Blogging groove....

I think its back and its in place of my knitting mojo. Hahaha, now thats a real laugh. I seem to do either or the other ~ go figure. Anywho, I thought I'd tell you all what I did on vacation since some of you seem interested ~ why I don't know. ;)

Warning ~ this is very boring so read at your own risk or skip to the bottom for the current stuff. ;)

Tues Aug 5th ~ my day began w/work that allowed me to leave after only being there for 1hr. Yeah me! Then I began to take a long look at my vacation plans to Tx, they were looking very bleak. At this point, it didn't look as if we were going to make it and then I discovered that if I rented a car on thur it would be almost half the costs so I booked it for 3days at the reduced rate ~ knowing I had 2 free day coupons and went to bed around 3a. ;) Not much knitting but feeling better about getting away for a few days.

Wed Aug 6th ~ did some errands, found a hotel for dirt cheap and planned my projects for the Ravelympics and went to bed early.

Thur Aug 7th ~ wake up late, go figure and leave to p/u rental at 7:45a (pick up was for 8a). Stop at Wally World for snacks and then meet hubby at Sbux for some road brew. Sent dh to get breakfast at McDs while I grabbed a bargain on pb at Walgreens. We finally get back to house at 9:15a and pack up and leave at 10a. Now please note this is about 1hr later than planned. LOL Drive thru OK to TX ~ lovely drive with lake scenery and all. Pics are on dh's cell, I'm driving and no one takes out the camera. Arrive in Dallas about 2:15p and head over the Purple Cow for some grub ~ really wanted a purple vanilla milkshake. The burgers and fries were awesome as usual but the shakes were disgusting ~ watery, pale and tasteless. Now folks I must tell you this is not a Purple Cow milkshake, this is....I don't know what it was but it was gross. I was not happy to spend $55 and get a bad shake. Oh where is my Va Beach PC when you need it. We then left and arrive at our hotel at about 4:45p ~ can we say not good. Remember I said the hotel was dirt cheap, well there was reason. It was a very old hotel (note: old and shabby, rundown are two different terms but for the sake of those who may love this hotel we will just say "old"). Our first room was really bad and they upgraded us to a suite which was much better. Dh was ready to leave but being as late as it was we'd end up paying for the night and still have to find something else. However, I must say there were 2 good features ~ 2 a/c units and access to all major highways ~ 30, 35 & 75 right at our door w/o the noise, now that was nice too. The girls and I left dh to enjoy the a/c to attend our conference in Fort Worth which was not a 36min drive as predicted by mapquest but an hr w/traffic due to construction on 30. Wow ~ we arrived about 15mins late and had to find a parking space. Not too bad for me but for Riley who wanted to go to youth ~ she wasn't happy about arriving late. LOL After this we all went to get some food from Jack in a Box but that wasn't good either ~ no one likes being overcharged do they?! We went to 7-11 for drinks and back to the hotel. It was nice to sleep in a cold room for a change.

Fri Aug 8th ~ Shabby SheepRavelympics begins today, I'm up at 6:30a to c/o at 7a but end up in the shower, pampering myself and not casting on until 10:00a. ;) Everyone got up around 9a and we left for Sbux at 10:15a. We stayed there for about 2hrs ~ maximum time allowed in parking space then we went looking for a yarn shop. The GPS directions turned us around, I left the mapquest ones in the room but we found it finally in a little quaint section of downtown Dallas. Shabby Sheep was really nice, we loved it and will definitely visit again. There were yarns from locate spinners that I'd love to have. Above pic of the place ~ very nice right?! After visiting for about an hr everyone was ready to eat so we had lunch at Pot Belly's recommended by our new friends at SS ~ its a sandwich joint and it was good especially the pickles! We returned to the hotel for a break then decided to go find the QT (Quik Trip) and after about 1hr 1/2 we found it (don't ask, just know it wasn't pretty or cool, well maybe the lake we found was pretty ;D) ~ purchased regular priced 32oz drinks (they are .49 at home but .89 here) and gas. We stopped off at Wally World Neighborhood and returned to the a/c'd hotel room. I relaxed while knitting and watching cable til dh mentioned dinner. We all got dressed and left for dinner at 9p. We couldn't decide what to eat and finally ended up at Buffalo Wild Wings were we watched the opening ceremonies of the olympics, the yankees, and tennis ~ all at the same time. We didn't make it to any of the conference mtgs but that was ok since I got to buy some lovely lace yarn in a beautiful red, pics later.

Sat Aug 9th ~ Ripley's Believe or NotSk8Chick and I went to the morning mtg after arranging for late checkout. We then checked out and started our journey back home. We took dh to run an errand then to Wendy's for lunch. After lunch we went back to the nice Sbux in Highland Park and stayed the maximum 2hrs ~ I think thats funny but its a strip mall next to SMU and you'd never be able to park if people stayed too long. Then I found out that the other yarn shop I wanted to see was no longer in busy and found the Woolie Ewe in the phone book. The only problem was they were only open til 4:30p and it was 2:30p and we didn't know where they were. Dh's GPS worked this time and they were 12m from where we were so we hopped in the car at 3:15p and arrived at 3:30p ~ who know it would only take about 10mins (I missed it and had to turn around). It was really a nice store ~ warehouse like. They had yarns I'd wanted to touch and feel for a while plus yarns I only have 1 or 2 balls of but now can get more if I want. It looks as if they have every color of Cascade there is along w/the handpaints ~ I was lovin' this visit. I sat in the floor at the clearance books ~ bought myself several but no yarn. I'll have to return another day when there is more time for that. I became friends w/one of the workers on Ravelry and I will definitely be going back. We left for home at 5p after a quick stop in Albertson's. Dh had to drive most of the way since I started to fall asleep. We stopped off at a roadside fruit stand which had lots of signs pointing them out on the road ~ delicious cantaloupe and peaches. We got peaches and cherries ~ Sk8Chick's fav. Off again and arrived home about 9:45p.

Sun Aug 10th ~ Returned rental car at 8a and returned home for a nap. We went to our sbux later but didn't do much b/c it was still vacation. ;)

Mon & Tues ~ normal days off, started packing for upcoming move, updated ravelry stash after finding yarns I forgot I owned; wind some hanks and label bags and boxes ~ really boring stuff but relaxed nonetheless. End of vacation.

Told you it would be boring but now you know. I think the best part was the decision I made on Friday to allow myself to relax no matter what we did. I am more relaxed and I don't feel the need to be doing something every minute. Though my knitting has turned into a slump ~ frogged that sock I was working on b/c I lost several sts but didn't recover them LOL, life is good and I'm taking control of it. If I had to sum up my vacation I would say:

I needed it more than anyone will ever know ~ I learned to be myself again ~ I learned to drive like a texan ~ I made new friends at lys and sbux ~ I enjoyed my family ~ I'm ready to do it again like next week and just might.

I just started a new One Row scarf using some stash I swiped from my dd ~ she just found it while packing up her room. It will be a nice skinny one for her and maybe she'll give me mine back. Ha...I know I'll never see it again as something for me but I can dream.

Well, I think thats enough rambling from me. I'm off to read others thoughts on life today. Have a wonderful weekend, I will since I don't go back to work until tues and have plans to knit and maybe a road trip ~ I'll keep you posted. Good nite!

Knitting updates

Here are the posts I have on Stashalong about my 2nd quarter goals, 1st quarter update and my April KAL n KAL. It is easier to copy and paste then to type it all again so I combine both posts below. ;D

~ 2nd Quarter Goals ~

Wow ~ it was just yesterday we all began our stashalong commitments for '08 and now we are into the 4 month of the year already. My first quarter goals were not met as I'd like though I did manage to get some things done. I believe that I will need to change my strategy in order to have any true element of success and the first change must be to make a declaration.

"Sock yarn does count as stash ~ well at least for me!"

There, I've said it and I will hold to that for the remainder of the quarter since my stash growth has been due to skeins upon skeins of sock yarn. Oh they are lovely too but they take up a lot of space if you buy them in bulk. LOL What is a girl to do especially with such lovely colors for the season. Well, this girl will be abstaining and enjoy shopping in her own stash for awhile.

Quick review of first quarter goals:

Make 1 pr socks per month ~ completed 4 pr

Make 2 dishcloths per month ~ completed 3

Complete 1 UFO per month ~ completed 1
Something for Me ~ completed 1 item (Aurora)

Hmm....what happen here ~ not much obviously and I definitely hadn't planned for this especially since I've acquired more yarn than I actually used. So I will have to work from a different posture.

Here are my 2nd quarter goals:
1. complete WIPs
~ CPH
~ Monkey socks
~ ISE6 Scarf
~ Not Peds
2. complete UFOs
~ Baby Blanket
~ Country Cousins blanket
~ Baby Kimono
~ Toddler Sweater
~ Surprise Scarf
3. make 1 pr of socks per month
4. make 1 dishcloth per month

*no yarn purchase unless to complete a WIP or UFO; no free days unless earned thru KALnKALs or completion of WIPs & UFOs ~ really no need for purchase but will be an incentive to be done by June trip to North Carolina. You know, in case there is a lovely yarn shop or two on the way ~ I'll be driving from OK. ;D

Now to choose my April KALnKAL project. I've been having a hard time with this one but I may just use something OTNs ~ now that would help motivate me to get it done, right?! We shall see. Happy Knitting!

~ April KALnKAL ~

Loops Spring '08 Yarn Tasting Kit ~ rec'd at LYS party this weekend. ;)

Pattern: Yummy ~ a spring scarf by Shelley Brander

Needles: US 11 circs (I'm a tight knitter LOL)

Yarn: Leona (soft coral), Silken Straw (gold), Flotsam (orange/salmon), Pomaire (mauve), Prima (bright pink), and Jeannee (medium pink)

Its the weekend!

Yeah! party time, well not exactly since I'm very tired. ;D I worked today which was my last day on the sales floor ~ woohoo and afterwards I went to the LYS for some RnR w/yarn. It was a very pleasant outing. I purchased the needed yarn for ISE6 along w/some clearance DB Cotton Cashmere for a baby sweater. I'm excited about the scarf ~ the yarn is soft and yummy. I won't be posting much here since I accidentally gave away my identity to my ISE Pal ~ we were to be secret pals ~ oops that ravelry id and email. LOL I decided that I'll post my progress but the details will remain anonymous til I ship it off. I want it to be a secret of what she will be getting. If I do take a picture it will be a black/white since you all know how I love to take progress pics ~ yeah right! but I'll do it anyway.

This weekend will be fun even if I do work in the morning. We have our yarn party tomorrow night and I may get to go back to the LYS on sunday for more RnR then off to work for the floor change. I will officially be on vacation monday ~ it will be a full day of rest with the remainder of the week dedicated to exams and house cleaning. I must get my act together and make plans for my absence of a month in training. Which means meal plans, lesson plans, schedules and deep cleaning ~ more like spring cleaning and purging ~ and I will need to be rested before starting this new job too.

My hand is healing nicely ~ thank you to those who shared kind words. I'm grateful I didn't need stitches and since giving him the allergy medicine ~ Poochie has been much better. Tonight I even gave him one of his fav treats and meals. He absolutely loves cottage cheese but it became abit expense for the budget and we hadn't given him any in awhile. I'm pleased to report he is currently curled up, contently sleeping. ;D

My knitting is picking up ~ dishcloth almost done and I will work on the peds this weekend along w/casting on the ISE6 scarf. Due to my new job, I may have to step down from playing Sock Wars 3 ~ it may be too stressful w/the store opening the day it begins. I don't want to be assassinated before I even begin knitting. LOL We shall see and I'll keep you posted.

I'm really tired now and I'm typing funny ~ lots of windows keep opening while I type. Must be hitting extra keys or something. Nite!

What a weekend I had

it started with a wonderful yarn tour at my lys. I enjoyed myself and really learned some new things. Ok so I didn't need a yarn tour since I hang out there pretty regularly but it was nice to visit w/the owner and some of the staff while learning about their favs and why certain yarns are stocked. I got some knitting time in too ~ working on a new pair of peds for a friend in a lovely orange colorway. I'm using Drops/Garnstudio Fabel sock yarn and love it very much ~ pics later.

Yesterday, dh, the girls and I took a road trip to OKC so he could visit Bass Pro. Then I was treated to a trip to Gourmet Yarn Shop ~ ooh, I've wanted to go for so long and several of my knitting buddies have been but not me. Well, can't say that anymore. I had such a lovely time roaming the store, talking with knitters then I treated myself to some Regia and also got the needed yarn for the Hot Sox contest. They had a Sock Boot Camp but I was a bit late for it though they still gave me the pattern they were using along with the sock instructions they used from Knitty. I believe they are a Hot Sox Spots' for the contest which means I'll be getting lots of info and support from them during this contest.

The SWTC trunk show was also there and I got to pet and ooh n aah over some lovely tofutsies ~ which is what I purchased and can't wait to get started. I must design a knock out, wow kinda sock using this lovely yarn ~ something I've never done before but there's this little bird's voice in my ear saying "you never know, you'll make a pattern one day when you can't find the one you want." Thx Shelley for the encouragement and I'll be sure to keep you posted. ;D Btw ~ she's Loops (my lys) shop owner, stop by and buy some yummy yarn and tell her I sent ya. Ooh la la ~ I just noticed in the rules that Regia has 4 categories too ~ oh boy I'll need another skein of the lovely yarn I got yesterday. Here's a pic of them both:

We also visited 2 malls in OKC yesterday so that I could checkout their BBWs and the Sephoria's. We will be getting our own Sephoria in May and I may have an opportunity to work there so I wanted to see if it was as I'd remembered it from 6 yrs ago. Nope and I'm not too disappointed but we shall see how ours turns out since we just lost our wonderful store manager to them. ;( I will miss her dearly at BBW but don't begrudge her the decision for a change that will bring her much future success and happiness.

Our new vehicle is a dream to drive but the gas guzzling it does, well that leaves much to be desired. LOL I think I may have to work a few more hours in order to not feel the pinch in the pocket or give up buying yarn. Hmm...thats a really hard decision, maybe I'll just give up swaps instead. ;)

Today has been a full day including working for 3hrs and I'm very tired. Just finished watching "Stranger than Fiction" ~ I liked it. I'll be very busy this week ~ working 6 days total, CM support group mtg and other various mandatory things to do around the house. I am hoping to do the girls hair, get appointments set for eye doctors, balance the checkbook so I can pay some bills, clean the refrigerator and bath the dog (maybe I'll let the kiddos do these 2 for me). Whew ~ so much to do and so little time when I'd rather be reading, writing and knitting. Oh well must move forward and get some pics loaded to flickr and go to bed. Hope you all have a wonderful week ~ talk w/you.

Rest at last

hmm..rest is such a wonderful thing that we definitely take for granted. I will be getting more of it in the next few weeks though I will not actually be able to take 2 wks off from my pt. There have been some major changes at my store and I didn't realize that I was asking to be off during spring break. LOL I will be working and resting because I will be taking time to sit still, sleep more and get more fresh air ~ yes, that means exercise in english. I don't remember the last time I actually took a walk in my neighborhood and its past time.

Its currently snowing and I'm so happy. I love snow and I've been wanting some, even if its a little bit, after hearing about all that has fallen to the north and east of me. I miss being on the east coast, it is beautiful when it snows. ;D Yes, I know they got a lot of snow and that would have been a bother for one reason or another but since I no longer work full-time out of my home, it would have been pure pleasure for me. I enjoy snow days ~ coffee/cocoa, snowball fights, fresh homemade cookies, pots of soup and baked bread, quiet times, music, books, games and now, handcrafts ~ knitting. I love snow though I love autumn/fall more, I am very happy in the winter too. One reason ~ I can breathe easier when its cold. ;D well enough about snow, now to tell you what I've been doing. Nothing!

My knitting won't come together and I really don't care now. I was so stressed and uptight yesterday that I didn't get to enjoy my friends or my lys. Yeah ~ my lys is open on sundays now. Another reason I will be resting more b/c I get to hangout and knit more. ;D Madders #2 are too small so I frogged them. I cast on again for ND #2 but the yarn is now tangled and I can't seem to get it loose. I may have to pull out the other skein if I can't get it straighten out in the morning. I can do this ~ I think I can, I think I can, so I can, right?!

I started a instant gratification project ~ courtside booties, these are crocheted baby socks that look like high top sneakers. I am making them for my little "studmuffin" in black and navy blue. I'll share a pic when they are done. The pattern is found in Crochet Today's issue sept/oct 07. They are soo cute and I can't wait to make him several pairs ~ in red, green, orange and . . . .

I did purchase some lovely new yarn ~ my splurge since I received my refund ~ along with my yarn winder. The only problem with the yarn purchase is, most of it was for other people. I think I got 2 skeins for myself but the rest was either for dh, dc or my swaps. Oh well, that won't hurt my stashalong goals too much since the yarn I purchase for self is sock yarn which doesn't count.

I'm off to finish the 2nd sole of the booties, then off to bed. I will be sitting by the fireside, drinking coffee and crocheting & knitting tomorrow so I may not be around though I need to post on my thoughts on the CMSeries reading. Hmmm...we shall see since tomorrow will be pajama and rest day. I'm declaring a snow day and allowing the kiddos to rest and hang out w/me. Think pancakes will be for breakfast too on my new 4-in-1 grill. Have a wonderful day!

Its been a great day.

I've had a wonderful day ~ I stayed home and enjoyed myself. I was here to listen to my children read and narrate; to knit and read pattern books; to have a lovely roaring fire ~ after collecting the necessary kindling from the yard ;D; to take a long nap; to sit, knit and talk w/friends at the LYS ~ which was the highlight of my day; and to simply relax and be me. It has truly been a great day.

Progress ~ my sock enabling friend at the LYS made me sit down and overcome my second sock syndrome. That madder #2 was taking way too long though most of my time has not been my own. LOL I've only 8 rounds more then start the heel. Yeah! I'm glad to have friends who care about me and my knitting. It was nice to sit and chat w/them along w/making 2 new friends. I can't wait to visit again soon. Maybe not next friday since the concert is that night but tues would be good ~ its sock nite. ;D

I will begin another sock project once I start the heel on the Madder. These are footies for Da Boy. He took the time to pick his yarn today so I will get started so he doesn't have to wait any longer for his socks ~ which he reminds me constantly that he has been waiting. LOL He choose the Opal in a red, yellow, blue and white colorway I had purchased from a destasher on Ravelry. I was planning to make some socks for me but it looks like there will be two prs of footies instead ~ one for him and one for me. ;D

Tomorrow should be quiet too since I usually relax when I work late nights on sunday. However, we have been invited out for adult company w/dinner and we may go ~ Brisket is on the menu. If we go, I will take mash potatoes, salad and french bread. Hmm...this is making me hungry even though I'm very full from my soup and bread dinner. Yes, its cold and I wanted something that would stick to my ribs and didn't have to make it myself. I know it goes against my simpliest, frugal and all that rules but I had so much fun at the yarn shop, I didn't want to come home and cook too. I started the fire again and Da Boy is at the neighbor's. The girls are giggling loudly in Riley's room and dh just finish watching a music show on PBS ~ he is now snoring. I'm relaxing w/the crackle of the fire behind me, the classical radio station, my knitting, glass of ginger ale, some chocolate and blog reading.

Off to knit those 8 rounds ~ have a great knitty nite. ;D

Fun Day!

I had a great day ~ a wonderful way to end the week. Let me back track ;D Yesterday, dh took me to Stonemill BBQ for lunch/dinner thingy and it was great. I had Pulled Pork sandwich w/seasoned fries and cole slaw. We shared an Apple Cobbler w/Vanilla ice cream. Hmm, hmmm good. Score! Then he took me to my LYS for an hour. I didn't buy any yarn but I did get to sit and talk to some of the staff, then I wound several balls of yarn. It was great and then I stayed up til 2a reading blogs and queues on Ravelry.

Today, dh wanted to get out of the house since we had no dc. We went to lunch ~ singapore noodles ~ yummy to my tummy! Then we went to the LYS again. Yes! Several of my friends were there and I sat down for some knitting since the store was really crowded. Lots of people I've never seen before but it was raining outside and there was a sale 25%-50% off. I enjoyed talking to several of my friends especially JanineKnits who help me wind some of my yarn which she's done on more than one occassion. I did buy yarn but it wasn't for me ~ it was for Riley. She wants a Twinkle Twinkle Little Beanie which happen to be on sale for 25% off ~ pattern and yarn (pic below). She is very happy that her mommy bought yarn to make her something. I also signed Sk8Chick and myself up for a yarn party and one of my friends encouraged me to signup for the yarn tour next month too. I'll be very busy but happy. ;D

Oh, before I forget ~ I finished the main part of Aurora last night. I sewed it up on my way to lunch today and here it is. I'll make the flower tomorrow ~ it requires 222 st co and I don't have the energy or patience to do that tonight. ;D

Here are pics of the yarn I wound ~ lovely eye candy for you. Have a great Sunday!

Cherry Tree Hill ~ Martha's Vineyard

Socks that Rock ~ Ruby Slippers

Mountain Colors ~ Crazy Woman

Cascade Sierra ~ Hot Pink

~ Louisa Harding ~

(picture coming soon)

Charming, delightful, creative, lovely and absolutely one of

my new fav people ~ plus you gotta luv that british accent. ;D

Tonight ~ I had the privilege to be one in a room full to meet, hear and talk w/Lousia Harding. She shared her history, her experience and the coming collection with us. It was absolutely wonderful. I now wish to visit England even more so I can see some of the places she mentioned. Her story is incredible ~ one I could totally relate to and enjoyed hearing. I would loved to have done half of what she's done, to meet and work with the people ~ that would've been truly awesome. Well, meeting her and future opportunities to meet others shall be enough for now. So on to the goodies I snagged:

Venezia ~ there are two books in this line but the cover of this one is my fav photo
(the awesome photographer is her dh)

(yarns ~ Castello #2 & Grace #12)

I'm planning to make Aurora using this yarn. I had to substitute "La Salute Quattro" with Castello but I do believe it will be very lovely. I shall cast on tomorrow afternoon its too late now and I'm a bit giddy and watching my bbc comedies. ;D

I also picked up "Enchanted Garden" which is filled w/lovely garments for children. She had all the samples and I can't wait to get started. I've my eye on "Pickles", "Jam Sandwich," and "Duchess." They are all very beautiful and I plan to fill my dds hope chest w/these and the Da Boy ~ well, it will be a baby chest. heehee Yes, I knew I'm planning early for the younger two and I know some of you think the styles may be outdated, I don't think so. They are lovely and almost classic styles. I plan to make Pickles for my little studmuffin (adopted godson/nephew ~ don't ask) and can't wait to see him in it. So I'll be getting some yarn soon.

Well, better go ~ more tomorrow! nite-nite ;D

How about an update....

Oh I'm so tired and boy does my body hurt. I've been working for the past 14 days at the fair and there are 8 days left til opening. Today, I hung over 150 art prints and tomorrow I'll hang about 30 more then move on to the 1500 photos. LOL I'm enjoying my job but my body isn't. I wasn't aware that it was so physically taxing, I probably wouldn't have agreed to do the job. ;D Anywho, I got off work at 7:50p and hit a local LYS to pick up some goodies for my secret pal. I had about 6mins to look around and they had some lovely new stuff. I can't tell you what I got her but its soft and pretty, I hope she likes it. I then went to get us Singapore noodles for dinner as a treat for waiting for me to get off work. They are such troopers. After dinner, I took Sk8chick to Wal-Mart to p/u some personal and now sitting here checking email and writing this post. ;P

Yesterday I was too tired to go to knit nite at Panera's but I did manage to finish off my knitted food item for a swap along w/finishing off a dishcloth. I took a nice hot shower, fixed a cup of lemon honey tea and listen to my audio book ~ Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters. I check emails and stuff, since I'm suppose to be playing dishcloth bingo but overall I had a very relaxing evening and went to bed at 10p.

On the knitting front ~ besides finishing off the above mentioned, I've finished 2 other dishcloths, started one for my fall dishcloth swap, joined 2 swaps - Chocolate Lovers and ISE 5, planned purchases for other swaps and thinking about dropping out of a couple before partners are assigned, started a crocheted washcloth, planned my projects for next year's fair entries and dreamed about knitting. LOL

Well, I'd better go to bed because I'm starting to ramble and I don't know if this is making any sense. I'll check in on ravelry tomorrow and any other blogs I've missed. Talk w/you all soon. Have a great week!

Yarn Shopping

Yes, folks you read that title right. I went yarn shopping today and had a blast. Now before you start reminding me about my Stashalong commitment ~ remember I'm part of at least 4 swaps. ;D I had to p/u some needed yarn to give these nice ladies. I will confess, I found the most beautiful sock yarn but I resisted. I agree with the motto of Loopy Ewe ~ "Sock Yarn doesn't count as stash", but I refrained and stuck to my purpose. I did pickup the Vogue Knitting Winter *(correction) 06/07 magazine for half off. Here is a pic of that lovely sock yarn ~ its Jitterbug Mardi Gras #155

The LYS I visited was having a birthday sale this week. They had some lovelies on sale too ~ definitely need to finish off 2 projects by monday to take advantage of the 30% off. Though I didn't get any yarn for myself, I picked up some goodies for my SP10, our NSPals and for CrochetSwap pal. I plan to go back on Mon to checkout some stuff I didn't have time to visit with today. I'd love to share pics but you will have to wait until after both of the secret swaps are over. Sorry ;(, I don't want them to accidentally find me and know who I am by what I sent. I know you understand, cause you loves me. ;D I also visited Michaels and picked up some needles for another swap using my 40% coupon ~ Woohoo!

Other things going on here:

I'm trying to make stitch markers for another swap. This is slow work. It looks so easy but for some reason its not working out to be so easy, at least for me. I will persevere and get these markers ready and outa here. Once I get the package ready, I'll post a pic ~ I can post the CrochetSwap b/c its not a secret.

I've agreed to help w/making 7x9 squares for the Warm Up America project. I've managed to complete 3 squares w/3 more in progress. Of the first 3, 2 are crochet and 1 knit. The others are 2 knit and 1 crochet. Crochet is so much faster for me but I want to get my knitting skills and speed up, so I've got 2 OTNs. So far, I think I've only used about 2 oz of odd ball yarn. Not much but something in my book. I'll post pics before sending them out.

Well, I'd better be going ~ need to get a few packages put together to go to the PO on Tues. Lots of goodies being mailed out.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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!

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!

It is done

I finished the bath mat today. It was nice to hold the finished project in my hand and know that I made something nice for my home. I don't remember the last time I made something for my home by hand. Its been a while. This was a one skein project but, as you will see in the final pic below, it didn't use the entire 16oz cone. I have enough left for at least 1 washcloth or 2 bath mitts. I'll let you know which I decide.

Here is the 1/2 way mark pic followed by the final:

I also completed 2 ecru washclothes too. I worked these in between working on the mat because I wanted to have completed something this weekend. Then I started my garterlac dishclothes. Boy, these are very easy but you must be a good knitter because the instructions, no offence to Dave, assume you really know knitting terminology and have done similar knitting before. I was able to get starting help from my LYS friend but I failed to let her walk me through the entire pattern so I had a lot of ripping out of stitches this weekend before I actually got the hang of it. Now that I have memorized the basic pattern to create the cloth, I am really enjoying making them. It will take me a bit to finish the first one but I am confident that I will be able to whip them up in half the time next time. Here are my clothes, the first is the beginning of the garterlac and the other is simple crochet ones:

My First Free Day

Well, as you may recall, friday was my first free day during SAL. It was a lot of fun. I visited several online stores but I didn't purchase anything. I may in the future but I opted to pickup some yarn from my new fav LYS and at Walmart.

This LYS hosts a pot luck and it was fabulous. The girls tagged along, the oldest dd made homemade cupcakes then we picked up some chicken. It was a wonderfully quiet evening at the shop. The girls and I made new friends, learned some new stitches, loved the yarn and we did buy some. I even picked up a couple of skeins for my secret pal gift. No peeking ~ you will only see what I bought for my own stash enhancement and for gifting.

Red Heart Pumpkin ~ will be used to make a couple of OSU hats for my men :D

Peaches & Creme ~ will be used for home items: the large spool is for a bath mat, and the small skeins will be for making washclothes in solid colors, and dishclothes in varigated. I am hoping to use the Garterlac pattern for dishclothes. I will be using the One Skein book for the bath mat (p75).

Bernat White cotton ~ will also be used to make a bath mat but I don't think I'm making it. Sk8rChick has asked to make one so she may use that.

Debbie Bliss ~ not sure what I will do with these yet, but they are ooh so soft in lavendar and cream ~ cashmerino chunky. It will be something for myself, I think but not sure what since this is all I could find at the LYS. I may search online for more.

Here is the last one ~ its a deep purple that doesn't photograph well but hopefully you can see how rich and beautiful this hank is. I loved it the first time I saw it 2wks ago and was so happy to see it still there when I came back. I am still uncertain what I will make with it though. Any suggestions? Its Cascade Yarns "Sierra" ~ Pima Cotton and Wool (80%/20%).

I have depleted my stash by 3oz today making 2 10x10 squares for the Country Cousins Blanket. Yeah! Its a Lion Brand pattern you can see here. You must be a member to actually access the pattern but thats no big deal its worth the effort with all thats available when you do. I'll post pics of the project as I get further along. It requires 9 total squares, so I've got about 7 to go but they work up fairly quickly and will help to deplete my stash by another 9oz before I will need to purchase more yarn to finish it off. I am also planning to use some other yarn I've got to make another one and that would help to reduce the stash by at least 10oz more. Now I will need to figure what this actually totals in grams since most projects, and people I talk to, consider that more than ozs. I've always done ounces so I'm learning something new and my dc are practicing metrics in the process.

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

Its the Weekend!

Well, I’m ready but I’m more ready for what today will bring. I am planning on visiting a couple LYS in person and online. I may purchase a skein or two but really I need to get some more needles. I’m may just head on over to Walmart and pickup some trusty aluminum. However, Sk8rChick now only likes bamboo after buying that awesome set of dpn’s. Oh the joy of finding something you like. ;D I may get her pair in 7s but she really wants this beautiful yarn and her guitar strings. Decisions, decisions ~ she’ll have til about 9p tonight to decide or else I’ll have to decide for her. I’m not sure if buying yarn for my dc and secret pal will count as a strike for me so I’ll use my today to purchase some for them if not myself that way I’ll not get a strike. I don’t want one, I’m enjoying coming up with ideas to use what I currently have on hand. It amazes me how I managed to stock up on yarn. I usually buy just enough for a project I’ve decided on, finish it and thats that. There may be some leftover but one of the dc usually grabbed that. So when we found all this yarn in our house, and there is more ~ I realized that I had 2 of some balls but can’t find them at the moment, I wasn’t to incline to go out and buy anymore. I love the beautiful colors and textures I have now been exposed to but not enough to risk a strike, mess up my budget or to create more stash to figure out how to get rid of. I’ve got plenty to keep me busy for a while. I did need some skeins of current colors to finish up projects but have since found they are no longer available. So these remnants will work great with the ripple along blanket I’m doing.

Off to plan my day. Talk w/you later.