Magic Yarn Ball ~ revealed ;D

This is my yarn ball in its delivery box :D

Look what I found inside (sorry its a bit blurred):

(markers, beads, needle holders, stitch holders, knitting needles #10, crochet J hook, yarn cutter emblem, "S" notepad, folding book light, pomegranate candle, Burt's Bee facial cleanser, bracelet, Lion Brand Wool ~ Autumn Sunset)

~ Knitters Coffee Swap ~

Okay, I've done it again ~ I've joined another swap. This one is so cool because it combines two fun things ~ coffee & yarn. Woohoo! A girl couldn't ask for anything better. Well, maybe ~ yarn, coffee & chocolate. Hmm, hmm good.

Here are the questions:
1. Whole bean or ground? whole bean
2. Fully-loaded or decaf? fully loaded
3. Regular or flavored? both
4. How do you drink your coffee? w/cream n sugar
5. Favorite coffee ever? was hazelnut ~ fav coffee drink: caramel mocha
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? love a great cup no matter what
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? lemon bars and banana nut loaf
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? like flavored creamers
9. Yarn/fiber you love? soft acrylics, merino and cashmerino
10. Yarn/fiber you hate? none
11. What's on your needles? dishclothes ~ 3, baby kimono ~ 2
12. Favorite colors? reds
13. Allergies? hazelnut and cat dander
14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? Nope

~ SP10 Bootie ~

"My SP10 Goodies"

Okay, so I'm a little late in posting this, but I have a really good reason for not doing it when it happen. I have been suffering with a major toothache since last week and sometimes I'm not as functional as I'd like. So, I've only read a few blogs, comments, emails between the snatches of peace from the pain. I do get to go to the dentist tomorrow though and hopefully will get some real pain reliever ~ been taking tylenol and ibup with some oragel, all generic. They work when they want. The good news about this is ~ I've gotten some sleep. Yeah me!

Now about that bootie, mates.

My SP really is a gem ~ she sent me the most awesome box and I really needed something to cheer me up because I had been up for almost 24hrs in pain. I am still in awe of the abundance of my package along with the fact that she sent me 3 of the books on my wishlist. ;D How cool is that?! I am soo blessed and my family was too. Hmm, now I need to get busy on my downstream pal so she can receive some of the overflow of my blessings. Okay, here are pics of my bootie and I'll try to tell you whats in each one.

(red peeps, friendship bookmark, sweater shape needle holders, cherry note cards w/stickers, Royal Almond body lotion, baby project bag ~ stitch markers, Jojoba Rose hand n body lotion and #3 5" dpns and yummy chocolate ~ Raspberries in Dark Chocolate (hubby got this one) n Hershey's w/caramel (I wanted to try this one).

Yarn Love ~

Filatura Di Crosa Pure Laine Vierge wool ~ mint green

Fantasy Dark Horse Yarns nylon & acrylic ~ pale yellow

Breeze Heirloom wool, cotton & nylon ~ pale pink
Cascade Cloud 9 wool & angora ~ white and baby blue

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in red & raspberry

(yeah me!)

Book Love ~

Knit Along with Debbie Macomber Bk #3

Candy Babies

Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby

Absolutely wonderful. I'm one blessed girlie. Thank you dear, Knitty SP ~ you're the bestest. ;D

Monthly Dishclothes

As I've shared, I finished the first pattern for the Monthly Dishcloth KAL and we are now working on the mid-month pattern. We've been given 3 days work of the pattern and this is how mine looks so far:

I'm using Lily's Sugar n Cream in Daisy Ombre and EP's Peaches n Cream in White

Many are having difficulties working this pattern but its coming along very well for me. I did have to re-work the yellow one because I somehow knotted up the project in the beginning but it was fine once I started again. Like most, I've lost a stitch or two and even gain some but I just K2tog or added a yo so that it was right again. I am sure it will look great though I've had to modify it due to my own errors. Its a learning curve, you see. I have learned a few new stitches with this pattern, like ~ P2tog tbl which means purl 2 together through the back loop. Now that sounds easy right?! Well, it actually was once you got a visual of it. I kinda guess at what they were meaning since I had done knit in fbl for the garterlac pattern. I checked my work using the Vogue Knitting book and I had done it right.

I'm enjoying working the clothes, they are quick, easy and lots of fun and I get to learn some new stitches too. I purchased more cotton before my yarn diet so I can make up some for gifts. I have found several new patterns tonight and I'll have to work on adding the links another time. I must start going to bed at night. ;D

More Goodies ;D

Yesterday, I received a package in the mail. It was a pretty colored box and it was heavy. I opened it to find my "Magic Yarn Ball" from my upstream swap pal. Yeah me!

This is a swap I entered over at Crochet Swap. For this swap, we are to wrap several things into a ball of yarn then the recipient will knit/crochet the ball and find the goodies. Its amazing how much stuff you can wrap into a ball of yarn. I couldn't wait, so I've already unwound my ball. ;D I like my goodies and I hope my pal will like hers. I'm almost down w/mine and hope to get it in the mail tomorrow.

On the knitting front ~ since the weather has been messy and I've not had to sub for work, I've spent time finding new patterns, joining a few kals and knitting. I've started a baby kimono, a dishcloth gift, a soap sack ~ almost done, and I've casted on 2 of the Apr Mid Month cloths for MDKal. They are turning out nicely ~ we are only on day 2 which is 19 rows into the pattern.

I've made my plans for my SAL and here they are:
Option #3 ~ Apr - Jun (will renew in July)
Minimum of 5 completed projects in order to earn more stash
1. Baby Kimono ~ Mason-Dixon pattern
2. No Sweat Socks ~ No Sheep For You pattern
3. Fingerless Mittens ~ Lion Brand pattern *charity knitting
4. SS
5. SS
I will only be allowed to add to my stash by one of the following:
~ run out of yarn to finish current project
~ gifts from secret pal and swaps
~ once 5 projects are completed

I am planning to keep better notes this time so that I can see how much yarn I am using. I plan to access my progress monthly so will be posting updates. I will post details for each project later.

Well, thats all for now. Have a lovely evening!

~ at our homestead ~

smells ~ creamy turkey and noodles

sounds ~ slow rain fall & "A Country Affair" on tape

planning ~ next week's activities

doing ~ blogging and knitting

Weekend Projects

I've been working on some firsts for me this weekend. I managed to finish my first Monthly Dishcloth ~ the April pattern which is 3 crosses. Oops, have to update later w/a pic. ;D

I also started making a "Soap Sack" which is worked on dpns. I've never done that before but its coming along right nicely. ;D I am now further then this pic and will probably be done by tomorrow. I would like to make one for my SP10 pal and fill it with some lovely soap.

Nothing much else is happening. I've been outbidded for most of the yarn I was going for but after my SPs comment ~ I'm not concerned because she's sending me yarn love in the mail.

I'm going now, need a nap, work on some writing, more knitting and then I might even post some more. Have fun!

~ Considering My Ways ~

I've been mulling over my own stash accumulation especially after buying a bunch of yarn b/c it was 40% off and one of my favs or b/c it was a great deal on Ebay and I had some extra moola to spend. Hmm, most have a project planned or to be gifted but I didn't have to buy so much or any really. I really do need this SAL more than I realized. I need to take accountability for my actions ~ my dh gave me an odd look after I opened my container full of yarn. LOL My ds says I'm a "yarn addict" and he is right. I've always been this way but I had managed to suppress it for several years until I started knitting. ;D I'm okay, I realize I will always have stash but I don't have to let it take over my life or my house.

Well, I'm off to get my act together and start my stash diet, its sad that I've come to this but it will help keep things in perspective. I'll write up my goals and post later this weekend. Thanks for being here, for being a great sounding board and support.

Have a great weekend.

ps ~ I have finished up a few more things too, details later. ;D

The above is what I posted over at SAL. I really need to crack down on this yarn addiction. I hadn't been this bad off since 1996. I had several plastic totes of yarn, which got destroyed by mold. I didn't allow myself to collect any more until about 5 yrs ago when I started making baby blankets on request. But then we moved and that yarn is now in storage. Too bad too, I could really use some of those beautiful yarns right now. There are a few issues with my stash that have caused me to feel the need to buy. I list a few of them here:

1. My stash was for homeschooling purposes ~ therefore most of the yarn was practical and was not for my own use.

2. My stash was drab ~ yep! you read that right. Not much color selection because it was randomly purchased here and there.

3. My stash lacked variety ~ I only had Caron, Red Heart, Walmart and some unknown 70s or so brand most acrylics.

4. The additions were used up quickly ~ most of the yarn I purchased on my first free day has been used. Yeah!

5. My stash had no project purpose ~ there weren't any specifics that the yarn was for. It was bought simply because it was pretty, soft or mostly, it was cheap.

Now my stash has grown into something huge, IMHO. I know there are several large stashes out there but for me this is huge. Though not as big as my former stash, which was about 10 totes full ~ you know the plastic rubbermaid kind. I only have 2 now and they are full.

Good news though, I finished several projects, started some new ones and I've got plans for more. I've joined a few swaps which has potential to shake my stash up and to get some of it moved along. Here is a pic of my first Monthly Dishcloth ~ it was the one for April. I'm half done and its beautiful. I'm planning to post more soon because I'd like to have a finished list for my own record.

Talk w/you all soon. Have a great weekend.

Goodies in the Mail

Recently I joined a penpal group. There is a weekly riddle that the group hosts and prizes are given to the correct answer. Well, my goodies in the mail was my prize for correctly answering this week's riddle. Yeah!

I got a very "girlie" notepad and I really like the card ~ there are lots of cats on it. Very pretty. Thank you Ms. Debb, I love my prize. ;D

I got goodies!

You can read more about it here.

It could've happen to anyone..

and it happen to me today. I was working on my WIPs listing and the things I wanted to make when the computer crashed. I hadn't save the document so now its all gone. Poof! Well, back to my list though I did manage to complete one of the items today. I am working on charity items for the Loopy Ewe Q2 challenge and I've finished my 2nd hat. Yeah me!

Anyway, I've been experiencing some gauge issues working on my CPH and the Vegemite for my dh. I'm not sure what the deal is but I will try it again. I've been reading Yarn Harlot's book "Knitting Rules" and have figured out what may be some potential issues for me. I am having fun making "geeky things" though I didn't think I would. I am confident that I'll get it right so that I can get started on my sweaters especially since I've never made one, well at least not adults sizes.

I've also joined some new KALs too. I am having fun with the monthly dishcloth kal ~ the clothes are beautiful and I'd been admiring them for the past few months from several of the blogs I visit. I will update my template so with my new stuff. I've also joined a couple of swaps too, these are fun. I'll share more soon but I must stop staying up late, its starting to take a toll on my face. ;D I'm not as young as I used to be and I really should take better care of myself.

Have an awesome night and rest of week.

~ Swap Fun ~

Crochet Swap Wish List

My favorite colors ~ Reds
My hobbies... ~ reading, writing/blogging, visiting lighthouses, crafts and attending concerts
My kitchen theme and colors.. ~ white, royal blue and black
My bathroom theme and colors... ~ white, blues, greens and burgundy
My dislikes.... ~ not many of these, will have to think about it
My crafts..what I like.... ~ most crafts esp. crocheting, knitting, sewing and cross-stitch
My allergies... ~ hazelnut and some cats
My favorite pets... ~ my "poochie" dog
My favorite scents... ~ vanilla, amber, fresh scents
Other stuff about me... ~ love to read, blog, hangout w/my children, attend concerts, volunteering and enjoying coffeee and food w/friends. I am mostly a SAHM who homeschools 2 of 3 children ~ oldest graduated last year and is almost 19yo. I work part-time as a sub and helping dh start a business. I've been married for 15yrs and I will be 40 this year ~ Woohoo!

What a week....

Its been quiet around here but lots of knitting happening. I've not had much to say, just enjoying the relaxation of making things with my hands. I've recently started knitting and watching videos. Well, its a lot of fun if you've already seen the movie. I had to frog my dishcloth twice while watching a movie I've never seen and then I tried to make my warm wristlets while watching The Joy Luck Club, which should have been easy since it was simply garter stitch but it didn't work out like that but I don't have to frog it. Thank goodness.

On the yarn front, I've been buying yarn to increase our options while I have a bit of moola. I've ordered some lovely yarn from ebay, picked up some from the LYS and several local stores. One of the stores is having a closing sale ~ yarn was 40% off, it was Lion Brand ;D and I managed to snag a sewing machine for $90. I've needed a new one for quite sometime and didn't have the heart to buy one but I couldn't pass up this great deal. My family actually helped to make the decision since they have mentioned they miss the things I use to make for them. I thought of several things that I could make instead of buying ~ skorts, capris, shorts, tank tops, etc. Its been a almost 5yrs since I've sewn anything and it will be nice to make some curtains and things for the home too. I've listed below some shop pics of the yarn I purchased on ebay and I'll try to take pics of the stuff I got locally.

Before I go ~ here is a pic of what my SP sent me too. Isn't she a doll, they are soo cool and I actually had been thinking about buying these for myself. (sorry this is blurred ~ my camera isn't working right) ~ 2 stitch markers, a button and a magnet.

Have an awesome week!

~SP10 Contest #1~

Please post (on your blog) about your favorite yarn and your least favorite yarn (if you have one!) What have you made with it? Tell us about your experiences!

Until recently, my favorite yarn was Caron's Simply Soft. I loved the feel of the yarn. Its texture and easy of use. I made lots of baby afghans and blankets with this yarn in white, blue, yellow and I used it mostly to make a baby size version of the "Victorian Lace Blanket" by Leisure Arts.

This blanket requires something very soft to make the scalloped edges and ribbon is added. CSS made making this blanket a pleasure and shorten the time necessary to make it. Each time I've made one, it has taken less time since I knew the yarn so well. It will probably always be my first choice for baby items especially when price is an issue.

I'm finishing off a white one now and have used my scraps to knit up different stitch squares. The softness has made the task of learning new stitches very pleasing.

Regarding a least favorite yarn, I would probably say "fun fur". Not that I don't like it and I will be using it for making gifts but I don't like how slippery some of it is or the fact that my stitches get lost and its difficult to determine your stitch counts. Now my oldest dd figured it out but I've not tried her method nor have I tried making scarves which is what she whips up with them in about a hour. Hmm, maybe one day I will but for now, I'll continue to learn about new yarns, sample yarns and develop new favs like my recent pick:

"Debbie Bliss Cashmerino"

Knitting Dilemma ~ Solved

I've decided what I am going to do. I was going to order lots of yarn so that I could make several of the lovely baby things in DBs books. I was going to order yarn just to have on hand for gifts or my dc. I was going to order the least amounts since I don't know if I'll like the yarns. However, I've decided to only order a little bit and I am going to knit something for me. Yep, you read that right. For the first time, I'm going to actually make something for myself thats not a hat or scarf.

I've recently joined the "Central Park Hoodie" KAL and I will be gleaning from those creative ladies on how to make this lovely sweater. I've not decided on my yarn yet but I will either make mine in black or red. My dh likes the original color choice of yellow-green but I've never really like that particular color. Now if I don't find just what I need, then I'd consider doing the original but I've seen some lovely projects in simply beautiful colors. You can visit the blog by clicking the button in my sidebar or here. Maybe you'll join us too.

I've considered making "A Cardigan for Arwen" but I'm having difficulty locating the pattern and the IK issue it was printed in. I am not excited about ordering it from IK for $12 (that includes s&h), so thats now on hold. I have just order some DB Merino DK in Gold for a fabulous price but not sure what project I'll make yet. I've got a couple ideas to choose from, and again this will be for myself. For my No Sheep KAL, I'm considering the "Tuscany," "Morrigan," and the "No Sweat Socks" but no decision has been made yet so I've not ordered the yarn. I wll not be ordering as much yarn as I'd first considered and that is good in my book. I'll save the $ for another time and another sale.

Today, I used 40% off coupons to buy Knit Lite's #10s. I don't like them though and my dh says I should return them. They are too bright. Yes, what a complaint. I don't want to be a distract to my dh so I will probably take them back. I also was able to use a coupon to purchase Bates #10 circular needles. I had lots of fun shopping for my secret pal too. I'm putting her first box together this weekend and will send it out next week. I can't wait for her to get it. My dc want me to send them things and you know thats not a bad idea. We'll see, they've also joined a couple of kals and swaps now. My oldest dd and visited our fav LYS today. I picked up a skein of Cascade 220 in yellow, a couple of skeins of Samba and she let me use her yarn winder. I've gotta get me one of those but it would take away the fun of visiting her shop. Hmm, things to consider for sure. Sk8rChick used her coupon to buy the newest Crochet Today magazine and she's already started planning her projects. LOL

Yesterday, I visited another LYS and picked up back issues of KnitScene. I was glad too because I managed to get both for half off and got the one with the CPH pattern in it. Dh wants me to make him "Vegemite" and that may happen. Who knew he would find something he liked. I didn't, besides I was still trying to find something I liked. ;D So, I'll be very busy the next few months and SAL will come in handy to keep me on track for it all.

Gotta go now, need to post about my fav yarn and some other things.

Have a great Sunday!