Socks, Yarn, and Whatever

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.