FO! Scarf #2 and projects

I cast off last night and wove the ends in this morning on this:

It's Li's Reversible Herringbone Rib Scarf - it was a quick knit, once I figured out the pattern and kept it straight in my head. I used 2 balls of Berroco Foliage - love the colors - the red is truly flaming, it almost overshadows the other great colors - yellow, green, purple. It's very spring like, I like it alot.

I went to Yarns Down Under to spend my gift certificate - I finished getting the yarn that I need to do the Flower blanket, the yarn (and beads!) to do odessa, the yarn to do the Wobbly Tote KAL, and the yarn to do Spork, a felted courier bag. I also picked up One Skein - can't resist the baby bibs, hat, bolero, bags and the cupcakes!!!

I had the brilliant brainstorm today too that i could do the knitted felted hearts from the Knitting-Pattern-a-Day calendar in green and sew 3 or 4 together to make clovers for St. Patricks Day.

I think I'll also use some of the Berroco Pleasure that I now have so much of to make the Hourglass Sweater from LMKG (she did, it looks so good!)

I now have more than enough to work on for the rest of the year~!

D is for / Catch-Up

D is for Dachshund of course!

Jackson loves coffee. At least, he thinks he does. We don't actually pour him a cup of java in the mornings. I love this little mug - it has a cartoon on the front by Gary Larson that says "While their owners sleep, nervous little dogs prepare for their day". Perfect.

D is also for dishes - I picked up these little rice bowls at the local health food place - so cute inside and out!


In knitting, my jaywalkers are a bust -

I love love love this yarn (Sockotta, a new stripes colorway), but I can't get the sock up over my heel. I went up a needle size and knit with the smaller cast on # and it's just not right. Groan. I think it's back to the books for now and work back up to it. In the meantime, I'm holding off on socks for a while.

My booga bag needs to be felted:

Hopefully after I'm done posting this.

February vacation is this week, and boy is it needed! I'm hoping to knit (and sew!) and knit and knit. And shop. Dan got me a gift certificate to Yarns Down Under for Valentine's Day - how awesome is that? And I'm looking into taking a class at sit-n-knit, along with attending the CT Flower Show - this week is going to fly by!

Mellow SP Thank You!

I'm belated in this thank you post - on saturday I got a package from Sweden!! - first off, it's covered in stamps - I am such a geek - I had a huge collection when I was younger. I especially noticed the stamps of forest animals because we were watching Grizzly Man (pretty good by the way). Inside this package were two skeins of yarn - a cobalty-blue-purple and a royal blue - they are so pretty!! The website on the label is here - cute site, I love the little hedgehog! The colors are stunning and they are so soft - but, mellow pal - help me out - what's the guage? yardage? could I use it to make the odessa hat in magknits? There was also a beautiful little crochet decoration too - you're very talented!! Thank you again! I look forward to using this yarn!

Random Bits

My parents are off to Africa - Kilimanjaro (Take two) - and so far, no one has gotten sick or died like last year, so already it is a plus. They're out and about until Feb. 20. Nearly unbelievable - so I sit here, do my thing, knit a bit and think good thoughts.

I've been working on jaywalkers with Sockotta (#621 - blue / green / gold-ish / black-ish stripes) - so far so good.

I found the new Magknits today - holy cow, it's great! I love love love Odessa, and the sushi, and the ziggy scarf...

I also joined Sew? I Knit! because it seems like the right motivator to get me learning / using the sewing machine. How hard can a skirt be really? (Famous last words I'm sure...)

We watched the 40 Year Old Virgin lasst night - funny, cute.

I was able to finish 95% of my lesson plans this week while at school - that opens up lots of knitting / crafty time this weekend!

She-dir, She-done (aka C is for Chemo Cap?)

I have really been busting it out on this one - I finished on Saturday morning maybe 1.5 hours before I had to leave to go visit my Nana and family for Grampa's memorial mass (can't believe it's been a year - it was not easy, but wow.) I ended up turning the pattern upside down, working from left to right, and V-e-r-y-s-l-o-w-l-y working my way through each row and holding the cable needle in front if it said in back and in back if it said in front. Enough explanation, here it is - in it's hard to photograph self:


I used 1 ball (and inches, it may have been one or two yards) of a 2nd ball of Rowan Calmer in 469 Amour.
My Nana seemed to like it very much - her hair is starting to grow back in so that's good and she's moving this week. We have big heads in our family and I was pleased that it fit me (with hair) and her (with little to none).

Last night I didn't knit. I read through several very different magazines - yay! I am deciding though what to work on next - a return to the Jaywalkers I presume. Although I have Li'spattern for a Herringbone Rib scarf - I have Manos already halfway worked up into a scarf, I'm thinking I might try with some Foliage

I went to the mall to pick up some origin's soap (yummy cocoa therapy) and then I went to The Body Shop where the saleslady very kindly sold me some of the new strawberry line (lotion, scrub, gel) - even though it's not officially available until Feb. 1 - excellent.

Thank you to my fiber godmother

My Fiber Godmother sent me a really cute card this week "One More Row" - so sweet and then yesterday a box arrived from Amazon - The Time Traveler's Wife - how cool is that? I have been looking for a good book to read and now, I've gor one!

Today at the local toy store I saw this kid's craft kit, a pooch poncho crochet kit - it looks like a dachshund!

I also saw dog leashes / harnesses / key chains by Douglas Paquette - his website shows flip flops - I love the walk the dog design:


I have a pair of Reefs that are the best things ever- I have always been a fan of the jcrew styles too - it may be too soon to think about flipflop weather though...

Early - C is for Ceilings / Thank You Godmother!

This week we were having our upstairs bathroom shower stall re-done with one of those "bath-fitter" type things. It looks really good and was mostly done on Tuesday, with final touch ups to be done on Wednesday. Wednesday morning, I took my shower and then came downstairs to eat before work. When we came downstairs, there was quite a flood coming in from the ceiling!! Apparently the bath fitter did not sauter something properly. Now, there is a lovely hole in the ceiling and you can see beams and pipes. Interesting, but not pretty. And then on Friday, it was leaking AGAIN!!! Groan. Next week our ceiling is being replaced courtesy of the bath people.

In knitting news I have picked up Shedir again. I have the chart upside down and instead of holding the cable in back, I hold in Front and vice versa. Kinda a lot of effort, but I think I'm starting to see the pattern.

We went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and I picked up one of these:

It is for ribbon / tape storage but I'm thinking that I will use it for sock yarn / needles! And it was on clearance, $2.99 - Score! (By the way, Snapware makes Yarn-tainers)

The mail arrived just as I typed this - my Fiber Fairy Godmother just sent me the coolest present! The White Tea Sampler from Adagio.com - White peach, tangerine, blueberry and tropics! Excellent!! Thank you thank you thank you!!

Jackson is absolutely enthralled with the pig's ear we gave him today - his first ever - he seems to really like it! They are not pretty to look at, that is for sure!

B is for / The yay's have it

Basking in the Sun:




My favorite is the second one. I'm thinking about possibly submitting some photos to the local country fairs this year - I think it would be kindof neat - some of my photos are really good!

I've just about cast-off for bobblicious I need slightly more yarn to cast off the remaining 5 stitches or so, then tomorrow I guess I'll seam. Yay.

Not yay: I was working on my Jaywalker socks last night and decided to try them on, and they are just too snug - there's no way if I keep going they will fit. I've got maybe 3 inches on the zigzag pattern, so it's not the end of the world. I really want to use the yarn (Dani's, so pretty) so I guess I'll go up a needle size or two? Advice? I would also prefer to do these on two circulars, rather than the dpn - I'm going to poke my eye out I know it.

Yay: To Gillian - she hosted a lovely Golden Globes party last night for our local snb group - it was a lot of fun to watch with ladies and talk trash about celebs

Yay: I heard from my Fiber Fairy Godmother and my Mellow SP - excellent - I'm looking forward to this! I've got an order coming from KnitHappens which sadly does not contain anything for me - it is all being sent out to the Pals!

Lazy Day

It's Sunday of a 3 day weekend, and today feels like a Saturday.

In my mailbox yesterday was a cute card Ina, my SP5, sent me some White Tea Teabags to try before I buy - Ina is the best! She was a super SP and has stayed in touch through comments and now RAOK - I hope I can be as good of a SP as she is! Thank you thank you thank you!

It's freezing outside so tonight for dinner we're having something very warm - beef stew. Specifically, Kraft's Food & Family Magazine Stew - I don't even like stew, yet I was drawn to that recipie - the magazine came on Friday! Hubby keeps commenting on how good it smells in here (our family room / kitchen are wide open spaces) - so I guess that is good :)

Long Weekend Linkage / Edit

I have been meaning to post since Thursday, but time somehow slipped by. Firstly, I won Sharon's Contest - excellent! My entry was that I have earned my masters in chemistry (and will never ever do that again!) and something I would like to do is get a tattoo. I have been watching shows like Miami Ink and I am just so drawn in (no pun intended). I keep thinking maybe I would get something crafty-related / science related / nature related - like a ball of yarn in the middle of the atom model, or the ball of yarn as the middle of a sunflower / daisy... or I also like the idea of Picasso's Dog - simple enough, but it's a dachshund!!! How cool! We'll see. Maybe. I'm so wishy-washy on it.

I have grown to love the comic strip Mutts - Little Pink Socks!! Just adorable. I never really paid it much attention before, so I don't know if it is because I am a dog owner now or what, but it is very very sweet, check it out!
I also really like Pearls Before Swine - it's snarky.

There's a new cast-on (podcast) - yay!

I started a pair of Jaywalker Socks with some of Dani's Sunshine Yarns, so far so good.

Edited to say: Not so good. I was working on the socks, and have finished with the rib, started the zigzag pattern, realized I was making a mistake (I wasn't k-f/b, f-f/b) so my stitches were off. I started to back-track and undo my mistake when SNAP! one of the brittany needles I just got from elann.com broke! Bummer. I have contacted them about a replacement, but in the meantime it looks like I'll be using my susan bates...

Reminders to Self

I would love to attend the Maryland Sheep & Wool event this May, but I don't know if it is really do-able... Maybe. Probably something decided more along the last minute, but that's okay. I found there's a sheep and wool festival closer to home.
ideas here
Anyone been to the ones in New England?

Tea

Coffee is a daily staple to me, but too much gives me noticeable jitters. So, after my initial 2-3 cups in the morning at home and school I swtich over to tea. There is something very soothing about tea, and I feel like I am drinking more water when I do (coffee is "just water dressed in brown" according to Ani) - anyway. I'm trying to be better this year to drink more tea with good health benefits. White Tea is supposed to be good. Even Alton has done a show on tea.

Yesterday I tried Snapple's White Tea: Strawberry tea bags I feel like I'm drinking hot watered down strawberry snapple. Which can be ok in a pinch. I am sensing I need to place an order with Adagio teas for the real deal.

Now I'm a serious knitter

I've been knitting for about 4 years now. I've improved, I've learned, I've tried new things, I've frogged, I've KIP-ed, and I'm quite pleased with my hobby. Tonight, it seems to have taken on a whole new feeling.

I've got myself a swift and ball winder! I wound a skein as soon as I had it out of the box and assembled (the yarn, by the way is Blue Sky Alpaca white / bluesky to make a ruffled scarf from Mac & Me which I bought at a recent trip to the Village Sheep in New Milford) - excellent!

I was so excited bouncing around showing my husband and the dog, that I couldn't find the center pull bit and panicked for a moment that I would have to re-wind the ball!!

I'm one of the cool kids now baby.

Cheating on Resolutions?

Who hasn't? 4 days into the new year too - not too bad. But I don't know if it's cheating or not - help! I want to read more this year. Actual reading may not happen until the summer months. I do listen to books on my iPodMini (from Audible - which, by the way - if anyone is thinking of joining - use me as a reference! I'll be entered to win stuff). So the question is this: Do the books I listen to count as books "read" this year? Currently, I've got Julie & Julia, cute, based on this blog

I wore the rainbow scarf, which Jackson wore in the last photo, to school today - nice comments (including one, "This is handmade. I can tell. My grandmother made me a scarf for Christmas - it looks like tinsel!" Not sure how to take that) and because it's wool it was great for the static electricity experiment.

I'm working on another scarf, "My So Called Scarf" - I like the look, it makes a dense fabric, but I do not really like the stitch pattern - I can not get lost in it - do not get me wrong, it is simple enough to memorize (after knitting a few inches worth)...but it does not flow well for me. oh well, back to it now - it is still relaxing!

Finished!

I was supposed to go back to school today, but - it's a snow day, BONUS!

Last week, Betsy and I took a trip out to the Village Sheep - I got quite a pile, including two skeins of Lang Yarns: Tosca, #663-62 and #663-72, instead of Noro to make the Child's Rainbow Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Jackson, being abruptly woken from a nap was a great model:


Something wonky is going on with the quotations / comma key...

One of the best shows out there, Arrested Development needs your help! Save Our Bluths!

To Life / ABC along (maybe)

There's a new podcast from Cast-on!

Channel surfing, I came across Fiddler on the Roof showing on the local public tv channel. Great show - "Sunrise, Sunset" was my father-daughter dance at my wedding - it was played at my parents wedding too, interestingly enough. I love the opening "Tradition" number, but today, as it is New Year's Day, my favorite parts of "L'Chaim" seemed like the best thing to post .

To life, l'chaim, l'chaim, l'chaim, to life, Life has a way of confusing us, Blessing and bruising us, Drink l'chaim, to life!
....
God would like us to be joyful, even when our hearts lie panting on the floor.
How much more can we be joyful, when there's really something to be joyful for?
...
May all your futures be pleasant ones, Not like our present ones, Drink l'chaim, to life!
...
To us and our good fortune! Be happy, be healthy, long life!
And if our good fortune never comes, Here's to whatever comes, Drink l'chaim, to life!
....
Heaven bless you both, to your health and may we live together in peace!
May you both be favored with the future of your choice, May you live to see a thousand reasons to rejoice!
....


I did join the ABC-Along ~ I was trying to think of something for my first letter,
A (would it be possible to come up with something for the two letter for each day? 14 A's? Maybe...) Anyway, considering Fiddler - it takes place in the town of Anatevka

Goodbye 2005, Hello 2006

Totally stolen from inspired by Crazy Aunt Pearl...
"I am a list maker....I make lists when I am stressed out, tired, lonely, bored, busy, frantic, drinking coffee, watching TV....Sometimes I make lists of things I have already completed just so I can draw a thick line through them and feel very accomplished. I hope you make lists, too, because I truly believe there is nothing a list can't cure. Just the very act of making the list makes you feel better. Like you are ON TOP of this thing! You have it under control! You have... A LIST! "

My 2006 List of TO-DOs and TO-DON'Ts

Money Things:
• No more late fees at the library. I mean, really. That is just sad.
• Stop buying stuff that I don't need.

The Size Of My Ass:
• Eat healthy stuff
• Get active - do yoga or pilates, use the weights, the balance ball...
• Drink more tea (start drinking white, drink more green)
• Drink more water.
• Use less sugar.

Personal Good Stuff & Leaving The House:
• Every day, choose happy over sad, free over constrained, liberated over abandoned, and laugh a lot. Wake up the next day and repeat.
• Plant a successful garden - tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, other flowers from seed!
• Go on a trip. (Crayola Factory with Betsy, Washington DC before Jen leaves)
• Visit my grandma, at least call her often and send her lots of happy mail.
• Stop procrastinating. Just stop it already.
• Moisturize. Constantly. You know you need it (especially when hubby says "I can tell where you lotioned and where you didn't!) And it doesn't matter if you can't reach. Ask for help.
• Floss.
• Make a dentist appointment.
• Get a new girlie doctor
• Get a skin scan? Something to make sure the moles and freckles are ok and not bad.
• Host Easter dinner for the families.


Practical:
• Work hard. Make deadlines a day early.
• Look at all the options.
• Have a positive attitude. Especially at work and with all co-workers. Suit up, show up and act as if....
• Send thank-you notes
• Send mail. Lots of it. Cards, postcards, notes.
• Be on time with mail as needed (holidays, birthdays, etc)
• Make Resolutions List and check it monthly to strike things out.


Knitting & Crafts:

• Make Nana chemo caps (Shedir, Berocco Chincilla, & __________ _
• Make a sweater. Wear the sweater.
• Make the Mac & Me ruffle scarf.
• Make the rainbow scarf from LMKGM
• Make socks. Wear the knitted socks.
• Learn to embroider (You already have the Sublime Stitching Starter Kit, and Stitch-It-Kit)
• Use the sewing machine. Even if it's only to make stuff for Jackson.
• Learn to crochet.
• Get good at crochet to attempt amigurumi.


Finally... The Not-To-Do List:

• Don't say "yes" to things just because someone springs them on me at the last minute. Instead, say "Let me think about it and get back to you."
• Time is sparse, life if short. Don't waste it on useless things, people, memories, obligations.
• Don't worry about stuff I can't change anyway.
• Don't expect other people to live by my values.
• Don't compromise my values for anyone.
• Don't choose the known over the unknown just because it's comfortable.
• Don't waste time on stupid stuff or mean stuff. Frequently ask myself "Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?"
• Don't minimize success.

To list is to live. To list online is to live out loud!

Fiber Godmother Question / Survey

Fiber Godmother Questionnaire
I really want to get back on the wagon with RAOKs and swaps (craftster or otherwise!)

General Fiber Questions:
What are your fiber-related hobbies? (Knit, Crochet, Spinning, Needlepoint, etc.) - Knitting. But one of my New Year's resolutions is to learn crochet / amigurumi and embroidery
How long? - I taught myself to knit about 4 years ago
Which are you *most* into? - knitting, but I drool over amigurumi and Sublime Stitching!
How would you classify yourself in this craft - beginner, intermediate, advanced? -
intermediate, I guess - I'm comfortable with the needles, but I still have a lot to learn!



What is your current fiber-related obsession? -
tiny things - I made many mini-sweaters, I'm trying to find a great cardigan!
What are your favorite items to make? - I enjoy socks, when they fit! Bags and scarves are fun because guage does not matter as much
What are you making right now? - on the needles I have flower washcloths, knitty's bobblicious, and I'm working on shedir as well



What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? -
I enjoy playing with my sewing machine, looking at fabrics, planning projects



About the fiber:
Your favorite yarn(s) (brand or type)? - I recently discovered how wonderful Rowan yarns are! I adore noro and koigu too. But no favorite favorite.
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? - scratchy
Is there a yarn you've been dying to try? - Manos, Cascade Eco Wool, Blue Sky organics, Trekking sock yarn, LobsterPot yarn
Are you a fiber snob? - I don't think of myself as such, but as I have said before, it's equivalent to buying candy at the drugstore and then going to Dylan's candy bar in New York City. One place is much more fun and expensive! But you can satisfy the sweet tooth with some selections from the 2 for 99 cents section!



About the tools:
Hardwood, Bamboo, Aluminum, Plastic? - anything but susan bates
For knitters: Straight, DPN or Circular needles? - depends on the project
Favorite gadget? - I don't know that I really have any gadgets
Anything you've been wanting to try? - I just ordered myself a swift and winder

About you:
Do you pamper yourself? Or do you generally come last? -
I have been known to splurge on myself, small scale (origins products rock!)
What does an ideal day off/free hour consist of for you? - exactly what I want to watch on tv, catching up on blogs, knitting and my puppy asleep in the sunshine
Are you allergic to anything? - pollen
What is your family situation? (Partner, spouse, kids, etc.) - husband
Are you owned by any pets? - Jackson, my mini dachshund puppy



Your favorite color(s)? - blue-purple-green-grey
Any colors you just can't stand? - I tend to stay away from pinks and orange but that doesn't mean I can't stand them, I guess I haven't seen their beauty yet
What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) - citrus, light floral
Least favorite? (Maybe you're not "allergic," but it makes you want to die) - heavy florals, almond
How do you feel about candy? - Have you read "Candy and Me: A Love Story" - that's my life!
Any dietary restrictions? - nope

Is there anything that you collect? -
I used to, but I am trying to stay away from it now
What is your favorite holiday? -Thanksgiving

Do you have an online wish list (e.g. Amazon, Things I Want)? If so, share the link. If nothing else, it will give your Godmother more ideas about your likes/dislikes. -
There is a link, in my sidebar
Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? -oh yes
What kind of music do you like? - Barenaked Ladies, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dave Matthews Band, Tori Amos, Indigo Girls, The Killers
Any special requests in case your Godmother wants to make a CD for you? - I'm open to new things

Favorite movie(s)? - Say Anything, High Fidelity, Singin' in the Rain
Any "fan" stuff? (e.g. Firefly, Wonder Woman, etc.) - Muppets, Hello Kitty

Happy Christmas!

This is a Christmas to remember. Not only is it the first one without Grampa, it will be my first Christmas without seeing my dad. My Nana is down in Florida visiting her daughters - my dad and uncle are flying down today to surprise her! Very cool - so we all met up yesterday - my dad / mom / brothers / uncle - prior to the usual "Christmas Eve" festivities at my Mom's family.

Today the plan was to got to Dan's parents, exchange gifts, then go to Long Island to see Dan's Grandmother and go up to see my mom / brothers when we got back. This morning we arrive at Dan's mom's and she tells us she's sick and not going with us to Long Island. We're waiting / chatting when Dan's brother calls - he's got an emergency plumbing issue. Plumbers are called, and dan's dad goes to check things out - there's sewage and leaky pipes and it's not good.

So our plan has changed to not go to Long Island, and we're going up to my mom's earlier than expected. Holidays are crazy. This is why I like Thanksgiving the best - everyone is just meeting to eat!

I have started my last project of the year - knitty's bobblicious - only one row of bobbles on each end - I dislike my large metal needles - and the yarn (Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky) slides around on them too much!

Hoildaze

It seemed back in August, that we would never make it to the start of Christmas vacation. And yet, here we are. Today is such a blow-off day at school. I should have brought in my knitting - I've got two sweater ornaments to seam up / make sleeves for and a flower washcloth to finish. And also, the snow-mouse for my mom. But otherwise, the only Christmas knitting not done is the hats for my Nana... I will work on them and get them to her when she returns from Florida.