Simple Stress Relief

Its been a great day already. Though I awoke much later than I'd like, I'm doing wonderful. Had the greatest feeling as I held a ball of cotton yarn. Aahhh, what a lovely stress reliever. Me thinks I need to make a dishcloth today.

Tomorrow is "I love yarn day" so I plan to spend my free time touching, holding, and knitting some lovely yarn. What are you doing to celebrate this glorious day?

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.

I've got a confession...

Are you ready for this admission? Are you sure? Because if you're not sure ~ you may be disappointed. Ok, I'll take your word for it and I'll tell you but you promise not to condemn me or send me to the looney farm? I'm holding you to this ~ you do keep your word and I'm trusting you with my secrets. ;D Ok ~ I'm ready to tell you.....

"I'm addicted to sock yarn."

Phew, now its out and you all know my weakness. I'm suppose to feel better but for some reason I feel like laughing out loud. ;D I know its ridiculous and some of you really thought I'd something serious to tell you. Most of you know of my addiction, especially when I tell you that "sock yarn doesn't count as stash." However, I think I'll have to add it to the no purchase category in order to control myself. ;D I love the stuff and when you can get it for under 5 bucks and make a pr of footies, well need I say anymore. I really need to get a better grip and start spending more time doing something else but I don't seem to know what yet. When I start reading ~ I collect books; when I start cross-stitch ~ I collect needles, patterns and thread; when I sew ~ I collect patterns, fabric and misc stuff ;D so what is a girl to do. heehee btw ~ nature walks won't work either I collect bird watching books and other necessary things but I will admit it would get me out of the house more. hmm....I think I need to break out the new books, the binoculars and sketchpad tomorrow. Yes, I think I will ~ this should give me the pick me up I need (thx for being a sounding board).

I thought I'd share this very humorous post since I've been feeling blah lately. I've a very intelligent post to share but that will be tomorrow. I'm off to bed. Nite!

Here's a pic of the new additions ~ Enjoy!

~ oops this pic is gift knitting from the clearance rack at the lys ~

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!

~ Vegan Pal 2 Contest #1 ~ pt 2

~ Yarn Review ~

Louet Euroflax
Sport Wt.
2.75-3.5 mm needles (2-4 US)
6 sts per inch
1300 yds/lb
100% Wet Spun Linen

~ I've never used linen before and was looking forward to it. I received this yarn as a gift in a No Sheep Swap and in my favorite color. After using it, I wouldn't say it is my favorite vegan yarn but I do love the finished product. The knitted items are very soft and squishy. Working with the yarn takes some getting use to. It is a single ply yarn which I wasn't aware of until after struggling w/it for about a week. After getting some input from some other knitters discovered that what I was experiencing with the yarn was typical and this made it a much better knit. The yarn is uneven ~ it can be thin then thick then thin again. It is abit pricy at about $19 a skein. The linen will make lovely garments but I think I'd rather sew with linen than knit with it. I'm not sure if I will be using it again anytime soon but would love to see my friend's curtains once he has been able to acquire the needed skeins to make them. The cost is delaying his project too.

Swapping Fun Updates

~ Summertime Blues Dishcloth Swap ~

~ FOs ~ Dishclothes ~

~ Dishcloth Addicts IV - 2nd package ~

~ June Tote Swap Goodies ~

~ my beach towel w/lovely orchids ~

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!

Computer Woes!

I've been offline for need rest but mainly because it has been frustrating to use our computer at home. I am now considering my options for internet use but don't really want to burden the family income nor have to work more hours than I already do a week. Its not a very easy option for a mom who wants and needs to be home to have the luxuries of working from home with out some sacrifices. I'm resigned to not working full time until both kiddos graduate but this computer thing....I'm thinking its time for change. I've weighed my options, I could either spend about $3 in gas money to go to the library daily ($90 mo) or switch phone service that would give me DSL, phone & cable for about $100. I'd actually save $$ since I would no longer have the dial up fees or the phone bill. Hmm, definitely something to think and pray about. ;D

I've been doing some homemaking in my online silence. We celebrated the 4th together at our house again this year. I actually worked at the store for 3 hrs, this was the first time I've ever worked the holiday and it will be the last. Didn't like it but I could just be spoiled. LOL We had burgers, grilled chicken, baked beans, salad and chips. It was great. We had ice cream sodas for dessert, which are yummy. On the 3rd, I made homemade spaghetti sauce and for dinner we had spaghetti casserole which is a fav around here. I have sauce for about 2 additional meals and its almost time to go shopping again. I really did it ~ I stuck to my budget, I planned a few meals (yes, you read that right) and I managed to still have food left before going shopping again. Its a good thing too since the budget is a bit tight for the 1st of the month. I'm still in shock at the price of milk ~ $3.75 at Walmart, just totally unbelievable. I don't get it ~ everything is going up except the wages. Thats another story and I don't feel like gripping at the moment, so on to more pleasant things.

Knitting ~ I finished my footies. I've got them on now, yeah me! There would be a pic but its abit dark in the house and outside for that matter with the recent storms. We haven't had any flooding in my area but its not been a good time for most of the state. I've been praying the rain to those states that need it with the fires and that we don't have fire issues in Aug when it gets really dry.

I've been working on my dishcloths (3 WIPs) and washcloths (1 WIP) too. I'm half way thru the 3 dishcloths which is really good since the partners will be issued tomorrow and I'd like to put these in the mail this weekend. I've been taking a long look at my swaps and realized that I may have done one too many. ;D Its all good ~ I can complete them all but I think having no more than 3 going at once would be best for the future especially if any are international. I will be visiting the PO to send off several packages this weekend and checking out shipping rates. I have 3, count them 1-2-3, international partners. Its really cool but at the same time I'm asking ~ will it be pricey for shipping?! It will get done because thats the way I do things but I will be mindful of these things in future so as not to create any issues for myself. I've enjoyed shopping for these swaps and I look forward to sending them. I believe I enjoy giving more and more with each gift/swap. Now thats worth all the shipping fees, I think, the joy of giving pleasure to someone else.

Speaking of giving pleasure ~ on Monday, I received a box from my No Sheep Pal, she is awesome. It was all done up in red ~ my fav color, how'd she know. ;D Here are the pics I did manage to take before the storms.

3 Yankee Candle Factory candles ~ country linen, french vanilla, sunwashed linen, tea light holders, Dionis lotion ~ vanilla bean, Louet 100% Wet Spun Linen ~ fine/sock weight and a Sheep card (think we all are using these ~ LOL)

Simply awesome package and all I thought I was to get was non-wool yarn and a handwritten note. Thank you NSPal, I loved everything.

Need to go while the connection is working and update my other blogs, read emails ~ you know what happens when you've been offline for a bit, things pile up and I've got at least 4 email accounts to check on not to mention the groups I help moderate and visit a few blogs. ;) Have a great evening.

One Tired Day

I should be in bed but I'm writing this so that I can add my pics. I took pics of my L2KDC package and the stitchmarkers. I haven't cast on the cloth, but I have finished the ribbing of the two needle socks. I don't know if I'll get anymore knitting done tonight because I'm tired but I might. ;D

Here are the pics:

~ My first Stitchmarkers ~

~ My Love 2 Knit Dishcloth Package ~

(King Tut cotton ~ yellow, Boye Circ #7s, Smiley Stickers & an OR postcard)

~ at the homestead ~

smells ~ red hot sausages, yummy!

sounds ~ kids playing, dog barking and the hum of the fan

doing ~ blogging, reading and thinking about knitting

Swap Contest Fun

I've been playing and I've had fun. Over at our Knitters' Coffee Swap ~ there is a contest. You had to pick some yummy coffee colored yarn and a lovely pattern that you'd love to knit. Here is my submission.
Don't you love my Mocha Capp ~ its Cappuccino for short.

Enjoy your Memorial Day and remember to honor those who have gone before.

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!

I'm seeing red n its.....

beautiful. My SP sent me a package. Whew! I was having a very exhausting day and it was nice to have something waiting for me when I came home from work. She had sent me an ecard to let me know it was on the way ~ it arrived today! She lovingly wrapped each item in red tissue paper and it was in a red package. Red is my favorite color ~ didn't you know?!

Now since the camera is still w/o batteries, and Sk8Chick's is charging (she got one as a b-day present from a family friend today), I'll have to tell you what I got. Later I'll add a pic. ;D

Yarn Love
luxury sock yarn ~ Brown Sheep WildFoote in Blue Blood Red. This is very lovely yarn and I had been wanting to try out some Brown Sheep. :D There was also some LB Micro Spun in Turquoise ~ very lovely and bright. I'm already matching it up with some of my stash to make myself something pretty. I will also need to find a sock pattern for myself too.

Sweet Tooth
delicious chocolate ~ Cadbury Dairy Milk. Yummy, my favorite.

Library additions
two books ~ Not Your Mama's Crochet and Days from the Heart of the Home
The Days is a daily journal ~ I once checked out the book this journal is based on from the library and had planned to add it to my wishlist one day. I didn't know there was a day book for it ~ its great.

I love each and every piece of my wonderful package from my SP. She Rocks! Thank you from the bottom of my heart Knitty Secret Pal ~ you're the bestest!

~ Knitting Meme ~

A Knitting Meme I found at Knitter in Progress. ;D

Mark with bold the things you have knit at least once, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching **not as often as I should**
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

May 1st..hmmm

for lack of a better title. ;D Its been quiet but busy around here. I've casted on for my first baby sock. Woohoo! I'm using my new needles and yarn from my SP. The needles are so little, its awesome. Pics later because the camera needs batteries. I've finished a WIPs too as well as completed "Chicks with Sticks" which was absolutely hilarious. I've sent off my BABE package and another special one to my SP.

We got our book order in today ~ Yeah! Which includes our very own copies of Mason-Dixon Knitting, Favorite Socks and Debbie Bliss' Family Knits. We have one more on backorder since it isn't published until sometime this month.

We are getting ready for Sk8Chicks b-day. Yep! folks I will soon have a 19yr running a muck in my home and stash. LOL Its ok, I'm really alright with it ~ its really wonderful to see her bloom and become an adult. Makes this Mumma very proud indeed.

Ok, so on to the WIP/FOs front:
1. Baby Kimono ~ mason-dixon knitting book Done!
~ Peaches & Cream Baby Green: need to block, seam and wash.
2. Baby Kimono ~ #2 90% done
~ Lion Brand Microspun Lily White: need to add more 1" then block, seam and wash
* want to use this for my KC book project and it needs to be picture ready by Friday :D
3. Dishclothes ~ monthly mid-month project 90% done
~ need to finish up 11 rows for each cloth
4. Two Tone Socks ~ Simply Baby book (just started) ;D
~ DBs Baby Cashmerino #0007 w/LBs Microspun French Vanilla
5. Warm Wristlets ~ LB pattern (had to frog ~ cast on both using circs)
~ LBs Wool Ease ? can't find label ;D
6. Soap Sack ~ Done
~ Peaches & Cream Sherbet: need to make I-cord

I went to Hobby Lobby's and Michaels and didn't buy any yarn. Yeah me! I picked up some needed needles especially since HL has them for 50% off. What a bargain! We do need more yarn for our stash but it will have to wait until I've finished 4 more projects. That shouldn't take too long but I am okay with waiting especially since I've not seen anything that I absolutely have to have. ;D

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

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!