It could've happen to anyone..

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

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

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

Have an awesome night and rest of week.

~ Swap Fun ~

Crochet Swap Wish List

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

What a week....

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

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

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

Have an awesome week!

~SP10 Contest #1~

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

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

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

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

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

"Debbie Bliss Cashmerino"

Knitting Dilemma ~ Solved

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great Sunday!