FO, WIP and frogland

The Squatty Sidekick for my niece (only one as rest are boys). Done in Briggs & Little 100% wool, on 6.0mm. Needle felted a lovely flower with felting roving (Clover brand stuff). the Green leaves are a stroke of brilliance. They are from this yarn. I cut two of the lovely green noils? off and needle felted them in. The picture below gives a better look.
I loved knitting this purse, and am game to try one in Patons 100% Wool, variegated for the big gurl. It did not felt quite as much as I wanted so the next one will be on a bigger needle. I have been told that is the B&L yarn though. The only issue I have is that, this really needs a lining to help a 4 year old out. So I may not be quite done. And yes, I know I need a button, just haven't figured out what exactly yet.
I have another FO - my Monster Hat from Insubordiknit, but I have to find my invisible thread and sew the monster on. I LOVE IT and it is all mine.

Here is a picture of my current WIP, Weekend Socks by Needful Yarns in Australian Merino. I knit these on 3.0 mm needles and love them. My first real striping and carrying yarn in the round and I was pretty impressed with my 'seam' in the back. The second one is halfway down the leg. I may become a top down sock knitter yet (except that the legs are always shorter than I really want. This was supposed to be Mom's birthday present, but it just wasn't cutting it for me.


The picture below is lovingly dubbed the frogpond. The botton is my Duet Sock Yarn in CowGirl. I was knitting it on a 2.5 mm and it is too loose. So they have been frogged a second time. On the left - the Opal yarn, was my first thought for Mom's socks. Too rainbowy and the yarn is really rough. It has not been frogged yet, but I see a lovely chapeau for my little one.
On the right is the yarn also bought for Mom's socks. Super Soxx. Very nice - I bought it because it had blue, green and yellow in it. However, the yellow shows up every 3 inches and is not doing at all what I want. Why did these get frogged? The ribbed section was just too snug for my wrist and the hand section was far too loose. The needle is a 2.25 mm - perfect for the yarn, however I thing they would make lovely socks and would do the cuff on a 2.5 mm and then switch to the 2.25 for the rest. Of course, I cut for the thumb and then frogged.

What did I do for Mom? Well I sent her a lovely singing card (forget the song already) and next month will send my sister some $$ for help pay for this. Mom absolutely loved it. And the handknit for Mom - well I've seen some spoilers for the Yarn Pirate Booty Club this month and I think it may be the ticket.

SP11 Contest #2

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?
Besides needles and yarn? A crochet hook.
2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? If so, how much and what type of project?
I try too take a current project and a new one to start. Small ones generally, ie socks, hat purse, but if the current one is a blanket or sweater, then that comes too.
3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot?
I haven't gone many places, but I love Holland in the Spring.
4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it?
As a reference manual, The Big Book of Knitting. In general, I can't say I have a specific favourite, but would like a sock book.
5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)?
I have only listened to Insubordiknit on the computer. I don't have an ipod or MP3 player.
6. If you could only knit with 1 color for the rest of your life, what color would that be?
Blue
7. If you were far into a project and then noticed a mistake near the beginning what would you do?
Depends on how bad it is. If it will bug me, it will be frogged. The project may never be finished though.
8. Where is the most unusual spot you've ever knit?
While in the driver's seat of my car, waiting for motionless traffic.

Doh!!!

OHHHHH - Jacque of This Kitten Knits is having a contest - go there and leave a comment then post about it on your blog. see what happens when you occasionally blog!!!!!

Weekly Posts Only?

I did not know I was becoming a once a week blogger. I have composed posts on my way to work and while cooking dinner or just before nodding off to sleep, but have not posted them. Unusual for me. And a little silly.
What has been going on for the week? Well, on Thursday I made it to work ... just and left an hour later to go home and crawl into bed - I woke up completely some 4 hours later. Since I was so rested, I took the gurlz to the local park where there is a splash pad and pool and swings and slide. They had a picnic supper and I had a nice cup of tea. I knitted on the Duet sock. The little gurl took a header in the wading pool - we had lots of rain and it was a good inch deeper than the last time she was in it, so she couldn't swim/crawl in it. Felt like the worst mother ever, until I realized I was holding her, and I was fully dressed and soaking wet.
The Duet Sock is going pretty well. The ball I was using is out of yarn (due to previous frogging of first pair), so I am going to do the after thought heel now - sort of strange name when I planned well in advance for it. I want to try the heel before I finish the rest just in case things go, well awry. I have a couple references for it and will try.
I completed one of Mom's socks, complete with end weaving in. I started the 2nd on Friday night, but frogged it on Sunday night as there was a pull in the yarn at the cuff and that was not a good thing.
There was little time for knitting this weekend as my Mom came down with two of my nephews, J and R. J is 3.5 years and R is a month younger than little gurl. The four kids played wonderfully together and Mom and I smoothed out the sewer line ridge in the front yard. Sounds like it was easy - well the poor man across the street loaned us a wheel barrow, digging shovel and hard rake to help us out. We also laid a temporary sidewalk so I don't have mud trails through the house. Of course the gurlz still go down the stairs and walk right through the dirt. That took all told, about 4.5 hours on Saturday, then there was grocery shopping and homemade spaghetti sauce - we were house watching for a co worker and she told me to pick the tomatoes. So I did. The sauce was delicious, but runny. I signed on that evening to peruse some blogs and doesn't Finny have the best recipe? So today I picked up some more tomatoes, garlic (as the previous purchase of such was returned to the store - there's something wrong with some of these products from China), fresh basil, zucchini, peppers and will likely try this recipe ... some day this week. I also baked a quick cake (mix) and iced it up for Sunday with the kids and Mom as it is her birthday tomorrow.
Funny thing about my Mom. She thanked me for having her, when she worked almost all day - little rest. Why - she said she would have lazed around at her home if she didn't. She needed to get away. It was a great weekend - even with diva big gurl prancing around in a princess costume all day Sunday.
Allergy hell is still here, but it may be turning into a slight infection/cold as the boys had colds this weekend and I know the little gurl is fighting it.
2 to 1 odds that we stay home tomorrow.
Last night I put aside everything I wanted to do and tackled the church paperwork. I got through it all before I went to bed about 4 hours. Would have been less if I a) neatly stacked things when I was finished entering them; b) didn't overtype one donation schedule and have a large panic session while I thought I had lost it in the midst of reconciling that month; c) talk on the phone to Mom, Mel and the Chair of Church Council, who happened to be calling about that very thing; d) take an occasional break to surf the web.
Good thing I did - we would have run out of money next month, well out of the day to day account anyways. I will have to remedy that (in my spare time, ya know).
So I went down to bed, but as always after that many numbers, needed to wind down, so I pulled out Monica, which the big gurl has been waiting for since I first saw it. I had a the seed stitch edge, in the round done. I no longer do as it was very loose knit and holey knits are not that attractive on 6 year olds. So it has been frogged and I will have to try a smaller needle - maybe 3.5 mm. Will gauge this one though!
On an aside, I did discover a partial source of my nausea last week. I bought more coffee, the same I had just finished, a lovely dark roast and prepared it as I had the previous pot. The previous coffee was a blend of dark and light, so more grounds could be used. I tempered it on Saturday with 3 as opposed to 4 scoops and now life is okay - provided I don't overdose on painkillers. I had a killer pinched nerve on Thursday so before leaving for work I popped a couple of painkillers. 2. On Saturday afternoon, when the major labour was done, both Mom and I grabbed one, to help prevent that extreme achy muscle stuff the day after a job well done. We grabbed 1, because they were extra strength and it is 1 every 4 or so hours not 2. I had overdosed, hence the long sleep on Thurs, coupled with coffee nausea, possibly a slight bug and of course allergy hell.
I feel like I am talking with a snubbed node voide. Today was a little better, but I need to take all my drugs to keep going. Picked up some more today - should last me to the end of September.
Well that was about all I have to say. I am also going to get some pictures on for tomorrow. Both FOs and WIPs. Oh and I have to post for SP11 too. yikes, it's like work around here.

Some stuff about ... well stuff?

Yesterday was back to normal day - both gurlz to daycare and me to work. Seemed normal enough with the yelling at them to get their shoes and coats and to hurry on and not mouth back and... Well we came home, had dinner and then chatted and couch snuggled and went to bed. I went to bed an hour after they did and did not get up (except for the 9:30 pm phone call which tried to get and did not succeed) until 6:00 am. We were all off this morning - big gurl and I with upset tummies and the little one just well her. (she didn't want anything to do with her Daddy who *dropped* in on his way to work - he was also the 9:30 call) tee hee Wanted to stay home so bad today - allergy season and really upset tummy. But the big gurl wanted to go and well, when they are ornery like that, it is better for me to go to work and make someone else's day miserable. Nothing too eventful - just figuring out the correct way to ding someone for taxes - all in a days work. tee hee.
I've been working on the new socks for Mom and I don't think this one is going to work either. It knits up like a dream, in Needful Yarns, Australian Merinos - there weekender socks. I am almost to the toe on the first (little afraid will run out of yarn) and tried it on to ensure cuff worked (hurray) but they just aren't all that much fun. The yarn is gorgeous to work with and quick as I am doing it on 3.0 mm. Nice cushy knit. Pics will have to come later.
I fell off the purchasing wagon. What do I mean? Well did I post about my Saturday purchases? I'm just going to go check and then will get back to you.
No I did not. Saturday we headed to the LYS that is closing, because a) it is the closest and had the needles I want (when I was in there last) and b) well when things range in price from 40 to 60% off, you try their first. They did not have the 2.75 mm in the short Brittany needles, but did have a 3.0 mm. Smallest needle in the store. Decided to try it as the $$ for gas to the other stores and stress with 2 children... also don't have 3.0 mm dpn.
Bought a delightful accessories book for Louisa Harding yarns. Only one skein of the yarn, but needed to see if there was any at home already (oh dear none whatsoever - whatever will I do) tee hee. There were some items for my SP - I love the fact that I can get more for less - means I can send more!!! I am going back on Thursday for a couple of items that somehow did not make their way home with me.
I knit quite seriously on my fingerless mitt - it is just at the point for the thumb and am plotting how to do it - to ensure maximum pattern similarity (anal retentiveness makes me want things the same way - I am not alone - the Yarn harlot frogged some items for this very issue) plus, Mom's socks are kind of a priority. Have not had the energy to go chasing my missing capris - they were work out ones and since the last work out I had was touring Toronto... who needs them. Seriously they went in the backyard of the slightly scary neighbour and have not had the nerve to go there.
What else did I buy - well yesterday, back at work day, no nap day. It was 2:15 pm and I rubbed my tired allergic eyes and just rested my eyes for a moment - it was only a moment as I almost crashed my head into the computer screen. Knitting had not accompanied me to work (see not my fault at all) and therefore a walk in the October air with the rain sprinkling down was in order. The fact that said walk ended at the magazine shop had absolutely nothing to do with my raging need/desire for Interweave Knits fall edition. I had resisted it already about 5 times, and I paged through many others in an effort to satisfy my creative juices and not buy anything. However I left with 2 magazines. The aforementioned IK fall edition (I blame my fellow bloggers, SP, and Sandi Wiseheart of Knitting Daily for forcing my hand on this affair) and another magazine previously only perused at the library - A Needle Pulling Thread. Don't get me wrong - I love Knitting and crochet magazines, but I miss the mixed media craft magazines - knitting, sewing, embroidery, crochet, quilting etc that I grew up with. At 12 years of age I would peruse the McCalls Needlecraft, Women's???, Better Homes & Gardens, and other magazines that included some of a multitude of crafts. This magazine met the need. However the IK was all I managed to get read last night before passing out on my bed. The other magazine will be my Wednesday night reading? I'm not sure. I know it is already too late to get into it. The big gurl was a little whiny and tired after dinner so I suggested she go downstairs (the wording ran along the lines of if you're going to whine, get out of my face I'm still eating and ....) . She did and when at 7:00 pm I carried my sleeping little gurl down, she was unconscious. Is there something in the water?!?!?! Seriously, I am keeping an eye on them, as this is slightly unusual.
I'm not sure. I was not as tired this evening as previously, but then I slept for (just a minute while I figure this one out) 9 hours - pretty much consecutively. Little to no interruptions.
I know the cooler weather is knocking us all out, but tomorrow is supposed to be a little warmer so hopefully it will liven up my gurlz.
It was a funny thought this evening at 7:15 pm - many people ask why I don't do more in the evenings or what I do for fun - well when your small children are in bed before the sun goes down, you are happy that you can communicate online with other people that understand. As a single Mom, my choices are a little more limited when they go to bed that early, but there aren't many other two parent homes that would be much better off - someone has to stay home. Thank goodness I decided to give blogging a try.
That's it that's all for now.

Vacation is ended?

Well, both the gurlz are home safe and now it is get back into the proper swing of things before school starts on September 4th. This is Grade 1 and that means Mummy has to be on the ball about things like snacks (2) drinks (2) and a healthy lunch that the picky one will eat. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Let's just say - that if I make it through September, without forgetting or worse sending her with peanut butter or some other forbidden food, I will have accomplished much.
I found a delightful yarn store in Grimsby called Stitch and she carries some beautiful stuff. May have to go back there if the LYS that is closing doesn't have the right sized needles. Never 2nd guess yourself about needles. If you don't think you have them, buy them. I bought yarn and got the coordinating pattern (for free cause of Stitch n Pitch) and came home ready to start on the socks for my Mom. Well I don't have dpns in the right size nor a circ. She even had the shorter ones that I realize I need after just about stabbing myself with the 8 inch ones on my wrist warmers. Have any of you knit with Super Soxx? I have a 3 inch cuff going and have still not hit my second bout of yellow. Very frustrating as this was the main purchasing purpose!!!
I bought lunch at Ikea today and that was it. How you ask ? well there is the money issue - it's all invested in yarn right now (muahahaha) and they just didn't have what I was looking for. And the little gurl screamed everytime I put her in the stroller or shopping cart.
We are having some strong winds here - my work out capris are on the neighbours shed roof - they were the only casualties, but not sure how will get back. It's a job for another day.
I am loving my clothesline - holds 2 loads easily (I'm not one to show my skivvies on the line - they have their own drying rack). But since I usually have 4 loads, I may have to put a second one up - just need more line, a cincher and a tall ladder. no biggee (hahahah)
I should sleep now as I am laughing a little too much for this post.
nighty night!
Oh yes - in the mail today came my post assessment review letter from the income tax department - Other Deductions. I knew they would write, they are so reliable. Now I have to compose a letter, find the reference I used for the claim and photocopy all the pertinent documents. In my spare time of course. Have to love the tax department!

Too Much Fun

If you don't want to read the rant please skip down to the
Let me just say that there is such a thing - when you have to take care of a 22 month old after the fun has settled. Her father has a struck out once again. I believe I'm winning the game. When I dropped her off yesterday, he was a little quiet/grumpy. I put it down to the fact that he was on nights and at 9:55 am he would have only had about 6 or so hours - child naps however so he was bound to get a couple hours later on. But I have rethought it - I was perky and very happy and looking very fine - I made an extra effort as once the little gurl was dropped off, I wasn't going to get spit/spilled/walked on by a child. Made a point of telling him I wasn't sure when I would be conscious the next day as wasn't entirely sure would make it home that night. Dumb move on my part - should have said - I'll pick her up at 1:00 pm or something. Obviously I am not allowed to go out and have fun if he isn't there.
For all the Mom's out there who like just a little vacation - I got exactly 24 hours without a child. No more.
He called a little after 9:00 am this morning and it was quite obvious from his tone of voice that he
1) didn't think I should still be sleeping,
2) had things to do and didn't want her with him anymore, and
3) really really felt put upon and it was time for her to come home.
I threw him a couple of balls (sorry for the baseball humour)
1) I'm just waking up cause I didn't get to bed until 4:00 am, (swung at that one)
2) I need coffee and then it will likely be close to noon before I get there (he fouled off that one with - I can bring her home),
3) Is she okay - not well? that one went right by him.
Regardless, by the time I got upstairs, I felt that driving anywhere was too much for the day, and there was laundry and I can go those places tomorrow, so I called and suggested he bring her home when he was ready - (knowing that I had a half hour at the most)
She was home at 10:00 am.
He had car problems and is not a happy guy as he has to move to a cheaper place and....
BLAGH BLAGH BLAGH - I will not take you back ever cause you just don't get it!

Stitch n Pitch and a Day/Night in Toronto
I had heaps of fun yesterday - sight shopping - didn't actually buy anything except food and drinks.. relaxing GO train ride with knitting involved and great conversation - Thanks KRIS! Delicious lunch at FRAN's across from Massey Music Hall - lovely vegetable quesadilla and twisted Bellinis. Lots of walking.
Getting the tickets at the stadium was just wonderful - I was at the window before i realized the confirmation email said Gate 9, not Gate 2 (or 1 as I thought I was at). So we walked halfway around the dome to get to gate - To be told that all the tickets were at GATE 1. I suggested (sweetly) that perhaps they should advise Gate 2 of this detail as the lady behind me in line had been behind me at Gate 2.
We went into Hard Rock Cafe for some more drinks (it was now 5:00 pm and lunch was done at 3:30 pm. Appletini's were my choice and some pleasant conversation with a lovely couple and their daughter and a guy who thought a little too much about himself (and pissed off the bartender). Then it was off to pick up our bags of loot - not bad some nice blue yarns and a pattern book with a couple I may try (pays to be able to pick from the bag of someone who doesn't care). I knitted happily through the game (duet socks and socks that are not for Mom - so not her colours) and some seat switching cause was in the wrong spot. The Yarn Harlot was there with her family as were some 500 other stitchers. She has pictures here - I can just see myself in the 2nd last picture - top left hand corner - beside the green lady.
The Blue Jays won - and it was all done by 10:00 pm.
We went to the Boiler House (the big gurl's father is Head Chef there). I had tried all day to get him on the phone and decided to just go and see. Thank you very much Eric, Verna? and Jarrod? for a wonderful dining experience. What a place, so peaceful after the pleasures of Yonge, Front and Bay streets. I definitely recommend it for something a little different in the hear of Toronto!!
We had to tip Jarrod for his service and that was it (pays to know the head chef). He also drove us to the Go Station so we could catch the last bus out of town.
I have not consumed that much alcohol in less than 12 hours in a very long time. (pre little gurl is my guess). Yet the after effects don't hit until much later. Do others have this talent - when you are done drinking, coffee sobers you up, and the next day all hell breaks loose? My stomach is still churning a little. I have drunk so much water and slept it off, but that day after drinking is hell. I think the problem is that I didn't throw up - if I recall college days with Kris, you threw up before going to sleep. I didn't feel the pain then - just really tired. Even avoided adding beer into the mix - could not resist the red wine with dinner as it was quality.
Am off to bed with tylenol and another litre of water.
By the way I have startitis in knitting as I have two socks on the needles, what looks like fingerless mitts (cuff too tight for foot and really love the feel of the yarn) a monster hat and of course all the other WIPs.

FO, SAM4, SP, SC, SnP, VaKay, WIP

So them are a lot of weird short forms.

Some you may know and some, well I am a little spun.

My FO - Picot edged vanilla socks in Marks & Katten #1907.

These were knit on 2.5 mm over 64 sts. If I make a pair for myself in this yarn I need to use 2.0 mm over 60 sts - they are a loose fit for me. Thankfully Mel has bigger feet than me and she just loved the one she tried on Friday! These were my August socks for SAM4.

SP - I am doing Secret Pal 11 and have been matched. This is going to be such fun. I can't wait to spoil my pal. And maybe get a little bit spoiled myself.

SC - Sock Clubs. Very dangerous stuff. There is the booty club - with lovely Rum Runner yarn for July. Then in September, I have the lucky lurker club coming my way. And I accidentally signed up for another club today from Robyn's Nest. These cotton pickin items just fall into my cart and oops bought another.

SnP - Tomorrow it is off to Toronto to see the Blue Jays play the Angels. Trying to figure which project is the least hazardous, but the most portable.

VaKay - Today was my last day or work until Monday. Also some vacation time from the big gurl and the little gurl goes tomorrow for sleep at dad's while I am gallivanting in Toronto. May not come home until Thursday. Friday we shop at Ikea (and the big gurl comes home). Maybe just some mommy time.

WIP - My skinny duet sock yarn in Cowgirl. This is round three - these also did not work as Monkeys (cause I want to start toe up). This is the pattern I created for the first try but I have changed the plain rows a little to space it out. We will see. If this one is frogged then I do not know if these socks will ever be. I am trying to decide on yarn for a pair for Mom. I have a very similar colour in yarntini, but I am thinking colours more along the lines of the Marks & Katten. Who knows. There is an Opal in the stash - so that may be the next choice. (Regia Cotton already started and frogged and so was the Colinnette. I know why some people don't knit for others!!!

Friday

It's Friday. That great last day of the work week (for the majority of the population). I went into work for 8:30 am - walked in with some yummy eye candy, but still haven't figured out if he's just flirting or hitting on me. I never could tell. At break/lunch I ran down to the LYS that is closing for a circular needle for the Squatty #2. Came back with the circ, Manos Del Uruguay Malabrigo in lovely purple, and the last four skeins of baby alpaca in pale pink/purple - 2 of each. yum!
Left work early because the big gurl was doing School Age Idol for daycare. It was... cute but scary. 5, 6, 7, 8 year olds gyrating like the rock stars. To quote the big gurl - I have sparklies on because that's what rock stars do. Worth leaving work early for, but still disturbing - slow down my big gurl, you don't want to grow up too fast!!!
We went to Mel's for dinner and Kris joined us. It was fun, a little wine, some pizza - Mango Chicken mmmmmmmm, and some Treatza Pizza - and the guy behind the counter - I could have taken him home with me. Very nice.

Can I rant a moment?
What is the matter with drivers today? This afternoon, I turned a corner and well, there was a dump truck in front of me, so I drove about 40 km per hour. I have this dislike of hitting trucks and my gurl was in the car and well, safety? The lady behind me honks on the horn (presumable because I am driving too slow) and follows on my tail. Almost wanted her to rear end me when I had to go from 40 km to 0 because of the red light that made the dump truck stop. She then proceeded to DRIVE BEHIND the same dump truck once we had a second lane. And she was in a hurry why???? did I accidentally get between her and the love of her life? I don't know, but if the big gurl hadn't been in the car, I may have succumbed to road rage.
Then, lets talk about people who don't know the rules of the road. On the way to dinner tonight, I was detoured through a construction zone (Dairy Queen was halfway in between). I pulled up to the red flashing stop lights, stopped, waited 3 seconds and my turn ... and was forced to wait while 3 different drivers drove straight through the light without stopping. Now, to give them credit, I craned my neck to verify that all the lights were flashing RED and they did not have an orange flasher. They were definitely all red. Thank you the gentleman who, before my horn honked (split second) stopped and allowed me to take my belated turn. As I stated to my friends. A cop could make a killing at that light - enough to buy his own Tim Horton's franchise. I admit that I am not a perfect driver, but these people did not even see the lights.
Rant completed.
I am going to bed now, as am almost to toe of socks and this is not a good time of night to knit them. Ragan has beat me by finishing hers first, but I still have to work and she has a little time before school starts again. Of a positive note, Mel tried the finished one on and it fit her perfectly. I think that is all the inspiration I need to finish them now!!!
Have a great week-end. I am off to drop the big gurl at Oma and Opa's for a whole week. Wednesday is stitch n pitch AND the Yarn Harlot is going!!! Wow!!
I'm just hoping poor Kris will be able to handle all the fibrey/yarny goodness, being a non-knitter and all that.

Sock devastation

So, last night I sat to work on my pretty socks of which there are no pictures and will be none. The toe was too long in comparison to the heel and the increases were off and... they have been frogged - all the way. It hurts. But I will get over it and finish my July socks and start another pair - my Mom has a birthday at the end of the month. I will have to dig in the yarn stash and see what I can see.
I love your yarn Angela, I just have to figure out proper dimensions for the contrasting heel and toe!!!

Funny Gurlz

On Friday, I was pleasantly knitting and trying to escape the heat, when the phone rang. A friend had invited us for dinner previously but I had forgotten and thus not gone. Since the gurlz were still up and there were other gurlz there, we went. A great time was had by all. Take a peek at these future stars in action.

Or not. I have no clue how to put a video on here and am not into downloading vids of my gurlz to Youtube or google. So they will remain unpublished. They are so beautiful. Here is a pic of them with one of their new friends. There is a fourth gurl who is all of 2 weeks older than my little gurl. The dark haired beauty is a year younger than my big gurl. But size and age doesn't matter! I met the mom when we were both only a little over 4 months pregnant. Hadn't seen her since then.

Back to knitting on the hell socks. I am not liking them - even though I love them. Must complete one of the pairs so I can cast on something else!!!

The long weekend

Well - what a week end. Today is a holiday and we were well not really holidaying, but lots of things got done FINALLY.
I didn't take pictures, because, I never thought of it and it was hot.
I have a clothesline!!!! And the first loads have been folded and put ... they are still in the hamper. There is a gate that I can keep the gurlz in with (it was free) The apartment stairs which shook and wobbled and well, I feared for my sanity, have been levelled and supported and they are wonderful! The cables and wireds and junk on the side of the house have been removed and only those that actually provide a service are remaining.
Pictures have been hung, there is a bulletin board in the office, and the bathroom and kitchen sparkled for a while. The big gurlz desk and craft supplies are organized once again.
How you ask? My Mom and Dad came for the week-end and helped out. Dad went to visit a guy who he is helping to buy a house and came home with two lovely black gates. The house is becoming mine some more. Only 8 months since we moved in.
The clothesline and stairs were on the top of the list of things to do.
On the knitting front, I have turned the heels on my cowgirl socks. And I think I am satisfied with how they are coming along. My foot is so wide at the ankle/heel area, that the yarn was really stretching and they were frogged twice and replotted 3 times after the 3 heel was completed. I will see after the next pattern repeat what happens. Squatty #1 is on a time out as I figure out the rest of it, and squatty #2 is started, but has been deserted in favour of the socks.
My Yarn Pirate and Monster Hat kits arrived. Thank you Georgia and Jacey. Everything is lovely. I must find the time to knit those too.
That's it for now. Have a great night and pictures will come someday.

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love the 100% wools and the wool blends. Cotton is nice because it is washable, but my wrists get sore. I'm not that crazy about *fun* yarn - the furs and stuff, because i find them difficult to knit with.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a crafter's tote and use the top layer to lay the different needles in along with a chocolate tin with a hinged lid for the hooks and I also have some hanging on my pegboard in my 1/4 finished craft nook (half my bedroom).

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I started knitting when I was 6 or so and my Beppe taught me the basics. The rest I picked up over the years. I then perused whatever how to books my Mom had and scoured the thrift stores for magazines and projects. There was a huge wish list with only a few items actually being completed.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I would say that I am an intermediate knitter. There are things that make absolutely no sense to me and others that I read and know what it will be. I am willing to try, it's just budgeting the time for a pattern repeat or section that needs to be worked.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No.

5. What's your favorite scent?
I am sensitive to many perfumes and fragrances. (probably allergic to one ingredient,but most of them just make me sneeze). I love the honey scents and most fruit scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes
Favorite candy? Dark chocolate, and real fruit gummies. I love the way the gummies taste like the fruit and are *good for you*.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I enjoy crochet, sewing, am working on a quilt, needlepoint, cross stitch and occasionally do scrapbooking. I love to get in the garden and am a decent cook/baker. I try to do a lot myself, but usually need some help. Do you spin? No. I think for now, I have enough on the go.


8. What kind of music do you like? Country and some of the older soft rock. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I don't know - I'm not even sure what an MP3 is. I know my sister-in-law made me a CD and that plays well.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? I love blue and brown (chocolate colour)
Any colors you just can't stand? I'm not crazy about neon and pastel shades, but most colours I like.

10. What is your family situation? Three gurlz - 31, 6 and 22 months Do you have any pets? one fish, a beta named Buddy or Goldie, depending on the day.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes to all of these. We get lots of snow.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Currently socks - they are quicker than sweaters. I enjoy knitting and crocheting doll clothes. I also have discovered a love for the join as you go projects/knit a square and pick up your next square on the edge. I hate seams.

13. What are you knitting right now? A pair of socks for a friend. Also working on a purse for my niece and there are always the UFO's. I want to make my Christmas gifts this year.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes, because then I feel that special link with the giver/maker.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
The circulars and dpns are turning into my favourite for everything.
Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? like the aluminum (addi turbos) for circ, but the bamboo are lovely for dpn. I haven't found a plastic I particularly like.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a lovely yarn winder that has saved me countless hours but no swift.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
my oldest UFO (non knitting) is 11 years old - the lovely couple celebrate 10 years and the cross stitch is not done.
In knitting land, it is a Moeibus wrap in lovely kid seta. It's my leave it for a while, knit a few rows and then pick something else up. It began as a gorgeous sweater, but because of the lace effect, the dropped stitches (2) were very visible and impossible to pick up.

18. What is your favorite holiday? the non-commercial ones. My favourite holiday 'symbol' is the angel - we collect ornaments for our Christmas tree.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Does yarn count? I love cookie cutters in different shapes. I'm always looking for something a little unique. I have a cat figure collection from when I was younger.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?

Books - Knitting Lingerie Style and I would like a sock knitting book, but haven't found one that really strikes me. I have a hard time following the couple I've borrowed from the library. Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb
Interweave Felt - the new one out now.

Yarn, this colour and I'd like to make my sister some socks in the Tiffany colours. I would like the yarn to make the 25th anniversary VK cover (the actual magazine cover) scarf by Nicki Epstein.

Patterns - there was one I saw on someones blog the other day, and forgot to write down the name.
Needles - something a little different. Normal to knit with but looking special or something.

What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None at the present. I find that I check the magazines at the store and pick the ones I like.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I would like to do some lace knitting. Nothing to crazy in the pattern department, but I would like to make a shawl.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I am becoming a sock knitter. My third and fourth pairs are on the needles and I want to make some monkey socks. My foot is 8 3/4 long by 9 around.

23. When is your birthday?
December 2nd

24. Are you on Ravelry?
Not yet - I'm in the 11,000, so a little wait is in store.