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!!!