Are You Ready?

Well are you ready for Christmas? Have you gotten all your shopping done? Started planning your dinner? Well Have You??  The Answers to all these questions are, I don't know.
I've gotten some shopping done, I'm doing stocking gifts for all the kids. And a few extra ones. Monica and Chris are, may be bring a friend along so that means she should have a stocking too. Gena and Brian might be here, or at least Gena. So that means extra things there. Gena's easy just give her some knitting things. I've got to get a tree yet. Dinner I'm working on, thank goodness that is easy. I'm going too have prime rib with scallop potatoes, asparagus, salad and who knows what else. I'm doing some quick stocking stuffers. Just keeping plain busy. Got to get back to work. So keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye. 
See you next year I'm thinking about doing some give a ways. I need to do some destashing.

WIP

No pictures this week cause I still working on the same projects. Nothing new to report. The Pele's Promise is still in chart 1 of 4 there is 9 repeats so I'm still knitting along. The socks for Abby were to big so I frogged them and have started over. Just pass the toe no photo. My 500 yard project is down to the last bit. Am going to make a skinny scarf out of the rest.

So that's it for this week hope to have more progress next week till then stay warm and keep those pointy sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye

Mini Vacation and Some Knitting

 We too a mini vacation to Vegas this week got home Wednesday. Didn't win but had fun. We stayed at Bally's and we hadn't stayed there before, we upgraded to a suite and it was nice to have the extra room. I thought everything would be Christmas but they where just decorating. This is the lobby at the MGM, I was hoping that the conservatory at the Bellagio was not finished yet and I was hoping that it would be Christmas. On the walk way to the city tram there is a Chocolate store, the one with the chocolate fountain, they had a Grinch life-size. There is 100 pounds of fondant and 100 pounds of chocolate. I loved this display.

We seen Viva Elvis at the Aria, it was not your normal Cirque Du Soleil it was more dancing and songs from Elvis. They use a lot of film footage in the program. The weather was nice in the 70's with sun. So that made it a great trip.

I took a few projects with me I decided to do a test knit of a shawl so that went with with intent to do it oh the plane. To many turbulence to work on so I did my mittens. I'm using Blue Moon Fiber silk singles it merino top and silk in True Blood colorway. I made then for Mom to use in China next week there is a cowl long enough to go over her head and mittens. I worked on the shawl in down time in the room. The pattern is Pele's Promise using Julie Spins Lace 960 colorway Cardinal. Of course I have to have a pair of socks to work on. These I carried around with me worked on them in line, waiting for food, playing slot and talk about funny looks you would get. This is the yarn that I called Abby Yarn Colors. It is from Ladybug Fiber Company.

Phlox and Deaina colorway.  

Well that's it for this week if you stop by leave a comment and tell me what you think anything you want to hear. Keep warm and those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting, Bye.

Happy Turkey Day

I'm almost to last to say Happy Thanksgiving but I hope to get this done before the stroke of midnight. So here goes. We had a fairly good turn out for Turkey Buffet. So all went well there. My knitting has been marching on.


I have finished the cardigan the picture doesn't do it any justice I've got it blocking and drying right now and will be able to wear it for my birthday as planned. Our mini getaway has been made and we are going to go to Vegas for a few days of sun and fun. Anyway I hope we get some fun. Now to make this work I had to make a few quick gifts for people that where going to work extra or just help out in small ways so we could runaway.

For Corey I made a quick beanie. The pattern is Jared Flood's Turn a Square. The yarn is Cascade 220, this is a very easy hat to make and was done in 3 hours. He now has the beanie he has been asking for. Now I just have to hope the rest of the crew in the kitchen doesn't want one too.

Donna got a mobius scarf and fingerless mitts to match, she is the recess lady at one of the Lynden elementary schools. This should keep her a little warmer on those cold recesses.
I have cast on another mobius and it is done I have enough yarn to make a pair of mittens that I'm going to give to Mom for her trip to China. The yarn is a silk wool blend so it should keep her toasty. I working on a par of sock toe up two at a time to take with on the plane and have to find a couple of other easy projects to take. So keep warm and those pointy sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye.

WIP

My works in progress are still the same as last week but I have added one more project.  My sweater is coming along I'm working on the sleeves, they are going to be 3/4 length. I'm always rolling up my sleeves so I might as well make them that length. One more to go and then weave in the ends and block I have a week to get it done and I should make it if I don't mess around. I am enjoying this yarn and I love the color I feel that it is matching up with this pattern.

I decided to make a quick gift for Donna, she is going to help me out so that Tony and I can take a mini vacation. We will only be gone for 2 days but it's away from the phones and work. I'm making a mobius cowl with fingerless mitts to go with it. She mentioned that red was a color she loved so I using a bulky yarn fr4om Brown Sheep Company Lanaloft. It knits up fast.

I'm still working on the first sock, I'm not getting much time on these but I want to get these other items done. I don't know if it is the yarn or the needles but this yarn is splitty and I don't like that.I'm always dropping stitches and it is a  bitch to pick up.

Well we will see what I get done this week so you know how it goes. So keep warm and those pointy sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting, Bye

This Weeks Work

Here is the cardigan I'm working on, I have to admit I'm having fun working on this project. I have restarted it several times I want this almost perfect or I know me, I won't wear it. So once I figured out the pattern and the increases I've had no problems and it's been smooth knitting.  I love how the yarn and the pattern is coming out I know that I have to block yet and it will look better.  I've been using the ChiaoGoo Needles they are the lace stainless steel. I have heard lots about this needle and that the cable was a great one and the needles have a great point. I love the red cable so far I enjoy using these needles. I am enjoying knitting on this project the big challenge will be to get it done by my birthday. Let me know what you think of my work here.
I'm also working on a sock, come on you had to know that, it hangs out in my purse and gets pulled out when I'm tired of the other project. The yarn is from Crafty Meow in Witches Brew, I got this at SS09 so it is time to be using this. The pattern is Ghoulish Rhapsody from the Trick or Treat Woolgirl kit. 
FUN FUN FUN.


I needed a quick and easy fix, you know what I mean something you can finish in a day but I wanted to do something that I haven't done before I have to learn something new. So I wondered on Ravelry in the pattern section and decided to learn how to do a mobuis cowl. I knew that Wear on Earth had some bulky Malabrigo that I was dying to use. So I bought some a new needle and Elva and I cast on together and made a mobuis. You ask what is that it is a cowl or a scarf with a twist in it. You are knitting the top and bottom at the same time, this is a fun fun knit.

I got some new pretties in. Starting from the left, from Rainy Days and Wooly Dogs Goth sock club "The Colors of Autumn" it has a little more orange in it then what shows up. It is her Laudanum Lache yarn 80/20/10 sw merino cashmere nylon.  The middle is from Wondering Wool in her North Country Sock Self-Striping called Devil's Advocate. It has large black strips with smaller red ones. The yardage on this skein is great 463 yards I can make some tall sock using this. The last is from Roman Hills and the color is Sweeney. The yarn is a 3-ply sport but with great yardage 350 so once again some tall socks are in my future. 
Well that's it for this week you know what to do Keep those pointy sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye.

WIP and Pretties

Here's a couple of pretties I have add to the stash enhancement program I seem to be on. They are from Ladybug Fiber Company on Etsy, they are a beautiful self stripping yarn. The bottom one is called Bird of Paradise, a mixture of teal purple and orange I cant wait to see how this one stripes. Top one is called Phlox and Deaine interesting name but I like the colors dark to light pink with grey, this one is an Abby yarn for sure.

I finished by BFF socks by Cookie A. What I am surprised by, is the way these socks stripped and that they match up fairly good. It was not planned I just cast on and knitted. The pattern is easy to memorize and I like the little cables throughout the sock. The yarn is easy to use and I'm glad that I pulled it out and reknit and used. So now all my work that I shown is done and I get to show some new projects.


 The first one the cardigan that I talked about. I have cast on. So far so good I have ripped out and started over several times I want this to be perfect. I am having trouble keeping my row count straight so I have ordered a row counter that should help me I just hope it gets here soon. I want to have it done by my birthday, I hope.

I can't travel with a sweater in my purse so I had to cast on a new pair of socks. I went through my wound yarn and pulled out Witches Brew. I have tried to knit with this several time with no luck but this time I will have a pair of socks. Well till next week keep those pointy sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye

Some Yarn, 1 FO and a WIP

Here is a picture of the yarn that I promised from last week. I love how you can see the sparkles in the yarn. The yarn color are (from left to right) Juliette, Aqua and Sapphire all are in her Lisa-Marie Sock yarn, 75% Superwash Merino/20% Nylon/5% Stellina. The yarn has good yardage 438 yds.  If you want great customer service and beautiful yarn check out Evermore Studios on Etsy. 

Now for what I've been working on  finished the Mitts that I made to match my Rustling Leaves Beret. The first one took over a week to do but I figure that's not to bad since I wanted it to match.  The second one I finished in no time at all. I love how this turned out and I hope that Alana Dakos would approve.

I still working on my socks the BFF by Cookie A. I'm on the second one and am on the leg. So i should have them done soon. I want to start a shawl the Whirlpool Scarf by Anna Sudo. I have purchased yarn to knit the Rocky Coast Cardigan by Hannah Fetting. So my to do list is growing, I need more hours in the day to knit.

Here is some more yarn that I bought from Evermore Studios, I also got on a later shipment, Teal Gradient, Lemon Ice4, Aqua in lace and Pale Twilight in lace. LOVE LOVE her yarn.

I received some books in the mail: "My Grandmother's Knitting" family stories and inspired knits from top designers  Larissa Brown. "Socktopus" by Alice Yu, 17 pairs of sock a great looking book and can't wait to knit out of it. The last book is "The Knitter's Book of Socks" By Clara Parkes. The yarn lover's ultimate guide to creating socks that fit well, feel great, and last a lifetime. This book is filled with great information on wool and yarns, with patterns compiled from great designers a true must have for any library.

Work is going good and keeping me busy, so keep warm and those pointy sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting, Bye.

1 Finished Object and 2 WIP'S

 Here's my finished object this week:
I finished the Rustling Leaves Beret. I enjoyed the knitting of this beret, it was a fast and easy knit. And the yarn is a dream to knit with I

 LOVE knitting anything with cashmere in it. I've got lots in my stash and I think I'm going to knit more of it. Here is also a picture of it on a head I need to block it yet and then it will be done. My next goal is to make some fingerless gloves using the same pattern. Now the 

 problem that I'm having is that I'm trying to figure out if I want to go with 1 leaf or 2 to start with to put one into the thumb gusset. I'm still playing with it. 

 I have also finished the first sock of my BFF socks by Cookie A. This a fun sock using cables and is quite easy knit. Now I have to start the second sock and I will have 2 pair done this month. 
Work has been keeping me busy, I had a long weekend and hopefully this week won't be as long I enjoy the work just not 9 to 10 hours on my feet. The cement floors are hard on the poor feet. 
Before I leave I want to enable you to a great seller on Etsy Evermore Studio's I bought yarn from her and she made an error in my order and promptly got a hold of me to let me know she sent the wrong yarn that I had order. She promised to sent the yarn out the next day so I had to placed another order from her right away she has some lovely colors. I will share the yarn when it gets here. 
Well that's it for this week I'll post again next week, so keep warm and those pointy sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye.

One FO and Two WIP"s

Here's my finished object: I finished my Count Dracula. They are a simple stockinette with an afterthought heel I LOVE how they turned out. I can't wait to wear them. I now want more self stripping yarn it is so much fun to knit with. I have more in the stash and will be using it soon.

Now for my works in progress: My Rustling Leaves Beret is coming along I'm on the third repeat of the leaves. I love how it is turning out and the yarn is a dream to work with but any yarn with cashmere in it is yummy!!! I want to make a pair of fingerless mitts with the yarn that is left. I plan to incorporate the leaves going up the front of the mitts.

I always need a pair of socks on the needles so I went to ufo (unfinished objects) bin and took out a sock that I messed up on in the foot and frogged it. I decided to still use a Cookie A. pattern BBF socks. The yarn is some that I purchased last October at Wear on Earth when she had the yarn show "Yarns on Stage" this is one of the yarns Cherry Tree Hill in their finger paint yarn "Sweet Pea" it is a fun colorway.
That's it for the knitting. Life in general is going good and I'm keeping busy. 
So till next week Keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye.

WIP's

 Here is the first of my works in progress: I'm working on a simple sock using self stripping yarn that I bought at Sock Summit 2011. I must admit after going through the stash this is the first time that I have used self stripping yarn. I love it. The yarn was bought from The Amy Lee Show her Canon Hand Dyes in Count Dracula. A perfect socks to wear on Halloween.  Now I just have to finish them. I bought several other self stripping yarns from her so I'm sure you will see them pop up now and then. I am just knitting a stockinette sock with an afterthought heel. I still don't have the heel the way I want it but I figure if I keep working on it I will get it where I want it.

The other project that I'm working on is called The Rusting Leaves Beret by Alana Dakoes of the Never Not Knitting Podcast. She has gotten together with Hannah Fettif aka Knitbot and they have a new book out Coastal Knits which will be released October 15, I have preordered the book and and you got a pattern from each designers. The reason I ordered the book was for this beret pattern. You'll see it as I get it done. I know that I have enough yarn and want to make a pair of finger less glove with the leave motive on them.
That is all I have on the needles at this moment, I want to cast on for another pi shawl I have the yarn and the needles empty I just have to find the time.

I had too show a picture of a corn field by the house, we had a wind storm and everyone knows the power of wind I just have never seen it blow down a corn field. It's been two weeks since the wind storm and the corn is still down and they haven't gotten it picked up. And from what I hear it won't get picked up what a shame.
Till next week keep those sticks aclickn'
HAPPILY KNITTING, BYE,

I'm Still Around

I'm still alive and knitting. My life has been busy, we've had a wedding, I'm working nights, and I'm still knitting as much as possible. So that's what I've been up to.

Christopher got married and now I have a wonderful new daughter, Monica, whom I welcome into my life as a ray of sunshine. She is wonderful for Chris and I can tell that they will be happy for a long time.

My knitting has been moving along I haven't knit a lot but I did get the shawl done for Monica and I must say that I turn out great.
I have made a couple pair of socks and shawls but have not done anything on that scale it too me to long to finish. I not need quick and easy projects maybe a hat, fingerless gloves who knows what my needles will cast on.
Work has been keeping me busy I now work evening which cut into my knitting time. So I don't get as much done as I want to. Tony and I are working too much together that we seem to fight a bit more but I guess that is what happens when you are together 24 7.
 Gena and I went to Sock Summit 2011 and it was everything we expected and so much more. We had so much fun met wonderful people that we now can call friends. I spent too much money but got some great yarn, project bags, patterns and fiber. Now to find the time to use it all.
I hope to blog better, I want to start making myself accountable to my knitting and maybe I will get a few things done. So if all works out you sill start to see WIP'S and FO'S here's hoping.
Happily knitting, bye

Finished Socks and WIP

I finished by first pair of socks this year and another hat. Here is the picture of my Hedrea Socks by Cookie A. In Dream in Color yarn in the colorway Jungle Cloud. These turned out good I'm going to work through the book Knit. Sock. Love. by Cookie A. I love her patterns and they always provide a challenge to knit.

Midnight Suns Hat by Katherine Rollins. This is a fun and easy pattern to whip up and besides that it looks good. Don't you think? I used Marasol Yarn Tupa it is a blend of 50% Merino Wool and 50% Silk. I like this yarn it is so soft and yummy to knit with.

For my WIP's I have on the needles: Monica's Wedding Veil. I'm using Baruffa Cashwool, 100% Wool. I didn't think I would ever get this cast on, it took for ever but I got it on and am working on it. We picked out two different patterns and have put them together to make this one pi shawl. I hope to have it done by August for the wedding.


Here is sock two out of Cookie A.'s book the Monkey sock I am doing them toe up instead of cuff down. That is the only difference that I'm making. The yarn is from Miss Babs, in here colorway Frog Princess. I just got them started.

I am also starting two more shawls for KAL's, I joined a group called the Light & Dark Lace Club. This group is found on Ravelry. The yarn is being dyed by two of my fav's, Ruth of PennyRose Yarns and Roxanne of Zen Yarn Garden. Ruth is the light and Roxanne is the dark. Ruth with be designing all the patterns and will be coming as a mystery. Now all I have to do is cast on. The other shawl is another mystery shawl for Criminal Minds by Threebagsfull. I have knit another pattern by her and loved knitting it. This one should be fun I got the yarn she was calling for Color Changing Cotton by Wolle's in Nickel Star. I get to work on it every Wednesday during Criminal Minds.
That's about all the work I have going for right now. I think that is more then enough, I do have to get Abby's back on the needles and finish the other half. But I will get to that.
I have been sticking to my diet and am down 25 pounds so far just 15 more to go. I'm determined to look good at all these weddings coming up.
So keep those sicks aclickn'. Happily knitting, Bye.

Welcome to the New Year

I know that it's been awhile since I last posted, I do apologize. There is no excuse but I have been at work a lot. I've finally got a day off so I thought I better post. Work has kept me busy, even though we have not been busy busy, things keep going. Tony wants me to go to night which I don't really want because that's when I knit so I will have to learn to change my knitting schedule. It is doable.

WIP: Project 1:

I've got half of Abby's wrap done. Here's a peak. I like how it is turning out. Now to cast on the other half I just don't feel it yet. I will get it on the needles one day, I found a few stitch's that I dropped that I have to pick-up. Gena is going to help me block it and that will take a bit of time.

Project 2: I working on a pair of socks two at a time on one needle. I had trouble casting on I just couldn't do it and after several attempts I cast on the cuffs on dpn's and then put them on the needle I need help to figure it out I know that it is something very simple that I'm doing wrong and once I get it it will be a smack in the head.The pattern is a Cookie A. pattern Hedera form her book Knit. Sock. Love. I want to knit through the book and this is her first pattern. I'm using Dream in Color yarn Smooshy in the colorway Jungle Cloud. I is my travel knitting I'm working on the gusset now.

Project 3: Another Hat, called Midnight Sun. I must be totally crazy I've been on a hat knitting binge as of late. I've knit 12 hats in the last month. They make great, quick and easy gifts. I gave each of the kids a hat, the boys each got 2. Gena and Brian got a hat and now I have to make some for ME and anyone else that wants one. The small picture is the one that is on the needles and the other is a finished one Micheal claimed it. This is a fun pattern and well written I really liked knitting it other hats that I have knit is Turn a Square , Hermione Hearts Ron , Knotty But Nice , Odessa and several others.

Project 4: Monica's Veil I just got it cast on and it was work I have never done a Pi Shawl and working with so few stitches on larger needles, I was all thumbs and I had a lot of trouble but I did work it out. Went to Wear on Earth and sat and worked it out I've got about 144 stitches on the needles right now and am enjoying the knitting I can't wait to see how it looks a bit longer.

Well that's it on the needles I guess I better get something done on the knitting front. I will try to be better at blogging but life and knitting come first.

So keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting, Bye.