I have been a bad blogger. Yes it has been over a month since the last posting, I really could have posted sooner, but, really haven't been in the mood when I thought about doing it. Of course I also have not been keeping up on anyone elses either, Sorry folks.
I have been doing drive by blog reading when I can. But Ravelry I read every day, go figure....
Think I will start subscribing with bloglines or something to make it easier to keep up with the blogging world instead of going through all the fave'd links...
Onward we go...
In family land, had a wonderful Christmas, Joey had a blast opening up and helping others open their gifts. Pics will be forthcoming someday, once I upload them all into flickr or photobucket. J&J had a great trip out for the holidays as well. Spent a lot of quality time with them both.
Plod, plod....
Joey had Strep throat last week with the lovely snadpaper rash that accompanies it. A trip to the ER and antibiotics(3x a day) and he was back to normal in 2 days. He was very upset when his 'polka dots' went away on his tummy. and so thankful that he takes his medicine better than most adults, only had to bribe him for a couple of days with candy to take it.
Hmmm FO land
No pics yet of course, but I have finished off several hats. Found a wonderful top down pattern on Ravelry from Knitting Fiend. I have made 7 so far, 4 adult, 2 toddler and 1 baby with ok to great results once I figured out the gauge and all. Used Reynolds Rapture(blue), Yarn Pirate Merino in killer bees(this one is up on Rav), Wool O(organic 50/50 wool cotton in pink), Berreco Comfort in Red(ohh so soft, loved it/1 toddler and 1 adult hat out of 1 skein), Ultra Alpaca Berreco in eggplant and Valley Yarn (WEBS) in Terrecotta.
2 pairs of fingerless mitts. These went so quick 2 days tops to make a pair(with life going on at the same time) I actually had one done in maybe 4 hours. 1 pair in Noro Kureyon(I think) for my Mom, that I received from swap pal Valerie last summer. And 1 pair in 100% alpaca that I picked up from Wool and Gray at the NJ Sheep and Wool Festival last fall. Mom loves hers and I am ok with mine. The alpaca, 1 was fingering weight and the other a lace/fingering weight, so I doubled them up, they are warm and sooooo soft, but the thumb is a little tight and even with trying them on as I went a touch to long at the fingers. Debating whether a ripping is in order to get it right or just enjoy the soft fuzziness of happiness
WIP
I have about 20 inches of my Cozy Shawl from Knitty done, Lovely forest green in Berreco Ultra Alpaca. Have 6 pairs of socks on the needles, A's work socks in stockinette, another pair of stockinette in blue and gray on #2(not thrilled with the yarn, but darn it I will finish the pair), half a monkey pair done, 1 pair in a mock cable pattern in a navy blue on Harmonies(daylight anyone), and a lace diamond pair toe up in Red offbrand Cashmere Merino blend that I picked up a stiches last year. Pair # 6 will be discussed later.
Sleeping away are 2 lace weight shawls, a top down raglan baby sweater, a Montego bay scarf.... and some other really old stuff that we won't mention right now.
Yarn Pr0n. I have actually been pretty good. I stopped buying randomly in Dec. I have to date only purchased what was an actual intended project that has either been completed or in progress. No sock yarn has been outright purchased since Dec either. Though,, lol, I really can't count the clubs that were paid for in advance right.
I am sooooo behind, 2 skeins of YarnPirate, sit forlornly on my desk, 2 skeins of Wollmeise, 4 kits from Woolgirl, Xmas, Valentines, SPruce and Irish, waiting patiently for me, with another set to arrive(the last of '07) in a week or so. Not counting everything already stashed.
It's the sock yarns, the lovely hand dyed, soft scrumptious colored wool, that is my undoing. I still lurk on the sites, petting my screen.... eeek...
Enabler I am though, I do point everyone to what I can't have so they can buy it *EG* I am really trying to catch up with my own stash of sock yarn though. Just not enough knit time!!
Swap land, I am still only in one, The Sock It To Me Twice(button side bar tired of linking need a Magic links darn it!!) Finally settled on a pattern and yarn(out of my stash thank you) after several false starts 5-6 patterns and 3 different yarns later, have 3 inches into sock #1 and great plans for the rest of the package. Will be trying my hand at dying for this swap, should be interesting(yes I did buy undyed yarn from knitpicks, but it is not going into the stash so...)
Will be starting a blanket/shawl for an upcoming baby shower for a cousin, the Spanish Christening shawl from Folk Shawls in knitpicks bare Merino/Silk. SOme other friends expecting this year to that I will be finding projects for as well, can't say to much they read this blog occasionally.
Let's see family is still around and kicking, will be working more on the house this weekend, electrical, panaling and drywall, maybe painting see how humid it gets this weekend with the cold front.
Started playing COD4 in Jan, lots of fun. Guild Wars putters along, not to much time in, but Canthan New Year is coming so may hang out for a while there.
Really long glad you made it to the end. Will try to keep up more frequantly this month and get some pics up or post a link to flickr or photbucket when I get them up loaded.
Talk to you soon
Jen
Friday, February 8, 2008
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve
I have made it. The intentional Christmas knitting off the needles well before tonight, the unintentionals, 1 left to go, but not a real rush to have it done until this weekend. Presents are all wrapped and ready to be sorted. Baking is done.(8 dozen cookies distributed) i really intended more but the urge has gone for tonight.
I am having a knitting crash tonight. I really want to work on my Cozy or the socks. Lots of gorgeous yarn waiting to be cast on. But the urge isn't there. hopefully after a break tomorrow i will be back in the mood. The pressure of even planned holiday knitting is still a lot of pressure. Is it right, did it block out, will anyone notice that weird looking stitch but me or should I rip out the entire thing??? (Actually did that 3 times each on two of the projects...) Will they like it. New to the holiday knit gift giving as a primary gift, really nervous too. ahh well....
Off to put the gifts under the tree, make sure Santa gets his chocolate chip cookies and milk and be forgiven because I forgot the carrots for the reindeer. Think they would like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles instead????
To all my friends out there IRL and in blogging land, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, a inspirational Solstice, had a joyful Diwali, Happy Hannukah, joyous Kwanza(running out of adverbs here) hope you had/have a wonderful day!!!
I am having a knitting crash tonight. I really want to work on my Cozy or the socks. Lots of gorgeous yarn waiting to be cast on. But the urge isn't there. hopefully after a break tomorrow i will be back in the mood. The pressure of even planned holiday knitting is still a lot of pressure. Is it right, did it block out, will anyone notice that weird looking stitch but me or should I rip out the entire thing??? (Actually did that 3 times each on two of the projects...) Will they like it. New to the holiday knit gift giving as a primary gift, really nervous too. ahh well....
Off to put the gifts under the tree, make sure Santa gets his chocolate chip cookies and milk and be forgiven because I forgot the carrots for the reindeer. Think they would like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles instead????
To all my friends out there IRL and in blogging land, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, a inspirational Solstice, had a joyful Diwali, Happy Hannukah, joyous Kwanza(running out of adverbs here) hope you had/have a wonderful day!!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Joey and the Xmas Tree
Another drought in blog land. A little less than a month this time. No pics this round, need to upload still.
this is a dual update and contest posting for SITM Twice.
After my protestations that I was not going to sign up for any swaps this season, I did with Sock it to Me Twice, the kicker and why I did sign up is I have until March to accomplish the major parts, like knitting a pair of socks!!
The Holidays are upon us with a vengence. 6 days to go!! My Holiday knitting is actually almost done. I think. Pics and details on blog after the holidays, though Ravelry will be updated this week most likely. A few ends to weave in on the last official project and it should be. Now the problem is I keep thinking, well I still have to get something for so and so, maybe I should knit something up real quick. Then I go delve into my stash find the miscelaneous skein of whatever and bring it into the house and there it sits on my desk in a forlorn manner waiting for me to cast on for something quick easy and gorgeous, that would be perfectly appropriate for the recepient. Guess how many skeins are arrayed on my desk...... Well other than pets none, I did finally give up on the idea that I would cast on any of the 8 skeins that had previously populated my "Maybe I could" pile. Actually 2/2 skeins of pink and variegated novelty are back on my desk for a quick hat and scarf set for a younger cousin, maybe. Anyone else ever go through this???
But onward. We have had the obligatory first snowfall, pics are pending, received a couple of inches of snow and an inch or so of ice about 2 weeks ago. Last storm brought ice and rain. Looks like it will be a cold and snowless Christmas this year, ahh well, you never know til the day arrives, I can hope.
James and Jessica will be out for a week the day after Christmas. Can't wait to see them. They have reported passing grades for the sememster, YEAH!!
Joey has decided that when he plays, he "Can't Mommy, I am busy" while playing and that is just when I check up on him, you know when they get real quiet and you start to wonder what they are up to, quiet. 3 months shy of 3years and such a stinker. again pics pending. Up to 3-4T now, growing so fast. Teary moment - I so miss that teeny baby stage, when I held him, cuddled and sleeping on my chest for naps, all curled up and warm. We co-sleeped with him until he started to roll around and kick to much, only so much room on a queen size, ya know. But those first 2-3 months such cuddles. Then the rocking to sleep in his room, holding him in my lap while I read stories and he looked at the pics, Goodnight moon, Runaway bunny, Pajama Time. Sometimes 2 or 3 rounds each. Now, he wants to hold the books and sit in his bed to read his truck books and rarely do I get the privlidge of cuddles and books. Ahh well the time goes fast and I will take what I get, he's health and happy and such a little boy.
The tree is up and decorated. Joey is getting a big kick out of 'ismas, as he likes to say. Andy put the lights up outside this year, just for Joey, as he loves the lights on everyone elses house. Next year will be some preplanning and will probably do more than just the gutters.
Ahhh, the fireplace is finished, and fires have been going almost every weekend and occasionally on a weekday and with the decorations and tree up it looks great!!!. Andy did a excellent job with the tile and trim and accents the bookshelves wonderfully.
1 more quick trip and the holiday shopping will be done for me at least.
I have just realized it has been a long and not to much to report month for me. Work putters along with its ups and downs.
Knitting goes on, wonderful additions to the stash from Wollmeise, highly reccomend their yarn, the colors are so rich and beautiful!! Ravelrs can find it in my stash, Very generous sock skeins as well, 575 yards, shipping from Germany really wasnt that bad either, price was decent and only took 2 weeks. Also Club shipments from WoolGirl, Highly reccomend signing up for the 2008 Sock Club and/or for 7 Deadly S(p)ins, if you haven't already. Jen's taste are impeccable to date and these promise to be trully wonderful offerings.
I will admit I am a little (just a little, lol) behind on my own knitting, but I have finished another hat for Andy, have almost 6" done on my Cozy shawl(I love the Ultra Alpaca from Berrecco!!) and I keep trying to magic link and it's not working!!! and only 3 active socks OTN! We won't count the inactives yet, shhhh, they're sleeping....
Other Knitting stuff, ahh my dearest daughter Jessica, is firmly and officially interested in knitting. Her first major project over the summer, a prayer shawl using.... Homespun. She enjoyed it and survived it, without any major trauma and is looking to do a hat over the Holidays!!
Have officially used my Harmony dpns and love them. They have the slick feel of the nickel and the lightness of wood, though the are grabbier than the nickel, but not as grabby as bamboo. And Options, ohhh, much better IMO than Addie's. though I will admit I haven't tried any lace project with them, so that opinion is still in progress. I did have a small crisis with a cord pulling out and Knitpicks Customer Service was excellent, no questions asked, just confirmed who I was, which size, and had the replacement in a week. Cool huh!
That about covers it, I have rambled on enough. I will try to post up pics this weekend.
Happy Winter Holidays to all!!!
this is a dual update and contest posting for SITM Twice.
After my protestations that I was not going to sign up for any swaps this season, I did with Sock it to Me Twice, the kicker and why I did sign up is I have until March to accomplish the major parts, like knitting a pair of socks!!
The Holidays are upon us with a vengence. 6 days to go!! My Holiday knitting is actually almost done. I think. Pics and details on blog after the holidays, though Ravelry will be updated this week most likely. A few ends to weave in on the last official project and it should be. Now the problem is I keep thinking, well I still have to get something for so and so, maybe I should knit something up real quick. Then I go delve into my stash find the miscelaneous skein of whatever and bring it into the house and there it sits on my desk in a forlorn manner waiting for me to cast on for something quick easy and gorgeous, that would be perfectly appropriate for the recepient. Guess how many skeins are arrayed on my desk...... Well other than pets none, I did finally give up on the idea that I would cast on any of the 8 skeins that had previously populated my "Maybe I could" pile. Actually 2/2 skeins of pink and variegated novelty are back on my desk for a quick hat and scarf set for a younger cousin, maybe. Anyone else ever go through this???
But onward. We have had the obligatory first snowfall, pics are pending, received a couple of inches of snow and an inch or so of ice about 2 weeks ago. Last storm brought ice and rain. Looks like it will be a cold and snowless Christmas this year, ahh well, you never know til the day arrives, I can hope.
James and Jessica will be out for a week the day after Christmas. Can't wait to see them. They have reported passing grades for the sememster, YEAH!!
Joey has decided that when he plays, he "Can't Mommy, I am busy" while playing and that is just when I check up on him, you know when they get real quiet and you start to wonder what they are up to, quiet. 3 months shy of 3years and such a stinker. again pics pending. Up to 3-4T now, growing so fast. Teary moment - I so miss that teeny baby stage, when I held him, cuddled and sleeping on my chest for naps, all curled up and warm. We co-sleeped with him until he started to roll around and kick to much, only so much room on a queen size, ya know. But those first 2-3 months such cuddles. Then the rocking to sleep in his room, holding him in my lap while I read stories and he looked at the pics, Goodnight moon, Runaway bunny, Pajama Time. Sometimes 2 or 3 rounds each. Now, he wants to hold the books and sit in his bed to read his truck books and rarely do I get the privlidge of cuddles and books. Ahh well the time goes fast and I will take what I get, he's health and happy and such a little boy.
The tree is up and decorated. Joey is getting a big kick out of 'ismas, as he likes to say. Andy put the lights up outside this year, just for Joey, as he loves the lights on everyone elses house. Next year will be some preplanning and will probably do more than just the gutters.
Ahhh, the fireplace is finished, and fires have been going almost every weekend and occasionally on a weekday and with the decorations and tree up it looks great!!!. Andy did a excellent job with the tile and trim and accents the bookshelves wonderfully.
1 more quick trip and the holiday shopping will be done for me at least.
I have just realized it has been a long and not to much to report month for me. Work putters along with its ups and downs.
Knitting goes on, wonderful additions to the stash from Wollmeise, highly reccomend their yarn, the colors are so rich and beautiful!! Ravelrs can find it in my stash, Very generous sock skeins as well, 575 yards, shipping from Germany really wasnt that bad either, price was decent and only took 2 weeks. Also Club shipments from WoolGirl, Highly reccomend signing up for the 2008 Sock Club and/or for 7 Deadly S(p)ins, if you haven't already. Jen's taste are impeccable to date and these promise to be trully wonderful offerings.
I will admit I am a little (just a little, lol) behind on my own knitting, but I have finished another hat for Andy, have almost 6" done on my Cozy shawl(I love the Ultra Alpaca from Berrecco!!) and I keep trying to magic link and it's not working!!! and only 3 active socks OTN! We won't count the inactives yet, shhhh, they're sleeping....
Other Knitting stuff, ahh my dearest daughter Jessica, is firmly and officially interested in knitting. Her first major project over the summer, a prayer shawl using.... Homespun. She enjoyed it and survived it, without any major trauma and is looking to do a hat over the Holidays!!
Have officially used my Harmony dpns and love them. They have the slick feel of the nickel and the lightness of wood, though the are grabbier than the nickel, but not as grabby as bamboo. And Options, ohhh, much better IMO than Addie's. though I will admit I haven't tried any lace project with them, so that opinion is still in progress. I did have a small crisis with a cord pulling out and Knitpicks Customer Service was excellent, no questions asked, just confirmed who I was, which size, and had the replacement in a week. Cool huh!
That about covers it, I have rambled on enough. I will try to post up pics this weekend.
Happy Winter Holidays to all!!!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I try to be thankful every day for the things in my life. My healthy happy family, sons, daughter, Moms, Dads, Sisters, brothers, nephew, those close and not so close. All my cousins also both near and far.
I am spending today with one part of my family. My dear husband Andy, youngest son Joesph, MIL, SIL, BIL, nephew and the grandmother. Enjoying a Thanksgiving feast prepared by the BIL with assorted dishes provided by my MIL and an apple pie and gooey pumpkin cake thing baked by me this morning.
I will miss my oldest kids James and Jessica as they spend the holiday with their father and his family, but still wish them the best Thanksgiving day possible. Love you guys and miss you. My mother is enjoying her Thanksgiving today with her husband and brother(out for a long visit to California) and my sister should be down already as well, to enjoy a weekend at home with Mom.
I am thankful daily for lots of things, good health, family, friends, a good job and co-workers, a roof over my head, a car that runs, a family that cares for me and I for them.
I am also thankful for the internet and all the friends it has brought to my life. Some I have met IRL(in real life) some I have not and hope to some day.
My gaming friends from DOJ, whom I have been absent for a while, but speaking with more now that fall and winter are moving in and outside is getting chilly. Yes, most of my gaming is done when the weather is crappy or chilly out, lol.
My real life knitting friends over at Twisted Stitchers Happy Thanksgiving and see you next week!!!
And to my online knitting friends, some I meet through KR and some I have not only continued the friendship, but expanded and also made even more friends though Ravelry. I have to give a warm and heartfelt thanks to Jess and Casey with Bob, who came up with a wonderful idea and carried it much further than I think they ever expected and to such massive membership, that I know they didn't expect. Ravelry goers are doing our own Thanksgiving/Holiday Well wishing over there to show our thanks and appreciation for all that they do.
As I sit and type this epic, I began to think of other specific online folks, Bethany, who I hope is continuing to settle into her new home in Alabama after a very rough trial to get there, an having a great day with her family and the Holiday season brings her all the Joy and Happiness that family and holidays can. Silfert who I think would love the Pumpkin Gooey cake so I have attached the link, so she(and everyone else who bakes) can try it.
I have many other online friends, that I think about today, I will not list them, because 1) I will forget someone and hate doing that and 2) if I mention everyone I will miss my dinner, so to all the others out there who's names I haven't mentioned but are out there and i have made/sent Happy Thoughts too, you bring great joy, entertainment, education and happiness to my life by the thoughts you post in the forums and blogs and I wish as well all the Joy and Happiness the today and the rest of the Holidays will bring.
I will close now, pies to finish and need to get ready for dinner, Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Update, Sock it to Me Twice, Fo's
First an update, it has been a while...
Other than having a vicious cold, that has killed my voice(probably have a good phone career for a couple of days, lol), Joey started the cold cycle and is doing better though still off just a tad, Andy's still hacking away, think if he isn't better by Wed, drag him to work for a CXR and antibiotics.
We woke up to snow on Monday. Big, white, fluffy flakes. If it had been a little colder, probably would have stuck. Ahhh well, turned to rain by afternoon. It was pretty though. Anybody else love the way snow looks while you are driving, the tunnel flying at you thing, I think it's neat anyway.
Getting ready for Thanksgiving. I will be baking an apple pie and a pumpkin custard thing(have to go to Rachel Ray's website for this recipe) that the Dear MIL has requested.
Looking at the Black Friday ads to see if there will be anything on the XMas lists for a good price. I will NOT be getting up at 2am again. Did it last year and not happening this year, unless it is free and I have to have it can't live without at, the world will end if it is not in the house, etc... so yeah...
Had a wonderful delivery yesterday.... what was it you ask.... Yarn Pirate!!! in BFL(blue faced leichester) Never touched BFL before.... ohhh boy, I pulled a L&V when I touched it. Yeap I squeed, LOL!!!! and the colorway is gorgeous, Georgia really did a wonderful dye job. Wound it up then and there and I have a new pet for my desk until I decide what pattern. Thinking maybe a shawlette or scarf.
Will be going to a book signing for Mary Beth Temple - Secret Language of Knitters on Dec 2 in Montclair. I met her at the Ravelry brunch at Stix-n-Stitches early this month, wonderful lady, book promises to be a great read!!
Finished 2 projects this week, the stockinette hat for Andy(only took about 2 weeks of off and on knitting), and my Halloween socks from WoolGirl are done.
I have since cast on 2 more pair for me. The Nov Mystery from Mona at SKA(Ravelry) were re-cast on last night with metal DPN's, I tried with the bamboo #0 and #1 and was too nervous with every bend and uhhggg, thankfully nothing snapped, so #1 nickle and much happier. Also cast on the Rivendal from Chameleon ColorWorks(August), love the evolution yarn, hopefully they will be back on track for next year.
Once my order from Stix-n-Stitches arrives I will be casting on for Holiday Projects. I promise though no one is getting socks from me, maybe.... Really trying not to over commit myself with holiday knitting this year... see how it goes....
My Sock it to Me Twice Questionnaire!! for inquiring minds who really want to know......
1. How long have you been knitting? Do you consider yourself beginner, intermediate, advanced? I have been knitting for about 5 years now off and on, steadily for the past 8 months. I figure I am comfortable intermediate.
2. How long have you been knitting socks? 8 months
3. What are your favorite fibers to work with? right now merino/bamboo blend from Mama Llama has been the best so far, with a close second to a merino/tencel blend I picked up from Cherry Blossom Fibers
4. What is your favorite color? Red
5. What are your current WIPs (works in progress)? actually working 3 socks(2 for me, 1 for DH). Will have a some holiday projects going on the needles after thanksgiving.
6. Name your favorite yarns, (brand, fibers, colors, etc.). see #3 and lets see.... actually Ultra alpaca from Berraco(going to be a Cozy shawl someday) for none sock, Reynolds Rapture I just picked up and really like(that will be a scarf or shawl eventually) Just received some BFL, which I am still petting. Colors, I like jewel tones or natural and willing to try most anything fiber or color wise.
7. What are some yarns/fibers that you stay away from. Lion Brand wool ease(feels nice to touch but working it feels like fiberglass) qualifier, I will use acrylics though Simply soft, Baby stuff etc...
8. What is your family situation? (Married, kids, pets?) Married, 3 kids(2 1/2 year old at home) 6 cats and 2 dogs(Bull mastiff and Shepard/Chow)
9. Name some of your hobbies. obvious first, knitting and crocheting, PC gaming(BF2, DOD, Guild Wars, Hellgate London), reading.
10. Name some of your favorite movies? The Fifth Element, Breakfast Club, Hackers
11. Do you like to read? Yeap, Sci/Fi, Fantasy, limited Romance and Mysteries. Amazon
12. Do you collect anything? Chop sticks(yes the kind you eat with), shot glasses when I go to new places, fuzzy pens.
13. Do you own an iPod or mp3 player? both use the iPod more
14. What are your favorite type of knitting needles? Rosewood and Harmony primary and the KP nickle plated, then birch and bamboo.
15. What knitting notion could you not live without? crochet hook
16. Who are some of your favorite designers? Cookie A, Anne Hanson(Heavens, have you seen her new shawl with thraven!!!)
17. Do you subscribe to any magazines? (Knitting or otherwise.) Parents, Parenting and PC Gamer
18. When is your birthday? Nov 7
19. Do you have a "wishlist", (on Ravelry, Froogle, or Amazon)? Amazon see #11, Ravelry anything in my favs
20. Do you have a Ravelry ID? JenC
21. If you had a sheep, what would you name it? hmmm that is a toughie. I like to name critters/pets based on personality and looks, so have to meet him/her first.
Now for the questions my pal asked me via email bright and early this morning:
The first scarf I will probably cast on for myself will be the Tigers eye or the Dragon scale, just acquired some lovely BFL that seems a waste for socks(though they would be wonderful). I do have plans to cast on for the Butterfly Shawl and or the Kimono Shawl before the end of the year. It will all depend on my mood though.
For socks, average cuff is 6" for me, though I do have a couple of Cookie A's knee high patterns in my pattern file that I like. Haven't done any ankles yet for myself. Patterns/colors, I pretty easy going and love anything that is hand made for me. Colors that I avoid for myself though tend to be the candied colors. I do not mind being pushed out of my color/fiber zone. That's why I joined sock/fiber clubs :-)
This will close out today's episode. Will try to update this weekend on the triptophene(sp?) coma wears off....
Other than having a vicious cold, that has killed my voice(probably have a good phone career for a couple of days, lol), Joey started the cold cycle and is doing better though still off just a tad, Andy's still hacking away, think if he isn't better by Wed, drag him to work for a CXR and antibiotics.
We woke up to snow on Monday. Big, white, fluffy flakes. If it had been a little colder, probably would have stuck. Ahhh well, turned to rain by afternoon. It was pretty though. Anybody else love the way snow looks while you are driving, the tunnel flying at you thing, I think it's neat anyway.
Getting ready for Thanksgiving. I will be baking an apple pie and a pumpkin custard thing(have to go to Rachel Ray's website for this recipe) that the Dear MIL has requested.
Looking at the Black Friday ads to see if there will be anything on the XMas lists for a good price. I will NOT be getting up at 2am again. Did it last year and not happening this year, unless it is free and I have to have it can't live without at, the world will end if it is not in the house, etc... so yeah...
Had a wonderful delivery yesterday.... what was it you ask.... Yarn Pirate!!! in BFL(blue faced leichester) Never touched BFL before.... ohhh boy, I pulled a L&V when I touched it. Yeap I squeed, LOL!!!! and the colorway is gorgeous, Georgia really did a wonderful dye job. Wound it up then and there and I have a new pet for my desk until I decide what pattern. Thinking maybe a shawlette or scarf.
Will be going to a book signing for Mary Beth Temple - Secret Language of Knitters on Dec 2 in Montclair. I met her at the Ravelry brunch at Stix-n-Stitches early this month, wonderful lady, book promises to be a great read!!
Finished 2 projects this week, the stockinette hat for Andy(only took about 2 weeks of off and on knitting), and my Halloween socks from WoolGirl are done.
I have since cast on 2 more pair for me. The Nov Mystery from Mona at SKA(Ravelry) were re-cast on last night with metal DPN's, I tried with the bamboo #0 and #1 and was too nervous with every bend and uhhggg, thankfully nothing snapped, so #1 nickle and much happier. Also cast on the Rivendal from Chameleon ColorWorks(August), love the evolution yarn, hopefully they will be back on track for next year.
Once my order from Stix-n-Stitches arrives I will be casting on for Holiday Projects. I promise though no one is getting socks from me, maybe.... Really trying not to over commit myself with holiday knitting this year... see how it goes....
My Sock it to Me Twice Questionnaire!! for inquiring minds who really want to know......
1. How long have you been knitting? Do you consider yourself beginner, intermediate, advanced? I have been knitting for about 5 years now off and on, steadily for the past 8 months. I figure I am comfortable intermediate.
2. How long have you been knitting socks? 8 months
3. What are your favorite fibers to work with? right now merino/bamboo blend from Mama Llama has been the best so far, with a close second to a merino/tencel blend I picked up from Cherry Blossom Fibers
4. What is your favorite color? Red
5. What are your current WIPs (works in progress)? actually working 3 socks(2 for me, 1 for DH). Will have a some holiday projects going on the needles after thanksgiving.
6. Name your favorite yarns, (brand, fibers, colors, etc.). see #3 and lets see.... actually Ultra alpaca from Berraco(going to be a Cozy shawl someday) for none sock, Reynolds Rapture I just picked up and really like(that will be a scarf or shawl eventually) Just received some BFL, which I am still petting. Colors, I like jewel tones or natural and willing to try most anything fiber or color wise.
7. What are some yarns/fibers that you stay away from. Lion Brand wool ease(feels nice to touch but working it feels like fiberglass) qualifier, I will use acrylics though Simply soft, Baby stuff etc...
8. What is your family situation? (Married, kids, pets?) Married, 3 kids(2 1/2 year old at home) 6 cats and 2 dogs(Bull mastiff and Shepard/Chow)
9. Name some of your hobbies. obvious first, knitting and crocheting, PC gaming(BF2, DOD, Guild Wars, Hellgate London), reading.
10. Name some of your favorite movies? The Fifth Element, Breakfast Club, Hackers
11. Do you like to read? Yeap, Sci/Fi, Fantasy, limited Romance and Mysteries. Amazon
12. Do you collect anything? Chop sticks(yes the kind you eat with), shot glasses when I go to new places, fuzzy pens.
13. Do you own an iPod or mp3 player? both use the iPod more
14. What are your favorite type of knitting needles? Rosewood and Harmony primary and the KP nickle plated, then birch and bamboo.
15. What knitting notion could you not live without? crochet hook
16. Who are some of your favorite designers? Cookie A, Anne Hanson(Heavens, have you seen her new shawl with thraven!!!)
17. Do you subscribe to any magazines? (Knitting or otherwise.) Parents, Parenting and PC Gamer
18. When is your birthday? Nov 7
19. Do you have a "wishlist", (on Ravelry, Froogle, or Amazon)? Amazon see #11, Ravelry anything in my favs
20. Do you have a Ravelry ID? JenC
21. If you had a sheep, what would you name it? hmmm that is a toughie. I like to name critters/pets based on personality and looks, so have to meet him/her first.
Now for the questions my pal asked me via email bright and early this morning:
The first scarf I will probably cast on for myself will be the Tigers eye or the Dragon scale, just acquired some lovely BFL that seems a waste for socks(though they would be wonderful). I do have plans to cast on for the Butterfly Shawl and or the Kimono Shawl before the end of the year. It will all depend on my mood though.
For socks, average cuff is 6" for me, though I do have a couple of Cookie A's knee high patterns in my pattern file that I like. Haven't done any ankles yet for myself. Patterns/colors, I pretty easy going and love anything that is hand made for me. Colors that I avoid for myself though tend to be the candied colors. I do not mind being pushed out of my color/fiber zone. That's why I joined sock/fiber clubs :-)
This will close out today's episode. Will try to update this weekend on the triptophene(sp?) coma wears off....
Monday, November 5, 2007
Drive By posting STrike that a Real Update instead...
A quick update. Halloween went great Jeoy had a blast, Will post pics eventually. Still socking along. Almost finished with the last committed pair and it will be all for me. At least until Feb/March.bI (please forgive me) signed up for Sock It to Me Twice. HAve the Sock Stash Eliimination going along as well hopefully to decrease some ot the st
Ok, that was supposed to be a drive by post from last week that I never got back to... Well Halloween was great and Joey did have lots of fun going trick or treating with his cousins. He was polite, said thank you and blew a kiss to almost every house that gave him him a treat. Pics of my lovely dragon, he said RAWR a lot too!!
These are from the school's Halloween party and parade.
In other news, almost finished with Andy's sweater, all pieced together AND IT FITS!!! Just need to weave in a couple of loose ends at the neck and it will be completely done. Also finished off the last pair of committed socks, a pair of eyelet spirals(can be viewed on my flickr or Ravelry)for a very special Ravenclaw. Finished off one of the 'It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown' socks, just in time for the 'Christmas Story' package to arrive from WoolGirl. Jen did her usual excellent packing and presentation. Would have gone under the tree if it was up, it was so Christmasy
AHHH lets see what else, Mon or Tues can't remember which received my Hogwarts Sock Swap package from Ophelia- Love the colors so bright and rich with a lovely diamond pattern... A notebook, Some wonderful smelling lotion and soap, very pretty stitch markers, size #4 dpns in birch(needed those), A Harry Potter puzzle, a couple of great magnets, I loved the card!!! and a tin of knitters mints. The socks are especially special, because Ophelia hand dyed the yarn especially for these socks and so, for me!
Been catching up on podcasts. Lime n Violet are hilarious, listening to them always brightens the day and the looks you get when you laugh hysterically at seemingly nothing, whoooohoo!! And listening while at the voting polls, mmmhhhmmm... those from NJ will understand, after voting for issue #4 regarding "the idiots and insane" this year and not meaning the politicians for once, lol!!
That's about it..... Had a wonderful brunch on Sun in Montclair with fellow Ravelers at Stix n Stitches even made it into their blog!! Got to meet Mary Beth Temple of The Secret Language of Knitters and will be going to her book signing in December. Lots of wonderful people at the brunch, my Friends list tripled after...(sorry if I don't remember your real name, I knd of suck at that) Lynn, Pieheart, Mrs Mattesky, QuirkyKnitter, Sheila, and everyone who's names I can't remember(i do remember faces though... sometimes...)Hopefully they will do this again, talk of making it monthly was going around. It was lots of fun, talking knitting, shopping, munching(the cinnamon pastry was divine, as was the homeade coconut bread!!)
Hmmm Stitches never did post about that, did I..... Had a great, if exhausting time. Barry Klein's class on top down Raglan was the best out of all of them, the others Stashology(not really what I expected but interesting), Cabling class, good learning expierience, I should be able to cable.. (didnt mean to rhyme it though, lol) Sampler was ok, but way too much by Sunday, cut that one short. Inner Harbor was gorgeous, enjoyed walking down from the hotel and having lunch with a friend at Cheesecake factory.
The Market, was HUGE, I was so glad I had a plan when I hit it on Friday. It was so overwhelming. Picked up some great yarn though. From Storm Moon Knits some wonderful colorways in Gaz, Cyndi Lauper, THe Great Pumpkin and I Put a Spell on You and some great stitch markers that I dan't find the pick for, but are on her shop page.....
Went to BlueMoonFiberArts to see and touch to find out what everyone is so hot about. The colors are much better in person!!! and squishy soft as well, walked away with 3 skeins of lightweight in PondScum(MUCH better in person), Atomic 6 and Azurite and I did (shhhhh) sign up for Socks that Rock Club 2008(confirmation came last night).
FOund some wonderful alpaca(no name) in a charcoal grey, wish I had picked up more though. $21 for 650yards and so soft!!!! only got 2 should have bought more :-(.
Lots of touchy feely at all the yarn I could get my little paws one, enjoyed the rich colors as well. Will make it a little easier to shop online for some things, now that I know how it feels and the colors look IRL. With so many shops online now, I didn't have to break the budget, I can now comfortablely go to their respective website and have a good feeling about what I am getting and not the "let's pray shot in the dark" feeling about what will arrive.
On that note, Have made reservations for next year, Nov 6-9, 2008 at Baltimore, again and will sign up as soon as the brochure hits the mailbox or sooner if they open online reg up early agian!!!
If you have made it this far, you really must be bored or way to interested in my life, lol. Hope you enjoyed the reading and weren't to bored.
Have a wonderful day, stop by again real soon....
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