Happily Knitting Socks

My Christmas Gift

2012-01-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

My gift didn't arrive on Christmas but on New Years Day. I got the cutest little puppy. I got a Chiweenie, which is a chihuahua and dachshund she is tiny. She looks more like the Dachshund
one of the girls at work her Aunt's dogs were the parents. They called her Cow I just couldn't call her that but with her coloring she did look like a cow so Tony and I decided with help, Gena, to call her Daisy. So everyone I would like you to meet Daisy. She is a little bundle of joy and keeps us on our toes. She pounces on everything but loves to cuddle. She know she blanket for one that is not hers they look alike but they are different and she has to have her blanket.
My knitting is coming along I'm still working on the same two projects that I was on a while ago. The Pele's Tears shawl and a pair of socks. I made a few quick items for gifts that are gone so I can't show them but this week is all about the puppy.
So keep warm and those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye

Are You Ready?

2011-12-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-08T15:45:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-01T14:45:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-24T22:40:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-17T15:15:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-10T10:00:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

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

2011-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

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.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T12:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-29T10:41:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

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.

The Fair

2010-08-23T17:21:00.001-07:00

I was disappointed in how they displayed my items but here a couple of shots. The Red and white sock at least you can see the pattern where as the peach one who know what it looks like. And my shawls that really upset me. they where all stacked up on each other so you didn't know what they looked like or what the hell they where. AND STICKERS OMG I wanted ribbons, why would I want a stupid sticker. That's like giving me a gold star, not what I worked for and not what I wanted.

As you can see the shawls are just put in a pile and still folded how I had them in the bag, The people who displayed them didn't even look at them, I would have.

I guess we always don't get what we want. When I went to the fair to pickup my items guess what I got 4 little blue ribbons and a check for 15.00 dollars so I guess that we pretty good.

Dad did great with his photo, he was so proud. It wasn't the photo he wanted to put in but it was

the perfect photo that they where looking for this year. He got a ribbon for best of division and best in color. Plus a little blue ribbon.

So over all it was a good learning experience and I will do it again next year. I will get in to the right category and I will get ribbons. So stay cool and keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting, Bye.

Knitting

2010-08-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

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.

The Remodel, Sock Kits, A Little Knitting and Life

2010-07-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

I know that I've been bad at blogging lately but I really have been busy. My new craft room is coming along slowly but I'm making headway's. On the corded wall I decided that it would be much easier just to put up sheet rock. Tony helped with that so that part went good. The rest of the room is mine to do. I got the first coat of tape and mud done in this shot.

I spent the good part of a week just on the mud and sanding. I didn't think that I would ever get that finished but it is done and on the the painting. I did most of the primer in one day and wished I hadn't my body was sore. But when you have a day off I try to get as much done as possible.

Here's the room with it primer all done now to start taping the walls and begin with the paint. I decided to paint the ceiling white. Tony found me white paint that went on pink and as it dried it turned white, for me I thought that was a great idea!! Here you can see the pink before it turned. Now that the ceiling is done I'm going to let it set for a few days, at least till Wednesday and I will tape the ceiling and prep for Thursday and will paint the walls. I have chosen a semi bright yellow for the room. The room itself doesn't get a lot of light so this way it will always feel cheerful. I bought my flooring and am going to put down bamboo in a light color. I can't wait to get this all done so that I can buy my spinning wheel I have decided to get a Schacht Lady Bug Wheel.

Sock Kits I got two different ones so here goes:

This Kit was from Woolgirl's Sock Club,

The yarn is by Knitted Wit in Two Roads colorway, the colors range from light brown to a dark (almost purple) brown.

2 patterns Mosey Creek sock pattern by Nicole Hinds and Walk Through the Woods Kerchief by Sarah Wilson.

a needle gauge palette design by Images Stitchery Design.

A travel notebook and a club pen.

A handmade tree branch button from Wooden Treasures.

A palm wood stitch marker from Blue Ridge Notions. This is a great kit.

Kit 2 is also from Woolgirl called Sandcastles and Summer Fun.

The yarn is from the wonderful Miss Babs called Sandcastles, her Windsor sock blend .

A knitting accessory bag by Amy Thornton.

Flip flop stitch marker from Sunne of Sunneshine Stitch Markers

A set of 3 beachwear notepads, a beach towel, bikini and sun hat along with a pen with sunglasses shaped eraser.

A flip flop themed key fob by Amy Thornton.

Flip flop key chain and a magnet. Another great kit. This is why I love Woolgirl she put together the greatest kits.

My knitting has been slow I have finished the shawl for Mom.

I used yarn from one of my kit Ruby Red Slippers, from Zen Yarn Garden in her Bling yarn so it has a bit of silver running through it. I ran out of yarn and had to order more and this was a hard color to match up. All the skeins ran in different colors of red. Gena had a lighter color, mine was a darker red. I called Woolgirl, Jen, to see if see had any extra skeins to match up the yarn. It wasn't a perfect match but it was only in the last part of the shawl so it's not to noticeable.

Work we had our 1 year anniversary dinner. It went real good but was very busy. Dad loves balloons. So we had balloons. Which he had to blow up. I love cake so we had to have cake. White cake and Chocolate cake the sad part was we went through all the cake and I didn't get any but 2 pieces I wanted more

Well I think that that's enough for now. I really should do this more often so my finger don't get so sore typing and by brain goes to mush. Well you know what to do keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting something, Bye

Knitting, Sock Kit, and Remodel

2010-06-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am alive and work hasn't killed me yet. Had some very busy days and I have lived. We are having a 1 year anniversary steak special next week, Wednesday and Thursday. It should be a lot of fun, so if you are in the area and want a great steak dinner at a great price stop by at the Nuthouse Grill.

My Knitting: I have finished the shawl that I was working on and here is the picture. This was a very easy pattern, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/triangel , here is the link on Ravelry this pattern is by Caroline Lang. I used Noro Kureyon Sock yarn I used almost all the skein of yarn the color is S233. I included the link if you have joined Ravelry, you really should if you love to knit or crochet. This site is wonderful, there is hundreds of patterns that are FREE or you can purchase patterns. But the thing I like is that if you find a pattern you like and want to see what other people have knit it in you can there is just so many wonderful things you can do at this site. SO JOIN.

I working on a shawl for Mom, she picked out a yarn out of my stash, Ruby Red Slippers. I have a very hard time finding a pattern that looks good in this yarn. I hope that I have found one, we will see. I'm also working on a test knit pattern that is beautiful and is taking my time. I also have two other pairs of socks on the needles so my knitting is keeping me busy.

I have to show you this sock kit that I got. This kit is gorgeous!!! It is titled Tea Party. Jen from Woolgirl designed this kit and here is what we got.

A skein of Serenity 20 cashmere blend sock yarn from Zen Yarn Garden

All Steamed Up sock pattern

Cuppa Steam scarf pattern

My Little Teapot Cozy and Cozy Little Teacup patterns. 3 patterns OMG

A Tea Party knitting bag

A pattern tamer, 2 stitch markers, teacup and teapot, a teapot charm, tin of Earl Grey Moonlight tea, a bamboo needle gauge, teapot tea infuser.

A teapot mouse pad notepad, this is great I can make notes and use my mouse.

A delicious petite four (yummy), a teapot milk chocolate, a honey tea spoon.

A floral porcelain mini box.

This kit as I said was GREAT JUST TO DIE FOR.

Remodel. The boys are gone so I have decided to redo there room. I want to document my work and show you what I'm doing I want to do this room by myself. I know there is things I can't do. I will need help with the drywall (putting it up) but I really want to see what I can do by myself. So here is where I'm at. Please excuse the picture I don't know what the circles are but it gives you an idea of the one wall that I'm laboring over. It is the wall of cork and it goes. I've got it scraped off and the mess out of the room. Now here is where I got stumped, the glue. The wall is covered with it. Talked with Dad and we decided to cover it with dry wall. I've got it bought the chunks off the wall. I'm going to mark out the studs and hopefully get help getting the drywall up. The to tape and mud and sand. I want to paint the room yellow. I'm going to put down bamboo floor. This will be my craft room so I can't wait to see how I do.
That's it for now so keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting, Bye

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

2010-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Just got a kit from Woolgirl, more from the Wizard of Oz series. Follow the Yellow Brick Road. This is a great kit and more then expected.

The yarn is by Yarn Daze Yukatan a merino cashmere sock yarn in "Yellow Brick Road" colorway.

Yellow Brick Road sock pattern by Jane Robbins.

A project bag by Amy Thornton.

A tote bag to carry more goodies/

A mini tin to hold all the great stitch markers

A Wee One stitch marker

A set of Oz cards

Several nice post-it note pads

A Yellow Brick Road pen.

And more information about the upcoming Wicked Witch Rides Again sock kit. So I signed up for more sock kits. I know I'm bad but it's Woolgirl and I can't help myself.

Well I just had to show you the kit and that's it for now I've got to get some knitting done before I go to work. Keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting, Bye

Here's Goes WIP, Sock Clubs, and Fun

2010-05-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

We went to Vegas right after Mother's Day and had a few days of fun. It was warm but windy but it still felt great. We went to several shows, Beatles LOVE, Cirque du Soleil, Penn and Teller and The Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur. Here are a few of my favorite pictures: At the New York, Lady Liberty, made of candy too me this was yummy. I can't remember where but they had a Chocolate fountain or would you call it running chocolate it made me hungry and I wanted chocolate. This was large this picture was just the bottom made you want to dip your fingers into the chocolate and enjoy.

We had fun and to be honest I wasn't ready to come back to work I really wanted a couple of more days off. But reality sets in and back to work I had to go. But I felt a bit more rested and could think clear. I needed to begin to stand up for myself and not let others walk all over me. We'll see how I do.

Sock Clubs have come in and here a few quick shots. The Lopy Ewe Sock Club, Fiber Artist, BFL Socks, 2 patterns The one showing is the is a shawl that I want to knit. Red snap bags from Namaste. Gena and I are in a new sock club form Knit Fit Knitting This sock club is called "Socks in the City". Natalie Johnson is the founder and the pattern designer. She has designed sock patterns that are made for heels. Here is a picture of the yarn called Socktini, I love the sock bag, we also got a cute martini glass stitch marker, a pattern tamer titled Knit Responsibly, and a great pattern. I'm going to wind the yarn and hope to cast on tonight.

From Woolgirl Sock Club, I recieved "May Lily" included in the kit was Lily of the Valley yarn from Chameleon Colorworks, 2 different patterns, a set of knitting bags with Woolgirl logo, Lily of the Valley scented goat milk soap, fabric covered tape measure, geen pen, a bead stitch marker and a Lily of the Valley gift tag. A great kit once again from woolgirl. I also got We're Not in Kansas Anymore and The Mad Hatter. Both are great kits and one day will be knit up.

Here are a few on the finished knit projects: Ishbel a small shawl that was fun to knit. I finally used yarn that I bought from Sock Summit. The yarn was from Liberty Yarns Blutopia, in Istambul, the picture is not the right shade of blue I took a terrible picture. The next shawl I worked on in Vegas started it on the plane and worked on it all over Vegas. Another yarn from Sock Summit, from Huckleberry Knits, this was their yarn colorway that was summit for the dye for glory competition. The shawl is a very easy knit and pattern to remember.

I have started another shawl this one is called Triangel I'm using Noro yarn because of the long repeats. I started from the outside of the ball so that it went from dark to light instead of light to dark. Well that's it for now. So keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting, Bye.

Raindrop Shawl

2010-04-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Here's the promised picture: the pattern is by Renee Strouts. The yarn is Zen Yarn Garden BFL and was a joy to knit with I will use more of her yarn in shawls too be.

I finished a pair of sock and am almost done with one more pair I want to finish the by Monday so I can cast-on my next shawl.

That's it for now Keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting sock or whatever, Bye.

WIP - Micheal

2010-04-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

I've been busy and haven't done a lot of knitting. I seem to have a lot of WIP (work in progress). I've got 5 pairs of socks on the needles and I can't get them off. So I won't start another project until I have 2 pairs done. I finished my Raindrops shawl and it is blocking so I will show a picture of it when its dry. I've picked out the next shawl I'm going to do Ishbel by Ysolda using Dream in Color Smooshy Cloud Jungle. But I have to finish 2 pair and both pair are into the feet so I should be able to finish fairly fast.

I do have some good news Micheal has moved out. YEA!!!!! Him and Abby are living together and things there are going good so far. Abby keeps reminding me she needs more hours at work. Since he is gone we have cleaned the family room and have moved into there. I have to clean the garage to move the boys things in to there that they have left behind. Then the fun begins. I get to remove the cork board off the wall, repair the drywall, rip up the floor, paint and put down new floor in my fiber room. I want to paint the room sunshine yellow, this room does not get sun so to make it feel warm and alive for me I want it bright.
Who knows what it will look like but I'm going to give it a go.

Work has kept me very busy. The strange thing is Tony now gets 2 days off and if I'm lucky I might get 1 off a week some how I don't think that is all that fair. But that's how it goes right now. I'm going to hire at least 1 more person I can't keep picking up the hours when people needs time off. The baseball season at Bender field has begun so we are busier on the weekends. Tony is happy, my feet are not.

Well, that's about all now I promise to take pictures and post of all the WIP so till then
keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

I'm Still Alive and Knitting

2010-03-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

Spring is here, I love this time of the year. Everything is coming alive, flowers are in bloom, trees are turning green and new life begins. Today I got to see a new calf in the field it make me feel so good to be alive. I always know that it is spring when the raspberry canes begin to turn green. So with the new life beginning I decided that I needed an update in my life. I got new glasses, 2 pair and I got my hair cut. I cut 10" off now that's a lot of hair and I feel a little bald now its not that short it can go shorter which I'm sure it will go. Here is the front and the back please forgive the crappy pictures but I

thought I would give you an idea what it looks like. I just have to figure out what do with it. I forgot that the back has a ton of waves so it looks like it is curly and I'm not adding them in. I figure if I don't like it I can cut it really short. The pair of glasses that are pictured are a black frame. I like them Tony and Micheal like the other pair. The picture of that pair just didn't turn out.

Sock Clubs

I got a couple of packages from Woolgirl. The sock club this year is all about The Dreamer in all of us. So she started out the year with some gorgeous yarn from Dream in Color called "Dreamer". The patterns were by Christina Bain called "Sleep Walker" socks and a beret pattern by Jane Robbins called "Day Dreamer. a "Knit 'N Walk Bag with a small accessories bag by Knit Purl Sew What?. The cutest Little Gems scissors, 2 stitch makers from Twice Sheared Sheep, a woolgirl sock club pen, a mini calendar to post on the fridge, a Woolgirl button key chain, a notepad and more this was a stocked kit.

The next kit the arrived on the door step was the first in the Alice in Wonderland series. This kit was called Queen Alice, this is a great kit and the goodies OMG Jen out did herself on this kit. I don't know where she finds the items she adds to all her kits but I'm so glad she does. If I could I would buy each and everyone but I don't. In this kit we got: yarn from Dashing Dachs in a heavenly Alice colorway, the sock pattern called "QUEEN ALICE" by IrishgirlieKnits, a sock bag by Slipped Stitch Studios, A "Drink Me" pattern tamer, a Queen Alice pen, a set of note cards, mini calendar, a collector's Alice in Wonderland journal, a wee ones stitch marker. LIKE I said WOW.

I had to show the stitch marker front and back there was so much detail in it.

Knitting: I have been doing some knitting just haven't gotten anything really done. I knit another shawl. I like how this one turned out. I've started another one also they are fun to do. this one is called "Waves of Leaves" I used Socks that Rock Grawk colorway. Here is a picture that shows the colors in the yarn.

The next shawl is "Raindrops" I have ripped it out so many time its not funny but the drops are turning out right and I'm using a life line so I don't have to completely rip it out.

I have been knitting on socks at the same time so I'm keeping busy . Well I think that this is enough for now. So you know what to do, keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

End of Month

2010-02-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would show you what I made I'm proud of it. I made this shawl as Olympic knit along. I started it at the beginning ceremonies and had to be done at the end. I got this done and a pair of socks done also that had to be finished by the 21st.

Here it is blocked and drying. I need to do some more stretching of it and then it should be done.

I've already picked out my next shawl pattern and am working on it. I'll post pictures when I'm a little bit further on it.

Keep warm and those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks or what ever, Bye

February Knitting, Yarn and Life

2010-02-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

So here's some of my knitting that I've been working on time has just gone way to fast and I don't know where the days have gone. The days have just flew by and with the sun out I don't know where I want to be but maybe outside enjoying the beauty. I can't figure out this weather flowers are in bloom tree pollen is about it is way to early. The weather has been in the 50's it feels like spring so what is spring going to be, wet, dry, cold, warm who knows.

Work has been keeping me going in two different directions. I fun but it can be crazy sometimes I don't know exactly where I am or what day it is they all blend in together.

My Knitting

I've found some time to knit not a lot but a little. I've finished two pairs of socks and am working on a shawl. It's not a large one but a small one and it's an easy pattern just to get my feet wet and maybe get the itch to do more. So here are the pictures of the finish items.

This is a sample knit for Woolgirl and Miss Babs, the yarn is from Miss Babs and is A Day at the Kelp Pond, not one of my favorite colors but the pattern was fun to do and a little bit of a challenge Woodsmoke Sock by Anne Hanson. I might do this pattern again but in a solid or a semi-solid colorway.

I have also finished my Pyroclastic socks. They turned out great and the yarn looks good the picture doesn't do the socks any good the bling doesn't show at all. I will use the fitted arch again on another pair of socks I like how they feel when you put them on, they fit like a glove. I might even do this pattern again it was fun to knit.

I'm also making my first shawl a blogging friend, Toby makes the most beautiful shawls and she has inspired me to make one. I picked out an easy pattern The Traveling Woman. The yarn is from the Woolgirl Oz Club, Emerald City Kit. The yarn is from Madelinetosh, Tosh Sock, colorway Emerald City. So far I'm doing good I'm in the second repeat of pattern A. I've made a few changes but I can't wait to see it done and blocked.

I'm still working on my "Waiting for Facebook Page to Load" sock I'm on the second sock and work on it every so often. The Rivendell sock is on the second sock and working on the foot part I haven't touched it in awhile, will have to get on it soon. I also have one sock done of a test knit and will work on it in March. It is being done as a mystery sock KAL in one of the groups on Ravelry Solid or Semi Solid sock Club. So I will finish that one then.

New Yarn and Sock Club

I bought some more yarn one of mine and Gena's Favorite dyers had a sale on her yarn and I just couldn't pass this one up. When I got them in the mail I couldn't believe that they where almost all the same colorway. The dyer is Mama Llama out of Texas, we got to met her at Sock Summit, she is such a wonderful person. She had a birthday sale 35% off now that is a great sale you can't pass that up. The yarn was 80/10/10 merino, cashmere, nylon the yarn is yummy and so soft. the colors are Bella, Earth and Berkley which is merino seacell blend. I don't know exactly what I'm going to make but I thought about using the cashmere for shawls it's just to nice to use for my feet.

I also bought one more yarn at Northwest Handspun Yarn in Bellingham. When I took a class by Cookie A it was a great class and I learned new things and that is what it's all about to keep learning all the time. This yarn is one that I don't have in the stash I love the colors they reminded me of spring. The yarn is Lace Wing Sock it's a 2 ply hand dyed but it has lots of yardage 546 yds. the colorway is Field of Dreams. I can't wait to see what I choice to make with this.

We got Ruby Red Slippers this month for the Oz Sock Club.

This kit was to die for:

The yarn is from Zen Yarn Garden her Bling sock yarn.
"Ruby Slippers" sock pattern by Bethany Whitney
Ruby Slippers accessory bag
A dpn case by ZigZag Stitches
Notepad
A bookmark
Beads to adorn the socks
Lip gloss
A Ruby Slipper stitch marker by Wee Ones
3 Ruby Slippers buttons
A lavender sachet
An Oz mini keychain crochet hook

This is a great kit I won't use the yarn for my feet it just to beautiful for words, my picture doesn't to it any justice. I've bought some roving but I'll share it next time.

Well this is about it for now so keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Knitting Socks

2010-01-24T23:11:00.000-08:00

Here's what I've been working on: Done a pair of Angee: They look much better in person.

My Rivendells are coming along I have one done and am working on the second one. It seems to be taking me longer I just am having a dislike of ktb the stitch isn't any harder it just seems to take me longer.

I'm still working on the Waiting for Facebook page to Load socks, believe it or not they are moving right along. I'm getting a lots of work on them done just waiting. The yarn is some that I had in my stash, from the beginning of time. It is Opal Petticoat, a fitting colorway pastels and I'm doing a plain vanilla sock. I also am working on a sock out of Knitty an online magazine This is from the winter issue and called Pyroclastic. So far an easy stitch pattern to memorize. The foot features a shaped arch, this is something that I have wanted to try. It provides the foot with a very snug fit that does not shift around in your shoe. Well that is it for now, keep those sticks a clickn'.

This Month is Flying By

2010-01-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

WOW I can't believe how fast time is flying by. All I have done is work. Tony is KEEPING me busy, boo Tony, I haven't had much knitting time.

The restaurant is staying fairly busy not slammin' busy but enough to pay the bills. We had to buy a new ice machine this year so far the old one just didn't make ice anymore. So we now have pillow ice, for you that don't know that's the shape of the ice. It lays flat in the glass and give you an optical illusion of more liquid.

I have picked up two more shifts per week, so I now am working 5 evening shifts and 4 day shifts I don't think I want anymore. I have Sunday off that is if no one wants that day off, I'm finding it hard to get people to work when it's not their normal day. I hate to beg and grovel to get someone to work.

We had our holiday company party this week. I think it was a success, everyone seem to have a great time. I brought in video game systems 2 Wii and 2 PS2 so we had Guitar Hero going and Wii Sports going in tow different places in the restaurant to the kids and the adults could be playing and we didn't have to fight over the systems.

OK to the knitting, I have been working a little bit on 3 pairs of socks. I'm on the second sock of my Angee sock by Cookie A. I love this pattern and the yarn by Wool Candy. And before I forget I'm taking a class by ...............DRUM ROLL...........................................Cookie A.

I can't wait. Debi Woods and I are going to be taking 2 classes given by Cookie, on Sunday Jan. 31, Toe up with a gusset, I've taken classes doing this method by to learn from a DIVA, as Gena puts it, will be great. The other class is The Traveling Stitches this one sounds very interesting and anything by Cookie is great by me.

The other sock that I'm working on is the Rivendell out of the TheElectic Sole book. I've put it on hold for a moment, I got tired of ktb, knit through the back loop, and really wanted to finish my Angee socks. I'm on the foot and will get back to them shortly.

For my third pair of socks they are a simple plain stockinette sock, plain Jane, vanilla, I need a sock that I could work on while I waited for Face book pages to load, Cafe World is so slow.

In the past week I have gotten 8" done on the leg and am now working on the heel flap. I can't believe how much knitting you can get done just waiting.

The last Woolgirl Sock Club arrived and I have to admit this one is my all time favorite. She truly out did herself on this kit. The theme was Dutch Sweet Treats what come to mind. OMG the yarn, the pattern, let me just tell you.

Yarn Love Juliet yarn in Sugared Grapefruit. YUMMY so soft.
Agrodolce sock pattern by Marjan Hammink aka Yarnissima love this pattern want to cast on asap
Just a Spoonful of Sugar hat pattern and Sweet Little Sugar of Mine mitt pattern by Christina Bain (3 patterns in this kit OMG)
A custom PINK Buddy Case from Namaste (Woolgirl exclusive color)
Hot cocoa, a heart-shaped whisk, and hand-made vanilla marshmallows (yummy didn't make it into the cocoa)
a set of 4 petite-four soaps by Naiad Soap Arts (they look like chocolate)
A set of Sweet Treat postcards
A stitch marker designed by Kate of Spindle Cat Studios

Like I said this KIT was to die for and it's all mine.

I also got another Wizard of Oz Kit "Toto" this is a great kit.

Yarn by Miss Babs ,one of my faves, a cute kip bag, a small bag, key fob, a great note book with the saying " Dear Dorothy: Hate Oz, took the shoes, find your own way home."

I think its a cute saying. There was also a stitch marker from Wee Ones of Toto. A great kit, now to wait for the next one "Ruby Red Slippers". Can't wait.

I also bought some yarn. An order from Woolgirl, I bought some Dream in Color Smooshy, Butter Peeps, Cloud Jungle, and from Kitchen Sink Dyeworks, Jake.

I made an order from Zen Yarn Garden, Roxanne dyes some beautiful colors in her yarns so I couldn't stop myself, the devil made me do it. I bought from her BFL Nylon line, Fire and Ice and Grenadine. I love both of these colorways and can't wait to find a pattern to knit them into.

I also received my compensation yarn from Buffalo Gold I now own the convented Buffalo Gold, sport weight 2 ply. I also received with the package two adorable tepee's, a great thank you. That's all the new yarn and it really is too much. I've signed up for next years Woolgirl sock club, Alice in Wonderland Sock club from Woolgirl, still in the Oz Club and am thinking about signing up again for the Loopy Ewe Sock Club. So I don't really need more yarn. But you know when that feeling hits you got to buy. I haven't done much spinning but I really need to get working on it again.

Well I think that I've typed enough for now I promise to try harder to blog and stay off of Face Book. So till later stay warm and please keep those stick aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had a great Christmas and their dreams all came true this season. We all have so much to be grateful for with friends and family around us what more can we wish for. This year I didn't have to work, except for the work in the kitchen but that is a labor of love this year. Both the boys were at home, I don't know how long that is going to happen with girlfriends and their families. So I'm thank full for the time I will get to have with them at the holidays.
I cooked, cleaned up and I have a very full tummy. I tired to knit but all I wanted to do was sleep. Yesterday wore me out. We had a good dinner crowd at the restaurant. It was the first time that it was open for dinner on Christmas Eve. Of course is helped being one of the only places open for dinner in Lynden. So now Tony will be open all the time.
Well I'm off to bed have a great evening and the best of time for the rest of this year. I hope to be back again before the count down but if not have a safe and wonderful New Years Eve.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

End of Year

2009-12-21T17:04:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that the year is almost over and it seems like it just began. 2010 is almost upon us. I don't know if its been a great year of not but its been a year of a lot of different things going on in my life. But the main thing is that I'm glad for my family and all my friends, here and there, scattered all over the world. This time of the year always makes me reflected on what I have and what I have to be so thankful for. I don't always say Thank you, as much as I should. So I want to say Thank You to everyone that reads my blog because I know you have better things to do then to read what I have to say. So thank you one and all for taking your time to read this. So on to knitting.

I've got a few finished items since I last blogged, so here goes.

I finished The Teen Paw Tracks, the yarn is Spud & Chloë Fine, a 80% superwash wool and 20% silk blend and nice yarn to knit with, a little splitty but not bad. This pair of socks are for a teen that is why the bright colors and the two colors. I hope she will like them.

Next I finished my Rivulets of Pineapples, the yarn is from Craft Meow, Soft Serve. The pattern is Rivulets Socks by Wendy D. Johnson. A great and easy pattern to memorize and to knit. It is a toe up with a heel flap and gusset.

I also got Abby's socks done. The pattern is African Lace, the yarn is by Perchance to Knit in Sultry. I love how this pair of socks turned out I am also making a small pair for her niece is the same pattern. When I mean small I mean newborn size I've got one done and working on the second one. I should have it done tonight.

For a real quick project I needed something to put into the knit bag to knit on in between shifts. I decided to knit a pair of fingerless gloves. These are so easy and fast to make. I cast on Saturday and they are done on Sunday. I used Noro Silk Garden in their cream colors. The pattern is a basic k1 p1 then knit the body and a quick increase the pattern is by Michelle Molis.

So now I have to cast on here are a few of the projects that I'm going to cast on.

The first one is Angee by Cookie A. the yarn is Wool Candy Cerises

The next cast on is Heart to Heart Beaded Scarf by Sivia Harding yarn from Mama Llama in

Silvia's Teal 100% cashmere. Which is yummy to handle.

I want to cast on another pair of fingerless glove using Noro Silk Garden Lite. This pair should knit up just as fast as the last pair. So maybe I'll have a few pairs to give away. Who knows what I'll do with them but the yarn is fun to work with and has long repeats so you can't make them matching but that's the fun of it.

So that is it for now, keep warm have a GREAT CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Happily knitting socks and other things, Bye

Socks, Yarn, and Whatever

2009-12-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

O.K. I've been bad. Work gets in the way and I just don't have as much time in the day. Why can't we have just 2 maybe 4 more hours a day to do just what we want to do. Time no one can take from us, time that we can do what ever we wanted. No strings attached, time just for me. So, I can't get it, so I'll just take what I can get.

I have been knitting and can show you one or two pictures there. Here is a picture of the socks I'm working on for Abby. The yarn when I seen it for some reason reminded me of her. The colorway is Sultry and the pattern is African Lace. This is a fun pattern and the lace pattern runs down the side of the leg. I am glad that the pooling turn out this way after several other pattern attempts this one turned out. I'm on the second sock and am at the heel flap I hope to get it done this next week. I'm also working on a test knit for a mystery sock kal that will start sometime the first of the new year. This pattern is great and looks good. I'll post a picture when I get permission. I also finished a pair of socks for Buffalo Gold. I got to learn how to knit with beads so it was a fun pair of socks to knit and to knit with buffalo these will make a great pair of sock and oh so warm.

I'm almost done with this pair of socks, working up the leg. I don't work on this pair as often they are my travel socks, always in the purse so I pull them out and work a row of two when ever I get a chance. But they are coming along and should have them done shortly. I still have one more pair of socks to get done before Christmas. The pattern I choose is easy and I should be able to get it done fairly fast. I have decided that the new year I'm going to kit a few items just for me. I want to knit a beaded scarf, some fingerless gloves, maybe a hat? But what ever I do the first few items will be for me and not the sock bag or to go to someone else.

I bought some cedar ball for my sock yarn drawers. So I got to empty the drawers and look at all my yarn OMG I think I've got a little bit to much. One day I need to destash but I don't know if I can part with any of it. I now have 4 large drawers and 2 under the bed bins. It just might be time to stop, no I can't s-t-o-p, that is one of those four letter words that can't, won't be used when it come to yarn. So maybe I'll slow down a little, just a little, maybe.

On Thanksgiving, after dinner we went to the restaurant and made the place feel a little like Christmas, put up a few lights, a tree, and some garland. It was fun. Chris and I did the tree we had fun and it went fast with the two of us. I think we did a good job. Tony put up the lights. He needs to put up few more and then the place will be done. The crew likes what we did, so I guess that's good.

We have been busy as long as it stays that way all we be good this holiday season. We that's about it for now I've got to get to my laundry and cleaning this house. Maybe I should think about decorating but all my decorations are at the Nuthouse.

So keep warm and tose sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye

The Nuthouse Grill

2009-11-20T12:32:00.001-08:00

Things at the work are going good. It's been slow this week but that is the business, good weeks and slow weeks. You just have to roll with the punches. Tony is having problems with that factor, as an owner he wants more but don't we all.

Shair and her family were up here last weekend and they stopped by had dinner. They had to have a picture outside the building. It was cold and a little windy. It was good to see them and we had a great visit. so now that they know where we are hopefully they won't be strangers. I know Arizona is now that close but when they are in the area. It's fun to see family and friends.

At Halloween we had a scary pirate handing out candy. We're not for sure where he came from but we found him wondering around the restaurant. He wound up in the kitchen I don't know if he was begging for food or just bothering the kitchen help. they had to chase him out out the kitchen.

Of course he found the hostess and hung out at the hostess stand. They at least got some work done. I'm not kidding he just won't go away, he stayed for most of the evening. Mom finally took the Old Pirate home. Dad did a great job, he did scare a few little kids.

We will be closed on Thanksgiving, so I guess I have to cook a dinner something I haven't done in long time. I've always had to work, so now I get to cook should be fun. I love turkey leftovers.

Well that it on the Restaurant. I'll update on my knitting and sock yarn clubs next. Keep dry and warm, keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Spinning

2009-11-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile so I'm going to do this in several post, hopefully this week but who knows with my crazy life.

Last week I had lunch with the girls from my knitting group from the Sumas library. We went to one of the gals home. Audry has the most gorgeous log cabin, she took us for a tour around and she is the most crafty person I think I know. The most beautiful quilts, hook rug, pine needle baskets and so much more. She thinks she's not good at anything how little she knows, I would love to have half her talent. She also spins her own yarn. Audry has been showing me how to spin on a wheel and she let me bring it home. OMG I love spinning on a wheel. I am slowly getting the hang of it and am having a blast. It make me want one more now I have to decide what I want. OK I'm getting ahead of myself. I still need to get the hang of it now but I am enjoying myself. Here is a picture of my single ply spinning. It's not even or spun consistent but I'm making string for now.

I'm using roving that I got with some of my first spindles, it's not the greatest but its good to play with and to figure out what I'm doing. I've got some nicer roving but I don't want to play with it.

OK Gena, let me know how you are doing?

You've got a wheel so its time to practice and start to make some string. then to take the string and make into yarn. take the yarn and make it into something.

Well that's what I've been doing in my spinning world.

Keep warm and those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Mom and Dad

2009-11-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well that time of year has come and Mom and Dad have left for California, they should be there now. Life around is a little bit quieter, no one knocking at the door, tapping at my window. Tony says it's to quiet also at the restaurant. So they've been gone only a few days and their missing presence is missed.
I've been knitting and will get into that later today. Work is calling and I have to get ready.

Where Has the Time Gone.

2009-10-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe another month is about to end and I've been I don't know where. O.K. I really know I've been on Face book, I've admitted it. I have enjoyed the stupid little games you get sucked into, Farm-ville, Cafe World, and so many others. But if you are on Face book feel free to make me a friend. We can play silly game together they do take up time.

Things at the restaurant are going great. Business has been good and it is becoming my only life. It seems like when ever I make plans someone get sick and I have to work. That's the way it goes, I guess. Tony and Dad have been making changes since I last posted pictures, they have been painting, putting up new doors and now they are going to put up some saloon doors. The whole atmosphere is becoming more homey and more to the families liking.

So you can see they have been busy. I don't know what Tony's going to do when Dad and Mom head back to California. Which is coming soon, Mom has gotten her release from the Dr. Woo, her knee doctor, so they can head back anytime.

Last Friday I did have a girls day out. YEA!!!! Debi Woods and I went to Local Yarn Shops, it was fun. We headed down to Burlington to Knot Just Yarn, didn't see any thing we wanted so we headed to Mt. Vernon to Wild Fibers. I found a yarn that I hadn't seen before, it's called Spud & Chloe. This yarn is a fine sock, from Peru, the blend is 80% superwash wool and 20% silk. The colors are bright and bold, I'm going to knit the toe and heels out of the blue and the body in fuschia. The socks will be for a young lady, she's thirteen so these colors will look good. I'm also thinking about using the pattern Double Bubble. Debi and I then headed out to Anacortes to Ana-Cross Stitch, a great shop. We didn't buy anything but I did like the shop and checked out the book Joy of Sox. A must have for my collection of books. We arounded out the day by going to Beach Basket Yarn & Gifts in Birch Bay for their knitting hour. They have a great group of ladies to knit with I have enjoyed going out there on Friday, so if you are in the area stop by they are knitting from 3 - 5 pm. I ended the evening at the Nuthouse Grill for a steak and beer a great day.

I've been meaning to blog this because I love this picture. We have a large Walnut tree and this year there was a lot of nuts on the tree. Every year we have problems with the crows, getting into the tree and taking all the nuts. I run outside yelling and screaming at them like a mad woman all the time to chase them out of the tree. This year Dad came up with a different plan......... Hide in a the trees and wait and shoot. OK some times it works and sometimes not so well. He still hasn't gotten one but still trying. We have gotten almost all the nuts now and will be leaving the rest for the crows. so we do share I just wish they would wait till we let them have their share.

Well that's it for now. Keep warm and those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Oz Sock Club

2009-10-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how slow I have been a blogging I forgot to show off my latest Oz kit. The Emerald City arrive this month. so here are the wonderful item we got. Jen from Woolgirl does such a fantastic job on putting these kit together that you have to but them. I can't wait for them to arrive. She uses different dyers for all the kits so you get to try different yarn which is what I love.

The Emerald City featured "That's a Horse of a Different Color!"

The Yarn is by Amy of Madelinetoch the skein is called "Emerald City" there is a mix of emerald greens and blues run through it. LOVE IT!!!!!! The sock pattern is by Kristi Schueler of Designedly, Kristi. The great columns of Emerald City are represented on these socks with a strong syncopated rib which is adorned at both the base (toes) and summit (cuff) with emerald cut gems formed by a unique traveling stitch pattern. This pattern looks very intriguing, I'll cast on one day. We got an Emerald City knitting accessory bag sewn by Sheila D. The is is great because when you open it the inside has the Emerald City fabric.

Jen looks at all the details in her clubs and the extras are what brings everyone back to her clubs. Here is some of the extras. An "Emerald City" pen with a built in green highlighter! 3 mini notepads designed by Christ of Kick Ass Paper Crafts. "A horse of a different color" gift tags designed by Heidi from Simply Stamped.

A detailed "Emerald City" designed by Jillian form Wee Ones. As Jen puts it"I think it's really cool at how the entire Emerald City scene is summed up on this one "uber" tiny stitch marker. A bar of glycerin base soap with jewels inbedded in them, the scent is Cucumber & Ivy yummy by Sunny Day Creations. A mini "Emerald City" tin with a present inside. The tin was designed by Natalie of Favors for You.

Inside the tin is a silver plated "Emerald City" brooch pin designed by Sweetheart Sinner Creations.

As you can see why Jen's kits are the best. All the extra items she finds on Etsy a great place to find all your crafting needs. But the research and time she has to put into finding all these items is unbelievable and to think of all the different kits she put out, this month alone she had 5 or 6 kits going out in the mail and each group is large.

This month I also got my prize from Raining Carts and Dogs Sock Club questioner. It was for a sock bag in the cats and dog theme but here is what I got.
A cute pink bag with Scottie dogs, lots of stickers, dog bone candies and the cutest cat tape dispenser. I couldn't believe low cute it is.

Like I have said Jen is the greatest!!!!!! I will be a customer forever. She has an actual shop now instead of working out of her house. So one day I will go down and see her new place.

That's about it now so keep warm and those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Where Has October Gone - WIP

2009-10-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

OMG this month has flown by and I'm not moving as fast as the days go by. It's almost Halloween and before I'll know it will be Christmas. Life at the restaurant is going well. I've worked into a actual schedule I work 5 days a week and work 7 shifts in those 5 days so it makes for an interesting week.

Last week, part of my family was here, Paula and her husband, Phil. They came up for the football game on Sunday, Seahawks vs The Jags. YEA SEAHAWKS, we won kicked some Jag. butt. It was a good time visiting with them here is a picture of the group at the Nuthouse. In the picture is from left to right.

Dad, Gena, Me, Mom, Debi Woods, Paula, Phil and Ken Woods. We had a fun filled evening. There was a band that night for Lynden's First Music Festival.

It was good to see Paula and Phil I don't get to visit with them ever so it was a special weekend.

My kitting has been kinds slow, I've had a cold that has been hanging around and not fully hitting me but I'm on the mend and feel so much better so hopefully I'll feel like knitting. So far off the needle this month, I finished my Sunday Swing Socks.

I used Yarn Pirate Rum Runner, this pattern is from Knitty an online magazine that has great patterns this was an extra one for summer. I feel like this pair took forever but they were my travel socks so they didn't get a lot of work.

I have one sock done on my Unholey Monkey socks this is a spin of Cookie A.'s Monkey sock. I used yarn from my stash that has been there for a little over a year. This yarn is from Sock Pixie, she dyes a different color scheme each week. This yarn is called Kate Chopin, it is a Merino superwash. I love her yarn is is a tight yarn so it doesn't split when you tink back of drop a stitch. Here is a close-up of the unholey Monkey see no holes. This is a fun fun pattern. If you want something easy and still a bit of a challenge. This is it and it works great with all the wild colors in the stash. Now I can do Monkeys, No Purl Monkey and Unholey Monkeys what will they come up with next.

Also off the needles I finished this sample knit. It was a easy

fast knit. I had to go out and buy needles to make this I don't have dpn's or circular size 9's. So now I have a circular. I don't know if I would make it again but it was fun. I'm not into stockinette knitting for long periods of time, ok not that long it did take me 4 days to finish. Its done and on its way out the door.

That about all my knitting for now. I've done a little spinning still working on the same roving. I showed Gena how I ply my yarn.

I'll be back soon. So keep warm and those needle aclickn'

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

My Life

2009-09-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

I sit an ponder how fast time is flying by me. I've been at the Nuthouse almost 1 month and away from the Best Western, life sure seems strange. I don't really miss my job but I do miss the people I work with and I do miss them. I have made new work Friends at the restaurant but they are not the same as people you have worked with for so long.That they have been part of my family for 8 years. I know I will grow more attached to these people but till then I will miss the BW family.
My job is keeping me busy, I never know what I will be working from day to day. Is someone calling in sick, they can't work that shift so I get more shifts sometimes then I need. But I will keep working and hoping for the best. Like to day one of the girls call and say I can't work tonight can you cover my shift and I'll work yours. So here I am still up and I have to be at work tomorrow am. It's a short shift and then Thursday I will work all day, picked up a Friday night shift, and then work a lunch shift and a dinner shift on Saturday. So lets hope no one gets sick this week.
I still try to find a little time to knit and spin. I have a new test knit job, this one is for Knit Picks, I will actually make dollars instead of yarn. I still would rather knit for yarn. Well I guess I should be heading to bed If I plan to work tomorrow. So keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks or spinning, Bye.

Spinning

2009-09-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

My new fun thing to do is to spin on a spindle. It is just as relaxing as knitting. I love the feel of making my own yarn. So I have been buying some roving. When I got back from sock summit I ordered from Optic Fiber, Grape Hyacinth, a superwash merino. My spinning is getting better and more even I did this with the roving.

Don't you like my spools toilet paper rolls come in handy and a shoe box I'm set. I have also bought some other roving. From Fiber Optic I also bought No. 9 Black Coffee. I just liked the name since I love my coffee in the morning I love the blending of browns to make it look like different colored coffee beans.

I also bought from Loopy Ewe, Perchance to Spin, Wicked Witch of the West. a 50/50 fine Merino/Tencel. They have a whole line of Wizard of Oz roving. so I might be getting a few more.

I plied the yarn that I had been spinning and this bunch turned out better the last bunch I tried to ply. It was a true knotty yarn. But this time I learned from the last time so it went easier and the yarn turned out better. Each time I get a little better.

So I figure by the time I'm done with the Grape Hyacinth I should be getting a lot better. A friend is going to let me use her spinning wheel this winter so I will start a learning curve all over again. But I can see the attraction to spinning I love the feel of the yarn twisting under my fingers. I am enjoying myself, my thumb is stiff from holding the yarn in semi-tight so it doesn't slip and my spindle hits the ground. I've order another spindle for myself and for Gena can't wait to get into her hands I know she will love as much as I love mine.

Well till later, keep those ideas coming in for the pattern for the yarns, I'm still coming up with ideas. so keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Sock and Yarn

2009-09-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

All about my sock and some yarn that I bought. First off I finished a pair of socks, the mystery sock KAL. I finally got them off the needles. This pattern was by Adrienne Fong a fun pattern to work, she wrote the pattern in 5 parts so you never got the pattern at one time. So it made it all the more fun because you don't know what you are knitting but that's the best part. I was always behind everyone else but they are done in time. I knit them using Hazel Knits artisan sock yarn in Sanguine Peach.

I also got sock one of my Sunday Swing socks using the very first sock yarn from the Yarn Pirate sock club. Rum Runner I love the colorway. I had tried to use this yarn on other patterns but I didn't like how it pooled but this time around it has turned out great. this is my travel sock which goes with me everywhere. Not that I can work on it but I keep trying. I work on it in my room while I have the other sock I work on watching TV.

I have started another sock using the book "Knitting Sock with Handpainted Yarn" the pattern is by Debi Barnhill, Potpourri Sock. The sock offer a bit of a challenge with changing stitch count, yarn overs and wrapped stitches. Every seventh row features a ribbon of color created with a double figure-eight wrapped stitch. So it should be fun to knit. I am using Sock Pixie yarn Kate Chopin a very colorful yarn I hope this works with the pattern

Yarn the I bought. This yarn I wanted to buy at Sock Summit. It is a colorway by Lorna's Laces that they did for the Dye for Glory contest, BBQ Zombies, this colorway is so different that I had to have it. The Loopy Ewe had it and sold out and they got more it so I bought it right away this time around I didn't want to loose it.

Another yarn that I fell in love with at Sock Summit was by Wool Candy, She had the softest yarn I loved to fondle it. Woolgirl is now carrying her line of yarns so I bought 2 of her colorways: the first is from her Meringue Merino line "Cerises" I love red yarns they have so much depth to them. I also got from the Lollopop BFL line "Wagashi" a beautiful neutral color.

Now to decided what to knit?????? What pattern will work with these yarns????? Help me to decided and you will get.............. Let me think I know I've got something to give away.

That's it for now I'll get back with you later with my spinning. So keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Summers Almost Over

2009-09-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

Seems like summer just started. We were planting the crops and now its time to harvest what we planted. The neighbors have been cutting corn this week. The corn this year has been very tall. Here's a picture of Me in the corn field. This year the corn reminded me of the movie "Children of the Corn" don't ask me why but the corn field creeped me out. Lucky I got home from work early enough to get this shot. They had the field cut by the end of the day.

Here is a shot of the monster coming through the field as you can see the corn was really tall. It must have been two of me and I'm not short 5' 8" so it must have been about 12 feet tall. Here is a picture of the cutter and a truck so the corn was quiet tall. I took this picture on Wednesday and they are still cutting corn today the pile is getting quiet high.

I've got lots of tomatoes and am planning on making homemade tomato soup. I've been given lots of fruit so I have to decide what to do with it. I made some grape juice and can't decide if I want to make grape jelly or not. Decisions decisions something will come about.

I received my Woolgirl Sock Club shipment this week
It looks interesting now doesn't it. The theme was "Love Bug" and we got all kinds of goodies.

1 skein of Miss Babs "Yummy" fingering weight sock yarn in the Ladybug colorway. with a mini skein of Ladybug black for heels and toes.

"Fly Away Home" sock pattern by Lisa Dykstra

7" The Fibersphere -- the ultimate in fiber protection

Mini lady bug sphere to hold your stitch markers of extras

Ladybug stitch marker by Gail from Blitzknit

A handy-dandy ladybug pen which has a tape measure on the end

A ladybug emery board

A mini-ladybug heart notepad

A ladybug eraser.

2 Love Bug magnets

Ladybug stickers and a ladybug tattoo

I have been knitting on the mystery sock and I have one done and am working on the second one it is a fun pattern and has a lot of work to do on it. I can't travel with it and because the pattern changes every row and I don't have it memorized, I used the semi fancy heel and the fancy toe. I wish I had paid more attention to the toe when I was knitting and started the decreases sooner. But I still like how it is turning out.

I am also working on a pair of sock called "Sunday Swing" this is a fun and easy to memorize pattern and is my travel sock. I am finally using the first sock club shipment from Yarn Pirate called Rum Runner. I have tried to use this yarn before but I didn't like the pooling but this time around it is working out well . So I am happy so far I'm working on the gusset now.

I LOVE to spin I am having so much fun watching the roving turn into string and then the strings turn into yarn. This is not a good picture of my string but it is turning out and I'm having lots of fun. I'm using a pencil roving from Fiber Optic Yarns called Moonbeam. Gena and I bought this at Sock Summit we split it just to see if we would like it or not and we didn't know if we would even like spinning. Now I can't wait to save up enough money to buy a spinning wheel.
Well that's enough for tonight I'll try again this weekend. So keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

My Day Off

2009-09-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Finally a day off. I don't know what to do with myself. It feels all so very strange. I'm doing some knitting, I'm on the toe of both socks that I have been working on. So I will finish them. Then to start the second sock of the Mystery Sock and to begin a new one.
I've been looking a several different patterns to choose from. 1. by Wendy Johnson, Rivulets, 2. Sunday Swing Sock out of Knitty summer, 2. by very busy monkey, Irate Squirrel Socks. Then to pick out the yarn the choices so many.
Work has been going good. I seem to be working all the time lunch shift and then turn around and work dinner but all is good. At least I don't have a lot of time to spend money.
Today is the opening game of FOOTBALL, GO SEAHAWKS GO. They are playing the Rams so it should be a good game and hopefully a good year. We have to hope everyone stays healthy. Kick off it about to happen. So keep those sticks aclickn', Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Spinning, Knitting and Life

2009-09-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

I got my Loopy Ewe Sock Club this week. WOW do I love it. I have tried to get my hand on this yarn in any color but without any luck I haven't. When it come in it is gone just as fast. But in this shipment we got Wollmeise. I feel so lucky it will probably be the only skein of this yarn that I will ever have. The colorway is Guide to Galaxy in Teals and Burgundy. I love how they blend together the two colors. The pattern is by Jeannie Cartmel called Zig Zag Diamonds, a Loopy Ewe knitting accessory bag and cute notepad.

My knitting is coming along slowly this week I just haven't had a lot of knitting time. Work seems to be getting in the way. Tony has me working all over the time clock, one day I open the next day I close and then open again in the morning. My days seem to just run in to each other. Day I close and tomorrow I open the bar and then work a dinner shift but I get Sunday off It will feel good to just do nothing. To do it all over again.

But my knitting has been slow because I've been spinning and I love it. I bought myself a new spindle. It spins much faster then my old one so I can spin finer. I've got some yarn resting right now and I hope to ply it Sunday. I want to buy a spinning wheel now I'm having to much fun with it but I know that my knitting will suffer for it.

Well that's it for now, so keep those sticks aclickn', Happily knitting socks, Bye.

I Made Yarn

2009-09-05T23:25:00.000-07:00

OK I know it sounds crazy but I had to share. I just got off work but I made yarn today. I have been spinning this on my spindle and today I decided that I was going to ply it and see how I did. Of course there is thin places and lots of fat places but it really is my first attempt to ply my work. I'm so proud of myself. Like I said its not the greatest but its a start. Now I want to give it a real try and see what I do.

My knitting is progressing. I have the gusset of the Luminare sock done and working on the foot. On the mystery sock I'm still on the gusset I haven't really worked on it a lot will try to do better. I just got yarn from Woolgirl to do a test knit just waiting for a pattern so I have to knit a little bit faster.

Work is still fun but it is WORK. Tonight we where busy and I stumbled through it. All went well but I just could have done better. I know that I'm being hard on myself but I have to set an example at all times. I just have to get my timing down and things will fall into place. I'm still learning the kitchen and the cooks, the computer system and the differences in all the server sand their abilities. I will learn it all by the end of this month. Then I can handle the front of the house responsibility's and that will help Tony out more.

Well that's all for now I just had to share my yarn. Keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye

I Made It

2009-09-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

Wow I made it through an evening shift. Of course we where busy, it just had to be. I remembered almost everything. Then I had to jinked myself I forgot the buns on my second to last table. But over all it was a good evening and I survived. Not to make it through a lunch shift. Tony has me doing other things, I just don't want it to cut inti my knitting time to much.
Chris come home tonight and is crashing on the couch. Doesn't he remember he has his own place. Micheal finds his new job boring. But he knew that before he took the job.
Well that's it for now. Today has just been one of those days and I'm glad that it's over so off to bed.
Keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting socks, Bye.

The Mariner's Game

2009-09-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

It was great!!!!!! The Mariners WON, we had a good time. Walked around Pike Street Market and the Water Front. Mom did wonderful with all the walking she did, I know that she will be sore tomorrow. I wanted to take a picture of me knitting my sock at the game but who forgot thier camera, ME. But Dad remembered his so I figured he could take a picture. BUT guess who's memory card had an error, Yes Dad's. So no picture but it was a great day, the sun shinning and all was good at the ball field. I did get down to the heel on my sock so all was not lost. So keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily Knitting socks, Bye.

The Official Day 1

2009-09-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today was my first real day at the Nuthouse Grill working full time instead of just here or there. I have to admit it is fun. The time goes by really fast and before I knew it my day was over. Of course that was day shift and I didn't have to sweep up peanut shells. That is the part I dislike about working evenings but I guess that comes with the job. But over all I love waiting on tables again its nice to be back in the restaurant. We'll see how long that lasts.

We are going to the Mariners game tomorrow with Mom and Dad so that should be fun. Taking the train down so I will have lots of knitting time. So hopefully I will get the Luminare sock done.
If not I'll just keep working on it I'll get it done one day.
I'll let you know how the game goes and till later, keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

An Apology and Knitting

2009-08-31T15:29:00.000-07:00

I have been really bad at blogging and I do apologise for that. For you that do come to my blog to see what I've been up to I am very sorry, my knitting has not shown up in ages. Now that summer is almost over and I am no longer working 2 jobs. Just maybe I can get back to blogging and knitting. Now that, that part is done here is what is going on in my world.

Chris has moved out, he now living on his own in his own apartment and I wish him the best. I really is a nice place. We helped him move last week, of course he had to have his Mommy help him. We worked till 8:30 that evening unpacking boxes and getting things in order. When we got everything unpacked we discovered that he didn't pack his futons or a chair of any kind, I though it was rather funny. Here he is with a new place and not a chair to sit in. He took me home and had me fix him food. What a great kid. I gave him a chair so he could sit on something other then the floor that night. We took another load of things over for him the next day and now he is fairly well settled in. but he does tell me that he is homesick and wants to move home but he did sign a lease for 1 year.

Micheal got a JOB its not what he wanted but it's a job. He will be working again at the Casino. Once again as a slot attendant, working graveyard. At least he has a job and can feel good about himself again. Now to get him to move out of the house.

Mom and Dad are doing good. Mom had knee replacement surgery and is doing good getting around. We will see how she is doing this Wednesday we are going to see a Mariner's Game so we'll see how she does. We are taking the train down the game is an afternoon game. It should be a great day.

Tony is working all the time at the restaurant. He takes a half a day off a week so I guess that great. He loves what he is doing and can't think of anything else he would rather be doing unless it is fishing. Him and Dad have been talking about taking a day and going fishing on the Skagit. We will have to wait and see.

Now for myself, my last day at the Best Western was Sunday. I am going to still work a banquet here and there if my schedule allows it but that will have to wait and see. I am officially full time now at the Nuthouse Grill. I sure hope that I haven't screwed my self up with this change. I Know that it is for the best I just hope I don't let Tony down. That would be the worst part of all of this.

Now for my knitting:

I did a quick test knit before Sock Summit for Gwen Horn, she is an Indy dyer, Yummy Ice Cream Yarn. This pattern is called "Paw Tracks" a simple pattern to knit but the yarn was so yummy to knit with.

Then did a test knit for Emily aka TelmahQ on ravelry. This was a fun knit I hope to show you all one day but you know when it comes to test knits you let them sit till the day that they have been released.

The next picture is a picture of Gena's Boss Ann with the sock that I knit for her. I love the expression of her face you can tell that they where a hit and she loved them. I'm glad that she liked them. the pattern was Katie a pure joy to knit and that I had so much fun knitting this pair of socks. I got them done at Sock Summit so that Gena could hand them over for letting her get the extra days off.

I also finished my homework for one of my classes, Toe Up for the Stubborn, taught by Deb Barnhill. This was a great class it just wasn't long enough you didn't get time to knit so on the way home I did the heel. The sock has a gusset, heel turn and a flap. I just never got the concept

of doing this with the pattern but now it is so easy that I can't wait to do it again. I used the pattern by Wendy D. Johnson, "Nanner", the yarn is Lorna's Laces "Red Rover".

A very easy pattern to remember. These socks are for me!!!!

I have decided it is time to finish the Lumimare Sock that I started a while back. So I'm on the second one and am working up the leg. This sock is the one that I have been toting around in my bag. It doesn't require a lot of work you can easily memorize the pattern. Now for at home I am

working on a "Mystery Sock KAL" this has been very interesting. You get the sock pattern in clues and you knit away. So far I have parts 1 and 2 done on only 1 sock. Part 3 the heel flap came in Saturday so I hop to get working on that. Most people are doing much better then me, they have 2 sock going or through the 3rd clue. I'll catch up in my own sweet time. This pair I'm using Hazel Knits "Sanguine Peach" and they will be for ME!!! I decided it's time to knit for me.

I have also been working with my spindle. I can spin the roving into somthing I think you can call yarn. I'm just not sure how to get it off my spindle and then begin to ply it. But it will come and I will get the hang of it. I got to use a spnning wheel the other day and I loved it so I guess my next thing will be is to purchase one. But not for a while, I want to get the spindle down. I'm going to look for a different one.

Well I think I've run out of works and I've got to get my laundry done. Tony want the washer. So till later. Keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

My Yarn From Sock Summit

2009-08-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the yarn that I brought home. Here is two jumbled up piles of yarn. Does the bumper sticker tell the truth.
From left to right, here goes the purchases: from Knit Witch Yarn Bridge to the Summit, "Portland Rain" and "Brewtopia both yarns are 100% Superwash Merino. The next three are from Mama Llama, "See Spot Run", "Winter" and "Hero". All are a Merino nylon mix. Laying on top is a Fiber Optic Yarn, Foot Notes, this yarn is a Batik, she dye it with 25 colors let it dry and then redye it again. This is one of a kind.

This next group is from one of my all time favorite dyers Miss Babs, she was so wonderful to met in person. All thses colors were dyed just for Sock Summit. "Timberline", "Oregon Cellars" Variation 2, "Roaming Mountain Morning" "Tennessee Moonshine" and "Spinel Ruby". I love all her colors.

In this picture there is The Sanguine Gryphon, Eidos, 100% superwash merino wool "Ctessipus". The next three yarns are from Wool Candy, sweet yarny treats, bamboo merino, "Sakura", 100% superwash merino, "Downtown Dusk" and "Microbrew" both of these colors were in Dye for Glory. The last skein is Dragonfly Fibers, Dragonsock, "Fruit of the Vine" 100% superwash merino.

Lets see in this picture on top is Unique Sheep's entry in Dye for Glory "Verve" a superwash merino. The next two yarns are from Happy Hands Dyed Yarns, Toe Jamz Sock "Witch Woman", and "A River Runs Through It", both are a superwas merino and nylon. Then from Hazel Knits "A Limited Edition Color, in Reds" and " Shanny Pants", both are a superwash merino and nylon. It was so great to meet Wendee. The last skein is from Crafts Meow her Soft Serve, in "Witch's Brew" 100% SW merino, this was a skein I got for a test knit done for her. I'll show it later.

In this last picture we have from Liberty Yarns Bluetopia 100% SW BFL Wool; "Los Alamos" and "Istanbul" I love this blue I can't wait to find the perfect pattern. Of course there had to be some Socks That Rock I got 2 Rare Gems and "Sunkissed Sands". Becomimg Art her Twilight series, "Machote" which is a SW merino nylon blend. On top is a skein for Huckleberry Yarns from right here in Bellingham
I got it in the Apple Yarn booth. This was her Dye for Glory "Winesap" .

I think that was all my yarn. I bought some roving, a project bag, a mug, and from Bar Maids, I got Eursalts and a Lo-Lo Bar. Sorry if I missed things. I'll get to pictures of my spinning and my knitting next time so keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Sock Summit Was GREAT

2009-08-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

This last weekend has gone too fast and it was everything that I hoped it would be and more. You know how you are so excited for something and then let down, Sock Summit went over the top and was 5 time more then I could have anticipated. From the classes, to the marketplace, to the people around you, this was more then you could imagine. This post is going to be very heavy with picture.

Gena and I went down on the train, here is a small poster I made so she could find me and other knitter could join us and knit the whole way down. After arriving in Portland we made our way to the Max and to the hotel and to registration. The conventions center looked great here is a picture of the Center with Sock Summit 2009 posters hanging outside it. When going into the building you where greeted with more SS 09 posters and lots of knitters people knitting all over. They had tables set up all over so you could sit and knit and visit. We received our badges and we sat down and started to knit. We then instead of knitting people watched. We say Stephanie Pearl McPhee, Tina Newton, the Ravelry people. We seen people we thought we knew but we're not sure of who they are.

Day 1 of Sock Summit, we didn't have classes. But the Marketplace opened at 4:30 and we wanted to be there for that. So we sat and knit and watched people set up their boothes. I had to wipe the drool off my face continuously. The yarn was calling my name nonstop. At about 4 pm we where asked to leave the area that we where sitting and asked to get in line. We where in the front. The marketplace need a few more minutes so we got to sing a song, One hundred bottles of beer on the wall. Quickly Stephanie ran up and changed the song to----- One hundred skeins of yarn on the wall one hundred skeins of yarn you take one down pass it around 99 skeins of yarn on the wall. Come on everyone join in so we sang. Finally the marketplace opened, imagine a thousand yarn deprived knitter wanting the same skein of yarn. OMG it was crazy but fun. I think about half of the knitters had the same idea as Gena and I did, we have to get to Yarny Goodness first. They had 3 or 4 of the indy dyers that we wanted. That were in the Dye for Glory contest. But alas, we didn't get the one we wanted but we did score, 2 skeins each from Knit Witch, Brewtopia and Portland Rain. I'll show you all the yarn later.

This marketplace was great, beyond words we wondered around and made some purchases, made some more purchases. After 2 hours we where both in sensory overload. Our minds went blank, we could not function any longer. The yarny fumes fill our minds and put us in to a yarn heaven, all our sense where in true overload and we didn't know what to do next.

Day 2 we had our first class, Basic spindle spin, our instructors were, Abby Franquemont & Denny McMillan. This was a great class and we both enjoyed it and we are now spinning and once we got it, wow it was great. Here is a picture of Denny, Gena and Abby. We talked to everybody we seen with a spindle to glean them for more information so we could understand more. And now we both are spinning.

After class we went to the book signing and got signatures from Cookie A, Cat Bordhi, Nancy Bush, Charlene Schurch, and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, they had more authors there but you can carry only so many books.

Day 3, we took a 6 hour class Sock Heels given by Heather Ordover. We learned the Dutch, French, German, Welsh and a Sherman Heel. I wanted to learn the Sherman and the Welsh. I liked the Welsh fit the best I just have to remember to make it. The Sherman is an easy short row heel. I'm glad we took the class, we learned a lot now I just have to recall it all. In our lunch break of that day we went to one of the ballrooms and attempted to break a Guinness Book of World Records. To have the most knitters knitting at one time on two needles not 4 but 2 in your work. The last record was set in Australia with 250 some knitter. So sure we can beat that. Here is a link to a quick video about us I thought it was a good article and all. http://blog.oregonlive.com/knitting/2009/08/video_at_sock_summit_knitters.html
After class we did some more shopping but not much.

Day 4 Our last day, we had Toe Up for the Stubborn. We where taught by Debi Barnhill. She was a great teacher. We learned how to do a toe-up sock with a gusset, heel turn and a flap. I have tried to do this but just couldn't grasp the whole concept of it. We learned the math of this heel and how to do it. We didn't have the time to actually knit. So on the train home I did it, it was great.

After getting home I was tired and a little sad it was all over. But there is good news from what I hear there will be a Sock Summit 2011 so start to save money. I hope to see you all there then.

We got to meet Woolgirl Jenn, Mama LLama, Miss Babs, Hazel Knits Wendee and so many great vendors, teachers, and people, I can't tell you how wonderful this weekend was and that I wish you all could have been there maybe next time.

I'll post yarn pictures later today my fingers are getting tired of typing.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Sock Summit

2009-07-30T08:31:00.001-07:00

OMG time has flown by and it's almost here I can't believe how fast time has gone. Just 5 short days till Gena and I are on the train heading down to Portland for a great fun filled weekend. I now have my homework done and am working on sock 2 for Gena's boss. Payment for her to get the whole long weekend off. I've decided to ship my clothes home so I would have more room in my suitcase for yarn. I just couldn't ship all my new yarny goodness home it wouldn't be right. I have to send out some emails so I can met up with people that I want to see. I just hope there is enough time to do everything we want to do and still get to class on time.

My knitting has just been homework and the one pair of socks. With the weather being so hot I'm not getting a lot of knitting done and that the restaurant is keeping me busy too. Tony has had me on call this week and I have picked up a bartending am shift today. So I thought I would blog before and then let you know how I did later.

I guess I should be getting ready for work so stay out of the heat and keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Nuthouse Grill

2009-07-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

Well I just got home from my first real shift and I should be going to bed because I have to work in the morning at the hotel. I have to admit I miss waiting on tables. I had fun!!! and I can't wait to do it again. Now I know that I'm loosing it.
Knit is coming along 15 days till Sock Summit. I have started my homework. I have to make 6 socklettes which I have two done. I have to work on a pair of Toe up socks for the Stubborn which I'm working on right now. And am almost to the heel so that pair is going fast. I'm not worried about getting it done. I want to get Gena's bosses socks done also so that is going to hold me back a little bit.
Well of to bed. Stay cool and out of the heat, and keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

The Parade

2009-07-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of us in our glory hard at work throwing candy and peanuts. It was warm that day and we all worked up a sweat. But it was fun I have to admit. It seemed like I was always behind and had to run to catch up. We throw out 250 bags of peanuts with coupons in them and over 10 pounds of candy. You can see Gena, Micheal, Dad and myself. Hidden on the other side of our float is Abby. After the parade we went to The Nuthouse Grill for lunch, which was well deserved.

My first real shift at restaurant was on Friday I took tables in the dining area. I got 6 tables. It was fun now I want more kinda liked the cash of course. On Saturday I got to be a hostess/ busser. It was all fun I can't wait to come on full time.

My knitting is coming along. I have been working on a test knit. So no pictures right now. I have to start my homework soon and quit putting it off or I won't get it don't and have to work on it all night long.

Well that's about it for now I promise to keep up on my blog. Keep warm or cool what every your climate is and keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

All About the Socks

2009-07-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

You have to try this sock pattern Katie the pattern is beautiful and is easier to knit. Here is sock number 1. I am knitting this sock as payment to Gena's boss, Anne, for payment for her to get the extra time off for Sock Summit in August.

You can see that this is a beautiful pattern. I used Lorna's Laces yarn in Dawn. I received this yarn as payment for a test knit. Here is a picture of the front of the sock.

I love how this pattern is turning out. I will finish it on the train to Portland. The author of the pattern just asked if she could use the pictures on her pattern page on ravelry, this is a great honor to me.

I also got the Loopy Ewe July Sock Club installment.

I love this color a red from The Sanguine Gryphon Bugga this yarn is 70% superwash merino 20% cashmere and 10% nylon it's so soft and yummy. The pattern is from Wendy D. Johnson "Phoebus Apollo Socks" I'm seriously thinking of this pattern for my sock class toe up at sock summit, it is so beautiful. Included is a Buddy case from namaste in red and a cute stitch marker, which I forgot to photograph. This was a great sock kit the best one so far.

Sock Summit is coming very fast and I have yet to start my homework. I know I have to get on it. Gena calls to tell me I need to get on it. I have begun a new test knit so now I have to divide my time to all of it. This test knit is for two socks instead of one done by the end of the month. But the great thing is, it for yarn. And I do knit for yarn.

Well that's about it I let you know how the parade in Everson turns out this Saturday and for my first real shift at the restaurant, I get to bartend. I'll post some pictures so until then, keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

I'm Still Here Sumas Parade and More

2009-06-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

I really am alive, I've just been lost. Work has been catching up with me and I don't seem to have as much time as I would.

The hotel is filling up and is keeping me working longer days. I have been cleaning rooms at least twice a week so I come home tired and worn out. But at least it is a job and a paycheck. The restaurant is busy. I am now working 2 shift a week there, Friday and Saturday nights but after a long day at the hotel and then a short shift there, my knitting time has been cut into.

Last Saturday we did a parade in Sumas, here is our float, representing the Nuthouse Grill.

It's not great but we did put it together in a week. And then put it back together one hour before the parade. Dad didn't get it strapped down good in the truck and it went off the back end before we got out of the driveway.

We're going to do it again on the 11th of July in Everson, we figure it's free advertisement for the restaurant so we will do it. Have to make more bags of peanuts and buy more candy we ran out in Sumas and I hear that Everson has a larger parade. So we have to redo the float make it more sturdy and have fun once again.

We made t-shirts to wear so we looked like a group. And Guess What? MICHEAL home!!!! Here is Abby, Micheal and Chris together. You can see our shirts we did all different colors so you had your pick. They also have a car show going on. One of the car entered was a car that Chris had worked on. They did the paint and Chris polished the car. He as proud of his work. And the car took first place so that a reason to be proud.

I don't have any pictures of my knitting so I thought I would show you pictures around the house. I didn't really get much of a garden planted this year. The tractor we used to till the ground broke and we didn't get a new one. So not much of a garden. But I do have some tomatoes to show they are growing slowly I guess I should water them I think that would help.

We will have carrots, beans, cukes, zucchini, and squash that is if they grow. We will have corn we decided not to plant that but would eat the neighbors. I went out back to the raspberry field and they are ripe so I now have berries to eat I can never seem to get enough when they are ripe.

Tony's flowers are in bloom, I love the Daisy's they are always pretty.

The lilies in the fish pond are in bloom and look pretty floating in the water. The fish had to hide when I took the picture. But a few of the goldfish were swimming around the flowers.

Things around home are returning to normal now that Micheal is home. He has to decided what he is going to do with himself. He just doesn't know what he wants to do. I want time off he says but that doesn't make the car payment. But I promised not to harp on him and give him time he wants as long as it's not to long.

My knitting is coming along, I have finished a test knit that I was working on and started a pair of socks for Gena's Boss Ann. I almost got one socks done and it was to tight so into the frog pond and have started over. The pattern I'm using is called Katie by very busy monkey. I have knit some of her other patterns and really enjoy her work. This pattern is really pretty and will post a picture when I get some knitting done on them. The yarn I'm using is Lorna's Laces with is a dream to work with and I am loving it.

I have to start on my homework for Sock Summit, its only 36 days away. So I guess I have to get homework done on it. I am going to do another test knit that has a short turn around. But I will be knitting for yarn so that part I love. Well not much else is going on. So.

Enjoy the summer, and keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Micheal

2009-06-09T21:22:00.000-07:00

He's on his way home. He was discharged from the Army with a medical discharge. You name it and the kid has had it, I think. He was suppose to be discharged 4 weeks ago and sent home 2 weeks ago. But will be put on a plane this week and sent home. It was great to hear his voice after 3 months of not hearing from him but in letters. The funny part was I went and talked to his recruiter to see what they could find out for me, just so we would know when he was coming home. Abby was almost in tears, he missed her graduation, she misses him, not knowing when he was coming home. He told her it could be the middle of July. So being Mom, I thought why not go and talk. Micheal told me that his Sargent told him that his mom called. Poor guy can't get a break. Maybe that put a fire under someones butt and got him home sooner. Who really knows.
My knitting's coming along finished a sample knit for Woolgirl and am working on a test knit. Then I have to start my homework for Sock Summit in July.
Well stay cool and out of the sun, remember the sun block. Keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Over the Rainbow and Life

2009-06-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

Woolgirl, Jen has started a sock club that is going to go for 2 years called "Oz" all things dealing with the Wizard of Oz. The first kit is called "Over the Rainbow"

Here's what was included in each kit:

A skein of fingering Lotus Toes yarn from Zen String in the custom "Over the Rainbow" colorway
"Over the Rainbow sock pattern designed by Lisa Dykstra.
An "Over the Rainbow" drawstring knitting accessory bag sewn by Krystine Jett. The fabric is great a black and white backdrop with Dorothy dreaming with splashes of rainbow color.
An official WB "Over the Rainbow" journal. Each page is lined with a faint character image on the back ground.
An "over the Rainbow" stitch marker by Jillian from Wee Ones.
A special tin filled with Skittles (taste the rainbow!) and a rainbow.
Rainbow stickers and Wizard of Oz themed stickers
An "Over the Rainbow" tape measure.
A "Over the Rainbow" lollipop, filled with all of the colors of the rainbow.
An "Over the Rainbow" wooden gift tag to add to your Oz collection made by Jen
A special Oz magnet.

Here is a picture of the wooden gift tad and three of the stitch markers I've gotten that go with this theme. The Wicked Witch, Glinda the Good Witch, and Over the Rainbow. I had to get out all of these makers just to see them together.

I had fun on line at Raverly waiting for Gena to get home from work so I could open the box. We decided to wait to open them together, so all day it was open or wait, open...........wait.........open .............. wait.............. OK I'll wait.Is she home yet, where is she, stuck in traffic, open.......wait.......open...... yea the phone rang. We can open. It was so worth the wait. I can't wait till the next one. Which is Dorothy.

Life We don't know when Micheal will be home. We think he is discharged but don't know what is going on. Talked to Abby and she says sometime next week but she doesn't know. But he is still in the Army doing what ever he does.

Mark is in Afghanistan now. He says it's very hot 100+ degrees I don't think I can take that. Mom and Dad should be home tomorrow, we got the trailer all cleaned, water and satellite hooked up so all they have to do in unpack and enjoy themselves. Chris is hard at work he is working on a new car for himself so we are all waiting to see it.

The restaurant is going good. Tony is there 6 days a week. So I see him once in a while. I'm working on Friday and Saturday nights and will be working more as people quit and shifts open up. I don't want to take anyone's shifts. The hotel is getting busier and keeps me going.

Well the mind is getting over heated. I talk about the knitting later. So keep cool in this heat and keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Sock Summit

2009-05-26T16:50:00.001-07:00

Sock Summit here we come. Gena and I finally got our classes. It took awhile to get them but we did. Registration started at 10:00 am and the server went down at 10:01. You only had a 15 minute window once you started to registrar to get your classes and to pay for them. I had the classes I wanted but with the server crashing, you get the picture. Talk out a lot of words that where said on my end. Gena and I where on the phone together making sure that we got into the same classes. We got into one together, Sock Heels on Saturday, a 6 hour class in which we will learn 5 different heels. Gena got into Spindle Spinning Basics on Friday and I didn't. We left it like that because most of the classes where full. I checked back later and found some open classes. Called Gena, here we go again. I got into Spindle Spinning Basics and the we also got into a class Toe Up for the Stubborn. This should be a great class, I know how to do a toe up sock but it will show you how to work a gusset and heel flap something I don't quite understand fully. But I want to learn. So over all we got great classes. We didn't get the class with Cookie A. but I will survive.

Now we have to start our homework for these classes. Save money for yarn in the marketplace, food and drink, the hotel room, got a great deal and the train down. Count down to begin.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a great weekend. With lots of fun, sun, and remember ace of what this day means. What I want everyone to remember is our boys and men in uniform fighting to keep our freedom for us. We live free because of what they do every day fighting for our freedom. So to all those boys in blue, grey, cameo, or what ever their uniform color is. God Bless them and everything that they stay for.
I want a special pray for my brother, Mark, he left for Afghanistan last week. So thought are going out to him that he keeps head down and out of trouble. Stay safe Mark, my thought are with you.
Have a great weekend and get lots of knitting down.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Yarn Update

2009-05-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

The last blog was long so I saved some thing to blog about for later so here they are:

Loopy Ewe Sock Club

Here is this months package. We received a semi-solid yarn from Dye Dreams their Luster Sox, a 100% superwash Bluefaced Leicester in Shades of Ireland, the pattern was by Monica Jines, Kinvara. A great looking pattern with cables. Also included was an apple green tote with the Loopy Ewe Logo on it. and a Happy Pen. I was surprised that both the Loopy Ewe and Woolgirl had an Ireland theme this time around and the shipment they both featured cashmere yarn now I can't wait to see how close they compare next time around.

I also bought me a some yarn, I know that was bad. But I've knit with so much red yarn that I had to have my own red. I stopped by Apple Yarn I wanted to get some addi's lace needles. I didn't buy the needles but got this yarn instead. It is a Pagewood Farm Hand Dyed Sock Yarn Yukon Really Red the blend is (70/20/10) Merino/Bamboo/Nylon and is so soft. So now I have to find the right pattern and knit it up.

Registration for Sock Summit date has come up next Tuesday at 10 a.m. I will have to have fast fingers and lots of luck just to get the classes I want. Then I just have to anticipate the time till Sock Summit begins.

Things around the house is going slowly we haven't gotten the garden in yet. I have to go down and talk to the next door neighbor to see if he will till the ground. Then we can plant. But the weather doesn't cooperate around here long enough.

Well I think I'm all caught up now I hope if not I will update you again in the next few days. so keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

What Been Going On

2009-05-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Wow has time gone fast I can't believe how fast this month has gone by. May is almost over and I've been very bad at blogging. Please forgive me. This blog might be long so read if you want or just look at the pictures.

The Nuthouse Grill is going great. Tony is happy to be working and to be an owner. Here are some pictures of the restaurant. This picture was taken in the rain so that's why it looks grey. Here is the outside of the Nuthouse Grill you can find us on Bender Rd.

Here are some inside shots of our new home away from home. On the right is the entry with the peanut wagon and the window to the grill of the kitchen. Now on the left of our walk through is the restaurant this is the front half of the dining area. Where you can have a great steak, ribs, pulled pork sandwich, or maybe you want a salad. There is many things to choose from on this menu. What I like is that they have a baked sweet potato that is good. Chris likes the Southwest Burger. I haven't piked out a favs yet.

And our last stop is the bar for a refreshing beer or your choice of beverage. You can watch your favorite sport on one of the five, yes five TVs you will find in the bar. But what makes us unique is you get to eat peanut and throw the shell on the floor something your mother would never let you do at home. But here you CAN. ( I can't get use to the shells on the floor but it will grow on me.)

So these are some picture of our new home away from home. I have started to work I've had two shifts so far and don't know a thing. Please come by and say Hi. We plan to have a grand opening when Mom and Dad get home with a new menu that's Tony and not someone elses. It should be a great event.

My Knitting

I finally finished this pair. I know it took awhile but I finished all my loose ends and single socks. This was a fun pattern, I have never worked with two thread in the manner doing socks, so this was a challenge for me but I conquered it and now for something else. I used Shibui Knits Sock I had to go out and buy yarn for this sock and I like the colors. I used all most all of the white so I'm glad that I decided to make the toes red. I would not have had enough yarn to finish the project. I had about 5 feet left and that not much.

I am working on a project I call "Here come the Bride?" I am making this for Abby my future daughter-in-law. I've got about 10 inches done of the first part of the pattern. As mentioned I'm using "Estonian Garden Wrap" . I feel like it is taking forever but I'm working on it in the evening and in spare minute when I can. I have lots of time to get it done. Since plans have changed. I'm also working on a pair of socks. The pattern is "Luminare Socks" by Bex its an easy pattern to memorize and have been working on it at work and that's about it because I keep leaving it a work I don't know where my mind has been I can't remember anything. But it's coming along great and is a fun pattern to knit.

I am starting to work on a sample knit for Lorna's Laces, I have get working on it. It's due by June 5th.

Micheal, I don't know what is going on with him. From what I hear he is going to be coming home sooner then we all expected. He is being sent home for depression. I don't know all what is going on but I think the kid has problems now. We gave away his room to Chris, got rid of his bed and now he doesn't have a job. With the way things are I don't know what he's going to do.

Well I've thought myself out and can't type more got to do some house work. So you know what to do. Keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

April's Woolgirl sock Club

2009-05-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to share my Woolgirl Sock Club with you. Please forgive me but I had trouble putting this yarn down just to photograph it. It's sooo soft.

This months theme was Knisale, Ireland. What's in your suitcase of goodies?

1 skein of fantastic Wasonga 100% superwash merino sock yarn from Curious Creek Fibers in the stunning colorway Old Head of Kinsale, which Kristine of Curious creek dyed.
The Crooked Brook sock pattern by Anne Hanson.
Stormy Seas cowl pattern designed by Lisa Dykstra.
A lovely tea inspired stitch marker by Sunne from Sunneshine Stitch Markers.
A perfect knitting tote with the Woolgirl Club logo embroidered on the front. Absolutely perfect to take to sock summit to fit with yarny goodness.
The cutest teapot tape measure
A teapot notepad.
A sheep shortbread cookie from Cranberry Sweets. The cookie was really good!!
A hand-made Kinsale, Ireland card from a local designer and artist Willa Landino.
A mini suitcase which includes two miniature sheep

This was a great package and I love it. Well I've got to go. You know what to do, keep those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting socks, Bye.

May Day

2009-05-01T17:53:00.001-07:00

May has came too fast I can't believe another month has gone by. But the sun is out and it is warm so you won't see me complaining at all. May always remind me of flowers so here are some flowers around the house.

Tulips one of my favorite spring flowers.

Daffodils the color of the sun. These come up in the middle of our vegetable garden. We have always till the ground before they bloom. This year we are behind.

The Pink Dogwood Tree just starting to bloom. It's so beautiful when it is in full bloom.

Combine, a little plant I picked up somewhere and it keeps coming back every spring.

This is one of my favorite time of the year. When all things are starting to bloom and new life begins. A whole new outlook on life. That's it. Bye.

Knitting, Wedding and Life

2009-04-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

I thought that title would get you.

My knitting, let's see, I finished Carlos socks, finished 2 test knits, Switchboard Socks, Men's Mod sock and am working on my Tokena socks from Sock Madness. Here is Switchboard socks I used Mountain Colors, Northern Lights in a Sport weight. I like this pattern and was easy to remember. My boss Lisa, claimed this pair as they came off the needles so I don't have them any longer.

Then there is my Men's Mod socks they were for a man but I knit them to fit my feet or a just smaller. I used one of my favorite dyers Hazel Knits in Beach Glass. The best part of this pattern I got to learn how to do cables without a cable needle and that saved a lot of time. I am going to try and do this again. The cables where small, I only had to switch two stitches I don't know if I will be able to do more but I'm going to give it a try.

Now for my Tokena socks I have started the second one and am on the second one now and am working away on them. This is the first time that I have worked with two different colors in socks so it was a challenge. I used SHiBUi sock yarn. Unfortunately I didn't make it in to the third round of Sock Madness, we had to go to Vegas so that messed up the knitting on this sock. But we had fun so who cares.

I have ordered my yarn for my next project. I am going to make a wrap for the bride in the wedding that I mentioned. I'm going to use Dream in Color Baby, its a lace weight, in Baby Don't Be Blue. This color will match the bridesmaids dresses. I'm going to use Evelyn Clark's pattern Estonian Garden. I picked this pattern out for me but when will I ever wear it and I wanted to do a lace project this year. So now I will have another of my wants done.

The Wedding

Will be August 16, for................................. Micheal and Abby. So family mark your calendars. They have decided to get hitched while he is on his two week leave after school is finished. I can't talk him out of it so I will support his decision no matter what I think. Micheal is doing good at basic training he still is homesick and says the army life isn't for him. But I guess he'll have to make the most of it for a while. He loves all the mail he gets, if I can't write a letter I send a card. Something real stupid and fun with a hope to put a smile on his face.

The Restaurant is going well. I am going to start working Saturday. Tony is having a meeting on Saturday so I will start my training after that and then work a Banquet and the Best Western. I feel like I'm going to work myself to much, I guess I'm just scared about loosing knitting time. You should have guessed that.

Gena and I are planning our trip to Sock Summit in August, the weekend before the wedding. But it will all have to work out we're NOT missing this it won't happen again in our area and we want to meet some great teachers. We are going to go down now on Wed and will be there for the whole summit. Now all we have to hope for is that we get the classes that we want. Its first come so it will be F5 till we are registered. It should be a fun weekend.

Well that's about it. I'll post a few pictures that I look around the house later. So keep cool or warm which ever fits you area and keep those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

WIP

2009-04-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

I've finished a pair of socks YEA!!! It seems like its been so long since I have finally finished a pair. I'm proud of myself. Now to finish 3 more pair. I finished Carlos' socks all I have to do is deliver them to him and pray that they fit. I know that they should fit, Tony tried them on and they where big on him. So they should be good to go.
I'm now trying to finish the Switchboard socks at this moment I'm working on the gusset then on to the foot, the toe and kitchener close. I hope to have them done by tomorrow. I want to get these three socks done. I have found some fun patterns that I want to do. I just got Cookie A.'s new book "Sock innovation" and there is some great patterns in there and I just ordered Wendy Knits new book "Socks Toe Up". Both ladies are great designers and I can't wait to start new socks but I have to finish.
I have got several sample knitting's in the works and can't wait to hear from people to start working for them. Of course I work for yarn so what more can you ask for my stash keeps growing and my knitting abilities grow. I figure as long as I'm learning new things I'm good and I love to learn.

Micheal wrote again, he does regret his choice of going into the Army but he has to live with it. In a letter he wrote to his brother he stated,"People always say don't take freedom for granted. There's people fighting for you to keep those rights. I finally see why they say that. We have to give up ours to protect yours and you disrespect it?" Boy did it hit home he finally understands what everyone has been saying to him. Look what it took. He has been ill and had to go to the hospital but he is doing better, he is on light duty what ever that means in the army.

The restaurant is doing good and Tony is enjoying going back to work. I seems to be thriving on the hours he is putting in 1o hour days but as long s he enjoys it I'll keep my mouth shut. I am told that I will be starting next week a little sooner then what I wanted to but if it keep Tony happy and I don't burnout to fast I will. I still plan on keeping my job at the Best Western for now and just working 3 nights for Tony will see.
Well don't have much else to say so keep those sticks a clickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

First Day

2009-04-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Tony made it through his first day as an owner. Lunch was quite but they had a good dinner. Now today is a different story. The weather was blah mixed with a little or a lot of rain depending on the time of day. They had a great lunch so Tony had to work a little harder. So we'll see what tonight brings. Being it's Friday night he should have a good turn out for dinner. I will be starting the first of May working with him. I felt the employees should get use to him before I start.
As for my knitting I got the sample knitting done all that needs to be done is wash and block. I hope it looks a little better afterwards. Hope to get Carlos' socks done this weekend and then to tackle the rest.
So stay warm and cool depending on where you are and keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

WIP Sock Summit

2009-04-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

Here's my Work In Progress and I have to much.

A sample knit for Woolgirl it's almost done.
Gentleman 's socks 1 done, working on the foot of sock 2
Switchboard Socks a test knit that is now available for sale. 1 done
Men's Mod sock, a test knit. 1 done
Vegas Tokena sock madness 1 done

As you can see I have a lot of socks in the works and not much progress. I have decided not to start another thing till I have gotten these socks done. I still have two more sock to finish for the crew at work and then that is done. But I love the pressure this all gives me. I plan to get these all done this month. I want to start new things.

Sock Summit
Gena and I are making plans to go. so far we have a room, I used my employee discount and got a great deal. We now have to decide what class to take while we are there. I know that I want to take a spindle spinning class and at least 2 knitting class to help improve my knitting I just know which ones I want to take. There is so many classes they have not put out the schedule for the class so it's hard to decide. We have decided to take the train down to Portland so that way no one has to give up knitting time. It should be a fun weekend.

Micheal also graduates that weekend from his training and he'll be coming home then for 2 weeks. He is talking about getting married then also. I think he should wait a bit if things go the way he is talking. Being deployed to Afghanistan is not fair to Abby. But its not my choice to make it's theirs. So what ever they decided to do I will stand behind them.

Well I think everyone is caught up with my life now so stay warm if its cold and cool if if hot. Keep those sticks aclickn' Happily knitting socks, Bye.

The Nuthouse Grill

2009-04-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

We are now owners of the Nuthouse Grill 8874 Bender Rd. Lynden WA 98264
So please feel free to stop by and say Hi. We would love to see you and feed you a great meal.

I'm Still Here

2009-04-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!!!

I am still around, I think I've been busy I'm just not for sure. Here's a quickly update:

I am officially out of Sock Madness didn't get the second sock done.
Went to Vegas that's why I'm out of Sock Madness.
Work has been slow not a good excuse.
The Nuthouse is coming through nicely.
Knitting trying to get all my test knits done.
Hearing from Micheal.

So these are the topics I need to cover, done know if I'll get them all done today but will try in the next couple of days. Sorry this is so long. I promise to do better.

Sock Madness and Vegas

I tried but I just couldn't kit on this sock in Vegas the pattern had to be take with me so used on every row so I didn't get to work on it. I did work on it when we were in the room but it seemed like we where always on the move this time. Did a lot of walking, Tony didn't rent a car, so we must have walked a couple of miles every day. The blocks in Vegas are very long.

So this is a far as I got and it the day we left Vegas at least I had a winner. Wasn't a big one but I got to keep playing. We did see a couple of shows. We stayed at the Riviera and seen the Comedy Show there. We went to the Mirage, went through the Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat where we got the see dolphins swimming in . These shown are the babies that were in there own tank. There was a 6 week old dolphin in the tank, there was 4 babies all together. Here is a picture of Siegfried & Roy's White Tigers. They also had Llama's, Lions, Tigers and a baby Tiger. I enjoyed the Llama's but what I really want was the wool. One of the shows we went to see was Terry Fator now if you don't recognize his name he was the winner of "America's Got Talent" show on TV, He was season 2's winner. Terry Fator is an ventriloquist impersonator that uses puppets. This show was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone going to Vegas to see it. In fact if we go again I want to see his show once more. It was that good. You forget that he is using puppets and think of them as real people and when he sings you would think that,that is real person singing and not him.

He can sing so many different style's of music. He sang blues, country, rock and roll, the Beatles, Micheal Jackson, with the moonwalk, and Sonny and Cher. He puts on a great show. He told the audience that he knew that we all brought in our cameras and told us to feel free to take pictures, you could see the flashes going on through the whole show. Then at the end he thanked us the audience for coming to his show and said he would sign autographs till everyone got one that wanted on I thought that was so wonderful. Tony didn't want to stand in line to wait, so I didn't get one.

The weather was great the sun was out the whole time and it felt good to be warm. We had a great get away. But now we are back and the real world begins.

Work has been slow. Not much is happening right now we have been only half full so I've only been work 4 days a week. So that hurts. Micheal before he left talked me into donating plasma, so I've been doing that when I can. I have been turned away because I don't always eat that good and my protein and iron levels fall below a certain point and they don't let you donate. Which is a good thing, they want you to be healthy. I know now to eat a good dinner and lots of spinach or broccoli for my iron, that is where I go wrong.

The Nuthouse is becoming a reality for Tony now. He will be taking over Thursday and the key will be in his hand officially on June 1st. He has to wait till then for his liquor license to come through. This whole process is giving him ulcer's, according to him, so I will be glad when all the paper work is done and all he has to do is run the business. I don't want to start working there until May and then it will be only 3 nights a week for the time being. I'm not going to quit the Best Western yet I'm going to work both for a while until I'm sure of everything.

My knitting is slowly coming along I can't seem to knit fast enough for myself. I'm not getting anything done just a lot of work in progress. Right now I have 5 different socks on the needles and I'm not happy about that. So I don't get to start anything new till I have all these projects done.

Micheal I got a letter from him and Abby keeps me up to day on him. So far he is very homesick and hates the army. I don't know how he's going to get through this if he doesn't get out of his depression, he's only going to get more homesick as time goes on. He has done the gas mask and made it through that. His letter was sad but yet it made me laugh, he missed his Brother and his cars. Which I can believe. He want pictures from home and of his cars. Not of me but of his CARS, it shows what is important to him. This one line really has me worried "Plus I know that I will be getting deployed to Afghanistan. Which freaks me out. They use MP"s more in Iraq and everywhere else because they are better than infantry so they use them as infantry too. Freaks me out." I know that Micheal and Abby are having a hard time through all of this and I just hope she can calm him down and he makes it through. All our prayer and thought are in the airwaves going to Micheal to keep strong.

Well I think I have everyone up to date on my life and happening around here. Spring has arrived everything is turning green and I love the flowers. The raspberries are getting green on them so spring is here. Now if the warm weather would just show up I can start thinking about my garden. So until then. Keep those sticks aclickn'

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

I Made Cookies

2009-03-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

I made sugar cookies today, with icing. I have have never made cookies with icing. I didn't have any food color to make the icing pink I used strawberry sugar-free jello. It tasted pretty good. I don't know how to ice them and they don't look that great. But I tried so that's what counts.

Here's a picture of a test knit that I have been working on. It's called "Switchboard" by Redheaded Skydiver aka Christina Bain. This pattern you have your choice to knit it toe up or cuff down. I said I would work on this between rounds of Sock Madness so I started and was going to do toe up but for some reason I had problems. It is a provisional short-row toe up in the garter stitch. Now I've done a provisional toe before and had no problems so this time I don't know why? Was it the garter stitch? But I frogged it 6 times and decided to work it cuff down . I like the pattern very easy to remember and to work . Here is a close up of the stitch pattern. I used Mountain Colors yarn the colorway is "Northern Lights". It is a wool, mohair and nylon mixture. I don't have a lot of sport weight yarn in my stash by I think this is working out. I am thinking about doing the other sock toe up just to give it one more try, I don't carry if they are not quite alike, you only see the leg.

Now the other test knit that I'm working on I would love to show by have been asked not to till she decides what she wants to do. But I have one sock done on that one. The pattern is for a man's sock but I decided I wanted it for me. so I made it in the smaller size and used one of my favorite yarns Hazel Knits. It is a cabled sock. I can't wait to show this sock because it's turning out great.

Just to let you know We got the restaurant Tony and My Dad are now the owners of the Nuthouse Restaurant in Lynden. We get the keys on April 16Th. Tony can't wait to begin working once more and I can't wait to get him out of the house. I will be able to do house work without tripping over someone.

Well that's about it for now I'm sure I'll have more to share later. Keep your feet warm and those sticks aclickn'.

Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Family News

2009-03-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well I guess it for real. Tony and my Dad are almost restaurant owners. The deal is almost done. We take over the middle of April, so things will change in our household.Tony is very excited, this is his dream to own his own business. To me it is scary but I know he has the knowledge to make it work and he will. There is no doubt in my mind there.

Micheal is doing well and miss home and Abby. Abby talked to him on Sunday for 5 minutes that is all the time they are allowed. The Drill Sargent stand behind the them and counts out the minutes and he has to answer "Yes Drill Sargent". Abby says he sent a letter and I should be getting his address soon so that way we can flood him with letters.

Chris is working all the time we never see him. But I guess that could be a good thing or not. "It " is still lurking around in the background and makes Chris feel uncomfortable at home he doesn't know if she will try to sneak in or not. So he stays at friends more then he is at home. I do wish he could get rid of her, we just don't know how to do it legally.

My life is moving right along. I have been busy, if I'm not at work, I'm knitting. That is coming along the only problem it is in singles. I have been test knitting patterns and I'm knitting one sock at a time. So now I have lots of singles, three pairs to be exact. I have to get them done somehow. I'm going to do one more test knit and then I am going to get caught up on all my knitting.
Gena and I are planning to go to Sock Summit in August. The class list was just released and registration will begin in May date tbd. We are getting plans worked up. We have decided to take the train down so neither of us have to drive and give up knitting time. I have to check out the hotels there is several Best Westerns in the area I need to make my reservations to get my discount so we can save there. We are now trying to pick out the classes we want to take and hope to get in to them. We have two we picked out the same. "Spindle Spinning Basic" it's something I want to learn and I have the spindles, I just don't know what I'm doing. The other class we have the same is Knitting for Speed. This class is given by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee aka The Yarn Harlot. This class examines the various techniques, attitudes and histories of the most productive sock knitters, and focuses on the “lever knitting” style. I don't know what it is but if it helps to make my knitting more efficient then I'm all for it. Now for the rest of the classes, we haven't decided. But I can't wait it should be a fun time and a great experience. Who knows we both might learn all kinds of new things that will make our knitting grow.
I post again later with pictures of my work. So keep your feet warm and those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.

A Knitting Post

2009-03-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

OK here is a knitting post and only knitting. If you want to know what's going on with the family that's another day.

I started on the 19Th with my Sock Madness sock, I have to admit I was distracted that day but I knitted on I didn't get a lot done but I struggled on. I finish my socks yesterday.

This pair was a challenge. Mind you it wasn't the knitting but the heel, I have never done an afterthought heel. It's a heel that can be frogged if you get a hole in it. So that part was the challenge. I found that graphing closed 32 stitches was not that much fun. The people around me made noise. I needed a little bit of quiet, do you think I could get it not in my household. I made it in too Round 2 so now to wait for it to start.

I still have Gentleman Carlos on the needles and I will get it done someday just don't know when. Amanda's sock are still in the thought process and I don't know what pattern now to use. I have seen a few patterns that look good but I'm still looking.

I'm working on some more test knits. I do believe that I'm crazy I have two test knits going at on time right now. But I love a challenge and I do need something to work on in between rounds. I finished the test knits for Emily and I do love both sock patterns that I did. I hope her the best on what ever she decides to do with them.

We that's about it for now, so keep your feet warm and those sticks aclickn'. Happily knitting socks, Bye.

Bye Micheal

2009-03-22T10:02:00.001-07:00

Thank You Gena!!!! You are the best, it meant a lot to me too have you there.

2009-03-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

This is my crying post. Two more days till Micheal leaves. It hit me yesterday at the end of my shift when I was thinking about fixing his last breakfast. He wanted French Toast with Frosted Flakes. This is our Christmas breakfast and the only time of year I make it. Tony had this on an old menu at some place he worked and the boys loved it. You just make your french toast egg batter and then put it into crushed frosted flakes and grill. When I was thinking about it I almost burst into tears. I am going to HATE Thursday. We are not allow to see him off not even his girlfriend Abby. I think this is just as emotional to his as it is to me. But I do want his flight so at least Gena can see him off.

Sock Madness is just around the bend, it starts Thursday, so that will keep my mind busy. I have that day off so I'm going to knit all day long just to see how far I can get in the first round. I know that I have gotten faster but I don't know how much faster. I will find out. The yarn suggested is a semi solid or solid the designer used Hazel Knits and test knit in Koigu. I have Hazel Knits. I will have to wind and swatch. I post pictures later of what I use.
Keep warm and keep those sticks aclickn'.
Happily knitting socks, Bye.