PHHEWWW!!

Well, we made it through another Christmas. I love Christmas, the whole thing has such a magical feel to it. Presents are nice of course, but I try to put the emphasis on the fact that it's Jesus' birthday. I think that is where the magic comes from.

My SP package came a couple days ago, sorry I haven't posted sooner. We actually had two Christmases, the second being the 28th. So only now has it slowed down enough to let me blog. The package was excellent! I will post details and a pic later tonight. Right now I still have company to tend to. But I do want to say thank you to my SP. She has come through again with flying colors!!
More later....

Hey, This Is GREAT!!

My SP9 package got here, and I was so excited! Thank you KnitKnot for all the goodies. She sent chocolate, one german milk and one Starbucks peanut butter-toffee! Love Starbucks! AND a too-cute leather change purse with sheep on the outside, some stitchmarkers which will go very nicely in the purse. I didn't have any stitchmarkers by the way, unless you count the plastic round ones. Some Burts Bees which I love and was out of (how did you know?) Last but not least, a pack of #0 DPN's by Skacel, which I must have if I'm to try socks. There was a beautiful card on top. This was more than I ever expected. And it was GREAT. Thank you again, you made my whole week!

Oh My Gosh!!

I knew I hadn't blogged in a while but I had no idea it was really that long ago. So here's what's been happening. I went to SAFF, bought a Kromski Minstral spinning wheel, somewhere around 8-10 skeins of yarn, a Kneesel, about 7 pounds of fiber, felting needles, and I think that's it. I had a lot of fun, spent three days on my own to knit, shop and sleep, watch chick flicks and generally do whatever I wanted.

I got some of the most beautiful roving, merino in red, black and gold; corriedale 2 1/2 pounds natural; 3 pounds of blueface leicester in rust green and gold hints; and 2 pounds of deep teal green merino. I don't know whether to spin or knit first! I'm in heaven!!

I also sent out my SP9 package today. They should get it by Friday I hope. It has a couple things from SAFF in it too. Hope she likes it!!

Here's my answers to Shelby's questions!

List your favorite:
Actor - Kevin Spacey
Actress - Jodie Foster
Animal - Cat
Band - Nickelback
Book - The Talisman, by Stephen King
Bubble Bath - Bath & Body Works Juniper Breeze
Candy - Whitmans
Color - Yellow, Blue
Drink- Singapore Sling
Flower - Yellow anything
Food - Salmon or chicken salad
Lip Balm - Burts Bees
Lotion - Anything Bath and Body Works
Movie - Too many to list, but....Murphys Romance, Man from Snowy River
Place- The beach at sunset
Song - Way too many to list
TV Show - Greys Anatomy, CSI
Yarn- Brown Sheep, or merino or...or...or...
Vacation Spot - Montana

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

When I was 30 I didn't really think I would celebrate my 45th. However I have learned that every year/day/minute is a gift, and I celebrate all of them. I don't feel 45, what does 45 "feel" like anyway? My husband and boys are out now doing something secret. How exciting for me!

My shawl pattern is driving me crazy, the merino one in lavender. I have frogged twice, now I'm deciding on trying a new pattern or not letting the other one beat me. I think I'll try the new one. Maybe I'm not supposed to make the other one.

I went to Michaels to get a felting needle, they didn't have one. I was surprised. So tomorrow I'll try elsewhere, I really want to finish my tote. I'll probably do another one for my mom for christmas, I had fun making that. Then I need to try some socks, or something colorful. I don't like garish though, and so many of the sock yarns are so loud! I like the jewel tones and heathers best. I saw a purple/white/blue handpainted on the net, it was beautiful. Now I've lost the site and can't remember the name. AARRGGHH. Oh well, got yarn in the sink having a bath so need to go rinse.

WoW!!

My secret pal contacted me today!! And I contacted my spoilee and this is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to go shopping. I love shopping at my LYS, and now I have a perfectly good excuse to do so.

Fiber Things
My tote dried and shaped perfectly, I'm so pleased with it. I started the merino shawl over again and it is much better this time. There is a book on socks, I think it's called How To Knit Socks, or something like that. I've got to get some instructions on sock knitting. I do like cozy socks in the winter to wear around the house. Need to make some for my boys too. I think I'll do something bulky next, a hat maybe. Who am I kidding, there's about 50 things I want to make!

Secret Pal Questionaire--Yeahhh!!!!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love Merino, I've been getting into lace lately. I like Lamb's Pride for felting. I also adore multicolored or handpainted yarn, not necessarily striping. Most anything that is soft and pretty.

What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I don't like Aunt Lydia's, it's terrible to knit with. I don't like acrylic anything.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
When traveling they go in the bottom of my bag. At home I have a glass vase I stick them in.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been kniting about 6 months, taught myself with a book. I have crocheted a lot though but find knitting more fun. I think I'm intermediate or almost anyway. I'm trying to tackle cables, and getting ready to take a class (one day) on fair isle.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No, I've never filled one out, but if I do I'll post it.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I like citrusy, flowery. Can't take anything like sandalwood or heavy scents, they give me a headache.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Unfortunately, you can tell by looking at me. I'm currently on a diet, but once a month I feed the need for chocolate!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I was able to borrow a spinning wheel for 3 months, had to give it back today, (sigh.) I love spinning, completely hooked. I'm buying a wheel this month for sure. I'm also doing my first needle felting project.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) My current favorites are Sarah McGlachlan (sp?) Nickelback, Howie Day, Beethoven. I'm pretty widespread.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Yellow, blues, purples, jewel tones. I hate orange, never liked it, no idea why.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm married with 5 kids, one in Iraq right now, two in high school (living with their dad this year,) two in grade school. One cat, Miss Kitty, 23 whopping pounds and spoiled. Recently lost a pomeranian, and will have to have another dog. Thinking about a yellow lab.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I like scarves in the winter, never wore hats much. I like mittens & gloves, never had a poncho so I don't know. I'm an OR nurse so have to go in way early and it's cold before sunrise.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like shawls, especially lace patterns. I like making totebags for felting, and would like to try another sweater.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Just finished a tote bag out of Lambs Pride. I have a sweater, my first, in cotton to seam together and it's done, and I recently ripped out a shawl and am going to start over. I'ts in 100% merino in lavender.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
To be honest I've never really gotten many handmade, but the few I did get I really appreciated. They are special.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Mostly circular because of less weight, bamboo feels nicer.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, neither one. Unless you count my husbands hands.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I started an afghan about 5 years ago, just can't bring myself to work on it.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Definitely Christmas. I love shopping for people and wrapping things up to look nice. I love the anticipation.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
White and pink milkglass, I have loads of that. I've started collecting those glass paperweights that have the colors inside. They can be so pretty.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't have any subscriptions. I want to get Spin Off, and maybe Knitters magazine, I'm not as familiar with those so I don't know the best one. I'd love a book of how to make socks, or lace patterns. Knitters Handbook I've been told is a great reference to have.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Cables and color knitting.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I've not tried socks yet, but would like to try. I'll have to get back to you on the measurements.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
10/16. Wow, how did it get here already?

Secret Pal !!

Finally, I got into a Secret Pal swap. I've always missed the ones before and now I can't wait! This is going to be so much fun. I have more news about my latest projects but it's really late now and I have to be up at 430 (aarrghhh.) So more tomorrow.....happy fiber day!!!!

Need 35 Hours a Day

It is unbelievable how fast 24 hours can go! We both work 40 or more a week, then for the last two months we have been away for the weekends. Except for two. This weekend I said I can't go anymore. I have to have some down time from the outside world. DH didn't feel well anyway, stomach thing, so we stayed home all day except to go eat. I was so happy. I spent the whole day on the couch knitting and watching PBS. Between work, husband, kids, knitting, spinning, guild meetings, and the usual house stuff I need at least 35 hours in a day. Imagine how long a week would be. Friday would take forever to come around. Maybe we should leave it at 24.

Anyway, I ditched the cabled scarf pattern. After ripping out the fifth time I said this puppy is going to plague me no more!! Still working on the merino shawl, and the hug sweater, and I have finally started a tote bag. I'm doing it in LambsPride (it will be felted) and I'm going to try some needle felting around the top. I've been wanting to do a bag for a while.

Must go now, it's after 12 and the screen is blurring. More later......

On the Needles

A Hug sweater in 100 % cotton. Kind of a blue/green with specks of white. Coming together nicely.
A shawl in Feather and Fan pattern from 100 % merino, in lavender. This is going to be nice and light and lacy, but still warm I think.
Last, a scarf in forest green with colored specks of red, yellow and deep blue. This is worsted weight wool superwash. It's a nice pattern with cables and kind of a basketweave.

Weekend!!

Finally! I didn't think it would ever get here. This week has been so packed I HAD to have a day to decompress. And wouldn't you know I couldn't sleep past 7:00 this am. Course it is better than getting up at 4:30. Then my husband says he wants to go to the flea market at the fairgrounds. I'm thinking, the last thing I want to do is walk around for several hours. But we went, (I didn't say anything) and I had a great time. We found some great stuff. I bought two perfect tables for the living room, some really great earrings, a toe ring, and a so pretty glass frog paperweight for my daughter for Christmas. The colors in it are georgous. This is by far the best flea market I've ever been to, so many unusual things. So then we both came home and slept for two hours. Not bad for a Saturday. More later.....

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair is Coming!!

For those of you who don't know, the SAFF is coming October 27th through 29th. This is a great fair with lots of vendors, classes, animal competitions and so on. There are some great teachers and classes are really reasonable. There is also a fiber art competition, (my guild is organizing this year.) Go to the website to see what is going on that weekend. Just type in SAFF in your browser and it will take you to a link.

Oh I didn't mention where it is. Asheville, NC. What better place to be in October than the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's fall, the air is cool, the leaves are gorgeous, I Can't Wait!. Just let me know if you need more info.

Work, Work and More Work

You know you are a knitaholic when you think about going home to knit while you're at work. Oh well, maybe one day I can get a job knitting, or spinning, or both! More later, been a long week and I need to put my feet up.

Better Week

This week has been better. Partly because I actually went to the beach for a whole 24 hours!! WhooHoo!! It was nice, a little too windy but warm and nice and beachy. I hadn't been in probably 3 years. Went to Atlantic beach on the North Carolina coast. It's really a nice place to go with a family. I did have to come back and work the next day but now I'm off for four more days.

I have hardly done any knitting. I've been working on the front of my sweater for a whole week and I've still got a couple days more to finish. I haven't even started anything new and I finished my mother's shawl two weeks ago. It is definitely time to go shopping. I saw a scarf pattern using Moonlight Mohair and Trellis together. I am not big on scarves but it was georgous. Might be something to try. I need some new needles too. More circs and a couple of cable holders. I would like to try learning cables.

I went to a new group meeting for spinners and knitters. It was so interesting. I have never tried spinning but I think I would like to. I especially think I would like to try dyeing. I love color, not color that is gaudy, but fresh and springlike is great. I also like jeweltones a lot.
Well, I've bored you enough. More tomorrow, pictures too!

HOME FRONT

So I guess this is where I tell you about me and the kids and the husband and the cat and the fish/snails. Oh, and the mom, my mom. I am an RN on a med/surg floor. Graduated from nursing school last year. I like the job although it can be incredibly stressful, hence the knitting therapy. My goal though is to get to Labor and Delivery, that calls to me. It should since I have five children of my own. In order by age, (that's how I remember their names) Adam 24, Alex 18, Jessica 16, Michael 11, Jacob 8. And that is and forever will be the end of that list. I love them dearly, they are my heart.

I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. He tries very hard to make me happy. He always puts me first, which spoils me terribly but who am I to protest? Especially since he is not complaining about my mom staying with us for a while. She is looking for a house which is not a short thing, and could be a very long thing, but we'll get there.

The cat is a rescue from the pound, a great big orange tabby that weighs in at 20 lbs. Her name is Miss Kitty. I know that is sooo original but she is older and I had no idea what her name used to be. The fish is just Fish who lives with two snails, who are just The Snails. I mean we didn't name the snails. Of course Fish won't be Fish long if Miss Kitty has her way. Enough for now, I'm sure the knit pictures will be up soon.

KNIT THERAPY

Hi again!
So, this morning has been frustrating. One daughter home sick with something, I know I'm a nurse, but she hasn't resurfaced yet so we'll wait and see. Got to get some pictures on here but I'm ashamed to say my daughter will have to show me how. (No, I do NOT feel old.)

Knitting Front:
I'm working on a sweater, my first one. I have to say it's going pretty well. Finished the back and started the front. No problems yet. Fingers crossed. I'm using TLC cotton/acrylic. Inexpensive yes, which is good for a first attempt, and it feels great. I want it to be a good weight to wear on cool summer nights or fall. The swatch came out great.

I found a terrific book for new knitters, of which I am one. It's called The Learn to Knit a Sweater Book, by Jean Leinhauser. The instructions are so clear you can follow them without rewriting or reading 50 times. Several different styles are included so I should get plenty of practice.

I'm dying to try those felted clogs I've seen on one of the websites. They are so neat looking. Anyway I've finished one scarf out of the eyelash yarn, kind of frustrating to work with. I mean you can't see the stitches. And I just finished a shawl for my mom. I did that out of Patons Bohemian in wine. It worked up really pretty and is wonderfully soft and warm. She was pleased with it so that's what counts.

Just Getting Started

I am, as it says, just getting started here but I promise I will work to get this thing up and running quickly. I need the therapy!! I'll be telling you a little about myself and the things that cause me to tick, especially knitting, and I hope to meet lots of new friends.