~ My new project ~

My lovely OSU yarn ~ ready for my scarf...woohoo! Been too long not knitting. Time to let my creativity have its way and my mind to enjoy a good book. Aahh, I do love winter time just as much as fall for these simple pleasures.

~ 3rd Quarter Goals ~

Wow ~ 3rd quarter already. Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?! I must admit I am having fun especially when I look at my progress over the past 6mos. Shall we take a look together. (I know I did a 2nd qtr update but I want to look at all FOs for the year thus far.)

Progress as of 6/30/08:
1. complete WIPs (1 done)
2. complete UFOs
3. make 1 pr of socks per month (7 pr done)
4. make 1 dishcloth per month (5 done)
5. extras (2 done)

15 total items completed in 6mos plus 1 square for a UFO. Not too bad, huh?!

3rd quarter goals:

1. complete all WIPs ~ currently 2
2. complete 3 UFOs
3. make 3 pr of socks
4. make 3 dishcloths
5. extras ~ KalnKals or mystery kals

yarn purchases ~ 1 free per month allowed.

July's plans:
1. complete all WIPs
~ CPH (1/3 done)
~ B2S vest
2. complete 1 UFO
~ Color Play vest
3. make 1 pr of socks
~ Secret peds
4. make 1 dishcloth
~ dishcloth kal
5. extras
~ casablanca shawl

I believe these are very doable and I'll have fun. More details to come ~ yarn, pattern, etc.

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)

Socks & more on the horizon

yep ~ more socks. I'm enjoying this very much. Didn't know I would like making socks but I do. Yesterday, I started my Garter Bars by Sockbug and I'm really liking them though I've only finished the ribbing and have just started the leg rounds. I'm looking forward to these and will also get dh's argyles back OTNs hopefully today.

Over at stashalong we are starting another kal n kal. This month's theme is "finishing" and thats very timely at least for me. I've got several things I'd like to finish but I will focus on the frozen lake shawl. Its really an easy pattern and I know I can do it but I've set aside and forgotten about it. I think I'll have to allot time for each project, you know like we do for our reading or school classes. In this way, I should be able to work on each project a little at a time. Hmm, really will need to plan this one so that the CPVest, which is abit big to carry around, will not be neglected either. I've slowed down on my knitting since I pulled a muscle in my upper back. I've worked a few rows a day though so that I don't lose too much momentum on getting it done. I've started the 2 set of color changes for the back and I'm pleased with that.

My garter bar socks are for my Aug-Sept challenge for the Sock Knitter Anonymous group. I'm excited because these will be my first full length, almost full length ~ I prefer calf, adult socks. I wanted to join the monkey sock swap but failed to send my email ~ its still in my draft queue. LOL I will be updating my sidebar w/more buttons and a FO section but for now have been striking thru my WIPs. ;D

I received my Summer Yard Sale swap package from Sharon. Its too cool.

~ calligraphy pen set
~ calendar notepad
~ 2 spiced wax tarts
~ 2 Caron patterns (shrug and wrap)
~ 4 skeins of Caron's Simply Soft Shadow
~ Country Home & Garden tote
~ 1 Green/blue/yellow/beige sweater for recycling*
*however, Riley wants to keep it.

Thx a bunch Sharon ~ I love my package.

Off to work on homeschool stuff, book study stuff, birthday presents, more knitting and stuff.

Have a wonderful Labor Day!

Updating....

I'm still abit tired but must update w/pics for the One Skein challenge. I haven't forgotten you guys on the PGA highlights, they are coming. But w/o further ado here are my progress pics and additions:

Louet Linen ~ washcloth & knitted puffy ~ have about 1/4 left and working on a soap sack

New Skeins ~ PnC & SnC cotton

FOs ~ Dishcloths in PnC Pink Lilacs

KPs Shimmer ~ Frozen Lake Shawl ~ had to frog today b/c lost several rows then the yarn knotted on itself. Almost back where I was in an afternoon. ;D

More info and pics later this weekend. Now off to watch football w/dh. Have a great evening!

ps ~ sorry pics aren't as nice and bright as I'd like, me thinks its time for new camera. I'll try to take them over tomorrow when the sun's out. LOL

Fun things....

Hello all ~ thought you'd like to know what else I got in the mail recently. Nope, its not yarn. ;D I received 2 more packages this week actually that I failed to mention. One was from my dishcloth swap and the other was from P&G. Yelp! my sampler package came in and I'm so happy. It has lovely goodies and coupons to boot.

I received a package of mini pringles, package of pringles select ~ sundried tomato, and a sample of pantene's shampoo for color treated hair. I thought it would be fun to try something new so I ordered this little sampler 4 wks ago. I'm sorry I can't tell you to run over and get yours because its over. But you can still sign up for free stuff at P&G, just go to their main website ~ www.pg.com/us and have fun. I signed up for the emails which is how I got this lovely little package.

Here is the Dishcloth Addicts Swap 2 package ~ mailing labels for me, 2 cloth patterns ~ apple & swan, a foohy pen and 2 dishcloths. Absolutely lovely, Thx Lynn.

Now back to the regularly scheduled broadcast...hmm I think I forgot where I was. Anywho here are the skeins I've chosen for the August KnK. I'm ready. Keep your fingers crossed that I finish lots of one skein projects.

Louet Euroflax Linen ~ Red & KnitPics Shimmer ~ Happy Dance (btw, both of these are gifts from No Sheep & Knitter's Coffee Swaps)

I leave you with this ~ Have a great evening!

One Skein Challenge

Are you ready?! Well, I’m getting there and I’m excited too. Our new KAL in a KAL is a One Skein Challenge with a twist. In order to win this month, you have to be the one to make the most one skein projects. Sounds easy right, but you only have 3 wks to get it done. Why you say? Because we aren’t getting started this week but next week and posting each week thereafter. Now did she make this one a true challenge or what. I’m up for it though and I even gotten some help from my friends. I was at our weekly knitting group mtg last night ~ Hi K-Bober’s ~ and I asked some of them for their opinion as I looked through the One Skein and One Skein Wonder books. I’m looking forward to making a few things that are not dishcloths. LOL It should be lots of fun to see which of us wins. I will be posting my yarn pics after I finish going thru the stash. Yes, you read that right ~ going thru the stash ~ this is Stashalong remember, no new yarn for this baby. ;) Plus if I get rid of stash by making gifts then I can buy more stash, right?!

I also received some help with my lace shawl and I started on it today. I am a bit concerned with the yarn because its so tiny and woolly ~ meaning its picks, but I love the way the pattern is turning out. I’m 3 rows from starting the actual lace pattern and I can’t wait. I had to switch stitch markers 3x because my metal ones were picking the fiber. Sk8Chick loan me one of her plastic ones and I will have to add some of these to my collection though I believe I received some in a swap but don’t know where I put them. LOL

Speaking of don’t know where I put things, I’ve been cleaning up around here and it feels good to find things you thought you lost or didn’t even know you owned. I’ve been working in the master bedroom because that’s where I store my stash. ;D Its coming along very nicely too. I’ve managed to sort all the yarn and place them in an order that will work well for now. I’ve got all the speciality, gift/present and sock yarn in one tote ~ all the yarns are in bags within the tote to protect them. I’ve placed all the acrylic and fun yarns in another and I had to put the cotton and baby yarns in separate boxes. I still have to figure out what to do with the frog pond bags and old ufo’s ~ they are not as many as they once were but still a bag of each is too much. I may box them up since I’m packing for our move. This will help with the main packing too because everything will already have been packed. ;D

Today, I will work on the books in my room ~ so many books, not enough space. We love books so there are books in every nook and cranny of our home and garage. I will be selling some of these books soon to make more room for us and more books. LOL I’ve some books for the sole purpose of selling and some for sell because we have finished with them or have multiple copies. I’m planning to get this all done so we can get back to school but the move and the upcoming fair will probably delay that some more. I’m not concerned, I’ve laid these cares at the feet of my Lord who has given me peace about it all. I was really stressing about not having a sparkling clean house, orderly kiddos and dog, doing summer school promptly at 9a and being all that I can be! This morning’s devotional and time spent outside pondering ~ I realized that I was doing what I was suppose to do and that the rest will take care of itself or be done in due time. I need to relax more and not be such a type A individual about everything. I’m not getting any younger and I’m not helping my life to be longer by worrying. So, it will all get done when needed, I will be at peace and knitting/crocheting to my heart’s content. I really am more content since I relaxed and began enjoying my life again. I thank my renewed passion in crafts for that and of course, my new friends ~ locally and in the blog-o-sphere. You guys are awesome.

Talk w/you all again soon.

~ at the homestead ~

sounds ~ Handel’s Water Music & Audio book ~ Fullcupboard of Life
smells ~ Spiced Cider wallflower
dinner ~ tuna and rice w/veggies homemade biscuits & hash browns ~ courtesy of the girls ;D
doing ~ playing yarn bingo, making a dishtowel and planning
thoughts ~ peaceful

Life on the treadmill

Whew! I'm glad this week is almost over. It has been very tiring driving so much, but I shall not complain because I was able to drive. ;D I've managed to finish my goals for the Stashalong's KAL n KAL. Yeah me! I even received a request for a personal cloth and for cloths to purchase. Now I'll have to find a pattern that will allow me to sell the finished product or just make up one. Now that might be fun.

The girls and I went to Starbucks this evening to experience the Coffee Session but that didn't happen. We didn't get the right info and didn't know that we were suppose to sit on a particular side of the cafe' so we missed out though we were just across the room. Well, we decided not to barge in and listened, played mexican train and knitted. It really was a disappointing evening when I could have spent time at both my lys. Oh well, tomorrow I will be hanging out at my fav lys and meeting a new friend, hopefully. ;D

I will update the pics later of my finished cloths ~ need to crop them but can't do it while on the net, you know that slow computer processor issue. LOL I made 2 washcloths yesterday, crocheted for my dc ~ one was the special requested I mentioned. While the Da Boy and I was waiting for the eye doctor he told me how much he liked his handmade washcloth over Walmarts but he needed a new one so that he wouldn't wear out his current one. So, I used my superpowers and wiped up a new cloth in LB's cotton. Its navy and very soft. I made another later in blue/white LB cotton. They are both lovely and I will be making more over the weekend since they are so easy ~ about 1 1/2 hr of my time quietly making something for someone else. ;D

I'm going now, need to get some more emails read and replied too before going to bed ~ rise and shine at 4:30a. At least, I'll have about an hour of quiet time over coffee and my yarn. Have a great day!

ps ~ fellow swap recipients, be on the lookout ~ you're packages are on the move.

Whirlwind....

thats the best way to describe the past week and half. I have been knitting as I've been chauffeuring my family around town. I didn't realize how tired you could get from driving, waiting and driving some more in the heat. I've made great use of the time by making dishcloths and washcloths, reading patterns, listening to audio books and simply working to relax. There isn't much done at home but that will have to wait til we have our own car again, but I've managed to stay in budget again this week for groceries and make dinner each night except today. I didn't make dinner today because I was at a concert ~ Todd Agnew performed for free tonight at our new Riverpark. He sounded great and the storm passed quickly and didn't ruin the evening.

I've not had a chance to update my blogs but I've been thinking about all of you. I've even received several packages in the meantime and I've sent out several of them myself. I've been slow in getting them out because I've spent so much time driving instead of packing up boxes. I hope they all forgive me, I didn't mean to be late. ;D

Here are my progress pics for the July KAL

Stats ~ 6 dishcloths 4 done/3 WIPs; 4 washcloths 2 done/1 WIP

*the tan and white washcloth was crocheted during a 2hr trip to Bass Pro ;D



(ugly dishcloth exchange)












*I've run out of yarn for this one ;(

Swap packages: I Love Sock Yarn ~ from Else in Norway
(new pics tomorrow that are brighter)
beautiful postcard with a seagull in flight
2 skeins of Garnstudio's Fabel superwash
2 skeins of Safirgarn
5 packets of tea ~ Pompadour apple & fruit, Houji tea, Sogni d'oro camomilla, Teefix and Pickwick strawberry

Chapstick/Lip Balm ~ from PA
Bon Bon's Pink Lemonade & Root Beer Float
Avon's Jelly Beans & Winter Cherry

June Tote bag
3 skeins of Natural LB cotton
G Hook & yarn needles
I'll post the actual bag I'm making later along w/the rest of the package.

Gotta go now ~ more later in the week. Have a great week!

Getting some knitting done ;D

(Not Peds ~ Done)

Making progress on the KAL n KAL and I'm very happy about that. This week has flown by and left not much time for blogging. The computer is still slow but I managed to get on today. I will be at work most of the day, trying to sleep and driving alot tomorrow and dentist on tues. ;D I thought I'd update quickly so that I can get credit for my progress. I also received my Magic Yarn ball ~ thank you my angel, KnitterCritter. Have a wonderful Sunday!

July KAL progress photos:

1 finished dc

2 half done dcs

1 half done wc

~ Magic Yarn ball ~

Whats up?!

man, do you ever have trouble coming up with titles? I'm going to have to get real creative in this area and soon. However, there are some new things happening around our homestead. I have started the washclothes I'm doing for the troops and I'm learning a few new things. I've got a couple of WIPs now and thats a good thing b/c the needles could get lonely.

As several swaps have come to an end as well as the SP10, which I'm going to miss, I've decided to join a couple of swaps. Yes, I know I said I was going to stop swapping for awhile but I had joined 2 of them prior to that decision and recently found a few really cool ones over on Swap Bot that I wanted to be apart of. I hope my SP10 spoilee likes her final package. Hmm, I wonder if she ever figured out who I was from my clues.

Below are the plans, progress report and WIPs for July:

SAL Progress As of today:
1. Baby Kimino done
2. No Sweat Socks Not Pedestrian Peds ~ working foot section of 2nd footie
3. Wristlets Two Tone Socks ~ 2nd pair done

4. SS ~ Baby Socks from Simply Baby book done
5. SS ~ 4 Dishcloths done
*photos later ~ July 15 is my goal finish date and I'm right on schedule though losing my sock for 3 weeks didn't help. I think I'd finish by now if I hadn't. Oh well, at least I have it now and its almost done. Yippee!

SAL July KAL n KAL

(various colors in LB and SnC cottons)

My goals for this round:
6 dishcloths
4 washcloths
* the washclothes are for a charity project/the dishclothes ~ 2 for swaps and the others for christmas presents

Now I know this doesn't seem like much but given that July will be a bit busy for me, I'm staying conservative on my goals. Plus I've got some plans for knitting myself something special too. That is after those peds are done. ;D

Swaps
~ Crochetalcoholic June: Tote/Beach Bag ~ purchased everything, need to pickup candy and will send off tomorrow. ;D
~ Yarn Addicts: Pink ~ purchased yarn; awaiting partner
~ I Love Sock Yarn ~ purchased yarn; awaiting partner
~ Dishcloth Addicts III ~ 2 clothes part of the above, have other items in stash and
will print patterns; awaiting partners
~ Chapstick/Lip Balm ~ have lip balm; awaiting partners
~ Tea Swap ~ purchased a really nice tea cup and saucer, need to gather tea and goodies; awaiting partner

WIPs
~ not peds ~ 2nd footie
~ window pane washcloth in blue/white cotton
~ fetching wristlets
~ 2 dishclothes: yellow and shades of blue cotton
total of 5 items

Time to get back to knitting and drinking splendid West Coast coffee "Merlot" ~ absolutely divine. You might need to get yourself some. Yes, do get some and you won't regret it, I promise. ;D

ps ~ Robin, thx for sharing your iced tea favs. I'm adding them to our list to try next week.

Once was lost and now....

has been found. Yes, folks the missing sock and project bag has been located. Now the funny thing is ~ how did it get in the completed basket?! Don't know but glad I was looking for some finished charity projects to mailout when I found it. Yeah! So now I can get the first finished and start the second. So for my SAL update: I only have one project left from the original and thats these here socks ~ "No Peds". Thats a nice feeling.

Btw, I finished the 2nd pair of Two needle socks which also completed my comparing project. The new socks are much smaller (pic later) than the first pair though I used the same pattern size, same needles but used the recommended yarn. What a difference it made. Though they are both nice socks, I will take care to read my labels more carefully so that I don't have these surprises in the future. I hope I can find some lovely toddler who will take these socks ~ b/c they are definitely too big for any of the newborns. ;D

I'll update tomorrow with pics and the new WIP count ~ found some stuff I had laid aside, not much but worth mentioning and maybe done by then too.

Have a great evening.

I'm back, did ya miss me......

Whew! it was a very long trip but so worth it. I didn't manage to do much knitting but thats okay. I did manage to interest others in knitting, meet someone whose husband makes craft items from wood ~ dpn plans in the works and talk to some about knitting mysteries. ;D I hope everyone has been doing well in my absence. My family missed me and that was really nice. Riley let me know just how much when I announced that I'd fix dinner for today. Her response "Yeah! she's cooking dinner." In my absence, dad did his best but he didn't go shopping for groceries or cook dinner. I thought she'd like the treat of eating out but she'd preferred to eat at home. That was a lovely compliment, I think. :D

Here is the progress report I shared on SAL ~ didn't want to retype or have to rethink what I wanted to tell you. :D

I've been doing very well, if I say so myself. I've just returned from my trip and I am happy to report ~ I didn't purchase any yarn nor did I visit any yarn shops. I did want to visit some but time never presented itself so I didn't. My daughter and I drove to Boiling Springs, NC last wed morning (1a) and arrived about 6p for me to attend a conference. We were hoping to drive to Charlotte to checkout a few yarn shops but that didn't happen so we are planning another road trip. It was good thing too since I haven't finished my 5th item in order to purchase yarn and I would have probably ended up with a strike.

Although, I didn't get a strike, I've unfortunately managed to strike out on the Kal n a Kal for not posting. ;( Sorry, as I mentioned in my Jun 1st post ~ I wasn't near any computers the entire 5 days I was gone. It was a blessing and now could be consider a possible curse. LOL Anyway, congrats to those of you who finished. Thats great and I'm excited to see who else finishes.

Regarding progress on my goals ~ there is only my No Peds that were left from my list to complete. However, I've got bad news ~ I've lost my sock. Yes, you read that right. I lost the whole project bag. I've no idea what I've done with it ~ I can vision it in my mind's eye but haven't got a clue to where it is. LOL I am hoping to find it soon b/c I was at the toe shaping then ready to start the 2nd sock. Hmm, maybe it'll turn up later today when I cleanup. Since I can't find it, I've started the following:
1. dishcloth for a swap partner
2. dishcloth using King Tut cotton yarn from a recent swap
3. another pair of Two Needle Socks ~ almost done too ;D

Off to find the lost knitting bag, cleanup the computer table and get dinner ready. Talk with you all later ~ will be updating with pics from my recent packages. Lovely things sent to me in the mail.

My KAL w/i a KAL

Over at SAL we are doing a KAL w/i a KAL and for the month of June we are committing to finish selected WIPs/UFOs. I've selected 2 of mine, the white baby kimono and the fingerless wristlets. I must get the wristlets done to be mailed out for my charity challenge and I've only got this month left. Where did the time go anyway?! Oh well, no need to complain, I just need to get busy.

Well, the camera is not working wonderfully at the moment so please bear w/the pics ~ they are a bit dark and blurry. Hmm, wonder if its really me.....nay, its the camera. *I'll retake them in the morning light, promise. ;D

Baby Kimono

LB Microspun ~ lily white

Size 6s

(right sleeve and front to knit then seam)

Fingerless Wristlets
LB Woolease ~ variegated blue/green

Size 10s

(originally started then frogged to stitch holder)

Off to get started. ;D

WIPs/FOs ~ camera is working ;D

Okay, since blogger is being tempermental (I lost my last post) I'm going to keep this short, well kinda. Here are some overdue pics of WIPs/FOs and an update for SAL. Enjoy!

(Charity Hat #1)

(May KAL dishcloth ~ Daffodils)





(closeups)

(April KAL dishcloth ~ 3 crosses)

(closeup)


(Apr Mid-Month KAL dishclothes)









(my first baby sock ~ the one w/missing rows ;D)

(my first pair of baby socks)

(my 1st footie just for me)

SAL update:
1. Baby Kimino done (still need to block then photo)
2. No Sweat Socks No Pedestrian Peds (see above pic)
3. Wristlets ~ had to frog and change needles (plan to cast on this week)
4. SS ~ Baby Socks from Simply Baby book done
5. SS ~ 2 Dishclothes from MDKAL done (see above pic - may)

OTNs ~ previously mentioned WIPs:
1. Baby Kimono ~ #2 70% done frogged right sleeve
2. Dishclothes ~ monthly mid-month project done (see above april pic)

I don't have much on the needles, only 3 projects and I am planning to add about 3 more. More dishclothes, socks for hubby and my No Sheep ~ Tuscany. Hmm, I'll be a bit busy. ;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

~ 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.

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!

Knitting Dilemma

Now that I have finished my first SAL, I'd like to begin a new one but I have a bit of a dilemma. It all started yesterday when I found the Webs site. They have lovely yarns on closeout and I can't make up my mind which ones I'd like. Well, maybe this really began back when I received my email from Elann with their sales yarn. Hmm, or it could have started with the KnitPicks one. Either way, my dilemma is this ~ I don't know how much yarn to buy. I have a little moola that I can spend on yarn but I don't know what to buy. I have picked various textures ~ no problem; I've selected various colors ~ no problem; but I can't seem to get the quantity down. I do realize that if I want to make Tuscanny from No Sheep for You ~ it will require about 3-6 skeins (depending on which yarn I get).

You see, I've recently learned that I enjoy making things for babies and I think in terms of what I could make for one. If I don't think specific project for a baby then I just purchase yarn to make requested items for family and friends. I've never actually made anything for myself other than a scarf. Now this should be an easy dilemma to solve, right?! Especially since I am in a few KALs but its not. I am a little intimidated by some of the projects, you know I'm new to all this and the other thing is "do I really want to make that" syndrome has been sharing space in my head.

Ok, so if you have any suggestions for me, I am totally open. I've at least managed to figure out that I should buy each skein in quantities of two, that way I can either make a scarf, a hat or socks. Maybe not much else but it won't go to waste. Also if its wool or acrylic ~ I can make dish and wash clothes or even something for a baby. LOL

So, suggestions please. Btw, which stitch markers do you like best? I don't have any of these.

Have a great day!

Knitting along...

Haven't said much in a week, but progress has been made. I have finished my first SAL goal ~ Yeah! Though I earned a strike at the end ~ boo ;( However, it was well earned. ;D

I will upload pics as soon as we can get the camera working or I buy a new one, which I think might be the best option. The CAS Seaman scarf that I was doing is done but it doesn't look quite right. I am hoping that when I upload the pic some of you more experienced knitters can help me out, then I can make a new one. I also finished the red/silver scarf which I named the skein of yarn from hell. LOL

I've started a child's sweater using some of my daughter's stash ~ its Red Heart Sherbet we got on clearance. Oh speaking of clearance, the items that earned me a strike were all clearance items. I picked up several skeins for my dc and secret pal but couldn't resist getting some of it for myself. Namely ~ Lion Brand Wool Ease for $.73 to $1.78, totally a bargain. Some of it will make socks, some will make scarfs and I will be able to pickup more of one to make a sweater or shawl. Not sure which yet but the most I spent for one skein on clearance was $1.78 and the least was $.47 ~ Red Heart, TLC, Caron and Lion Brand. Now tell me, would you have passed up this deal?! It was fun and my dh tried to help me out. He offered to purchase 2 skeins of the LB Wool Ease so that I wouldn't get a strike but I wanted all 7 skein. Oh well, he tried but I said "it was just to good of a deal to pass up." I wrote more here. I will be starting a new SAL goal soon, once I decide which option to do next.

The past week has been very busy around my house. My dd's have been teaching the neighborhood children how to knit and I think have started a little knitting group of their own. I went to my fav LYS and the owner showed me how to use a swift and winder ~ totally cool. I was thinking about getting one but I think it would be more fun to visit w/her and use hers. ;D I ordered my subscription to Interweave Knits and joined several kals too, including one for IK. I've fallen in love w/Debbie Bliss' work and hope to acquire a couple of her books. I picked up over 30 books from the library but am lovin' learning the patterns in DB's books. I've confirmed that I love making baby things more than anything. I may occasionally branch out to other things ~ especially my dishclothes but baby things call my heart and they are quick too.

Well, I'll leave you with some thoughts I found in the Mason-Dixon Knitting book, p17. I am enjoying reading this one too. I'll type up a list of the books I have reviewed later in the week. Have an awesome day!

~ Great things you will do ~

knit far into the night

wake up and start knitting before you've had any coffee

buy more yarn before you have finished your first project

buy a pattern book

Google "yarn"

finish something and feel like you've reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

~ I agree with each and every one of them because I've done it. ;D