Kitty Knits

2009-02-01T13:56:00.003-05:00

After almost a year without a post, I decided that it's high time I get up to speed on my blogging before Kitty Knits is decomissioned. I suppose I should start with the loose ends -- pillow (check), stocking (check), socks?? -- not sure which pair I was referring to in the last post, but I'm sure they're finished too!

Not much flying these days and the interior desecration of a new house has really cut into the knitting, blogging, Raveling, etc. Having said that, the cotton afghan I started a year ago is going on and on and on and on....I even sustain "knitting injuries" working on it (sore thumbs!!), so it is truly a labor of love. I am also working on finishing my Palindrome scarf made from Shelridge Farms Soft Touch W4 in Terracotta:

I started a Fair Isle hat during a class I took at The Yarn Lounge, which is still is WIP. I like the yarn (Dale of Norway - Heilo) and the technique but following a pattern doesn't bode well with Wednesday knit night. Sadly, there is no walking while chewing gum in my future.

Today I signed up for Blue Moon's Rockin Sock Club. After seeing the first kit on Wednesday night, I couldn't resist. I suppose that I will have to get around to dropping the "yarn bomb" on my DH that I just spent $230 on socks. Something tells me I am going to have come up with a good "spin" before divulging that little tid bit of info. Hopefully this year will have a kit for a pair "man socks," and I can start to make it up to him by giving him sex in a sock (ie. socks better than sex).

I have a free airline ticket I need to burn before 2/9/09 and cannot decide where I want to go. Unfortunately, the Knitter's Review Retreat is booked (damn those early birds!!) and, while I'm still considering the BMFA Sock Camp, I'm not 100% sold on the idea. I also looked into taking a knitting cruise. I was ready to sign and deliver my registration to cruise the Mediterranean while knitting, but my DH put the cabash on that when he saw the price tag. I even tried to bring Italian cooking school (Part II) in the back door during the argument but was met with a big, "Hell no. We're in a recession." Well, at least ONE of us is trying to bail us out of this mess. If the government had any sense at all, it would give every knitter a $10K stimulus check and turn us loose on the internet.

The parental unit has decided to book a week of my time in May but cannot seem to decide between St. Lucia and Quebec. Perhaps I will put the screws on them to make a decision this week and just make my own retreat.

2008 was a big year...sold a house, bought a house, celebrated one year of marriage with my DH at The Williamsburg Inn (highly recommended!!) and even managed to finish ALL of my embroidery UFOs. 2009 promises to be equally eventful with meeting new friends/neighbors, decorating the new house, DH starting school at UC Irvine (online) and....maybe the pitter patter of little feet?

10 Years in the Making

2008-04-27T20:32:00.002-05:00

Today is a monumental day. I have manged to finish my cross-stitched stocking that has taken me 10 YEARS to complete. I started it in the fall of 1998 during my freshman year of undergrad. One New Year's resolution down...many more to go! Now all that I need to do is wash it, block it and assemble it (which I am not counting toward the "completion time" since that's the "easy to do" and "easy to get motivated to do" part). Now it's on to the candlewicking pillow that my grandmother gave to me. I must have started it sometime in highschool and, since she passed away in March, I want to finish it and have it around as a reminder of her. Pictures of all of the above coming soon...

I turn the big 28 this Thursday, and my DH is taking me to Copper Grill. He thinks that I don't know...how cute :) I love lobster...especially the "armless" one from Africa that I will be having on Thursday. I'm taking vacation on Thursday and Friday to celebrate and get ready for MSW. I love vacation...

Weight: Down 2.8 lbs this week
Sock status: Heel now turned due to 2.5 hour flight delay in NYC
Favorite new spot in NYC: Alice's Tea Cup (Sel et Poivre is still high on the list, though!)

2 lbs. Sans Lace

2008-04-20T21:42:00.003-05:00

Today was a big day...the day of the first "weigh in." I'm down 2 lbs. This deserved more than just a pat on the back. With sushi, shrimp fried rice, a trip to Coldstone for a strawberry blondie, one brownie, bacon, pancakes and cheese pizza behind me, I'm ready to start a new week. This whole diet idea isn't half bad when I consider that I can still have all of my favorite things in that last crucial 24 hour period before the week (and points!) start over. With 22 points left over, I had some serious eating to do...and eat I DID.

My flight to NYC today has been delayed...all day. Note to self: Even though it says that the flight is going to leave at 4:10 online, it does not mean that the plane will not depart early without me. Bummer. Now I have a 5 am wake-up tomorrow. For those of you who are not morning people...you understand.

On another note, I have finished sewing the buttons on the lace knit baby cardigan (sans lace). Viola!:

Day 2

2008-04-14T18:16:00.007-05:00

Today is Day 2 of Weight Watchers for me...only 17 pounds to go! While I have been cranky all day and my DH now hates me, there is no room for quitting around here! I've got a college homecoming AND a highschool reunion this year. How's that for motivation? So...be looking for my skinny knitter self come May at MSW.

Speaking of MSW, I've got a room and a plan: Check in Friday night...wake up...haul a$$ to the Cherry Tree Hill booth...dash to Spirit Trail. That leaves me in my pajamas at MSW with bad breath. Hmmm...I suppose that some personal hygiene might be in order to avoid offending the "sheep and wool." Although, the DH is going to be doing enough of that for the both of us eating lamb kabobs and lamb burgers right in front of the little guys. Can someone get this man some help? Sick....just sick.

I took a sock class back in March at The Yarn Lounge and made the Whitby socks from Knitting on the Road. One down, one to go. I hope that I don't get SSS (Second Sock Syndrome). Things are looking good so far...I've cast on and been through one pattern repeat. I think that I might be in the clear.

Now that I have over come my distaste for DPNs...I forsee more sock knitting. In fact, I bought some Socks that Rock (color: Blarney Stone) and Denali from Pagewood Farm (color: Ireland). Patterns for these TBD.

In the meantime, I am going to knit a pink ribbon sock with my Shelbridge Farm Soft Touch Ultra (color: Thistleflower). I have finally finished the Lace Baby Cardi (minus the lace). As soon as I have sewn on the buttons (probably after M.M. has outgrown the sweater), I will post some pics.

The baby blanket continues. The good news is that I'm liking the yarn much better now (although 100% cotton is still not in my top 10).

Until next time...GIT 'ER DONE!!

Everything but Knitting

2008-01-02T12:04:00.000-05:00

Santa (AKA "My DH") was definitely good to me this year and brought me this:While he did go to the trouble of ordering it all the way from Oregon (not realizing that he could have bought if from a LYS in Richmond), I have to give him credit for choosing one that is just perfect from a great store that even gave me a free breast cancer ribbon sock pattern (perfect for me, since I do breast cancer research)! My yarn baller has been in need of a swift for quite some time and, while I haven't yet taken it for a test run, I'm going to be as soon as I get my other projects under control. Of course, I say this as though that is ever going to happen!

Addmittedly, I have been a bad knitter lately. The only two projects I have on the needles are the lace baby cardi (in which I have taken out the "lace") and a baby afghan I am making out of yellow Fantasy Naturale by Plymouth Yarn Co. I have to say that this is my first experience knitting with a 100% cotton yarn and that I am not enjoying it. I have decided that I like my yarn to have some "bounce." Anyway, here is what I've done thus far:

As for my "other projects," I have been busy during my holiday vacation attempting to finish this cross stitched stocking that has been in the works since I was a freshman in undergrad. I am committed to finishing it as one of my resolutions for this year. It will be finished as soon as I wrap up the outlining and other detail work. This is done on 18 ct. aida cloth and, for those of you that cross stitch, you know that this is no small project due to the small stitches:

Then there was quilting....sigh. I have had this project in the closet for about 6 months now. If JoAnne would just stop having their "Christmas in July" event, I think that I could manage to steer clear of any additional Christmas related projects (other than gifts, of course!). At any rate, I have also committed to finishing this quilted Kay Wood Christmas tree skirt, which will be in the shape of a 6-point star when it is finished:

Globe Trotter

2007-10-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

The DH (formerly the DF) and I set out for our two week honeymoon jaunt around Italy a few weeks ago. We visited Positano, Sorrento, Naples, Rome, Arezzo, Siena, Radda and Forence in Chianti. I caught some ZZZs on the way over, which left me with not so much knitting to report. I was then seriously distracted by ceramic shopping in Amalfi:After touring around Amalfi and Rome, I finally got back on track with a burger and fries from Hard Rock Cafe and our arrival at "La Fratteria," an old Italian monastery turned B&B. While enjoying the beautiful gardens, religious relics and....the private helicopter on the landing pad, I returned to my knitting:And then there was dinner...La Fratteria: Home of the most beautiful food I have ever eaten. Exhibit A:After our stay at "La Fratteria," off we went to Chianti -my most favorite part of the trip. We took a day trip in our "turtle" to Siena (Yes, Ford now makes turtles...who knew??):While in Siena, I stumbled across an oasis. A yarn oasis, that is: There is nothing like shopping for yummy European yarn, the names of which you cannot pronounce! I purchased 3 skeins of navy blue "Morbidone" yarn that is a sport weight superwash merino. I have no idea what I am going to do with it, but that's why God made Ravelry, right?!? When we weren't out tasting vino and shopping for more ceramics, there was more knitting to be done: And, when we finally arrive home after 9 long hours with Air France, I had finished this Christmas present for dad (post block):I made the scarf a little over 60" long out of Merino Superwash by Tess' Yarns using the triple cable pattern in One Skein (referenced as a muffler pattern in the book).

OBX Knitting

2007-09-10T18:51:00.000-05:00

The DF and I went to the OBX over Labor Day Weekend for some R&R. Many thanks to Lou for recommending a fantastic yarn store in Southern Shores. Here I am excited for my first fore into Knitting Addiction:After some good shopping, I ended up with this:

The yarn is Plymouth Naturale. The green yarn is what I am going to use to knit the sweater and the yellow is for the blanket. Perhaps I should have taken her up on her offer to wind the yarn for me while I was in the shop? Ugh...

Baby Sweater To Be - Lace Leaf Baby Cardi

2007-08-24T11:49:00.000-05:00

I cast on a new baby sweater after finally having finished the bulk of the baby shawl. Whew! I found the yarn and the pattern at Maryland Sheep and Wool. I am knitting the Lace Leaf Baby Cardigan using Super Socks and Baby (80% wool/20% nylon - superwash (450 yds.)) from Tess' Designer Yarns. No colorway was noted on the label, but it looks like bright, verigated purple. Check it out:

I'm starting the lace pattern today...more to follow!

On another note, Beth and Monet have agreed to be my roomies for the knitter's retreat in VAB. I'M SO PUMPED! After flying to and from Italy right before the retreat, I should have lots to show and tell. Added bonus: I am taking my sock needles from MS&W so that someone can teach me to make socks on DPNs! I have decided that I need "remedial help." :)

The wedding is in exactly 30 days...and all that I can think about is cooking school in Italy!! Is there something wrong with me?!?!

Baby Shawl

2007-08-14T11:15:00.001-05:00

I finally finished the Debbie Bliss baby shawl the other day. It is about 2.5' X 2.5', which is relatively small. I still have to knit the trim and weave in the ends but here it is happily blocking...I can't wait to show it off tonight at knitting circle!!

Projects Galore

2007-05-15T15:34:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have finished things...but I have no pictures to show for it. I finished the Baby Bolero but forgot to take a picture of it before giving it away to Melanie as a shower gift. I also finished my headband made from Manos but left it in the hotel in Salt Lake City - must have been the high altitude coupled with the glee of being a newly engaged person...SO, I am short more than a few pictures at this point. The baby shawl continues (only 1.5 pattern repeats to go and the edging before it is finished - will post pics when it's done), as does the heart sachet from Interweave.I went to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival again this year (happy b-day to me!) with my DF (what a good sport he is!). Here I am first thing in the AM - excited for the day ahead:
And, here is my loot:

I must have developed an addiction for Superwash Merino because that is all that I bought (all of which are from Tess' Designer Yarns - dyed in Maine). The pink and purple skeins are for baby sweaters and the red is to knit my dad a scarf with (pattern TBD) for X-mas. I bought the patterns for the sweaters from the same vendor and think that they are going to be SUPER CUTE!

During the wool festival I was on a mission...a mission to find needles to knit socks. Sadly, I have tons of yarn for socks but no needles that suit me (too long, too short, to much of a pain in the A$$...you name it.) So, I bought the few sets above to give sock knitting a whirl. If anyone has a free toe up pattern that they would like to share, that would be groovy...

While there, I did snap a few pics of the locals:
And, as if all that yarn shopping and sheep ka-noodling wasn't enough, we went to see this girl the next day at the Baltimore Aquarium:

Then home we went:

News!

2007-02-07T17:31:00.000-05:00

Well, first of all, I have almost finished the baby bolero from One Skein. One more sleeve to go...

I also bought some Manos Del Uruguay to knit this. Pictures to follow when I find my head band around the house?? Here is the yarn I used:

And, I have "grand plans" to knit another one with this Malabrigo:

The knitting continues...as does life. On that note, I went to Salt Lake City to go skiing last week and go THIS:

After all of the "Congratulations!" and questions, I'm thinking, "Wholly s&^%, I'm getting MARRIED!!" And it couldn't be to anyone more perfect :)

Casting On

2007-01-09T21:51:00.000-05:00

While the act of designating New Year's resolutions is in full swing, I suppose that I should resolve to update my blog more regularly. To that end, here is what I've been working on lately:

This is the baby shawl from Debbie Bliss' Special Knits in Baby Cashmerino yarn. I'm knitting on a size 3 needle so...it's slow going. I hope that one of my friends has a boy because there is definitely not going to be a bun in this oven anytime soon...

I also did my very first provisional cast on tonight with the help of some of Jen's stash and Mira's crochet "know how." It's not much to look at but here it is just the same:

One day it will become the Baby Bolero from One Skein. One of my SPs (Thanks, Brooke!) sent me 3 skeins of Debbie Bliss' cashmerino aran yarn in olive, which is just perfect for this little project. Again, no bun in the oven...

I've been eyeing this cute little sweater with a fair isle yoke from the Baby Cashmerino book. So, I bought this the other day on eBay:

4 skeins of navy and one of denim blue. I bought the other colors that I need awhile ago from a LYS that was going out of business. It's going to be really cute when it's finished (What am I talking about? I haven't even started...). Nope...still no babies on board.

Aside from these projects, I still have several UFOs including: Backyard Leaves, the DB, and the heart sachet. Sigh...

Too Long

2006-12-30T20:02:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that it has been over 2 months since I posted! Time flies...I've been busy knitting on the Debbie Bliss baby blanket made of cashmerino baby yarn. I would post a picture, but I think that it looks the same as before, only longer. I'm still working on Backyard Leaves, which is taking me longer than I expected because I made a mistake that I am having a hard time locating (note to self: mark where you left off on the pattern next time). I am also still working on my heart sachet. I ordered some blue Cashmerino baby yarn today on eBay (colors 008 and 207) so that I can start working on a few projects out of the Cashmerino baby book.

I've made two trips to Europe in the past two months. I've been to Paris and Spain, so I wouldn't exactly say that I haven't been doing anything :) Check out some of the pictures:

These were both taken in Seville, Spain. Here is Paris right before Christmas:

Finished Club Cover

2006-10-03T14:55:00.000-05:00

Today I finished the dbf's club cover. How cute! I'm sure he will be the envy of all of his fellow golfers (including me!)...It looks a little misshapen in the picture, but it is completely symmetrical.

Tonight is knit night, and I actually get to go! AND, the Fall Fiber Festival is this weekend!! Life is good...

Recent Projects

2006-10-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

I finally got to go to Knit Nite last week, after having missed out for the previous 2 weeks due to business travel. While there, I was on a mission: to finish my Clap. I decided to block it today because it was a little "curly" around the edges.

I also started two new projects this week. The first is a pink Fun Fur scarf for Think Pink. I have had this yarn in my stash for ages just waiting for the opportunity to use it. It is a key-hole scarf (ie. one end pulls through the other). I have to finish it by Oct. 15th, but I am flying to Boston this week, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I also started Backyard Leaves from Scarf Style using the Aurora 8 yarn that I got from a LYS that was going out of business. I had to re-start the project about five times before I finally got the hang of things. The grid for this pattern is difficult to read since it is not in the round. I had to get a magnifying ruler to put over the pattern before I could actually see what I was doing. Sheesh.

I also finished my kitchen curtains awhile back and finally hung them yesterday.

Club Cover

2006-09-14T12:54:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the fair isle portion of my club cover several days ago. Now it's just a matter of switching to DPNs until I have 16 stitches and then making the pom-pon. The ladies at knit nite said that I should get the official pom-pon maker, so here we are:
Some of my orchids have started blooming again. Check out the pics:

More Yarn

2006-08-30T15:41:00.000-05:00

Today I bit the bullet and ordered the one skein of Heilo in Pewter (Color 6031) from Kids Knits that I need to start my Dale of Norway sweater. While the shipping did cost more than the yarn...I am finally going to be able to start working on my sweater! Now...I just have to make sure that I have all of the needles. I am hoping that I can get away with using 12" circular Addi turbos for the sleeves to avoid DPNs!

Tonight is Knit Nite! "Free to stich. Free to bitch."

First Fair Isle

2006-08-25T14:12:00.000-05:00

Serious anxiety for me comes in the form of fair isle knitting. However, my need for a challenge and a new ski sweater has taken over and convinced me to do this:

I am excited to report that fair isle is not nearly as hard as it looks. In fact, I really like it and am looking forward to finding the one last skein of Heilo that I need to start my Dale of Norway sweater. My DBF is going to be sporting the best head cover on the course - if I do say so myself (smile).

Knitting on the Clapotis continues. I knit quite a bit last night on the plane from Philadelphia. Delayed yet again...

As an aside, I was told yesterday that I'm being "forced" to go to Madrid, Spain in November! There are days when I dislike my job but yesterday wasn't one of them. I think I feel a vacation coming on...

Movin' on Up

2006-08-21T13:02:00.000-05:00

Wow, am I moving up in the world, or what?!? Look what arrived in the mail the other day:
And...I have wound exactly zero hanks of yarn. The swift is next on my list, as I'm sure the dbf is going to grow tired of holding yarn. Although...football season IS here. This means that I may just be able to get him to hold yarn in exchange for my presence on the couch in my black, pink and white Redskins jersey during the games. Hmm...

Knitting on the head covers has commenced. Two more inches needed and then I can begin the fair isle pattern. Notice the stitch mark. I got it while vacationing in Hilton Head this summer.

I found some Bernat baby yarn the other day to knit a cute little socks pattern that I found on the Interweave website! The pattern called for Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, but I do not have the time to wait for the yarn to ship since the little guy these are intended for is due any day now. Let my frustration with DPNs begin yet again. Who knows? Maybe the fair isle and the DPNs will be enough to throw me over the edge and end my knitting obsession forever. On second thought, that's probably the most ridiculous thing that I have said all month. Amanda stop knitting? I think not.

I started looking over the Oberstdorf pattern the other day only to realize that the smallest chest size for men/women is 44 1/8 inches. This poses a problem considering that my chest is 34 inches. Turns out that the child's pattern has these chest measurments: 35 7/8" and a 38 1/8". So, I think that I am just going to knit the 38" so that I have extra room for a turtleneck. Then, I'm just going to lengthen the sleeves and the body and hope for the best on the armhole depth.

Too Much Information - Underwear Quiz Results

2006-08-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

What Your Underwear Says About You

You like your underwear to make you feel girlish and pretty. Let's hope you're a chick.
You're a closet exhibitionist who gets a thrill from being secretly naughty.

New Yarn

2006-08-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

A LYS is going out of business. So, today I made the tedious drive down to Midlothian to check out the sale. I ended up with way too much yarn! Isn't that always the way it goes? My Dale of Norway pattern book also came in the mail today. Check out the spoils:

The brown skeins are going to be used to knit the Backyard Leaves pattern in Scarf Style. I think that I am going to make one of the baby sweaters in the Cashmerino Baby book using some of the left over yarn from my baby shawl and the colors that I bought today. The store only had one skein of this particular colorway of Koigu, so I bought it to make more heart sachets. At this point, it is questionable as to whether I am going to be able to buy yarn at the Fall Fiber Festival...my stash is taking over the house!

Look, See What I Got

2006-08-14T20:21:00.000-05:00

My dbf absolutely lives for golf. I'm not talking an occassional trip out to hit a few balls. It's more like this (for example):

He mourned my trip to the Marriott Sawgrass in Pointe Vedra, FL, in January because he knew that I wouldn't fully appreciate the 17th hole that I walked past each morning on the way to meetings.

I have decided that, because knitting him a sweater would certainly be bad news (the cursed bf sweater is a no go!), I am going to knit him golf club covers. The yarn for this little project arrived today. I got 11 skeins of Knit Pick's Telemark (100% wool):

And, the day was going so well until I drove all of the way to Cary Town only to realize that Yarn Lounge is closed on Mondays and that the 12" size 6 Addi Turbos I need are TRAPPED INSIDE!! I contemplated breaking in with the understanding that I would have plenty of time to knit in jail but decided against it for obvious reasons (ie. I would have to give up Knit Nite, Panera and strawberry shortcake).

I found some very "tasty" yarn today in a colorway called Chocolate Covered Kisses by Hill Country Yarns. Yummy!

Ski Sweater

2006-08-11T15:13:00.000-05:00

Today I ordered the Dale of Norway pattern book for a new sweater that I am going to knit. I was going to knit this:

And am now going to knit this (in a crew neck) due to problems with the pattern in the sweater above:

I think that I am going to have to buy a few more colors of Heilo in order to do it, but it is worth it when I know that it is going to look so D&$% good on the ski slopes of Salt Lake City in January!

I Am One Productive MF

2006-08-08T10:03:00.000-05:00

As I sit here "bee bopping" to Gloria Gaynore, it has struck me that I'm one productive MF. Not only have I finished not one, but TWO knitting projects in the past 2 weeks, I have also almost finished my kitchen curtains.

I laid the trim out just to give some idea of what they will look like when they are finished. Pictures to follow once my dad comes over to mount the curtain rod brackets. I have said it once, and I will say it again, "Power tools and I do not mix."

My Secret Dream

2006-08-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

My secret dream is to be caught knitting...on a plane, in the airport, in a cab...on film by the Yarn Harlot and miraculously appear on her website! Sure, she could catch me somewhere else but...she travels, I travel...the odds just seem so much better that our paths will cross while traveling. I suppose that a girl can always dream...

Booga Bag is Finito!

2006-08-08T09:17:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my Booga Bag - Whoo Hoo! It's so cute! I can't wait to take it for a "test wear" in the fall. The pattern was well written...except for the part where it seriously underestimated the effort that it really takes to get those straps attached. "Just insert the DPN through the bag in the correct places, Amanda, and then wiggle it around a little to make a hole." Right...should have gone more like this: "Put the needle through each layer and then move it around while pulling on the bag until the needle almost breaks (along with your hands) so that you have a hole big enough to put the I-Cord through and then...DO IT SEVEN MORE TIMES (all the while getting yarn burn on your left pointer finger that will be itching for days to come)!!!

My First Felt

2006-08-02T20:33:00.000-05:00

I finished the I-Cord strap for my Booga Bag a few days ago...How do I feel? Hmm...let's just say that it doesn't get any better than this!! New policy: Adding a "no I-cord" component to my knitting pattern filter. While it went relatively quickly once I committed, my ring finger was killing me by the time I was finished. Pulling the first stitch so tightly didn't go over well. If I develop arthritis in the future, I will have nothing to blame but the Booga Bag I-Cord...

I felted the bag today. It is now drying on the kitchen table. Who knew that Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy would be so nice for blocking?? I'm sure everyone at work would be thrilled...

Finished Scarf

2006-07-31T17:15:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, I finished the scarf from Scarf Style's cover. And...it fits! Check it out:
I finally have something to contribute to the Scarf Style KAL. Nice.

I'm Ready for Retirement

2006-07-05T15:03:00.000-05:00

I haven't had a vacation since December and am now ready for early retirement. We're going to Hilton Head next week for vacation and I CAN'T WAIT! We have a house on the 18th hole at Hilton Head National. Sigh...nothing like getting worked up over actually getting the ball off of the tee only to lay by the beach and forget about it...

I have finally succumbed to MySpace. Here I am: http://www.myspace.com/knithappy

Still knitting the scarf...hoping to finish while on vacation. I didn't go to knit night last night because of July 4th fireworks at The Carillon. Not only did I get to enjoy the fireworks, but I also had the "pleasure" of being next to the couple that really just needed to get a room. Gag.

More fireworks tonight at the Diamond...completed by left overs from KFC.

The End to a Long Day

2006-06-29T19:21:00.000-05:00

Not much knitting has been going on. I did manage to work on my scarf on the way to and from Phila. today. I am hoping that I'll have the 23" that I need to finish the second sleeve by the end of the weekend so that I can start working on the neck. I think that it's going to be cute when it's finished but the ribbing isn't the greatest...a little repetitive.

I finally mowed the grass yesterday after it quit raining. Between the travel and the house, I am not having a lot of time for much else. I was disappointed to find that ants took over the kitchen this week. This led to the demise of the box of Kripsy Kremes...bummer. MTG was like, "Do you want the good new or the bad news first?" Then, he proceeds to tell me, "The bad news is that ants swarmed the Krispy Kremes last night. The good news is that I threw them in the trash." I think that they're better off at the Henrico Co. landfill...

I bought the newest Goo Goo Dolls CD the other day. This is one of my favorite bands. Too bad that I forgot to notice that the CD came out in February. I give it 5 stars. It's definitely one of my favorites at present...It will be on the iPod for the ride back to my hometown this weekend.

The DBF and I are going to my hometown to see the fam this weekend. The lhasas have been on holiday for the past month since I have been traveling so much. I will be happy to see my BABIES!! They're going to be getting BIG KISSES!! I wish that I could take them back with me but have to wait until we get back from vacation in Hilton Head. Speaking of which: Wish me luck on improving my golf swing between now and then!

The Knitting Continues...

2006-06-26T17:21:00.000-05:00

Life has been crazy hectic lately. I don't know what it is about summer time...except that I have been out of town for the last 2 weekends and will be out of town for the next 4. The grass is getting long :) Here's a picture from last weekend's wedding:

Do I look crazy in love? If not, you'd better take another look...

I went to Atlanta several weeks ago for ASCO (the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting). The buzz was around Tykerb, which I was happy to see, since that's what I've spent the last 3+ years working on. Breast CA patients are going to have yet another treatment option in the future, which is satisfaction enough for me at the end of the day. Anyway, since there was a Barnes and Noble across the street from my hotel, I couldn't resist the urge to do a little shopping. I ended up with One Skein by Leigh Roland and The Knitter's Handbook, which is put out by Knitter's Magazine.

I've been hard at work on my scarf from the cover of Scarf Style. I've finished the first sleeve and this is what I've got on the second:

I've also been working on the Clapotis here and there. The yarn is great, but it clings to itself. This is making it tedious to drop the stiches required to form the ladders. But, once it's finished, I think that it will have all been worth it. Here's what I've done so far:
I've also been shopping for other random knitting "stuff." I ended up getting a Vera Bradley case for my stitch holders because my Hello Kitty bag is too small to hold them. Then, I finally found stitch marks that I actually like. They're the colored rubber bands that you put in little kids' hair. Check it out:

Aside from shopping (which I do so well), I have been doing a little sewing. I finally finished the living room curtains and have moved on to the one that I'm making for the kitchen. Pictures to follow once it's finished...

Tomorrow is knit night! Woo woo!

One Down, One to Go

2006-05-18T16:17:00.000-05:00

I finally finshed one (yes, only one) sleeve from my scarf...the one on the cover of Scarf Style. I started the other one on the plane to Philly the other day and did manage to do a few inches. I was up at 4:30 am that day, so I dozed off mid-knit on the return trip :) Otherwise, I would have more to show for my efforts! To quote Suzanne, "You're still working on that?" Sadly, yes I am...It's death by ribbing, I tell ya!

It's either death by ribbing or death by I-cord. Everytime I look in my knitting bag hoping to find a fun project, I am faced with one or the other. Although, I do have the clap and baby blanket to work on.

My best friend and her husband of one year announced during their last visit that they are going to start "making babies" in the fall. It's hard to believe that that is only a few months away. I have decided that all project knitting will stop (except for the blanket) when she tells me that she's going to be a mommy. I have been accumulating all of these great knitting patterns for tots (heh, tots...) but haven't had anyone to make them for lately. So, since we have been friends since we were 5, I think that it is only right for me to dedicate 9 months to her bambino. I'm so excited! Short projects and instant gratification are the way to go!

My Clap

2006-05-15T19:42:00.000-05:00

After buying all of that yarn at MS&W, I couldn't resist starting a new project: The clap. I've started it twice now. I think that I lost all of my stitch markers on a plane, so I am using some that I found in my grandmother's knitting stash. Ohhhhh..."vintage." Heh. Tomorrow night is the first night in a LONG time that I will actually be able to go to Knit Nite! Yippie Skippie! I'm so glad that my class is over...I have my life back! Speaking of which, tonight is the season finale of Gray's Anatomy. I have a hot date with my knitting and the tele in 5.

Speaking of hot dates, I heart you, MTG. Nite...

Too much yarn?

2006-05-08T19:30:00.000-05:00

As you may or may not know, May 1st was my 26th birthday. My DBF took me to Davis and Main for dinner. If you are a cheesecake connoisseur like me, no one makes it better than this place! It's in the fan on...the corner of Davis and Main. Imagine that. Then, we went to the Martini Kitchen and Bubbles Bar where I proceeded to get pretty drunk...on a Monday night. Heh. I don't know which was better: getting drunk, eating that awesome cheesecake with pomegranate sauce, or being given a gift certificate for an hour-long massage at the Slip Salon.

Anyway, because the festival was scheduled for the weekend after my birthday, I had been planning my trip to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival for quite some time anticipating that I would have lots of birthday money to spend. Having that been said, I think that I did end up with a pretty good pile 'o yarn by the time we left on Saturday.

I found this awesome yarn from Brooks Farm Yarn that I am going to use to make Clapotis. I should also have enough left over to make this awesome scarf whose pattern I got free with the purchase. I also found this circular needle case (it holds 10-30 pairs of needles, depending upon whether you put multiple sets in one space) that is made by Crippen Works. Because I sew, I am pretty critical of other's work. This needle case is made of a durable Waverly home dec fabric and is certainly well-made. I can't wait to start using it!

I also got some Koigu that is destined to become a pair of socks (the navy skeins) and a few of the heart sachets that were featured on Interweave Knits at one point (the multi skein). The two skeins of pink yarn (color: Thistleflower) are from Shelridge Farm in Canada. I think that I am going to make another pair of socks out of this using a pattern from Interweave Knits. The red skein at the bottom right is from Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets in Sprague, CT. The color is "Texas Big Horn." I really like this yarn. It's made of 55% mohair/45% wool. I'm going to make a scarf out of it. I haven't decided on the pattern yet. The skein at the upper left is from the same vendor. It's a fine, 100% merino yarn. The color is Lovebird. I'm going to make a curly Q scarf with it using the pattern that I got with the purchase. The picture doesn't do it justice. The colors in this stuff are awesome. THEN, I got the mini kacha kacha...I was so excited to have found it. Ribbity Knits wouldn't be completed without it seeing as how it resembles a frog and all...

With the exception of the Koigu, which can't be purchased locally here in Richmond, I tried to find unique, hand-dyed yarns that I can't get anywhere else. While I was extremely tempted by Dancing Leaf (as always!), I decided to wait until October when we go to Montpelier. She always has such a nice selection...and there are less people at the Fall Fiber Festival.

Maryland Sheep and Wool

2006-05-08T14:08:00.000-05:00

A wise person once said, "There ain't no such thing as too much yarn." Thus my attendance at "the festival." This is the first of two posts about my adventures at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, which is held in May every year in Howard County Maryland. Many thanks to Lou for taking all of the pictures this year (yes, it would have helped if I had remembered to bring my memory card for my camera...).

8:30am: Lou and I hit the road like two squealing teenage girls for what is expected to be the yarn event of the season!

9:00am: Amanda decides that she cannot live life one more second without a sausage bagel and a trip to the potty (both of which MUST have been brought on from all of the excitement!).

11:30am: Lou and Amanda arrive at their hotel and proceed to get very "incomplete" directions from the hotel staff as to exactly how we are to go about getting to the Howard County Fairgrounds.

1:30pm: Arrive at festival. Note: we got a little lost.

Upon arrival it was all I could do not to pee my pants or run around squealing like a teenage girl (yes, lots of that going on) who just got asked to the prom (or both!!). It just doesn't get any better than 5 zillion skeins of yarn in one place!

Lou and I made our way to the Main Exhibit Hall first thing in search of some Koigu and a few other "must see" vendors. I thought that my head was going to explode...there was so much yarn! Talk about overload. There must have been 5 trillion people in that building. I actually think that I started to get a little clausterphobic...

We made it through the Main Exhibit Hall only to find that the Koigu booth was...empty? There was not one single skein of yarn to be found. Luckily, there were other vendors there who were also selling it that we ran across later in the day. Then...it was time for lunch.

To quote Lou, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." This is all in reference to the deep fried twinkies. Check out my debut on the blog:

I had big plans to get a twinkie but ended up with an eclair when it was all said and done. Seriously, these were the biggest eclairs that I had ever seen...yummy.

I don't think that the trip would have been complete if we didn't check out all of the sheep, rabbits, goats and alpaca. One of them was even nice enough to have her picture taken with us!

Then look who we found! I especially liked the baby goat. I was seriously trying to figure out how I could take him home with me!

Toward the end of the day, a lack of sleep and all of the excitement caught up with me. I started to get a little crazy. Check out my horse:

Look at me, I'm laughing so hard I look Asian :) Here we are with lots of yarn, food and a t-shirt:

I couldn't leave the festival without kettle corn (since I did manage to forget it when I went to Montpelier in October). The perfect end to a perfect day:

Woah Momma!

2006-04-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

Have I not posted to my blog in a long time or what?!?! I guess that that's all the indication you need to know that I've been really busy lately. I've been to Disney World, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Newark, VA Beach and...Danville?? in the last few weeks. This week it's Arlington, Georgetown and Roanoke...Oh, and did I mention that this is all on business and that I'm in hell?? But, hey, like any of this is a good excuse not to blog...

SP7 has finally come to a close. My SP is from Lancaster, PA and she's the coolest! I got Hello Kitty presents!!! If that doesn't deserve a prize, I don't know what does! Check out her blog: http://AngeliasKnitting.blogspot.com

All of my time flying is spent knitting (when I can't use the IBM and the iPod). Here's what I've done so far on my Scarf Style scarf on NEW 12" Size 7 Addi turbos:

Now we're cooking! Those DPNs were about to be the death of me...or should I say my scarf? Right now I'm a few inches shy of finishing the first sleeve. I never really thought that I would like knitting on aluminum needles but, now that I have a good pair and have some experience under my belt, I really like them. I doubt that I will ever give up my bamboo needles but the Addis are definitely a close "second favorite needle."

I'm sort of hung up on the scarf for right now, so I haven't been working on any other projects lately...at least not knitting projects. I have finished my first living room curtain. The other two are close to being finished...if I don't break my Bernina sewing through all of those layers of fabric. It will be a bad BAD day if that happens. For those who don't sew, let me put it in terms that you can understand: Suppose that you bought a brand new Aston Martin...and then drove it off a cliff. That sick feeling that you'd get...that's how I'd feel about breaking the Bernina :) Check out the curtains (and ignore the ugly couch (it belongs to the dogs) that is being replaced in a couple of months when my new chair/ottoman from E.A. get here!):
They look much lighter in the picture. They are darker blue in reality but the fabric is hard to photograph because it has a slight shine to it when the light hits it the right way (like in these pictures). They're on the rods, but I'm not ready to hang them yet because I still need a drill bit. Like I know anything about those :)

I got the fabric for the dining room curtains several months ago, but made a deal with myself: I wouldn't start the dining room curtains until I finished the ones for the living room. It's about that time, and I am stoked! I absolutely love the fabric. I have beige wall paper and white paneling in the dining room, so it definitely needs some color.I did some shopping on eBay because I am seriously hung up on Elsa Williams and crewel embroidery. I found a partially finished pillow that I am going to complete sometime soon. Love it...

It's on tea dyed linen and is going to look great on my blue crushed velvet sofa. I bought some green fabric to make the cording with but am now thinking that a rose colored fabric might actually look better. I know that I don't want to do blue since it is going on a blue sofa. Sigh...where is an interior decorator when you need one? I'm not cut out for this shit :)

Alright, time to study for my Physics test. Is it just me or have I only been posting while trying to avoid studying? Me thinks so...

Always Room for More Yarn

2006-03-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

Now that my Physics test is over, time to blog! My SP is the bestest! Look at what I got in the mail this week:
Thank you, SP! The SP7 "reveal" is supposed to happen at the end of March. I can't wait to find out who you are. I think that you're from Lancaster, PA, SP :) If so, perhaps you know Audrey Buchanan?

As for my job as a Spoiler, I think that I am failing miserably. However, I plan to start redeeming myself this weekend when I finally get my snail mail to Mr. Postman (who, by the way, is such a nice guy!). I do have one more package that I need to send before the end of the month but am having a hard time figuring out what I want to send. Perhaps I can find something this weekend...

I absolutely LOVE Debbie Bliss' Cashmerino Aran yarn! Thank you so much, SP! I have no idea what I'm going to make with the yarn yet but really like the color - goes with my hair :)

Sadly, I did not finish the Booga Bag during the Olympics. Here is what I've finished so far (plus about 4 inches of I-cord):

I'm pleased with how the Kureyon colorway knit up. I can't decide if I'm going to keep the bag for myself or give it away as a gift during the holidays. I suppose that I have a few months to think it over...Many thanks to everyone who set me at ease with regards to my washing machine/felting! I think that a broken Whirlpool would constitute an end to my life as a knitter...

I received a comment about the DB this week! You know it's a UFO when you don't even remember that it exists! (I suppose that I should add it to the UFO list - that makes 4) Anyway, she is just as stumped as I am with the gusset. If there is anyone in the free world who can help us with this dilemma, please do comment! The suggestion is to pick up 3 sides on straight needles and then increase in the first knit row in order to get 42 stitches that can be used for the remainder of the piece. I really should get going on this. It's such a quick little project...Unfortunately, I've found it about as entertaining as the I-cord. I do not think that I am cut out for making stuffed animals.

My favorite local yarn shop (Lettuce Knit) is having a yarn sale on Saturday. So, I think that I might be shopping for yarn despite my commitment to avoid buying more yarn until the yarn festival in May. I can't wait. 10 am...I am SO THERE! Maybe I can get yarn to knit the beer coozie pattern that I got from Lou. If I make it out of black and gold, Mark and I can fight over who gets to use it. Me: Theta Him: Randolph Macon Hmmm...maybe I'll make two. Is it tacky to have matching beer coozies? Probably.

Random information of the week: I just received a letter from my high school pen pal from Egypt this week. I used to write in French and would get my replies in English so that we could work on our "foreign language" skills. Anyway, I got a letter after not having corresponded in over 7 years! I can't even believe that they still had my address! My pen pal has e-mail now...should speed things up a bit!

"That's why we do what we do. It ain't for the money. It ain't for the glory. It ain't for the free whiskey. It's for the badonkadonk!" - Trace Atkins

Procrastination

2006-03-05T12:13:00.000-05:00

I'm now knitting in lieu of studying for my Physics test. There is something so much more appealing about knitting. Imagine that. Electrostatics and circuits vs. yarn. Not a tough decision in my book! So, the baby shawl is looking good at this point and the Physics...Well, let's just say that I've been studying the same chapter for the past two days and have about 5 more to go. Where is motivation when you need it?

I am still looking over the Dale of Norway patterns. I can't figure out if the Oberstdorf pattern is calling for 3 or 4 colors. I have 3 in my stash and am hoping that that is the number that is required. I am also considering the Colorado Springs sweater worn by the U.S. Ski Team in Torino. At this point, I think that this is the favorite, even though it doesn't have a crew neck. Why don't I just knit both? What the hell...

I have started giving some thought to knitted Christmas gifts. Last year I managed to avoid knitting gifts. This was mainly due to the fact that I got several questionable "looks" the year before indicating that the recipients had absolutely NO idea what to do with my gifts. I never thought that a scarf could be "misunderstood." Apparently, I was wrong. At any rate, now that I have been knitting for awhile, I think that I am better equipped to determine two things: 1) Who will actually appreciate a knitted gift and 2) What gifts are better suited to certain individuals. For instance, my dad happens to love the scarf that I made for him...to the point of wearing it out. So, I'm thinking that he might like another before the first one goes beyond the point of my mom letting him out of the house wearing it. And, while my mom liked the scarf that I made for her, I think that a smaller scarf is in order...maybe one that she can wear indoors. I have also thought of making her socks, since she has the smallest feet in the family! :) I am hoping to decide on my gifts/patterns before the wool festival so that I can have an excuse to shop!

Sigh...I guess that I have procrastinated long enough. Time to study.

The Results Are In

2006-03-04T16:27:00.000-05:00

The results are in: Amanda didn't finish her Booga Bag during the Knitting Olympics. I think that somewhere during the making of 5' of 5 stitch I-cord, I lost the will to live. I did learn how to make I-Cord during the event (a good thing) but also quickly learned that it is SO BORING (a bad thing). Anyway, the bag has now been added to my list of UFOs...and may remain on that list for quite sometime unless I can talk Monica into letting me borrow her I-Cord machine. "Life's too short to sit around making I-Cord."

I haven't finished the Booga Bag and have committed to not starting a new project until after I finish one of the 3 that I have on the needles: 1) Debbie Bliss baby shawl 2) Scarf from the cover of Scarf Style 3) Booga Bag. Unless I get some 12", size 7 bamboo circular needles, the scarf may be awhile, as I have found knitting on DPNs to be incredibly tedious. I think that the baby shawl is going to be cast off first...provided that the edging doesn't put me over the "edge." While watching Pride and Prejudice last night, the shawl got some serious attention. I've finished about 1/3 of the project (give or take).

There may be light at the end of the tunnel with regards to all of that Dale of Norway Heilo that is hanging out in my yarn stash. L.B. mentioned that Oberstdorf might be a close second to the sweater that I had originally bought the yarn to knit. While I do not like it as much as the original pattern that I chose, I think that I am going to give it a shot. It is the pattern for the 2005 Norwegian Ski Team's sweater.

As an aside, Physics is taking over my life. I will be glad when it's over...and will definitely be celebrating with a shot of Sky or 10. My MCAT test date has officially been moved to August to allow time for my class to end as well as finish all of the initial requirements for the Junior League. Summer vacation is going to be a blast...me, the beach and...my MCAT study guide. Good times...

Booga Bag

2006-02-20T16:48:00.000-05:00

The Olympics continue, as does my knitting on the Booga Bag. I had to go to Dallas last week on business and got some knitting done on the plane. I'm starting to worry that I'm not going to finish it in time. Right now, I have finished about half of the bag. But, I still need to knit the I-Cord and felt. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Not shopping for yarn is cramping my style. I seriously want to knit the Clapotis but have to wait until May to get the yarn. Blah. I think that I'm going to work on finishing my other ongoing projects and maybe start another felted bag project for which I already have all of the supplies (provided that all goes well with the Booga Bag). My new Whirlpool had better not get any hair balls from this or there will be no more felting for me!

I have read that it is best to felt projects while washing several pairs of jeans or other heavy items. But, the project suggests that several trips through the washer may be necessary in order to get the bag to felt properly. I really don't think that it is necessary to wash my jeans 3 times...can't I just wash it by itself after the first time through? Hmmm...

Let the Games Begin (Officially!)

2006-02-13T18:32:00.000-05:00

Being the bad blogger that I am, I missed the official kick off date for the Knitting Olympics. BUT, while I might not have been blogging, I was damn sure knitting! After 4 days, this is what I've done on the Booga Bag:

It might not look like much, but it's only a few rows shy of being the finished bottom of the Booga Bag. More pictures to follow...

On another note, my FABULOUS SP has sent me presents! Look at my goodies:

I got a huge box filled with stationary, candy (the picture is a few short because I've been eating!), and Hello Kitty a few days ago. Today I got a Valentine with Hello Kitty stickers!! Thank you, SP! You're the best!

Okay...back to the Olympics! Time to get my knit on...

Shopping

2006-02-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

While I really am committed to not buying anymore yarn until Maryland Sheep and Wool, that doesn't mean that I haven't been trinket shopping. The latest Patternworks magazine arrived in the mail the other day, and I have been checking out all of the fun new stuff that I want but really don't need. For example, while I have more point protectors than I really will ever be able to use at one time (yes, I am trying to keep my list of UFOs to a minimum), I really want the Zecca point protectors. I guess that there is something to be said about having your own unique point protectors... they're just SO FUN! Then, I ran across the Mini Kacha-Kacha, which is now on the "Must Have" list. It's a frog...what more need I say?

Aside from shopping, the Debbie Bliss baby blanket and my scarf from the cover of Scarf Style continue. I decided to start the scarf over again because I wasn't pleased with my early DPN knitting. I couldn't live with the holes, twisted stitches and crazy gauge, so I frogged. The inch or so that I have so far looks much better than the last time around, so I am hopeful that this project may actually turn out. However, let me just go ahead and say this: If this d%$# scarf doesn't fit me, I'm going to slam off!! and seriously reconsider whether to EVER knit another article that actually has to fit!

It's only 4.5 days until the games begin...and I'm having a hard time NOT casting on. I can't wait to get started on my bag! It's been on my list of projects since I began knitting...

I finally got my box of goodies in the mail to my spoilee last week. I was a big box full of goodies that included some Noro, needles, a pattern and a candle. I hope that she likes her presents! I have also received a little something! My SP sent me the cutest card with GLITTER! What can I say? I'm a sucker for shiny objects :) I guess that fly fishing just isn't in the cards...heh.

I've been having a rough time lately...the knitting circle withdrawal is almost too much to take! Since my Physics class started in January, I haven't been able to go to Richmond SNB on Tuesday nights. Hmmm...I'm sure that you can see my dilemma. Knitting...Physics? Knitting...Physics? I actually started taking my knitting to class. And, trust me, my professor loves that! But, when he sees how I mop the floor with his test on Thursday, I'm thinking that he might forgive me. We shall see...

Studying for the MCAT is going slowly...very slowly. While it surprises me how quickly everything is coming back to me, I have serious test anxiety. I'm supposed to take it for the first time on April 22nd, however, I am thinking that I might wait and take it in August to give me time to finish my class and spend more time studying. With all that I am doing with work, school, the Junior League and Theta, it's hard for me to get in the study time that I need.

My friends and I have decided to host dinner parties at least once per month and tonight is my night! While I've already planned the menu for tonight, I am open to any and all fabulous recipes! Any links would be greatly appreciated!

Let the Games Begin (Almost!)

2006-01-30T18:43:00.000-05:00

I signed-up for the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics a couple of days ago. My project of choice: The Booga Bag. My friends will probably read this and think, "Amanda, that is so not hard enough for you to choose for the Olympics!" BUT, because I am down to barely two hours of knitting a week, I think that it is going to be a small miracle that I cross the finish line in time! So, the Booga Bag it is! I haven't ever knit a bag AND I've never made a felted project. GO TEAM USA!

I heard from my SP the other day...and I've been chatting with my spoilee. They both seem to be delightful knitters! (Too bad that I almost signed my last e-mail to my spoilee with my name!! Ooops!) I'm so excited to be doing this again...What's better than getting to shop for yarn without the guilt?!? I've gotten my first package together for my spoilee. She likes to knit mits, fingerless mits, bags, socks, etc. What can I say? Some of us like DPNs much MUCH more than the rest of us...

Speaking of which, I started my first project on DPNs a couple of weeks ago. I decided to knit the "shrug-like" scarf on the cover of Scarf Style. Folks, let me just tell you that it isn't pretty. I'm knitting it in the suggested yarn (Rowan's Kid Classic-Color No. 839). It's grey with a strand of black woven in...good stuff. Here's what I've got so far:

Because knitting on the DPNs is so time consuming (and tedious, I might add), I'm already trying to come up with alternative ways to get this thing knit. I know that they make 11" circulars...but do they made them in bamboo or wood? If so, can I use them for a sleeve that has 66 stitches?

Alright, so I finally finished the Sweater with Cable Raglans. That's about all I have to say about that. Well...almost. The sleeves are about 8 inches too long, which could be fixed...possibly. But, the last time I tried it on, I thought that I would have looked better in a potato sack! This sweater has the biggest arm holes of any sweater that I've ever seen in my life! The neck and collar are nice and the length is good. I knit to gauge and am still convinced that, even if I had knit the smallest size (I knit a Medium), it would still only have been suited for a...Pittsburgh Steeler (with pads!). Even though it was a complete bust, check it out:

Knitting the collar...

Right sleeve and side sewn and part of left sleeve set in...

Finished sweater...

While I might not be doing a lot of actual knitting, I am definitely thinking about knitting. Lou and I have already started making plans for Maryland Sheep and Wool, which happens to fall the weekend after my 26th birthday. Bet you can't guess where the b-day funds are going! I have made a deal with myself, though. I'm not going to buy anymore yarn before the festival so that I can try and knit up some of my stash. Well...at least that's what I'm telling myself :)

SP7 Questionnaire

2006-01-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? A complete yarn snob…I don’t avoid Lion Brand now that they have cashmerino yarn. No acrylic, please!

2. Do you spin? Crochet? Neither.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I sewed myself a long needle case and am getting ready to start a pattern for a felted needle case for my short/DP needles.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have been knitting for over a year…I would consider myself an intermediate knitter.

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

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) The smell of hyacinths or lilies

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I love anything with sugar!! Turtles are my favorite candy…

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I sew, cross stitch, and crewel embroidery

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I have an iPod and listen mostly to MP3s…I travel a lot on business and always have to be listening to music. My favorite bands are Maroon 5 and Simple Plan

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? My favorite color is purple, but I usually only wear blue, black, white, brown and green. I prefer fall colors. Orange and hot pink are not colors that I like.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I’m single and live with two great lhasa apsos!

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear anything but ponchos.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Debbie Bliss, Rowan, Jo Sharp

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

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

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

17. What are you knitting right now? Scarf from the cover of “Scarf Style” and a Debbie Bliss baby blanket

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Absolutely.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circular

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo only

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No…and definitely need both!

22. How did you learn to knit? Local yarn shop and books

23. How old is your oldest UFO? 1 year

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

25. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween

26. Is there anything that you collect? Beyers Choice carolers and Hallmark miniature ornaments

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Vogue and Interweave

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? See my Amazon wishlist…

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Fair Isle

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? “Nope” and “I don’t know”

31. When is your birthday? May 1st

Here is the Latest

2005-12-22T16:19:00.000-05:00

Today I signed up for SP7 because I had such a good experience with SP6. Luckily for me, both my spoilee and spoiler were just fabulous! SP is such a great way to meet fellow "knitaholics." And, while the idea the we should continue to encourage one another to buy more yarn or books is questionable, it's always comforting to know that I am not the only one afraid of knitting on DPNs or collecting more fiber than one human could ever knit up in a lifetime. On that note, check out all of the really great stuff I received last week from my SP6:

I had seriously contemplated buying these mitten plates myself from Hallmark and was thrilled to see them arrive in the mail. While I wasn't able to throw a Christmas party this year because of renovations, I am definitely going to use them next year! I also received Knitting with Beads by Lilly Chin and The Magic Loop. My SP also sent me a pattern from KnitPicks for fingerless mits and two skeins of Palette to knit them with. My SP and I are determined to over come the DPN fear sooner rather than later!

Because SP6 has officially come to an end, it was time for the big reveal. My SP6 is none other than Brooke - Thank you so much for all of your thoughtful gifts and the time that you spent making SP6 so much fun! P.S. I am only 25 so, if your son likes VA, feel free to set us up! *wink*

My sweater with cable raglans is coming along now that I have almost finished fixing the sleeves. Turns out that it should have been a 4 row repeat...Officially, there is no errata in the errata. However, all other previously mentioned mistakes exist in the pattern. Pictures to follow when the sleeves are set in, and I begin knitting the collar.

On an extremely devastating note, I have recently been informed that my Dale of Norway sweater may not be possible. Apparently, there is some issue with the way that the pattern is written which prevents the sleeves from being knit correctly...per the NorgeKnit Yahoo! group. And, since these folks seem to really know the scoop when it comes to Norwegian knitting, I may never be able to successfully knit my dream sweater. It is a sad day. However, I am hopefuly that, with the help of L.B., I will be able to fix the pattern and get down to the business of making my ski sweater.

With the Dale of Norway sweater now on the back burner, I have decided to knit this sweater in green next:

Knit On

2005-12-04T11:25:00.000-05:00

I've begun the last sleeve for my sweater. There is now light at the end of the tunnel. I will post more pictures when I start the collar. I mean, who hasn't seen a sleeve?

I'm in search of a magnetic board for the pattern for the Dale of Norway sweater (Book 126) that I'm going to knit next. I noticed that KnitPicks has it, but I want to check around locally first. Here is what the sweater looks like:

Won't I be the cutest ski bunny EVER in this?!? Admittedly, it will be several ski seasons from now before I actually am able to wear it. Did I mention that I'm the "leisurely" knitter? I guess that is my nice way of saying that I knit slowly. Perhaps I will teach myself to knit Continental before I start my gauge swatch...Then, I can be like the Yarn Harlot. On December 2, 2005 she wrote, "... It's like my hands are a blur. Stand back so you don't get hit with flying lint. Yee haw. " She cracks me up :)

On the side, I've been seriously contemplating cutting the facing fabric for my living room curtains. Did I miss the memo that went out about hell freezing over? If I can just bring myself to put the Fiskars and the rotary cutter to work, I can get to the fun part...sewing on the Bernina! My goal is to have the fabric cut and be sewing before the end of the year.

I can officially say that I have been mauled by my Christmas decorations. I'm typing through the pain from all of the cuts on my hands. Who would have thought that you could sustain "serious" injuries from putting up some garland and a Christmas tree? Where was that warning label? :)

Today is the very first meeting of the Richmond, VA Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni Chapter. I also finished my paperwork for the Junior League...late. I miss the deadline EVERY YEAR! So, I'm going to the office on Monday to plead my case and drop everything off. They can't possibly refuse the $200+ that is costs to join can they? If so, I'm going to resort to the cute face and see if that works. ():) Between all of this, the ski club and the advisory board, I'm feeling pretty civic. Now, if only I could find an organ to practice on and the money for cello lessons...

I'm also doing my Physics class research so that I can enroll in January in time to take the MCAT in either the spring or the fall. This is top secret (except for the part where I published it on the internet - ha!) because my parents and friends think that it is a bad idea. It seems strange, doesn't it? What "parental unit" wouldn't want to be able to say that their daughter is an MD? They think that I will be giving up my chance to be a devoted wife and soccer mom. Realistically, why am I going to plan around a family that I don't even have? I see people dying of cancer everyday and feel pain when I think that I have the potential to improve their quality of life. I am slowly finding that cancer research (which is what I do full-time) isn't a substitute for what I feel I could be doing. It is for this reason that my co-workers are adamant that I go. At the end of the day, it's really about what I want. I've wanted to be a "baby doctor" since I was six. I'm 25 and want to be a pediatric oncologist. If I haven't changed my mind in almost 20 years, it may be safe to say that I know what I want to be when I grow up...

Ker-Knit on Tour

2005-11-30T13:59:00.000-05:00

Today is the 30th, so you know what that means: Today the frog gets a name. I received so many great suggestions that made it a tough call. However, I picked "Ker-Knit" (sent to me by Mary). Since there was considerable discussion around whether it should be a boy or a girl, I decided that unisex was the way to go. Ker-Knit went to knit night a couple of weeks ago to the meet the "Panera Knitterati." Check out the pics:

Oh no! It looks like we've got the clap! The Clapotis, that is. One...two...three in this picture alone (not to mention all of the ones that didn't make it to circle that night). I'm starting to feel "out of loop" for not having knit one. It definitely has "future project" potential.

I HAVE BEEN SCARVED! (big smile) Lookie!

It's just beautiful! I can't wait to take it out for a test drive. Many thanks to my secret Scarf Me! pal for taking the time to knit me such a fabulous scarf.

I think that Melanie and I figured out what to do about the sweater with cable raglans pattern (other than throw it in the trash). I have again knit a sweater that will, most likely, be too big for me. Of course, it doesn't help that I managed to somehow loose 12 lbs. during the time that it has taken me to knit the back, front and one sleeve. I think that this is the first time in my life that 1) I have no idea how I lost weight and 2) Wish that I hadn't. Anyway, there is hope for the sleeves. There is errata in the errata (ie. it should be a 2 row repeat, not 4). My blood pressure is now back to normal.

As for the neighbors and their Christmas "decorations" (Yes, I'm using the term lightly), I have yet to trot down the street and take pictures. Do you even use the flash for something like this? I mean, half of the street is illuminated by this house. Perhaps I need take one at night and one during the day in order to attempt to do this house justice...

Just Shoot Me!

2005-11-28T22:55:00.000-05:00

As though having my very first sweater not fit wasn't disappointing enough. Oh no! I persevered, people!! And now...I am feeling the urge to lay both sweaters out nicely on the front lawn and...DRIVE OVER THEM WITH THE LAWN MOWER! (Me oh my, what would the homeowners association have to say about that?!? Speaking of homeowners, just you WAIT until you see the pictures I'm going to post of my neighbor's Christmas decorations. Brace yourself, people. It's gonna get ugly...or should I say tacky, since I am sure that the tacky light tour bus will be making frequent stops for Richmond's viewing "pleasure." If their s#&* doesn't make the paper, I don't know what will...)

Do you realize that, now that I have knit several 4 row repeats, that the sleeve (including the cuff that is to be folded over) is now 24.5" long? Did I mention that I still have 42 stitches on the needles, which means that I need to knit an additional 36 rows. Every 4 rows equals approximately 1" leaving me with sleeves that are almost 34"s long -- yes, almost 3 feet of sleeve. Crap. Better yet..."WTF?" (in the "words" of Monica's bumper sticker) Needless to say, I will be taking my happy ass to knit night tomorrow to figure out "WTF" is going on with my sleeve.

"Hallelujah, holy shit....where's the Tylenol?" - Clark W. Griswald, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (a seasonal viewing tradition pour moi)

P.S. My Scarf Me! scarf is en route from Canada as I speak. Bangin'...

She Loves It, She Loves It Not...

2005-11-27T16:45:00.000-05:00

She loves it! My Scarf Me! pal in Athens, GA dropped me a line to let me know that she loves her new scarf AND that it's going with her to NY! I'm feeling warm and fuzzy :) Even if I don't receive a scarf of my own (which I haven't to date), the Scarf Me! knit along gave me yet another good excuse to get my knit on! "Good excuses to knit are like chilled shots of Smirnoff Orange Twist...you can never have too many."

The navy sweater with cable raglans continues...with pattern errata. So, I went to the Debbie Bliss website and got this:

SWEATER WITH CABLE RAGLANS

SLEEVES
After Shape armhole and before Shape raglans the amount of sts should be 40(44:48:52) sts.
After Shape raglans the instructions should read:Rep the last 4 rows until 20(22:24:26) sts rem, ending with a wrong side row.

Damn. I caught the first error because...I can count! I also caught another error that is not listed (ie. Sleeves: Inc row should read "K2, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k2"). However, I didn't catch the last row error and have been knitting along repeating the last two rows per the original instructions. What's more, I think that by knitting the last 4 rows more than 20 times with the sleeve already being more than 3/4 of the way up my arm (including the rolled cuff), which is how many it's going to take in order for me to end with 24 sts, my sleeves will be A BIT LONG, don't you think?!?! The sleeve seam measurement with the cuff turned back is 19". I can't figure out if they meant to just change the "ending with a wrong side row" and then leave the "repeat the last 2 rows" or change the row repeat too! Is there errata in the errata? I guess that I will try the 4 row repeat and see what I end up with. Blah.

On that note, can I just vent for a minute? With the exception of the row repeat, the cross eyed village idiot who isn't even knitting the sweater could have picked up on the errors in this pattern! By simply reading the pattern, the editors of this book should have noticed that the math didn't quite jive or that you can't very well start with a knit row if you just finished one (ie. when you go to knit the collar and notice that the instructions start with K1, K2 tog and you've just ended both of your sleeves on a right side row). And now...I frog because the website wasn't updated with the pattern errata when I started the sweater (leaving me to assume that the pattern might actually be accurate since the book was published several YEARS ago). Debbie, while I love your patterns and yarn, your pattern editors and/or test knitters are morons who need a swift lesson in proofing (being that that is their job and all). In need of evidence? Check out the long list of pattern errata on your website.

I think that my SP spoiler summed up how I feel about having to fix my sleeves when she said, "Knitting [these fingerless mits] is driving me to drink."

Ribbit Ribbit

2005-11-22T15:52:00.000-05:00

Today I received this little guy (or girl?) from my SP6 and am now accepting name suggestions. I'm thinking that "He" looks like a "Buster." Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, I think that I will consider any suggestions up until November 30th. Post a comment and let me know if you have a hot name that this frog can't live without!

Many thanks to my SP6 for sending me such an appropriate gift! The little knit sweater "It" is wearing pushed me over the edge. Love at first sight, I suppose. Anyway, I've decided that "What's its name?" will be my new travel companion during my knitting-related trips. You know, sort of like that Gnome that has traveled around the world. Since tonight is knit night, I think that I'm going to start by introducing him to the gals at SnB (pictures to follow, I'm sure!). Hey, if Monica can bring a Blythe doll, then I can bring "Whats its name?,"ok? (Check out her blog. Chester is looking especially adorable today...awww)

My confession of the day is that I have not yet mailed my Scarf Me! scarf or my SP6's presents. HOWEVER, I did manage to buy the envelopes and address them. The big plan for tomorrow is to get them in the mail...as soon as I figure out the zip (since this wasn't included in the address that was given to me for sending the scarf).

Ok, wait, I have another confession...I have a fear of DPNs. So, my SP6 sent me a hat pattern to try that requires that I use DPNs (just a little). She says that it's a cute pattern and that she's on her 3rd hat as we speak. I look dumb in hats so, if anyone out there wants a free hat, lend me your head so I can measure it. Fat heads, premature infants and small children need not apply.

If you know me, you know that I ski. Love it, Love it, Love it! So, it stands to reason that I would wear hats...at least under the right conditions. Here is a story: Last year as an early Christmas gift, someone bought me a fleece Hello Kitty hat, and I squealed like a school girl for about 10 minutes. Hey, everyone needs to draw the line somewhere (ie. no hats but Hello Kitty). While I will squeal over my ability to use DPNs, I won't be squealing over any hats that I make unless the Hello Kitty Knit Along re-opens (the hat pattern is so cute!).

That's about enough crazy talk for now! Until next time...

SP6in'

2005-11-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

I went out to the mailbox and was pleasantly surprised to find more presents from my SP6! That's me...spoiled rotten! I got Clover's new coil knitting needle holders and my very first set of charm stitch marks. They're made by Meadow Rose Arts...a teacher at my SP6's LYS. Impressive. They're in the shape of hearts with a lock and key that say "made with love." How cute is that?!? I'm so excited to be getting such great presents! Thank you, SP6! Speaking of SP6in', I have yet to mail the gifts that I have for my spoilee. Tomorrow is the day, though. Because she likes to knit socks, I got her two sets (one red and one green) of point protectors in the shape of socks and another set for extra small needles. I hope she likes them! I am also going to mail my Scarf Me! pal her scarf today. Hopefully she will get it in time for Thanksgiving...

There isn't much going down in "Amanda's World 'O Knitting." The sweater continues...and the red sweater still hasn't been fixed. Tonight is knit night! I think that I am going to take it with me and have someone pin it for me, so I can sew it on the Bernina. The way I see it, the d&^% thing doesn't fit, so I guess that I can't really make it any worse than it already is. Maybe Santa will leave me breast implants and then my sweater will finally fit! HA! :)

Scarf Me! Scarf Finished!

2005-11-01T15:52:00.000-05:00

FINALLY! Today I finished the scarf for my Scarf Me! pal. While I didn't use the entire ball of yarn, I did make it really long per the request of my pal. Many thanks to Vicki for showing me the pattern and to Melanie for writing it! Now...back to my sweater!

Because my favorite holiday is Halloween, it is only fitting that I show off my fabulous pumpkin...I carved his mouth too close to the bottom and had to prop him up on a rock so that the neighbors could actually see his little smile!

I Digress

2005-10-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

Since I finished the "Salsa" scarf, I have finally begun working on the scarf for my Scarf Me! pal. We have lift off! I might start over again, though, since I don't like the width or the needle size that I'm using. It is the first thing on my mind when it comes to knitting since I have to finish it by sometime in November. That's about it on the knitting front. Not much to report other than that I miss working on my sweater!

As for Homecoming...it wasn't as good as it should have been. BUT, I did take some pictures of the girls getting their tailgate on. The joy of being the photographer...you don't actually have to be IN the pictures!
Here are the girls drinking the featured drink: Melissa's blonde bombshell. Yummy! Here are Melissa and Erin with her new baby, Grace:

On another note, I found this through the Sheep in the City blog. Google "(your name) needs" and list the 10 best. Amanda needs...

1. ...To be out in public not acting slutty

2. ...A small config change

3. ...Herself a widescreen TV

4. ...To be reunited with her group

5. ...To relax

6. ...To suck on a pacifier to clear her ears

7. ...To be backed-up

8. ...To be rebuilt

9. ...To not eat dairy

10. ...nonacademic colleagues as a reality check

Taa Daa!

2005-10-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

I finished the "Salsa Scarf" last night on the plane trip home from Phila. I think that it turned out very nicely. I did have some extra yarn and could have made it a little bit longer. As it is, I can still wrap it around at least twice. The fringe is a little short. I suppose that that is what you get for trying to "eye ball" it. I may go back and add some length to the fringe with the remaining yarn. The good news: It is ready in time for Homecoming! Now, if I could just get it together and start the scarf for my Scarf Me! pal.

Speaking of which, Vicki showed me this pattern on Melanie's website. Folks, we have a winner! I'm going to use this pattern along with the Jo Sharp yarn to make the scarf.

This will be the next project, I suppose. My Debbie Bliss sweater is pouting, I think. "Please finish me, Please finish me." The good news (again): I have decided to make only one knit X-mas gift this year so that the end of the year knitting drama is kept to a minimum.

I guess that the question becomes, "What happened to the Scarf Me! scarf that you already started?" Many thanks to Vicki for showing me the pattern. Since I have two skeins of Manos del Uruguay, I am going to take out everything I have done so far and start making this scarf instead. While I like the other stitch pattern that I was working on, I think that I like this one even better.

William and Mary's homecoming is this weekend...and you what know what that means!! Girls' weekend out! No boys, no drama, no lawn mowing!! Just lots of drinking, squealing, drinking, dancing, drinking and partying with the Theta girls! It only gets this good once a year and I am SO THERE. (Do I sound like a sorority girl yet?!?) I mean, like, WOW! And, while I would love to knit during the football game (yeah right, like homecoming is about anything but tailgating??), I don't recommend mixing the two. "Don't drink and knit, you might drop a stitch or spill your beer" Is that good enough for a bumper sticker? Perhaps...

Back to Blogging

2005-10-09T10:03:00.000-05:00

The PC is fixed and Ribbity Knits is back in business...

Vicki and I had a good time at the Fall Fiber Festival. I had my very first taste of kettle corn (yummy!) and sheep sheering. Luckily, we had enough room for all of the yarn! The vendors were good, but I think that the spinners had the upper hand. But then, it would have been a "yarn festival" and not a "fiber festival" if it were any other way! Anyway, here's what I ended up with:

The yarn is "Salsa." It is a mohair/wool blend that comes from Dancing Leaf Farm in Barnesville, MD. They have great knitting kits and fabulous yarn...I'm smitten! Check it out: http://www.dancingleaffarm.com I have already put this yarn to good use making a scarf for yours truly. It's made using 2 x 2 rib on size 9 needles. I cast on 36 stitches after I cut 10" fringe. I also got this for another scarf:

It's super soft wool that even smells good! Go figure...I left it in the bag on the floor, and the lhasas have been sniffing it ever since. After watching them for awhile, I had to see what all the fuss was about :)

Now on to SP6...Many thanks to my SP for my split stitch marks and Halloween sweeties! I plan to put them to good use. Well, I guess that you could say that I've already put the chocolate to good use! On the flip side, I have finally gotten everything boxed to send to my "spoilee." Because she likes socks and lace, two skeins of Koigu are now headed her way. I hope that she likes it!

As for the Scarf Me! scarf...I decided that, while I love the colors in the Manos, I thought that I could do better in terms of yarn that suits my pal. So, I went to Yarn Lounge and got some Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in purple. She said that she likes purple and tweed, so I don't think that I can go wrong. I only bought one skein (147 yds), so I am going to take Vicki's suggestion and make a drop stitch scarf. So many projects, so little time!

My PC Bit The Dust

2005-09-28T18:38:00.000-05:00

My computer has croaked...or, at least it won't access the internet. So, no pictures for awhile. Bummer.

Vicki and I have decided to pack up the Escape and take a little road trip to The Fall Fiber Festival of Virginia in Orange County. While I'm not so sure about the Sheepdog trials, there will be lots and lots of WOOL - all of which I am sure that I am going to want to bring home with me. Sigh...we may have to bring two cars!! Haa haa!

SnB was fun last night. Everyone is starting to work on their Christmas presents and winter wear, and Monica gave me tips on how to make this cute bag for my friend (who I cannot mention because she reads this site!). I hope she likes it...and that I can get it finished before Christmas! It's a pattern on Knitty called Unbiased. AND, what makes it extra special: it was designed by someone who lives here in Richmond!

Not much else going on on the knitting front. The cabled raglan sweater continues and the DB is on the verge of becoming a UFO. Cathy had her baby boy yesterday, and the DB is still in shambles. Maybe it will be ready in time for his first birthday?

The Yarn Harlot strikes again! For a good laugh call: 877-SOS-KNIT (Press #3) "Your knitter wants you to know that there is NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH YARN!!"

Presents!

2005-09-17T08:17:00.000-05:00

Last night I received a cute photo album from my SP6. Thanks SP6! I'm going out today to try and find a few goodies for my SP6...and replace my cable needle. I was bummed when I realized that I don't have any purple yarn for my Scarf Me! pal. Because the scarf has to be finished/received by November, I have gotten a little anxious about the need to get started. Last night my impatience got the better of me, and I started the scarf using some Manos Del Uruguay that I had in my stash. While it's not entirely purple, it does have SOME purple. I hope that she likes it! I have another skein and am going to make myself one just like it. I got the pattern from Knit Scarves...the book is calling it a woven stitch. It's not like any woven stitch that I've ever seen before, but I like the look of it. I'm going to put some fringe on the ends and will post another picture when it's finished.

SP6 - The Questionnaire

2005-09-16T15:47:00.000-05:00

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? Yarn snob. I hate 100% acrylic. Some mixtures are okay, though.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? Neither.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) No.

4. How long have you been knitting? One year.

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

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

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Am I a woman?

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Sew on my Bernina, cross stitch and crewel embroidery.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Rock/Alternative/Punk/Pop. I have an iPod and use iTunes...and I have a CD burner/can play music on my computer.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I hate yellow and bright colors because they look so bad on me. My favorite color is purple, but my favorite colors to wear are brown, black, white, navy, green and red.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm single with two lhasa apsos.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) My dream was to go to medical school to be a pediatric oncologist...I'm still deciding on this one. I would love to raft the Galley River, visit Tuscany and ski Steamboat Springs.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Debbie Bliss, Karabella, Rowan, Trendsetter, and Lorna's Laces

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

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Sweaters, Christmas gifts.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Baby items for friends.

17. What are you knitting right now? Reference my blog.

18. What do you think about ponchos? They make me look fat.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Depends on the project but mostly circular.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo/wood.

21. Are you a sock knitter? Not yet...but I have the yarn for several "pending" projects.

22. How did you learn to knit? Local craft store/friends.

23. How old is your oldest UFO? One year.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Lhasa apsos, frogs, turtles, and ducks...

25. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween.

26. Is there anything that you collect? Yarn (haa, haa), Byer's Choice, miniature Hallmark ornaments.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting, Shawl Style by Pam Allen

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? Nope.

30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like? Shit if I know...

Has It Really Been This Long?

2005-09-16T14:45:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that it has been almost a month since my last post! Where does the time go? I might not have been busy posting, but I have been busy knitting! To start, I finally "finished" the Shawl Collar Pullover from Fall 2004 Vogue Knitting. It's too big under the arms, so I am going to have to take it in. The girls at knitting circle suggested everything from sewing (anything to use the Bernina!) to re-seaming the sides. So for now, if I looked like Barbie, I would have myself a fabulous sweater. Is making your first sweater always this big of a PITA (pain in the ass)? Anyway, here it is (the pictures do not do it justice -- it's made with such great yarn and is such a nice color):

Okay, so as if making the first one wasn't bad enough, I've decided that I have to make the Sweater with Cable Raglans from Debbie Bliss' Book Four. This is what it's going to look like:

And so far, this is what I have:

Here's to my first cables...and my lost Brittany Burch cable needle. While I do love to knit and fly, I am forever losing things...especially things that I drive 30 minutes outside of Baltimore each way to find. Blah! If only I could find a website that sells them...

Aside from sweaters, I have finally ordered/received my new knitting bag. At first I went for a Vera Bradley. However, when I realized that it was seriously more like a piece of luggage, I committed. Many thanks to Melanie for turning me on to this great bag!

Okay, now on to SP6 and Scarf Me! I received an e-mail from my SP6 "spoiler" and have made contact with my SP6 "spoilee." Is SP6 me or what?!? I mean, not only do I get an excuse to buy MORE YARN, but I also get presents!! The girls seem nice, so maybe I'll make some BFFs (yes, I said "BFFs"). Haa, haa! Let's see, I guess that I should put some info on here to profile myself as a knitter...

I love all Debbie Bliss, Rowan and Karabella yarns. Since I have auburn hair, I love navy blue, white, kelly green and black. I only use wooden needles and...my biggest wish is to learn to fair isle knit. I love to ski and the Dale of Norway Ski Team sweaters are b*&^%in!

My Scarf Me! pal likes purple. I was so excited to get the opportunity to use some of my stash for this project and, while purple is my favorite color, I don't have any purple yarn. Doesn't that just figure...Oh well, I suppose that this is yet another excuse to buy MORE YARN. I'm seeing a trend here...

As an aside, it is still 90 degrees here and I still cannot figure out why my Weather Pixie isn't in a bikini. Stop the insanity!!

I have an addiction...Make that two.

2005-08-26T10:50:00.000-05:00

During my trip to the beach, I was on a mission for some yarn for Backyard Leaves from Scarf Style. And, because Norfolk has one of the only San Rio stores in Virginia, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to shop for some Hello Kitty too!

The red sweater is still a work in progress.

I had to take out all of the seaming that I had completed because the right sleeve wasn't setting in correctly. I took it to circle and Lou suggested that I shorten the front (Thanks, Lou!). I wasn't happy about it but that's exactly what I did. I shortened both sites of the front and then joined the shoulders, set in both sleeves and seamed the right side up to the sleeve yesterday. At least it's starting to look like a sweater!

Sweater Finished...Almost

2005-08-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

Last night I finally finished the collar to my red sweater. Whoo hoo! Now for the seaming...The shoulders are finished and I have begun the cap of the sleeve. I don't think that I do not like to seam, however, I am not motivated lately to sit down and do it. I think that it is because I like to sit at a table and do it. The kitchen chairs aren't what I would consider comfortable, and I haven't been working on it at Stitch 'N Bitch because I am afraid that I will get PBJ on it. I had grand plans to work on it today but have decided that I would rather start another piece of the DB (that's now short for "Damn Bunny"). I guess that this is a good plan since the baby shower is not far from now AND I might could actually contribute to the Bunny KAL.

I went to VA Beach for the weekend and checked out the local yarn stores. After visiting four stores, I was completely disappointed. Yet another reason why "I love you, Richmond VA!!" It's been awhile since I have seen so much novelty yarn. Correction: the same novelty yarn. Hell, the same yarn. Period. Talk about a lack of variety. I was considering going down for Knitapaloosa but am having serious second thoughts.

I can officially say that the day from hell is coming to a close. It's time for Laguna Beach and tomorrow is knit night! Things are already starting to look up :)

Goodies!

2005-08-15T15:03:00.000-05:00

Stash management is not one of my strong points. This weekend I got this:

While the last thing that I need is more yarn, I couldn't resist. I also found the yarn that I need to finish my Shawl Collar Sweater. Now I can actually finish a project! While I have been trying to keep the shopping to a minimum, I am going to get a LandsEnd diaper bag. No babies!! I am going to use it as my new knitting bag....Sigh, nothing like a knitting bag complete with its very own changing pad! Look out, girls!

Aside from this, nothing new to report on the knitting front. I have this compulsion to take on projects that take forever to complete. Alas, no new pictures for now. Hopefully, my next pic will be of me sporting my new (very first) sweater! Yee haw...

A Good Laugh. . .

2005-08-09T21:27:00.000-05:00

I found this website: (http://209.17.131.1/craft/dress.htm)
the other day and had a good laugh. Is it just me or is the featured pig bald? I guess this would explain its being on the Nearly Hairless site. Anyway, it would appear that someone took great care in designing this little outfit. Hats off to the designer...this pig is stylin'.

Tonight was knit nite! Fun as always. I took my first stab (literally) at knitting on DPNs. I never thought that knitting my bunny's bum would be such a pain in mine! I think that this rabbit may be my first and last attempt at knitting stuffed animals. Although there is this penguin pattern I am dying to try out...

Yesterday I found out that Laurie's baby is going to be a boy! Yippie Skippy! I have just the thing...Mum's the word, though. I don't want to spoil the surprise by mentioning it on the blog :)

I haven't decided which project I want to make out of Pam Allen's Scarf Style. I have officially joined the group and have no project. Decisions, decisions...I really love Backyard Leaves and Ene's Scarf. Looks as though I am going to have to do some shopping (for shame!!). The Backyard Leaves pattern calls for Karabella Aurora 8, which is one of my favorites. So, that is just what I am going to use. The deal is: I cannot start this project until the bunny is finished! This is my new incentive.

Yarn Drama!

2005-08-07T18:31:00.000-05:00

I have been completely distressed lately because I have run out of yarn for my Shawl Collar Pullover from the Winter 2004 Vogue Knitting (Pattern #22). After checking with the LYS where I bought the yarn (only to find that they no longer have my dye lot) I proceeded to call almost every yarn store in the free world. And, let me tell you, that's a lot of yarn stores! I bought one skein of another dye lot from this fabulous store in Baltimore, MD (Woolstock Yarn Shop, you rock!) and knitted it in but took it out after seeing the clear difference in color. Anyway, I finally thought to myself, "Duh, why don't I just post for it on a few knitting forums?!?" So, don't you know that I stated my plea on the Knitter's Review Forum and within 3 days, I had found someone with 13 skeins of my dye lot who is willing to sell them to me! Whew. I am SO donating to that board as soon as I receive my yarn...

Well, as if my yarn stash is not big enough as it is, I proceeded to surf the forum only to find this lovely knitter who was selling 3 skeins of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in the dye lot that I am using for the Baby Shawl featured in Debbie Bliss' Special Knits. She then sweetened the deal by agreeing to send me an additional, partially used skein. So, I am getting 3 1/2 skeins of the yarn for $15.00 (including shipping). Life is good. After my scare with the sweater, extra yarn is now a must!

Work on the bunny (Debbie Bliss' Special Knits p. 32) is progressing slowly. Who would have ever thought that knitting a stuffed animal could be so tedious?!? I am hoping to have it finished in time for the shower in September. So far, only the face and the gusset have been finished. Legs and arms...always a plus. In commemoration of my efforts, I have submitted a request to join the Bunny KAL.

I am sure that every blog is inspired by something. Here's mine:

Is this the cutest change purse ever or what?!? Many thanks for this little gift.

He's got that raised eyebrow...how Pierce Brosnan.

I'm spent. Re-building the blog and cutting the pieces for the living room curtains took a lot of work. Time to knit!