Deadlines, deadlines and more deadlines

Sorry for not posting. But I've decided with the pending deadlines it's best this way. I'll be back in March to perhaps WOW you all!

For now, back to the kneedles!!

NOW!

The Wrap that Genia built

Here's a photo of the Ribbed Wrap Jacket that I've been knitting for the past week. Yesterday I sat with it to figure out how much yarn I had left, and dove into the stash to find yarn for the collar.

First thing I found out was my gauge was way off. And I mean really off. So I ripped out the whole thing, swatched two other needle sizes, and have cast on once again. This was hard as I had knit the whole back and 3/4's of both sleeves. OUCH! But it is back in the works again and I'm quite happy with the gauge.

Second thing I found out was the yarn that I thought I had, I really didn't. Blast! It's still the same yarn, only same weight. Supposed to be body knit in an Aran weight yarn, collar knit inan DK weight. Collar will not be knit in DK but in Aran.

Third thing I've noticed with this knit piece is I really like what is supposed to be the wrong side better then right side. So I'm reconstructing the directions and making it suit me and my purposes and hopeing for the best. So it will be the same only quite different.

Also, I think since I'll be using the reverse side of the wrap I'll knit the collar as a lace rib. This could get interesting! Stick around and see. For those of you who have color blind monitors (like mine) the main body of the wrap is a tweed grey, the collar will be a maroon/red shade. Both yarns are Cottage Craft which is a real favorite and quite lovely to knit with.






Also for a diversion from my own stupid mistakes, I've been knitting some Jaywalkers. I'm using Reiga 4fadig which is a great sock yarn. They should be complete soon so I can cast on some red ones!

Back to the needles! Big big project on the way.

Socks

I have been knitting, that's why I haven't been blogging! I've got a Ribbed Jacket from Jo Sharp on the kneedles (currently basking on Sleeve Island) and socks are on the kneedles too. The current socks are a lovely shade of maroon/red in Heilo by Dalegarn. I'm turning the heel on the first sock. Then lurking in the side lines is another yarn waiting to become Jaywalkers! In some totally fun shades to include red. February is for knitting in RED! Winter is for knitting in RED!

Feeling down? Knit something RED!!!

Go ahead. Knit something.

Knitting Olympics

I love watching the Olympics. And of course I knit while watching the games well, except when things start to get close or tight. Then my knitting tends to end up on the floor but that neither here nor there.

Stephanie is starting the knitting worlds own version of Olympics by sponsoring the Knitting Olympics in which the "athlete" casts on their choosen project on the opening day and completing it by the end of the games 16 days later. There's even a button. Well, of course there's a button how can we have a knitalong with one no?

So go on over the Yarnharlot and sign up. The idea behind this knitalong is to knit something that would otherwise be a challenge for you. I'm still deciding what to knit. I'm trying to choose between a Rowan cardigan -- sorry I can't remember the name of it, and a pattern from MagKnits called Alice.

New Meme of the New Year

You know, a nice thing about being tagged for a meme is it forces you to update your blog. My friend Lola tagged me with this one. Go visit her blog, she has some interesting answers (where mine are a bit vanilla).

Meme x 4

There's a meme, multiplied by 4 times going around.

Four jobs you have had in your life:

1. Waitress/bartender, NCO Club Bar in El Paso, Texas
2. Receptionist/data entry for an insurance company who adjusted claims
3. Legal Secretary
4. Personal Assistant

4 Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:

1. Snow White and the 7 Dwarves
2. The Triplets of Belleville
3. Chaplin (Richard Attenborough's film with Robert Downey, Jr)
4. Porco Rosso (actually anything by Hayao Miyazaki)

4 Places You Have Lived:

1. Germany
2. El Paso, Texas
3. Newport News, Virginia
4. Arlington, Virginia

4 TV Shows You Love To Watch:

1. CSI
2. NCIS
3. Last of the Summer Wine
4. Mystery (PBS)
   

4 Places You Have Been On Vacation:

1. New York City
2. Boston, MA
3. Disney Land
4. Buxton, NC (my absolute favorite!!)
   

4 Websites You Visit Daily:

1. Google
2. AACo Public Library
3. KnitCast
4. Crazy Aunt Purl

4 Of Your Favorite Foods:

1. Blue Crabs
2. Dark Chocolate
3. Pastas with cream sauce
4. Roast Pork
   

4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now:

1. At work (A Good Yarn in Fells, Point)
2. Any yarn shop
3. Library
4. In bed with my husband
   

4 Bloggers You Are Tagging:

1. You
2. You
3. You too
4. And You

So, I have been knitting. The CTS seems to have calmed down some. I've picked out some of that elasticyish sock yarn from Cascade called Fixation and have cast on and knit about 4 inches of Tempting II from Knitty.com. The yarn is a cotton so this should knit up to a rather nice spring/summer top. Who knows it might even fit me! There's enough give in the fabric for sure. Pics coming soon.

Knit on and be safe!

Cuz it's my blog!!

Tho there is a little bit of knitting content here. I did knit the "puppybear" hat a couple of years ago.

Have You Ever?

The Year's first Meme. I picked this one up from Gina. I still can't believe she's never made a snow angel or caught a snowflake on her tongue! And she used to live in NYC!!

Have you ever...?
Smoked a cigar: Yes -- I like'em with a good cognac VSOP or XO baby!
Crashed a friend's car: No
Stolen a car: No
Been in love: Everyday since 1983
Been dumped: Thankfully
Dumped someone: Yep!
Taken shots of alcohol: Yes.
Been fired: Yes
Been in a fist fight: Yes (redfaced shame)
Snuck out of a/your house: Yes, please don't tell my Mom
Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back: Yes
Been arrested: Yes
Made out with a stranger: Yes
Gone on a blind date: No
Lied to a friend: Yes
Had a crush on a teacher: Yes
Seen someone die: Sorta
Been on a plane: Yes
Thrown up in a bar: No
Miss someone right now: Yes
Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by: Yes
Made a snow angel: Yes
Played dress up: Yes
Cheated while playing a game: Yes
Been lonely: Yes
Fallen asleep at work/school: Often at school
Used a fake id: No
Felt an earthquake: Yes
Touched a snake: Are you nutz?
Run a red light: Yes. :)
Had detention: Yes, best place to take a nap!
Been in a car accident: Yes
Hated the way you look: Yes
Been lost: Every chance I get
Been to the opposite side of the country: Yes
Felt like dying: Yes
Cried yourself to sleep: Yes
Played cops and robbers: Yes
Karaoke: No
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't: Yes
Laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose: Yes, milk really smarts!
Caught a snowflake on your tongue: Yes
Kissed in the rain: Yes
Sang in the shower: Yes
Made love in a park: No, but close
Had a dream that you married someone: Yes
Glued your hand to something: Yes
Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole: No
Worn the opposite sex's clothes: Yes
Been a cheerleader: Yes (surprised?)
Sat on a roof top: Yes
Talked on the phone all night: No
Ever too scared to watch scary movies alone: Yes
Played chicken fight: No
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on: Yes
Been told you're hot by a complete stranger: Yes
Broken a bone: Yes
Dipped snuff: No! YUCK!
Lived overseas: Yes
Ever passed out/fainted: No. I'm no lightweight!

And now I tag ...... YOU!
Back to the kneedles! The Jaywalkers are calling!

Socks, Socks, Socks

and yes, more socks. Amie over at Rose By Any is seeing if as bloggers we can knit 2000 socks by the end of the year. And she's made a cute button. And yes, I'm being a joiner and will add my sock count to her ticker. Not that I knit many socks, but I've decided this year that I'm tired of cold feet and cotton socks just aren't going to work any longer. It's woolies for me all the way!

I think I'll join Lola and knit a pair of Jaywalkers to see just what all the HOOPLA is about. Cara over at January One has knit 6 pairs of these socks since October 20th. SIX!! So there must be something really good about this pattern. I've some lovely Opal and think I'll start my Jaywalkers with that.

I'm also thinking that I really loved the Branching Out pattern from Knitty. I've knit two now. My mom's birthday is just around the corner (January 29th) and would like to knit one in red for her. Then I believe I'll knit one for myself. After I finish the scarf for my dad, and my spare mittens. Oh and the shawl for the shop. And then I really should knit a top for my niece.

Good golly! What am I doing here? I need to get clickin!

Oh, someone asked what I look like. Here's a photo taken my daughter at our family Christmas Party. I'm sitting with my cousin's wife Kelley. Isn't she lovely!

Oh and Happy New Year!

New Year's

So, I've made it thru most of Christmas....at least that's what I'm told. This weekend is the BIG Family Christmas at my folks' house (and I mean really big like 60+ people in the past.) We'll have to wait and see how long I last that one.

So for those of you who may possibly be interested I am not making any New Year's Resolutions this year. Yes, I have in the past. You can come over and read them in my knitting diaries....call first so I can clean the house. This year I will not make any because it's always a total bummer to look back and see what I've failed to do. So this year I'm going to make New Year's Intentions. And I plan on keeping the list short, updating it from month to month rather then once or twice a year. Some of my intentions are:

1. Push DH to find a new (and better paying) job.
2. Rip out all UFO's that show no chance in hell of being completed.
3. Weed out the stash.
4. Find another part-time job (no I'm not leaving the yarn shop!)
5. Re-organize the storage space.

I expect the first to be the most difficult.

Sorry for not having any real knit knews here for you. The CTS in my left hand/wrist/elbow is so enflamed right now that even writing and typing is a bit of a pain. Though I have given in to a guilt pang and have been knitting a scarf for my dad. I'll post a photo of it tomorrow. For now, it's banana bread and tea!

I leave you with the other puppykat, Felix anxiously awaiting his share of the catnip that the Jolly ol'Elf left them for being.... well, for being kats.

Almost Christmas

And what has this knitter been doing? Not that much knitting! Though I have gotten some wrapping done, the tree is up and decorated, Miss M baked the first batch of cookies last night. After reading the new Knitty I decided the Mrs Beeton's wrist warmers were too hard to resist and knit myself one.... just to try out the pattern of course. Note that I only knit one, after all there is still gift knitting to be completed!

See? Aren't they cute? I'll knit it's mate after the New Year. Unless I decide I have to have it for the New Year then if all else is done I'll knit it. This is done in Kid Seta (the yellow mohair -- most wonderful yarn to work with!, the blue is a superwash Rowan something or other that I've since lost the band for) By the way, if you need a quick gift, these are the ticket! It was completed in just over an hour..... that is once I did the necessary stash dive to find the yarn.

Also I've knit some wrist warmers for certain family members to be gifted this evening. Wanna see? Of course you do!! For those interested, I've written out the patterns for each for the asking. This is Roscoe doing his Vanna White impression. He decided the photo needed a bit of cat appeal.

These are a sage color in Catalina Alpaca silk blend. Very soft yarn and warm to boot. I've some left over, perhaps for another pair for moi?

These are a rich plum color in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino (yummy!!) There is some of this left over as well. I think for a pair for my DSIL. She suffers from cold hands too.

These are done in Elspeth Lavold Silky Wool in a bright yellow/gold color. It belongs to thee Wyldman who successfully laid a guilt trip on me once again while I was knitting a pair similar to it in deep purple. The mate to this (as it is repeated daily) will be knit after Christmas when the rest of the Holiday knitting is done. He uses the different colored beads as buttons while acting out his favorite super hero scenes.

Thee Wyldman is my Super Hero and calls himself The Green Flame.

Meow Baby!

What? No Mittens?!

No folks, no mittens this week. Sorry. This stuff clogging my head hasn't allowed for much knitting at all. Though my very dear SIL will be celebrating her birthday this month so I do go stash diving and came up with two balls of Debbie Bliss Merino DK in a lovely plum sort of color. It was telling me it wanted to be this. So in two days it was done, so outside it goes for it's first foray out into the snow. Of course now it's sitting in a luke warm bath to be blocked. So here I present to you DB Branching Out. Sorry, it's not much to look at just yet. Take my word for it, it really is quite lovely.

This morning we woke to the first "Snow Event" of the 2005 Winter Season. I think our weather people much stay up late thinking of new ways to call storms. It may not have been a huge storm, we only got about 3-1/2 inches of snow but it was still a storm. For Sandy, I donned the Tall One's shoes and trudged out to get this of our early morning sky.

Say, have you checked out the new Knitty? No? Run, don't walk. There's many a things just begging to cast on and gifted this Holiday Season!

So go already!

Another Tagged by a Crazy Aunt

Crazy Aunt Purl that is. Wicked person tagged everyone who reads her blog and I do believe that probably everyone does. So here goes (mind, I've been on meds for an ear infection all week so my brain is more addled then the usual.)

TEN random things you might not know about me:
1. I have two brothers, one who hasn't spoken to me in 6 years.
2. I have an older son who is now 24 years old.
3. I grew up an "Army Brat"
4. I broke my uncle's nose for calling me an army brat.
5. I had to buy a prostitutes license to get out of jail in Mexico. (what a tale that one is!!)
6. I'm not that sure of myself.
7. I can sell most anything except my own work. (I've got a bridge....)
8. I can be rather gullible.
9. I talk to my cats like I would my children (and sometimes they listen)
10.


NINE places I've visited:
1. West & East Berlin (when there was such a place)
2. Oktoberfest in Munich
3. White Sands, New Mexico (and learned to surf there)
4. Tombstone, Arizona
5. the basement storage of the Natural History Museum
6. Dachau
7. Ratzkeller in Nuremburg
8. Austria via the Alps
9. Wildflecken

EIGHT ways to win my heart:
1. Bring me lovely fibers to knit with.
2. Bring me chocolate.
3. Make an effort to understand me.
4. Request knitted gifts.
5. Spend time with me.
6. Don't judge me wrongly.
7. Be a friend
8. Dark chocolate

SEVEN things I want to do before I die:
1. Go on a whale watch.
2. Own a house on the Severn.
3. Visit San Francisco
4. Learn to be more positive about myself
5. Visit all the major ballparks in the US and Canada
6. See the aurora borelis (sp?)
7. Go to Carnival in Venice

SIX things I'm afraid of:
1. Spiders in the house.
2. SNAKES!! (actually I'm terrified of snakes)
3. Losing my family
4. Being homeless
5. Not seeing my children grow up
6. did I mention snakes?

FIVE things I don't like:
1. Liars
2. Liver and onions
3. Turning your back on me.
4. Aggressive drivers
5. Being preached at

FOUR ways to turn me off:
1. Showing off
2. Jumping to conclusions
3. Silent treatments
4.

THREE things I do everyday:
1. Greet the morning.
2. Brush my teeth
3. Say a prayer of thanks

TWO things that make me happy:
1. My family
2. Babies

ONE thing on my mind right now:
1. What to get my dad for Christmas. (any suggestions?)

GADS!! This is like opening up ones soul and laying it bear on the table for all to examine. And since I have no worries about tagging so many people (face it, Auntie did that for us) I just tag my friends.

Back to the kneedles boyz.....

oh yes, a bit of fun I've found along the way (you can get yours here):

Puttin' on the Mitts

So things have really been flying around here this weekend! Saturday I worked (this is a relative term as I work in a wonderful little yarn shop in Fells Point) and we had a great group of people in for Morning Coffee. Then the yarn just sorta started flying off the shelves. A lot of lucky people out there are getting some pretty wonderful scarves, caps, gloves, ponchos, and of course mittens for Christmas.

Here on the Severn, things have been flying off the needles. Here's a hat and fingerless mitt set I whipped for a special person in the family. I hope she likes them and puts them to good use.

Actually I love knitting for the person these are intended for as she's always a grateful receipent and really does wear what I make. And I even get hugs in return!

Here's a little better pic of the mitts. I used chunky yarns (both yarns are Lion Brand, one is

Wool Ease Chunky, the other is Boucle) so they would knit up nice and quick and these will be easy care. The Boucle was fun to work with, it had lots of shine and the colors are very vibrant.

So today I start the Super Secret Projects that will go under our tree here. And sorry I can't tell you right now cause there are those that read this blog who will be getting the goods.

ps. No, my fingers aren't magical. The flash just made them glow like that. Pretty eerie huh!

Flip Mitts

We're flipping for mitts here on the Severn! This pair is for thee Wyldman. He's the one wearing the "giant lobster claws" in an earlier entry. After seeing the pair for my nephew, he sorta guilted me into yet another pair of mittens. These are hand/wrist warmers with a flip top to keep little fingers warm as needed.


And you can see what's really making us flip around here of late (of course it's really a fun way to keep warm!) The Brian Setzer Orchestra, the CD is Dig That Crazy Christmas! It's totally swinging!

The Mitten

One of my favorite authors is Jan Brett. Not only does she write (and translate) great childrens stories but the art in her books is absolutely wonderful! A favorite book is The Mitten. It's about a little boy who requests white mittens from his grandmother. Not only does she knit the mittens for him, but she also spun the wool for them. The little boy (in the ways of little boys) loses one of his mittens while outside playing. From there a great adventure begins for the mitten.

Anyway....

I had this idea. Yes, this can be a rather dangerous thing for me but it does happen that I get ideas quite often. See my SIL and her family are moving to Kansas City, Kansas in a couple of weeks and my nephew who is just 6 years old is a bit anxious about this move. After all it is getting really close to Christmas!

So the idea (yes, I'm getting to it!!) is to knit a pair of mittens and send them with the book to him at his new address in KC. In the package I'll include a note from one of Santa's head elves saying that we're aware of the address change and for him not to fret that we always look out for good boys and girls. So, the book is on order because our Borders just happens to be out of stock on this one. I even have some holiday stationary that I haven't used so it can't be connected to me. And the mittens are fini! See. The green bow is yarn I use to tie them together so they don't get seperated. I just love surprises!!



Now I need to do a bit of research so the package won't be postmarked here. Any ideas out there? Anyone?

Oh and for those of you keeping track, the handwarmers do have thumbs and have been given away. New mittens are now on the needles.

Finishing Weekend

It's been a finishing kinda weekend! The Log Cabin Socks are finished! The Irish Hiking Scarf is finished! This one is done in Lion Brand Wool-Ease. It was a great pattern to knit and really looks great. It feels good to cross a gift off the Christmas List.

The handwarmers (in need of a name) are almost finished. These are done in Homespun. This is a yarn raised and spun in Bemidji, Wisconsin. No dyes have used in this yarn. It's a wonderful yarn -- 100% wool. On the label it says it's from the wool of "sturdy northern-grown sheep"; 225 yards (but we've put a couple on the yardage counter and it's more like 250 yards a hank!)

They are in need of thumbs. And the mittens from Folk Knitting in Estonia are coming along very nicely. You can just see the color of the Kristi Mitten. Because of the shades being used for that one, I can only knit on it during the day and only if there's good light. The other pair; Marko's Mittens I can knit in the evenings. All of us here at home have really liked watching the pattern appear.

Gee, with all these finished projects I think maybe I can put another project on the needles! Oh and Adrianne, be on the lookout for your prize! It'll be posted and headed your way this afternoon. Hope you like it!

No school this week, though I do have a conference with my lil guy's teacher tomorrow. And it's looking like I'll have an empty house for Thanksgiving. Makes for all knitting, all day! YIPPEEE!

p.s. Hi, Jon!!

Quickie

This is a quick post. Hopefully, the next one will be good cause the batteries for my camera will have been recharged! I really need to get a second set.

I'm still working on the Kristi Mittens, the Silk/wool wrap, the Irish Hiking Scarf, the second of a pair of hand warmers (and writing the pattern for this pair), the second of the Log Cabin Socks, and to complete this round of startitis another pair of mittens! Just writing it makes me swoon with exhaustion!

So, I'm back to my needles. It's a beautiful sunny but cold day. So I shall stick in a movie, grab a cuppa something or other find a sunny spot in the house and work on my knitting.

And what are you doing?

A Winner!!! and more Stuff

And the Winner is.......
Adrienne from the Bellybutton of California is the winner. She guessed!

But she didn't leave me with any kind of contact information. Please email with your address so I can send you a prize. Hey, this was my first contest it's my right to send out a prize!!

Also, for your amusement is another ornament I did using perl cotton in a deep maroon color. This one I'll keep for myself!

In other news and such, DH (by the way, have I mentioned he works in Special Orders at the Borders?) brought home a new knit book for me to review. It's called Handknit Holidays by the ever fabulous Melanie Falick. Beautiful photographs and a couple really neat projects that may just jump into my knitting bag. This book features designs by 30 great designers with items for home decor; keeping bodies warm; and more.

Log Cabin Socks by Anne Woodbury

This sock pattern is one that is just trying very hard to jump on the kneedles! And I just happen to have a couple hanks of Sophia to do them for a certain lil Miss for the Holidays. And possibly a pair using the wonderful llama I received as a gift this pair would indeed be for me.

If you happen to see it on your local bookshelf, it's definately worth a look -- if only for the beautiful photography!

This is a hank of some totally wonderful sock yarn that a friend of mine turned me onto (Happy Birthday, Lola and thanks very much for the tip on the yarn!!) This is 325 yards of Socks that Rock! by Blue Moon Fiber Arts. This colorway is called Stonewash -- sort of a washed out denium. I haven't decided what to do with it yet. I am taking it to work with me to show the shop owner cause I think it would make a wonderful addition to our yarn offerings.

You can check out the colorways this yarn comes in at their website. Then run don't walk to your nearest to order up a hank or three.

No affaliation yada yada yada!

Nothing else today folks. I'm still plugging away on the Kristi Mittens, the silk/wool wrap, Irish Hiking Scarf, the second of a pair of handwarmers and writing up some patterns. Too much fun and not enough time.

Back to the kneedles! And have a Great Day!

The Hint

Okay for those of you trying to figure out what the lace from yesterday's entry is for. Here's a hint. This hint took lots of thought because you see, if I'm not careful I could just give it all away.

As you can see, it's a Christmas Stocking. In fact it is the prototype of two stockings knit recently on a consignment. This one was knit quite a while ago, then I found out that the yarn used (Lion Brand Cotton-Ease) was discontinued. So the ones knit for delivery were done in Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton. Not something I will ever do again as the cotton really gave my CTS a run for the pain meds!

What you're not seeing is on the other side of the stocking is the start of "Merry Xmas". Yes, Xmas. However, it's being taken out and will be filled and sent to someone in need for the Holidays. Got anyone in the need? Let me know I have a stocking longing to to be filled.

Also on the stocking is a glass ornament ball this is 83mm. With a gold cap. So, now guess away!

Tomorrow, the completed project.

Now. On to the knitting. Here's the once giant mittens now felted down to a more human size. They'll go to work with me this weekend to be paired up with some lovely Alpaca Silk or Alpaca Cotton or possibly even 100% Alpaca which will be knit into cuffs.

Last night was a time for small projects. I completed 2 Sea Treasures, and a wire sweater. These are destined for an Art Show/Sale in B'more starting in December. I have 7 items ready. Guess I'd best get those kneedles clicking. I think I'll do some little treasure bags for this event as well. When I find out more I'll let you know (of course!)

If you happen to be tooling around the Crownsville/Annapolis area this weekend, there's a fun craft show at the Baldwin Hall in Millersville (just off of I97.) There's even a bit of locks available for those wanting to knit those lovely thrummed mittens/gloves/socks. Oh, and yes the locks are clean and from Maryland.

Nuff said! Get back to yer knittin!

Obsessions

Yes, I have lots of obsessions. Mostly involving knitting and ways of using knitting. Fresh off the kneedles and a soak and now blocking in the warm Autumn sun is this:

Those are dressmakers pins, and yes that is a regular table toothpick holding the live stitches whilst it blocks. Care to take a guess at what it will soon become? I'll throw in a lovely something or other for the closest guess. I'll give you another clue tomorrow, and pick a winner (if there are any participants) on Friday.

Still plugging along on my Kristie Mittens. And the Silky Wool wrap. And now to add a bit of spice to the pot, an argyle Holiday Stocking.

Back to the kneedles I say!!