The Knitting World of Suz

Wow, it has been a while, but check this out.

2010-06-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it has been, but there is a purpose. Go check out my friend Jessi's blog. She is having a contest and giving away a skein of Wollmeise. Quick go now! Don't dally.

I'll try to return more often.......

Thank a Veteran today

2009-11-11T08:23:00.001-08:00

Please take time today to thank those you know and love or even a complete stranger who serve or have served in the Military. They and their families sacrifice everyday so that we can continue to live in freedom. Our country wouldn't be what it is without these great Men and Women.

I think I'm in love....

2009-09-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend I cast on for the Featherweight Cardigan using Malabrigo Lace. OMG, this yarn is so yummy. I think I'm in love. I love the way this yarn feels. It is such a pleasure to knit with. However, knitting a cardigan using laceweight yarn and size 7 needles is taking just a little while. I'm still about 20 rows away from putting the arms on waste yarn. But the yarn is so luscious that I really don't care. I'll try to take some pictures soon.

Now Laurie is it....

2009-09-01T16:46:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I managed to get my dishrag knit last night. That meant a little less sleep than normal, but it is done and in the mail. Next up is Laurie. So far so good. :)

Tag I'm it

2009-08-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well it is official, the race is ON!! I received the box today for the Son of a Dishrag Tag. So my agenda for the evening is to knit, knit, knit.

Well, I can't type anymore, I've got knitting to do.

Dish Rag Tag & WOW

2009-08-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess since I'm now the team captain of Team 8 for the Dishrag tag, I should update the blog.

There just hasn't been too much to blog about. Time has just gone by too fast.

I have actually been knitting and have finished a few things. Of course they all need to be washeed and blocked. Mayble I'll get that done and then I'll try to get some pictures taken. I finished my Sugar Maple Shawl out of Nature Wool. I also finished the Foutain Lace Hat that I knit as a sample for a class I'll be teaching this fall at In the Making. Lastly I just finished Tudora last night, but I still need to find a button.

I'll leave you with a picture of Lucky trying to fit in a box.

The Secret is out......

2009-04-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

Remember that Secret I was telling you about on Monday? Well I can tell you now. We are leaving tonight to go to Disneyworld for Easter. The little boy found out this morning and he is so excited! He told me that he didn't think he would scream like a little girl on Space Mountain this year.

Well, I've got to get busy and go pack so we can leave tonight.

Happy Easter everyone!!

Mondays and a few of my favorite things

2009-04-06T18:05:00.001-07:00

I got home today and found a box on my doorstep from my friend Lizzie. You could say I won a bet or a dare, but the details will go with my to my grave. This was an AWESOME package. She definitely knows how to spoil a girl. Inside the package was some GORGEOUS yarn including left to right, some Koigu, two skeins of Knit Pick Gossamer Lace Yarn and Handmaiden Sea Silk. There was also the cutest little kit to make a felted Red Fox. He is darling. There was the book Knit One, Haiku Too by Maria Fire which is a book with stories and Poems about knitting. There was also some point protectors, some stitch markers, some chocolates from Barcelona (courtesy of Lizzie's husband) with a little bunny hidden in the bag with them, some gummy bears, some Malted Easter Eggs, A yummy Orange flavored candle and some great smelling Chai tea that I've never tried before. I love this Monday. Here are pictures of the loot including a close up of the little kit by Crafty Alien (I have never seen these before). I would love to tell you that the chocolates and gummy bears made it through the night, but that would be a lie. I would finish off the Malted Eggs too, but I had better stop before I make myself sick.

I also have a secret that I can't tell anyone, but you will know the details as soon as I'm free to tell. It is going to be an awesome Easter!

The Perfect Saturday

2009-03-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those Perfect Saturdays.

I slept in a bit and then headed to get and 1 1/2 hour massage. I thought I had been handling all the recent drama pretty well, but my body is starting to tell me otherwise, so I decided to pamper myself a little bit. After my massage I went and had my favorite salad for lunch and then did a little shopping. When I got home I had two packages. One was a copy of the book "A Patriots History of the United States" and the other was a box from my friend Kandy. Inside the box from Kandy was this:

Two GORGEOUS skeins for Wollmeise!! It totally made my day!

I then fixed myself a pizza and watched a movie. HBO was showing "What happens in Vegas". It was a very cute movie.

While watching the movie I did a little knitting. This was the project of the evening:

The project above is Pluie which is a new free project from Berroco. The owner of the LYS that I occasionally teach at, In The Making, forwarded me the link about this pattern a couple of weeks ago to check out. It was just released last week in this week's Knit Bit. I teach the Beginning Lace class and we have been using the Bathing Beauties pattern by Fibertrends, but was hoping to possibly find a free pattern to use. While this is a quick knit, I don't like it for the class because:

1. It doesn't have a provisional cast on
2. It doesn't have a chart.

The pattern we have been using was perfect because it uses a provisional cast on that is then used to knit the border on the cast on edge and it has a chart and written instructions. So by the end of the class, the students knew how to do a provisional cast on, how to read a chart (for the occasional pattern that doesn't have written instructions) and knows how to knit lace, all while knitting a pretty washcloth. It would be nice if I could find another project that was a free pattern, but haven't found one yet. I guess I will have to come up with one of my own (though borders are hard to find) or just continue to use the one we have been using.

Today, I have just been doing a little laundry. It seems I have a little help with the folding.

Ok, I said I would be back....

2009-03-17T16:20:00.001-07:00

.....But apparently I was deluded. I haven't had the time to connect the laptop to the old computer and transfer the programs, so I still can't upload pictures to the laptop. I'm sure there is some fancy way to do it since the laptop has a card reader, but just haven't had the inclination to sit down and figure it out. Not to mention that would mean having to charge the batteries in the camera to take pictures. Not that there has been a huge amount of knitting going on here.

I did finish Juliet II, but it appears that Juliet and I are not to have a good relationship. This was was too big too. The top section is fine, but the lace section looks like I'm wearing a bell. I have wet her and thrown her in the dryer and lightly felted her. The felting helped, but it still isn't the most flattering thing I've ever knit. I'm now working on the February Lady Sweater. Let's keep our fingers crossed that she and I are a better match. I also have a couple of pairs of socks going - lace and plain vanilla.

I would like to say this has been a good week, but sadly that just isn't so. I've been having to deal with the usual family drama involving toxic boy, and have also witnessed censorship (again) first hand in the last week. I've seen people I've come to call my friends have their names dragged through the mud this week. It hasn't been pretty and all done without any warning. I try not to get political here since this is a knitting blog after all, but I'm tired of it being acceptable to discriminate against Christians and Conservatives. I'm both and if you don't like it, well Sorry. I don't apologize for my views and my beliefs and I don't need to be educated on how the other side thinks. There used to be a day when you could debate the issues with someone and agree to disagree, but that doesn't seem to be the case in a lot of circles these days. If you don't fall into the party line of thinking well, then you are treated like you are stupid. I'm just sick of it!

Ok, sorry for the rant, now back to the knitting.

Oh and Happy St. Patricks Day!!

I may be back...

2009-02-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

Guess what the Fedex man was nice enough to leave me today? Only my new bright and shiny yellow laptop. All Mine!!!

So maybe, just maybe that means I will be able to update here more often. Quit snickering...we all have to have goals.

Now for knitting. I'm currently working on a surprise that I can't mention just yet. As for other knitting, I've been working on my Juliet Part Duex. It is coming along nicely, but it will have to wait until I've finished the mystery project.

I'm still doing good on the Yarn Diet. Believe it or not, I have not bought any yarn other than my reward skein for the first 10 pounds lost. Yea!!!

Ok, here is hoping that I'll be a little better going forward.

Challenge Update

2009-01-22T12:03:00.001-08:00

Well, we are officially 22 days into the Yarn Diet Challenge and still going strong. I'm happy to report that I have successfully avoided the yarn fumes. This past Saturday I met a couple of my girlfriends for coffee and knitting. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning. It was well worth getting out of my warm bed to venture out on one of the coldest days of the winter. We even stepped over to our LYS, In The Making. I'm so proud of myself for not buying anything. Yes, you read correctly, I was in a yarn store and didn't buy one thing. As a matter of a fact, this was my third trip to my LYS with nothing bought.

As for the real diet portion of the challenge, I have lost 8 pounds since January 5th. It hasn't been easy all of the time, but I know I have to stay diligent. I'm tired of having an entire closet full of clothes and have almost nothing that fits.

As for knitting. I finished The Better Bucket Hat by Amy Swenson this weekend. Actually I finished it twice. The first time I completed it only to discover that it was WAY too big. However, it fit Jessi perfectly, so now she is making one. So, I pulled it out and started over with it being an inch shorter than the pattern calls for. I knit it out of Punta del Estes Merisoft yarn. This yarn is certainly in the league with Malabrigo. It is almost as soft as Malabrigo and I think the variegated colors are prettier than Malabrigo. I'll try to get a picture posted this weekend.

I am also working on my Juliet. After seeing two of them completed at In the Making this weekend, I decided to pull mine back to the armholes and start my lace pattern there rather than doing the version with a longer garter stitch section. I think I'll be much happier with it this way. I'm about 7-8" into the lace section. I need to get this finished so I can wear it since I'm knitting it out of Bulky weight wool yarn. You never know what the weather is going to be around here. Lately it has been so cold that I've begun to question whether I really live in the South. I mean, it is not supposed to be this cold here. If it going to be this cold, could we at least have some snow so we could have some time off. Then maybe I could get some of my knitting done.

Stay Warm!!

The Challenge

2009-01-16T14:38:00.001-08:00

Obviously the challenge for me is being able to keep this blog updated. I’m going to try to do a better job of it in 2009. My problem is that I don’t have a lot of time on the computer at home and I can’t blog with pictures when I post from email at the office. I really like to blog with pictures, but then that would require me taking pictures of my finished objects (more on that later).

Since we are both reaching SABLE (Stash Acquisition beyond Life Expectancy for non-knitters), my friend Darlene sent me an email back at the beginning of December with a Challenge. The Challenge is a yarn diet and since we have both been complaining that we need to lose weight, we added an incentive for doing well in our real diet. The challenge is for six months. Yes, you heard me correctly. No yarn purchases for six months (with very few exceptions). So without further ado, here are the rules:

1. NO yarn purchases for six months.

2. In the event that you need to gift knit and absolutely can't come up with something from your stash (and we will be on the honor system here)....then you can buy...but must give the reasons and explanations PRIOR to purchase (you know...that whole accountability thing).

3. There will be ONE Emergency yarn purchase pass per person during the six month duration....which means....in the event of extreme duress you may make ONE purchase (any yarn, any dollar amount...but only ONE purchase).

4. BUT......if you DO make an Emergency Yarn Purchase you must give up a skein of yarn from your stash to your yarn partner.

5. The person at the end of the six months that bought NO yarn will be awarded a yarny gift from your yarn partner (from her stash of course).

6. You may buy yarn to finish a project if you run out before the project is done.

7. For every 10 pounds you lose, you get the incentive of buying one skein of sock yarn (or enough yarn to make one pair of socks).

Yes, the two queens of stash enhancement are going to do without for six months. Wish us luck.

Needless to say, that with the impending diet coming, we did a little (in comparison to our total stash it was little) stash enhancement in December in preparation. So now I think we are ready. So far we are half way through January and doing good. I’m about 2-3 pounds away from my first 10 pounds.

Now to catch you up on what has been going on here. December was a bit of a blur. We had the Chicks with Sticks Cookie Swap which Cindy was gracious enough to host. It was a great time. The food was excellent, the cookies were good and the dirty Santa was a hoot! Actually we did a game where Cindy read a story and you passed the yarn whenever she said left or right. The funny part was that when the story was over, we all had our original gifts, so Cindy threw in an extra right to fix the problem.

I had originally sworn that I was not doing any Christmas knitting, but in the end I succumbed and decided at the last minute I was going to do some so then it was a race to get it all done. I would love to show you pictures of all of them, but being the airhead that I am sometimes, I gifted all of them without taking a picture of them. But here is the list of what I got done:

•A pair of socks for my Dad (technically not finished until after Christmas)
•A pair of Fuzzy Feet for my Mom
•A scarf for my sister
•Two lace neckerchief scarves for my two best girlfriends.

I also was working on a pair of socks for me in Yarntini’s Christmas Cheertini colorway. They did not get completed.

So far in 2009, I have finished the socks for my dad and the Chic Knits Felted Bucket Hat. I still need to felt the bucket hat this weekend.

As for projects that I’m working on, there are several pairs of socks, Amy Swenson’s A Better Bucket hat (I’m big on hats right now since it is so freakin’ cold outside), Juliet part two and the Circle Vest. Ok, really anyone who knows me know that there are more projects started, but that is all I’m fessing up to today.

I hope that everyone is having a great 2009 so far and that you are staying warm in this frigid weather.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T09:41:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone gets to spend the day with loved ones and friends and remembers all the things they have to be thankful for. (I realize that sometimes family makes it hard to be thankful...LOL). We are all truly blessed even if we don't have all the things we think we want.
I'm thankful for my family, my friends (I have some of the BEST), that I have a roof over my head, plenty of food to eat, clothes on my back, a good job and I live in the greatest country ever.

Eat everything you want, because remember, Holiday calories don't count. Ha Ha!!! And if you can, find a little time for knitting.

I will be spending the day with my family and hope to still have my sanity by the end of the day. They think I'm a bit nutty for knitting, but I keep telling them that I knit so I don't kill someone and thus far it seems to be working!!

Have a GREAT day!

Don't forget to go vote

2008-11-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, like anyone could forget with all the media hype.

I did go vote this morning and the lines weren't too terribly
bad. I went after I dropped the little boy off at school, so
I got there right at the end of the early morning rush. I had
to stand in line for about 30-40 minutes. While I was waiting
in line to receive my ballot, there was a woman at what I would
call the "problem" desk. You know, the desk for people who are
listed as inactive voters or they can't find where they are supposed
to vote, etc. Anyway, I was very disturbed to hear this woman
say "Well, I have many different IDs with many different names".
What the crap is up with that???? She was still arguing with
them when I received my ballot, so I don't know if they gave
her a ballot or not. I realize I'm not exactly the smartest
person around, but somehow I just don't think that it is a good
idea to flaunt around (loudly I might add or I wouldn't have
heard it) that you have many different identities. Now this
may have been a complete innocent case of she has been married
and divorced many times and just keeps the IDs as souvenirs,
but the whole conversation was disturbing because of all of the
talk of possible voter fraud. I'm keeping my fingers crossed
that this wasn't voter fraud, but just a clear case of stupidity.

As you would imagine, I was the only one in line knitting. I
cast on for a pair of plain stockinette socks to work on in the
line. I'm using the Pumpkin Pie colorway I got from WhiteWillow
at Etsy last fall. I'm in the need for some fall color and neutral
color socks. Most of mine would not fall into that category.
I'm about 80% done with my Crimson Pride Jaywalkers and will
probably work some more on them tonight. I haven't decided if
I'm going to watch most of the election results or just a recap
later in the evening. Fortunately I have several shows saved
in the DVR that can save me from the talking heads.

I finished the socks for the little boy on Sunday. He was super
excited and wore them to school yesterday.

Other than that, I threw my back out Saturday and I'm living
in the fun world of anti-inflammatory drugs and ice packs. Basically
my sciatica nerve is inflamed. It is a little better since I
went to the Chiropractor yesterday and I go back to see him again
tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a good election day and doesn't have to stand
in lines that are too long.

I was bad...

2008-10-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

I preordered the Malabrigo Sock yarn today from Webs...two skeins. I had promised myself that I wasn't buying anymore yarn until my next girl's trip, but it was Malabrigo!!! Oh yea, and I also slipped and bought some Valley Yarns Bulky Berkshire for another Juliet. Oh well, just doing my part to help the economy. ;)

I'm turning the heel on my second Jaywalker out of the Crimson pride Lorna's Laces. Pictures soon!

Creepy Crawlies!!!

2008-10-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

Warning.....Long Post ahead.

Today I got my Trick or Treat Sock Swap Package. I squealed with delight when I saw that the return address was Yarn Miracle. Yes, that is correct, my swap partner was Emily. I was so excited, especially since, I loved these socks when I saw them on her blog. It was a very creepy spider theme.

Isn't that the coolest little spider basket??? Here is a closer picture of it and my AWESOME socks!!!

Look at all the goodies that were inside the basket....

My package had my socks, that cute spider basket, a great spider project bag (that matches my socks - the inside was lined with turquoise fabric - too cute!!!), Spider bubble bath, spider gummies, spider stitch markers, Creme de Menthe Altoids (I've never seen these before), Chibi needles, Double Point needles and some Soak.

And look, they fit PERFECTLY!!!!

Next, I owe Anita a HUGE apology!!! Since I have been such a slacker about posting, I haven't posted about my package in the Dish Rag Tag. Anita was an awesome teammate. She sent me M&Ms, a fishy note pad and the cutest sheep tape measure and flower stitch markers. Anita even sells stitch markers like these in her shop. Anita, please accept my apology. My life just keeps getting in the way of me actually having a life and time to post to this blog.

Now for a recap of what has been going on. I can't believe it has been a month since my girl's trip to Mentone with the girls from my knit group. Diane very graciously opened her lovely home to us. I went with Diane, Wendy, Darlene, Cindy, and Ashleigh. Check this post on Darlene's blog and here on Wendy's blog for pictures. We had such a great time, but then how can it not be a great time with good friends, yarn purchase, knitting, fantastic food and then more shopping. All of the food was sooooo good, but special mentions go out to Wendy for the Wild Rice soup and Bibby for the Carrot cake (Bibby was supposed to go with us and was sick and unable to go and still sent us the carrot cake - Thanks Sunshine!!!) Grace was also supposed to go with us, but that was when she was having the Man Hands issue and had to take a rest from knitting. I certainly hope Diane invites us back.

Then two weeks ago, Franklin was at Yarn Expressions in Huntsville for the final official photo shoot of his 1,000 knitters project. Darlene and Denise both got slots to have their pictures made. So you know what that meant don't you?? ROAD TRIP!!! Me, Darlene, Denise, Jessi & Holly made the trip to Huntsville and oh what a day it was. We had such a good time!! And Franklin was just as great as I had thought he was from reading his blog. He is so sweet and funny. And he just fit right into our group. He was even admiring my Sparkle Monkeys (pictures to come later). Franklin's book It Iches had just come out (actually I think we got them in advance of the official release date) and we were the first ones to get our books signed.

Now for some actually knitting content from me.

Here are the socks that I knit for my Swap Pal Lisa. The yarn is Spunky Eclectic Tough Sock in the Scarecrow colorway and the pattern is Cedar Creek Socks by Kaci Kyler. This pattern was in the very first shipment of the Socks That Rock club. I've had the pattern for a couple of years now and this gave me a good excuse to try it. I really like how the socks turned and may just have to knit a pair for me.

I also finished my Juliet. The only problem was that it ended up being too big. Well my loss was my sister's gain because it fit her perfectly. I just hate it when that happens. The yarn was Tatamy Tweed that I bought at In the Making a couple of years ago.

I've also finished the first of my Jaywalker socks in the Crimson Pride colorway. I'll post a picture next time. I mean really, I did good to get all of these pictures posted today. I mean what do you expect out of a girl. LOL. Jessi, no comments are necessary from the peanut gallery :)

Lastly, the other package I got in the mail today was this month's installment of the Magnolia Society from Madelinetosh yarns. This month we got Pastoral which will be exclusive to the club. It is 50% silk and 50% wool and feels heavenly and the color is gorgeous.

How was your Weekend?

2008-08-18T14:15:00.001-07:00

Mine was pretty good. Friday night I went with the Family to grab a pizza at my favorite local Pizza Place. I really miss my weekly trips there. Before my best friend got remarried and moved an hour away, that was our Friday night tradition. Now I'm lucky if I get it once a month. It was so good. Then I went home and sat in front of the TV watching the Olympics and knitting. How about that 100m Butterfly race with Michael Phelps?? Was that awesome or what? I'm so in awe of him. He is a phenomenal athlete, he seems to be really down to earth and he is great on the eyes!

Saturday Night was the Back to School bash at my nephew's school. Since my sister had to work the event, I went to watch after him. We had a really good time and there were a couple of very satisfying moments. After that, of course I came home and watched the Olympics. Now that the gymnastics and swimming are over, I think I'm done with the Olympics.

I visited a new church yesterday in my quest to find a new church. I really liked it, but it was a big change from what I'm used to. It is a small church close to where I live and it was a traditional service. My old church is a very large church (7,000+ members) and a contemporary service. I have a few other churches that I want to visit before I make a final decision.

As far as knitting goes, I have been working on my Juliet. I had gotten to what I thought was the final two increase rows only to find out that I went one repeat too many. But the problem is that instead of having 8 stitches too many, I only have 5. What this means is that I missed a few increases along the way. So tonight I have to back out those two rows (over 200 stitches), make the stitch count work and then bind off for the sleeves and then I think there are a few rows before I start the lace sections. It has been a quick knit so far, but I haven't started the lace yet, so I may be eating those words.

Remember how I told you how my friend Darlene gets me into trouble (aka as "The enabler"). We today, she sent me an email telling me that Grace was looking for test knitters for a new sock pattern she has written. It is a toe-up lace pattern. Well, I've been meaning to do a pair of socks from the toe up and just haven't done it. Well now I have a good excuse. This will be fun and Darlene and Jessi are also going to be test knitting different versions of the same pattern.

Thank God it is Friday!!

2008-08-15T15:05:00.001-07:00

My friend Darlene is good for getting me into all kinds of trouble (She will swear she isn’t. but really she is). Yesterday, she sent my name in for the Trick or Treat Sock Swap. Well, you know me, I'll just blindly follow along. It sounds like fun and I've already found the first item for my swap partner. It is been a while since I've been a part of a swap. Now all we need to do is get Jessi to dye us up some Halloween yarn and I think we will be set.

I'm going to try to rest and relax this weekend. I'm going to go to dinner with my family tonight and then come home and watch Michael Phelps hopefully win his seventh gold medal of these games. Is it just me or is he a great specimen of eye candy. Tomorrow's schedule includes cleaning my room and doing some laundry (and of course a little knitting) and then we have a Back to School Bash at my nephew's school.

As for knitting, now that the Lotus Blossom tank is completed, I've re-cast on for my Juliet. I frogged it last night because I was convinced at the moment that I was making the wrong size, but now that I've started over, I think I was making the same size all along. This is my problem with allowing projects to lie dormant for so long. After Juliet is done, I have in my mind that I'm going to cast on for the Circle Vest in my Noro Silk Garden that I bought last weekend on my yarn expedition.

I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!

Ta-Dah

2008-08-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

And here is a picture of the finished Lotus Blossom Tank. It is a little big but not too bad and I think the next size down (a whopping 5 1/2 inches smaller) would have been too small. I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

Swimming along

2008-08-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Well, not only is Michael Phelps swimming along in his effort to win 8 Gold Medals in one Olympics, I'm swimming toward the finish lines with my Lotus Blossom tank. I finished the left side last night, so now I just have to block it lightly to seam the back piece to the front and then pick up the stitches to finish off the armholes and the neckline. When I started this project, I had three skeins of Southwest Trading Company's Bamboo yarn in the Techila colorway which is an orange and red mixture (I'll try to get pictures posted soon), which is what the pattern called for. However, because the pattern as written is a little shorter than I would like I decided to modify it by adding another lace repeat and another inch of stockinette before the armhole bind off which made me very nervous that I would have enough yarn. Well I'm happy to report that I will definitely have enough yarn and then some. This yarn seems to last forever. I can't wait to finish this project. This project has been a couple of years in the making because I had to keep froggin it because of problems in the lace (first time, I goofed and couldn't fix it and the second time I lost what row I was on and couldn't figure it out). I have used a lifeline at the end of every lace repeat to keep from having to start completely over again.

I also got a little work done today on my Jaywalkers in the Crimson Pride colorway of Lorna's Laces Shepherd sock while I was in a CPE session. This colorway is exclusive to Serendipity Needleworks in Tuscaloosa.

Anyone else watching the Olympics?

2008-08-12T12:47:00.001-07:00

Or am I the only geek doing it? Last night I watched Michael Phelps earn his third Gold medal and then an hour later swim in another Semi-finals. How does he do it? Me, I would want to pass out when it was over. I also stayed up late watching the USA Men's Gymnastics team prove everyone wrong by bringing home the Bronze. They were doing so well up until the last two events, the Floor routine and the Pommel Horse. The Pommel Horse was almost the end of them. Still overall, they did a great job and surpassed everyone's expectations for them.

As I was watching the Olympics (only after The Closer was over you understand), I was working on my nemesis the Lotus Blossom Tank. I'm done with the back and have started working on the sections that go over the shoulders and attach in the front. The right side is done, so now I just have the left side, the seaming and then picking up stitches to do the armholes and the neckline. I'm so close to being done - FINALLY!!

Weekend Recap

2008-08-11T11:20:00.001-07:00

Friday night I went to go see “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” with one of my girlfriends. It was a cute movie and definitely what I needed after a long week.

Saturday, I went on a quick little yarn expedition to Serendipity Yarns in Tuscaloosa with Darlene & Jessi. We had such a good time! Fortunately for our checkbooks, by the time we got there, Ellen and her little helpers had already moved almost everything but the sale yarn. I still managed to find stuff to buy. I bought several (ok, seven) more skeins of Lamb’s Pride Worsted at 50% off to make the Fuzzy Feet Slippers for Christmas Presents. These slippers are a favorite among my family. My mother somehow manages to wear a hole in them after about a year, but then she does wear them every night except in the Summer. She loves the fact that she can wash them in cold water and then just hang them to dry. I also bought some Noro Silk Garden on sale to make a Circle Vest from the Silk Knits book. There have been classes taught on this vest at In the Making and they have been a big hit. I also bought some Tilli Tomas Pure & Simple on sale in a lovely Turquoise to make another Clapotis. With the sale price, I couldn’t pass it up. Jessi also bought three skeins in a pale pink to make the clap out of. Lastly, I bought a skein of sock yarn to make the little boy a new pair of socks and some note cards and other knickknacks. Darlene managed to find some more of a yarn she was looking for to make a vest and also got some Noro Silk Garden to make a Brooklyn Tweed Scarf out of. So all in all a successful trip by all.

Other than that, I did a little shopping late Saturday afternoon and then yesterday worked on laundry. My girl times were definitely the highlights of my weekend!

I'm such a little sheep...

2008-08-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

You know sheep have to be led around? Well I feel that way some days. What other explanation would there be as to why I signed up for Dishrag tag the sequel and Mystery Stole 4. Can we say peer pressure? LOL

I know I've been absent for a while now, but I'm going to try to do better. The last couple of months have been very busy, but I have gotten some knitting done and some reading done. I've finished four pairs of socks (not all of them were started in the last two months) and I have been working on my Lotus Blossum tank. I have been to DC, Chattanooga and the Beach. All the trips were fun and I hope to update you on some of the stories soon.

Tomorrow I'm headed to Tuscaloosa with a couple of friends to visit Serendipity Needleworks. Ellen is moving to a new location next weekend and is having a sale, so we are headed down there to see what we can find.

Haven't been in much of a mood to post

2008-06-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I just haven't been in the mind frame to post. I try not to post about the things that are stressing me out, so therefore I haven't been posting. Here is a short summary of what has been going on:

Vegas Trip over Memorial Day weekend was lots of fun and exactly what I needed. I needed to run away from home.
I don't get to run away from home for another month.
Car has been costing money to fix (not too bad yet)
Toxic Person has been ranting and raving lately (ok, they just haven't stopped, this is really no different from usual). This person regularly keeps everyone in my family upset over some drama they create almost every day. Their latest claim is that they have basically said that they don't think I'm a Christian like they are. Well, that is just a load of bull. My relationship with Christ is personal and I don't feel the need to be at the church everytime the doors are open (their words not mine) to prove it. While they are there "every time the doors are open" it certainly is not evident in their behavior or the way they treat others. I'm really at a huge loss as to how to deal with my anger and frustration over this situation.
My mom's favorite cat is quite ill and at one point in time we were looking at the possibility of having all of her cats put to sleep because they thought he had Feline Leukemia or Feline HIV. He has been at Auburn University all week at their Vet Clinic (for those not in the south it is one of the absolute best places to take a terminal/seriously ill animal). Fortunately, both have been ruled out, but they still have no idea what is wrong with him.
I did have a great time going to see Sex in the City with my Girls last weekend.
I did get a fantastic skein of bright yellow yarn for my June Sock Club selection from DkKnits named especially for me. The yarn is named Suzanne Sunshine. Which I thought was hilarious since I call everyone Sunshine.
I haven't done much knitting lately, there has been just too much other junk going on. I did pick back up my Be My Valentine socks and I have turned the heel on the second sock.

It worked!!

2008-05-07T08:25:00.001-07:00

Ok, so the test run of the email posting worked. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this one works too. Technology scares me sometimes. I mean sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't

So how far back do I go to catch everyone up? I guess I back up for the last month, since I still owe details on my Nashville trip. My college roommate's husband and mother conspired against her and called me and another one of our sorority sisters, Dani, that Angie lived with before me to see if we were available for a visit for Angie's 40th Birthday. I took off that Friday and headed to Nashville. Dani and her two children had arrived on Thursday afternoon surprising Angie. When I got there on Friday afternoon, all the kids were playing and the door to the kitchen was open and I just walked and surprised her. It was GREAT! She had no idea I was coming. Steve and Angie's Mom had planned a dinner for her at Angie's favorite restaurant, Amerigo's. We had a great dinner and then we headed back to the house. Steve handled all of the kids (all four of them) so that the girl's could have a little bonding time watching a chick flick, Atonement. Then on Saturday, Steve took all the kids to the park so that we could go to lunch before Dani and her kids had to leave Saturday afternoon. I had not seen Dani is 16 years since Angie & Steve's wedding. We had a fantastic time catching up. I stayed Saturday night as well and we got up Sunday and went to church where Angie's youngest daughter was singing with her Angel choir. She was so cute. We then went to lunch with Angie's parents and I headed back to Birmingham in the afternoon.

The next weekend was the Kathleen Edwards concert at Workplay with some friends on Friday night. It was a really good concert and we had a great time. We also had a birthday party for a friend of my sister's on Saturday night that was a lot of fun and highly entertaining.

The next weekend, I spent the evening with one of my girlfriends at a wine tasting at a local wine shop, Pleasure is All Wine. It was a great tasting and a lot of fun. I will definitely do it again. This way you have tasted some of the wine before you buy them to know if you like them or not. Afterwards, we went and grabbed a cup of coffee and just sat and talked. Then on Sunday, we went to the Art Festival at Linn Park. I saw a great artist who does these adorable (but very expensive) paintings with sheep. I grabbed her card thinking I would order one online rather than spending a ton of time going through her prints. I wish now I had spent the time because the prints are more expensive on her website. The artist is Conni Togel. You should check out her stuff it is adorable. A couple of my favorites are Bad Girls, High Strung and Hover Craft. It was a great festival and I will definitely go again next year.

Finally, last weekend. Friday night I went to see Santana with a friend of mine. It was a Fantastic concert and a great people watching extravaganza. There was such a diverse group of people there. The weather was nice and provided a great evening for an outdoor concert. Saturday I worked at In the Making. We had a group from Florence, Alabama that came in on a yarn crawl. They were a lot of fun! On Sunday, I finished my tank (yes, that is correct, a finished object) from the Noro Taiyo yarn I had bought a couple of weeks ago. I think I'm in love!! It turned out great! I then cast on for a Racerback Tank using the Rowan Summer Tweed I had in my stash. It was originally meant to be another tank that I ended up hating and frogged a couple of years back. I'm currently about 8 inches into it, so hopefully it will be done before I go to Las Vegas Memorial Day weekend.

Monday night I went to a book signing with Debbie Macomber at Books-a-million. She was very funny and very sweet. She sounds just like you would think she would from her books. I also got to meet J.P. there. It was great to finally meet J.P. after following his blog. He is exactly how I imagined him to be. After meeting him, I'm really hating that he is looking to move away. We will definitely be trying to meet up again and do something. I also met Ellen who owns the shop, Serendipity Needleworks in Tuscaloosa.

This weekend is the little boy's birthday party on Saturday night. I can't believe he will be 7 next week. How in the world did that happen? I should be exhausted by Sunday with working at In the Making on Saturday followed by the birthday party. Donna is having a big sale this weekend at the shop, so if you are in town, you should come by and check it out.

Ok, I know I still owe pictures, but hopefully if this email thing works, I'll be posting more often.

Testing, Testing

2008-05-06T20:52:00.001-07:00

This is just a test post for emailing my posts to the blog. Hopefully if this works, it will make it easier for me to post more frequently.

And now back to your regularly scheduled events………….

Bad Blogger

2008-04-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so lately I have sucked at the blogging thing. Just a quick update and I promise to post more later.

The Nashville trip was awesome. (I actually have pictures I'll post later)
I'm doing fairly well on not buying yarn (I didn't say I would totally stop)
My family's toxic person is acting a butt again (really is that such a surprise???)
My friend Jill could use some serious lovin'
I started on a tank with the new Noro Yarn I bought last week (It was the only yarn I bought last week, so that is better than usual)
I still haven't finished my Monkey socks for the DkKnits KAL
I've been on a kick of crocheting "warshrags" - what is that all about, I don't crochet.

I promise I'll add more details later, but I didn't want everyone (ahem....Jessie) thinking I was under a rock somewhere. Seriously, Thanks to everyone who has expressed concerned over me not blogging much lately and checking on me. It really does mean a lot to me that people are concerned about me. Love Ya'll!!!!

I'm still here......barely

2008-04-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a really long time since I posted. For my few devoted readers....Sorry.

There has been a lot going on here. We rearranged the little boy's room and moved the computer and computer armoire out of his room and into the dining room. I've also been going through every box and drawer in my room and cleaning out. My sister and nephew have now lived with me for over 3 years now on what was supposed to be a temporary adjustment. I'm fine with the fact that they still are here, but with all of us in this house, we just have too much stuff and it is time for some of it to GO!! I'm done with all the clutter and it taking forever to clean the house. This process will most likely consume my weekends for the next month, but I know it will be worth it in the long run. Which brings me to my yarn stash. What was I thinking folks?!?!?!? I know it is pretty and everything, but it seems to be multiplying like rabbits. Must stop buying and start knitting. Now those of you who know me, know that this doesn't mean I will completely stop buying yarn that speaks to me, but it is now going to have to speak very loudly. I've stopped all of my clubs except for one and that is because it is prepaid (and it is nice to have at least one surprise each month). There is even the remote possibility that I may have a stash sale, but I'm not committing to anything just yet.

Then there has been the Vertigo that has been plaguing me for the last 3 days. I'm ready for the room to quit spinning. Needless to say since I'm on the computer, it is has gotten much better than it was yesterday, but I still feel like I've had a little too much to drink. No fun what so ever. I went to the Doctor and he prescribed my an antibiotic to go with my Antivert (motion sickness pills) thinking I have a sinus infection or slight inner ear infections.

This weekend I'm supposed to drive to Nashville for my college roommate's 40th birthday. She has no idea that myself and another of our sorority sisters are coming (at least she didn't know last week when I talked to her mother). I'm really looking forward to seeing her and getting to celebrate this milestone birthday with a little girl time.

Believe it or not, there has been a little knitting going on. I'm almost done with my no purl monkeys for the DkKnits KAL. I'm also working on the Lotus Blossom Tank (aka how many times can I screw this lace pattern up tank) and a pair of plain vanilla socks which are all my head can handle at the moment.

Sorry to be away so long and I promise to try to upload pictures next time.

Wee Tiny Sock Swap 2008

2008-03-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

Come on, join us, you know you want to. You can sign up here.

This is what Exhaustion looks like...........

2008-03-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, This is what a girl looks like after being drug through 4 parks in three days. It was 87 degrees last Saturday. I was tired, hot, sweaty and ready to head to the airport.
We has an absolutely FANTASTIC time and the little man LOVED it. This was by far the best family vacation we have ever taken. Everyone got along, we laughed and just had a great time.

First we went to Disney Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) because that is where the Power Rangers are. We walked in just as the High School Musical 2 parade was starting. Since the little man also loves High School Musical 2, he was in heaven.

We then headed off for the land of Power Rangers. They ride out in their car and then get off, strike their poses and start to mingle. The little man got the autographs of every Power Ranger and had his picture made with all of them. While none of them are posted here, trust me we saw all of the Power Rangers.

The we strolled over and had a family photo with Mater and Lightning McQueen. This is the first ever picture we have had made with all five of us (how sad is that???).

We ran around and met more Characters to have pictures with and get autographs from and then headed over to the Magic Kingdom.

Our Guide on the Jungle Boat Cruise......

Me and the little man in line for one of the rides.

We tried to help catch Stitch when he excaped from the prisoner teleport center.

On the last day, we went to both Epcot and the Animal Kingdom.

Me and the little man.

We stood in line to meet more Disney Characters.

Here is my sister, the little man, Mickey and Myself. (Mickey even gave me a smooch!!)

Pluto

Minnie Mouse

Goofy

The Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom

Pluto out on the loose........

And Mickey telling us Bye!!

Sorry it took so long to get this post done. One of these days I'll find a quicker way to upload pictures to blogger and I've just been too tired to deal with it this week.

Like I said, we had a Fantastic time and there is now talk of the next trip.

Going to see the Mouse

2008-03-11T19:11:00.001-07:00

That's right, it is almost time to go see THE Mouse. Since I'm going to have to go to bed super early tomorrow night (our flight is at 6:30am on Thursday Morning), I figured I had better post now.

We are almost off to take the Little Man to Disney for his first time. I'm sure we will all have a GREAT time if we can just manage to get up on Thursday.

To all my chicks in Trussville, don't have too much fun without me Thursday night. I'll see you the end of the month.

In Knitting new, I had to totally frog my Coco Knits Nikola tank. I would like the thing to cover my stomach (what is up with that??). I'll redo it, but make it about 2" longer than the pattern calls.

I have lots of new stash enhancements but you will just have to wait for the yumminess.

OOOH, I almost forgot. Go check out Bibby's blog and see the Tam she did after our class. Sunshine did an AWESOME job!! Now I'm just waiting to see Darlene and Jessi's progress at the end of the month.

I'll tell Mickey you said HI!

Weekend Update

2008-03-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

First, here is the update on my Junior Achievement bowling. I've raised my goal and my team has met our overall goal. We are now in second place for overall contributions and are trying to see if we can't get into first place. THANK YOU so much for everyone who made a contribution. Half of my contributions came from my Great friends that I've met through knitting or knitting blogs. If you haven't made one and would like to do so, here is the link (absolutely no pressure. I'm tickled that I made my goal).

In my last update, I mentioned that a friend of mine might be coming to town last weekend. I was hoping there wouldn't be anything to happen to cancel it this time and there wasn't. Ken and I have been friends for 11 years. We met when I was working for TCI Cable in one of their divisional offices. TCI was in the process of centralizing all accounting functions to the corporate office in Denver. Ken was one of the employees hired to work in the new department. Ken first came to Birmingham to work for two weeks and then I went to work in Denver for 2 1/2 months. We've been friends ever since. I left Denver in May 1997 and haven't seen him since, but we keep up with each other through phone calls and email. The company he now works for has bought a company in Atlanta, so it looks like he may have to move to Atlanta (which is only 2-3 hours away from Birmingham depending on how fast you drive). Last week he had to be in Atlanta for business, so he stayed over the weekend and drove to Birmingham to see me. It was really good to see him. We had a great time hanging out and catching up with each other. On Friday night, we went to a Thai restaraunt, Surin West, for dinner and then we went to the Blue Monkey which is a Martini and Cigar bar. I absolutely love the Chocolate Martinis at the Blue Monkey. Ok, so we are going into the Blue Monkey and I see this guy way to me and say Hey. I look over and it is my younger cousin. Thinking I've been busted, we head over to say hello only to find out that he didn't realize it was me and I'm denying any reality that he may have been trying to hit on me (EWWWW). We sat down with them for which Ken deserves Hazard Pay. The next twenty minutes were very similar to talking to an Alzheimers patient with my cousin being so drunk that he kept asking the same questions, OVER & OVER. Finally they left and we returned to our nice evening. On Saturday, it was actually a really beautiful day so we decided to ditch the museum of art and went to the Botanical Gardens and walked around enjoying the day instead. After lunch at the famous (well here in the state anyway) Dreamland BBQ, I took him back to the hotel so he could actually work a little. Later that night, we went to my favorite local Pizza place, Tortugas and then later went to a relatively new (at least to me) Wine Bar called The Grape. It was a really nice place to just sit and talk. On Sunday, he got up and drove back to Atlanta to actually look at some houses and then flew back to Denver.

Sunday for me was an afternoon with some wild and crazy women!!! I was teaching a class at In the Making and the lovely Bibby, Darlene, Jessi and Margaret were in the class. Cindy was supposed to join us but was not feeling well, but we missed her terribly. Bibby, Darlene, Jessi & Cindy are all in the knitting group that I meet with in Trussville. They are such a fun group to hang out with. The class was a lot of fun, but they are very difficult to get to behave. There was discussion of my visit with my friend and then the conversation turned to willie warmers and how one would go about measuring for those. I'm a huge slacker at taking pictures, so check the others blogs out for pictures of the class. It is going to be a while until I see my crazy friends again. The week that I would meet with them next is the same week that we will be taking the little boy to Disney World, so I have to wait until the end of March until I get to be a part of the craziness again.

Today I got home to a nice box containing my Easter Beagle sock kit. It is FABULOUS!!! I won't post pictures yet since I know everyone hasn't gotten theirs yet.

We are supposed to have some pretty horrible weather tonight, so I guess I had better go clean out my closet in case we have tornado warnings again. My closet is our "safe place" and it wasn't feeling terrible safe when we had to crawl in there for last weeks tornado warning.

I hope everyone had a great weekend like I did and has a great week.

Grab a cup of coffee & get comfortable

2008-02-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe it has taken me so long to update. Life has just been a little busy lately. But before I begin my tales of what has been going on, let me start with the fact that I am going to be bowling for Junior Achievement on March 7th. To say that I am a pathetic excuse for a bowler would be putting it nicely, but I'm going to go out and make the effort to raise a little money for the cause. If you would like to help a girl out, you can visit my fundraising page here.

Ok, now let's get down to what has been going on the last few weeks. Hmmm, where to start. I guess I should start with the fact that the drama that has been going on seems to be calming down some and looks to be getting better. If it will only quit raining so the migraines will go away. But instead of talking about that, let's discuss what movies I've seen . In the theatre, I've seen Definitely, Maybe & Spiderwick. Definitely Maybe was a very cute film. I just love Ryan Reynolds, he is such a cutie!! We took the little man to see Spiderwick on President's Day. I think I jumped more than he did (but then, I do startle very easily). On DVD, I've seen Becoming Jane about the life of Jane Austin, We Own the Night which was much better than I expected, Good Luck Chuck which was funny, Sydney White a cute little teen movie, The Jane Austin Book Club which was excellent in my opinion and the third Pirates of the Carribean movie which was ok. I still want to see Jumper and The Other Boleyn Girl in the theatre and No Reservations on DVD. Oh and I also spent a Sunday afternoon watching the last five episodes of Band of Brothers on the History Channel. With all the rain and cold here it has been perfect TV and movie weather, if only there were some decent TV. I do admit to my guilty pleasures of Project Runway, Make me a Supermodel and One Tree Hill.

I've also spent an evening at Sip n' Strokes with a couple of girlfriends. We painted Funky Trees. It is a definite that I will NOT be the next Vincent Van Gogh. But it was a lot of fun once I figured out that I pretty much sucked and let go of my Type A personality. Below is a picture of my masterpiece (with my cat Loverboy who wouldn't get out of the picture).

Funky Trees

Ok, now some pictures of some actual Finished objects. Below is a picture of my Tam that I did from the Three Tams pattern on knitty.com. It was an easy project. There is also a picture of me actually wearing the tam that is not so wonderful.

Here are my finished S.E.X. and Candy Monkey socks. They make quite a splash and I love them!! I've also finished another pair of Monkey socks, but since they are for a friend, you will just have to wait for the picture.

In other news, we told the little man last week that we are going to Disney World for spring break. He is totally Psyched!! It will be a quick whirlwind trip with three days in the park, but I know he is going to love it and we will all be exhasted. This will be his very first plane ride. I'm not sure which he is more excited about, the plane ride or Disney World.

I'm also supposed to have a friend coming to town on Friday that I have not seen in almost eleven years. Keep your fingers crossed that nothing happens. It will be good to see each other again and catch up in person.

And now..... to the recent Stash enhancements of the month.

First up is the February Club selection from Yarn4socks. It is a semi-solid yarn from Yarntini called Berrytini. You can't tell from the picture, but it has specks of a berry pink in it.

Then are the monthly selections from ArtWalk Sock Club and DkKnits. The Art Walk yarn is based on the painting Discarded Roses by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (it is the yarn on the left) and the yarn on the right is my February yarn from DkKnits called Make My Day Award.
Here is some Sophies Toes that I got. On the left is American Patchwork and on the left is Muir Woods, that I got out of a swap with Darlene.

Some more Sophies Toes.........Love is on top and Froggy is on bottom.

And then finally, my Woolgirl order that came today. I got some Yarn Love in Bayfield Apple (left) and some Unique Sheep in Woolgirl with a twist (right).

Later this week the Easter Beagle kits should ship from Woolgirl and next week is march so you know that means new club shipments. I've got to go knit now.........

Been a little distracted

2008-02-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry everyone, I've been a little distracted with some drama that has been created in my personal life lately, but I'm becoming a grown-up this year and have tried to make some resolutions to end said drama. It is working on some fronts and not working on others. But I am trying and that is all I can do. I am very thankful for those who want to work to put this drama behind us. I've also been a tad distracted by the migraines that the constant weather fronts have been causing me.

I finally finished my Monkey socks. They are so CUTE!!! I promise to post pictures later, I'm just too lazy to go get the camera and upload the pictures. I've also completed one of my loafers and have started to work on the Annetrelac socks using the new Noro sock yarn. They are turning out quite cute if I may say so. Can we say ADD?? I think so. I can never have just one project going.

Tomorrow night is the big Ravelry demo at In the Making. I'm sure there will be lots of people there and it will be fun!

Last weekend, I went to a birthday party and then a group of us went to see Juno. It is a very cute and quirky little film. It was recommended to be by Jamie who works at In the Making. I would definately recommend the movie. The main character MAKES the movie. She should definitely win the oscar for her performance.

Ok, I promise to post pictures soon. I've received several club selections that I need to share.

You make my Day!!

2008-02-02T12:22:00.001-08:00

I'm so tickled! Rani gave me a "you make my day" award. I just don't even know what to say. I'm so glad that someone enjoys my various ramblings and stash enhancements. She has also started a new project called A Year in Socks where we are all going to try to knit at least one pair of socks a month. Check her blog out if you are interested in joining us. I need all the motivation I can get to try to work my way through my ever growing stash (more on that later).

OK, so now here is my list of ten of the people whose blogs I just can't get enough of (in no particular order):

Yarn Collectors Annoymous - the great enabler Darlene who is always good enough to point me toward new types of "yarn crack".

PJBKnit - Another Alabama Knitter who has the same last name as me.

Knitlog - I've know Tonni for a few years now from when we used to go the same knit night. You ought to check out her spinning now!

Alabama Fiber Dreams - The creater of the great S.E.X. & Candy yarn. Need I say more?

Coffee Yarn - I love to hear about the adventures of Oriel the kitten and see what she has been knitting.

Sheep in the City - I love to see what Stacey has been knitting and all her bags!!

NapLover - The greatest swap partner ever!

The Yarn Nut - I'm really liking the Noro socks Cindy, and yes, we will be doing a class for the loafers, just looking for a date (I mean especially since you've already bought the yarn.)

Sheepish Pleasures - I promise you don't have to behave in class Bibby!!

Deep Fried Kudzu - You need to check out Ginger's blog for all the great craftiness and Yummy sounding recipes.

I've even been lucky enough to meet half of the above mentioned blog owners when I joined the Trussville Knit Group. What a great group they are!

I need to find my camera so I can update you on the recent stash enhancements. I received my shipment of Yarn4socks club yarn today, 2 skeins from Sophie's Toes yesterday and I'm still waiting on another skein from Sophie's Toes, DkKnits, & Art Walk Sock club.

How cute are these??

2008-01-25T21:11:00.001-08:00

Have you seen these loafers from Cocoknits?? Aren't they the cutest ever? Donna at In the Making has me hooked to try a pair of these. They use Malabrigo which I just LOVE!!! We are even considering teaching a class on these (but first need to knit my own pair). If the roads don't ice tonight (yes, there is another threat of winter weather on another weekend), then I'll be at the shop in the morning for my first class of the year, Beginning socks. I'm really looking forward to it, plus, it will give me the opportunity to pick up that Malabrigo I need.

My favorite enabler, Darlene, had gotten me hooked on some new yarn "crack", Sophies Toes. Wow at the colors!!! I love it and have sent an Etsy convo to be added to the update list for more. I like Darlene's perspective on stash enhancing. We are just preparing for our eventual (not anytime soon) retirement because one day we will be on fixed incomes and won't be able to afford this fabulous yarn, but that will be ok, because we will already have it!! Great perspective!!!

I also got the first of my piddly bags from Piddleloop. It is so cute! I'll take some pictures of it and my new yarn "crack" and try to get them posted this weekend.

New Friends & Good Food

2008-01-24T20:11:00.000-08:00

I've been planning to visit the Trussville Knitting group for a while now (well on the weeks I'm not a knit night at In the Making). So this afternoon, I emailed Darlene about it. Well, I would pick the one week they are not knitting, but instead were meeting for dinner at a great little Mexican Restaurant in Trussville (the name totally escapes me at the moment). I had a really good time and it was nice to put some faces with some of the blogs I read. I met Holly, Kay, Bibby, Cindy, Ginger, Jan, Darlene, Marie & Camille (**edited to add the names I had screwed up/forgot. I am so horrible with names!!!

Since next Thursday is the fifth Thursday of the month, I'll join them in Trussville for a little knitting and socializing.

We actually got snow!!

2008-01-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

It has actually snowed in Alabama. This is the first accumulation of snow that I have seen in at least six years (my nephew is 6 1/2 and has never seen real snow), and it has probably been much longer than that, I really can't remember. Now I realize that for those of you who live in areas that it actually snows, this is really nothing, but to us it is something. And even better, we didn't get ice first, so life has been able to go on as usual. Below is a picture from my backyard of the snow we got.

We got out this morning and had a world class snowball fight. The Lil man was having such a good time. And I have to admit I had fun too. Below are some pictures of our snowball fight which included our next door neighbor and his son.

Lil Man Making his first snowball.

The fight is on!! I'm after the Lil Man

We even managed to find a patch of snow that was somewhat useful for the Lil Man to make his first snow angel.

Now let's get on to other important information involving actual knitting and yarn!!!

Here is my first completed Monkey sock from my S.E.X. & Candy yarn I got from Jessi at her Etsy shop. (I've really got to get some decent sock blockers). Look at how the red swirls through the pink. I absolutely love them.

Here is a close up of the cuff:

Now for club yarn:

Here is my Be My Valentine Charlie Brown sock kit from Woolgirl. The yarn is dyed by Jana over at White Oak Studios. I love the yarn and the bag Jen's MIL made is too cute. Needless to say I signed up for the Easter kit too.

Here is the January Selection of Art Walk Sock Yarn Club. It is called Flaming June based on this painting by Frederick Leighton. I think Roxanne did a wonderful job with this yarn.

And last but not least is my recent selection from DkKnits called Garden of Tulips. It even came with stitch markers that had the exact same colors in them. I'm still amazed that Becky dyes each of us an individualized skein of yarn each month. Needless to say, I've extended my membership for the rest of the year.

Recipe for Suzanne

2008-01-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

The Recipe For Suzanne

3 parts Laughter
2 parts Imagination
1 part Grace

Splash of Intellect

Shake vigorously

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Ok, Laura & Tonni did, so I decide to do it too!!

My S.E.X. & Candy came today along with my Be My Valentine Charlie Brown Sock Kit from Woolgirl. Both were just too awesome for words.

But what made my day yesterday was my Angel Package from the Alabama Ornament Swap, complete with more of Jessie's yummy yarn and stitch markers, but also the cutest snowman ever!!

I've taken pictures of everything and I'll try to post them this weekend.

S.E.X and Candy

2008-01-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

Well, now that I have your attention. :)

I saw this yarn on Jessi's blog a while back and she just posted it for sale. Of course I couldn't resist. Here is a pic that I stole from the listing.

Isn't it Yummy!!! And yes, the name of the colorway is S.E.X. and Candy (and this is completely disease and calorie free). :-) Go over to her store and grab you some!

Yes, I know, I have absolutely no restraint, and Darlene has graciously offered to help me if I'm ever in a bind justifying a yarn purchase. We all need people like that in our lives. (laughing hysterically now!!) And she has been dropping not so subtle hints about if I would like to learn how to spin. After seeing the post on her blog about the spinning get-together, I'm almost tempted, but the key word here is ALMOST.

I also got my Art Walk Sock Club Yarn today. Fabulous as always Roxanne! Love it!

Ok, I gotta go knit some socks before the yarn takes over the house!!

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-05T13:10:00.001-08:00

Ok, Ok, So I know that it is like the 5th of January and I'm just now wishing everyone Happy New Year, but I'm just a little slow at everything these days. I actually finished my Christmas knitting on the 26th of December. My Dad and my sister both got one sock each as I tried to finish their socks. By the time I got done with them, I completely forgot to take pictures of them or the felted slippers I did for Dad. I also realized that I have over a month of yarn stashing and club additions that I haven't shown you. Time is just going by way too fast!

First up are some new additions from Union Center Knits. The Colors are Caramel and Blue Moss. I just love her yarn, it is so soft and the colors are always great.

Then there is the Chick Flicks Sock Club from TV Yarn. This month's Yarn is based on the Movie "Love Actually" (One of my favorites). The Yarn came with a Nutcracker Ornament, some tea, a stitch marker, some Hand lotion and lip balm and a cute little box! I love it. She is starting up her next series on Romantic Comedies and last I looked, there were two spots available. I want to join so bad, but January and February are always big cost months for me with Homeowners dues and Car Tags, but I may crack and sign up any way.

Below is the December Selection from the Art Walk Sock Club from Zen Yarn Garden . I have loved every month's yarn (and I'm anxiously awaiting January as I type). This month is based on the Georgia O'Keefe Black Iris paintings.

I also got the Yarn4Socks Sock Club this month which has two patterns by Melanie over at Pink Lemon Twist and some Semi-Solid Yarn from Madelinetosh.

Whew, almost done with sock clubs. Last Sock Club yarn that I got for December was DkKnits Sock Yarn. I just figured out this month that she personalizes every skein for everyone in the club based on answers to a questionnaire she sent us. How freakin awesome is that??? My yarn this month is called a Glass with Steamy or McDreamy based on my love of Red Wine and Grey's Anatomy. I think it is gorgeous! We also got our project bags with this months selections. Becky got the bags from another Etsy Seller Messie Crafty.

One of my favorite shipments of the month came from my WWCS Swap Partner, Jill. Jill was an awesome swap partner. I was really spoiled. I got a sampler of Starbucks coffee (how sad is it that she figured this would be right up my alley. I love to try different things), Some Coffee Sock Yarn from Shelly Dyes (I see this yarn in a lace sock, kind of like the tea dyed lace my Mom used to use when I was a kid), There is a bar of coffee soap hiding behind the yarn (I got the same thing for my swap pal, how funny is that), some great hand and foot lotion and a foot scrubber thingey, a really cute coffee mug (I love pink and brown together), some adorable coffee bean stitch markers and Jill had emailed me that she wasn't sending any candy because she figured I was probably sick of it (Now how good is that, we had candy and crap coming out of our ears at the office), so instead she sent me the cutest snowman (whose lights blink and he plays a little tune) that was holding a gift card to Panera Bread, which is one of my favorite places to eat. The gift card didn't make it through the week before it was used!! Jill, you are the best swap partner a girl could ask for!! Thanks for spoiling me so well.

Ok, let's see what else have I been up to? There were a few of us who went to see the new National Treasure movie. I really liked it! I was definitely as good as the first movie! I've also seen a few good movies at home. I've seen Live Free & Die Hard, Amazing Grace, Facing the Giants (a MUST see), The Kingdom, The Nanny Diaries, Georgia Rule, and several others that I just can't remember right now. My family spends Christmas Eve & Christmas Day watching movies together. It is a great low key way to spend the holiday. Also add in the fact that I was off the last week of the year and you have lots of movies being watched.

I've also gotten to spend some quality time with some of my girls and we are headed out tonight for a night of Culture. We are meeting for dinner and then heading off to go to the Symphony tonight. I'm really looking forward to it. The Symphony is playing pieces by Shostakovitch and Tchaikovsky (one of my favorites) tonight.

Currently on my Needles are a pair of socks for ME and one of the Three Tams from the newest Knitty issue. It is so cute thus far. I'm supposed to be teaching a class on Fair Isle at my LYS this winter, along with Beginners socks and Beginners lace, so needless to say, I have a few shop models to finish.

I hope everyone had a Great Christmas and a Fantastic New Years!! I'm looking forward to 2008. 2007 was as bad as some years, but I know that 2008 is going to be GREAT!

Panic Time

2007-12-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!!

I now interupt this scheduled blog post to get back to knitting. I'm in complete panic mode and there is no way I will finish my Dad's socks without him knowing (since I spend Christmas Eve at my parent's house). Oh well, there goes the surprise.

Must go knit now.

What kind of crappy Christmas gift are you?

2007-12-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, I saw this on my friend Jenny's blog and just couldn't resist. I laughed out loud when I saw what I was (since I'm a sock knitter).

You Are Socks!

Cozy and warm... but easily lost.
You make a good puppet.

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

I have many pictures of swap gifts and club yarn to show you, but not sure they will make it up before Christmas.

I hope that everyone has a very blessed Christmas and takes the time to remember the reason for the holiday!!

Winter Escapes

2007-12-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

Please post what would be the perfect vacation during the Winter Season? Would rather you head to the beach, to escape all the cold weather or want to pack your ski's and head to the mountains. You tell us what vacation you prefer during the Winter Season.

Since I'm an accountant, winter escapes have usually not been an option for me. However, I think a cabin in the mountains complete with a nice fireplace and some coffee or hot cocoa would be fabulous! Especially if there is a pile of movies and knitting in the deal. Can I go tomorrow???

WWCS Topic of the week

2007-12-13T21:23:00.000-08:00

For many people, Winter is a time of cold weather and snow - and many fun outdoor activities that can only be enjoyed during those times! What's YOUR favorite activity in Winter, and is it even outdoors??

My favorite activity would have to be sitting inside (where it is warm) watching a movie and knitting or just hanging out with friends.

Nope, no outdoor winter outdoor activities for me. One reason, is that it doesn't get cold enought in Alabama to get the snow that would be required for most of the outdoor winter activities that I can think of.

I hope everyone is having a good week.

Has everyone gotten all their shopping done? I'm done with the shopping, where I'm starting to panic is the Christmas Knitting that still has to be done. 12 days and counting.

Are you Yankee or Dixie?

2007-12-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun little quiz that my friend Marla sent me.

http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/yankee_dixie_quiz.html

I took it a couple of days ago and I was 88% Dixie, but I retook it this morning when I was adding the link here and I don't think any of my answers have changed, but this is what it told me: 100% (Dixie). Is General Lee your father?

I mean really, I was born and raised in the South. Does this surprise anyone??

I'm trying to patiently wait on my December club yarns, not that I need them for any reason, but I just want them. I'm hoping I'll get my ArtWalk yarn today. I know that I won't get DKKnits or my ChickFlick yarn until next week because they were both shipping today. I did already get my yarn4socks packaged. It came with a pretty semi-solid green from Madelinetosh and a pattern from Melanie at Pink Lemon Twist.

Like I said, I don't have time to deal with them when they get here. I'm working on Christmas knitting. I need to finish up the ornament for my Alabama Ornament swap pal, and I have to finish Christmas socks. (pretty much one sock left for each person) I also have to do a pair of felted slippers for my Dad. But all the decorations are up and it is starting to feel a bit festive around here.

The little man and I watched Shrek the 3rd last night. If you haven't seen it, it is kind of cute. Definitely more humor for the adults, but the kids seem to love it.

Getting Ready for Christmas & WWCS Topic of week

2007-12-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

Well, I've officially started getting ready for Christmas. The music is in the CD player in the car, the shopping is officially done (Thank Goodness!) and the decorations are up.

I started shopping on Saturday and finished tonight. Fortunately, I have a very small list, but it is done none the less. Yesterday, I pulled out all the decorations and put the tree up and all the santas and snowmen out. I'm starting to get in the spirit now!

Now all I need to do is make a decision concerning Christmas cards and get them in the mail.

For WWCS this week, we were supposed to have "coffee talk" with someone else from the swap. Lesley left me a comment today and I decided to check her out as well. I've learned that she is venturing into dyeing her own yarn which I think about at times, but really I just can't fit anything else into the schedule right now. I've also found out that she is co-hosting a cocoa swap that deals with both Hot Chocolate & Yarn. What a perfect combination!!

WWCS Topic of the week

2007-11-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

What is the ideal setting for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee? Who would be there - or would you be alone? Inside or out? Morning or night? With food or just the steaming cup of joe?

The ideal setting for the perfect cup of coffee would be a coffee shop gabbing with friends. At this time of year, it would be inside (though a patio gathering would be nice in the spring or fall). It would be in the late afternoon or early evening, possibly with something sweet.

The second best time is in the book store by myself perusing through books and magazines.

Ok, a couple more

2007-11-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

Since the postman brought me my Union Center Knits Yarn today, I thought I would go ahead and share the yumminess!!

Behold, Caramel and Blue Moss. Aren't they gorgeous?!?!? Well, I think so!

OK, now I'm off to a friends to watch the Alabama/Auburn game. I'm really hoping my team, Alabama, plays MUCH better than we have in the last few weeks, but I'm seriously not very hopeful at all.

ROLL TIDE!!

Finally some Pictures

2007-11-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe I have not posted any pictures this month. Well, it is time to make up for that!!

First up, this is what a Power Ranger looks like. Yep, you guessed, this is the love of my life, my nephew looking very charming as a Power Ranger for Halloween. By the time we got home from work to go trick or treating, he decided he was tired of being a Power Ranger and went as a soccer player instead. I guess he was tired of saving the world from Bad guys by that time.

Next up are my finished Monkey Socks

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A. on Knitty.com

Yarn: My Whatnot Sock yarn by Union Center Knits in "Fall" that I got from Woolgirl

Needles: Size 2 DPNs

This is my November Sock Club Yarn from DkKnits. The color is "Hangover Cure" The yarn feels really great and I can't wait to work with it.

This is the November Art Walk Sock Yarn in "Giverny" based on my favorite painting by Monet, Garden at Giverny.

My completed Hedgehog Socks

Pattern: Knitting Pure & Simple Lightweight Beginner Socks

Yarn: Elliebelly Bamboo/Merino Sock Yarn in "Hedgehog"

Needles: Size 1 DPN

These are the first pair of socks for the Little Man.

Pattern: Yankee Knitter Classic Yankee KnitterSocks

Yarn: Steinbach Wolle Aktiv Effekt (from my stash)

Needles: Size 1.5 DPN

OK, Rani, these next pictures are for you so that you can live vicariously through me while you are being good on your yarn diet (I really need to start one of those). These are the pictures from my recent stash enhancement of mostly Koigu from my LYS, In the Making.

Koigu & Fortissima Bamboo Yarn.

Claudia'a Handpaint in Buckeye & more Koigu. I've actually cast on for a sock out of this Koigu for my mom.

Last Saturday, I went to the Junior League Marketplace show here in town. It is mostly a gathering of different sellers/shops with gift ideas or crafts for the holidays. Who else but a knitter can find the only yarn in the place. Below is the beautifully soft alpaca yarn that I scored. The alpacas for this yarn are raised here in my state outside of Alexander City, Alabama. The yarn is from Southern Star Farms. I think this is going to end up as a pair of socks for yours truly.

Last but Certainly not least are the Little Man's Christmas socks that he requested. I finshed them this afternoon.

These are the first pair of socks for the Little Man.
Pattern: Yankee Knitter Classic Yankee KnitterSocks
Yarn: Regia Nations Yarn from In the Making (just barely made it with one ball)
Needles: Size 1.5 DPN

What I'm thankful for and I've created a monster

2007-11-21T21:27:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving being tomorrow I thought I would share what I'm thankful for (plus it is the WWCS topic for the week). I'm thankful for a wonderful family and the fact that we are all healthy. It has been and up and down year with my parent's health with them both being diagnosed as Pre-diabetic, but everything seems to be getting under control and for that I'm extremely thankful. I'm also thankful for a great group of women that I can surround myself with. My group of girls (you know who you are) are a great blessing to me. They are a huge support system and a HUGE amount of fun to be with. I'm grateful that I have been reunited with these women over this last year and look forward to next year.

Now for the monster I've created. My nephew (aka "The Little Man") decided that he needed a pair of handknit socks. So we went through my stash and found some yarn that wouldn't be considered too girly. I gave him the finished socks on Monday night. After properly oohing and awing over them, this is the conversation that took place.

Little Man: (rubbing his hands over the socks on his feet) They are perfect Zanny! (what he calls me) I love them
Me: Thank you baby
Little Man: You know, I was thinking, Christmas will be here soon
Me: Yes baby, I know.
Little Man: I think I need a pair of red and green socks for Christmas.
Me: Baby, I don't have any red and green sock yarn
Little Man: Well, you could go buy some.
Me: Yes, baby, I guess I could.

So what did I do yesterday at lunch?? Of course, I ran to In the Making and got the Red, White & Green Regia sock yarn. I'm through the heel turn and halfway done with the foot on sock one.

What can I say, I can't deny that child anything.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Eye Candy Friday

2007-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Queen Anne's Lace

Koigu and the fate of my checkbook.

2007-11-15T20:41:00.000-08:00

After a two year wait for Koigu at my LYS, it finally arrived this week. I would love to tell you that I exercised great restraint when it came to the yarn, but that just didn't happen. By the time the frenzy was all over, I left with fourteen skeins of yarn. Yes, you read that correctly, 14 skeins of yarn. I got 11 skeins of Koigu (enough for 4 pairs for me, 1 pair for my mom and 1 pair for the little boy), two skeins of Claudia's Handpaint in Buckeye and 1 skein of the Bamboo socka. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!?!? I know what I was thinking........oooh, I like that one, oooh, that one is pretty too, oooh, did you see that one? And that was just the trip to the store at lunch. That doesn't even count the trip back to the store tonight for knit night. (Yes, you know you have a problem when you can't even wait 5 more hours to see the new yarn). Fortunately 95% of what I spent is covered by what I made for my class fees (WHEW!!). The sad part is that there are more colors that I want. Don't even begin to ask me when I think I'm going to knit all of this. Fortunately, I'm teaching a beginning socks class this weekend which will help my stash fund (There are still spaces left if you know anyone who wants to take the class).

I also picked up the yarn for my WWCS pal tonight. I got some Drops Alpaca (she said that alpaca is her favorite) in one of her favorite colors. I've also managed to score the winter themed coffee mug and I've been debating on the perfect coffee for her and some other little goodies.

OK, who else is having a hard time believing that Thanksgiving is next week?? How on earth did that happen?

WWCS Topic of the week.

2007-11-14T20:08:00.001-08:00

Ok, so here is this weeks topic......As the cold of winter approaches, do you change the projects you work on? Do you work on gifts for others or do you continue working on projects for yourself?

With it getting colder, I do change the projects I'm working on. In the summer, I was working on Tank tops for me. Now that it is getting colder I find myself working more on socks for the colder days. I've also been working on felted slippers. It is also that time of year where I work on gifts for others while also working on projects for myself (I have project ADD). I usually knit socks for my family and I'm going to knit a pair of felted slippers for my dad (I didn't knit him a pair last year).

Also, the little boy (my nephew) has asked if I would please knit him a pair of socks. Now who could resist a question like that. So I went through the stash to see what yarn I had that might be little boyish. He picked his favorite and I cast on. Sock one is done and sock two is through the heel turn. He is so excited!! I've also finished a pair for my sister, have another pair in progress for my sister, a pair in progress for my dad and the yarn picked out for mom. WHEW!!

I do have pictures to post, but they will have to wait until this weekend. Tomorrow night is knit night at my LYS. I'm so excited....after being on their wait list for two years....Donna has finally gotten her first shipment of Koigu!!! She also has in a some new Claudia's handpaint colors. Needless to say, I might need a lunch trip before knit night.

I haven't been knitting as much as I would like because I have been having to do a ton of typing at work setting up a database for our project and it makes my wrist hurt a bunch (can you say Carpel Tunnel??). That is also why there has been a lack of posting.

I'll try to get the pictures posted this weekend. It's gonna be crazy here for the next few days. I have knit night tomorrow night (oh yeah, I already told you that) and my youngest cousin is coming in town for the Alabama game, so I'll have to squeeze in some time to see him and I need to help mom get the house ready for Thanksgiving and my aunt's arrival next Tuesday. How can it possibly be Thanksgiving next week?? I have so got to get busy with my Christmas knitting and shopping. YIKES!

For the love of Coffee

2007-11-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

As part of the WWCS, Holly and Anne have asked all how we have come to love coffee.

My first experience with coffee was as a child as a bonding moment with my Granddaddy. He would allow me to sit and drink coffee with him when I stayed over at their house. It always made me feel so big. Now reality is that it was more like coffee flavored milk, but to me it was coffee and I'll never forget those bonding moments as long as I live even though I only had 9 years with my Granddaddy.

I then drank coffee off and on during my early career after college, but it wasn't something I just truly enjoyed. Then in 1999, I went on a trip to Spain & France with some friends of mine. Now I am a huge diet coke drinker and I am definitely addicted to caffeine. Well, I got a horrible headache that first day in Madrid and it was from the lack of caffeine, but cokes were like $3 each which I was just too cheap to pay for. So I decided I would have to drink the coffee. I don't know how many of you have been to Madrid, Spain, but the first cup was a bit like sludge it was so thick and dark, and definitely needed milk or cream and sugar, but once you got it mixed, the flavor of that dark rich coffee was like nothing else!! It made a convert out of me. I loved the richness of it and there was the definite advantage to the caffeine.

Coffee is still not something that I drink everyday because for the most part, I can pass on the "break room" coffee. It just isn't rich or dark enough for me. I love a good medium or full roasted coffee. I love it the flavored creamers and just a touch of Splenda. Of course there are always the expresso drinks too that I love. A good Cafe Mocha will just make your day and recently I had a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks that was really good as well. If I'm at a Starbucks and just not having a coffee mood, then I always go for the Chai Tea Latte.

So that is the story of coffee & me.

On the knitting front, I have finished the Monkey socks out of Union Center Knits "Fall" sock yarn. I really like how they turned out and will get some pictures taken to post. I'm now back working on the second sock from my Elliebelly "Hedgehog" yarn.

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween today. I'm completely worn out from Trick or Treating tonight with my nephew. This morning, he was a Red Power Ranger when he left for school, but by tonight, he didn't want to be a Power Ranger any longer, so tonight, he was a soccer player. We walked two of the subdivisions in my community (which is what I walk on the weekends for exercise) and it was very much like exercise chasing after a 6 year old. Needless to say, I missed the crisp in the air because I was working up a serious sweat trying to keep up with him. I think we will all sleep well tonight. And I just can't begin to discuss the candy that is in this house that really needs to leave.

My parents are off on vacation this week and it sounds like they are having a great time. Thus far, they have been to Asheville NC and to see the Biltmore, to Cartersville, VA (?) to see Monticello and then to Lynchberg, VA to go to Poplar Grove (at least I think that is right). I'm sure the little man will rack up with lot's of "prizes" when they get back.

I actually had a little bit of success on the shopping front this week. I've been looking for some new suits for work. I have not had to wear suits much in the last few years, but it is becoming a bit of a necessity at times for my current job. Problem is that I'm extremely difficult to fit in clothes, especially suits. I'm right on the cusp of the whole Petite/Misses thing. In the past, petites have been just a tiny bit too short and Misses, well they just didn't fit just right. But success was had last night in the Petites department at Belk (my former Parisians....*sob* *sob*). I actually found three suits that fit really well and they were on sale for a great price!! I love it when things just finally fall into place.

So with the shopping this week and various other crap going on, there hasn't been a ton of knitting being done, but I'm happy to repeat that I have one more repeat on the toe decrease for my second Monkey sock and then I just have to graft the toe. Voila, the monkey socks will so be available for wardrobe by Friday!!

Ok, I got to get to bed now. Have a great Thursday!

It's stopped raining

2007-10-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

Well, the promise of rain this week is no more. Drat, we really need it.

Sorry for the lack of posts in the last week, but I was a bit under the weather with the Stomach flu last Thursday & Friday. I did resume knitting on Saturday. I have finally completed the socks for my sister for christmas, and I'm through the heel on my second monkey sock. I'll post pictures of the monkey socks as soon as I get done with them. I also blocked my Koigu shawl on Saturday, but have yet to take pictures.

I also watch the entire series of Band of Brothers. If you haven't seen this series, I highly recommend it. It is the story of Easy company of the 506th Division of the 101st Airborne during WWII. You can usually rent them from your local rental store, but I was able to get the DVDs through my library. I have also just finished reading Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends which is the real life recounts of two of the soldiers from Easy company that is featured in the Band of Brothers. Again, I could not recommend these more if I tried. You will be amazed at the courage of these men and the sacrifices they made, you will be horrified at what they were subjected to and witnessed and you will cry as they lose their fellow friends. Excellent true story!

So needless to say since I was sick last week, there just isn't much exciting going on in my world.

I am however, hoping to participate in the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap, so here is my questionnaire.

What are your favorite kinds of coffee? (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!) French Roast, European coffee, flavored coffee. Starbucks, Barnies, you name it.

Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee? Ground please

This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? Yep, Like the new Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks, like Mocha flavored (ok anything chocolate), Santa's White Christmas from Barnies. Pretty easy to please.

Do you enjoy special blends? Yep

How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? Decaf? Cream and Splenda please and decaf at night.

Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer? OOOH, nice thick mug.

What is your favorite part of Winter? Finally being able to wear my handknit socks, and sweaters.

Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday? Yes, Christmas

If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree? Have to put up a tree, the nephew would revolt otherwise.

Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package? Either, not real preference here.

Do you collect anything? Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snoflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect? I collect both Santas and snowmen

Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats? Wear scarves, gloves and occasionally hats.

What is your favorite holiday or winter treat? Spiced cider or Chocolate Chess Pie for Christmas

Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory. When my cousins were younger they used to spend Christmas with us. My youngest cousin is 16 years younger than me and I still vividly remember the year that he got the Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtles Pizza Shooter. It was this contraption that catapulted little plastic discs with stickers on them to make them look like pizzas. There were no ankles or pets that were safe.

Do you Knit or Crochet? Knit

For how long? Three years

Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks? Wooden, Bamboo & Metal

Circular or straight? Circular & DPN

What sort of projects do you enjoy making? Socks!!!

What are your favorite types of yarn to work with? The independent dyed sock yarns

Do you spin or dye? Absolutely not, can't afford to start another hobby

Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else? I scrapbook, make cards and I used to cross stitch and can needlepoint.

When is your birthday? June 26

Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!) None of the two legged kind, but my 6yo nephew does live with me. We have several cats though.
What are your favorite colors? Ok, this one is always difficult for me. I love any of the fall colors (browns, rusts, golds, oranges), but I also love brights (yellow, hot pink, turquoise, lime green, bright orange, not red though)

Do you have any allergies? Cigarette smoke

Whew!! I'm done, now for the swapping and emailing to begin!!

It's raining, It's raining

2007-10-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Halleluah it's raining!! I don't think I've every had a time when I've been excited that it has been raining on and off for two days, but we so desperately need it. The area I live in is around 24 inches short of rainfall this year. I mean Alabama & Georgia are fighting over water! Who would have ever thought that would happen. I really hope that it rains all week like it is supposed to. Plus the rain brought in a little cooler weather. It is finally beginning to feel like fall and I can wear my newly finished wrap.

Tonight was knit night and a great time as always. The usual characters were there and there was laughing and enabling going on (oh that yarn, yes that yarn is fabulous, you must have that yarn.....).

Look what came in the mail & what I finished

2007-10-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yea! The mailman brought me goodies today!

First up is my Whatnot Sock Yarn from Union Center Yarns in "Calico". I love this yarn. It is just as soft as the "Fall" skein I got from Woolgirl. The colors are fantastic. And she also sent me two cute skullhead stitch markers, but the camera didn't want to focus on something that small.

Next up is my Sock Yarn from White Willow in "Pumpkin Pie". These colors are so warm and yummy! This also came with a cute stitch marker attached to the tag.

Yesterday after I taught my class at my LYS, I picked up the yarn to do the simple wrap below. This was a VERY easy project. I cast on and knit while I was watching Auburn get beat by LSU and had the entire wrap finished by the end of the game. It is made using Cascade Magnum and then you crochet Ozark Handspun around the edge. This project was a superquick knit. I've got so many other projects going that I needed a completed project and this one is super cute!!

Pattern: Winter Wrap (free pattern from shop)

Yarn: Cascade Magnum & Ozark Handspun (sold together as a kit)

Needles: Size 19 Crystal Palace Circulars.

Eye Candy Friday

2007-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Alice in Wonderland Garden - Oxford England

It's here!!!

2007-10-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

I got my package from Woolgirl today and it is FANTASTIC!! You did a great job picking out the yarn Jen - I love it! I got a nice goodie bag full of all things Reese's and some Spunky Eclectic Yarn in the Scarecrow colorway and a sample size Soak woolwash. Wanna See???

Isn't it Fabulous?!?!? I was so excited. Tomorrow should bring my yarn from White Willow and then there will the the shipment of my Union Center yarn. There is also the DKknits sock club that I signed up for. Must stop the madness!!

The symphony last week was really great! Lots of Mozart which I really enjoyed. Last weekend was just full of girl time which I really needed and enjoyed.

Not much on the agenda for this weekend at the moment (but that could always change). Today was a little bit of a bummer. You see, the Service Engine Soon Light has come on in the car a couple of time this week, so I had to take it to the dealership. Well almost $700 later, my car left the dealership. I really can't complain. I've got a Saturn SC-2 3-door coupe that I have had for 5 years, it has almost 84,000 miles on it and this is the first non-standard maintenance I've had to have done. Today's repairs involved the Engine Coolant thermostat and the Serpentine belt (which has a standard life of only 60,000 miles). So I count myself lucky that it wasn't worse than that.

Knitting wise, I'm almost done with the first pair of socks for my Sister for Christmas. They have taken a little bit of time to get done, but that is because I really only knit on them at work. I'm also working on a sock for my Dad (my own pattern) out of Shibui Sock Yarn in "Ink" and I've cast on for the Monkey Socks out of my Union Center "fall" yarn.

Well, I'm off to knit and watch Grey's Anatomy.........

2007-10-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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I love the weekend

2007-10-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

Last night some of my girlfriends & I went to dinner at a local Thai Restaurant, Surin West, which is one of my favorite places. After a little sticker shock over how much the menu has gone up since the last time I was there, we had a great time! The food was really good and the company was fantastic. The group was myself and my girlfriends, Tracie, Kathy, Marla & Marla's friend Rachel (who is quickly becoming a part of our group...it's too late to ecape Rachel). As usual, there was tons of laughing and storytelling. Rachel then had to leave us to go finish studying for her midterm this morning (Hope it went well Rachel), and the rest of us headed off to the Movie Theatre to see Michael Clayton. I have mixed reviews of this movie. First there was the definate eye candy of George Clooney, but the while the overall storyline was good, it was a tad confusing and slow moving at times. We then stood around and talked about the movie and various other topics that came to mind until we finally decided we all needed to go home.

Then this morning, I wake up to an email from Jen at Woolgirl. It seems I'm the lucky winner of the this weeks Socktoberfest contest. The contest this week was to answer how old the Reese's cup was. The Hershey's website was quite helpful and I found out that the Reese's cup is now 79 years old. Jen emailed me to find out what my favorite colors are. Well, almost anything of course. I narrowed it down for her.........anything fallish or anything bright.....oops, that may not have been very helpful. After looking at her store, I'm sure I will love anything she sends!!

Tonight, I'm headed to the Symphony with my girl, Tracie. I'm really looking forward to it because I haven't been to the symphony in so long. Tracie, I'm not sure the symphony is prepared for us. We will have to be on our best "cultured" behavior.

Eye Candy Friday

2007-10-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

HAVE A GREAT FRIDAY!!

Sock Gala Recap & More (Picture Heavy)

2007-10-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've been a bit neglectful of the blog. My friend Alissa pointed this out to me tonight at dinner. This week has just been so crazy and then it has been hard to get the computer away from my sister & my nephew. But here is what you have been missing..........

Last Thursday was the Sock Gala at my LYS, In the Making. This was a regularly scheduled Knit Night that was devoted entirely to socks. There were lots of prizes, some games involving the history of socks and some information on a charity, Power Socks (more on this in a minute). There was also lots of food and did I forget to mention that all sock yarn was on sale that night. Power Socks is a local charity that was founded by a customer of the shop, Lou, who had knit so many socks for herself that she was getting a "stash" of socks. A friend of her's that worked for a local nursing home was telling her about some of the women who worked there that were having trouble making ends meet with the rising cost of power & gas. Lou went to her church and set up a program where you can buy socks already made and all of the money goes to the Greater Birmingham Ministries to help women who are having a tough time making ends meet. Donna, the owner of In the Making contacted some of her suppliers and had some yarn donated just for this purpose. On Tuesday, October 23, Donna is having a kick-off for anyone who would like to help knit socks for this program. The donated sock yarn will be available on a first come first serve basis for anyone who would like to help.

Below are some pictures from the event (some of the pictures are a bit blurry from all the movement):

Donna, the Owner of In the Making

The Cake (was oh so yummy!)

The Prizes
Denise & Shira

Shira, her Mom, Linda & Katie

Looking like they are talking about knitting....

It was so crowded, these two brought their own chairs

Ok, next let's talk purchases.....on Sock Gala Night, I picked up a couple of skeins of Claudia's Hand Painted for a pair of socks (forgot to take a picture).

With Columbus day, I had to wait a bit for some shipments. I finally got the recent shipment of the Art Walk Sock Club yarn. This month's inspiration was Pablo Picasso's Three Dancers. The yarn is beautiful and after a brief snafoo with my swift (aka lamp with very large lampshade) and some help from my sister the yarn is finally wound into a cake and ready for knitting (just need to find more time now).

Three Dancers

Next up is my shipment from Woolgirl. I found out about Woolgirl from Susan and dare I say it is almost too tempting. I order "Fall" Whatnot Sock Yarn by Union Center and it is really yummy!! I also ordered a set of Chiagoo needles to try them out. The package came and was wrapped so pretty and there was also a sample of Soak Woolwash in it. I can't wait to try it. I've already signed up for the Be My Valentine Charlie Brown Sock Kit and I'm definately signing up for the next sock club she does. (No, really, I'm don't have a problem with sock yarn....I can stop anytime.....who am I trying to kid here??)

Fall

I also got in two more sock bags from Stuck in Illinois, but I forgot to take a picture of them, but you can see them here and here. And dang it if she hasn't now listed the cutest Christmas bags (must resist, must resist, must resist)

Now on to non-knitting stuff. Tonight was Girls Night Out for the Ladies in my sunday school class. We met at Jason's Deli for dinner and had a great time. We spent the evening sharing funny stories (most of which were about our dating mishaps -where have all the good men gone) ......girls, we really need to write a book with these stories, we couldn't make this stuff up if we tried!! Tomorrow night, some of the girls and I are headed to dinner and then to catch the new George Clooney movie (some guy name, really can't remember it). Then Saturday is a night of culture involving the Symphony (cause you know I'm all about being cultured.....ha ha!!). I can't remember the last time I went to the Symphony and I'm really looking forward to it.

Also this weekend the big Pompeii exhibit opens at the Birmingham Museum of Art. I'm dying to see this exhibit, but I'm not brave enough to deal with the crowd this weekend.

It is finally turning cooler here and beginning to feel like fall. I'm so ready for the weekend, this week has been so crazy at work and I'm ready to relax!

Issues, Issues, Issues

2007-10-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hello, My name is Suzanne and I have an addiction to yarn. For those of you who know me, you know that is just one of my issues that I have. But I just can't seem to help myself. It is just so pretty & soft, and did I mention "one-of-a kind"? I'm really a sucker for that. I love the independent yarn dyers because I know that even if they dye the same colors, it won't turn out exactly the same. Here are some examples of my recent falls off the wagon.....I mean purchases.

First is some yarn from a little buyer I found on Etsy, Thankewe Yarns. This yarn is called lighthouse. I really needed to retake the picture to better capture it, but oh well, that didn't happen. Still trying to decide if this yarn will be for me or for a Christmas present.

Next up is probably one of my favorite purchases I have made in a while. It is the Bamboo/Merino Wool sock yarn from Joyce at Elliebelly in the colorway Hedgehog. There are really not words to express how I feel about this yarn. I love the feel of it, the color of it, EVERYTHING. I had to wind it up the day I got it and start on a sock for ME. I'm through the heel turn on sock one.

Also, in my package from Joyce was this lovely lavender scented sachet. OMG, it smells divine. I could smell it before I even opened the envelope. Joyce is a very gifted artist and if you have time you should check out some of her artwork on her website.

Last but certainly not least is some Yarntini Sport weight yarn in appletini that I managed to snag from Amy. It seems she did what several of us have been known to do and that is purchase something we already have. I personally am glad she made this mistake because getting my hands on the yarntini yarn has been somewhat like finding a good man........IMPOSSIBLE (that is a completely different rant that I will spare everyone from).

OK, so on to my next major issue......ADD. I seem to have lots of things in progress, but have issues finishing things. Here is example number one. This is the Back to School Tank from Fitted Knits. I'm actually making good progress on this now and I'm about 45% complete now.

Example number two would be a pair of socks for my sister for Christmas (here's hoping she doesn't know or find out about this blog or oops! there goes the surprise). I'm working on the toe decreases on sock one. I got most of this sock done during CPE classes (remember that issue???). The difficulty of these socks is that she knows about the yarn and wants it for herself (convenient isn't it?), so anyway, if I knit them at home or my parents house, then she will know. So these are strictly being worked on at work (during lunch) or at other down times.

Now these are the socks I originally planned for my sister for Christmas that she has no idea about. These are out of Opal Rainforest in Tiger. These have recently gotten bumped in favor of the tank and the Hedgehog socks.

Next up is my Hedera socks out of the lovely Jitterbug Colinette. While this is an easy lace repeat, it is not stockinette and therefore takes a little more concentration which I just haven't been able to devote to anything lately.

Ok, this is my Sursa wrap in the colors of the Crimson Tide. I'm not happy with the ruffle however. It is rolling way too much for me. I'm still contemplating what I'm going to do about it if anything. It is pretty much done unless I decide to change something on it.

Last up, is my Koigu shawl/wrap. (Hard to take a picture of it since it is still on the needles) I love the colors of this and with it being in garter stitch the simplicity is definately there, so why can't I seem to finish it? Possibly the fact that there are so many stitches at this point that it takes me about 30 minutes to finish one row. YIKES!! But I have definately got to finish it.

Ok, so we all see that I have a few issues, but I guess that is just a fact of life. The sad thing is that this is just a small sampling of the problem. I guess you could say I'm in denial about the rest of it.

Ok, now on to non-knitting related stuff. This past weekend was chopped full of friends! Whether it be game night at Kevin's (where I was the queen of Dominos for once) or the ball games at Dan's House, it was lots of fun. If even gave me the opportunity to catch up on some chatting with my girl Marla. Sunday after lunch, Tracie & I did a little shopping which we haven't done in SO long. Warning however, if you need accountability on not spending money.....don't take Tracie with you. :)

Hope everyone is having a great week!

This is a better week

2007-09-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well, my mood is much improved over last week. My girls came over to my house last Saturday night to watch a little University of Alabama football. Unfortunately Alabama lost in overtime, but we still had a great time. I'm truly blessed to have this group of women in my life. I don't think we have ever been together when we haven't been laughing about something.

I have also finally finished my Sursa Wrap, but it still needs to have the ends woven in and be blocked. I'm hoping that blocking it will help with the ruffle curling. I realize that stockinette curls on itself, but the entire ruffle is one big roll at the moment. I'll post a picture after it has been blocked. Now I just have to finish all the other projects I have going at the moment and the ones I need to get done:
1. Tiger Socks (christmas present) - in progress
2. Socks for my sister for christmas - in progress
3. Koigu Wrap - in progress
4. Hedera Socks for me - in progress
5. Socks for Dad for Christmas - not started
6. Socks for Mom for Christmas - not started
7. Fuzzy Feet slippers for Mom, Dad & sister for Christmas - not started
8. Fitted Knits vest for me - not started.

And those are just some of the projects. This doesn't count my new purchase of yarn from Joyce (I've been eyeing the "hedgehog" sock yarn for a couple of weeks and just gave in to my lusting for it) and the Yarntini yarn I managed to score from Amy after she purchased a duplicate skein in error. Definately need to get busy.

And then finally, the new TV Shows start this week. Tonight my DVR will be working double time. Tuesday is a big TV night (NCIS, The Unit, Bones, House, Boston Legal), which I used to end up watching half of on Wednesday, but now there is Private Practice on Wednesdays. I'm ready for the seasons to kick off!!

I finally got my Ravelry Invite

2007-09-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

YEAH!!! Believe it or not, I finally got my invite to Ravelry. My user name is suzb626. Needless to say, there isn't much on my profile, but I'll find time to play with it on Sunday.

Mood Improving

2007-09-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally found the jacket I was looking for last night, so that helped some. However, the level of stupidity I had to deal with to find it did not help! I have an extremely low threshhold for stupidity. The bubble bath was great, but the book no so much so. The book I picked up was Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson. Basically it is about this woman who is married has the perfect child and is just unhappy. I so couldn't relate.

I also finally got the box from Lantern Moon with what I thought was my replacement needles for 2 broken sox sticks (in a size 1). After over a month of waiting, I open the huge box to find one straight needle in a size 5. Talk about dealing with stupidity and ineptitude!! But I will email again today and see if we can't get the matter straightened out.

THEN, Jen sent me the link to icanhascheezburger and I have been laughing my butt off since! Here is one of my favorites thus far.

I also checked my Ravelry status and there are only 448 people ahead of me now. Hey at this rate maybe I'll get my invitation before the endo of the month!!

Blahs

2007-09-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ever had one of those days (or weeks) where you are just in a pissy/bad mood for no apparent reason. Well that is the week I'm having. There is nothing new that has happened to put me in this mood, but I guess it is just a culmination of things that have been happening for a while now. I'm just in a funk! I tried to do a little retail therapy last night. I went to Chico's to get a jacket I've had my eye on and of course they were out of it. So needless to say, that didn't help. My girls were great at lifting my mood some during Bible Study last night, but alas, I'm still in it a bit. Today's source of comfort was a Cheeseburger and fries for lunch from a great local place. I think slowly but surely I'll get out of this funk, but there are times I contemplate running away from home. Ever had those thoughts? Maybe tonight I'll try a bubble bath and a good book and possibly going to bed early again - I have just been so tired lately, must be the ragweed blooming. Here's to hoping you are in a better mood than me.

Weekend Recap

2007-09-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

As predicted, Friday started out as one of the most grueling days in history. Nothing like 8 hours of accounting & auditing standards update to just make you want to leap off the tallest building you can find. But then it was Friday night and I met my girls Alissa, Tracie & Kathy at the Birmingham Museum of Art for Art on the Rocks. We had a really good time. The company was great, the food was good and the people watching opportunities were excellent!!

On Saturday, my sister, my nephew & I went to cheer on Birmingham Southern College against Rhodes College. I must honestly say that it was not a very exciting game and BSC lost 10-7. But then the game of the day was the Alabama-Arkansas game where the Tide managed to pull out a victory in one of the most exciting games I've seen in a really long time.

Last night I watched an excellent movie, The Ultimate Gift. I had heard from Jenny & Alissa that it was a good movie and they were 100% correct. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.

As far as knitting, Friday during the conference I worked on a sock for Christmas and made good progress on it. I also worked some on my Opal Tiger socks this weekend. I cast on for my Sursa wrap from the Noro book and was making great progress but alas I ran short on yarn and had to put it aside until I can pick up some more on Thursday at Knit Night. Lastly, I worked on my Koigu shawl. I'm to the point where it takes forever to make it across a row, so it is hard for it to hold my attention, but I worked on it while I was watching the movie last night. My Hedera socks in the lovely Jitterbug got no attention this weekend, but I hope to get back to them soon.

On the purchasing front, I received my skein of Cracked Canyon from Blue Moon (this is one of their newly discontinued yarns) and I received my skein of Lighthouse from ThankEwe Yarns.

I'll try to get some pictures made and posted this week!

Good News and looking forward to the weekend.

2007-09-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today I got a call from my friend Doug (who is a marine) to let me know that he had arrived back home safe & sound from his recent 4 1/2 month tour in Iraq. This absolutely made my day!! I have been so worried about him while he has been gone. This was his second tour in Iraq. I also have another friend who is flying to Seattle this weekend to greet his son who is returning from Iraq. This leaves me with just two friends who have loved ones in Iraq. My friend Marla's brother is serving there and has just been reassigned into a region that is highly volatile and dangerous and my friend Sheri's son is serving there as well. Please keep these families in your prayers along with prayers for all our soldiers who are serving in Iraq and their families.

Tomorrow is going to be a dull day for me. I have Continuing Professional Education ALL day long. It will be all I can do to make it through the day to get to the night when I'm headed off for a Girl's Night Out. We are headed to Art on the Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of Art. I'm looking forward to it because I think it will be something new and different for us to try. They have had as many as 3,000 people at these things.

Tonight was also a Girl's night out for dinner. We ate at the California Pizza Kitchen for a nice evening full of laughs. There were a few in our group who were missing tonight and their presence was definately missed. Shout out to my girl Marla for passing her big test today!! You Go Girl!! Now to celebrate it tomorrow night!!

On Saturday, my nephew and I may go support my alma mater, Birmingham Southern College, as they play there second game in the new football season. For those who don't know, my school has not had a football team since 1939.

Other than that, I plan to watch the University of Alabama play Arkansas on Saturday night and also watch the movie The Ultimate Gift which I have heard great things about.

Ravelry Update

2007-09-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

I just checked on my Ravelry invitation status. There are only 2,745 people in front of me now. I guess that is better than the 17,406 people who are behind me.

***sigh****

Slacking again

2007-09-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I told myself I was going to do a better job of keeping this updated and here it has been a week again. I guess in light of when I first started blogging, a week is an improvement. I really didn't do anything last weekend, which was really nice. Sunday was a busy & lazy day. I started off at church, had lunch with my peeps, went to the knit shop for a couple of hours (was actually knitting & not shopping thank you), went by Parisians (now the evil Belk) to get makeup, Coldwater Creek because I had a coupon, and Target to get a new hairdryer (mine blew up that morning) and then headed off to the California Pizza Kitchen for Supper Club with some of my old sorority sisters. It is hard to believe that we have now been doing supper club for 15 years. We only do it four times a year, so it is always nice to get to see the ones that come and get to catch up. Ok, so maybe I did get a few things done. Saturday was a bust however. Pretty much watched Football (ROLL TIDE!) and knit. Donna, the owner of my LYS, had asked me to work up a model for a slipper using the suede soles that you sew on. She asked me to do this because she wanted me to look at teaching a class for it for gifts for Christmas. It turned out REALLY cute and hopefully I'll get the pictures uploaded from the camera and can share them with you this week.

Other than that, I have been working on a pair of socks for a Christmas present and the Hedera socks out of the Colinette Jitterbug semisolid yarn. Can you believe I actually started working on Christmas presents before December??

Summer is almost gone

2007-09-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that yesterday was Labor Day. Time has really flown by this year. Yesterday I spent the day with several friends at friend's Dan's pool. We had a great time as usual. My friends are a crazy lot (but then so am I, so it kinda makes sense) and you can guarantee that there will always be lots of laughing involved. I believe we have already come up with a couple of movie suggestions for an impromptu girls night soon. I have to got to see The Ultimate Gift soon. I now have two friends who have seen the movie and talk about what a great movie it is.

This weekend, I tried to watch the movie Bobby. The movie had an all-star cast and was supposed to be this great movie. I turned it off after about 30-45 minutes. I thought it was a huge letdown. It was basically the story of a bunch of different characters and how the death of Robert Kennedy affected him the day he was shot. It was horrible & I definately would not recommend it. The other movie I watched, I would recommend. It was Broken Bridges with Toby Keith and Kelly Preston. It was a pretty good movie and an easy watch. I also watched Fly Boys again last week. Great movie and based on a true story from WWI.

This weekend should be pretty slow. Several of my friends are headed to the beach this weekend. I am SO jealous! But I'm sure they will have a great time (even without me). ;)

Lastly, on my last post, I didn't really review the pattern that comes with the Jitterbug sock yarn. My biggest complaint is that all of the length measurements are based on number of rows, not length in inches. Having to keep up with the row you are on keeps it from being the mindless knitting I'm seeking (just my opinion). I absolutely love working with the yarn, I just wish that Colinette would make it with a little more yardage in each skein. There is no way I could afford to do a pair of socks for my Dad out of this yarn (even though some of the new semisolid colors in the Dali line would be great) because I would have to have two skeins for him because of the yardage issue. I only wear a 7.5, so the yardage is ok for me if I make the leg a little shorter than I normally would.

Shop Model Finished

2007-09-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I finished the shop model sock that I was doing for my LYS. I have also finished working up the miniature sock and the pattern for the class I'm teaching.

Here are pictures of both finished items.

The coin next to the miniture sock is to give you some scale.

I would like to say that life has been pretty boring, but that would be a lie. There has been the ever present family drama created by my ex-BIL and his new wife. Believe me when I tell you that they need a new hobby. I would give more detail, but they just don't deserve that level of attention - at least not on my blog!

It has actually been raining a good bit here for the last two days. I was planning on mowing the lawn today, but won't be able to do it because the grass is too wet from the storms we had last night. DARN!! I just hate it when that happens. It is only because of the recent rains that I'm even needing to cut the grass. The only upside to a drought is that the grass doesn't grown and therefore doesn't need to be cut. The last time I cut the lawn was the last weekend of July. It just hasn't needed it.

It is just so hard to believe that it is Labor Day weekend and that SEC football started this week. This year is really just flying by. I'm sure a little football watching & listening will be on the agenda for the rest of the day.

Have a Safe Labor Day!

Ten Guidelines From God

2007-08-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine emailed this too me today and I thought it was too good not to be shared.

Ten Guidelines From God

Effective Immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you.. Please, follow these 10 guidelines

1. QUIT WORRYING: Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST: Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME: Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE: Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here.." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME: I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH: I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE: You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT: I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND: Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF: As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget......

I thought this list was an excellent reminder for the things that we know, but in our human nature don't always do or even want to do.

Last night was the end of our Beth Moore Daniel study. What a great study. Now I just need to catch up and finish all the homework (Sorry Jenny, I'll get it done, I promise - just can't promise when). The next study I'm doing will be with the girls from my Sunday School Class. It will be weird not doing a study with my friend Jenny since I've been in some kind of study with her for the last year and a half. I may have to drop in her next study from time to time.

On the Knitting front. I'm almost done with the Jitterbug Shop Model that I have been working on. I worked on it tonight while we were watching the Beth Moore videos. I always love knitting in public because I get some interesting reactions to what I'm doing. I'm down to the toe. I'm hoping to finish it tonight and maybe have a picture up this week.

Pictures as promised

2007-08-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

As Promised, I finally got the camera out and took some pictures and uploaded them to the computer.

Here is a picture of me with my friends Anne and Tracie our last day at the beach (My friend Alissa wasn't in the picture because she had already left because she had to go to work that day). This is the tank that I finished on the way down to the beach.

Pattern: Tank from Yarn Girls Book (can't remember name)

Yarn: Gedifra Tiago

Needles: size 8??

This is a picture of the baby blanket I knit for my cousin's new baby, Avery Grace.

Pattern: Basic Fan & Feather (3 stitch garter edge with 7 repeats of F &F - total cast on of 125 stitches)

Yarn: Peaches & Creme Cotton

Needles: Size 11 Denise Interchangeables

Here are my Yarntini socks. Jessica at Yarntini was great enough to special dye this for me.

Pattern: Knitting Pure & Simple Lightweight Beginner Socks

Yarn: Yarntini Sock Yarn in Vintage Self Striping

Needles: Size 1 Sox Sticks

Here are my Jitterbug socks that I just finished last night.

Pattern: Knitting Pure & Simple Lightweight Beginner Socks
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug in Popsicle
Needles: Size 1 Sox Sticks
Modifications: Shortened the leg to 5" to accommodate the shorter yardage.

Now, here is the fun stuff. I found these bags by Piddleloop after I saw them on Stacy's blog. I checked out their etsy site and found this project bag with the matching little bag. I also had Jen make me a matching double point needle case to match.

This is the inside of the bag with the shop model I'm knitting for In the Making out of Colinette Jitterbug in Raspberry.

This is my double point needle case and the matching little bag for knick knacks.

And these are the goodies that came with the bag.

I loved everything about dealing with these ladies. They were easy to communicate with and they provide a superior project. After looking at the Piddleloop blog, I found out about the bags from Stuck in Illinois on Etsy. (ok, I've just learned that I didn't see these bags at Piddleloop, so no clue where I found them, but still love them). Below is the reversible sock project bag that I bought from them. I love it!! It is called Watching Cats. This was another company that was great to work with and I will definitely do business with again. (Because a girl can never have too many bags.)

And last but certainly not least is the first month yarn from the Zen Yarn Garden Art Walk Sock Club. This Yarn is based on the painting Hallucinogenic Toreador by Salvador Dali. Next Month's selection will be based on Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night.

Ok, that is all for now. I'll try to do better in the future about better updates.

Making some progress

2007-08-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I keep promising pictures, but I am getting there. I hope to actually take some pictures tonight. I have actually completed two pairs of socks in the last week - my yarntini vintage socks and my Jitterbug popsicle socks. I'm almost done with the mini sock pattern for my sock class. It is just your basic sock in miniature proportions.

Donna, the owner of my LYS, In the Making, sent me home with some Colinette Jitterbug in Raspberry to knit a store model from the Free Pattern that comes with the yarn. I'm about 3/4 done with the leg and headed for the heel. I don't love the pattern because everything is done in row counts instead of inches, so I'm having to keep up with what row I'm on.

Also went to see the Bourne Ultimatum Saturday night. Good movie. If you liked the first two in the series, you will definately like this one.

Climbing out from under my rock........

2007-08-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

I know I have been completely ignoring my blog lately, but I will be doing a update hopefully this weekend of some finished objects and some cool/cute things I have gotten lately.

In the category of just general life, I guess I should just start where I left off.

July 19-22 was the Singles Retreat at Fort Walton Beach with my church. There were a few issues, but overall, it was a really good time and a chance to catch up with some friends that I have been neglectful of. The weather was great and I really haven't laughed that much in a really long time.

July 27-28 was my 20th High School reunion. I actually had a good time and it was much better than I had expected it would be. It was fun to see some of the people that I was in the band with in high school that I haven't seen in 20 years (I skipped the 1o year reunion).

On August 2nd, I had surgery to remove my gallbladder. My surgery went fine and I'm finally on the downside of recovery. It has been extremely hot here in the south, so that has made it a bit difficult to regain my energy.

August 10-11 was the Women of Faith Conference in Atlanta, GA. This trip had been paid for since May and if it hadn't, I probably would not have gone because I didn't expect it to take me as long as it did to recover from my surgery. The whole concept of "out patient" is a little deceiving as to the seriousness of the surgery and the amount of time needed for recovery. The preconference with Beth Moore totally rocked. I would give you a summary of what she spoke on, but you can check out Jenny's blog for that info. I really couldn't do a better job recaping the day than Jenny did. I really needed that message from the Lord. As for the rest of the conference, it had more of a serious tone than it usually does, but Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll and Anita Renfroe were hilarious and just right on with their message.

Finally getting up to last weekend. Friday night was a great night with my girls. My friend Alissa hosted a Chocolate Boutique night. We had a great time getting to reacquaint/get to know each other better and did I mention there was chocolate (and lots of it). Thanks Alissa! The evening was awesome in every way!

Saturday night was movie night with my Sunday School class. We had a really fun time and watched both The Italian Job and Wild Hogs. I would recommend both movies.

Whew! See there has been a lot going on in the last month or so. I have also completed a tank that I took to the beach (finished it on the drive down), a baby blanket for my cousin's new baby and I'm also almost done with my Yarntini Vintage socks. There have also been deliveries from Etsy that I'll share later. I promise to try to have the pictures posted by this weekend, along with some pictures from the beach.

The dates have also been set for the beginning knitted sock classes I will be teaching at my LYS, In the Making. I'm not sure when Donna will have the calendar up, but I know it will be soon. We are also tossing around the idea of a class for felted slippers (check out Knitty.com for the fuzzy feet pattern in the archives).

More later......

One clue down........

2007-07-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

I finally finished Clue 1 tonight of the MS3. I'm not even going to bring up the fact that 2 clues have been released and the 3rd is being released in the morning. So much like everything else in life, I'm behind. I do think I do deserve some credit since I had already knit 50 rows with the first yarn before I broke down and bought the Zephyr lace yarn, which I love!! I must say that I am loving this project. It has really been pretty easy thus far. I have only had to tink back once and that was where I did something to mess up row 67 and ended up with one too many stitches. So without any further ado, here is the picture of my progress thus far........

And here is a close-up so that you can see the beads a little better (ok not that much better - the flash just wasn't cooperating this evening). The beads are a great irradescent and each bead is just a little different. They are all in the copper family, but some have a purple cast to them, others have a pinkish cast to them and even others have a blueish cast to them. Of course they were among the more expensive ones I saw at the bead shop ($8, so not that bad, but the others were $3).My supervisor while I was pinning out my progress was none other than the biggest man in my house - Tigger.

Finally, today was my sweet Daddy's 67th birthday. God was very wise when he gave my dad an extra portion of patience. He has always been the voice of reason in our family. The rest of us are just a bit.........well melodramatic at times. My father has always been a rock in my life. He is a great example of what I want to be.......hardworking, loving, loyal and full of integrity.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!

It is official..........

2007-07-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

I have completely lost my mind. I broke down and headed to the LYS this afternoon and bought the Jaegerspun lace weight in black. I have transferred the portion of clue 1 I have already done to another set of needles so that I can go back and possible finish it later (perhaps for a christmas present). So I had to start all over again with clue one. I have been trucking along ntil I got to row 69 (of 100 for those not participating) and I have one stitch too many. Arghh!! I've been looking at it too long to find it tonight. I'll pull back tomorrow and find the error in my ways.

We have finally had a good day of rain here in Alabama where everything is way too dry. The forcast is calling for scattered thunderstorms every day this week, so hopefully we will get some more rain. If it looks like rain tomorrow, we will have to cancel the girls afternoon at the pool, but I think all of us would be willing to sacrifice for a little rain. The good new about rain is that I was able to clear up some of the backlog on the DVR. I am now current on Army Wifes (I was three episodes behind) and ready for the new episode tomorrow night and I cleared up two episodes of The Closer and still have one more to catch up.

What was I thinking..........

2007-07-06T21:25:00.001-07:00

I'm sitting here wondering what I was thinking when I decided to do the Mystery Stole 3 KAL by Melanie of Pink Lemon Twist. I had decided I wasn't going to do it with beads until I looked at the tutorial and decided it can't be that hard. So off I went looking for beads and found some like I had in mind at The Bead Biz here in town. I ended up buying three different colors because I couldn't decide. Last night I finally found the black lace yarn in the stash and wound the ball. So tonight I was off and running. I managed to get through chart A of clue 1 from last week. I still have to do chart B from last week's clue and then do this week's chart. I may go blind. I think I should have used the white or off white option. I'm going blind with this black. I also wish I had purchased a different black yarn other than what I have in the stash. I'm using some laceweight yarn that I purchased from Handpainted Yarn last year, but it is not the same as Zephyr, but it was in the stash so I should use it.

I'll try to take pictures tomorrow of what I have done this far.

Other than that, there is just the usual family melodrama that is always present. This Sunday, the girls from my Sunday School class are supposed to join me at our pool for a nice girl's afternoon out.

More to come later..............

My Duets has arrived!!

2007-07-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

I came home today and my Duets Yarn from Connie had arrived in the mail today. I wasn't expecting it to get here until next week. Connie picked out the Snap Dragon Colorway for me and I absolutely LOVE it. She also sent me one of the keychain sock blockers which is too cute.

I definately needed this surprise today. I started out my day with a sonogram at the Dr.'s office which confirmed that I have gallstones - about 8 of them to be exact. Since I've already been having chest pains related to these little buggers, I completely expect my Dr. to refer me for surgery when I see her again on Monday. Blech!!!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!

2007-07-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

Please take time today to remember the many servicemen and servicewomen who have made sacrifices over the years so that we could enjoy the many freedoms that we have.

Look what came today.....

2007-06-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

Yarntini Yarn!!! This is the special order of the Vintage colorway that I ordered from Jessie over at Yarntini Yarns.

Isn't it pretty!! Thanks Jessie I love it!

Since I also was able to upload some pictures, here are a couple of others.

These are the socks I made for Connie at Pickup Sticks to be taken to a battered womens & children's shelter.

Here is my ruffled scarf from Scarf Style made out of Koreyon.

Last but not least, here are a couple of pictures I took playing with the camera.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-06-28T19:05:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a couple of weeks. The class I taught went OK. We had one individual who was a beginning knitter so she was a tad overwhelmed to say the least. The class is called Beginning Socks, but it is not a beginner class. The overwhelmed individual had not even really knit a rib pattern before, so there was a bit of a learning curve problem. Other than that it went ok.

This week was my birthday!!! I was off on Monday and Tuesday and succeeded at my efforts to do as little as possible. I spent time both days at the pool with a book. It was heaven. My mom took me shopping and then there was dinner with my family.

And today, I got a belated present when I found out that I won the most recent contest the Connie had on her blog. I won a skein of the much talked about Duet Sock Yarn. I told Connie the two colors I like the most and told her to surprise me. I'll let you know when it gets here.

Oh well, The Starter Wife is on now, so I gotta go!!

But before I leave, here is a picture of me and my nephew at his 6th birthday party. Check out the tank I'm wearing. It is the Sexy Summer Tank from the Yarn Girls Guide to Simple Knits. I used Gedifra Tiago that I bought last summer in Nashville.

I can't believe I'm going to teach

2007-06-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, you heard that correctly, I am going to teach a class. And what would that class be you might wonder. Tomorrow night, I will be teaching a beginning socks class at my LYS In the Making. Donna must have been completely crazy to talk me into this. Tonight, I have been working up a model of a miniature sock for the class tomorrow. The goal is that in 2 1/2 hours, everyone in the class will have knit a miniature sock thereby learning all of the concepts to go out and conquer a regular size sock. Everyone keep your fingers crossed. I have also been working on the rusted root sweater. It is coming along nicely.

I finished the book Kissing Adrien. It was a very funny and sweet novel. I would definately recommend it. I am also reading the new book from Beth Moore, "Get out of that Pit". It is very good and I would highly recommend it thus far. It is all about how we end up in the pits of life away from the God we love and then how to Get out of the Pit and stay out of it. I don't know about you, but I can't begin to count the number of pits I have found myself in.

My last comment for the night is to please remember those who are in service for our country. I have a very dear friend who is on his second tour of duty in Iraq. There is not a day that goes by that I don't pray for him and our other servicemen & servicewomen and the sacrifices they make to ensure that we live in freedom. Never take if for granted!

Progress is being made

2007-06-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

Ok everyone (or anyone), The Green Gables is finished. Well Almost - I just need to weave in all of the ends and block it, but I hope to have that done this week. I have also started on the rusted root sweater and am getting close to the point where the sleeves get put on scrap yarn for the time being.

This weekend, the only knitting progress was made at night. During the day, I was taking time to rest and relax. Yesterday was the Singles Lake Party for the Single's department at my church. It was a really nice day - a little overcast, but not too hot. And today, my friend DJ and I got to spend some time together at the pool with my nephew and reading our books. I'm reading a really funny book at the moment called Kissing Adrian by Siri L. Mitchell. All said and done, it was a really good weekend.

Now, I would love to chat more, but it is off to do my homework for my bible study and then off to bed.

Knitting Update

2007-05-23T19:36:00.001-07:00

Ok, don't die of shock - can you believe it? Two posts in one week. The world MUST be coming to an end (or I've been feeling a tad guilty about neglecting the blog).

Well, I have been working diligently on the Green Gable this week. I tried it on this evening and I have reached my waistline and I will definately be needing to add the increases for the hips. I must say that it fits perfectly thus far and I hope to be finished this weekend and with pictures to post. (yes, I know I've promised pictures before, but I eventually get around to uploading them from the camera to the computer).

I have also done some work on my Jitterbug Socks this week during my lunch time. I'm about half-way through the foot on the first sock.

I have been getting the Knitting Daily emails. If you haven't been getting those, you need to jump over to the interweave press website and sign up. Yesterday, the editor had a picture of the Lacy Little Top she made from Lana Knits. I think it may have to make the project list soon.

After I get done with Green Gables, my next big project will be my next Zephyr Stlye Pattern, Rusted Root. I'm excited to do this sweater next. I have loved the Green Gables Pattern. It is very well written and easy to follow.

I also need to spend some more time on that Baby Blanket in Progress. My cousin's baby is due the end of July and I'm only about 1/3 done with the blanket. Must get to knitting!

It is official - I AM THE WORST BLOGGER

2007-05-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I really suck at this. Good Grief, it has been 4 1/2 months since I blogged last. Time just goes by too quicky!

Not that it means that there has been a lack of knitting, just a lack of some finished projects. I do have some pictures of some finished projects and may even get them uploaded to the computer from the camera and then I may actually post them. Imagine that - someone who actually blogs and posts pictures. Say it isn't so!!

Let's see projects currently on needles:

Green Gables Sweater
Matahari Socks
Jitterbug Socks
Cable & Lace Baby Blanket
Ribbed socks for my Dad (the project that just won't end)
Koigu Triangle Shawl

There are many others, but these are the ones I have actually spent time working on in the last few weeks.

Stay tuned! I might actually be back!!

I have been so busy

2006-12-31T09:44:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, I have finished a lot of knitting lately. Most of it Christmas knitting. Of course I forgot to take pictures of them before they were wrapped. I finished a pair of socks for my father using Steinbach Wolle Sockenwolle Plus in color 40. I used the basic top down stockinette pattern. He really liked them. I printed off the gift tags from Amy's blog. My dad handed me back the tag and asked me to refill it please. Now that is the kind of response you want to you hand knits. I also knit my Mother a pair of socks (same basic pattern) using the Fortissima Socka Yarn 1776. She loves all things americana and the socks turned out really cute. Finally, I knit both my sister and my mother the fuzzy feet slippers from Knitty using Brown Sheep. I have also knit a pair for myself out of Cascade Pastaza that I had in my stash. So I have been very busy this month with the knitting. I promise to do a better job of the picture taking in 2007. Currently I'm working on the ruffle scarf from Scarf Style out of Noro Koreyon from my stash and finishing a pair of socks for myself out of Cherry Tree Hill Potluck in Brights. I promise to post pictures of both when they are done.

I'm going to attempt to join the 2007 de-stash that Wendy recommends. The details are on her blog. The truth is that I have about 5 sweater boxes full of yarn for projects that I intended to start and just never did. If I keep this pace up, I won't have enough places to put everything. I also like that sock yarn is not stash (not that I don't have about 20 skeins or more stashed).

Everyone have a very safe and wonderful new Year!

2006-11-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, I actually found the cord to the camera. Behold pictures.

This is my first sock finished using my Sweet Georgia Yarn that I got from Connie at Pickup Sticks. This is Felicia's superwash yarn in the Angel Colorway. Now all I have to do is finish the second sock. I must say, that it is not as easy to take a picture of yourself wearing a sock as you would think.

One-Word Meme

2006-11-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, I saw this on Mim's blog and thought it was interesting. I'll have to say that it is not so easy to answer questions with only one word.

1. Yourself: stressed
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend (spouse): None
3. Your hair: red
4. Your mother: Great
5. Your Father: strength
6. Your Favorite Item: nephew
7. Your dream last night: none
8. Your Favorite drink: soda
9. Your Dream Car: Bug
10. The room you are in: dark
11. Your Ex: idiot
12. Your fear: alone
13. What you want to be in 10 years? here
14. Who you hung out with last night? cats
15. What You’re Not? mindreader
16. Muffins: chocolate
17. One of Your Wish List Items: Yarn!!
18. Time: wasting
19. The Last Thing You Did: read
20. What You Are Wearing: sweatshirt
21. Your Favorite Weather: fall
22. Your Favorite Book: Any
23. The Last Thing You Ate: salad
24. Your Life: decent
25. Your Mood: stressed
26. Your best friend: Fantastic!!
27. What are you thinking about right now? Food
28. Your car: Coupe
29. What are you doing at the moment? typing
30. Your summer: fast
31. Your relationship status: single
32. What is on your TV? nothing
33. What is the weather like? COLD!
34. When is the last time you laughed? today

I have actually taken a picture of my most recent sock, but can't find the cord to download it!!! I seem to have Connie's problem. I keep starting socks, get one done and then start another pair. I think I'm up to 5 pairs going at the moment.

I must stop the madness

2006-11-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

Well, Halloween is over, and now it is time to get back down to business. However, I must confess that I had a little madness yesterday. The one thing I certainly don't need is more yarn. I have it coming out my ears and hidden in every imaginable and available spot I can find. I especially don't need any more sock yarn. I mean I've only completed two pairs of socks, but still I just can't stop myself. I was a member of the STR Sock Club and have yet to find the time to knit any of the socks yet. So now to the madness (it had to have been something to do with halloween)..... Yesterday I 1) registered for the 2007 STR Club, 2) bought a pair of Mostly solid yarn from Sunshine Yarns and 3) ordered some Midnight Rainbow Sock Yarn from To Knit Perchance to Dream. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!! Somebody stop me please.......(Not that you stand a chance at really stopping me. haha). Who am I kidding? You can never have too much y arn. As soon as they get here, I'll post pics. I know, I I know, that is what I always say and I'm way overdue on pics.

48 Things you could care less about

2006-10-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, believe it or not, I do have some finished objects, I just need to take a few pictures. I will try to do that and post pictures this weekend. I finished my Print O'Wave Stole (for the moment, more will be added at a later date) out of Sweet Georgia lace yarn that I purchased from Connie's shop Pickup Sticks , I finished one of my slayer socks using Sweet Georgia Yarn (the second sock is half done) and I have finished one of my Voodoo Wrist warmers using Art Yarns Supermerino that I got at my LYS Knit Nouveau.

Here is a list I saw on Connie's Blog and decided to steal it.

1. FIRST NAME? Suzanne

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not that I'm aware of.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? At my best friend's wedding last weekend.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Most of the time.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Can't say I really have one.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, but it doesn't get updated any more than my blog does.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Absolutely Not.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Frosted Flakes.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Sometimes.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Not as much as I would like to be.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Cookies and Creme

14. SHOE SIZE? 7

15. RED OR PINK? Pink of course.

16. LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU? The fact that I cry at most anything like Hallmark Commercials.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My grandmother.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Sure, Why not.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT, AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Jeans and a T-Shirt.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? French Onion Soup and a piece of Bagette from Panerra Bread Company.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Only the hum of my computer.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Yellow

23. FAVORITE SMELL? My mom's cooking.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My best friend about dinner tonight.

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Smile.

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON YOU STOLE THIS FROM? Yes, she is fabulous to do business with.

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Alcoholic- Chocolate Martini or Red Wine. Non-alcoholic -diet coke.

28. FAVORITE SPORT? SEC College Football

29. EYE COLOR? Blue

30. HAT SIZE? They come in sizes??

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes, can't see without them.

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Never met a Carb I didn't like.

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings, I don't like scary movies.

34. I followed links back through 6 blogs and could not find question 34 anywhere!

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? I completely agree with Connie, that Fall is the best.

36. HUGS OR KISSES? Both!

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake or my Chocolate Chess Pie

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No Clue

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No clue

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Ordinary Heroes by Scott Turow

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Dell Logo

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Studio 60 that was taped on the DVR.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My nephew's laugh.

44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Irkutz in Siberia.

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? None

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Birmingham, AL

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Stolen from Connie at Knitting Sticks who stole it from Sandra, who stole it from Cara, who stole it from........

Not off to a great Start.....

2006-09-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

Well, here I start this blog, and then, well, I don't blog. I do at least have a good excuse. I have been sick for the last week with Bronchitis and a Sinus Infection. Not terribly condusive for knitting. I did get one project completed. I completed a small tote made from Crystal Palace Trio. I'll try to take a picture this weekend and post with all the pertinent details.

I can't believe I did this

2006-09-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that I have finally broken down and started a blog. Who would have thought?? Certainly not me.

Stay tuned for more from the most scatterbrained, too many projects going, slowest knitter ever!!