Christmas Update

I did get all the christmas knitting done. Didn't do the hats, but did get all the scarves done.

Will It Get Done?

Ahh the perpetual question for Christmas Knitting. Between finishing moving which got done on the 1st, trainings, talking to legislators, meetings, family, my birthday, Christmas parties, and all the usual Christmas stuff I'm trying to squeeze in 4 scarves and possibly 3 hats.

Will I get it done?? I'm starting to wonder big time. Two scarves are done. Two are under way. One on US 17s and one on US 10 1/2s . I sure hope I can get done. THe worst part is that during the trainings and meetings I CAN'T KNIT! I have to take notes. Gahhh. It's torture for this knitter in December to not let them knit while having them just sit. Ok, well pretty much any time, but especially in December. We'll see what happens in 15 days.

And At Long Last....

Pics of the Afghan finished. Naturally due to it's size and lack of a clothesline it is way too large to show in one photo. These are what I was able to get.
One Corner

Folded and Tied up

All spread out. THat bump in the upper left corner is a footstool that is under it.

Sheesh

What a past couple months. With moving preparations, meetings, a so called friend sabotaging a non-knitting project that I've put tons of effort into, family problems, and so much more I don't know how I'm still standing nevermind knittin. Of course all I can handle right about now are extremely simple knitting patterns. Basically no yo, ssk, or anything along those lines. Simple garter and stockinette with minimal shaping. I'm still knitting though, that's what matters.

I would have posted sooner, but my laptop has been kidnapped by my roommate to be. I installed a MahJong game on it and she's become addicted. Actually It's rather funny. I just have to get the computer away from her long enough to get here and post. I'm at the library now where there is no MahJong so I'm safe :P Well, gotta run. Almost out of time. I'll update you guys more later along with pics.

It's Done!!!!

THE AFGHAN IS DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please pardon the caps above. I'm just excoted. It's my largest project to date size, yarn and time wise. I promise to post pics once I get the cable to upload them to my comp. It's really nice though.

Knitting Away

I've been knitting away, somehow keeping projects straight. As long as my projects don't have a many row repeat I'm doing good. My meds are messing with my memory and attention span thanks to an adjustment in the meds. So if you give me more than 3-5 rows to a pattern depending on the complexity of the rows I'm done. As a result Cat's Paw scarf has been put into hibernation. It has just too many rows and too much in the rows going on.

The other scarves are getting along well.

I've gained a reputation at the local library also. When books come in from other libraries, the librarians automatically know that the books are for me. What, are there no other knitters in this town? If there are, where are they, and why don they use the library? Come to SnB too?

From Dishcloths to Scarves

Well, my dishcloth spree is over. For the time being at least. I've moved on to scarves. Right now I've got One going for my International Scarf Exchange Pal going. It' s going along quite well. I'm also doing 4 others for Christmas presents.

On The Needles:
Crazy Afghan
My So Called Scarf x2
Gypsy Rose Scarf
Cat's Paw Lace Scarf

Another Random Knitting Questionairre

I got this from Guilded Purls. Go here for a great explanation of a meme. On the one hand, it's a self-propogating piece of cultural information. On the other hand, it's all about ME-ME! Here's a knitting meme. You can copy the questions into a post and answer them -or as many as you feel comfortable answering- and then we'll know more about each other. If you reply in the comment field, everybody's answers will stay together in one thread. But if you don't, your answer will appear on the front page of the blog. Either way is fine by me.Without further ado:
1. Are you a yarn snob? Do you avoid Red Heart, Lion Brand, etc... or is it all the same to you? It's all the same to me as long as it's not eyelash
2. Do you spin? Crochet? Spin, yes...Crochet, no
3. How long have you been knitting? 2 years this month
4. What other crafts do you like to do? Spinning with a dropspindle, Draw, Paint, Bead, Make Staiend Glass, Fused Glass Jewelery (I even get to use Dichroic Glass), Paint pottery,
5. What are your favorite yarns to knit with? I love Cottons, Wools, other natural fibers, and LionBrand's Homespun,
6. What are your favorite needles to knit with? My KnitPicks Options Needles
7. What's your favorite knitting gadget? Hmmm....It's actually a book. "The Knitting Answer Book. Of Course Ravelry also.
8. What fibers do you absolutely NOT like? I'm not really too picky. I just don't like novelty yarns too much. I am probibited from working with yarns that have elastic in them due to a life threatening Latex Allergy. The same stands for Banana Silk/Fiber Yarn, but due to Tropical Fruits.
9. What are your favorite items to knit? I've been on a Dishcloth and Tribble spree of late.
10. What are you knitting right now? I'm working on an afghan, 2 scarves, 1 dishcloth, 1 shawl, and 1 sweater (actuallty it's kind of hibernating)
11. What do you think about ponchos? I've never knit one so I'm undecided. I used to hate them till I saw all the really good patterns. I knew a person that used to make these really ugly ones. That's before I saw all the really nice patterns.
12. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? It depends on where and what I'm working on
13. Are you a sock knitter? Toe-up, two at a time on Two circs usually. I learned via Queen Kahuna's Crazy Toes and Heels Book
14. How did you learn to knit? My Aunt (Stepmom's sister) taught me to cast-on and knit. My step-mom taught me tu purl. Everything else has been self taught.
15. What is -and how old is- your oldest UFO (unfinished Object)? An Irish Aran Sweater I started in January. I'm only 1/2 way up the back.

Christmas Knitting

Yep, I'm starting that annual tradition already. I'm assembling my Christmas knitting list. Thankfully some projects have been started already. So far I have decided to knit for:

Mom (Debbie Bio-Mom) Nubbins Dishcloth & tribble
Paulie (Mom's SO) Hat and fingerless mittens
Nanny - Feather & Fan Dishcloth & Tribble
Pop-Pop Gifted Mittens and Hat
Aunt Donna Bamboo Dishloth & Tribble
Ashley (Cousin) Purl Scarf
Lesley (Cousin) 2 toned ruched scarf
Dave (Aunt's SO)
Robbyn (Friend) Afghan (formerly dad's) 4 corners dishcloth & tribble in case dad and i are talking again back up gift would be........... so dad could get afghan.
Laura Behan Hobnail Dishcloth & Tribble

In limbo
Diane (Friend) do have dishcloth could give to

No longer speaking with. may make something small and quick if have time just in case
Mom (Nancy Step-mom) - Socks have been started
Dad - THat afghan was for him...now going to Robbyn
Kelley (Step-Sister)
Aunt Shelley
Uncle Herbie
Aunt Beau

Updated from 5/13

I snagged this off another blog and thought it looked fun.Mark with bold the things you have ever knit, 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 - silk blend
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn ------------Will never happen due to allergy
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
CardiganToy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Olympic knitting
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
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
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegating yarn
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items)on two circulars

Knitting Meme

What is your all time favorite yarn to knit with?
I love working with Lion Brand HomeSpun. I can't choose just one yarn. I love Noro, Irish Aran, Lopi, and Regia
Your favorite needles?
KnitPicks Options needles. I got the kit for Christmas Last year and I use them whenever I can. I do have to add to the kit when I have more money though.
The worst thing you've ever knit?
I was trying to make the Spiderweb Capelet in one of the Stitch N Bitch books. I misunderstood one of the instructions. The capelet came out huge. I had to fold it in half and then it still wrapped arund me fully (yes I swatched).
Your most favorite knit pattern?
I'd have to say Branching Out from Knitty. I may have knit it only 2 timed, but it was so much fun both times.
Most valuable knitting technique?
Knitting 2 socks on 2 circulars.
Best knit book or magazine?
Queen Kahuna's Crazy Toes and Heels. It's a self published book. Without it, I would have never figured out socks.
Your favourite knit-a-long?
I'd have to say the Stashalong. So many cool projects come out of it. You never know what someone is going to make.
Your favourite knitblogs?
I visit several blogs. The Yarn Harlot and my friends blogs are just 2 of many.
Your favourite knitwear designer?
Oddly enough, I dont pay tons of attention to designers. I'm bad with names so i't probably why.
The knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)
My first pair of socks that I made.

Yay!!!

I've got phone back. It's been a rough week and I'm not talking about the phone. When I find the links and have time tonight I'll tell the whole story.

I've casted on more new projects. Must get some done. One good thing that came out of no phone.....knitting stuff is now organized!

Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

My phone is out of order. I forgot to pay the bill. Wrote the checks and all, but forgot to send them in. Oops! I'm ok. Don't know if I'll make it to SnB this weekend as I might be handling family obligations. If I don't make it this weekend I'll try to get there Wednesday. I'm going to start having SNB withdrawls soon since I go weekly but family and Petition things ahve kept me away. :P I'll try to get to the library as much as possible to check in.

On the bright side I'm getting more knitting done to relieve my stress.

Back and Forth I Go

It's been one hectic month in my non-knitting life. Hence it being so long since an update.

I've been on a dishcloth spree. Off the top of my head I can remember making 5 and 2 more in progress. I'm planning on making a bunch more for Christmas gifts. They'll also have Tribbles with them too.

I'm working on the afghan. Dad has decided he doesn't want it 8' long anymore. It's long enough where it is he said! YAY! thing is now i have to even the working edge off and fill in a few holes. THat's ok. I can deal with that. It also frees me up to start on other Christmas gifts. Eventually I'll get back to my sweater. Pics coming by the end of the week of afghan and dishcloths.

Cathi my KVVS pal absolutely rocks. For yarn she sent me a 400meter hank of yarn from Kerry Woolen Mills that's what's ringing everything in the pic), a skein of Mega Boot Stretch, and a skein of Noro (in my fave colorway). She also sent me Knit Socks, Teacher Man (Frank McCourt), Irish Humor, A bookmark with a lamb on it, some chocolate shaped like a pint of Guiness, another bit of chocolate with a map of Iteland on the front, a coffee muc with an Irish Belssing on the front, a sheep magnet, some soap, a box of Barry's tea, and a few postcards. One is of the CLiffs of Moher, the other is of where she lives, and the 3rd is of Bunratty Castle.

Thank You So Much

My KVVS Pal absolutely rocks. I got my packages yesterday and today. I'll post pics tomorrow. She sent the best packages though.

National Self Injury Awareness Day

I know this is completely unrelated to knitting but bear with me. This means a great deal to me. As much as if not more than Knitting.

I used to Self Injure and have recovered. It's not easy. Approximately 2 million people in the United States self injure annually. It recognizes no barrier. In other words, it's not limited to any one group of people. Globally those that know about Self Injury Awareness Day recognize it on March 1. The thing is no national governments recognize it officially. As far as I know only the states of New Mexico and Connecticut recognize it.

Public awareness is one way to shed light on this growing problem. In an effort to reduce the stigma and help reduce some of the myths. It can also help those who self injure along with their family and friends get and/or find treatment. Such treatments can be: individual and/or group therapy, medications, or support groups, just to name a few. That is what we want in getting National recognition with this day. If you want to help would you please sign the petition here. Thank You so much. Like I said it means a lot to me. My friends and I are the ones behind this petition.

If you have questions you can comment here or email me at: CTSelfInjuryAwarenessProject at gmail dot com

Tibbles & Dishcloths

I've crossed over to the other side. In other words, I've started making Tribbles. I'll tell you it's so much fun. Watch out though. It's addictive. They multiply so fast too. I'm also on a dishcloth spree too. Good thing they're intended for christmas gifts. The tribbles too. THat is the ones that I don't decide to keep or send to the shop.

While I was making them I realized that they would be really handy down at my landlady's store. She's the one with the paint your own pottery and stained glass studio. In order to keep the pottery molds from pitting and/or getting a fuzz on them between pourings if they aren't going to be used right away, the excess clay has to be cleaned off the mold. I realized that the Tribbles would be good for just this purpose. They'd also be good for getting glaze off the wall (don't ask). I gave her one today and I'm going to have a couple more on back up.

The afghan is 4' from being done. Everything else has gone into a temporary hibernation. I just need a little break from them.

He he he

Cliona's a typical cat I guess. She usually leaves yarn alone. She did this in just a few minutes though. Had to share it though. Man, you gotta love that little furball, don't you.

I had to cut the yarn off of her and her leg. She had it wrapped around one of her legs rather tight. Sheesh.

Bat season continues

I mentioned a couple weeks ago about a previous bat. Well, here's my latest bat adventure. Like I said, the bat season continues. At least I haven't had any on me yet this year. Unlike last year.

Projects

Hmmm....so how are the projects going????

The aran sweater is still hibernating. I really want to work on it, yet the heat has not broken. I can tell this is going to be a winter only project

Dad's afghan is 7 feet by 4 feet as of right now. Where is t goin tobe when it's done? 6 feet by 8 feet. So it's a foot soo wide right now and 4 feet too short. My Dad did say approximatley when I finally pinned him down on a size. So I'd say I'm doing pretty good on it.

Garterlac Dishcloth, I just started today and considering I've never done entrelac before, I'm doing quite well.

Cat's Paw Lace, I'm 8 or so repeats in. Abot 1/2 way.

Mom's Socks. Don't ask.

FInally Learned Entrelac!!!!

Yay!!! I have finally figured out entrelac! I'm so happy I don't want to put my dishcloth down. I've fianlly figured it out by starting and working on the Garterlac Dishcloth. I'll Definitley Post pics when it's done.

Ravelry and project update

I'm so addicted to Ravelry it's not even funny. Ok . . . actually, yes it is. It's become my homepage and I'm photographing my knitting so much more. Nevermind all the things I've got in my queue.

As for my projects: Aran sweater: hibernating.
Afghan: Gatting added to daily
Mom's Socks: Slowly getting worked on *New Project*
Cat's Paw Lace Scarf: 3 repeats in

P.S. I'm KnittingCliona over on Ravelry

Bats!!!!

Ok way off the knitting topic yes, byt if you want to have a little laugh and read about the start of my 2007 bat season you can here: http://thelifeandadventures.blogspot.com/2007/07/2007-bat-season-has-officially-begun.html

ITE 4 project.....done
Afghan..... camping out on living room floor and still getting added to. I'v gotten to the point that I've tired of taking it up all the time so it's staying there on the floor until I have to take it up.
Sweater.... no motivation to work on it. It's too danged hot.
Mom's socks...Missing in action

Also I've gotten on to Ravelry! Yay! I'm so excited. I've been living there practically it seems. Over there I'm KnittingCliona.

Afghan, Socks, Sweater, and whatnot

Dad's afghan is growing. Slowly but surely.
Mom's socks....a new project as of tonight....are going to be her christmas present.
The sweater is on halt as I'm not working on a sweater when it's 90 + degrees out.
MY ITE 4 project is going along smoothly (knock on wood) too.

That's it for knitting projects right now. My sanitys is on a fine line this week with so much going on. That's why I am wondering why the crazy idea to knit an orange scarf of unknown length (but extremely long) has hit and stuck. It's purpose would be to attract people to an informational fair next March (that's how long it would be). See what I mean by my sanity is on a fine line this week.

My SP Is The Best

I got my reveal package yesterday. If I wasn't so tired I would have posted about it yesterday. It's been a busy week and I am very sorry that I didn't post. My pal (Amy) sent me A knit cotton Discloth with a 4 leaf clover knit into it, 2 skiens of Yarn Treehouse Lace weight Merino Yarn (So soft and pretty), Treats and toys for Cliona (Many purrs from Cliona I must add), CHOCOLATE (Cadburys Irish Cream filled bar), A Knitting with fabric Kit (can't wait to get to it), An Irish Angel pin, A Yankee Candle Car Jar (Lavender), an Angel ornament, And A Stitch Counter Bracelet (with celtic knot beads). Amy You are the best!!!

Wool Crisis

Thanks to Cliona . My Irish Fishermans Sweater (bought in Ireland) ended up getting the following treatment Yesterday: .

What did Cliona Do? Wel, because she didn't like the cat litter I bought her, she peed on it. Grrrrrr. BAD KITTY! It took me 2 hours to get it rinsed, thoroughly wet (hence the weighing it down as indicated above), soaked in vinegar (bye bye cat pee smell), free of the vinegar, washed by hand, rinsed, squeezed, toweled, and blocked. Needless to say Cliona heard about it for quite a while.

Pals are Happy

Well both my ISE4 and SP10 pals have received their packages and are happy with what I've sent them. Great news to get today. I had a wool crisis on my hands. Still a bit jumpy over it so I'll post about it tomorrow along with a picture. Don't worry though no winged creatures are involved.

International Tote Exchange Update.

I've started my pal's bag. I had to adapt the pattern a little as I'm DPN impaired and just can't seem to get the point of DPN's no matter what I try to do. I'm hoping she'll like it.

Socks Are Done!

My first pair of socks are DONE!!!! I'm so excited! Tuesday I'll be wearing shoes instead of flipflops just so I can wear my socks. I can't wait to start another pair, but I'm also trying to restrain myself and finish/get to certian points in other projects.

Weekly Stashalong Update

Yellow = I'm plugging away on it. (2 projects).
Red = Done (8 projects).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Yet again stalled.
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- Almost done, on to the cuffs.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be -- DONE
6.) Shawl for my Mom -- DONE
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Working on. The knitting version of a crazy quilt. I've determined the width.
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- DONE
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (Lopi) -- DONE and sent off

SP10 & ISE 4

Both have packages going in the mail Thursday June 7th, 2007.

I turned my first heel ever!

And i did it without any tears, frogging, yelling, or any other fits. Thank goodness for Queen Kahuna's Crazy Toes and Heels book. I don't know where I would be otherwise. I've posted pics below of it. Yeeha!

Virtual Vacation Questionairre Answers

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why? I would have to say Michigan. I have a close friend and her family there. I haven't seen them in 6 years. It would be great to see them again.
2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why? I went to Ireland in 1997 and have been dying to go back. I dodn't get to see much of the country as we (dad and I) stayed on Valentia Island mostly. I'd also like to go to Poland, Brazin and Lithuania as we have had some students here for a ew months at a time and I'd like to go see their countries.
3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? Only as a passenger. I've been from Connecticut as far north as New Hampshire, and South as Florida.
4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? Nope
5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? For travel I'd have to day the year my dad and I went to Virginia, Deleware, and Pennsylvania. We visited several places in each state over a 2 week period.
6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international, country)? Explain. Once when I was younger. I went to a few lesser known places in the state. It was pretty fun.
7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? I'm all 3. I love to go to Museums and art galleries. I'll spend all day at am amusement park, and a nice day at the beach with friends is always fun.
8. What's your favorite type of yarn? A lot of Natural Fibers and Sock Yarns
9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? Eyelash and Chenille
10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? Socks, Scarves, Hats, Sweater, Afghan
11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? I haven't gone away on vacation since I started to knit. Only to my parents overnight. For going there I's whatever I'm working on.
12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? I also spin with a DropSpindle, bead, make stained glass, make fused glass jewlery (even using dichroic glass), paint pottery, draw.
13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) I am deathly allergic to tropical fruits. Here is a list of some of the fruits to avoid. Due to this allergy NO Banana silk (fiber) yarn or yarn with elastic in it please. I don't relish the idea of using an epi-pen and going to the emergency room.
14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite? I love purples and the colors of a sunrise/sunset. Actually I like most colors, bright and bold or pasteland muted. I cannot stand neon colors though.
15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Sweet. Chocoholic here
16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? Other than the allergy, nothing that I can think of right now. Oh I do have a cat in case anyone is allergic to cats.

Heels & Socks

Yay! I'm on the first heel of my socks. Yippee! Isn't life grand?

Let's see...how are things going!

Socks....6-7 more rounds and the gussets are done and on the the heels. Yay. It seems like the gussets have taken forever.

Afghan....plugging away on it. It's my mindless project. Definitley being a glutton for punishment with all the blocks to sew on. By the way it's 6 1/2 feet wide and it will be 8 feet long.

Sweater...we won't go there.

International Tote Exchange ... yarn and pattern picked, will be casting on this week.

International Scarf Exchange... will be going in the mail by friday.

SP 10... final package will be getting mailed by friday also.

Socks so far

Below is how the socks look so far. I'm still halfway through the gussets.

Tropical Fruit List

I keep meaning to pist a list of tropical fruits for my all my swaps because of my allergies. Well, I finally remembered to. It's here at my other journal. I hope that makes life easier for all of you guys.

Various Pics Starting w/ SP10

-- My SP 10 Package

-- A close-up of the tin. Stitchmarkers are inside.
-- The Nailpolish in My Package -- Yarn I dyed with food coloring.

-- The Afghan In Progress

Yellow = I'm plugging away on it. (3 projects).
Red = Done (7 projects).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Trying to do a minimum of 2 rows a night.
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- Halfway through gussets.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be -- DONE
6.) Shawl for my Mom -- DONE
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Working on. The knitting version of a crazy quilt. I've determined the width. I'd say About 15% done.
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- DONE
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (Lopi) -- DONE

My SP Pal Rocks

I got my latest package from my SP pal today. She's awesome. Thank you so much. I loved the theme idea and I did guess the theme.

She sent me: a skein of Plymouth Yarn Sockotta, Plymouth Yarn's Sockotta Ribbed Socks and Fingerless Mitts pattern, Earth Therapeutics Tea Tree Oil Foot Repair Balm, Nail Poilsh, Toe Separators, Bamboo US2 DPNs, a set of sock shaped point protectors, beaded stitch markers, a paddle shaped callous thingie (the word escapes me right now like a file) with a brush on the other end.

Thank you so much. I've aready broken the lotion, nail polish, file, and toe separators in. Great timing with the arrival of those as I have a bg dinner to attend Wednesday and I'm wearing sandals.

Photos will follow once my comp stops being a pain in the butt.

Yellow = I'm plugging away on it. (3 projects).
Red = Done (7 projects).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Trying to do a minimum of 2 rows a night.
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- Started to gussets.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be -- DONE
6.) Shawl for my Mom -- DONE>
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Working on again. Being done in random sized blocks
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- DONE
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (Lopi) -- DONE

It's Done

Yes, it took 7 months (several of them laying dormant) yet it's done. I finished it yesterday (saturday) while at SnB. It's 37 repeats long. I was going to do 40 repeats, but if I went to 40 the scarf would have been too long for dad to wear to work. This way he can wear it to work and not worry about it getting messed up. I also needed to save a little bit of the yarn for the afghan I'm working on. There's 2 pics below. 1 up close detail and the other a distance shot.

I snagged this off another blog and thought it looked fun.Mark with bold the things you have ever knit, 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 - silk blend
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn ------------Will never happen due to allergy
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Olympic knitting
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
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
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegating yarn
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items)on two circulars

I Finished The Irish Hiking Scarf!!

Yay! Seven months after starting it I finished the Irish Hiking Scarf yesterday at SnB. I'm quite excited about it. It came out at the perfect length too. I did 37 repeats as it is for a man. I was going to do 40, but I needed to save a little of the yarn for another project. Being a man's scarf I was able to go a little sharter. IF it was any longer it would get in my dad's way at work anyways.

ANother Productive week.

Wow, a lot has gotten done this week. In 3 days 8 rows have gotten done on my sweater. I'm going to do at least 2 rows a night on it no matter what. Prefferably more, but no less.

Also I'm almost done with my Irish Hiking Scarf. I have about 5-7 repeats left to go. It's at a decent length right now, but I want it to be longer. Plus going longer I won't have any/as much scrap yarn. The yarn I'm using is very special to me and when the recipient finds out where it came from it will be to him too. The scarf is going to be a gift for my dad. His grandmother came from County Kerry Ireland where the yarn originates from. As a result I want as much of the yarn to be in it as possible. Hopefully I'll be done with this by the weekend since I'll be home tomorrow.

I'm also at the gussets for my socks. I only have to go 15-20 more wors till I get to that point with them. I've made that my "travelling" project. It's the one I do while on the bus pretty much. The other projects I do while at home or stationary.

I've also started dyeing yarn with food coloring this week. Its the 3rd thing I've used to dye with and so far my favorite. THe others are Kool-Aid and easter egg dye.

World Wide KIP Day

The World Wide Knit In Public Day is coming up on Saturday, June 9th.

http://wwkipday.com/?page_id=256

Stashalong Update

Green = Sitting there feeling neglected (1 Project).
Yellow = I'm plugging away on it. (3 projects).
Red = Done (6 projects).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Doing a minimum of 2 rows a night.
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- Almost to the gusset increases, about 20 rows away.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- DONE
6.) Shawl for my Mom (Homespun) -- DONE
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Stalled
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- 32 repeats in, about 12 to go before reaching the hoped for length
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (Lopi) -- DONE

Wow, I got some major knitting done this week. I've done about an inch on my socks. When you consider that I'm using size 4's and doing them both at the same thime I'm getting somewhere. I've also gotten at least 10 repeats done on the Irish Hiking Scarf. All that done along with my weekly things to do and spending 2 days cleaning the apartment from top to bottom. It's as clean as when I moved in (if not in some places). Heck the place is even more organized. It also inclused 2 days eunning errands. That entails taking the bus to run the errands as I do not have a car. It is so much fun going grocery shopping and lugging it on the bus, off and onto another.

I'm more than ready for SnB tomrrow morning.

Halfway on Counts list. Inventory count Met!!!

Green = Sitting there feeling neglected (2 Projects).
Yellow = I'm plugging away on it. (2 projects).
Red = Done (6 projects).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Still there
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- You would have had a good laugh Saturday
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- DONE
6.) Shawl for my Mom (Homespun) -- DONE
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Stalled
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- On a roll with it. Even remembered the pattern without any help after several months
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (Lopi) -- DONE

Irish Hiking Scarf

So I finally got a pic of the progress on my Irish Hiking Scarf since I started it last year. I've gotten alittle over 20 repeats in. I always have multiple projects going. Out of thse projects I designate 2 my main projects. This is one of thise 2. This is my "at home" one as it's less compact than socks. Of course it will go out in public with me. Just not on days that I carry a lot. By having the "At home" designation it meant that it will be the one to concentrate on while at home.

ISE 4 Scarf Completely Several Photos

I finished and blocked the scarf I've been working on for my downstream ISE 4 pal today. Below are photos of the finished scarf whole blocking and then afterwards. So this scarf will be making it's way to it's recipient over the next couple weeks with a couple little gifts in it. I will post yarn and pattern information after my scarf pal gets the scarf.

You'll notice that it took 2 surfaces to block. In my little corner of the world, you use whatever you have at hand. For the method I used to block I didn't want to chance ruining the carpet so it meant taking up the kitchen and use the kitchen table and ironing board. Plus guard it from Cliona.

Scarf while blocking (please pardon the ugly litterbox and messy bakers rack).


Post blocking, sitting on the ironing board.


Close-up detail of the cables

Distance shot of the scarf after blocking.

By the way, Cliona loves it and I will be paying for it with her when makes it way in the mail. I think I'm going to make something for her with a little of the yarn left over to keep Cliona from loosing it with me. She's been a bit tempermental lately.

Got A Lot Done This Week

In both the knitting and non-knitting worlds of my life. In the knitting world of my life I was able to:
1.) Get going again on my Irish Hiking Scarf. It's been sitting there on the needles for about 5 months. I've had other projects that were demanding my time with deadlines that were more pressing. Ok it was originally going to be a Christmas present last year for my Dad, but when I realized it wasn't going to be done in time for Christmas last year or his birthday this year, I decided to make it one of his Christmas presents this year. I'd have more than enough time then. Now with the other projects out of the way, I have time for it now.

2.) I've nearly finished the scarf for my ISE 4 pal. It will actually be done by tomorrow night. Blocking and all. That will give me plenty of fime to get it ready to go out.

3.) I got a couple more rounds done on my lovely socks. Oh, what an adventure they were today. I went to work on them, went the twong way for half a round, had to undo that bit and get them onto smaller needles. Then back onto the correct needles for fear I was going to break the bamboo needles they were on for those weren't my needles. BY the time i got that accomplished I should have known to take a breather. I didn't though. By the time I got going it was 45 minutes later. What took me 45 minutes? I couldn't figure out what direction to go in and which needles to use. Ok if you go in 1 direction and that's the wrong way then you need to go the other way right?! But the 2 tips of 2 circs had me stumped for some reason till I remembered I had my book with me to help me out. Definitley needed more caffiene to wake up. At least I provided humor for the others in my SnB group.
4.) Did some destashing.

In the Non-Knitting world of my life:
1.) Got back in touch with another family member
2.) Had my usual group and appointement
3.) Attended the monthly Community Advisory Board meeting
4.) Ran the Advocacy Committee Meeting (I chair the committee) that meets every other month.
5.) Attended the AdHoc committee where we chose award recipients (if you know me no I will not tell you who's getting the awards. I'm not allowed to till the Annual Dinner next month)
6.) Some heavy duty spring cleaning and rearranging.
7.) Spun and set the twist of about 37 yards of wool.

Stashalong Udate

Green = Sitting there feeling neglected (2 Projects).
Yellow = I'm plugging away on it. (3 projects).
Red = Done (5 projects).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Sitting there feeling neglected. Must pay attention to it soon.
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- Toes done...somewhere on the foot. Only got to do 1 row this week
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- DONE the family won't get to use the blanket for the baby as the baby died 3 days before the due date.
6.) Shawl for my Mom (Homespun) -- DONE
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Slowly working on. It's my mindless project.
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- Working on it again got a pattern repear or 2 done this week.
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (Lopi) -- less than a foot to go. To be finished this weekend.

The yarn count is down to 81 after going through it and pulling out a bit to give to my 10 year old "niece" (daughter of a family friend that looks to me as an aunt) who will be learning to use the Knifty Knitter, and donating other yarn.

ALmost done

less than 2 feet to go and my ISE pal's scarf will be done. THen to block it. That's always fun here. My cat doesn't like getting locked out of rooms, but it must be done overnight while things block. Hope my pal likes it.

Stashalong Update

Green = Sitting there feeling neglected (3 Projects).
Yellow = I'm plugging away on it. (2 projects).
Red = Done (5 projects).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Sitting there feeling neglected. Must pay attention to it soon.
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- Toes done...somewhere on the foot. I'm doing them on 2 circulars from the toe up at the same time.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- DONE the family won't get to use the blanket for the baby as the baby died 3 days before the due date.
6.) Shawl for my Mom (Homespun) -- DONE
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Slowly working on. It's my mindless project.
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- On hold until other more pressing projects get done.
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (Lopi) -- casted on about 4 feet in. A lot of progress was made on it this week.

The yarn count is up to 107 after the yarn that was given to me.

Pics from my SP Package

I finally found the cord to upload the pics from my camera. Here's pics of the packace my Wonderful Secret Pal sent.

She sent me (Top to Bottom, Left to Right): Raspberry Chocolate Pretzel Dip (Very delicious), Grandmas Spot Remover, KnitPicks Gossamer, Ghirardelli Chocolate, A Tapemeadure that Looks Like a Sheep, Cable Needle, Notepad with a kitty on the pop and the word "Meow", A Bungee Buddy Doorknob Hanger for Cliona, the One Skein Book, a set of 5 size US8 bamboo DPN's, a Neckwarmer that she knit (pattern in the book), and a note that she wrote.

These 2 pics are of a little set that was in a beautiful basket. They aren't in the first pic. I already had them hanging up. I had to take the pics at an angle because they are hanging on a mirror and I as avoiding the flash.

Here's Cliona playing with her new toy. She loves it so much. I have to put it away at night if I want a chance at sleeping.

I quick little story. My mail comes in with my landlord and lady's. I have access to their part of the house. The day the packace arrived I went down to see if the mail had arrived and it had. My landlady was somewhere in the house. She knew I was expecting something, but didn't know what. She didn't know the mail had arrived yet as I was on the mailman's heels. Well I go down to check to see if it's arrived and it has. I let out a "Yippee!" when I see that it had arrived. She knew it had arrived whatever it was. THen when I opened it and saw everything and let out another "Yippee" she knew it was really good whatever it was.

I saw her that afternoon and told her my package arrived and she said "I know I heard you saying "'Yippee' a couple times." I had to laugh. I didn't realize i was that loud. Especially the second time when I was in my place.

I just wanted to say that I'm also handling the death of my cousins baby better.

My Secret Pal Rocks!

She's the best I tell you. I got my package today. It had great timing as it cheered me up between the rain and news of last week. I'll post a pic tomorrow as the camera batteries are charging right now. She sent a toy for Cliona. Cliona's having a blast with it by the way. Plus she sent me the One Skien book, yarn, a neck warmer, and tons more of stuff. COme back tomorrow to see the rest of the list and a pic.

Life Sucks

The baby blanket I worked so hard on and finished last weekend. Well it was for a my cousin and his wife. Their baby was due today (Sunday). Well, yesterday when I talked to my parents they had news about the baby for me.

The baby died. As if that's not bad enough, the baby died before it was born. One day the baby's perfectly fine. Not 24 hours later, the baby is dead. Can life get any worse.

Knitting Away

One more project down (number 5).

Green = Sitting there feeling neglected (3 Projects).
Yellow = I'm plugging away on it. (2 projects).
Red = Done (5 projects).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Sitting there feeling neglected. Must pay attention to it soon.
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- Toes done...somewhere on the foot. I'm doing them on 2 circulars from the toe up at the same time.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- Still working on it.
6.) Shawl for my Mom (Homespun) -- DONE
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Slowly working on. It's my mindless project.
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- On hold until other more pressing projects get done.
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (Lopi) -- casted on about 8 inches in.

The yarn count is up to 107 after the yarn that was given to me..

Flying by the seat of my pants is done. It's a shawl I made for my Mom. I tried two different shawl patterns with no luck before I said forget it, and decided to bite the bullet and make it up as i went along. Below is how it came out. When I get a few more minutes I'll post the pattern.

The Stashalong is going well. One project got done this week (number 6). I'm plugging away on 3 projects (ones in Yellow).

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Sitting there calling to me
2.) My First Pair of Socks (Regia 6 ply Crazy Color ) -- Just finished the toes. I'm doing them on 2 circulars from the toe up at the same time.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- Still working on it.
6.) Shawl for my Mom (Homespun) -- DONE
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Slowly working on. It's my mindless project.
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- On hold until other more pressing projects get done.
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (will be using the Lopi I bought last week) -- casted on about 6 inches in.

Now to get the skien count down. It went up yesterday as a staff member gave me 2 garbage bags full of yarn. I'm not keeping all of it. Some of it I can't help but keep as it is really nice and some of it is MOHAIR!!! Yes someone gave Mohair away. Over here in my world that's insanity and for the recipient a gift that you don't pass up. You keep the Mohair. It's around 20 skiens of Mohair. Skien count before addindg in the yarn given to me: 80. I will be thinning out again.

The shawl is done!!!!!!!!

that's it. just wanted to say that ... the shawl is done!!!!!!!!

Favorite and Least Favorite Yarns (SP10)

Favorite Yarn

My favorite yarn is The Irish Ewe's Irish Aran yarn. Part of my love for this yarn is because it comes from County Kerry Ireland. My ancestors are from Country Kerry and I have been there. I absolutely love Ireland too.

More about this yarn though. It's 100% wool from organically grown sheep grown in County Kerry, Ireland. It hasn't been processed much so there's still a lot of lanolin in it. Sometimes I've even come across organic bits in the yarn. It's even got the sheep smell too. It's all things I love. I think it's also handspun, don't quote me on that though. The yarn is extremely even in width. You get 200 grams or 350 yards in a hank.

I've only had the luxury of making an Irish hiking scarf with it yet it was one of my favorite experiences. I wish I could work with it more.

Least Favorite Yarn

Looking back over the yarns I have used I'd have to say my least favorite yarn that I used would be Lion Suede. I had one heck of a time trying to get guage never succeeding. I decided to use another yarn on that project and make something else out of that yarn. It was to no avail. No matter what I try the yarn and I do not mix well and it keeps breaking. Other people have no problem with the skien. I've tried just to see if it was the skien others skiens and the yarn and I just don't mix. It's the one yarn that I had to give up trying to use and it still sits in my stash to remind me why I don't buy it again. I thankfully bought only one skien.

Venturing into the world of socks

My Queen Kahuna book arrived so I'm now venturing into the world of socks. I started my socks, but I mis-measured my guage (that's what I get for measuring my guage while sick). They got frogged as a result when I realized the toe was way too small. I wasn't deterred and casted right back on. I've just started the toe increases again. I'm using Regia 6 ply Crazy Color. THe color is jungle and I'm using US size 4's. Otherwise everything else in the world of knitting is going well here. Cliona's behaving very well this week with the yarn.......strange.....strange indeed.

Quick project update

1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Sitting there calling to me
2.) Knitty's Chaos --since it died I'm replacing it with a pair of socks. In stash I knw it's now equivalent. This is going to be my first ever pair of socks though. I'm going to be doing them on 2 circulars from the toe up at the same time.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- Still working on it.
6.) Shawl for my Mom -- Yarn: Homespun. nearing completion.
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn will be a mix) -- Slowly working on. It's my mindless project.
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- On hold until other more pressing projects get done.
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) ISE 4 scarf (will be using the Lopi I bought last week) -- casted on

Bus Adventures

It's been interesting the past few bus trips this week. The bus is how I get to knitting on Saturdays. Well, last Saturday I ended up spending some time at the local prison before getting to knitting. This should have been a sign to me that the day was not going to run smoothly. The bus I take to knitting goes into the prison each time by. I have no clue why but it does. Near the entrance there's a little circle it can go around, but the drivers have been told not to. This driver decides to anyways. Also there's a pickup truck in the circle. The driver cuts it too short and the rear wheel goes up over the curb. Thanks to the watterlogged ground with snow on top of it as soon as he jumps the curb the bus got stuck in the mud. No just stuck though. That rear tire was buried up to the axle. Rather the axle was resting on the curb. Thank you driver. We can't go anywhere. A mechanic comes and confirms this, brings us pasesngers to where other busses get together hourly so we can all continue with our day and the bus got towed out. THankfully we were all able to get to our next busses on time and I was able to make it to knitting.


Today was also an adventure. That is for sure. I went to Dagmar's for the first time. It's a yarn store. BY the way I have never been into a yarn store before. I've only gotten my yarn at regular stores like Michaels (and the like) or Wal-Mart or online. I managed to spend over $50.00 and not feel guilty over it. For me that's a feat. I got 10 skiens of yarn. Ten skiens that I wouldn't be able to get in regular stores and half of those skiens were on sale.On the way home on the bus I got stuck n traffic from a tractor trailer rollover. Here and here tells a little about it. THe second link providing an interesting conversation after the article. It provided a welcome change of pace in the ride. This bus ride made me wonder, why do I want a car? There's always an adventure on the bus. Be it drivers telling deserving passengers off, getting stuck in strange places, or just traffic jams. Just follow the rules, don't annoy or in any way irritate the drivers, and make friends with the drivers and you'll have a fun trip.

SP10 & ISE 4

Secret Pal 10
Contact with SP Spoiler ... has been made.
Contact with SP Spoilee ... had been made.
Package for SP Spoilee .... in progress of being put together.

ISE 4
Contact with the person I'm knitting for ... has been made.
Contact with the person knitting for me ... has been made.
Pattern for the scarf I'm making ... narrowed down to a couple.
Yarn for scarf I'm making ... purchased.

Productive Week

It's been a rather productive week in the world of knitting here. I'm rocking and rolling for Fly by the Seat of My Pants" as I've taken to calling my mon's shawl. I was originally picked out 2 patterns, but I was having no luck with either. Solution...make pu your own. Ting is, I; don't have that much experience making my own patterns. It's going pretty well. I have had the forethought to write things down as I go. Something I learned while making fused glass dichroic pendants. I took it of the needles this evening onto some waste yarn to measure it. I suprised myself. I'm even happier with it off hte needles. I only have to make it 10 inches longer. That's doable.

Also, let's see...for my stashalong:
1.) Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- Still on hold. MIght work on it tomorrow in honor of Saint Patrick's Day.
2.) Knitty's Chaos -- Dead due to Cliona.
3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE also raffle went well and this was one of the first items to go.
4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE see number 3.
5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- Still working on it.
6.) Shawl for my Mom -- Yarn: Homespun. Already casted on and 1 of 10 pattern repeats done.
7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn not picked yet) -- Not started
8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- On hold until other more pressing projects get done.
9.) Gifted Mittens -- DONE
10.) "Screaming Stash"
My Yarn Inventory is at: 77

BY the looks of it my SP spoilee and I are going to get along. I just read her questionairre and we have quite a bit in common. I can start shopping for her. Wohoo.

Knit Picks Customer Service Rocks

I was given the Options set for christmas last year. Last weekend I was using my 10.5 tips and one of them started peeling. I called them on Monday or Tuesday asking them it I sent them the faulty tip would they send me a new one. Knit Picks did one better. THey looked up the name it was ordered under which they were patient for. They had to look up 4 different names dince I didn't know which family member ordered them. THey then found me in their computer and are sending me a new set of 10.5 tips for free. To my addres at that, not to the address that the set was sent to. I don't have to send them the faulty one. They told me to go ahead and throw the set I have away. I've only ordered from Knit Picks before and have been happy, but this just made my day

Stashalong Update

1.) An Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino) -- On hold until other more pressing projects get done.

2.) Knitty's Chaos -- Met an untimley death at the claws of my loving cat Cliona. I was 1/3 the way up the back. The back and yarnball was mangled, tangled, and all one big mess that was beyond saving. I needed to finish it really soon too. The baby I was making it for is due on 4/15. I'll now have to find a new project to replace it.

3.) A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown) -- DONE also raffle went well and this was one of the first items to go.

4.) A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart) -- DONE see number 3.

5.) A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream) -- Going along smoothly with no problems. I'm out of the black hole of knitting and finally on the decreases. I will NOT be making a second though. It's too boring. Also the intial recipient has been born and by the time I finish the first one and it gets to her she'll most likely be too long for it.

6.) The Second hooded bath blanket project is now going to be a Shawl for my Mom -- Yarn: Homespun. Already casted on and 1 of 10 pattern repeats done.

7.) Afghan for Dad (Yarn not picked yet) -- Not started

8.) Irish Hiking Scarf -- On hold until other more pressing projects get done.

9.) Gifted Mittens -- The first one is done, the second is on hold till I find the missing needle.

10.) "Screaming Stash"

Updated Yarn inventory Green indicated used yarn. Red indicates yarn than calls for strike 1.

I had made a few things to be raffled off yestarday. The fair that they were being raffled off at went off very well. It was a first time finction and 54 people attended in 3 hours. Sonce we didn't have enough people at any one time to do the whole raffle we decided to do it in 2 parts. The knitted items were among the first 5 things to go.

Busy week

I've been knitting like mad here. I've gotten 1/4 the way through a hooded baby bath blanket. I need to make 2 of them. My index finget is sore from the knitting needle tip. Now tonight I was asked to make 2 cup cozies for next Thursday. Of course a non-knitter had to ask me with that little time and all the stuff I have to get done. This link shows everything that has to be done by Wednesday night preferably. That way if anything goes wrong my friends and I will have the next morning to figure out a solution. The fair starts at noon.

Been Tagged

My friend Knitty_Prof Tagged me. So, 5 things I haven't revealed on my blog......hmmm....

1.) Thre was a 2 or 3 day thing across the street from me when I was growing up that I loved to look at and go to. It was called "Sheep To Shawl." One year my class went on a field trip there and I was so interested in watching them shear the sheep by hand (they did everything the colonial way) I almost got left behind at that point. My teacher had to keep an eye on me to make sure I didn't get lost.
2.) I can remember the strangest facts and wierdest things, but forget improtant things. It drives my family nuts. For example I'll remember fine detail things noone else remembers from my childhood until I go into great detail about major things with what else was going on.
3.) I almost got to be part of a pit crew with Bush Grand Nationals as a teenager. That's until Dad and I realized that we'd be at the same area of the car. So chances are good that if anything happened to him, it's happen to me. Also I'd get scared and freak out if anything happened to him if we were both in danger.
4.) I've gotten to see sheep give birth and feed newborn lambs their first feedings. Same for nubian goats.
5.) When I worked at Joann Fabrics in Christmas 2005 they let me put the yarn away delivery days becaused I loved it so much. We're talking about multipme baxes that bame up to the hip, and at least half an arm lengths wide. Don't dare try to pick it up. I was also known for stopping and writing helpful websites down for customers. When I went back in to apply this Christmas season they were all set, but the manager told me that if I was able to get to the next local store she said she would be willing to give me a reccomedation that included "willing to whip your yarn section into shape."

Yarn Inventory

Well, I inventoried my stash. Yep, I took on that task over the pask couple days. I've listed it below. It totals 104 balls & skiens of yarn.

Tlist is going to be Name of yarn, Color, Yards or ozs, Quantity

1. Caron Simply Soft, Soft Green, 366 y, 1
2. Caron Simply Soft, Lavender, Partial, 1
3. Caron Simply Soft, Purple , Partial ,
4. Lilly Sugar' n Cream, Cool Breeze Ombre, 4 ozs, 2 now 1
5. Lilly Sugar' n Cream, Potpourri, Partial, 1
6. Lilly Sugar' n Cream, Rose Pink, Partial, 1
7. Lilly Sugar' n Cream, Twilight, Partial, 1
8. Lilly Sugar' n Cream, Natural Ombre, Partial, 1
9. Lion Brand Magic Stripes, Full Skien, 1
10. Patons Grace, Apricot, 136 y, 1
11. Patons Grace, Marine, 136 y, 1
12. Moda-Dea Ricochet, Soul, 76 y, 2
13. Moda-Dea Ricochet, Swing, 76 y, 1
14. Lion Brand Homespun, Mixture, Partial, 2
15. Lion Brand Homespun, Lavender, Partial, 1
16. Lion Brand Homespun, Mediterranieanian, Partial, 1
17. Lion Brand Homespun, Edwardian, 185y, 4
18. Red Heart Super Saver, Lavender, 364y, 1
19. Red Heart Super Saver, Light Raspberry, 364y, 1
20. Red Heart Super Saver, Royal, 364y, 2
21. Red Heart Super Saver, Pale Yellow, 364y, 1
22. Red Heart Super Saver, Frosty Green, 364y, 1
23. Red Heart Super Saver, Lt. Blue, 364y, 3
24. Red Heart Super Saver, Frosty Green, Partial, 2
25. Red Heart Super Saver, Red, Partial, 2
26. Red Heart Super Saver, Green, Partial, 1
27. Red Heart Super Saver, Blueberry Pie, Partial, 1
28. Red Heart Super Saver, Dk. Blue, Partial, 1
29. Red Heart Super Saver, Off White Speckled, Sm. Amt, 1
30. Red Heart Super Saver, Lt. Pink, Partial, 2
31. Red Heart Super Saver, Monet, Partial, 1
32. Lion Brand Jiffy, Some Shade Green, Partial, 1
33. Lion Brand Jiffy, Purple, Partial, 1
34. Lion Brand Jiffy, Denim, Partial, 1
35. Lion Brand Jiffy, Navy, 135y, 1
36. Lion Brand Fishermans Wool, Natural, Partial, 2
37. Mainstays, Off White, 7 oz, 1
38. Mainstays, Cilantro, 7 oz, 1
39. Mainstays, Blue, 7 oz, 1
40. Patons Divine, Mauve, Partial, 2
41. Romake Deluxe Quality, Purple, 4 ozs, 4
42. Wilde Yarns, Peach, 180y, 1
43. Lion Brand Boucle, Blueberry, Unknown, 1
44. Lion Brand Suede, Scarlet, Partial, 1
45. Patons Lacette, Mauve, Partial, 3
46. Peaches & Cream, Blues, 1 lb cone, 1
47. Marble, Berry, Partial, 1
48. Lion Brand Microfiber, Off White, Full Skien, 2
49. Patons Classic Merino, Winter White, 223y, 8
50. Lion Brand Fun Fur, Olive, 57y, 1
51. Lion Brand Fun Fur, Mixture, Partial, 1
52. Lion Brand Fun Fur, Fiesta, 57y, 1
53. Lion Brand Wool Ease, Gray, Partial, 1
54. Lion Brand Wool Ease, Denim , Partial, 1
55. Lion Brand Wool Ease, Woodland , Partial, 1
56. Bernat Baby Coordinates, Soft Blue, 6 oz, 1
57. Bernat Baby Coordinates, Yellow, 6 oz, 1
58. Sayelle Earth Tone Ombre, Lilac Blossom, 3 oz, 1
59. Bernat Softee Baby, Lemon, 5 oz, 1
60. Bernat Softee Baby, Pale Blue, 5 oz, 1
61. Caldor Bulky Knit Yarn, Royal Blue, 3.5 oz, 7
62. Dawn Wintuk Bulky, Steel Gray, 3.5 oz, 1
63. Red Heart Fiesta, Light Periwinkle, 6 oz, 1
64. Kogiu KPPPM, 1
65. Phildar Pronostic, White, 175y, 1
66. Red Boucle, Partial,1
67. Dk Red, Partial,1
68. Red, Partial,1
69. Off White, Partial,1
70. Multi Color, Partial,1
71. Multi Color, Partial,1
    Total = 104

Edit added 2/22: Note: Those in red have been used

Joined Stashalong

I've Joined Stashalong. Right now I'll be doing option 3. That is until I get to sit down and inventory my yarn onto the computer. Then I'll (if it's allowed) add in option 2. My projects are:

An Irish Aran Sweater (using Patons Classic Merino)
Knitty's Chaos note: need to finish it really soon baby is due on 4/15 (using some red heart baby yarn for body and another for the arms)
A scarf and hat set for a raffle on March 1 (yarns unknown)
A scarf for same raffle on March 1 (using 1 partially used ball wool yarn and 1 partially used skien red heart)
A cotton hooded bath blanket for the baby to be (using lilly sugar and cream)
A second hooded bath blanket for another baby to be (using unknown cotton yarn in stash)
Triangle Shawl for Mom (Yarn not picked yet)
Afghan for Dad (Yarn not picked yet)
"Screaming Stash"
"Screaming Stash"
So that's my project list for Option 3

I have come to the conclusion I need to give some of my stash away, It's yarn that I will never use. Yarn that was made ages ago. It's acrylic that is really cruddy. I'll never use it in any of my projects. Also it doesn't feel nice. The price tags on some are from stores that no longer exist one I never even heard of but was popular here in this town. Also it sold for less than a dollar a skein at that time. The bands on the skeins don't even say anything about guage or needle sizes even. That's how old the yarn is. Maybe the senior enter will like it.

SP10 Questionairre

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I haven't found a fiber I don't like yet. I cannot use yarns with banana silk in it though. I can risk anapalytic shock with that fiber. I have been having fun with Kogiu KPPPM and have fallen in love with noro even thouh I haven't had the opportunity to work with Noro yet.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My circulars are in a needle case. Straights in a clear vase. Knitpicks Options in the black case they sent.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting since October 2006. I'd say I'm between intermediate and advanced. My mom and aunt taught me how to knit.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, I have a wist.
5. What's your favorite scent? I like fruit scents. Melon and berries especially. Basically anything that does not contain tropical fruits (banana, papaya, mango, kiwi, coconut, pineapple, passion fruit, etc.) Actually I like them, but I have a severe allergy and avoid products that have the scent in case they have any natural part of the plant to decrease the risk of a reaction. You can feel free to ask for any clarification.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I definitley have a sweet tooth. I love chocolate. The guy who runs the candy shop downtown pays me in white chocolate when I sell earrings. Also I love coffee.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I spin with a drop spindle, make satined glass, make fused glass jewlery (even with dichroic glass), paint pottery, bead, draw, paint.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) My computer can play CDs and MP3s. I like a wide variety of music: from broadway soundtracks to country; big band to country; classical to classic rock. I just don't go for heavy metal, rap, and jazz.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love pinks and purples. I tend to like most any colors. It's the artist in me. I just don't go for flourescent colors.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have 1 cat named Cliona. I talk to and still see my dad and step-mom (reffered to as mom) and her family. The Maternal side of the family has been disowned comin up on 4 years now. My landlord and lady's family treat me like one of their own. I see them daily. Where i live I rent 1 floor and have free access to the rest of the house. That part of the house has 1 soon to be 2 dogs and another cat. Incouding that tidbit since those animals I interact with tons too.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Scarves ... check Hats...check Mittens...check Ponchos...make it a shawl and then it'll be a check. I have very bad memories of ponchos.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Right now, as I'm wanting simple, a scarf. It's been the aran sweater though.
13. What are you knitting right now? A hat and scarf to be raffled off on the 1st at a fair, an Aran Sweater for me, a random cable baby sweater for a cousin to be, and an Irish Hiking Scarf for next christmas.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Most definitley. Isn't that what hands were created for!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I like bamboo, but my favorites are the KnitPicks Options ones. I got the kit for christmas.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Not yet.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? A baby sweater that's 7 months old. THankfully the baby isn't born yet. It's due in april.
18. What is your favorite holiday? I'd have to say it's a tie with Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love them all though. What makes a holiday a holiday in the winter though is having my dad home and not stuck at work plowing the streets.
19. Is there anything that you collect? Starting to collect antique knitting needles & patterns. I also collect things having to do with my heritage (Southwest Ireland), dolphins, and Phantom Of The Opera.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? No magazine subscriptions yet. My wist has books I want.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Fair Isle, Two Socks on Two Circulars, Entrelac, Intarsia
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I'm not a sock knitter yet. Hope to learn this year. Measurements: Ankle Circumference: 26.5 cm Toe to heel: 26 cm Width: 4 cm
23. When is your birthday? December 13

New Place to KIP

Well I found a new place to KIP yesterday. The local emergency room.

For starters why would I be a patient and have knitting with me? I had gone to knitting in the morning and the shop to help with a party right after. THen to the er from the shop and my stuff came with me. If there were no Epi-Pens and 911 who knows where I'd be right now.
I ended up going into anaphalytic shock yesterday afternoon. Balloons set the latex allergy off. All that were blown up were 5 but just the powder in the air of a small area set me off. I thankfully had an epipen at the shop and used that, then called 911 and waited outside. I'm fine. at the er they monitored me for a few hours and gave me pepcid and benadryl (to take for a few days too). The epi-pen worked, the tightness returned for a while but did go away. Once I was feeling better I started knitting. The nurses (90% of which knew me from my frequent flyer days) all got a kick out of it. Though it was par for the course with me.

On the way home though I bought my self 2 bruised knees (good size as well as swelling) and a nice shiner under the left eye. Tripped on the sidewalk.

No knitting group for me this weekend

Yep, this Saturday I'll be staying up here in my neck of the woods and not be going to knitting group. On the bright side I'll be etting to sleep in and make some moolah. I'll either be helping with a birthday party or running a store. It depends on wether or not my landlord and lady are going to get a puppy this wekend. If they do they have to meet the breeders out in new york to pick the puppy. It's so exciting.

I've had more knitting time this week than last thankfully. Last week I didn't get to knit from Sunday night till Friday due to working on a fair and having a presentation to make to the board I serve on. Getting to knit on Friday wouldn't have happened unless I stayed home which I did. THat was also with bringing a wip with me at all times which I always do. By then I was experiencing knitting withdrawal. This week though, I've gotten to knit daily. As for the fair...I'm taking a break. I need it.