanting to try that.....and the Opal yarn? Wow!

I have been eying this particular Opal color for quite some time. How did Sherri know that? It makes me think of Harley Davidson for some reason..or a tiger.
Once I get socks made with this yarn you know what I have to do right? I got to buy me a pet tiger and I got to buy a Harley..I have to coordinate don't I?

Anyway, can you tell I am one very satisfied customer?

Oh, and if you don't knit socks...she also sells amazing lace weight yarn!!!!

Well, It's About Time!!!!!

Man have I been bad about blogging lately! I have had an insanely busy schedule these past few weeks, and I don't see signs of it easing up any time soon.
I am trying to earn some extra cash, and so I have been picking up shifts left and right at the Cafe...and I intend to keep it up for the entire summer, or else when I drop of sheer exhaustion.
But I like being busy. I am trying really hard right now to make positive decisions in my life, and it feels really good!!! But more on that later.......

With all that I have been doing, I have managed a bit of knitting. I know I am not going to reach my goals for this month...but I put on one hell of a show didn't I? Besides, there is always June..and July..and so on...

First, an FO Fresh of the presses:

Have you seen this pattern? Have you made it? It was SO much fun to knit! And fast! I can't wait to see Sophia with this on, although it may be too big for her right now...I made the hat in the medium size because I wanted it to fit her next Winter. She lives in Southern California so I don't think they will get much wear this Summer...but she is going to be one styling baby come October!

Next, we have the Round 6 Sock Madness socks. I just finished the heel on the second sock.

Which one are you liking better? Me, I think I like the one on the right more. I really want to get these done by Thursday so I can meet my Sock A Month goal.

And, I cast on another sock. Can you guess which one it is? Go ahead, it's not that hard..just check the side bar. ;)

Oh yeah, and the Forest Path Stole? Well, I have made some progress on it...but not much. I have just been too tired lately to sit with it. It's not that it's complicated to knit, it's just that my mind imagines it is...I have Friday off, I hope to get some time with it then.

Hope you all had a great Memorial Day Weekend and enjoying the start of summer..It's been beautiful up here!

Close Enough.

I finished my second Dulaan item tonight. All it needs to be truly finished is a few buttons, but I am going to say it is done.

This is The Avalanche Vest Pattern from Mossy Cottage Knits.

It turned out way cuter then I thought it would. And man was this sucker a fast knit!

I think it took me about 4 hours from start to finish. Of course, it took me much longer then that because I have knitter ADD. =)

I may not make it to all my goals for this month, but no one can say I haven't tried!

(By The Way, a few people have expressed interest in knitting a few items themselves..if you are, take a look here for suggested patterns.)

And Another One Done!

Hola!
I finished the mitered shawl store sample. And man I am happy about that!

I really enjoyed the pattern and watching the colors combine, but after the 20th square, I was basically sick of looking at this. Too bad I still had 24 more squares to go!
The yarn is Plymouth Boku and the pattern is from Plymouth as well. Number 1110.
I think it is really pretty. It reminds me of tortoise shells.
This last picture here was a pain to get! But I had to have it. =)

So another one to mark on the finished list. Woohoo!

Twice Upon A Meme...

This first one is because miss scarlett (aka my kindred spirit..we have so much in common it's a little scary! =) ) tagged me...

1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules
3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Alright, here gos.....

1) I have at least 12 holds at the library at all times

2) Very rarely am I late getting them in by their due dates

3) I am infatuated with dragonflies....(I know I am not alone in this..but I WAS FIRST!) =) So much so that 99% of the time if something has a dragonfly on it..or is named dragonfly (like that yarn I just got from the Loopy Ewe *cough *cough)..I have to buy it.

4) I have a tattoo, and I want at least two more (one of them being a dragonfly).

5) I have/have had 5 piercings on my body..and no, they were not all in my ears.

6) One of those piercings was in my nose..which I have had pierced (and re pierced) 3 times..it is now closed because I can not have a nose piercing at my job.

7) I love meat, but it completely grosses me out to eat anything that is bloody/pink..or that has bones, skin, or shell attached to it. (I once went on a date where the guy spent over $100 on steak and lobster, I could not eat any of it because they refused to cook the steak more then medium, and the lobster came in its shell..we had to leave in a hurry because I got violently ill!)
--And yes, I do realize this is a bit ironic since I work in the food industry--

8) I play with my hair constantly. It is extremely distracting and annoying to myself and others. I have no idea how I developed this habit, but it is so ingrained in me I am not even aware I am doing it until someone points it out to me.

See?

Now, who will I tag? Hmmmmm.

Well, how about this? If you just read that meme, consider yourself tagged! HA! And if you do post, let me know!


OK, and this second one is just because I like it!!!!

Mark with bold the things you have knit at least once, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.


Afghan

I-cord

Garter stitch

Knitting with metal wire

Shawl

Stockinette stitch

Socks: top-down

Socks: toe-up

Knitting with camel yarn

Mittens: Cuff-up

Mittens: Tip-down

Hat

Knitting with silk

Moebius band knitting

Participating in a KAL

Sweater

Drop stitch patterns

Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn

Slip stitch patterns

Knitting with banana fiber yarn

Domino knitting (modular knitting)

Twisted stitch patterns

Knitting with bamboo yarn

Two end knitting (I am not sure what this is!)

Charity knitting

Knitting with soy yarn

Cardigan

Toy/doll clothing

Knitting with circular needles

Knitting with your own handspun yarn

Slippers

Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)

Continental knitting

Designing knitted garments

Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)

Lace patterns

Publishing a knitting book (that would be nice! =) )

Scarf

Teaching a child to knit

American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)

Knitting to make money

Button holes

Knitting with alpaca

Fair Isle knitting

Norwegian knitting

Dying with plant colors

Knitting items for a wedding

Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)

Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars

Olympic knitting

Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn

Knitting with DPNs

Holiday related knitting

Teaching a male how to knit (kind of)

Bobbles

Knitting for a living (again, how nice would that be!)

Knitting with cotton

Knitting smocking

Dying yarn

Steeks

Knitting art

Knitting two socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars simultaneously (I tried it, it was not for me!)

Fulling/felting

Knitting with wool

Textured knitting

Kitchener BO

Purses/bags

Knitting with beads

Swatching

Long Tail CO

Entrelac

Knitting and purling backwards

Machine knitting

Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn

Stuffed toys (again I tried, did not work out so well)

Baby items

Knitting with cashmere

Darning

Jewelry

Knitting with synthetic yarn

Writing a pattern

Gloves

Intarsia

Knitting with linen

Knitting for preemies

Tubular CO

Freeform knitting

Short rows

Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers

Pillows

Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine

Rug

Knitting on a loom

Thrummed knitting (again, not sure what this is)

Knitting a gift

Knitting for pets

Shrug/bolero/poncho

Knitting with dog/cat hair (well, not intentionally anyway..)

Hair accessories

Knitting in public


By the way, anyone know exactly where meme came from? Or what it stands for? Or even how to pronounce it? I got no clue!

A Whole Lot of Knittin' Goin' On

I kind of dropped the ball on the whole blogging thing this week. Sorry about that. Not only have I not been blogging, I have not been catching up on your blogs either..heck, I have not even responded to e-mails from friends.
I guess you could say I have been laying low.
I am doing great. I appreciate all of your supportive comments on my last post. I was then, and am now totally fine...it is just that sometimes in life we have to deal with some real "winners". I was just standing up for myself and letting someone know that I was not going to be intimidated by them..and it is all good. =)
As a friend of mine would say, "Save the drama for the mama"...and that is exactly what I did. (Thanks for you advice and support mom, now and always. =) )

Just because I have not been blogging doesn't mean I have not been knitting though. I am starting to realize I may have bit off a little more then I can chew for my knitting goals this month...we shall see. I still remain hopeful, but if things don't work out all according to plan I don't think the knitting police are going to come after me!

So here is a little bit of what I have been up to:

First, the Mitered Square Shawl that will never end. (At least it feels that way!)

I have nine more squares to do. Then I need to weave in ends, and do a crochet border. I am really shooting to have this done by Thursday. Yarn Yoga is this Friday and come hell or high water I want to have this thing done and ready to hand off to the store that night. I will breath much easier when this project is out of my life!

I did manage to get the first baby hat made..isn't it cute?

I stuffed it with plastic bags for photo purposes, that is why it looks a little weird.

I got the yarn and pattern in a little kit I bought of EBay ages ago. It is Alpaca dyed by Cherry Tree Hill. It was so lovely to work with!

Next, and this is a horrible picture I am sorry..is the 2nd Dulaan project. The yarn is actually much lighter then this. This is going to be an Avalanche Vest..the progress you see here is about a 1/2 hours worth of work..this thing is going to work up fast!

And this is my UFO resurrection/ May Sweater of the Month project.

It is the Fairly Easy Fair Isle Cardigan from Stitch-n-Bitch nation. I started this during the horrible power outages last winter because it was the only thing I had to that was light enough and big enough (gauge-wise) to knit by firelight. Once the lights came back on it got tossed aside for other projects..but I really want to finish it. I love the colors (perfect for Project Spectrum), and I am really excited to see how they are all going to work together.

As far as the other projects?

I have finished tier 2 of the Forest Path Stole.

I have done 30 rows on the So Called Scarf, my UFO resurrection project for April.

I have Faina back on the needles..barely.

The Mystery Shawl needs to be tinked (again). I made a mistake somewhere a few rows back..and the rows for the border are loooooooooong. I am trying very hard to avoid this project..

The round 6 Sock Madness socks have not seen any love..and I have yet to look at the pattern for Round 7. I do want to finish/make these so I hope to find time for them soon.

All in all I think I am making good head way. And once I get that darned store sample shawl done I will have A LOT more time to dedicate to my projects.

OK, back to work for me. That shawl is not going to knit itself!

Happy Mothers Day everyone! See you next week!

Back to Reality (in more ways then one)

I have to be honest and say I really want to have a big rant session right now, but I am going to try and refrain. I have been avoiding blogging the last few days because I wanted to wait until my temper had calmed down a bit.
But I am not going to rant, I am not going to flame anyone, because I am better then that. There is someone that is extremely concerned that I am going to talk bad about them on the blog, but I think all of you that know me either in real life or from this blog know that I am not that kind of person..no matter what this jackass thinks of me. So there! (And no, I am not talking about B..he's still my hero.)
I don't mean to be vague, and I know you are probably all wondering, "what the hell is she talking about?" I am sorry I can't go into further detail...
But if that person just so happens to read this post (and that person very well might because they are so damn paranoid), you can go away now, I am not going to give you the satisfaction, you are not worth my time or my energy..and my mama taught me better!

And now, back to our regular scheduled programming!!!

Sock Madness Round 6 started last Friday, and this time the pattern was just mind blowing beautiful! And it was also the first time I looked at a pattern and said, "holy hell!" =)
To say the least, I was intimidated..but the competition had to go on...and so I casted on and got started.
We knew before this round started that it was going to be fair isle..but what we did not know was that the designer was inspired by a batik cloth her mother bought on a trip to Indonesia.

I had bought some Lorna's in chocolate and tickled pink..so my batik socks are quite different from the original design..but still cool looking none the less.



Here is the top of the sock (from my view)

And the bottom..oh yes, it is patterned on the heel as well!
It is very pretty but not so comfortable to wear. Partially because of the stranding, and partially because the heel flap/gusset is done in single yarn thickness and so feels looser and lighter then the heel and leg. Maybe if I had double stranded the brown it would feel better?

What, you see only one sock? Well, yes you are correct.

At the time this round started, there was some major drama going on in my personal life (see above), and so I was not as focused on the competition as I should have been.

Between the distractions and the speediness of my competitor, I am amazed that I was able to get even one sock done before she had posted her finished pair! I do think though, that if I had been able to hunker down and focus on the pattern..I could have possilby beat her.

Oh well, such is life..and I got to say I was ready for the competition to be over with..it was consuming my life!

The final pattern is going to be released this Friday. I hope to have the second sock done by then..but if not, oh well, no biggie. I am excited about the final pattern, the sneak peaks look amazing! And the final match up is awesome, I can't wait to see who wins. I have a good idea who it will be, anyone want to place a bet? =)

In other knitting news, I finally got around to getting some pictures of the Argosy scarf I completed last week.

It only took me 4 months to complete..

The yarn is Noro Silk Garden Lite # 2014. And believe it or not, it really only took two balls!

I was worried it wouldn't be long enough, but it is perfect! Well, as much as a scarf finished for the summer can be perfect.. I won't really be able to appreciate this until Autumn comes around.

A word of caution about this pattern...don't work on it when you are tired. It is easy enough, but between the "bind off" stitches on row 1 and the cast on stitches on row 5..it can get a little hairy.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I had this almost finished and then realized a huge mistake that had to be ripped out. The mistake was that I had 4 squares going across, instead of 5..and the mistake had been made 6 pattern repeats back. It hurt to do, but I couldn't ignore it.

After I finished it and laid it out to block, I realized that I had made another mistake. In the middle of the scarf I have a few repeats that have 6 squares going across..but it is not noticable and by that time I did not care..

So again, if you decide to make this scarf, let my mistakes be a lesson to you!

Hope you are all doing well and having a fantastic week!