Merry Christmas

Too everyone Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'll be back then with picture of all my knitting for the year. Love to all, happily knitting, Bye,

Here is a Quick Post

I'm sorry that I haven't been better at this but every time I sit down to blog my mind goes blank. I knot that, that is normal I am getting older but I didn't think that I would loose my mind like this. Don't get me wrong, I'm still here there are just days when your mind doesn't want to work or you can't get the work down to your fingers. But today they seem to be working so I thought I might type away before I lose it again.

Life around here has been cold to say the least. We where in the freezer sort of to speak last week the temperatures around here didn't get above freezing for over a week and we had the Northeast winds blowing out of the Frasier Valley hitting us. While the snow was blowing we didn't get snow that part was nice because I don't like the drifts that it becomes. On Thanksgiving we got snow, Tony decided to have a Thanksgiving Buffet but there wasn't a great turn out. The ones that braved the snow enjoyed their dinners and asked us to do it again next year. So we are. Let's hope for no snow.

My knitting is moving along. I took a class to knit two socks at one time. O.K. I understood how they where done, we did them toe up, so I got to learn a new heel. Over all I enjoy making them this way I don't know if I'll do them all the time this way. I DO LOVE MY DPN's. I'm still working on them am on the long and I want to use all the yarn so they might be long. I decided to make them for Monica, Christopher's soon to be wife. I'm using some yarn out of my stash Buffalo Gold, I have to admit this is one pricey pair of socks. I got the yarn as payment for a sample knit I did, brown is not one of my favorite colors. But Monica need warm socks for work so I thought these would be great and I want to use this yarn again. As the name says it is Buffalo and to buy it is is $65. a sock. Yea I know they should have spun some gold into it.
I am also working on Abby's wrap for her wedding, a mystery shawl, another pair of socks I have to frog back a bit on the so they are just sitting around and a pair of fingerless mitts. I need to get a few thing off the needles to so I can start more item, I want to start a whole bunch of thing but the needles I want to use are in use.
Sorry no pictures but my computer has a virus and I'm not happy about that I have to take it in and hopefully they can get it out. I don't even know how I got it. But that's how it goes. So I'm using Tony's computer and my picture are on mine not loaded in to flicker so maybe later I'll get them to you.
So keep warm and keep those stick's aclick'n.
Happily knitting, Bye

Time Flies

I promised myself I would be better at my blogging but time just gets away from me and it's not all work. Seems like I am really having trouble just remembering what day it is and what I'm doing. Called Gena and forgot why I called her I guess I'll have to keep paper and pen at hand all the time. At least my knitting is coming along slowly but surely. I've only gotten 1 project off the needles for the month of October. So here it is:

I had fun knitting this kerchief. It was a mystery knit from a Raverly Group called Criminal Minds. It dealt with a lot of counting and I could not count on this shawl. I must have frogged it or ripped it back I don't know how many times I just could not count. I signed up for her next mystery shawl starting on Nov. 10th.

It has taken me for every to finish this post, so that's it for now, I'll be back later. So keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting, Bye.

Yarns on Stage

Did anyone get to see the Yarns on Stage yarns there really was some great colors. There was ten different dyers and each on had it's own pattern that went along with the yarn. I bought this yarn and pattern the yarn is by Prism it is their Saki 80% merino 20% nylon, color: Savoy, yardage is 430. I can't wait to do this shawlette it should be fun.

I also got Cherry Tree Hill
100% low micron superwash merino with a high twist fingering weight. The colorway is Sweet Pea, I'm knitting this using Cookie A.'s pattern Pomatomus you can find this pattern at Knitty.com. This is one of Cookie's patterns that I have wanted to do but it's through the back loop which is not one of my favorite stitches, o.k. I know that it gives great stitch definition but I don't have to like it. But doing this pattern I have come to enjoy it. So who know what will come of this ktbl.

I bought 1 more yarn on the launch date 10/16 and that was Alpaca with a Twist, Socrates in Fruit Smoothie. The yarn blend is 30% baby alpaca, 30% merino wool, 20% bamboo and 20% nylon. This yarn has a definite smell of vinegar, I love this smell in yarn my nose was almost glue to this yarn all day so I had to buy it. I'm going to buy the pattern that came out for the Dream in Color yarn and use it for this pattern.

There is several more of the yarns I'm interested in Pico Accuardi Dyeworks it's a blue and off white colorway, 100% merino.

I had a fun day at Wear on Earth, in Lynden. This is where the show took place and I helped out. I got to be in Yarny Heaven all day. What a way to die. Well till later. I've got more to catch you up on but I've got to run. So keep those sticks aclickn'

Happily knitting Bye.

Sock Kits

September was the month for sock kits. I received 5 kits so here are a few quick pictures of them.

Kit 1: From Woolgirl Sock Club, Butterfly Kisses. The yarn is from one of my all time favorite dyers Zen Yarn Garden in her Serenity 20 a merino cashmere blend can you say sooo soft. 2 patterns Flutterby socks by Debbie O'Neill and Butterfly Tattoo Scarf by Renee Strouts. Note cards by Carol Wilson. A butterfly tin, 2 butterfly stitch markers, a post-it note holder and a butterfly cutout which was seeded. A great kit.

Kit 2: From Woolgirl in fact they are all from Woolgirl. This was from her Charlie Brown series, "There's a Doctor in the House" featuring Lucy. She is one of my favorite Peanut's Characters it's here crabby cynical nature that reminds me on me. The way she pulls out the football on Charlie Brown. Her fear of being licked by Snoopy. But most of all she is a strong person, giving her time to give out advice for 5 cents. Now tell me who does that anymore. So here is what we got: Yarn from Wool Candy. The pattern by Claudia Eisenkolb, a Lucy knitting bag, 2 stitch markers. An itty bitty tin ,snoopy post-it, a Lucy journal, a key chain and bubble gum. Over all I love this kit, one day I will knit up the yarn.

Kit 3: Is from the Alice in Wonderland Series: Caterpillar, The yarn is by Miss Babs, need I say more I love her yarn and the colors she comes up with. 2 patterns Who are You? sock pattern by Cindy Abernethy and A Very good Cowl Indeed by Liz Alinante, she designed the Traveling Women Shawl. A cute clutch to store you needles, a glass key chain, a felted mushroom, stitch marker from Wee Ones, a solid wood tiny box, just to store little treasures. Some yummy stash teas and a licorice pipe. To see more picture go to my flicker page.

Kit 4: Now this is a fun kit "Black Cat". What kind of memories does a Black Cat bring to mind. The yarn is by Pico Accuardi in Negro con Rojo, pattern "Spook" by Christina Wilkins. A project bag with a black cat, tissues with a black cat and a cloth tissue holder in a Halloween theme. A black cat tile that cam be worn as a necklace, a black cat stitch marker, black cat post-it notepad and a cat candy yummy.

Kit 5: She Rides Again. I sure you can guess what this kit is, right The Wicked Witch. This kit was an other great one. The yarn is from Curious Creek Fibers, Elphaba's Revenge, I love the green and black mix of this yarn. Revenge of Elphaba sock pattern by Sarah Wilson, this is a cool pattern with a cable running around the ankle. A triangle walk and knit bag, mini note book, a mini slider tin, a Wee Ones stitch marker, a l"Life's a Witch and so am I" post-it pad, a wicked witch pendent, a broom ornament and a magnet. I almost forgot candy.

Kit 6: The Lollipop Guild. A fun kit with lots of color. The yarn by Sunshine yarns in Lollipop Guild. The pattern is designed by Liz Abinante Lollipop. A cute bag depicting the Lollipop Guild and Dorthy, lip glossy in a lollipop, a tile of the guild, and once again the cutest stitch marker by Wee Ones in the shape of a lollipop. This kit reminds me of a lollipop that we can in the kit.

Kit 7: This is the last one for Sept. Divinely Inspired by Cupcakes. The yarn is by Dashing Dach in a "Cupcake: Divinely Inspired" 500 + yds. 2 patterns, knee socks designed by Jane Robbins and Hello Cupcake Cowl by Christina Wilkins. A cupcake knitting bag and a key fob. A cupcake pin cushion, a Cupcake pushpin, a stitch marker from Sunneshine stitch markers, a cupcake lip balm, cupcake postcards, and a cupcake recipe, which I want to try.

All these kits are wonderful and if you ever get a chance to get one do. Woolgirl Jennifer Jett puts so much thought and care into each and everyone. If you ever want to see more of Wee One's Stitch markers please do. She makes each miniature out of polymer clay. Every item in her shop is completely unique, and hand sculpted.

O.K. I've rambled on enough got to run.

Happily knitting, Bye.

WOW It's October

I can't believe that it is October seems like September just started and now I've lost a month. I don't know where time has flown. I guess sometimes we all can just get to wrapped up in life and lose track of time. The weather change has happened, we have rain, crisp air, just the over all feeling of fall now. This is one of my favorite times of the colors of the trees, the harvesting of fruits and vegetables, Halloween, school starts and how the days start to get shorter. More knitting time in the evening, since that's when I seem to get time to knit any more.

All is well at the restaurant. Tony would like it much busier but we can pay the bills so I guess that's O.K. for now considering the economy. Thing are picking up just slowly there has to be a turnaround one of these days. I'm trying to get time off more I get tired of work, work and work. I want more me time. Can't always have what you want.

My knitting is coming along slowly I seem to have to many projects going and cant get any of them done.Project #1: A pair of socks for Abby. The pattern is "Afternoon Delight" by Sylvia Harding. Abby choose blue yarn from Zen Yarn Garden,"Sky Blue" I am putting ice blue bead in them. I've got one sock done and am working on the second one. This is my travel project don't ask me why it's a hassle with the beads but it's smaller then the shawls.

Project #2: Another Sylvia Harding pattern "Heart to Heart". This was the very first lace pattern I tried to do and I just didn't understand what I was doing the pattern didn't make any sense. Now after making several shawl this pattern is so easy. I bought it as a kit the yarn is Mama Llama 100% cashmere and so soft. The color is Teal with silver beads. This project is going fast.

Project #3: Is a Mystery KAL that goes along with the TV show Criminal Minds. The lady that is writing this pattern is making a mini episode of the show that goes along with the pattern. We get a different clue each week and I try to get that part of the clue done before the nest clue comes out. I have found that I really need to follow the directions and when is says to count I need to count. I have frogged or tinked back so many times it is not funny so now I try to count. When this is done I will post a picture. the pattern is not really showing in the yarn until it is stretched out.

Project #4: Is a wrap that I am making for Abby for her wedding I have plenty of time to get this one done. The wedding is in November 2011. Gena and I are going to be making them for her Bridesmaids also so the work is cut out for us. I would show you the pattern but I don't trust Abby not to see it and this one will be a surprise to her. When I seen this pattern I knew that, this was the one that I wanted to knit for her. Her colors are Emerald Green and silver, the yarn is merino and silk lace weight and I'm adding silver beads to it. For the bridesmaids I think we are going to do them in silver simple patterns and no beads.

Well that's it for now. I've got some kit so show which I'll try to get to later this week. There is more to catch you all up on but I've got things to get done before work. So keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting, Bye.

Knitting

My knitting projects are still the same. I've got a little bit further but not much work on them. Life just seems to get in the way. Work has been keeping me busy and has cut into my knitting time greatly. This week I just haven't gotten much done. I miss the down time to recoup myself and to center my life. I didn't realize how much I need knitting to calm my life down. It's my own therapy in a strange way, I'm sure others out there feel the same way that I do.
I got a new book. Vogue Knitting Shawls & Wraps I found a pattern in there that I want to make for Abby, for her wedding. I got the yarn, the beads, the needles for this project. I figure it will take me a while to complete and I want it to be perfect. Micheal and Abby's wedding is planned for Nov. 11, 2011. So I have lots of time.
Christopher is also getting married one day. Him and Monica are now engaged, they haven't set a date, they say after Micheal's so we will see. So I guess I'll have to make another wedding shawl.
My brain is dead and my typing is terrible, so glad there is spell check.
Hope you're having a great summer and keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye.

The Doctor Is In

A sock kit all about Lucy. She is one of my favorite Peanut's characters. It might be her crush on Schroeder or how she is always pulling out the football from Charlie Brown. But I think it is her attitude it's crabby and cynical a little bit like me I think?

In this kit a skein of yarn from Wool Candy (the reason I got this kit) in a beautiful Blue called "Lucy".

The pattern is by Claudia Eisenkolb called Lucy.

A knitting accessory bag by Jane Robbins.

2 Lucy themed stitch markers by Sunneshine Stitch Markers.

A small tin.

A super-sized Lucy journal with images of Lucy on each and every page.

A Lucy keychain.

Bubble gum and a cute Lucy gift tag.

Had to share. Later.

Knitting

I have been knitting, its been a little on the warm side but if I go for short periods it's not to bad. I've got 2 different projects that I'm working on. The sock is for Abby. She picked out the pattern from the book "Joy of Sox" called Afternoon Delight. the pattern is for knee socks but she doesn't wear socks at that length, so I will be making them shorter. These are a beaded socks so I'm having fun doing these. They are just what I needed to get my sock mojo back and it feels good. I'm just going to start the gusset, then on to the heel turn and up the leg. The yarn Abby choice is one of my favorites, Zen Yarn Garden, it is her smooshy sock yarn. The colorway is Sky Blue and the beads are in Ice Blue and they blend in without standing out too much.
My other projects is Bitterroot shawl, this is another shawl by Rosemary (Romi) Hill. It is a free pattern which you can find in Knitty.com Winter

2009. You can make this in two sizes. I have decided to do the large one. I found some lace weight in my stash from The Painted Tiger. The yarn is Chocolate Raspberry. It also calls for beads in the bottom of the shawl, so I'm really into beads right now.

I'm going to make a shawl for Abby's wedding for her. I had picked out one pattern and have decided on another. I got a book from the library called Vogue Knitting Shawls & Wraps. While thumbing through the book I found this pattern and I knew that, that was the pattern. I need 1650 yds of yarn and 1450 glass beads. So it will be a large project and I can't wait to get it started. I ordered the yarn from Webs, Jaggerspun Zephyr, a 50 50 merino silk blend in Emerald Green. This should be a fun long project.

I put things in to our local fair this week and don't know what will happen. In July I got ahold of the fair people to find out all the info about entering into the fair. Well, they put me into hobbies.
I told them it was knitting but this was the right category for my work. WRONG. I'm in the grouping of hobbies with all the stupid little kid collections of my little ponies, comic books, and you get the idea. So I'm not going to be judged on my workmanship which is what I wanted. I want a ribbon for my work not for my hobby. O.K. off my box and quit being a baby. I will let you know how my work did. I enter 2 pairs of socks and a collection of my shawls.

Well I'm done crying. Try to stay cool and keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye.

Sock Kits

I got a couple of sock kits in the mail this week so I thought I might share. They are both from Woolgirls Oz Club. We have Poppy Fields and The Return of Glinda the Good Witch.

She did one kit for Glinda and this is the second. I don't know which one I like better.

Poppy Fields:

• A skein 0f Miss Babs Yummy Sport sock yarn in "Poppy Field"
• "Poppy Fields" sock pattern by The Sexy Knitter aka Sarah Wilson
• A boxy project bag by Zig Zag Stitches
• A Poppy theme shoppers clutch by Sew Fantastic
• A Poppy Field notepad
• A Wee Ones stitch marker
• A hand-made poppy flower hair clip

Glinda Returns Kit:

• The yarn is by Pigeon Roof Studios in "Glinda"
• "Crowning Glory" sock pattern designed by Bethany Whitney
• "Glinda Sweet" shawlette pattern by Christina S. Wilkins
• Drawstring bag by Knit Purl Sew What?
• A cuter than cute Glinda wooden box.
• Wee One Stitch marker
• 2 buttons for the shawlette
• 10 Glinda note cards
• A jeweled pen
• Sticky notepad, book marker, book plate
• Magic Star Wand
• A Glinda ring (with 2 ring toppers
• A gift tag and a hair clip

Here is a picture of the first Glinda the Good Witch.

Well till I get some knitting done keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily Knitting, Bye.

Brandywine Shawl

Here's the Brandywine shawl I love how this turned out. The yarn is from Zen Yarn Garden Serenity 20 a merino, cashmere, nylon blend. The yarn was a dream to knit with and I think it turned out well with this pattern. I'm so glad that I did it. I have several more patterns by Romi aka Rosemary Hill. Which I hope to do soon.

I'm working on my Walk through the Woods Kerchief a Woolgirl Sock Club pattern and am almost done with that one. It is a different pattern but I had that "I get that" moment with this shawl. So now I can't wait to finish it. I am also working on a pair of sock's, I think the mojo is back, for Abby. She picked out the pattern awhile back and I got the yarn and the beads for it but got on the shawl kick and haven't made a pair of socks since. But I think this pair is going to turn me around.

I'm trying to decided what I want to enter in to the fair. I have to make my mind up this week. I want to enter 2 shawls and 2 pairs of socks.  To be honest I just want the ribbons to put up on my wall. Enough of this back to my knitting. Keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting, Bye

The Things You Learn

I can't believe what you learn from one project to the next and what you can take with you to the next. I started the Walk Through the Woods Shawl but I had trouble understanding the pattern. So I put it aside and started The Brandywine Shawl. Now that it is finished and drying. I understand what I didn't on the other shawl. So I have picked it up and am working on it and lovin it. I'll post pictures when I get a little further and you can see the pattern.
I picked out my next two projects and will post on them later.
So stay cool and keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting, Bye.

How Much is To Much

Here is my blank canvas,

Can you guess what is coming?

Throw down the first drawer.

How many more too come?

That's not too many,

But what more?

Drawer two.

More?

OMG, I can't believe I have that much.

But wait, it there more?

Drawer 4

But yet wait.

Here's drawer #5

But wait I found more.

I think, that is almost all of it.

I'm sure I'll find more and I have.

Now for the fun, guess how many?

I'll send you some yarn or if you  don't knit.

How about a knitted item from one of my bags.

There is socks or maybe a shawlette.

Or I can make it just for you.

Good luck.

My New Craftroom and Some Yarn

The Room is finally finished and I have been slowly moving in. My bedroom is looking like a cyclone hit it while things are moving out of it. In the bags are my gift socks and small shawls that I've made because I don't have any place to store them. Maybe now I will.

 The desk is is going to be my cutting table. I have a small bookcase that has a TV on it but its not hooked up to anything. So I doubt that it will be turned on. The lady bug is in the room but when I spin I'm going to pull into the center of the room. My sewing machine has a table.

This is my storeage area, as you see I have lots of space to fill. With 6 drawers to fill with yarn I have 5 other drawers filled right now, these drawers are a little bigger. So hopefully I won't fill them all.
There is a dresser in the garage that I'm going to clean up and bring in to store fabric and other sewing items. Before I know it I'm going to need a bigger room.

Sock kit from Socks in the City arrived and I love the yarn it is 50/50 Merino and Sill Blend. Much to nice to go on my feet even if it is way soft. The sock bag is cute but the stitch marker is even better. I love how it matches the bag and the color of the yarn.

I haven't gotten a lot  of knitting done but I did finish the Calais Shawl. I am working on the Brandywine Shawl by Romi  I have enjoyed watching this on develop even though I have frogged I don't know how many times. I must use a lifeline. I'll post a picture later this week. Well I have to get back to work on cleaning my room. So stay cool and those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting, Bye.

The Ladybug and My Floor

Here is my Ladybug on the wheel. Each wheel has a ladybug somewhere on each wheel.  I am very happy with it. I just need more time to spin, or I need to make out so much time each day for it. I actually got to put it together, Tony allowed me to do it.

The floor is down in the craft room and am waiting on the quarter round to be put down around the room.  All I want to do is more into the room. Tony say's to go ahead and put things in but then he will never get it finished. Oh to be able to use power tools. I would have the room done but that's the way it goes. I realy like the bamboo floors, Tony wishes we had put it down in the rest of the house.   Well till later, so keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting, Bye.

Queen of Hearts Woolgirl Kit

I love this kit and had to share with everyone out there in blog land. So here it is: The Queen of Hearts. Did I WOW love it. It was so well worth the wait. The kit was due out the end of June and we just got it today. But LOVE IT. Here is what was in this kit.

The yarn is from Curious Creek Fibers Wasonga fingering in Queen of Hearts.

2 patterns: Queen of Hearts cock pattern by Lori Law  of Oceanwind Knits and Oblique Scarf pattern by Christina Wilkins

A Queen of Hearts silk and Satin accessory drawstring bag from Baba Studio. This is what took so long to get the bags where ordered 6 months ago. and are handmade in the Czech Republic. But the bag is totally beautiful.

 A pair of Love scissors in black designed by Paula of Kelmscott designs. with a scissor case, by A Knit Purl Sew.

A queen of Hearts cloth covered tape measure (didn't get in the picture).

 2 Alice in Wonderland bookmarks.

A Queen of Hearts key chain

A little bag of Cinnamon hearts.

A one of a kind hand-crafted stitch marker from WeeOnes.    

    

So till later, keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting, Bye.

The Remodel and Knitting

The Craft Room is coming along, I've got the walls painted. I'm not sure about the color but it will look better I think when everything is in the room. As you can see it is yellow, Tony thinks it's a little too bright. I don;'t need my sunglasses but I don't need to turn the light on every time I walk into the room. 

Dad and Tony have started to put in the floor, they have pushed me out of the way. They won't let me use power tools not that I blame them, I seem to have trouble with none power tools. So I guess I just keep out of the way, I just wish they would move faster at it. I want to move in with all my yarn. I want to dump it on the middle of the floor just to see how much I have. Then.............maybe I will stop buying so much if I see it all at one time. Doubt it.

My Knitting: I cast on the Walk in the Woods Kerchief, from the Woolgirl Sock Club, this is a fun pattern I have run into a small snag and I'm not understanding the pattern so have put it down for now and am working on another.

I am loving this pattern and the yarn. It is called Brandywine Shawl by Rosemary Hill, the yarn is from one of my favorites, Zen Yarn Garden, Serenity 20. It is a merino, cashmere, nylon blend need I say more. I love knitting with it, I need more of this yarn, Roxanne dyes some of the most wonderful colors and I have lots of her yarn in my stash.

My travel project is a simple pair of socks done toe up I'm using Opal in their Rainforest's series Tiger I'm not working real hard on them they are just my travel socks so I'll work on them as I go from here to there and have a few minutes to work on them.

Monday I am going to buy my spinning wheel and I can't wait. The day won't get here soon enough. NW Handspun Yarns is having a sale, you get to draw a coupon for 10%, 15% or 20% off and if I get the 10% off it will pay for the tax. So I'm going to go shopping.

 So till I get my wheel and put it together and take pictures to post, enjoy the sun.

Keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting, Bye.