HAPPY NEW YEAR

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I hope 2007 will bring nothing but good things to all who read this! Be safe. Be healthy. Be happy. God bless us, everyone.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!! everyone. I spent most of yesterday with my sewing machine doing some embroidery. I embroidered 2 shirts for my niece, Madilyn.









And 2 for my nephew, Camden. When he saw the dragon he ROARED!

While I was working on the shirts, Mandy was in the kitchen baking the dessert for us to take to the in-laws for Christmas Eve dinner.
I ran out of frosting to dye to write "Happy Birthday Jesus" on the cake so we improvised with M&M's. It turned out well.

And I didn't get C.J.'s socks done in time to wrap them and put them under the tree, but I did get them done today. He doesn't have them on his feet ( well I don't think so anyway) but they are done.





They are "Socks of Doom" (C.J. says they look like tv static) 60 stitches on US1's. Meilenweit Mouline (?) yarn.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.
More later.

Monica Tagged Me So Now I'm "IT"

"THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the "6 weird things about you." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog." I'm going to half play, I'll list my "weird things" but not tag anyone.


1. I can twitch my nose like a rabbit (Mandy thinks this is something cool).
2. I hate to have my feet rubbed.
3. I don't like having my arms pinned down (part of my claustrophobia?).
4. I almost died twice, when I was 6 and 7 (acute appendicitis and a rusty nail ripped through the artery in my leg, my oldest sister Margie says she put her hand in my leg and pinched it together so I wouldn't bleed to death. I don't remember any of that, I woke up in the hospital with a huge bandage on my leg).
5. Spitting (slobbery dogs) and so many other things having to do with siliva makes me gag (watermelon, watermelon, watermelon).
6. Like my sister, I rub my feet together, and I'm never aware of doing it (this one bugs Mandy if she happens to be sitting on the couch with me).
Ok, that's done. Some of them sound weird, some don't. If you're reading this and want to be "tagged" go ahead and post 6 weird things about yourself on your blog. Let me know, I'll be happy to visit and read about your weirdness too.

Things I've Been Pondering...

... like... why using a pumice stone makes your feet smooth and soft but walking barefoot on concrete sidewalks and driveways makes them rough and ugly?
... how your appliances (furnace on the coldest day of the winter so far) and plumbing systems (just a few months ago) know you have no money to pay for repairs and choose to break at that point in time?
...why you (meaning I) wait till the last minute to decide to knit something for everyone on your list (because you can't afford to buy them something)?
...why you (meaning I again) can't keep the resolution to start early in the year on those presents?
Just some things that have been on my mind.

Posting this under having the blahs.
Knitting next time.... I promise.

(This Post Is) All For My Son

I talk a lot about my daughter Mandy, but I do have another child. My first born, Curtis. I started a sweater for him a little over a year ago, but it has taken a backseat to all my sock knitting. Monica and I made a pact this past week to work on the sweater(s) we have started (she has more going than I do, so you would think it would be easier for me). Lastnight I got out C.J.'s sweater and immediately made mistakes in the cables (I got very frustrated and actually threw the thing). After talking with Monica I was able to calmly pick it up and fix my mistakes and move on with it. I completed the first center diamond and am half way through the second. I'm knitting a pattern from "Men In Knits" in WoolEase. This won't be done for Christmas (this year), but I will continue to put inches (it's at 9-1/2" right now) on it on a daily basis.

Two other projects I'm working on for him are socks (of course). The first is the "Father and Son" design from IK. I'm knitting it in Pace sock yarn. I'm to the gusset decreases on the first sock, I should be able to get these done in time (he likes short legs on his socks). You can almost see the cables running down the side and the chevrons.





The second sock I'm knitting is in Meilenweit
Mouline (?) #1247. I'm using the "Socks of Doom" pattern from the Sock Wars site. The pattern doesn't show well, but I like the feel of it and it's stretchiness. I'm on the heel flap of the first sock on that one.

Well, that's all the progress for now. (Hopefully) more later! Have a good week everyone.



p.s. Here is your chance to win some wonderful prizes. Test your knit history at the same time. Not sure I got any of them right but it was fun trying to put the right year with the picture.
p.s.s. C.J.'s sweater is now 11". WOO HOO!!

Christmas Time Contest

Over at Alisha's blog she has a contest going on. You have to post a picture of a Christmas decoration in or on your home. Many years ago I started collecting the Dept.(not Studio) 56 Dickens Village pieces. My in-laws would give me a new building or group of trees or people for my birthday and pretty soon I had a nice sized village. It isn't complete and the pieces have become too expensive to get (collectibles...you just never know). Mandy likes to set them up (this group has been up since last Christmas), she has some on her piano and once we move her puzzle, there will be some on the dining room table too.


And here is our tree. Not all the decorations are on it yet (we are moving slowly this year). But Mandy has already put some of the presents she's bought for friends under it. It's beginning to look and feel like Christmas at our house.


A couple of years ago I made us each new stockings, and here they hang on the mantel. My niece, Lauren, made the little hanging that is at the heel of Mandy's stocking.
So those are some of our Christmas decorations, you have till midnight Saturday (Oh, that's today) to show off yours.

Festive December Sock

I was up late lastnight (3am, yes toooo late) finishing up this pair of socks. Why I don't know, there wasn't a rush to get them done. It's not like I don't have other socks to wear. But when the end is so near you just have to go on sometimes. So here they are, the first socks of December: Meilenweit Inca, knit plain. Started 11/23/06, finished 12/5/06. 68 stitches on size US1 dpn's. They are identical (I like when that happens). I thought I would be finishing these later today during Mandy's orthodontist appt. (she is "uber excited" that her braces are coming off today), but I will have to take a different sock with me to work on.
A couple weeks ago on a blog I visited (sorry, don't remember which one) she was asking people how they store their needles, so I thought I would share mine. I have a few of these sliding pencil cases that I use for my DPN's (a 6" plastic ruler fits nicely into them too). I buy them at the beginning of the school year when I buy Mandy's supplies. Then I go to the craft department and get some of the eyeglass chain maker doogies (that's the technical name for them, don't you know) and use those to hold the sets together. I have some number beads that I'm still trying to figure out how to put on the starter loop for the chain, so I know what size each set is. I haven't found a good way to store my circs yet, so if anyone else has some ideas....
And as a tease for Shelley, here is your T-shirt being embroidered by my machine (your package will go in the mail tomorrow). The lettering is stitching out as I type this post up.














The heart of yarn is taking shape in the right picture. Ok, the machine is done, now I just need to snip some threads and squirt the positioning lines with some water to make them disappear. It will be ready to go in the package (with the rest of your goodies) as soon as that dries. Have a great day!! More later.

Christmas MeMe

I found this meme at Susie's blog. I'm going to type it now (11/28) and post it after Shelley has a chance to see she's won.
1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate, I've never had Eggnog and don't want to.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Mrs. Santa wraps all presents.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? While I prefer colored lights the tree is prewrapped with white lights. But we do put colored lights up around the inside of the house.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I am highly allergic to mistletoe so only the silk or plastic gets past the door and I avoid stores that carry it this time of year. I'm always on the look out for the stuff (I like breathing, funny that).
5. When do you put up your decorations? It's an ongoing process from the day after Thanksgiving till we get done. We haven't hauled the tree up from the basement yet though (seems there is some yarn in that corner that needs to be moved).
6. What is you favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Well if I can't say a dessert, candied sweet potatoes.
7. Favorite holiday memory? My dad was in Korea (Army) and we were in PA, I was 7 or 8, and Santa came to the door (it was late at night). My sister (Yvonne) and I took a chair to the door and looked through the peep hole and there he stood. We opened the door squealing, Mom came running out of her room (did I mention it was late), she was upset that we had opened the door to a stranger, but it was Santa. He had presents for the 6 of us still at home. Apparantly the Army had given him our names.
8. When and how did you learn about Santa? Learn what, SANTA IS REAL.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Nope.
10. What kind of decorations are on your tree? White lights and various ornaments we've collected or the kids have made through the years.
11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Well, both really. I love to look at it and see it coming down, but I hate to drive in it.
12. Can you ice skate? NO! in fact I used to have nightmares that I was skating, fell and sliced open the back of my leg.
13.Do you remember your favorite gift? Hmmmm..... Operation... BZZZZZZZ
14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Being with my family.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? All the cookies Mandy and I bake (chocolate crinkles, spritz, chocolate chip, pinwheels, sugar, well you get the idea).
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Mandy and me (or is it I?) baking cookies (sneezing our heads off from all the flour dust flying out of the mixer).
17. What tops your tree? Well, as soon as I find one I like it's going to be a star.
18. What is your favorite holiday book? Luke, Chapter 2 and then the Polar Express.
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells.
20. Candy canes? we buy them every year and never eat them.
I want to add one more question to mine (because that's just the way I am)
21. What is your favorite holiday movie? "The Bishop's Wife". (Cary Grant, ahhhhh). A close second is "It's a Wonderful Life" & the Albert Finney version of "A Christmas Carol" also known as "Scrooge"

Ok I'm done. Now it's your turn.
As an aside... for the first time in the over 20 years I've been driving, I got pulled over by the police this morning on my way to work. For what, you ask? Well, even though there are still 2 full days left in the month, for expired tags. No fine, just a warning. I had hubby take care of the situation right away. I'm legal once more. Geeez, don't they have criminals they could be going after instead of innocent middle-aged women? Seriously!

A Little Progress To Report... And This Is The 100th Post

So this is the 100th post I've made on my blog. I can't believe I've had that much to write about in less than a years time. Mandy will be drawing a winner while I get this ready for posting (I hope you will be able to wait till the end). I wanted to show the little bit of progress I've made on my Arctic Diamonds Stole... it is coming along nicely if not slowly... the first diamond is almost done and I'm really loving it... a lot.




And here is the progress on the new socks OTN.
Monica gave me this yarn for my birthday when
Mandy and I went over on Thanksgiving...I'm on
the second sock already. I love these too... love the colors...I can't wait to wear them.






And now, without further ado....
the winner of my 100th post contest is...... Shelley of Kitten Yarns & Crafts. Congrats Shelley. E-mail me with your snail mail address and let me know if you would like an embroidered shirt or tote bag. Oh, you want to see what she's won? Ok! Here it is!






When Mandy drew Shelley's name I knew the Knit Picks would be the perfect yarn (I know how much you love purple). So, again Congrats... and thanks for playing along everyone.

Birthday Presents (Round 2)

We spent the day with Monica's family yesterday (had some great food, great conversation, and some fun knitting). And she had more birthday presents for me. Now I have to confess, I knew about the mittens (Monica told me, she was worried that I might be allergic to the Hair of Mo), but the other goodies were a complete surprise. A ball of Meilenweit Inca (of course I started the sock right away and yes I'm to the heel flap, it's a long wait for the turkey to cook) and 2 hanks of Cadenza yarn in autumnal colors (this yarn is so soft and the colors are beautiful). And aren't my mittens beautiful too? And the mohair doesn't bother me at all. Thank you Monica!

In other news, I'm so close to my 100th post I can almost touch it. So stay tuned, you never know when it will happen.
Have a great weekend (I hope you all have today off work too. Mandy is going to take me to see Happy Feet later) and stay clear of the malls (I know I will be). More later

p.s. for Kari (who asked about the yarn for the mittens), Monica held a sock yarn and mohair together to make my mittens. I'm not sure of the names of either of them. If she told me, I forgot. sorry. But they are wonderfully warm and soft and squishy (and of course its been in the 50's and 60's the last couple of days, but I'm sure I'll be able to use them soon).

Somebody Call The Guys In the White Coats...

.... cuz I think I've gone mad. I've made some progress on the Edelweiss sock... turned the heel and working on the gusset decreases. But do you see that? all the stuff hanging out of the top? all the ends I have to weave in? and there are more inside at the heel! and there will be even more at the toe! the socks are going to be beautiful (imo), but the prospect of having to weave in all those ends... what was I thinking? I'm going to bed now. Oh no, I just remembered...I have to make a second one just like it. Crazy that's what I am. I hope I can sleep!

Monica's Chevron Socks

I can't believe they are finally done. I think this is the longest it's ever taken me to finish a single pair of socks. I was beginning to think I wouldn't get a pair done in November too. But here they are... Monica's socks. I knit them with Opal Dreamcatcher (it's been so long I don't remember the color #). This is the Chevron pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. They are identical until the heel. Opal must have been having a bad day when they produced this ball of yarn because the color band lengths were off in the heel of the first sock (the one on the bottom). So, from the heel down the socks don't match (this really bums me). This pair of socks covers so many KAL's I belong to... the SKS kal, SAM2, and maybe even Lacevember (there are intentional holes in these socks, making them lace).
That's it for now. Have a great weekend!!! More later.

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

Today is my 47th birthday (say it proud, say it loud)!!! My daughter jumped on me this morning to wake me up (thank goodness she isn't very heavy) and wish me a Happy Birthday. Later she is taking me to the yarn shop... I get to pick out some yarn (what could be better than that?) I'll add a picture of what I pick out later.
And my dear Sis (love you Monica) sent me some beautiful Claudia Handpainted yarn (this is her favorite colorway..Midnight, so I know she really loves me because she gave it to me instead of keeping it for herself. That is sacrifice.). She has something else to give me when we go over to her house for Thanksgiving next week (can't wait... great food and more presents). I can't take a decent picture of the yarn, it has the most beautiful shades of purples and blues.
Well, I must get to work. More later!


P.S.
As promised here is a picture of the yarn Mandy gave me for my birthday. I see a theme developing in the yarn I'm picking out and getting as gifts.... lots of blue and purple. This is Lorna's Laces in the Tahoe colorway. It's GORGEOUS!! On top of that, my son bought me dinner.
P.S.S. Thanks for all the Happy Birthday wishes!

Lacevember, (New) Socks and Birthday

I've chosen what I'm knitting for Lacevember... Arctic Diamonds Stole in the new issue of IK. I'm knitting it in Pace sock yarn (my LYS doesn't carry the Louet yarns) in a pretty icy blue, brrrr. I've finished the bottom border and 2 rows of the "main" pattern, I'm loving it a lot.







And the 2 new socks I've started (yes I know, I have about 5 others OTN that I need to work on and finish, but what can I say). The sock on the left is called Edelweiss by Candace Eisner Strick. The pattern is in the fall issue of Vogue Knitting. I wanted to knit this pair in Lorna's but my LYS is having a hard time finding me another ball of natural in the same dye lot that I already have. So I'm knitting it in Regia (just like the pattern calls for). It is a beautiful, highly textured sock (and I love textured socks... to knit and to wear). It's going to be a snug sock (I maybe should have knit it with US1.5 needles instead on US1's) I think, but it has some stretch so it may be alright afterall.

And the second sock... I'm knitting the yarn my Sockret Pal sent me, I'm knitting it plain to show off it's pretty colors. I'm really enjoying knitting this yarn (it's soft and stretchy).










And so now the birthday stuff (I know it's a few days early, you just never know about the mail)!! I don't usually do this (spend money on myself, you other moms will know what I'm talking about) but I splurged (I can hear Monica now, I've been holding out on her...with my new yarn acquisitions...don't worry, you'll see them in person soon). On the far left is Sheldridge Farms' Crocus (it isn't blue at all, it's purple with little dots of red), next to that is Perchance To Knit/Dreams' Hot Sox (specially dyed for SockretPal participants), in the center is Claudia Handpainted Spring Break (I know handpainted yarns are different even in the same dye lot, but these two skeins are like day and night from each other), on the right is STR in Watermelon Tourmaline (I had ordered Carousel, but they sent me this and I love it, so no harm done) for some reason the Scottish Highlands ( I got that too) didn't make it into the picture, and finally Cherry Tree Hill in Serengeti (I have some brown pants I need socks for and this yarn will go perfect with them).
The 100th post is one step closer (but not there yet), so keep commenting (only one entry per commenter, sorry). It's nice to have new readers stopping by and seeing all the familiar ones sticking with me! Thanks ladies, you're the best!!
More later.

Lacevember Questionnaire Answers

Here we go (1 post closer to 100):
Knitting questions:
1.How long have you been knitting? It seems like forever (with a 20yr hiatus thrown in)
2. How did you learn to knit? Mom taught me.
3. Favorite thing about knitting? It's relaxing and I can take it with me.
4. How long have you been knitting lace? About a year
5. Favorite thing about knitting lace? It's so pretty when its done

Yarn questions:
1. Favorite lace yarn? I've never knit with "lace" yarn, I've knit lace socks with Lorna's Sock and love that.
2. Variegated or solids for shawls? Love the look of both
3. Favorite lace color? blues and browns but not together

Technique, or show us you skillz
1. circs or straights? circs definitely
2.Favorite lace knitting trick? making copies of the charts and using post-it notes to let me know which row I'm on.
3. Lifelines? yes. If so with what? crochet cotton
4. Fancy blocking wires or just sewing pins stuck in you carpet? sewing pins

Pattern, or can you follow directions
1. Shawls or lacey items? I need the pattern for everything I knit (at least to start out with)
2. Triangle, rectangle, or circular shawls? Rectangle and triangle
3. Charts or printed instructions? Charts for sure
4. Favorite lace you've knit? I've knit 3 or 4 pair of lace socks and I love them all (2 were Nancy Bush patterns)

Just Fun, yup that's right, just fun
1. Favorite Jelly Belly flavor? I don't like jelly beans
2. Tell me everything you know about Eric the Red? he's.... red?
3. Coke, classic or with lime? I don't drink pop
4. Holiday carols, sing alongs or wish they would be banned from all public airwaves? I love Christmas carols and I sing along with them
5. What is the definition of irony? Huh
6. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop? By my last count... about 15
7. Why is my cat pucking in front of my son's bedroom door? His is the closest to the bathroom
8. What is your superhero power? I'm getting close to 50 so my power is waning and I've seem to forgotten what it is too.
9. If the laundry is 9 feet by 11 feet (just dreaming, that a big laundry room), and the walls are 8 feet tall, and you are going to tile the entire room in tiles that are 3" x 5", what color should those tiles be? Buttercup Yellow
10. What's for dinner tonight? Your guess is as good as mine
11. What is clogging my children's bathtub drain? lego's, polly pockets accessories and maybe some barbie hair.

Wow! that was fun!?!

I'm Having A 100th Post Contest

I'm approaching my 100th post. I don't know if it will happen this month (most likely) or next (possibly) or even in the new year(probably sooner). But when it does there will be prizes (knitterly prizes) awarded to some lucky reader (sorry Monica, you will be ineligible). My daughter and I will be going through my stash to see what I will be willing to part with (I promise it won't be the crummy elastic yarn I don't want to knit with, unless the winner really wants it).
Mandy might even be willing to make a few stitch
markers to go with the yarn and I will embroider
the winners' choice of an "I Love (heart) Knitting"
t-shirt or tote bag (t-shirt sample on the right).
So, the only thing you have to do (so simple) is leave a comment between now and the 100th post and your name will be put in one of Mandy's earflap hats (unless she happens to be wearing it) for the drawing. I will keep you "posted" as to when the 100th is reached. Good Luck!

Another Contest To Enter

Don't you love these? There is a contest over at Alisha's, but you only have till midnight tonight (sorry, just found out about it myself). Guess the correct number of pumpkin seeds in her little custard cup and you could win some lovely cross-stitched snowman ornaments. Go on, give it a try. You know you want to.

November Calender MeMe/Contest

Chappysmom is having a contest. And since this is my birth month too, I thought I would play along. So here is my calender's November page. If you click for a closer view you will see my name on the 16th (he he he). I like the saying on this page (I should be very successful, but I'm not, because my house is a wreck), but last months was good too: "The more I learn about men, the more I love my dog". Too funny!! Ok, I showed you mine, now show us yours! Come play with us.

Lots of Locks of Love

Yesterday I had an appointment to donate my hair to Locks of Love. This (on the left) is how I have worn my hair for the past year or so.

This (on the right) is what it looked like down (Mandy took a better picture before I got out of the car, but I stupidly erased it).

And this (below) is what it looks like now. Much shorter and Mandy says it makes me look younger. Heather (my stylist) was waiting for me to panic with every snip, but I kept telling her "it's only hair". She says most people start to "freak out" after the first cut. I will have to get used to it (it was weird washing it this morning with so much less hair) and styling will take a little longer. But that's ok, someone is going to have a nice wig and I hope they wear it well.

Knitting next time.
Added at 11:31pm: the scarf is done and is blocking. Hopefully it will be dry tomorrow so that I can gift it.

Sockret Pal Package

My Pal is international. My package has some cool Australian stamps on it (which I'm going to save). But the best is inside... a ball of Jigsaw sock yarn (I've already cast on) in wonderful, vibrant colors, a set of Quill DPN's ( made in New Zealand, they are plastic and very bendy and have the Jigsaw yarn on them), a onesie hank of an unknown yarn, an Australian magazine called Yarn (some great patterns in it too... baby sweater with 4 different fairisle band designs, a crocheted canteen purse..that has my daughter's and nieces' name all over it), 2 single teas (which will be nice with this cold and sore throat I've got), a cute note pad, and a little pack of vegemite (help, what is this? I don't know what to do with it). What a great Pal I have!! Thank you so much!! It totally made my day (better).


Blogger is being a pain. First I can't get on my blog at all and now it won't let me upload the picture. AHHHHHHH!!!! Finally after about 8 attempts it finally loaded.

I Love Contests

There is a contest going on over at javajem's and I do love to enter these contests, even if I don't win. So, here are my answers to her questions:

1. Since it is my 100th blog contest - If you have a blog - how many entries have you made? This will be my 88th.
2. What is the first thing you notice about a person when you meet them for the first time? hmmm, I think the person's eyes.
3. What are you currently reading? I just finished listening to the Phillip Pullman series of the Golden Compass, Subtle Knife and Amber Spy Glass. Does that count? What is your favorite book of all time? that's a hard one, I will have to say "To Kill A Mockingbird".
4. Where is the furthest you have ever traveled from home? Well, dad was in the army, so it would have to be Germany. I've lived in KY, PA, CO, IN, and OH. But as an adult - Wyoming or Florida (whichever is furthest from Ohio)
5. What is something you would like to knit "One day"? There are so many sock patterns I want to make and I will get to them all "one day", and my sister gave me a bag of yarn for a sweater, so I need to pick a pattern and knit that, it will be cabled.
6. Since it is October - what are you going to be for Halloween? Myself, that's scary enough.

So, there it is, my entry. That was fun, fast, and painless.

It's "My So Called Scarf"

There has been very little (no) sock knitting going on since Thursday night. That's when I started a scarf...a scarf I really thought I would have done by now. You see, the woman I work with had a birthday yesterday and I had intended to gift it to her today. But that didn't happen and probably won't happen for a couple more days. This thick yarn and size 10.5 needles are killing my hands, my fingers ache (wwaaaaaa). I'm knitting this pattern in Di.ve' Teseo in the black/grey/cream colorway. The yarn is fluffy and thick and is knitting up beautifully, but my fingers are hating it. I've got 30" so far and I will try to put a few more on before I go to bed. I really need it to grow faster, because I would much rather have some size 1's in my hands. Well, that's all the
(complaining) knitting I have for right now. Hopefully, I'll have socks next time.

Foot Cozy Socks...Check

I finished my Foot Cozy Socks (inspired by a glass cozy pattern in the July issue of Creative Knitting)!! It's a very simple cable pattern (the cables happened regularly enough to make the pattern not boring).








So, here is what I did: Lorna's Laces Sport in Pale Pink (there is nothing pale about this yarn). 60 stitches on size US2 dpn's. 3-1/2 repeats on the leg and foot. I may have to rename them though... they are so perfect for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (the cables look like the ribbons).
I have started a pair of socks for my son (C.J.). He asked for some (the poor thing knows I'm more likely to finish socks for him than the sweater) so they are on the needles. I'm using the "Father and Son" pattern in the latest issue of Interweave Knits (the same pattern I'm using for my Sockret Pal). Both are coming along nicely. And I also continue to work on Monica's socks, the heel is in sight.
Well, I'm off to bed. More later!

It's Fixed!!!

The busted pipe in the front yard is fixed. YIPEE !!! And you'll be surprised to hear this, the yard and landscaping was not harmed in the process. They didn't even have to remove the slab of sidewalk that was almost against the meter. I'm so happy. Thank you, Lord. and Amen.
Tomorrow is hubby's birthday, I'll let you know how he likes his Bengals' socks. His parents are taking us and the kids out for dinner (YUM).
Have a great weekend!! Hopefully I will be finishing the "foot cozy" socks!

SOCKTOBERFEST

It's like killing 2 groups with 1 pair of socks. I have my October socks done for SAM2 and my kick off socks for Socktoberfest. I knit these plain in Opal Petticoat 1291, 68 stitches on size US1 dpn's. They fit great and match perfectly(I was lucky, no knots). I Love Them. So cool. I'm still working the on the "foot cozy" socks and Monica's socks and my Pals socks (which are looking great, even if I do say so myself). Well, I'm off to work. Have a great day!!


Edited to include Socktoberfest questionnaire:
When did you start making socks? 2 years ago. My sister Monica taught me.
What was your first pair? Plain socks in Opal Lollipop 1015. How are they holding up? Great, I wear them often.
What would you have done differently? Cast on looser
What yarns have you particularly enjoyed? Lorna's Laces is my favorite. I also like Bearfoot and so many of the self-striping yarns.
Do you like to crochet your socks? I've never tried, but I don't think I would.
on DPN's, circulars or magic loop? DPN's are the only way for me (so far)
Which heel do you prefer? Heel flap. But I would like to try the short row sometime.
How many pairs have you made? Well all together I'm not sure, but this year (so far) I've knit 23 pair of adult socks and 39 pair of baby socks. I have 6 pair OTN's too.

Socks For My Pal

I have started the socks I will be sending to my Pal for Sockret Pal. I have decided not to post a picture of them (just in case I've dropped clues to my identity or she somehow figures out that I have her). I ended up having the perfect yarn in my stash, so the only problem was deciding on the pattern. What I settled on is the "Father and Son" socks (I never let the name of the pattern stand in the way if I like it; see below, the "glass cozy") in the current Interweave Knits magazine. I love the pattern (I think I will have to make some for myself) and even though I'm using a variegated sock wt. yarn the chevrons and cables are looking very nice. I have also been gathering some of her "favorite" things (and some others that I hope she will like) to send her for the Oct/Nov send. And I'm also thinking ahead (I have several things planned) for the Dec/Jan send. Well, that's it for now. Have a great day! And knit a stitch or two for me!!

From Glass Cozy To Foot Cozy

A couple, three months ago I purchased the July issue of Creative Knitting. While browsing through it I found this pattern for a cabled glass cozy. The first thing I thought was that it would make a great sock. The only sport weight yarn(what the pattern calls for) I had at the time was some Bearfoot (but I had already started a sock with it), so I went to my LYS and got some Lorna's. They had four colors in sport; yellow, 2 blues and pink. Monica is making me a pair already in yellow, so I passed that up. Mandy says I have enough blue socks, so I chose the pink. I'm to the heel flap and I think it is looking very nice. I cast on the same amount of stitches as the pattern calls for and I'm just adding a heel, foot and toe to it. I will continue the cables down the foot. I can't wait to finish these, they are so bright and soft and make me happy. Have a great weekend everyone. More later.

Sock-ret Pal Questionnaire

Let the games begin!!! Here are my answers to the questionnaire:

Basics:
How long have you been knitting? Most of my life, but I did take a 20 year hiatus in there. I was sewing and doing some crochet during that time. I have been knitting socks for 2 years.
Do you consider yourself a beginning, intermediate or expert sock knitter? I think I would register just a little past intermediate on the knit-o-meter.

Measurements:
I wear a size 8W (US) shoe. I knit socks for myself with a leg 6-6-1/2", a 2-1/2" heel flap and a 9" foot.

(fiber related) Favorites:
What colors do you love? pretty much all. jewel tones, pastels, primary, neon. I'm pretty easy to please.
Do you prefer solids or variegated? I like both, but I lean toward variegated.
What fibers do you most love to kint with? Natural fibers... wool Lorna's Laces, Trekking, Meilenweit, Opal, Cherry Tree Hill, etc..
Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? My LYS first Yarns & Fabrications. I have shopped at Knit Picks, theknitter.com and elann.com
What projects (other than socks) do you like to knit? I have a sweater started for my son. I've knitted numerous scarves, some hats, dishcloths and some felted bags.

(fiber related) Dislikes:
What fibers can you not stand to knit with? I have become a yarn snob, so, I don't like yucky scratchy acrylics.
To wear? Yucky, scratchy acrylic (especially for socks)
What colors would you never wear? dirty mustard yellow and pukey green.

The Tools:
Plastic or Metal? Metal is my first choice (love my Addi's), but I do love my Denise needles too.
Bamboo or Wood? Bamboo (Crystal Palace is my favorite), my sister gave me a set of Colonial Rosewood DPN's and I like those too.
Circs or Straights? Circs all the way
DPN's or Magic Loop? DPN's definitely (I've never tried Magic Loop)
Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like? Chibi Jumbo Curved needles w/ case, more Crystal Palace size 1's (a girl can never have too many needles), a set of size 6's too, Magnetic Chart keeper.

The Extras:
Do you have a wish list? Yes. Amazon.com
Do you like sweet, sour or salty? Most definitely sweet!! (confession: I am a Chocoholic)
Do you have any allergies? Yes, mostly food related(pecans, walnuts, brazil, hazelnuts). But I am allergic to tobacco smoke and cats.
Favorite scents? no favorite. Scents you can't stand? Musk
Do you collect anything? I used to collect bells, but they just collect dust so I don't anymore.
When is your birthday? November 16
Do you spin? No
Do you dye? just once with my sister Monica
Favorite author? no favorite I listen to a mix of books on cd's these days
Favorite band? I like Christian music
Favorite vacation spot? Mackinac Island. I've only been once but it was beautiful.
I hope I've covered everything, if not please ask me, I'll be happy to answer!!
This is going to be so much fun!!!

Knitting Has Resumed

After not being able to knit for a day or so, I've finally got back to the socks. I started a new pair for myself in Opal Petticoat 1291. I'm knitting a "plain jane" sock with this yarn, I just love the colors and don't want them distorted in any way by a design (and as always, I'm making them match). So they are 68 stitches on size US1 dpn's.






The second pair I've started for myself, (yes, it is all about me), I'm knitting in Knit Picks Sock Garden/Star Gazer Lily colorway. The pattern I'm using in called Karen's Red Socks (this Karen's aren't red, hehehe). But, I'm not following the pattern in any way really. I'm knitting mine cuff down and my stitch count is totally different. I'm basically just using the 4- row, 6-stitch pattern and knitting them my way.
Monica's second sock has grown some too, but I'll wait till they're done to post a picture. I'm going back to my knitting now. More later!

Drip, Drip, Drip

Here I sit waiting for a plumber to show up. Seems when they built this subdivision we live in they used (faulty) substandard pipes (those infamous "Blue" ones) running from the street to the meter and from the meter into the house. Just about every house on our street has had repairs and now it's our turn. The carpet in the basement is soaked (and of course it's on the side with my sewing room). The water works person has come out and turned off our water main. So, no shower, no toilet flushing, no teeth brushing, no dish washing or laundry. I hope they show up soon. So that's how my day is going, hope yours is better. I promise the next entry will include knitting.

Update: 9/21/06
We have a few estimates (all more than we can afford, but that's the price of being a homeowner). The last plumber (the one we're going with) did a bypass for us so we have water but it's not going through the leaking pipe. He's backed up a week with all the "Blue Max" repairs in this area, so we will wait and try to figure out how to pay for it. Needless to say, no knitting yesterday. But I did suck a lot of water out of the carpet in the basement (teach us to finish a basement), but it sure does smell. I think it will have to be replaced.

Eyelet Lace Socks

This is a very nice pair of socks!! I love knitting with Lorna's Laces! I used a pattern I found in Homespun Handknit that I checked out from the library. Here are the particulars:

Lorna's Laces Sock ... Bold Red

72 stitches for the leg, 68 stitches for the foot

US 1 dpn's

The sock exchange between Monica and myself has been postponed. She was going to come over here this past weekend and we were going to go to the Wool Gathering, but circumstances (on both our parts) didn't allow that to happen. We will have to look forward to going next year. So, I will work on her pair of socks for a little while longer and she will work on mine and we will have our exchange later on. Hopefully at her eldest daughter's birthday next month.

Mandy drove some more yesterday and she is slowly improving. She likes the white line (scary for this passenger sometimes, so no knitting going on just yet). She has already asked if she can drive to piano lessons tonight and allergy shots tomorrow. I'm not sure if I'm really ready for this.

I need to get ready for work. More later!

How I Spent My Saturday Morning

Mandy has been begging to get her temps for a very long time now. So this morning we spent 2 hours at the BMV. The machine that makes the licenses broke down for a while (and it was packed in that building). So she passed her test and now this is in my rear window. I let her drive home and she did pretty well (for being her first time behind the wheel), she only scared my a couple of times. I think I remained pretty calm through the whole ride. Now she keeps asking if I need to go anywhere.
I did manage to knit a little on the red socks, 4 more gusset decreases and then the foot. More later!!

SAM1 Brownie Prize

I can't remember if it was last week or the week before (jury duty has messed with the timeline in my brain) that I received my Brownie Point Prize for Sock A Month 1. It is some lovely MamaE yarn in the Augustus colorway. Isn't it pretty. I'm thinking it may become one of the new Knitty patterns. Well I'm off to work (yipee), More later.

My Socks Are "Civic Minded"

That's what Aija dubbed them in her comment earlier this week (and I think it fits them very well). I knit on the second sock during breaks and at lunch the 1st and 2nd days (of jury duty), the 3rd day they didn't see much action. Here are the particulars:
Gentleman's Fancy Socks - Knitting Vintage Socks (NB)
68 stitches
US 1 dpn's
Trekking XXL #109
And even though the name has "gentleman" in it, they are for me.
So, now I will work on the second red sock and Monica's sock to get those done.
More later.

Back To Normal...

...After today anyway. The judge has a funeral to attend this morning, so we (the jury) are to report at 12:30. We will hear closing arguements and then render our decision. The Trekking socks have been allowed in, so on breaks and lunch I've been knitting. I'm on the foot now. I don't think I will have much time to knit on it today, but I will take it with me anyway. I should be able to finish it this weekend.
Thanks for your support, I will post again when the socks are done.

Well, My Luck Ran Out

I have to report for jury duty at 8:30am tomorrow. Here's hoping the case settles before it starts. I'll be taking my Trekking sock to pass the time (who knows, maybe I'll be able to finish the pair while I wait).

Are You Ready For Some Football.....

Socks ... that is? My first pair of socks for September are some Bengal socks for my husband. I knit them in Cascade 220 Superwash - Orange and Black (of course).
I have them done just in time for the season opener, but I think I will wait to give them to him till his birthday next month. So, play ball!!! I'm going back to my knitting. More later.

This Is What Happens....

... to empty needles!! Since I finished two pair of socks lastweek and had empty needles (which is a sin) I filled them back up. The first pair is Gentlemen's Fancy Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks. I changed the pattern somewhat because I don't need to shape for my calves ( I don't knit my legs that long). So I started with 68 stitches and stuck with that count. I'm knitting them in some lovely Trekking #109, blues/purples. The colors are beautiful but I can never seem to get a good picture of the design. I'm contiuing the pattern down the foot.





The second pair I've started is in a pretty eyelet lace design I found in a book I checked out from the library. I chose the book because it has mitten patterns in it but they are all color work and I'm not going to try that on my first pair of mittens. There are some nice glove (which I'm not ready for yet), sock, and hat patterns in here I want to try too (even though I don't spin my own yarn I will still be able to use the patterns). I'm knitting these in Lorna's Sock Red. I'm not taking the lace down the foot on these. 72 stitches on US 1's.

I'm still working on Monica's socks (the second one is growing). The Razor Shell sock had to be ripped (it was just too big), I will restart it with one maybe two less pattern repeats.
I hope everyone is having a good holiday weekend. More later!

The Last Socks of Summer

Since this is Labor Day weekend, I'm calling these the last socks of summer ( I have so many OTN's that I need to finish and even more I want to start). Mandy's plain knit Opal Elements. They don't match per her request.







Mandy went on a purse hunt this past weekend and bought this (I'm so glad she has a job cuz Mom can't afford Vera Bradley... and everybody has one, you know). But what I could give her is a one-of-a-kind, handknit matching sock key chain. She loves it, and has asked for more. Wouldn't they be cute to hold her lipsmackers tubes?
Well, one more day of work before the long weekend. I hope to get a lot of knitting done. And so far (knock on wood) no jury duty!!!! Have a great weekend everyone... be safe. More later.