Crafty Chick Knits

I've Moved!

2006-02-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

My new blog is offically up and running. Check it out at:

http://blog.craftychickonline.com

Please update your bookmarks, and hope to hear from you soon!

Start of the Games

2006-02-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

I was able to finish my sleeves yesterday so I could start my Knitting Olympics project at the start of the games. Here it is so far:

This was definitely the right project to choose for a challenge. I had to learn some new techniques already, such as how to pick up stitches on the WS without the yarn showing on the RS and how to pfb. I didn't realize that Entrelac required picking up so many stitches as well, and you know how much I love that. There are a few mistakes where I didn't know what I was doing in the beginning, but my DH thinks I should leave the mistakes there. He says it makes it more endearing. I think he just doesn't want to listen to me whine while I rip it out. They are little things that probably no one but me will notice anyway.

I need to get my Cheesylove sleeves seemed today so I can wash it and have it dry by its debut on Tuesday. Although, it has been so warm here the last week I'm not sure by the time Tuesday comes I'll actually want to wear it. It's more t-shirt weather than sweater weather.

In other new, this may be the last time I post to this blog. I have been working on a new blog in Word Press, which seems easier to manage, so by next week I hope to move to a new home. I'll be sure to post a link so you all can find me.

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend, and good luck to all those knitting for the Olympics.

Yikes!

2006-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

Today is the start of the Knitting Olympics, and I'm not sure I'm ready to cast on! I still need to finish my Cheesylove, which takes priority because of my goal to finish it in time for Valentine's Day. I spent Tuesday night on the tedious task of picking up stitches for the neck (everyone know how much I love that. Please note the sarcasm). Now all I really have to do is finish the sleeve cap and sew the sleeves to the body, but this project has proven to me how much my seeming skills need to be improved. Of course major seeming for the first time with black yarn was probably not the best choice. It makes it so hard to see what you are doing! My plan for this afternoon is to get my physical therapy over fast so I can get home and get those sleeves done. With any hope, I may be able to cast on for the Danica Scarf by the time the opening ceremony airs on the West Coast at 8:00.

I'll keep you updated!

Yay!

2006-02-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

Finally, my new computer is all set up with DSL and everything. I love it! I didn't realize that new computers come with a memory card slot, so I could instantly save my pictures to the computer tonight without having to connect the camera. My blogging will be so easy now! I have no excuses for posts without pictures.

Anyway, I know I have been promising to share, so here you go. First off, a picture of the Hourglass sweater.

I'm extremely proud of the way this turned out. I've gotten so many compliments, and it has encouraged one of my friends at work to learn how to knit. Last week I taught here how to cast on and knit, and she's already completed a potholder. Now she wants to knit a blanket for herself. She seems to be a natural.

Next we have the back of the Debbie Bliss baby dress.

It's so tiny! But it's the 3-6 month size, so it's supposed to be tiny. I haven't been around a baby-baby for so long, I forget how small they start off. I love this pattern though, and will have to keep it in mind for anyone else I know having a daughter. The front of the dress will have to wait until I'm done with my Cheesylove and my project for the Knitting Olympics.

Speaking of Cheesylove, here it is:

Please ignore the cat hair. My two little friends like to sit with one on each side of me while I knit. It's definitely not good with the black yarn. I'm just about done with the sleeves, and then I need to sew the whole thing together and finish the ribbing around the neck. I should be able to meet my Valentine's Day deadline. Actually I hope to finish before Friday, so I can start my Danica scarf for the Knitting Olympics. The yarn is here and ready to go:

Isn't it pretty and a little 1970's retro? I did decide to make it for my DH, and since he bought a nice, brown wool coat, I think it will match well. He promised me that if I made it, he would wear it on the rare occasions when we are out in the cold.

Well, that's it! I guess I have been knitting my little fingers off! Now I'm going to spend an exciting Saturday night on the couch, in front of the TV with my DH who has caught whatever disease I had at the beginning of the week. Thank goodness for TiVo and Net Flix.

TTFN!

I didn't know I was a lesbian until today

2006-02-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

I was out having lunch with some co-workers today. We decided on a new Thai restaurant for something new. This was the fortune that was in my cookie at the end of the meal:

"You and your wife will be happy in your life together."

Huh? What is my fortune cookie trying to tell me? Would I be happier if I had married a woman instead of my hubby? I've never heard of such a ridiculous fortune.

This has been a very tough week for me. Not only was I sick, but there were massive layoffs at work. Thankfully I still have my job, but it's always hard to see your friends go. This is about the third time that people I have really cared about and enjoyed working with have gone, and it seems to get more depressing every time. I could go work for a more financially secure company, but despite all the turmoil here, I really do love my job. Unless I was self-employed, I really can't imagine doing anything else.

I have one more thing to add to my crappy, sad week. A couple that I am friends with had a kitten who was about six months old who had a heart attack and died! How sad! His little heart was not growing at the same rate as his body, and it just couldn't keep up any more. I know how much I love my cats (despite the fact they keep me awake at night, and chew on all my possession, and vomit on the rug while I'm at work), and how sad I'll be when they die, but I can't imagine what I would have done if they had died when they were just babies.

I've had so much knitting progress this week, but I haven't gotten my DSL package yet, so I can't share it with you. I did finish the body of my Cheesylove sweater, and am now working on the sleeves (both at one time). Can I just say that I love Fair Isle knitting? I know this pattern wasn't very complicated, but it was so much fun that I am inspired to try something a little more complex. I have been eyeing the Fair Isle wrap from Wrap Style. But, alas, I have more than enough yarn to keep me busy for a while so I am trying to resist getting anymore.

I hope everyone out there is having a better week than me!

TTFN!

Happy Friday!

2006-01-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Your 1920's Name is:

Jonnie Margarette

What's" Your 1920's Name?

Ok, here's something silly for a Friday. I wanted to get pictures up, because I have so much to show you, but my computer at home has stopped working. It's decided it can't perform the simplest of tasks, like staying on when I want to work on it. We bought a new computer this week, but are waiting to get our DSL package in the mail (yes we are finally upgrading from dial up), so until it gets there, my blogging has to be confined to a few spare minutes I can find at work. Anyway, I accomplished a lot last week that I'd like to show you. I finished the back of the baby dress, I took a picture of the finished Hourglass Sweater, and I got about half of the body knitted for Cheesylove. Maybe by next week we'll be up and running.

Wish me luck this weekend. My DH and I are going to a 2-year old's birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese. I have been to Chuck-E-Cheese as an adult and with my co-workers, but that was during the week when the place was completely empty. I'm sure it will be jam packed on a weekend day. I just hope I make it out alive.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

I Coulda Been A Contender

2006-01-18T17:32:00.000-08:00

So I decided to follow the Yarn Harlot and and a few hundred other crazy knitters and participate in the Knitting Olympics. She has challenged everyone to cast on a project during the opening ceremonies of the games and finish by the last night of the Olympics. The project should be somewhat challenging, so I think I'm going to try the Danica scarf from Knitty. I've wanted to try Entrelac, and it this project seems decently challenging but attainable in the two week time frame.

I've offered to make the scarf and give it to my DH (the only thing I've ever made him was a pair of fingerless mitts) but he didn't seem too interested. I guess because we live in a warm climate, and he really doesn't get very cold. In reality, he could probably use a knit hat to cover up his bald head. So, I'll probably end up making it for myself. I mean, who wants to knit something for someone that will never get worn? Now what colors? Of course I can't use anything from my stash, and I'll have to place yet another Knit Picks order. Any suggestions for a color scheme are greatly appreciated. I love all colors, and am thinking of using Merino Style, so e-mail or leave me a comment if you have any ideas.

Another Finished Sweater

2006-01-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report that I finished my Hourglass Sweater over the weekend. I can't believe how much finishing there was for a sweater knit in the round! It took me what felt like forever to sew up the hems along the bottom of the sweater and the sleeves, and to sew down the neckline. I do admit, though, that it does give the sweater a nice, polished look. No pictures yet, as it is currently laid out on the dining room table to dry, but hopefully I'll have a photo up by the end of the week. I think even my DH was impressed after he saw how the whole thing came together.

A finished project means I can cast on for a new project without feeling so guilty (I bought the yarn on Friday. See the post below). So, taking a cue from The Brown Sheep, I'll be trying to knit Cheesylove from Knitty in time for Valentine's day. I haven't decided whether I'll knit the "optional" sleeves, or leave it sleeveless as a vest. Maybe timing will decide for me. This will be my first attempt at Fair Isle, and I'm excited. I'm always looking for some new technique I can try.

On a foot update, I start my physical therapy this week. Thanks to everyone who sent me good wishes for recovery. Hopefully in just a few more weeks I'll be back to normal again.

Until Later, Happy Knitting!

Bad Girl

2006-01-13T12:24:00.000-08:00

Bored at work, again,
Reading blogs and getting ideas
Buying more yarn, bad girl.

Will report more later after the buyer's remorse wears off.

Knitty Gritty

2006-01-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

I didn't knit at all last night because I was so tired after work and was also distracted by the chore of laundry. Instead, I decided to watch an episode of Knitty Gritty which has been on my DVR for a few weeks. For those of you not familiar with the show, it's on DIY Network, and is great. Some times the projects are a little crazy, but I usually always learn some new technique. In the episode I was watching last night, they were making these. An interesting project, but I'm not quite sure how I feel about them. They're a little funky and cute, but definitely strange.

I tried shrinking my Tubey last night. I was going to run it through the dryer, but first I decided to put it in the washing machine. I'm amazed at how quick that thing felted, even after I put it in one of my handwash bags. The good new is, it felted (or "got really linty" as my DH said) just enough to fit well again, but not enough to totally hide the stitches. Now if it would only get cold enough again for me to wear.

I also have to tell you all about my plans for this weekend. I'm going to the Monster Jam truck show! Totally not something I would choose to do on my own, but I was able to get VIP passes through work, so I thought I might take advantage of a new experience. I'm all for checking out lifestyles other than my own at least once in my life. After all, another co-worker who has been before told me that you can "drink beer and eat beef jerky" so that doesn't sound so bad. I'll let you know all about it next week.

Until later, Happy Knitting!

Finished Tubey

2006-01-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

Ta Da! A picture of my finished Tubey, and my first finished sweater.

I loved knitting this, and think I might knit another in a solid color. I used Knit Picks Andean Silk, and it did stretch a little in the neck and sleeves when I washed it. I'm contemplating sending on a trip through the dryer, but I'm afraid it will ruin it. Does anyone out there know if that will totally destroy an alpaca/silk/wool blend yarn?

Here's proof that I'm actually working on one of my UFOs. The sleeve to my Hourglass sweater.

I'm nearly finished with the first sleeve, and will be happy to get onto the next. However, I have found another project to start. My friend is having a baby in April, so I wanted to make her something. I found a really cute baby dress pattern in a Debbie Bliss book at Borders today. (By the way, I discovered something very cool. If you take your change to Coinstar you can get a gift card for Borders, Amazon, and a few other places without having to pay the coin counting fee). Anyway, I bought the book and found some cute lavender yarn. It's acrylic of course because I don't believe in making baby clothes or blankets that require hand washing. I can't imagine having a baby that I would have to change several times a day and have to hand wash anything. If I have enough leftover yarn I might make the pair of seed stitch shoes also in this book.

On a foot update, I was able to wear a shoe all day today. It hurt a little the first time I had to put it on, but after it was on I was able to walk around all day without any pain! I feel like I'm finally getting back to normal.

My DH has a glass of wine waiting for me, so I'd better go drink it before he does.

TTFN!

Random Ramblings

2006-01-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

You Are 30% Weird

Not enough to scare other people...But sometimes you scare yourself.

href="How'>http://www.blogthings.com/howweirdareyouquiz/">How Weird Are You?

This sounds about accurate today.

I don't know if it's the weather (because it's been about 75 degrees lately) but I had an overwhelming desire to knit a spring wrap today. So of course I went online and bought some more yarn. I bought some bright pink ribbon yarn at Elann, and it only cost about $20 with shipping. I think I'll make another Clapotis. The first one was so fun! I've been working on my Hourglass sweater, but can't really get into it. I think it's because I'm not really excited about the yarn I chose. The bland yellow color is not really motivating me to finish. I wish I had picked out something a little bolder and more exciting. Of course I still have my Zipper sweater and my garter stitch wrap to work on. And of course the color on color is still sitting in a basket somewhere. I've got nothing to do this afternoon, so hopefully I'll make some progress on something, and I will definitely finish at least one thing before my new yarn gets here.

I'm about to leave work in about 30 minutes and when I get home I get to try to wear a shoe on my gimpy foot for the first time since the surgery. Wish me luck! I've been more than a little frustrated lately because the flexibility in my foot is not coming back as much as I'd like, despite doing my toe exercises at least three times a day. I felt like Uma Thurman from Kill Bill this morning ("Wiggle your big toe") while I sat there staring at my foot and nothing was happening. I have been managing a little wiggle, but this morning, nothing. I was hoping to get through the recovery without having to go to physical therapy, but my foot is not cooperating. I guess I'll find out about PT when I go to my doctor on Tuesday.

I hope everyone out there has a fabulous weekend. I know I will just because I won't be at work!

Happy Knitting!

Hmmm

2006-01-03T17:47:00.000-08:00

Should I be insulted?

You Are Italian Food

Comforting yet overwhelming.People love you, but sometimes you're just too much.

What Kind of Food Are You?

Happy New Year!

2006-01-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone out there is having a great start to 2006. We kicked off in the new year in our usually low key style. Just a dinner out with friends. After all the Christmas activity and the annual party we throw for our friends the day after Christmas, all my DH and I feel like doing on New Year's is hanging out. We did manage to go down to San Diego to be with my friend Jen, which was great.

Now it's back to work, and after being at home for three weeks, it's not easy to be back in the office again. Although I think my DH is correct in saying that we really wouldn't appreciate the time off without having to work the rest of the year. My foot is feeling better now, and I am able to hobble around a little more. By the end of this week, I might be able to start wearing a regular shoe again. Woo-Hoo! Whoever thought that would be such an accomplishment?

I finished Tubey over the break, but don't have a postable picture yet. The batteries died in my digital camera the day that I wore the sweater, and now it's drying after being washed. Once I wear it again I'll get a picture up here. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and it was such a quick knit that I might make another. However, I have made a resolution to finish the hourglass and the zip up sweater, so another Tubey will have to wait.

Happy New Year, and Happy Knitting!

Back from the Drug Haze

2005-12-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Today is my 10th day of confinement after my surgery. Laying in bed for days on end is not as great as it may sound. Luckily the surgery went well and most of the pain is gone. I can even hobble around on the post-op shoe they gave me to wear. Now I just have to manage swelling, which means that on days like today when my toes get fat and uncomfortable, I have to be less mobile than I want. And it also means that my Christmas gifts will stay un-wrapped for another day.

Fortunately all this lying around has given me time to get some great knitting done. I managed to finished five scarves for my co-workers. Unfortunately, these are the only two pictures I could take before the batteries in my camera died. I had to get them wrapped before I could wait for the batteries to recharge.

This first one is made from Lion Moonlight Mohair.

This second one is Lion Homespun and has cables. I love making cables! Too bad they don't show up very well in this picture.

I didn't get a photo of my favorite, which was made with Lion Suede, but I loved it so much I may have to make on for myself.

Now I've started on the Tubey sweater. I'm a little scared because I am using the dreaded Alpaca again. Last time I knitted with a similar yarn (the Tivoli Tee in Knit Picks Elegance) it stretched about three sizes bigger when I washed it. This time I washed my swatch and it didn't stretch at all. Maybe the fact that this yarn also has wool helped it to retain its shape. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that once I get this one done and wash it that it will not stretch. Right now it doesn't really look like much, but I'm getting ready to start on the stripes on the arms, so hopefully by next post I'll have something cool to show you.

Until Later, Happy Knitting!

2005-12-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day in the Real World for a while. I'm having foot surgery on Monday, and will have to stay at home for a few weeks. That means no work. Oh no (please not the sarcastic tone in my typing).

I know I'm probably going to be in pain, but even that is better than the stress of work. My company has to be the most dramatic place in the world, with some sort of crisis or drama going on everyday. I'll still be working a little at home, but hopefully without all the people I'm usually surrounded by, things will be a little better.

And of course being at home so much, with an excuse not to help with the chores or cooking, gives me plenty of time to knit (and catching up with DVD TV seasons). I broke down and bought yarn for the Knitty Tubey sweater, so as soon as I get done with my Christmas knitting, I can make something for myself. I promise I'm going to finish this one, and hopefully the sleaves for my Hourglass Sweater too. I'll keep you all updated on the progress.

See you again when the painkillers wear off!

No Pictures

2005-12-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I don't have any pictures yet, but I did make some progress on my knitting projects this weekend, thanks to a nasty little cold which kept me sniffling on the couch all weekend. I finished one and 3/4 scarves. After last year's Christmas knitting, I never wanted to knit scarves again, but with two unfinished sweaters and an unfinished wrap, it's nice to actually complete something. However, my collection of UFOs does not prevent me from looking for more things to start. This is what caught my eye today. Cute, and it seems so quick to knit. If only I could focus.

TTFN!

Hello!!

2005-11-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

OK, I don't know if anyone out there is still reading this. It's been ages since I've posted!!! A lot has been going on, and I haven't even had the time to knit nonetheless blog about knitting. But as Christmas is getting closer, I have some projects planned. I am having a bunion removed on one of my feet, andwill have to be in bed for about a week, so that should give me some quality knitting time with my Christmas gifts.

I promise I will be back soon with some project photos. TTFN!

I'm Back

2005-09-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have been missing for a while. I was on vacation last week with my family, fishing in Northern California. I have to admit that I wasn't quite prepared for the colder weather. It's still in the 80s here, but was in the 30s overnight where we were staying. I had much more fun than I expected. It was great to hang out with my whole family for a while, especially since I don't see my brothers too often any more. It was also an interesting experience to spend a week with my 3-year old niece. I don't think having kids is an undertaking I am ready for yet.

I did get a lot of knitting done, and will have to post pictures later. I started on the garter stitch wrap from Scarf Style, and am more than half way through the first triangle. I've also managed to make some progress on the first sleeve for my Hourglass sweater. More about those when I get some pictures taken.

TTFN!

Doggie Distractions

2005-08-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

I did get some knitting done this weekend. That is, until I got this. It really is as cute as it looks. Now I have my own Chihuahua named Chachi. Of course I also had to spend all the extra money to buy the DS to play it on, but as a person who desperately wants a dog but can't have one (my two giant cats already take up enough space in my house), it's worth it.

In knitting news, I finished the body of my Hourglass Sweater up to the yoke and have started on the first sleeve. I'm actually working on double pointed needles because I didn't have a size 8 circular that was small enough and I didn't want to wait until I could get to the yarn store. I was surprised to find that it doesn't really seem to take too much longer that way. I'll post picture later this week when I get more done. I'm also working on a crochet project for my secret pal, that I'll post when I get it finished and sent out.

TTFN!

Actual Photos

2005-08-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right. I finally have photos to post. I know I have been a little lazy with my knitting pictures.

First of all, I want to send a big thanks to my secret pal. Look at the goodies she sent.

It was a green/Florida theme this month, and she sent me Taffy (one of my favorites!), Key Lime pie mix, a pencil with a cute little alligator attached to it. The beautiful scarf here:

and something she's been calling the green mistake.

It was an unsuccessful knitting project she was making for me, but I can't quite figure out what it was supposed to be. Thanks again Pal for everything!

I also have a progress photo of my Hourglass Sweater.

I've started the increases at the waist, so I'm about half way done with the body. So far the measurements are correct, so I'm thinking it will fit. Hopefully I'll have more progress to report at the end of the week.

Until later, Happy Knitting!

What Kind Of Yarn Are You?

2005-08-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

You are Mohair.You are a warm and fuzzy type who works well with
others, doing your share without being too
weighty. You can be stubborn and absolutely
refuse to change your position once it is set,
but that's okay since you are good at covering
up your mistakes.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by

Knitting ADD

2005-08-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's true, I have knitting ADD. Or at least I am planning to start too many projects at once. I did get a little more work done on my Hourglass Sweater the other night, and so far it looks good. I'm almost finished with the waist decreases, and the length of the sweater seems good so far. A few more rows and I should be able to measure the width to see if I'm on track with that too. I really appreciate patterns with well laid out schematics and measurements. It's so much nicer to be able to measure every so often to make sure you are on track.

So while I still have my zipper swear and my drop stitch poncho on the needles, I have become convinced that I need to start another project. What I really want to make is the Garter Stitch Wrap from Scarf Style. My DH and I are traveling to Napa Valley and San Francisco for our 5th wedding anniversary in November, and I thought it would be nice to take with me. However, I have one major concern about this pattern. It requires buying FOUR size 6, 42" circular needles in order to do a three needles bind to attach the four triangles. I'd really hate to make the investment in four circular needles that are so long because I can't think of many occasions that would require me to use even one. If anyone has tried this pattern and can think of a better way to attach the triangles, I'd love to hear it. My other alternative is knitting the triangles and just sewing them together, or knit simply two large triangles (like shawls) and sewing them together to create the square shape. What do you think? In any event, because it is so large and not too complicated, I'm thinking it would be great car knitting for our long car trip we are taking in a couple weeks to go fishing with my parents. After our two day drive, we will be staying in a cabin all week with few distractions, so it seems like the perfect time to get some knitting done.

TTFN!

I'm Still Here

2005-08-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

I know I have been MIA of awhile. Work has been busy, so I haven't been able to post while I'm here and have been too tried to once I get home. Not that I have had much knitting related progress to post on. I'm afraid that until this weekend, I have been too busy with my social life to knit. I guess I have to get out of the house and visit friends sometimes. I did find out this week that I will probably will have time to do tons of knitting in December because it looks like I will be having foot/bunion surgery then. My doctor says I'll have to stay in bed for at least five days, so that should give me plenty of time to work on some projects.

I did get some knitting done this weekend. I cast on for the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. After my last experience with the Tivioli Tee, I made sure to wash my swatch before starting. I'm using this yarn in daffodil. Cross your fingers for me that this one turns out the right size or else I may swear off knitting forever.

TTFN!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince-SPOILER ALERT

2005-08-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Warning: You may not want to read any of this post if you don't want to know how the 6th book ends. I fully intend to rave about the ending of the book. That means you too Matt!

I have no knitting progress to report lately, as I have become obessed with reading Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince. I actually finished last night because once I started I couldn't put it down. I'm not ashamed to say that I cried my eyes out at the ending. I think I cried for the last 40 pages of the book, and then for 10 minutes after I had finished. How could J.K. kill off Dumbledore!! I know there are people out there who don't think he's dead, but I'm not convinced. How could she go into such great detail about everyone mourning his death, and his funernal if she was going to bring him back in the next book? It's not fair to put us all through that if that is her intent. I did, however, find this website, and the creator makes a lot of good points.

All in all though, I have to say the book was great. I love the flashbacks to reveal how Tom Riddle became Lord Voldemort. I was shocked when Harry almost killed Malfoy in the bathroom. I even felt sorry for Malfoy throughout most of the book, but then wished he was dead after the ending of the book. The sequence in which Harry and Dumbledore went to get the Horocrux was also so suspensful, and very cool, and I would have never imagined in a million years guessed that Snape was the Half Blood Price. Although I guess I should have known given the fact that it was a potions book that Harry was reading. Two years is such a long time to wait now for the next book. What will I read in the meantime?

Thanks!!

2005-07-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

I just want to say a big thanks to all of you who sent me kind words and encouragement about the Tivioli Tee. I did frog it, and plan to start it again with smaller needles. That way if it does stretch, it should still fit. The shape of the sweater was pretty much the same, but way too large for me to wear.

I don't have much knitting progress to report this week. I started a couple of rows on a poncho from the Viva Poncho book. The poncho is in Brioche stitch, and has a nice open look, but with the needles I'm using now the stitch is too tight. I think I will start over with the next size up. It's nice to be working on a project now that doesn't depend too much on gauge. I'm also starting a little on my Christmas knitting for my co-workers. I'm planning coin purses with their initial on them in intarsia. I made up one to get the size and gauge down. Now I just need to make sure I can get zippers that size before I spend too much time making the rest. If anyone has a good online source for zippers and such I would love to hear about it.

One last thing, a movie recommendation for anyone out there who likes stupid humor. We saw Wedding Crashers over the weekend, and it wasn't the best written story, but definitely funny.

Hopefully I will have pictures to post next time. I have been too lazy to upload them lately.

Until later, happy knitting!

Depressed

2005-07-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

I finished the Tivioli Tee, and tonight I will be attaching it to my ball winder. I didn't wash my swatch, and the sweater stretched A LOT when I washed it.

I think The Knitting and I may need to take a break from each other for a while.

It Fits!!!

2005-07-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

I knitted liked crazy on the Tivoli Tee yesterday, and reached the point where the designer suggested trying on the sweater. It fits!! I was even more excited to discover that I should be able to wear a regular bra with the sweater as well. You never know when it comes to wide necked garmets. Now I can't wait to finish.

I'll probably have time while I am on my way to San Diego this weekend. I am driving down with some co-workers for Comic Con 2005. This is not my typical kind of event, but we usually go for work to scope out new action figures, games and entertainment. There are some interest lectures as well, and it's always entertaining to see grown men (and some of the few women who attend) dressed up like Jedis or Clingons. I will definitely post pictures from that for your enjoyment. Whenever I go to these events I realize the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons is a pretty acurate profile of a comic book collector. Even my DH, who loves to buy, read, and collect comics, was pretty freaked out when he went with me to the convention last year. He didn't want to be associated with fans who were quite so zealous.

That's it for today. Until later, Happy Knitting!

Tricksy Knit Picks

2005-07-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

Those people over at Knit Picks are very tricksy. I went to their site today to order some yarn to start on my Christmas knitting (it's never too early to think about that!) and then had to order more yarn to get the free shipping. I'm such a sucker for those kinds of deals! Anyway, I got the yarn to make gifts for my co-workers, and then to get the free shipping, I bought some yarn to make the Hourglass pull over from Last Minute Knit Gifts. I don't plan on start the sweater any time soon, but the yarn will be there waiting when I'm ready.

I've made a lot of progress on the Tivoli tee, and will post pictures again soon. I'm into five inches of plain knitting, which is kind of boring and feels really slow when knitting in the round. I only have about 2 more inches to go, and then it will be time for the waist shaping. So far I'm happy with the results, and it looks like it's going to fit! I'm always nervous about fit until I get to try something on for the first time.

My sinus infection is clearing up, but now I'm becoming an insomniac. I'm miserable at work today. It's not easy to analyze data when you haven't had enough sleep. I thought that because I didn't sleep at all on Sunday night that I would fall asleep quickly last night. No such luck. It took me until about 12:30/1:00 to fall asleep, and without having any sleep the night before, five hours was not enough. I try the tricks on how to sleep better, like getting out of bed when you can't sleep and doing something quiet, I also tried turning on the "ocean" on my alarm clock, but none of that helps. I refuse to take sleeping pills. I take enough medication for my allergies, to I don't think I need to add anything else. It's nights when I can't sleep that I hate my husband. He falls asleep the second his head hits the pillow and continues to snore all night.

Allright, now it's time for more caffine, and back to work.

Happy Knitting!

Lazy Weekend

2005-07-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's not a lazy weekend so much as I haven't been feeling well and that has kept me in the house the whole time. I've been coughing up a lung all week, so I finally decided to go to the doctor this morning. As it turns out, I have a sinus infection. I have the worst allergies, and because of all the rain we got this winter and the resulting plant life, my allergies have been terrible the past few month. Why is it that some people luck out and have perfect vision, perfect teeth, and never get sick, while some of us (like me a my DH) have to suffer with braces, glasses, and sneezing all the time? Actually my DH never had allergies until we got married, so maybe they are contagious.

At least being home all weekend I have had plenty of time to knit. I finished my third OSW.

This is the second one I have made with Rowan All Seasons Cotton, and I can't say enough about how much I love this yarn. For a cotton, it is great to work with, but probably because it's a blend. It doesn't split and is very soft and the stitch definition is great. I will get a picture up here of me wearing one of my shrugs soon, but today is not that day. I modified the pattern slightly by using seed stitch (my favorite textured stitch!) instead of ribbing around the edge of the shrug.

I also finished the back of my zipper sweater.

It's a little curly here, so you can't see all the waist shaping. I'm not happy with the neck bind off at all. It doesn't look as neat as I'd like it too, but at least this is only the back and it will probably be covered up by my hair most of the time. I too terrified of ripping it back. I am notorious for dropping stitches at the bind of row, which usually results in me freaking out, cussing and screaming until I can fix it. I'm going to try to figure out a way to bind of neater for the front, where having a neat edge really counts. It will be awhile until I get to that stage because I started this:

It doesn't look like much yet, but it is Grumperina's Tivoli T-Shirt. I hope I can get it done quickly because I'd like to wear it a few times before the end of summer (which seems to be flying by!).

I hope everyone out there is having a great weekend!

TTFN!

Uninteresting Title

2005-07-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

I managed to get a little knitting done over the long 4th of July weekend. I cast on for the zipper sweater from the last post, and completed most of the green section of the back. I would post a picture, but right now it's just an olive green rectangle, not too interesting. Maybe when I get into the blue section and more of the shaping I'll have something I want to show off. I also cast on for a third OSW. I think this will be my last for a while. Especially since I saw this. I have 5 skeins of Knit Picks Elegance that I didn't know what to do with until now. I may have to put the zipper sweater down for a little while and see if I can get this done so I can wear it before the end of summer. I won't have the opportunity to wear a long sleeve pull over for a few months, so I think the zipper sweater can wait.

My DH brought something evil into the house, which is now sucking up some of my knitting time. The Sims!! I love playing that game, but it is definitely a time sucker. Hours just past without me realizing it. Why is it so interesting to live out a life where one wakes up, goes to work, comes home and eats, goes to sleep, and then starts the whole thing over again only because it's a video game? Maybe because you can do things that you can't do in real life, like hit someone who is annoying you. I see how video games captivate me and especially my DH, so I know that when I have kids I have every intention of keeping them away from video games as long as possible.

I'm procrastinating at work right now because I have a report I need to complete, and I'm not happy about it. I guess I should get back to it. After all, the day is almost over.

TTFN!

Presents and Reunions

2005-06-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to multitask by posting this and watching reruns of Sex and the City. I love that show! I can't believe I never watched it while it was on, but thank goodness for reruns. Although I have to hold out and watch the episodes when they air on HBO, not when they're edited on TBS.

It's picture time again, so first off, presents from my pal.

She sent a very cute, mini purse, a knitted bookmark, a little tin of Altoids, some great smelling lime soap, and index cards. I can always use something to make my yarn shopping notes. Not only did she send the great gifts, but I also get her friendly e-mails a couple of times a week. Thanks pal!

Also, pictures of my two finished One Skein Wonders.

Actually, each shrug took two skeins of yarn, but both were still under $20! I haven't taken a good picture with them on, but you can kind of see the red one in this picture here.

This is me, my DH, and my good friend and former roommate before our college reunion this past weekend. The reunion was so much fun. I saw a few people I was close to in college and haven't seen in years, and also had the opportunity to chat with some people I had always seen around school but never really knew. It was also nice to be part the "kids" again. As the class of 2000 we were the youngest there, and I think my friend and I lived up to being "kids" by getting really drunk. Needless to say, I spent all day in bed yesterday trying to recover from my hangover. Every time I tell my DH, "This is the last time, I'm getting too old for this" but this time I am serious. He is great though, and always takes care of me when I'm suffering from this self inflicted torture.

One last picture from the reunion of me and my DH.

Remember this picture here?

I posted this first a few monthes ago, and I think this will be my next project. I've got the yarn and everything, so why not? I'll keep you all updated when I start.

Time to get back to concentrating on Sex and the City. Until later, Happy Knitting!

Half Way There

2005-06-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Thank God we are almost halfway through the week. Work has suddenly slowed down dramatically, and I'm trying to find creative ways to spend my time here. I am definitely the type of person who needs to be constantly busy.

It was my poor hubby's birthday yesterday, and we spend a good chunk of the evening at the doctor's office, and then at the pharmacy because he didn't feel well. Luckily he had an infection which should be taken care of pretty easily with antibiotics and nothing more serious. It's a good thing the big celebration took place last weekend before he was feeling sick. He really wasn't having a very good day. He also lost his expensive sunglasses, and then didn't hear from his best friend, who is living out of the country, but should have called regardless.

I have officially become One Skein Wonder shrug obsessed. I'm close to finishing my second, and bought more yarn off of Ebay yesterday for a third. I guess it's because the pattern is so easy and quick to knit, and it's definitely the right season for shrugs. By the time I post pictures, I should have two completed to show off. What will be next? I'm thinking of the Minisweater, also from Glampyre, but then again, maybe I will finally get back to my Color On Color scarf. I really love those projects that satisfy my need for instant gratification, and the Color on Color is a project that requires a lot more patience and attention. I just need to get back into the mode of working on it a little at a time.

I hope everyone out there is having a pleasant week. Until later, Happy Knitting!

Weekend Update

2005-06-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was so busy!! I think I'm still recovering. But first of all, I want to say a big thanks to my secret pal for the box of goodies she sent. I'll be posting pictures of the package later this week.

On Friday night I threw a surprise party for my Hubby for his birthday at the Belmont Brewing Company in Long Beach. We tricked him by sending out a fake Evite, to which all but two of our friends RSVPed that they couldn't come, so he was shocked when we showed up at the restaurant and 20+ of our friends were there. I think he enjoyed himself. In fact I know he did because he was very hungover the next morning. For anyone out there near Long Beach, I definitely recommend the Belmont Brewing Company for dinner. The food was great and the prices are very reasonable.

On Saturday night, we took my mom and my MIL to dinner and then to see Wicked as their mother's day gift. They seemed to enjoy it, even more so because neither one of our fathers would want to do something like dinner and a musical. The show was good, but not quite as good as when we saw it on Broadway. I think mostly because Kristin Chenoweth who played Glinda on Broadway was so much better than the actress in the touring cast. Of course Kristin left the show to go on to make movies, like Bewitched.

After sleeping in a little on Sunday, we went to my in-laws for a father's day/birthday (my hubby and my FIL) BBQ. It was nice to relax a little, and we spent some time playing cards out in the backyard. The June Gloom is finally clearing up, and now it feels more like summer.

Of course I had my camera at all these events, but didn't take one picture. Oh well. In knitting related news, I finished the One skein Wonder shrug, and wore it to Wicked on Saturday night. I'm starting on a second shrug to wear to my college reunion this weekend. The first one I made was still a little small, so I think I may go even one more size up for the next one. I also attempted to start the Drop Stitch Shawl from Knit Picks. Has anyone out there tried that pattern? I think I followed the instructions correctly, but it looks nothing like the picture, and I don't understand how to unravel the stitches after the shawl has been knit to create the fringe. If anyone out there who has tried this pattern can offer some advice on what I might be doing wrong, I would appreciate it.

Mondays stink, but I should actually get some work done this morning.

TTFN!

Frogged

2005-06-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

The One skein Wonder shrug has been frogged, and almost completely re-knit again. I got a lot accomplished this afternoon. I had to drive my dad to his appointment to have surgery on his eye, and spent a few hours in the waiting room with nothing to do but knit. I'm sure some of you out there are aware of the earthquakes we have been having in California this week, and another one hit today. It was while my dad was in the operating room, and thank God, the doctors had just finished the surgery and were bandaging his eye when the earthquake hit. I can't imagine what might have happened if they were still operating. I don't know what would happen if my dad lost some of his eyesight. My mom doesn't drive, so who knows how they would get around! They both too young to become house bound.

I looking forward to Friday, and a busy weekend ahead. A birthday party, a trip to the theather, and a father's day BBQ. I'll have to post a report on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2005-06-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

I've was very busy last week, and finished two projects and started another. First of all, the crocheted shawl.

I love this project and it took no time at all. However, no one can agree on what color it is. I bought the yarn because it looked silver to me, and I wanted to wear it with the silver bridesmaid's shoes I wore in my friends' wedding. However, when I looked at the label, the color was named "green glitter." About half the people I have shown it to definitely think it's silver and the other half definitely think it's green. It doesn't matter. I'm still going to wear it to the theater when we see Wicked on Saturday night.

Let me interrupt for a moment to gush about Wicked. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. My Hubby and I saw the show when we went to New York last year and loved it. It was such a funny and smart story. We saw the original Broadway cast, and the two women that played Glenda and Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) we amazing. It will be interesting to see how the new girls fill the role.

I also finally finished the Big Bad Baby Blanket. Here it is before washing and blocking.

It wasn't the most interesting thing I have knit, but the outcome is great. I have enough yarn left over for another blanket, so I might make one for myself once we decide to have kids. I'm sure the Hub doesn't like reading that! I have been more maternal lately, and it's been freaking him out. In addition to the blanket, I found the cutest little baby board shorts at my favorite store (Target) to add to the package for my cousin.

After finishing up the blanket, I started on Glampyre's One Skien Wonder Shrug. This is the start, but I've had an opportunity to work on it since I took this picture, and am now on the ribbing.

It's such a quick knit! I'm beginning to worry though that it's going to be too small. However, if it is, I'm blaming it on the Hub. ;) I checked my gauge before I started, and it was right on, but I had to rely on the hubby to measure my back and I'm not sure if the measurement was right. He hates it, but I always tell him I wish I had a wife too to help me with all the girly things I need, like straightening my hair in the back. I hope the shrug does fit though because I am planning on wearing to my college reunion dinner the weekend of the 24th. If it doesn't I will probably frog it and then hurry to re-knit it.

Lastly, I have to show off my new purchases.

This....

and this....

As you can see, I was excited to use it.

It was a little costly, but I think it was worth the investment. I have four hanks of lace yarn I intend to use soon, so I will definitely be using both soon.

My work friends have been wanting to get together to knit for the longest time now, so we are going to meet tomorrow. I don't have any other friends (beside you in cyberspace) that knit, so I'm excited to have someone live and in person to share my knitting with. Maybe I'll get to finish the shrug, and then the next time I post you'll either hear that it fits and I'm excited, or that I frogged it.

I've been neglecting the hubby for long enough tonight, so I guess I should go pay him some attention.

Happy Knitting!

Crochetin'

2005-06-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have been crocheting a shawl all this week. I forgot how much quicker it is than knitting, and also how much more it hurts!! Much larger wrist movements are required, and I tend to get stiff wrists quickly. But maybe the pain is worth it because of the speed. I started the shawl on Saturday, and I'm over half way finished. It's a pattern that gets smaller as you go, so I expect to finish in no time. I don't usually seek out croceht patterns, but this one I made an exception for because I really liked it. I'll post pictures this weekend, and all of you out there can continue the "What Color Is It Really" debate. I bought this yarn because I thought it was the color I wanted. Then when I looked at the label at home, the color name was completely different than the color I thought I was buying. I asked my DH what he thought the color was, and he told me that of course it was the same as labelled. No one else I have shown it to has been able to come to a conclusion either. You all will have to help me solve the mystery.

That's all for now. I should get back to getting some acutal work done.

TTFN!

Showers and The Shawl Saga

2005-06-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

Well this is a long post, but mostly because I haven't had the opportunity to post pictures in a while. First of all, a few pictures from the Bridal Shower I threw for my friend.

Look at this yummy cake

I got it from a fantastic bakery here in Seal Beach, which I highly recommend if any of you out there are in the area. They are called the Great Dane, and they make the best cakes and pastries. Yum! I was lucky enough to have left overs to keep me fed the week after the shower. I also wanted to post this picture of the quilt the Bride's mother made for her.

Isn't it beautiful? She had a little patch sewn inside with a message to the bride and groom with thier wedding date. I'm always amazed by people who quilt because that is one craft I definitely don't have the patience for.

OK, onto the saga of the Flowerbasket Shawl. My first lace project. I had been working on this thing so hard. I had to start it over three times to make sure everything was right, and after about a month of work, I knitted furiously on it last weekend until I thought it was done. I had played around with my gauge a little becuase I wanted the basket motif to be clear, and so I repeated the second chart two extra times to make sure it was big enough. Sure, it looked a little small when I was binding off, but I knew it would stretch out when I blocked it. So I blocked it.

Here's a detail of the baskets.

I lived in denial for two days while it dried, thinking it was big enough, but of course when I tried it on, it wasn't.

All that hard work for nothing!! I have a few friends who have little daughters, so maybe one day one of them can wear it. In the meantime, I may have to knit another FBS, and make it much bigger next time. I am still proud of how it came out considering it was my first project, and not an easy pattern, and of course everything is a learning experience. I'm still working on the Big Bad Baby Blanket for my cousin, and it's almost finished, so hopefully next time I post I will have a more successful FO.

Lastly, I leave you with some cute, sleepy kitty pictures. Enjoy and happy knitting!

Secret Pals 5

2005-05-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

Since I have been given my Secret Pal assignment, I figured it was time to answer these questions. So Secret Pal (and anyone else who is interested) this is for you....

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

I am becoming more of a snob. The more I knit with quality yarns, the harder it is to go back to acrylic. I do think that acrylic does have it's place though; for example, baby items that you know the mother won't take time to hand wash.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I crochet too. I'd like to spin, but haven't had the opportunity to pick it up yet. I'm very interest in dying my own yarn.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

I am allergic to tons of things, but mostly varieties of trees, grass, and weeds.

4. How long have you been knitting?

I've been knitting about 2 1/2 years.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Not anything that is updated.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I like all kinds of good smelling things, but some floral scents make me sneeze so I stay away from anything too flowery.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Definitely, especially for chocolate.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I've been known to make candles, and have a "candle factory" set up in my grandma's garage. I stopped making them though when people wanted to buy them, and it became more work than fun. I also love photography.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like all kinds of music. You can see my favorites in my profile. I think my computer can play MP3s. I am also probably one of the only people in the US who has a Sony Minidisc player.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

I really love all colors, and will wear any color whether I should or not. My favorites are pink, lime green, light blue, and purple.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have a great husband, and we live with our two "children" Roscoe and Catherine, who are cats. I also have two annoying birds.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

My life dream would be to win to lottery so I can open my own business and be my own boss. I also dream of traveling all over the world, especially Africa.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

I love wool and alpaca. Anything with silk in it is nice too.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I really hate eyelash yarn. I've also worked with some cottons that split like crazy and are a pain to knit.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

I don't really have any. I like to switch up projects often so I don't get bored.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I'll try anything once, but I don't think I have a favorite item.

17. What are you knitting right now?

Right now I am working on a baby blanket for my cousin, a shrug which I am trying to design myself, and the Color on Color scarf from Scarf Style. I may start a new Flowerbasket Shawl. I finished one but was not happy about it. More on that saga later.

18. What do you think about ponchos?

I like ponchos. For me wearing a poncho is like wearing a blanket, and what could be cozier than that?

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Circular. They are definitely more versatile.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Bamboo or plastic. I really don't like the cold, hard feeling of aluminum.

21. Are you a sock knitter?

Not yet. It seems like fun to knit a sock, but I have to say I am a true Southern California girl, and hate to wear anything but sandals. Maybe I'll get into it for gifting.

22. How did you learn to knit?

I taught myself from a book. It wasn't the easiest experience, but after looking at the book, trying to knit, looking at the book again, I realized that I was doing it correctly.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

I was a sweater for my husband, and I don't remember how old it is. If I had to guess, I would probably guess about 2 years.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

I love Paul Frank stuff and Hello Kitty.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

It's a tie between Christmas and Halloween.

26. Is there anything that you collect?

I'm trying to collect less and less now. I used to collect Barbies, but now only collect things like jewelry and bags with Barbie on it. I have an impressive collection of purses.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Thanks to my last Secret Pal, I have a subscription to Vogue Knitting. I also subscribe to Interweave Knits.

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?

The only one I can think of is Knitting on the Edge.

Whew!!

2005-05-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm so relieved that the wedding is over. The weekend was jam packed with activities, starting on Thursday night with the rehearsal. My friend has these two obnoxious cousins who were bridesmaids, and decided to show up about a half hour late for the rehearsal. We got throughout it, and then had a catered BBQ dinner at the groom's mother's house. The night was topped off by the presentation of the attendants' gifts; cute pink track suits with our monograms embroidered on them for the girls, along with rhinestone encrusted flip flops, and mini tote bags, and because I was the Maid of honor, I got a spa gift certificate and a necklace with my initial on it. The boys all got beer brewed by the bride and groom themselves. They had a label made with their picture on it, and called their brew Drunk on Love.

Friday was a girls' day out, starting with a mani pedi. Of course the cousins had to be difficult and decided that they needed to have a later nail appointment, so the rest of us ended up waiting for them to be finished before we could all head out to lunch. The bride's mom took us all out to lunch, and we ended the day celebrating the bride's birthday at her grandparents house.

The wedding day was such a beautiful day, and both the bride and groom were absolutely glowing. I wish I had some pictures to post, but I was too busy to take any myself. I really spent most of the day on the verge of tears. I don't know why I was so emotional! I didn't cry at all at my own wedding, but just the sight of seeing my best friend looking so beautiful and the bride and groom looking so happy and in love made me teary. Their reception was on the amazing golf course, and with such a clear day, the view from the ballroom was perfect. We had a blast at the reception, and danced like crazy until we were kicked out. All-in-all it was a great day!

Of course I have no knitting news to report. We spent yesterday, the day after the wedding, at my in-laws for the hubby's grandma's 80th birthday party. Today I'm tired!! I really wanted to call in sick to work, but couldn't because I have to prepare for some research I am conducting tomorrow. When will I get back to the Flowerbasket Shawl? It's so close to being done!

Until later, happy knitting.

Too Busy To Blog!

2005-05-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for the lack of updates recently. The wedding is Saturday and to top it off, it has been absolute madness at work, and my boss is in Europe. I haven't had time to pick up a needle, nonetheless update here. I hope that after Saturday I will have some more time to devote to both blogging and knitting. I think my shawl is getting lonely!

TTFN!

The End Is Near!

2005-05-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

That is the end of my Matron of Honor duties. I managed to survive the bridal shower this weekend. After so much planning and running around it went really well. I think my friend and her guests had a great time, and I am so relieved that it is over. I'm so glad none of my other good friends are getting married any time soon.

Between the shower and my Birthday (which was Friday) I have no knitting progress to report. I started a shrug (of my own design) in Knit Picks Elegance, and hope to get some work done on that while I am at my in-law house tonight. I can't say enough good things about Elegance. It is so soft and silky, and knits up beautifully. I highly recommend it.

I will get some pictures up here later this week (I hope). Until later, Happy Knitting!

Bad Blogger

2005-05-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

I have been a negligent blogger this week, but of course I have excuses. The first being that I am being that I was forced to move my cubicle last week. This is the fourth time I have moved in the four and a half years I have been with the company. This has to be the most ridiculous move yet. The whole department is being moved over one row. I'm beginning to think that they move us once a year just as a tricksy way of making us all clean up our desks.

The second excuse I have for not blogging is that planning this bridal shower for my friend has taken all my free time. The shower is this Saturday, so I should be able to reclaim my life after that. I'm just so stressed because I want everything to be perfect for her. At least only 20 of the 40 people that were invited are actually attending, so I can breath a little easier. I'm also grateful that my hubby has offered to cook for the shower (he is definitely the better cook). I'm sure I'll have pictures to post of the party after next weekend.

On to some actual knitting related content. First, a big "THANKS" to my secret pal, Gwen. Gwen you are awesome!

She sent me six balls of Rowan Kid Soft, several sweater patterns to give me inspiration for the yarn, and this cute little flower she knitted herself. The flower looks so great with the yarn that I may have to make it into a pin that I can attach to whichever sweater I make. So again, thanks pal! You really made my first Secret Pal experience enjoyable.

I also have this picture of my Flower Basket Shawl. I've finished the 6th repeat of the second chart. Unfortunately I missed a yo in the last row shown here, and had to unknit about half a row. I think I made a little mistake, so I'll have to see how goofy this row looks once I get a little further along. I am somewhat of a perfectionist, but have come to terms with the fact that not everything can be perfect, and most likely no one will notice a small mistake.

Last, I will leave you with this cute picture of my bad babies.

The seem like they hate each other, but I caught them sleeping like this the other day, so I suspect it's all an act.

TTFN!

Obsession?

2005-04-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong that whenever I have a free moment or am bored at work I knit, or blog about knitting, or read other blogs about knitting? I guess maybe it's just that I really need a diversion right now. I am stuck in the dilemma that I imagine many other people who work for a large corporation are. I love my job, I love what I do, I love most of the people I work with, but much of our upper management is too far removed from what really is happening to know what is going on, but not so far removed that they can't make our lives crazy. I love my immediate boss, but her bosses are nuts!! They choose to ignore all the problems in our department, and get mad if anyone tries to approach them to try to help fix these problems. They make themselves so unapproachable that no one can come to them if they have a problem, and they state that everyone is happy because no one has been able to tell them otherwise. I really am conflicted between staying and leaving. I guess when I spend my days being more unhappy than happy, I know it's time to go. I really wish things would get better because I can't spend much more time surfing knitting webrings. I'm coming up with too many new projects!

Flower Basket Shawl

2005-04-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

As promised, I cast on for the Flower Basket Shawl last night. This is my first lace project, and I am loving it! I like the level of concentration it takes to follow the chart, and the outcome is worth the effort. With the needles I'm using the pattern is a little loose, but I think I like it because it shows off the soft, fluffiness of the Alpaca Cloud yarn. I can see why so many of you out there have made more than one of these shawls.

I hope to start on the second chart tonight, but don't know if I'll have the chance. My husband, cats, and just general insomnia kept me up most of the night. Being sleepy and knitting don't mix for me, and besides, I might just crash as soon as I get home. At least my office is freezing already so I should be able to stay awake for work.

TTFN!

Stupid Skinny Yarn

2005-04-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

I had every intention of casting on for the Flower Basket Shawl last night, until I remembered that I needed to wind my yarn from hanks into balls. It took me close to two hours to make two hanks into two balls!!! My very patient husband helped (even when I rolled my eyes at him for dropping strands of yarn and making tangles), but I really need a swift and ball winder!! Tonight I will start the shawl.

Parties and Purling

2005-04-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

I think I'm still recovering from my wild weekend. The Bachelorette Party! We had sun, swimming, Sex in the City, and drunken craziness. Palm Springs was great, and the house we rented was perfect for the occasion. On Saturday night we went to the Casino Morongo for dinner and dancing. The food at restaurant was delicious and the Desert Rain club was packed and so much fun. I highly recommend a trip there if you are ever in the desert. I'm glad that everything went perfectly, all the girls got along, and the bride had a great time. Here's some pics.

Our Own Private Pool

Me with the Bride

My little wrist purse I made worked perfectly for the occasion. It was the perfect size for dancing and because I could wear it around my wrist it was out of the way. Unfortunately when I unpacked it yesterday I noticed it was really snagged. I vaguely remember through the drunken haze that it might have gotten caught on the rhinestones and pearls on my top. I guess I'll have to do a little repair work on it. Overall I was really happy with the outcome, especially since it was my own original design and something other than a square or rectangle. I think when I repair it I'll cut the beads off the ribbon they are attached to and sew them onto the purse again in individual strands. It's a lot of work, but will look so much neater than it does now.

Party Purse and Matching Camera Case

I did find something to do with all my Yarn of the Month samples. Another camera case! I'm looking into getting a new cell, so I'll have to make a cover for that too. I asked Matt if he wanted one for his phone, but he politely passed.

Camera Cozy

And last, this is what became of the Honeymoon Cami.

Doh!

I'm actually surprised that the yarn stood the frogging so well. There was one tangled piece that I had to cut out, but the majority of the yarn is still workable. I'm going to delay starting it again because the air conditioner in my building is already cranked up to it's chilly summer temp, and I want to prepare by making the Flower Basket Shawl. I've been using my Clapotis to combat the cold, but it would be nice to have some color variety.

I think I'll go cast on for the shawl now. Toodle-Loo!

Mission Completed

2005-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

I finished the little purse last night. I have to say, trying to sew a beaded fringe on the bottom of it may not have been my best idea. It's a little messy, but passable. I even had time to knit a matching cover for my little digital camera that is always getting scratched in the bottom of my purse. I'll have to post pictures after this weekend.

Tonight I'll be busy packing for the big weekend away. We are driving out to Palm Springs tomorrow morning, and the weather should be beautiful. In the mid 80s already! We rented a house out there with our own private pool, so with the weather being so great we should get good use of it and have plenty of time to soak up the sun.

TTFN!

Knitting Mission

2005-04-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

I took pictures the other day, but haven't had time to post them yet. I have been on a knitting mission this week, leaving me little time to upload them. I was gathering some things together over the weekend for the Bachelorette party I'm throwing starting this Friday, and realized that I didn't have a small, cute, competely impractical but girly purse I could take clubbing on Saturday night. My hubby tried to convince me that one of the hundred purses I have in my closet must be right, and pulled a couple off the shelf the make his point. I was still unconvinced, so I decided to make my own. I ran out to Michaels to gather the necessary supplies: shiny black yarn, beaded finge, and some bangle braclets to use as handles. I already had some fabric at home I could use to line it. I have been knitting on it ever since. I finished the purse body last night, and now need to line it and sew the whole thing together. I have never lined anyhting I've knitted before, so if anyone has any helpful tips, I'd be happy to hear them.

I better get back to actual work (the kind that pays the bills). Until later, Happy Knitting!

Matt's The Best

2005-04-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

OK, I have to take some time today to publicly praise my husband. He is the best! He always takes trips with me to the yarn store, even though I know it's not his favorite thing to do. He listens to me ramble on and on about the things I want to knit and even my frustrations about knitting even though I'm sure he has no idea what I'm talking about most of the time. He prints out all the knitting patterns in color that I find on the Internet, and reads this blog all the time. Yesterday he even printed out the tank pattern from Knitty that I talked about in my last post, and brought it home for me.

So I just have to say, Matty your the best! I love you!

New Knitty

2005-04-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

The new issue of Knitty is up today, and there are some many cute things to knit! I may have found something to knit using that purple ribbon yarn I got yesterday. Check it out.

I Love My Mailman

2005-04-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Well at least today I love the Mailman. He was kind and didn't bring one bill! Instead I got all kinds of fun things.

First off, a package from my Pal. A subscription to Vogue Knitting!!

It's so inspirational, and I've already found several sweaters I want to knit. Just a sampling below.

Thanks Pal!!! I love it!

I also got my samples from the Yarn of the Month Club. I just love the pink and purple yarns, and will definitely have to find a project to make with them. They're both so different. The purple is a Crystal Palace ribbon and the pink is wool blend from Cascade yarns. The white samples are nice too, but mohair and angora don't mix well with my allergies, so I may have to wait to play around with those until the dry, windy weather stops and I can breath again.

I also got a few catalogs in the mail. I don't know why I love catalogs so much. I never buy anything from them, but I guess its like window shopping without the danger of the store being so convenient to stop in and buy something. I can imagine what I would buy if I had unlimited cash from the safety of my own couch!

I have very little knitting progress to report today. I have been too busy with work and stressing over making the shower and bachelorette party perfect for my friend to get any knitting done. The bachelorette party is next weekend, so that will be one more thing off my plate, and I'm almost done planning the shower so I may be able to reclaim my weekends soon. I'm really excited about the whole wedding and all the festivities, and am so happy for my friend, but the whole thing has been so much work. But here are some knitting pics below.

One finished object, the crocheted blue purse. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, but I do have to say that I like knitting so much better than crocheting. I think reading crochet patterns is so much harder!

And the blue Honeymoon Cami. I'm still not sure what to do with it, so it just sits in my bag.

Well I'm off to veg in front of the TV until the hubby gets home. Until later, Happy Knitting!

Blogger MIA

2005-03-31T17:21:00.000-08:00

I know I have been MIA for a few days. Work has been crazy, and I haven't been home until after 9:00 this week. At least it's almost Friday. Yeah!!! I love my job most of the time, but I hate it when it takes over my life like this.

I started on the Honeymoon Cami over the weekend. I knitted a swatched, and the gauge looked pretty good, but I think the product looks a little small so far. I don't want to rip it out because I don't think the yarn would handle it well. It splits like crazy, and when I ripped out the yarn I used for the swatch it was a mess. I know that it will be a little stretchy, but I don't need it to be obscene (although my husband says he doesn't mind if it is and I just wear it around the house). I've gone through about a ball and a half, so I guess I could just get rid of what I've done so far and start over, but then I may have to buy all new yarn because what are the chances of matching a dyelot on yarn I've bought over the Internet? What's a girl to do?

A Few More Rows

2005-03-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

Well I guess I managed to squeeze in more than just a few more rows of knitting over the weekend. However, I did manage to drop a lot of cash fulfilling my Maid Of Honor Duties. I told my husband that I can't even add up how much money I've spent so far on this wedding because it's making me panic. I have to just do it for my friend and not think about it. I think I've spent over $300 on the clothes alone, and haven't had my alterations done yet. Then there is the Bachelorette party I have to throw and the shower for 40 people!! Yikes! At least everyone is chipping in on the Bachelorette party, but I have decided to forego asking for help paying for the shower. I don't really want to include the other bridesmaids in the planning of the shower (they are either flaky or live out of town) so I decided to suck it up and foot the bill myself. Is it tacky to make it a potluck lunch? I am definitely not a culinary whiz, and have no idea how to feed 40 people.

On the knitting front, I am almost done with section 10 of my Color On Color scarf. The knitting is fun, but it is tedious to separate all the strands of yarn before I can even begin to knit. I have decided that my goal is just to finish by fall, which will probably be the next time I can use it anyway. I'm itching to start on the Honeymoon Cami, but I made myself promise yesterday that I would finish one of the other projects I have in progress before I start. So I finished crocheting my blue purse last night. I have to just sew on the button, button loop, and handles, and then I'll be done. I should have pictures by the end of the week. All-in-all it was a fun and quick project. And just because I like to get ahead of myself, I ordered the yarn for the Zipper Sweater. However, I promised my friend that I wouldn't start to work on it until she started hers, so I think I have a few weeks to get something finished.

All right, I guess I have a few things I should finish before I get out of work today. Until later, Happy Knitting!

Best Pal Ever! And Little Knitting News

2005-03-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, my secret pal is the best! I got her package this week. Look at all the goodies:

She made this super cute purse. It's just the right size, and I love all the colors. I haven't tried felting yet either, so I loved seeing the finished project.

She also sent this kit to make a hemp Shop Til You Drop bag. She must have been totally reading my mind on this one because I saw the pattern for this in my Pattern-A-Day calendar, and knew I had to make it. She also sent me the Flower Basket Shawl pattern I wanted for my pink Knit Picks alpaca yarn, and a really cute card, and just when I thought the surprises were done for this week, I opened my mail today to find a St. Patrick's Day card with a little leprechaun on the front. Thanks so much Pal! You're the best!

I have very little knitting progress to report this week. I haven't knitted for days! Work has been kicking my butt lately and even on days when I haven't gotten home late from work I have been too tired to knit. However, here is a picture of my progress so far on the Color On Color Scarf:

I still have a long way to go. Maybe I'll get some work done this weekend. I am going to be busy fulfilling my Maid of Honor duties for my friend (I guess Matron of Honor is a more appropriate title, but Matron sounds so old!), but I hope to get a few rows of knitting squeezed in between shopping for bridesmaid shoes and stuffing invitations.

Of course I found another project to start.

I love this sweater! I found it in the Hollywood Knits Style book. I know people have a lot of complaints about this book, but there were several patterns I wanted to make, and the small sizing is perfect for me (skinny with little boobs). I was going to hold off on making it for a while, but a friend at work wants to knit the sweater with me, so I will probably start soon.

Well my husband is urging me to come watch our TiVoed episode of this weeks' Amazing Race so I better get to it. Until later, Happy Knitting!

Help Please

2005-03-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is my request for help today. I bought two hanks of Alpaca Cloud from Knit Picks just because I liked it, but now I'm not really sure to make with it. I'm thinking a shawl would be nice, but don't yet have a pattern I like. Any suggestions? I'd love to hear from anyone who has knitted a shawl they really enjoyed, and would like to pass a pattern along.

I have done virtually no knitting this week so far. Work has been so busy I just want to collapse on the couch every night when I get home. Every Thursday night we get together with some friends for dinner, and usually end up watching a movie or something, so it might be a good opportunity to get something done tonight. I did knit a swatch last night. I am part of the Yarn of the Month Club, and in this month's pack of samples, there was some yarn made from Recycled Sari Silk. I thought it would be great to knit up a purse for my boss for her birthday (thank goodness it's in July because I have enough projects going on now). She is a world traveller and I think she would appreciate that kind of yarn. It's beautiful, so I think I'll order the yarn so I'm ready to start when I get another project finished.

I do have some pictures of my Color on Color, but haven't had time to upload them. I'll have to get them up here soon.

Until Later, Happy Knitting!

Rant and Rave

2005-03-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I need to rant this morning. I woke up ready to face the last day at work for this week only to find that we had no hot water in our condo. So we tried calling the "emergency" number on our contact list for our condo association to get the maintenance guy to come out and check the water heater. The funny thing is that he can somehow block his number to only receive calls during certain hours. I guess he thinks emergencies only happen when it's convenient for him. We couldn't get a hold of him even by 7:30, so I had to suck it up and take a freezing cold shower before heading off to work. At least it wasn't too cold out this morning, but what good is having an emergency contact when you can't even get a hold of him when you need to??!!!

I started the color on color scarf this week. I realized that I really suck at picking up stitches. I don't know if there is any short cut or easier way to do it, but it seems to take me forever. I have such a hard time catching the yarn and pulling through the stitch. I'm on section seven now, and can't stop looking at the pictures and imagining what it will look like when I'm finished. I'll try to post some pics over the weekend. I should be able to get some work done on it this afternoon before the hubby gets home.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Until later, happy knitting!

Clapotis Is Done!

2005-02-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

That's right, Clapotis is finished! I knitted up the last few rows while watching I Robot on Thursday night. I used up about 3 and a half balls of the Southwest Trading Company Bamboo Yarn. I love the way it feels and the way the fabric drapes. It curls a little on the edges, so I still need to block it, but I wanted to wear it immediately, so I'll do it later. Check out the pictures below:

The pattern was so fun, so I think I may have to work on another at some point.

I was able to get a little more work done on the Big Bad Baby Blanket yesterday. It's progressing slowly. Here a picture of the size now and a detail of the stitches:

I also got some work done on the crocheted purse. I realized making this that it is so much easier for me to understand knitting patterns than crocheting patterns. I was so confused when I started this, but I think I've got the pattern down now. It came with cute little Bamboo handles that I'll attached when it's done.

I got the kit for the second purse I ordered. Hopefully that pattern is a little easier to follow. The second one is tan, and looks a little plainer.

Lastly, my yarn I ordered for the Honeymoon Cami from Knitty arrived in the mail.

I guess I'm on a blue kick lately. I don't know why. I think I need to branch out the next time I choose yarn for a project.

I hope to start the Color On Color scarf while watching the Academy Awards tonight. This is the first year in long time that I haven't seen any of the movies nominated. I still think that Eternal Sunshine got robbed by not getting a best picture nomination. It was definitely my favorite movie, and one of the most creative I've seen in a long time. I love Jim Carey in the film, and I think I cry at the end every time I see it.

Housework is waiting, so I better get back to the exciting task of folding laundry. Until later, Happy Knitting!

Napoleon Dynamite

2005-02-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I saw this quiz on someone else's blog and had to try it. For all of you who haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it. It's hilarious, especially because it seems we all knew (or were) these kids in high school.

You are Deb and you could drink whole milk if you
wanted.

You can check it out on Quizilla.com.

So Close Yet So Far

2005-02-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

Well I made some progress on Clapotis over the weekend. I got within 4 repeats of the decrease rows (i.e., almost finished!) when I ran completely out of yarn! Luckily I was able to run out to the yarn store closest to work and find that last skein I needed, and even in the correct dye lot! Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post of the finished Clapotis within the next few days. Unfortunately work has put me in a bad mood, and with all the rain we are having, I want nothing more than to hide at home and knit.

In the meantime, I started on a crocheted purse that my mom ordered for me from one of her crafty catalogs. I'll get some pictures of that up soon too.

Until then, Happy Knitting!

Can't Help Myself

2005-02-18T10:54:00.000-08:00

I really can't restrain myself when it comes to buying new yarn and starting new projects these days. I was checking out knitty the other day, and saw a pattern for the Honeymoon Cami in the archives sections, and now I have to make it. So of course I immediately went online and started looking for yarn. I lucked out and found some here, and decided to go with the Mid Blue color (i'm too pale to wear white). If I could only finish my other projects first!!

I'm so happy it's Friday, and I hope to get some work done on Clapotis this afternoon.

Have a great weekend, and Happy Knitting!

No Help

2005-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

With no help from my computer, I was finally able to get this post up. My computer stinks! My hubby and I are still saving up to get a new one.

Speaking of the hubby, look at the beautiful Valentine's surprise he sent me.

They smell so good and really brighten up my messy desk at work. He is the best!!

I've made a little bit of progress on Clapotis. This is kind of a bad picture because of the flash, but here you go:

Oh, and I finally got the last of my yarn for the color on color. Thanks to Lara for pointing me to the Yahoo group knitting the color on color. I'm excited to see everyone else's progress, and get some helpful tips.

That all for now. Happy Knitting!

Slow Going

2005-02-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

This has been one crazy week at work. I can't believe how long the week seems. At least we are getting a little closer to Friday.

I managed to get a few rows done on the baby blanket last night. I really wanted to work on Clapotis, but I was too tired to concentrate on anything. I also needed to leave some attention free to watch the last episode of The Amazing Race that I had Tivoed. I've never made a blanket before, and I find it somewhat frustrating. I like projects with a little quicker gratification, like being able to tell that after three hours of knitting your project is a little bigger. Oh well, at least I have a while until the baby is due, so I can work on it slowly and work one some other more interesting things in the meantime.

Speaking of more interesting..I'm still waiting on my yarn for the Color-On-Color. Bah!

Happy Knitting!

New Projects and Some Finished Objects

2005-02-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

First of all, I heard from my secret pal the other day, and am so excited! She said that she mailed something to me, so I can't wait to find out what it is, and eventually who she is. I also had the chance to mail something to my Pal, so I hope she likes it.

I've finally jumped onto the Clapotis bandwagon, and decided to start one for myself while I am waiting for the Paternayan yarn for my color on color scarf. Here is the progress so far:

I'm using Southwest Trading Company's Bamboo. I really love the colorway, and am proud of myself for breaking away from Pink, which I seem to be wearing a lot of lately. Well mostly, there is a little pinkish purple in this yarn.

I also started on the baby blanket for my cousin. I'm using the Big Bad Baby Blanket pattern from Stitch and Bitch. Here it is so far:

The yellow is a little hard to photograph, so the stitches don't show up too well. I did opt for acrylic on this project. My cousin is much too practical, and would not have time for something that she couldn't throw in the washer and dryer. The yarn is still pretty soft though, and I'm happy with the way it is turning out. I have been working on it a little less frequently. Clapotis is much more interesting to knit!

Lastly, so FOs. I stayed home from work on Friday because I was sick, and decided to crochet these coasters for some friends. They finally bought a coffee table, and now they needed some coasters.

These were an easy project, and it only took me a few hours to make eight. I was only going to make four, but started on the variegated ones first, and made the solid colored ones because I decided I didn't like the variegated as much. I gave them both so they could decide which ones to use.

I guess that all for now. Until later, Happy Knitting!

New Yarn

2005-02-01T21:30:00.000-08:00

I got my yarn for the Color On Color scarf in the mail yesteryday.

Isn't it pretty? I can't wait to start on it, but there's one little problem. A few of the colors I needed were backordered, including the color I need to start. It's like torture! I really want to start on it, and have almost everything I need, but can't. I guess I'll start on the baby blanket for my cousin until I get the rest of my yarn.

I do have a few FOs to post. I finished the Mitts from Weekend Knitting.

They were pretty easy and quick to knit. I even got to try out a few new techniques, such as short row shaping and three needle bind off. I still need a little practice with the bind off. The seams are not as nice and neat as I would like them, but they will do. I lucked out with my hubby's mitts. I had to guess somewhat at the size because he's a big guy, and I knew the biggest size in the book wouldn't fit him. I used a yarn with a stitch gauge of 4.5 stitches per inch, and used the pattern for the 6 stitches per inch gauge in the largest size. They fit perfect the first time. I had a cute picture of him posing with the mitts, but he wouldn't let me post it because he thought that it was too nerdy.

I got my secret pal the other day, and can't wait to go shopping for her this weekend. I'm trying to think up some great ideas.

That's all for now. Until later, happy knitting!

Secret Pals 4

2005-01-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

I had a little break at work today to answer those questions for secret pals. Here they are:

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I am definitely not a yarn snob. I can’t afford to be. I appreciate natural fibers, but with some projects it’s just not economical. I think that I do end up using Lion Brand for most projects because it is cheap, and easy to find.
2. Do you spin? Crochet? I crochet too. Spinning looks like a lot of fun, but I haven’t had the chance to try it.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) I’m allergic to a lot of things, but most of them are trees, weeds, and grass.
4. How long have you been knitting? About a year and a half
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I do have an amazon wishlist, but only update it around my birthday or christmas.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I think I like fruity sents best, especially peach.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Definitely, especially for chocolate.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I also make candles and sew. I love photography too. I just don’t have enough time for everything.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like all kinds of music. I’m currently in the market for a new computer than can do everything!
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? I really don’t have a favorite. I love everything!
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a husband and two fat cats. No kids yet, I’m still too young!
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) I think it would be nice to become extremely wealthy and have time for all my hobbies.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don’t have any favorites.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I really hate eyelash. I’ve made a few scarves for people from it, and they look cool, but I don’t like working with it.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? I’m so excited to start the Color on Color Scarf for the Scarf Style book. I think other than that I am obsessed with learning new techniques and stitches.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I don’t have a favorite, I just like variety. I get bored knitting too many rectangles.
17. What are you knitting right now? Some fingerless mitts for me and my hubby.
18. What do you think about ponchos? I like ponchos. I’d love to knit one.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I don’t have a preference. I think both work well depending on the project.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I definitely prefer bamboo or plastic. I hate the way aluminum feels when knitting, and I don’t have to worry about my cats getting as injured when they attack my plastic or bamboo needles.
21. Are you a sock knitter? Not yet.
22. How did you learn to knit? I taught myself from a book
23. How old is your oldest UFO? I think it’s about 8 months old. It was a sweater for my husband, and I couldn’t keep my gauge consistent, so I gave up for now.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I think my favorite cartoon characters are Paul Frank, Hello Kitty and Emily the Strange. I also love Happy Bunny.
25. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
26. Is there anything that you collect? Barbies and I Love Lucy stuff

Alien Illusion Scarf

2005-01-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

I am nearly done with with Alien Illusion Scarf from Stitch 'N Bitch, so I thought I should post some pics. Really all I have left to do is block it and add the fringe.

Looking at the scarf straight on....

....and now from the side so you can see the illusion.

I have to say, after frogging the scarf and starting over twice, I am quite happy to be almost finished. I can't wait to move onto my next project, which I think will be the fingerless mitts for my hubby. I bought some gray yarn over the weekend, so I'm ready to go! I also went through the tedious task of ordering all 48 colors of yarn needed for the Color On Color scarf from Scarf Style. I swear it took forever, and as soon as I ordered it I found out that a few websites are offering kits that include all the yarn. I wish I had know before. I really can't wait to start the scarf, it's such as beautiful design!

I've also joined Secret Pals 4, so in my next post, I'll have to get to all those questions.

Until then, Happy Knitting!

New Knitting Friends

2005-01-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

Many closet knitters have emerged here at work. So yesterday at lunch we had a little informal knitting group. It was so much fun! We had knitters and crocheters of all levels, and even some beginners. Everyone had so much fun we are going to try to plan to get together every week.

Project Updates: I've made some progress on the Alien Scarf and am over half way done. I have to say that the reactions from all the non-knitters I know who has seen it find the illusion rather impressive, so I hope the recipient of this gift enjoys it.

I've also finished one of the fingerless mitts from Weekend Knitting for myself. It's a little small, but stretchy. I want to get to the other this weekend, and I need to make some for my hubby. He's so neglected, I haven't made anything for him yet.

I promise to get some pictures up soon. Unfortunately my computer is so slow these days, and I only have a dial up connection, so it takes me a while to get motivated to post.

Until then, happy knitting!

Stupid Me

2005-01-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I had to frog the Alien Illusion Scarf. Stupid me for not knitting a sample swatch again! Now I think I've gotten the correct size, so I hope to work on it all weekend, and get the thing done!! I'm making for a friend who lives in Japan, but by the time I mail it, it will never get there in time for his Birthday at the end of this month.

I've got a few projects planned when I finish that darn scarf. I want to start on a pair of fingerless mitts for both me and my husband. There is a pattern in Weekend Knitting that is pretty cute, but looks kind of confusing. Has anyone tried it and can offer any helpful advice? I also need to start on a baby blanket for my cousin. I can't believe she's already having her second baby, and I can't even get my life in order to have one!!

Well I'm off now to get some actual work done before the weekend. Happy Knitting!

Here Comes the Sun

2005-01-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

Finally we have some sun here in Sunny CA. It seems like the rain is stopping for a few days, and now it will be clear and beautiful for a while. It's amazing how unprepared we are for weather here. It seems like whenever we get any rain, we have floods and mudslides and car accidents all over the place.

I was able to get some pictures uploaded last night of some finished projects, so enjoy!

Purple Purse

This one was for my Sis-In-Law for Christmas. It knitted up very quickly, but was a little saggy.

Green Change Purse

This change purse was so fast to knit. I made it for my brother's girlfriend. I gave it to her for her birthday, and put a gift card inside. I thought it was a little nicer than giving just the gift card.

Rose Scarf

I used the pattern for the Butterflies are Free scarf from Stitch 'N Bitch Nation, but replaced the butterfly with roses because I didn't have the right size DPNs to make the i cord for the butterfly body, and wanted to finish this scarf fast. I used the rose pattern that is availble in the Scarf Style book. I still hope to make the butterfly scarf now that I have increase my supply of DPNs.

And just for fun, a picture of one of my kids, Catherine. I just thought this was cute when I was scrolling through my memory card, so I thought I'd post it. I need to get one of Roscoe up here too, but he seems to be blinking in every picture I have.

Happy Knitting!! :)

Weekend Update

2005-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend was fairly uneventful, although I did get to pick up my bridesmaid's dress that I will be wearing in my friend's wedding in May. My husband's reaction to the dress was "wow, it's very pink". I think it's pretty cute, despite all the pinkness. I still have to plan her shower and the bachelorette party. I'd like to knit or crochet a cute party favor for the shower, but don't know what to do. Any suggestions?

I didn't get much knitting done this weekend, due to massive tension in my back, which seemed to be only further aggrivated by knitting. It felt a little better after soaking in a hot bath last night, but is back in full force now that I am back at work. I did frog the Alien Illusion Scarf, much to my dismay. I had finished one and a half of the alien motifs, but it was just too wide. I substituted the yarn in the pattern for Lamb's Pride (which was what my LYS carried), which I think is a little more bulky. I've switched from size 7 needles to size 5, and now it seems to be a little better. That's what I get for being too lazy to knit a sample swatch first. Now I've finished almost one alien, but am already thinking about what my next project should be.

In better news, I was able to find a ball of Lion Brand Landscapes that I need to finish the last Christmas scarf, and even bought a huge basket to hold my stash at Michaels. They were selling all their baskets at 50% off.

And now for the bad joke of the day, curtesy of my husband, and his stupid joke page-a-day calendar:

Maria: I won't tell your boyfriend, but I saw you kiss that hunk at the dance.
Marlena: And I won't tell your boyfriend, but I saw you kiss him too.
Maria: Well, my boyfriend kisses better.
Marlena: I agree.

Happy Knitting!!

No Pictures, No Knitting

2005-01-06T13:06:00.000-08:00

Well I intended to post some pictures last night, but my crappy day at work led me to a night of drinking red wine and moping on the couch in front of the television. I don't know if it's just because it's the first week back at work after a long break, but right now work stinks. I hope its just a phase. Normally I like it here, but lately it seems a little rough. At least my hubby is always supportive and is there to hug me when I feel I need it.

I feel a little gyped today because the page for today in my page a day knitting calendar is just a continuation of yesterday's pattern. What the heck! It says "Pattern-a-Day," so there should be a new pattern everyday.

Since I have to pictures to leave you with, I will leave you with a joke.

Max: Waiter, I want a chicken smothered in gravy.
Waiter: If you want it killed in such a cruel manner, you'll have to do it yourself.

OK, I know that joke is horrible, but if someone could explain what is funny about it, I would appreciate it.

Happy Knitting!

Back to work Blahhs

2005-01-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

First day back at work, and I think my brains have turned to mush after almost two weeks of sleeping in, vegging out on the couch in front of the TV and knitting. It rained here most of the week I was off from work, so I had a good excuse just to stay inside the whole time.

Christmas was great, and our first attempt at a holiday meal for the family (Christmas Eve) went over well. I have to admit that my Hubby did most of the work, but he is a much better cook than I am. We also had our annual day after Christmas party, which was a great chance to see all our friends that have been scattered around the country. It's so nice to be able to catch up with everyone.

I was a very productive knitter over vacation. I am happy to say I finished all my Christmas gifts on time (well except for one scarf, which I am still searching for the correct color yarn to finish). After Christmas I was able to finish a few things for myself. The Butterfly scarf from Stitch and Bitch Nation (although I replaced the Butterfly with roses because I was too impatient to go out and find the size DPNs I need for the icord butterfly body) and the Belt du Jour from SNB as well. I love the belt. Making the cables was fun and much easier than I thought it would be. I may have to make a few more in different colors. A woman can never have too many belts, purses, or shoes. I also stitched up a little change purse for my brother's girlfriend for her birthday. It's just the right size to put a gift card in. Now I'm working on the Alien Illusion Scarf from the first SNB. I was a little worried at first because I couldn't see the pattern immediately, but now it's starting to look really cool.

Now that I'm out of my lazy vacation phase, I'll have to post pictures. Until then, Happy Knitting!

Pictures Yeah!!

2004-12-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I think I finally go my technical issued straightened out, so here are some picutres of my finished projects for the month.

Some knitted....

Danielle's Green
This is a cool Lime Green using Lion Brand fun fur. I'm making another in white for my other little sis.

Kel's Orange
This one I made for my friend Kelly who wanted something bright to wear when she went home to Iowa for Christmas. I made it with Bernat Boa in Tweety Bird. I didn't like knitting with the yarn, but I think final product looks pretty cool.

Nicole's Green and Teresa's Red
I hate to part with these two. I used Patons Allure to make it, and they were both so soft and pretty I wanted to keep them for myself.

...and some crocheted.

Danielle's Blues
I made this one using Bernat Satin yarn. It was cheap and acrylic, but so soft and shiny. I liked it so much I'm making a second in pink for another friend.

Kat's Red
I made this one for Kat, trying to copy another scarf she saw and loved. I think I did a pretty good job, she loved it and has worn it everyday since I gave it to her.

I'm sure this will be my last post before Christmas. I've got a ton to do to get ready for Christmas Eve dinner. So to all of you out there, have a great holiday!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Only 4 Days to Go!!

2004-12-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

There is only 4 days until Christmas, and it feels like the middle of summer here in So. Cal. Today it has finally cooled off to about 70-degrees, but the 80-degree weather lately makes it seem like we should be celebrating the 4th of July instead of Christmas.

The knitted gifts have been loved by everyone who has received them so far. I even have a group of friends and family who want me to teach them to knit or crochet after the holidays. I love converting my friends into Crafty Chicks!!

I still have three more presents to finish, and one that will have to wait until after Christmas, as every craft store within a 30 mile radius of my house seems to be sold out of the Spring Desert Lion Brand Landscapes yarn I need to finish a fourth project. I am about 2 inches too short on one scarf, and can't seem to find that last ball to finish. Oh well. I guess I will show the recipient the scarf she will get once the yarn is back in stock.

As for the pictures, I am still trying to get them posted. I found the USB cord for my camera (well actually the Hubby found it after I went nuts trying to look for it) but now I can't seem to upload the pictures to my server to get them online. I have an e-mail into the tech support department that hosts my other website, so I am crossing my fingers that the can help me resolve the problem.

Until then, I will have to keep on knitting. Maybe once I get it figured out, I'll be finished, and can post everything I have been working on. :)

One more Down...Four and a half to go!

2004-12-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

Well I completed one more project last night. It was actually a crocheted scarf for my boss. I was trying to imitate a scarf she saw someone else wearing and loved.

So now I've got four more scarves and half a purse to finish. I'm feeling better about getting them all done, especially since the rest of the projects I have planned use bulky or super bulk yarn, and should knit up very quickly. I can't wait until I'm finished so I can finally knit something for myself. I just bought Stitch 'N Bitch Nation and really want to try some of the patterns in there. Sadly, every knitted item I wear is store bought because I keep giving away everything I make.

No pics yet. It dawned on me last night that I couldn't post anything because I somehow lost the USB cord to my digital camera when we moved into our new condo. I really need to look into getting a new one. I will try to get something up soon.

Guess I should get back to working!

First Entry!!!

2004-12-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Yeah my first post!!! It's hard to sit a work when I know I have so much knitting left to finish before Christmas. I think I must be crazy, trying to finish so many projects in so little time, but every time I get close to finishing I think of someone else to make a scarf for.

Will post pictures soon when I have the time.