Crochetaholic Swap Wish List

Are you a knitter or crocheter?
I knit and I love it. I know how to crochet, it would probably be easier on my shoulders.

I love to make.....
Cables are my new thing, they're really fun. Hats and bags.

I really want to make......
an Aran sweater, a pretty shawl.

My favorite yarns are.....
Anything natural, soft no acrylics. I love alpaca or mohair or just plain wool! I like cotton if it has some synthetic mixed in.

My wish pattern is......
a pretty aran, or Cottage Creations sweater. OR the Thinking of You scarf from
Fiber Trends. Its lace I think and so pretty.

My favorite hooks or needles are.....
Bamboo for most things, Addi Turbos sometimes.

I really wish I had.....
enough money to fuel my fiber habit!! :>) Some blue malabrigo yarn, yummy colors, or Patons
Soy Wool Stripes.

My favorite colors are...
Blue, yellow, reds (deep reds, not orangy reds) purple, teal, all colors?

My hobbies...
Knitting, quilting, gardening, I love my flowers, and reading.

My kitchen theme and colors..
Blue walls, white floor and counters. No theme really.

My bathroom theme and colors...
Roses, white, soft greens.

My dislikes....
Orange! Acrylic or eyelash yarn, ugh. Woodsy scents give me a headache.

My crafts..see hobbies.

what I like....
Animals, soft yarns, knitting patterns and books, shopping of course, movies.

My allergies... outdoor allergies, very heavy woody perfumes.

My favorite pets...my cat CoCo, the puppy I'm looking for.

My favorite scents...Gardenia from Pur Desire, Vanilla, coconut. floral or citrus.

My favorite novels or magazines...Country Living, anything by Nora Roberts.

Other stuff about me...I'm a Surgical RN and love my job. I have five children, 2 still at home.
Recently seperated. I can't wait to shop for my partner!!

Coming Soon......

This is a quick post because there's so much going on now but I had to say this much. I am so happy to announce that very soon, maybe one month, my new web store will be up and running. I have been working on this for quite a while and can't believe it's this close! The picture you see is one of the products we will carry. Of course we'll also have yarn, needles, patterns, essentials as well as hand-dyed fibers of many kinds. I'll also be taking orders for custom dying of fiber.

I can't wait!!
Renee

Fun Pattern

As you can see here's the tote I said won a ribbon at NC State Fair. The pattern is from The Crazy Yarn Lady. She has a shop in Mt. Airy, NC., and has some great yarn. The floral design is mine with her guidance, as this was my first needle-felting project. I'll be doing another of these, the needle-felting part was really fun. Talk again later!

I Am Freaking Out

A few weeks ago I broke my right hand at work. Semi-fortunately I am left handed, but I really use my right hand for over half of what I do. Anyway, I can't knit. There is a cast on my hand almost to my elbow. I CAN'T KNIT!!! I thought I was handling it pretty well, until the new issue of Interweave Knits came out. I checked it out on the website http://www.interweaveknits.com/ and saw the new patterns. Oh my gosh, the Gutter Gansey, the Farrow Rib Cardigan and, and,... I can't knit.

So what am I doing? I'm furiously dying fiber and yarn, and collecting patterns. By the time this cast comes off I'll have projects backed up for 5 years. 4 more weeks and I'm good to go.

I'm also gathering for my Coffee Swap pal. I'll be sending her package soon. She lives in the UK so I don't know how long the journey there will take but I hope she gets it in one piece, and I so hope she loves it. OK, I feel a little better now. Off to help with homework.

A GOOD DAY

Well, we went to the State Fair today, I took the boys and guess what? I GOT FIRST PRIZE FOR MY FELTED TOTE!! Sorry, don't mean to yell but I was so excited, not to mention shocked. I had been telling myself not to get my hopes up because there are lots of entries but there it was, a blue ribbon. I was so pleased. Now I have to wait a week to get it back, then I may just enter it at SAFF.

For those of you who don't know SAFF, it's a fiber fair held in Asheville, NC every year. It's quite large with a whole slew of vendors selling the most wonderful yarns and spinning fiber, as well as all the other things knitters can't get enough of. Go here to check it out, www.saffsite.org If you can manage to go you'll be hooked. I got some incredible bargains last year. Still trying to decide if I can go this year.

I also got my swap partner from Knitters Coffee Swap 3! Her name is Michaela, (pretty name) and she lives in the UK! I've never had a partner from overseas before and that makes this so much more interesting. I'm already swarming the internet looking for goodies. And then I remembered I hadn't posted my questions so here they are:

SWAP QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground? Ground since I haven't yet invested in a good grinder. I'm not sure I function well enough in the morning to do it then anyway.

2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Definitely fully-loaded.

3. Regular or flavored? Regular for mornings, but I do like my vanilla or caramel cappuccinos in the afternoons. I usually hit Starbucks for those.

4. How do you drink your coffee? Hot, never cold, with Splenda since I'm diabetic and a splash of milk because I tend to drink the really dark roasts.

5. Favorite coffee ever? My absolute favorite is Caribou Coffee's Obsidian. It's as darkly roasted as espresso, but is so smooth and has no bitterness or aftertaste. This stuff is pure gold.

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? I try other brands or types, but I have become fussy about my morning coffee. It has to be dark roast and smooth, smooth. I don't like hazelnut or nutty flavors. (but I love nuts to eat, go figure.)

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Muffins, scones. I'm trying to stay away from the chocolates, bad for blood sugar.

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? I like nice big, thick mugs. I like drinking it while I'm knitting or quilting, when it's quiet, listening to podcasts or music.

9. Yarn/fiber you love? I love wool, especially Merino. I really like to felt things although I don't use Merino to felt. I like Knit Picks yarns, they're nice to knit with. I love the malabrigo colors, they are so lovely but I haven't bought any yet. I like blends of natural fibers.

10. Yarn/fiber you hate? I don't like acrylic. Lace weight right now makes my eyes cross, I need new glasses. lol

11. What's on your needles? A sweater with fair isle accents made from Cascade 220 and Ultra Alpaca, for my mom. A shawl of lace weight wool/silk blend which is on hold till I get my glasses or a magnifying glass :). A pair of socks from Interweave Knits called Retro Rib Socks in superwash merino. I'm also making a queensize quilt for my son, and another throw size for I don't know who yet.

12. Favorite colors? Jewel tones definitely, also blues, yellows and reds. I just love color. But I don't like the wild insanely bright colors in some of the sock yarns.

13. Allergies? Only to things that keep me from knitting.

14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? Tomorrow's Monday, which means I have to go to work, which means I can't knit. @#%^ But Tuesday is my birthday!! So every cloud has a silver lining.

Have a great week!! Cheryl

Pink, Pink for October!!

As the daughter of a survivor this is something that means a great deal to me. As a Registered Nurse I've seen what it can do to patients, families, children. Spread the word. Call your local Susan G. Komen Foundation and volunteer.

Cheryl

NC State Fair

I did it. I finished my projects to enter in the NC State Fair, took them over there and got them entered. It felt good to have them finished, but it's amazing how you feel when you leave them with someone else. It's almost like you're leaving your babies or something. I'm sure they'll be fine.

I entered a felted totebag done in Brown Sheep Bulky, medium and light blues with a panel of needle felted flowers and vines across the front. The flowers are yellow and purple. I was pleased with the way it came out. The pattern was by Crazy Yarn Lady, Blue Denim Felted Tote. But the floral design was my own. My other entry was a hat by Fiber Trends, Bobble and Braid Hat. It was done in seed stitch, cables, bobbles, with a braided tassel at the top. I did it in Wool-Ease yellow. It is so cute I can't wait for cold weather to wear it.

Oh! Oh! I got my ravelry invite! It is a really cool site but holy cow it's huge. I'm off now to explore it more.

Cheryl

Weekend and Baby

Oh, it's Saturday and there's only one more day to the weekend. Don't you hate that? Wouldn't it be great if every day could be Saturday? Then we'd have all the time we needed to knit, quilt, knit, quilt, shop for yarn or fabric, knit more.

My friend Amanda is pregnant and I'm so excited for her. I've had all my babies but I remember how it feels the first time. Since it will probably be born in May, whatever I knit should be lighter weight. So today I bought enough Santana, 55% cotton, 45% acrylic (I know, I don't use acrylic either but this was so pretty and so soft it was perfect.) to make a blanket. A blanket will be useable a good while yes? Anyway it is a soft pastel varigated with coral pink, yellow, green and lilac. I'm going to cast on thirty stitches with each of 5 balls and work upwards with all 5 at a time. This way it won't stripe, but simply color change softly across the whole blanket. A good winter project.

Project Musings

I don't know about you but I am so ready for fall. I've never been a fan of really hot weather, and this summer has been like roasting marshmallows except we were the marshmallows!! Down here in NC we have averaged ten degrees above normal all season. Besides how can you wear all those knitted sweaters and shawls if they're going to make you sweat like a pig? or maybe a sheep?

I've kind of taken a break from my knitting. I've been working on a quilt for my next-to-oldest son. He's 19; I hope to have it finished by his birthday in November. I know I can do it by Christmas. I only have one more row to add on and the top is finished. I will only have to layer it and quilt it! I still have to decide what type of batting to use. Any suggestions? The one I did for my daughter was very thin, she doesn't like heavy covers. But Alex likes lots of blankets so I'd like this one to be thicker, but not a puff quilt. I don't like the feel of those.

Anyway, now I'm doing the KAL for Bag Style, that will get me back to knitting. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I'm thinking of doing the one on the cover. I really like the shaping and the button detail. I'm off tonight to Barnes and Noble to get my copy. I don't know if I'll use yarn from my stash or buy new. I have some I could dye, but now I'll have to decide what color.
Decisions, decisions!!

Yayyy

I signed up for the Interweave Bag Style KAL! I can't wait to go get the book. I'm heading out to Barnes and Noble tomorrow night. I think I'll do the bag on the cover, it's so cute. But there are quite a few in the book that I like so who knows what I'll end up doing.

I'll post a link and hopefully a button, (if I can figure out how) when I blog again. It won't be so long this time.

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.