KnitTea

Moving Day

2007-11-14T13:09:00.001-05:00

Well, ahead of schedule, I packed up and moved to Wordpress. I'm still KnitTea, so you can find me HERE. If you have me linked on your blog, I'm truly honored, but would you mind updating your link so we don't get separated??

I imported what I could easily figure out here, but I'll be leaving this blog up indefinitely. Please come visit the new diggs and help me figure out where to hang the art and put the furniture!

Cloudy, Fall Days

2007-11-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

I've never liked cloudy, fall days. I always resent that I can't just stay home and curl up with Mugsy, my knitting, a pot of tea, and a good movie.

Now I know why the sun's not shining. Another sweet canine light went out this morning. Please scoot over and wish Wendy and her family well as they deal with the raw loss of a good and faithful companion. I can only hope that Buddy, Chewy, Fred, Maddie and Wolfie are together, frisky and pain-free, across the Rainbow's Bridge.

One Jay

2007-11-12T17:49:00.000-05:00

Since it's the day after her birthday, I'm still humoring the little woman, as I sometimes call MJ. Her first question this morning, upon arriving at work was, "Is my sock on the internet yet?" (meaning here, in the blog).

"Um... no..." I replied with some shame.

"Why not?!" with much indignation.

So, without further ado, here's her first knitted sock, in all its glory. Have I mentioned how much I love this yarn with this pattern?

Has anyone else noticed that Ravelry likes to crop photos, even if you use the little drag and drop thingee? That's why the sock isn't any bigger in that photo. I'm trying to figure out what the right size for Ravelry might be.

For the unJayed out there, here's a close-up. It's a very simple pattern. Row one is knit all the way around, and row two repeats on each of the four needles (assuming dpns). The colors are a little deeper and darker in person, but you know the drill with me and my lack of photography skills.

The mate is coming right along. They won't match, because I have no idea where in the skein that thinnish pink band (at top of sock #1) happens. In the second sock, it's an EVEN THINNER band, of the likes not seen in sock #1, more like the very narrow pink band in the foot of sock #1. So, I decided not to even try to match 'em up. The colors are the same dye lot, and she'll wear them with jeans and clogs most of the time, so...

Also, don't forget Anne's contest ends on the 15th! I'm glad I didn't have time to enter before we left for the beach, because this pattern is going to be one of mine, even though I know Anne isn't likely to suddenly take up socks any time soon.

Happy Birthday Granny J!

2007-11-12T10:53:00.001-05:00

My mother inlaw, known to you as "MJ" has more nicknames than I can count. Yesterday, we celebrated Veterans Day for her father inlaw, her husband, and my father, but the cake and gifts were hers. I'm quite sure she doesn't want me sharing her age, but I can assure you she is older, much older, than she looks.

I've been blessed to know her most of my life. I think I met her when I was about five, so I really don't remember not knowing MJ. She's the quintessential mother, grandmother, wife and friend. She can cook Southern style with the best of 'em, and her generosity knows no limits.

There are some great memories. The earliest would be when the sweet, demure little woman stood up to my parents. As a child, I called ALL adults Ms./Mrs./Mr. X, and my parents politely corrected anyone suggesting otherwise. That is, until MJ INSISTED that I would call them by their first names. She can be a feisty little wildcat! I think I addressed them by their first names every single time I spoke to them, just because it made me feel so grown up to call grown ups by their names!

She married in her teens (yep, still going strong 45 years later), so her first real drunk was my 30th birthday. She learned to love wine that night, and I'll leave you to fill in the blanks. I'm proud to say that I've turned her into quite the little wine-o!

So raise a glass of your favorite beverage and toast one great woman!

Second Wind

2007-11-10T17:35:00.000-05:00

For those of you dear souls who actually read all of my posts, this is really a continuation of the Marathon post below. Otherwise, jump in! There's actual knitting content here.

First though, we have to take care of some coffee swap business. Holly wants to know:

As the cold of winter approaches, do you change the projects you work on? Do you work on gifts for others or do you continue working on projects for yourself?

You mean other than socks?! I'm supposed to be doing some lace and other holiday knitting, but there are November/early December birthdays that require some knitting too. I'm not working on anything for me right now, and the goal is to not knit for myself until after the holiday knits AND my Pay it Forward knits are complete. As this was my first calendar year of knitting, I did find myself picking non-wool, smaller items in the heat of summer, save socks of course.

No, I haven't finished the Jaywalker yet, but thanks for asking. It seemed like a good plan at the time to knit my child-footed mother inlaw's socks on #0s, but - DUH? - little needles mean little stitches, which all adds up to taking forever to knit one friggin' sock. I do love the pattern, so that helps, but after whipping out the Knight's pair in no time, this is a humbling reminder that even short woman socks can take a long time.

So how 'bout those finished Fred socks? They're lovely, the really are. (And yes, the Knight wanted them that short.)

Details:

Pattern - Beaded Rib from Sensational Socks.

Changes - I'm in love with the magic cast-on from Cat Bordhi, so that's what I used. Yes, toe-up, with a short-row heel.

Needles - Size #2 circs, my Harmonys.

Yarn - Alabama Fiber's custom, Fred's Yarn

And now, those pesky, tiny Jaywalkers. They're being done in KnitPicks' Felici, in Hummingbird. I am in love with this pattern. It might replace the Monkey as my favorite sock pattern, but you know I'm fickle. I'm almost done with the foot decreases now, and with a not quite size five ladies shoe as my goal and a 2" toe, I really think I can finish them tonight. That is of course, if I quit blogging and return to knitting, but a girl's gotta' eat, right? I can blog and eat, but I can't knit and eat, so cut me some slack, will ya'?

The other thing that slows me down on these socks is about every ten rows or so, I have to stop and admire 'em. If I didn't know that I'd get to see them nearly every time they're worn, I don't know if I could give them up. Soft yarn, pretty stripes... Yeah, that's why they call it yarn porn. I do have more Felici for the Knight - in the Firefighter colorway! - but I'm thinking I need another colorway for me too. I might not get around to knitting them in the next decade, but when I do, I'll love the way this yarn and this pattern groove together!

I'm doing beach laundry and missing the sound of the waves breaking. So to console myself, I offer this:

It's the view off the front porch on a clear day. I miss you, OBX. The good news is, we'll be back. My aunt and I spent 40 minutes on the phone today, talking about the beach. They're headed down tomorrow for a couple of days.

Last, but hardly least, I offer some evidence of non-knitting crafting. I've mentioned before that a group of us gathers monthly to scrap and stamp. Last night, they got all organized and we had both a scrapping "take away" and a stamping workshop. I know some of you enjoy those crafts too, so here's what we did:

Creative Memories door journal box:

Stampin' Ups gift tags and card:

Please note all of the purple. Gah! It's growing on me. Especially when paired with a green, I'm starting to like it. Not that I had a choice; these colors were pre-selected for the mini workshop.

Well, dinner's done, so that means I should wrap it up here and return to the sock. Thanks for reading!

Marathon Post

2007-11-10T10:48:00.000-05:00

Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, walk the dog, and sit down. It's gonna' be a long one!

First, a million thanks to my Sockza pal, the lovely Adrienne. There was a parcel on the front porch when we got home Thursday evening, and inside was my first Zimmerman book! Since I've not really done much in the way of fitted items, I can't wait to give this book a read. I have been blessed with some fantastic swap pals, and I love it when they broaden my horizons. Thanks again, Adrienne!

That wasn't the only package that arrived while we were away. I finally used my gift certificate from Sock it to Me's prize, and my pretty stitch markers from Zero were waiting for me. First, the "everything" shot. I was surprised at the extras that were included! My gift certificate covered the pearl markers on the right, but there were also two pretty bonuses, and a nice note, tucked into that cute little paper pouch. All of the markers are on TINY rings, per my request. I have a great collection of pretty stitch markers, but most are on medium to large rings, and you know I love my wee needles.

You've gotta' have a close-up of the markers I ordered. The bottom of the card says "jewelry for your knitting" and it really is. That's actually a rather enlarged photo of one marker, but I wanted you to see the pretty pearl and the chunk of gem. (Amethyst? Garnet?)

You also know I'm in stamping and appreciate the little extra touches some vendors add. Here's a great example, on the back of the little padded mailer everything came in. Isn't that great?!

Now, there's also the unfinished report on my not-so quick trip in Knitting Addiction to say "until next time." Here's what I picked up on my way out of town. (I just couldn't help it!) There's the holiday Knit Simple with its convenient section called "going coastal" featuring (swoon!) cabled goodness, shot at a beach. There's also the trunk show preview yarn and its Princess Socks pattern (sure you don't want to do socks, Sharon?). More on the yarn in a bit, because you see the Tofutsies too, don't you? I don't think I'll be stash-satisfied until I own every colorway in that yarn, whether it's one I would ordinary like or not.

I'm in an ornery mood, so here's the Tofutsies first. They're going back and naming all of the colors with foot-related names, but this one looks like autumn maple leaves to me. My mother's paternal side did some maple syrup harvesting, and I have a strong affinity for all things maple. They are my favorite trees, and there's just nothing like real maple syrup on pancakes, french toast, waffles, dry corn bread...

Then, there's the TINKERBELL yarn, by Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets. The colorway is actually deeper and darker (see the "group" photo?), and is called aquatide. Now, I'm not a sparkly yarn girl, but something about Tinkerbell's merino and silk (sorry Sharon; I almost bought you some until I read the label!) blend with the flecks of silver just called to me. I have 420 yards, and while the Princess Socks pattern was written for this yarn, I think it wants to be an elegant shawl, don't you?? I'm all for pampering my feet, but this stuff is so soft, so lovely...

I'm thinking this is enough of a post for now. The rest will have to wait for another time. I know you want to see FOs and the MJ Jaywalkers, but really folks, I must get to work on the Jays now, because we're suddenly doing her birthday dinner tonight, and I really want one sock done to give her!!

Doggone Thursday

2007-11-08T08:55:00.000-05:00

Being a beach dog is hard work. Mugsy has slept in some of the most bizarre positions this week. Here, he's propped up on about three pillows, nearly vertical. He didn't even really wake up when the flash went off. He's gone everywhere with us, and will be as sorry as we are to load up later today and head home. The good news is that our re-entry into the real world will only consist of Friday, and then we get a weekend. (Anyone for a couple more days in OBX?)

I'll show photos and do a full report later, but the Fred socks are done, and I've started MJ's (mother inlaw) Jaywalkers, which I hope to finish for her birthday this Sunday. I'm loving the pattern and the Knitpicks Felici yarn! My first attempt at lace ended in frustration; I'm just not loving the Bryspun circs, at least not with lace. Of course, that also could have been the Knitting God's way of making sure I work on the MJ Jays...

I'm doing laundry while the Knight and the little prince slumber on. I predict it will be mid afternoon before we pull out, with one last trip to Knitting Addiction to tide me over until next time, which I hope isn't too far in the future.

Everything's Better at the Beach

2007-11-06T16:01:00.000-05:00

Before I wax poetic, I must mention Anne's latest contest. Scoot over and talk patterns and get in on another of Anne's great prizes.

First, some sock love. It's kinda' ironic to be grinding out socks at the beach, where socks aren't much of a priority for me, but I was delighted to finish my second Tofutsie, after so very much ado. Isn't it pretty?! (There's no sun at the beach today. Sorry.) Mugsy's beach towel is a rather blah background, but the socks are colorful enough for everything.

That takes us straight to Fred's Yarn in the Knight's socks. It's a low-maintenance pattern for a no-frills guy, the beaded rib from Sensational Socks. The second sock is well underway, and I hope to finish it tonight during House.

The Knight earned another jewel for his shield again today. First stop: Knitting Addiction. Sigh. We're just going to have to come down here often enough to call it my LYS. Maybe beaches just have great yarn shops (Knitting Up a Storm, Myrtle Beach), or maybe there's just no LYS like a shop owned and operated by a female volunteer fire fighter. I wanted one of everything, but paced myself, a bit. The first shot is of the wrap pattern I couldn't resist and the yarn Jeanne helped me me select for it. She wound everything almost without asking; a simple, "Here, I'll wind that while you continue shopping" began what I hope will be a real friendship.

There were a couple of if they see it they'll know it is for them purchases, but here's the rest of my haul. I'm sure several of you recognize the Blue Sky Cotton. This color just called my name, and will most likely become Cass's eye pillow. My Bryspuns are my favorite straights, so I've always wanted to try the circs. If they are so wonderful, I'll be calling Jeanne; she does ship.

I'll be doing a "real" write-up for the LYS review blog in due time, but folks, if you're ever anywhere near the Outer Banks, North Carolina, stop in. I can't believe this shop is only a mile from my aunt's beach house, so I'm calling it my LYS, and it will be another reason to swing down this way as often as possible. While chatting with me about a mutual friend and winding my yarn, Jeanne greeted the regulars by name, and helped two other customers. I don't think any of us felt jilted; she easily and graciously multitasked as only a great woman can do.

Smack!!

2007-11-05T22:25:00.000-05:00

That's me hitting myself in the head. As I rushed out of town Friday, I left Cass's 333 Contest in limbo. Of course, y'all are all reading her wacky, funny blog anyway, but...

Then, there's the coffee swap. I actually *DO* have some coffee here at the beach, thanks much. It's in a bottle, in the refrigerator, with Starbucks on the label, but that counts right?? There's a topic of the week, and you know I'm a team player and a contest junkie, so:

When did you first start drinking coffee? What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began!

Firstly, I'd hardly call it a passion. That's the cold, hard truth. Tea is a passion, but I'm learning to like coffee. LIKE. Just enough to think it's fun to be in a swap.

My start with coffee had me gagging and spitting. Not pretty. That's pretty much how I reacted until one of the other female firefighters ground some for me. I don't recall the first flavor - hazelnut? - but once I learned that I didn't loathe ALL coffee, I very slowly began testing the waters. So for the sake of the contest, let's say I was in my 20s before I was able to actually swallow a sip of coffee.

I've always loved the smell of coffee though.

And no, Mugsy isn't sure about the waves. He likes the little ones that lap at the shore best, thanks.

Maybe knitting content will happen in the next post.

Noel and No Net

2007-11-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

No, we're not doing Christmas early. We made our way to the Outer Banks just before Noel. The Knight's brother called about an hour after we had settled in to confirm that we made it across before the bridge closed, as he lives near the shore on the Virginia side. This is what it looked like, out of our front porch windows when we arrived. Friday night was rough, and Saturday left us with several spots on our street where the Atlantic wandered across the road, but it was quite passable in 4 wheel drive vehicles. So, we had no internet service until just a few minutes ago. I'm proud to announce that the Knight discovered the returned connectivity to life as we know it, while I was busy doing the toe increases on sock #2 of his Fred Socks. (That's another post for another day.)

Today was the first day really fit for beach walking, so the Prince (aka: Mugsy) got to meet the Atlantic. He loved it! It was still in the 50s, so we had to drag him home much sooner than he wanted, but keep in mind he's 12, and doesn't have a wet suit. We had planned to take him back this afternoon, but after our lunchtime adventures, including a Mugsy shopping trip at Salty Paws, he was sleeping rather soundly. We're here until Thursday, so we'll pace him a bit.

I wish I had close-ups, but the little nut stayed at a trot or faster, so the shots I did get were all but gifts. One of the many reasons for off-season beach vacations is that Mugsy can ride everywhere with us. Saturday was still exceptionally windy, so we stayed pretty close to home. Yesterday, we rode to Duck, because the Knight had never been. I'd never been off-season, so after discovering everything I loved was rather shut down, we headed back. I'm gloating, but Knitting Addiction is ALMOST within walking distance from our house. If Mugsy was younger and my back was better... It's closed Sunday and Monday, but the sweet Knight tried to take me there today. We did hit the scrapbook store, but my sister might be reading, so shhhh... (She has birthday and Christmas coming!)

We drove to Roanoke Island today, but without the internet, we couldn't find the yarn shop there. I don't know if we'll get back there or not before Thursday, but there's always next time. The Knight and the Prince love it here too, so we'll be back again soon, and often.

Assuming the wireless holds, I'll blog about the knitting that has happened tomorrow. Right now, I need to get back to sock #2. The Knight looks pretty silly in one Fred sock and one white cotton footie.

To Me, From Me

2007-11-01T18:01:00.000-04:00

You have to love advance order options. Way back in the summer, Nichole made me fall in love with One Skein Wonders. Well, I rushed over to Amazon and ordered a copy (I do a lot of rushing and ordering while emailing with Nichole), and noted that the "sequel" would be out soon enough that I could pre-order. So, I did. Can't even say I forgot all about it, because periodically, I'd see a promotion for the upcoming book and smugly remind myself I had one on order. However, I failed to anticipate its arrival today.

All of this arrived today. Some on the porch, some in the mailbox, so at least two different carriers stopped in to make my day. The winter IK issue is tucked in the very back, and the must make just about one of everything holiday gift issue is on the left. All three are going to the beach, along with my post-it note highlighter pen. (Those 3M folks are brilliant, and obviously, into organized multi-tasking too.) I predict yarn will be purchased and my holiday knitting list will shift yet again, but you'll be in the know when it happens, so stay tuned.

But wait!! There's more! Because Interweave was sold out of the Holiday edition by the time Cass convinced me I *NEEDED* it (no arm twisting, not even any drinking... just a few gratuitous project shots was all it took), so I had to find it at an online retailer. Of course, I couldn't pay almost as much in shipping as the magazine cost, so I had to add a few things to my virtual buggy. There's more Tofutsies, more Maizy in a nut brown I could truly gobble up, and some Bamboozle in a perky green. The Bamboozle has holiday gift plans already, but the Maizy is mine, all mine. The Tofutsies doesn't need any justification. There are only about two colorways in that line I don't want.

I know not everyone loves Tofutsies, and that's okay - MORE FOR ME! - but take a look at this and tell me what's not to love? Even with my current attraction to solids and nearly solids, how can you not love this? It's a good thing I have the second Summer Daze sock to take to the beach, because I'm wondering now why I want to knit with anything other than the chitin yarn at the beach. No, I don't find it splitty or smelly. I find it perfectly lovely, and can't wait to knit up the next colorway, whether it is this one or one of the others in my stash.

A proof read finds me doing a lot of lovin' in this post. Blame it on the beach. I'm just about packed, and the Knight and Mugsy are all ready to go, save loading everything into the truck. You're gonna' appreciate this. I'm taking my portable printer too. (What if I need to print a new pattern or something? What? Et tu Brute??) The Knight laughed out loud. (He doesn't SNOL. That's my distinctive chortle.) But he's taking his laptop too, so if you're in the area, you'll know us right away. I'm quite certain there won't be another couple anywhere near the Outer Banks on the beach with a crup (that's a magical jack russell terrier, which is Mugsy's true identity), two laptops, a portable printer and some knitting.

Another Good Cause

2007-11-01T09:41:00.000-04:00

I love that many of our fellow bloggers have a cause. How great when cause and contest meet too! Please pop over and give Milly and MDA some support. I can assure you that there's much goodness, knitterly and otherwise, in her neck of the woods, so spread the word and make a donation if you can.

Hmmm... Makes me think my upcoming contest will be tied to a cause of some sort too. Stay tuned for the knitting anniversary contest with a cause to be announced later this month!

Special Dogs on Thursday

2007-11-01T03:33:00.000-04:00

Dogs on Thursday makes the Knight SNOL, because he knows I talk about dogs - all of 'em - more than once a week. However, this week is something VERY special. Paula went above and beyond and dedicated this DoT to our Fred. (Yes folks, the Knight, MJ, AND Abby's dad all tune in for DoT! They only look at the photos, but still...)

Thank you, Paula. Your friendship and support is invaluable!

Don't feel left out, catters. Paula also participates in Cats on Tuesday.

If you need a doggy fix, please scroll down. My previous post was pooch-heavy!

Our Little Devil!

2007-10-31T20:07:00.001-04:00

The Knight and I both thought it was the perfect costume. The Prince had other ideas. (Maybe next year, I'll make a felted crown instead?) Yep, that is Pop's hand you see on the right, helping Mugsy pose for the ding dang photo.

Okay, it's too small. We were pretty sure our boy needed a large, but there were none to be found in the costumes we liked. The extra large looked huge. (Note to self: Mugsy ain't skin 'n bones.) So, it wasn't comfortable, and the head piece fit not at all, really. That didn't stop my mother inlaw (let's call her MJ since everyone else has some sort of name) and Pop from TRYING to cram Mugsy's thick neck and swelled head into the bit o' fabric.

It COULD have been a cute costume. See the potential?!

We did have one "treater." It's hard to even threaten a trick or treat when you're about a pound and move from one human's hands to another. Abby's sweater fits perfectly! I'm tickled pink, as I had to really fudge the pattern to attempt to make it small enough for the bitty gal. The fact that she moves comfortably in this sweater makes me happier than you can imagine. There's room for a bit of growth, but a slightly larger wool version in self-striping sock yarn is in my queue.

Facts:

Pattern - Dandy Dog Sweaters, Mocked Cable by Fiber Trends
Needles - size 6 straights, size 5 dpns
Yarn - TLC Baby in White Sparkle
Modifications - Too many to list. Everything was shorter.

An exceptionally quick knit, and truly, probably the most gratifying yet. Abby is content, her owners are stupid-happy, enough so that they brought her up to our house (gee, a whopping 1/2 mile away!) for me to see.

Now, back to packing. The laptops are going, as is the never-ending Tofutsie sock (I love this yarn and pattern, and I hate that it keeps getting shuffled aside!), Fred's Yarn for the Knight's sock, and a certain blue alpaca lace. MJ's birthday socks might go too, because I plan on lots of down time, which means lots of knitting. Transit to and from alone will afford me 8 hours of knitting!

PS - If I settle on a yarn for the cabled headband, that's going too.

More Sad News

2007-10-30T13:35:00.000-04:00

October is really testing me. I've noted it as my favorite month several different times, but October, 2007, will go down in history as a rough one.

Please, PLEASE pop over to Michelle's blog right away and wish her whole family well. They've known since before the move that Chewy was terminally ill, but the end still came suddenly. Keep Murphy (their other dog) in your prayers too; like poor Mugsy, the older "sibling" is left behind, so we have to hope and pray that they live unreasonably long, healthy lives, so their humans don't face such extreme grief too soon again. (Selfish, I know.)

I'm so sorry I missed meeting you, Chewy. You were a beautiful, well-loved girl, who loved well in return.

And October? I won't be sorry to see you go this year. Bring on November, the beach and the celebration of thanks. I do have so much for which to be thankful, and hopefully, it will be easier to see those blessings with the black shadow of October behind us.

Hello? Hello??

2007-10-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

We're bored. We - that's me, plus Pop (the Knight's 86 year old grandfather), Mugsy and Shadow - have resorted to reading old trade magazines (Pop), napping in the sun (the dogs) and that leaves me REALLY bored. Pop is always my entertainment when no one else is around, but with his nose in a magazine, it falls to YOU to keep me awake, amused and otherwise engaged.

So, since I'm finally realizing November is RIGHT HERE and that means Thanksgiving and a confirmed visit from Anne (coming for two Thanksgivings in a row makes it a sustainable tradition, right?), I'll share some of my favorite photos from my favorite holiday.

That's my all-time favorite photo of Pop. It captures his best personality. There's also a very cranky, demanding old man personae, but you don't care to meet that one.

My apologies to my vegan pals, but that's about the only way I like turkey. The Knight and Dae (aka: my father inlaw) can deep-fry a turkey with the best of 'em. The Knight is the resident carver, but here, one of the ladies preps it for the carving.

I'm really excited about the stack of pumpkin recipes Gaylen sent me too. Pumpkin is a food group in our house, for the next few months anyway. They'll be going to the beach with us. I'm really hoping the Knight will adore my version of the beach. We've always done the beach his way, which is to say, Myrtle Beach. Myrtle's okay, but when I think beach, I think Outer Banks, and I'm looking forward to having a house to call our own, and having Mugsy with us. Cutting the travel time almost in half won't hurt either.

I'm thinking it's about contest time again too. Keep your eyes open; Thanksgiving will mark my one-year of knitting anniversary, and I'm certainly thankful for all that knitting has brought to my life, especially my friendships with so many of you.

Now that I've bored you too, we'll call this post done.

FO, WIP and More

2007-10-29T19:34:00.000-04:00

Before the FO-news: Rush over to Robin's blog and catch her contest. Let's really shock her with the number of comments!

Well, D-snuggle is finished, and it worked well this morning on the way to work and again on the cold, poured concrete floor in the office. (It works well enough at home that the Prince would rather not be disturbed for posing.)

The vitals:

Yarn: Ella Rae Amity. I liked it well enough for this project, but it doesn't drape well enough for anything other than blankies and snuggles. It felt good enough sliding through my fingers, but it's got that acrylic "fuzz" thing going on. There were knotted joins in both skeins, which again, for a snuggle Mugsy is going to dig and scratch in is fine, but I definitely wouldn't be pleased if I was using it for a sweater for me, which was the reason I wanted to try this yarn.

Needles: The trust KP Options with the metal tips this time, because Anne warned that I'd need to scratch and dig a bit on those P3 combos. I don't think I split more than a couple of stitches, and they were easily fixed.

Pattern: Mostly Anne's, but I did cast on 121 stitches and knitted until Mugsy's rump was covered. I can't say enough about this cushy daisy stitch, which is wonderfully dense enough to keep a sweet doggy bottom warm on a cold floor or car seat.

Then, I cast on several times, with three different yarns, for little neighbor Abby's first coat. It's a Fiber Trends pattern, done with a sport weight yarn instead of worsted, so it should be small enough to fit the wee lass. Of course, the great thing about knitting for little ones is be they human or canine, I'm about halfway on the back portion now. (Not in this photo, but we had a brief DSL not working episode.) It's very girly, and I wouldn't want to wear this stuff next to my skin - the flecks of color are rather coarse - but I think Abby will enjoy it.

Then, there are the flowers. The Knight made me move them off the kitchen island, so the photo isn't as great, because I couldn't just shove my nose and the camera into the blooms, but what's a girl to do!? The man wanted room to cook, and who am I to argue!?

Last, but oh so hardly least, my little splurge on more NH Knitting Mama yarn arrived today. You can get your own here. I am looking forward to knitting with the alpaca lace next week, and if that jade is still there, watch out!!

Do a Dollop of Daisy

2007-10-28T05:50:00.000-04:00

With respects to the Daisy Sour Cream folks (the brand of choice in our house, if you care), I have been grinding away on Mugsy's snuggle, and hope to call it finished this evening. I can't say enough about this cushy, fun little stitch, which Anne introduced me to in yet another Anne-written dishcloth pattern, which you can find here. Of course, mine looks significantly different than hers, because we knit using different styles, and my variegated yarn doesn't show the pattern so clearly. Still, I am content, Mugsy will be warm, so very little else matters.

Much of D-Snuggle's progress (Mugsy's a boy, and doesn't care to have a Daisy Blankie, thanks much) was made during Saturday's gadding around the Commonwealth. (Virginia isn't really a state, if you care. I mean, it's one of THE States, but...) On our way to the rest of our adventures, we stopped by to say farewell to Lola and Paula at Limerick Fibres. Pout. Sniff. I did secure a few items for my stash, including a bulky alpaca for Monica's Eyelet Capelet, some sock yarn (I'm buying in green these days, if anyone is taking notes), and some acrylic blends for more snuggles. I also picked up a Fiber Trends dog coat pattern, because as soon as D-Snuggle comes off the needles, Abby's snuggle goes on, then, a wee, bitty coat for the tiny gal.

The Knight never flinched, never asked what I spent, NOTHING, which is a clue. Next stop was Sheetz, where the Knight earned his title yet again. I sat in the truck knitting of course, but he brought out a Starbucks Frappacino Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha. OH.MY.GOODNESS. If I didn't know better, I'd drink nothing else until the limited edition disappeared from store shelves. (Yo! Blogger! Frappacino is *SO* a word...)

At the NEXT stop, Gander Mountain, I found out why the Knight was non-pulsed by my big bag of yarn. He just chuckled and kept walking when I picked up a Camelbak and noted that I would never be bitchy again if I could wear one filled with the above-mentioned nectar every day, but we did pick up some things he needed and a couple of gifts.

From there, we had an early dinner with my beloved aunt and uncle. Sigh. Everyone needs a favorite aunt and/or uncle, and the Knight and I are blessed to have his set and mine. We'd want to hang out with them even if they weren't family. My aunt handed the Knight a card, and within was the key to their beach house, which is where we'll be for a week, beginning next weekend. I wasn't planning on taking my laptop, but hem, hem... My aunt did mention that there's wireless, so I think TWO laptops will go to the beach, so you'll get to be jealous sooner, rather than after I get home.

Of course, that meant we had to swing into PetsMart for some responsible petpoopsinpublicbags, and while we were there, much goodness jumped into our cart. Like any kid, Mugsy selected the $1.99 squeaker ball as his toy of the evening. All was good until he fell asleep with it in his mouth, which meant every time he breathed, it squeaked. Do I need to tell you that after about three minutes the Knight awoke the Prince, popped the ball out, hid it, and sound sleep was had by all? I also nabbed a Halloween costume for Mugsy, but you'll have to wait to see that... (Nothing like waiting until the Pedigree age calculator thingee says my boy is 64 to begin the Halloween costume thing, but hey!)

We also hit AC Moore's. This might surprise you, but all I picked up was a free pattern, the Knit n Style mag (you need it too for the super-cute Tofutsies pattern within!), and a scrappin' related birthday haul for my mother inlaw. Yeah, I was done shopping for her last week, but the very die cut die she wanted was on one of those "buy me" end caps, and the rest is history. The Knight picked out a handful of Jolie goodies, and who am I to tell him his momma and I don't need more scrappin' stuff?

That's about all of the adventures I think will interest you, so we'll wrap it up here. Here's the garden flag the Knight purchased, and the holder, which was part of his anniversary present. (I know, exciting, right?!)

Anne's Sleeping Bag

2007-10-28T04:49:00.000-04:00

After weeks of photoless whining and teasing, I can finally share Anne's Felted Bag with you. She knew I was her spoiler as she was the lone hostess for this swap , and it feels as though a lot of October has been devoted to this project. I had hoped to have it done so it would arrive in her hands on her birthday, but such is life, and lucky, the Bag Lady knows how these things go.

Firstly, I must apologize to my friend. The bag did look better when it left here, but the photo on Anne's blog just turns my stomach. Pout. I hope she knows I honestly wouldn't have sent her such a train wreck of a bag, and I hope her Bag Lady skills will allow her to restore it to something more akin to what left here. Obviously, my concerns about it still being damp within somewhere were well-founded.

We'll start at the end and work our way back. There's the finished product, which pleases me more than I thought it would. This is the Plymouth blah blah pattern, and let me be clear; I CANNOT recommend this pattern to anyone. Awful ain't the word. There are errors in the chart and no errata to be found, although I think I was able to figure out how to make the assorted cables mirror each other, within the rows and top to bottom.

The little pop of green at the top? Yeah, well, pictured on the pattern photo, but NOT written into the pattern, so I kinda' guessed, and made the green wider than I really wanted it, but it's all good. The straps? Um, yeah. I made them THREE times as long as the pattern called for. Who on earth does a 35 row strap on a felted bag?! Also, a bag this size really should be done in a bulky yarn or two strands of worsted, and I'll know better in the future, not that I'll do this pattern again. No way. I hope Anne finds it acceptable and can use it to store yarn in or something, but it's not even worth trying to modify for future use.

The details:

Yarn: Patons Wool. Six balls of dark grey, and two balls of bottle green, with the last ball of each barely getting used. I did have to buy an extra ball of the grey, as the pattern called for five, and I have this annoying habit of knitting VERY loosely for felted projects. Loved the way this felted up, with more heft than I would have predicted, but DANG this stuff sheds. In desperation, I did run it through the dryer on no heat for a few minutes, which helped tremendously. I also ran one of those shaver muh-bobs over it.

Needles: Knitpicks Options, in both metal and the sweet Harmonys. My knitting did tighten up some with the Harmonys, and I'm liking those very much. Size #10.5, 32 inch circs.

Pattern: Plymouth Celtic Felted Tote, #P635

New skills: You can't see it in the final product, but I will likely take the time (and it is laborious) to do an i-cord bind-off on all my felted bags in the future. Great little trick, that.

This is also my first cabled project, and I enjoyed cables, but not the way this pattern was written. The bottoms and tops of the diamonds were sloppy, and I don't know that I did anything wrong. (Really don't like this pattern, just in case you missed that.) I'm looking forward to doing a cabled headband and other cables very soon.

I also had to do an infinite amount of seaming. Each corner and each cable, inside and out, had to be drawn together to give it that little bit of texture. I like it, and had the bag not felted from 34"x 24" to 17" x 13" , I think it would have shown up a bit better.

The handles were a neat trick. Each one is two straps, with different yarn-over patterns, so that they easily weave together. The end result is beautiful, I think, and it makes a solid, double-thick handle for this still very large tote.

This monster was truly a labor of love, and I'm sorry to tell any future felted bag pals that I don't think you should count on a tote. I enjoy smaller bags a lot more. Mugsy was kinda' hoping it would be his new bed, and had it not felted better than expected, that was a serious possibility. Some orthopedic foam shoved in there with the top stitched shut, and he would have had labor-intensive dog bed.

Also, can anyone tell me why most of my bags have such a floppy, stretched-out top? We didn't tug on this one much at all, except to widen it at the center, where the cable drew in so much, but all of my felted bags have this ruffly top, to some degree.

The promised how big is it really shot. Folks, I'm 5'3" if that helps you wrap your mind around how big this was prior to felting.

Anners, I wish it had turned out more like the photo on the pattern, and I hope again you can restore it to what it looked like when it left here. Pout.

FFBE Final Question and More Again

2007-10-26T11:06:00.000-04:00

Have you noticed that it's feast or famine with my posts? Hope that doesn't bother anyone. It's a matter of time, and it's a rainy, boring day in the working world.

How was your experience in the exchange? Did you enjoy the folks you met? Did you just love the bag you received? Please share any thoughts, criticism, and things you loved!

Well, I just sent out my pal's package yesterday and haven't received mine yet, so there's little to report. My upstream pal has been in touch and has asked questions so I know she's reading up on me, which will lead to a great bag, I'm sure! My downstream pal has been a royal pain in my rear, trying to solicit information about her bag from mutual friends... Oh yeah. Wait. That's YOU, isn't it Miss Question-asker? SNOL!! Seriously though, I had great fun spoiling you, although I do think YOU have more fun when you have a co-host, so I'll be mindful of that next time I decide at the last minute to be less than helpful.

I will of course, go on and on when my package does arrive. But you already knew that, didn't you?

And since I keep forgetting, I really need my SNOL button out in plain sight!

Also, if you're like me (forgetful), you need a reminder that the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap is open for registration. Get that questionnaire posted though!

Anonymous and More

2007-10-26T04:51:00.000-04:00

Firstly, my pal wondered about her books. Yes! Yes! They arrived and have been read already. I am pondering the pattern for the Knight's Fred socks, and they are both strong contenders. Thank you so very much!

Then, poor Mugsy got lost in the shuffle yesterday, so a belated Dog on Thursday shot:

Not a great photo, even by my standards, but so cute! (I have an older camera phone. Let's blame it on that.) Pop enjoys having the little imp around to play with his dog, and to play with him. That chair sits on the other side of my desk, and when a human isn't in it, Mugsy is. Or, as the evidence shows, when the human will share, Mugsy's STILL in the chair. I love having him at work with me. My stress level seems lower since he's been there daily. Maybe it's the mini-walks, but I think it's more than that...

Thanks to everyone who wished us well yesterday. It really was a day worthy of a landmark anniversary, as Monica called it. Mr. Flowers Are a Waste of Money Because They Die (aka: the Knight) evidently got caught up in the moment, because when I returned from running a few errands (read: shipping off Anner's package and picking up the Knight's anniversary gift) I found these lovelies on my desk!

You know they're going to be great flowers when even the boxes are pretty. It's as if they were designed for me, with the pink, brown and robin's egg blue and the dark red and pink!

Oh, but you want to see the flowers too! They're still opening up, but the whole house is fragrant. Yum!

Then, we went to dinner at our favorite restaurant. If you're anywhere in central or northern Virginia (I even saw a Maryland tag in the lot), you owe it to yourself to try The Bavarian Chef. Anne, I promise we're going next time you're here!

(And thanks to Nichole for coaching me on how to beat Blogger at its photo loading game. I finally had to try it, as Blogger lost interest in loading photos after Mugsy and Pop!)

She Knits!

2007-10-25T03:58:00.000-04:00

I've been knitting all along of course, and once Anne finally gets her package, I'll prove it. But here's a shot of the beginnings of Mugsy's snuggle. The yarn is Amity by Ella Rae. I like it, but it's got that acrylic fuzz thing going on. Mugsy won't care though, and has already decided the ball makes a decent pillow. I'm knitting furiously, as wee Abby desperately needs her own snuggle and matching sweater. Anyone have a great pattern for a mini-dog sweater? Seriously, even with a bit of growing room, it will be 8" x 10". TINY, but a quick knit.

Love this daisy pattern Anne introduced me to. I cast on 121 stitches and will just follow the 4-row repeat until either I run out of yarn (I have two balls) or until Mugsy is content that he old, thin skin won't be so cold. Of course, the pattern doesn't show up so well with this mess of color, but it doesn't show dog hair so much either, so it's all good. I liked the pattern for its heft anyway; Mugsy and the Knight would both be mortified if they knew I was knitting the snuggle in a pattern called "daisy." Mugsy will appreciate it though the next time he has to ride in the Knight's truck with that cold, leather seat!

On This Day...

2007-10-25T02:49:00.000-04:00

My apologies to our great friend and incredible photographer; I actually looked for the scanner cable at 3am, but to no avail. Even Adobe Photoshop can't help but so much.

...I married my best friend. If I'd ever done an album, I could show you that our invitations said that, and more. You, my dear readers, have reminded me to pull out the wad of photos and order. Even if they're not here for Christmas, at least I'll FINALLY have ordered my wedding photos.

Ten years. I won't lie; there have been rough spots, but today, they are mere blips in my memory, and they honestly weren't so bad after all. He is indeed my Knight, and I am blessed. He is solid, steady and a saint. He not only puts up with me, but often dotes upon me and caters to my crazy whims. I found a man who loves dogs as much as I do, who understood the female firefighter that I was, who has seen me through all kinds of challenges and changes, and we've loved and laughed through them all. Ironically, a few days before my first wedding, I told the Knight and another long-time male friend that I was marrying the guy because he was the only man in the world who would put up with me. I was wrong, on so many counts, and that title is, and perhaps always has been, held by the man in these photos.

When he's got a good buzz going, he'll even dance with me, and smile for the camera. (Thanks Mona!!)

A great big raspberry to the doubters who said we'd never last. We're still together, still going strong. Here's to many more, my darling Knight!

Happy Birthday, Anne!

2007-10-24T04:12:00.000-04:00

Can't find a great picture of her at this hour, but pop over to the birthday girl's blog for a great glance at the life and hairstyles of Anne by her sister. Do wish Anne a happy birthday while you're there!

Instead, I'll give you Anne, her mom and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Happy birthday, my friend. Oh, and folks? Send her some extra good vibes, prayers, etc. The poor woman is having a root canal today. How much does that suck?

Mugsy sends you snuggles, licks and even a cherished tennis ball. Somewhere on the other side of the Bridge, Fred sends Arrrhooos.

Fred's Yarn

2007-10-22T18:46:00.001-04:00

Just because I will never tire of this photo... the inspiration for a treasured gift, our beloved Hooey Hound, now, a yarn colorway too.

Jessi included a note explaining why she dyed as she did, including her perfect logic that tweeds and an "old man" of a dog just fit together. Indeed they do. Even the Knight was reduced to petting the yarn and smiling. The colors of Fred are definitely in there, and I can't wait to cast on for the Knight's socks, and then a shawl for me. This should be a Master Card moment, because that yarn is truly priceless. Yes folks, that's the tailgate of the Knight's truck; he insisted that was THE spot for the photo, as the garden was soaking wet from the sprinkler still doing its thing (we have three wells people - no ordinances were broken to water the flowers!).

One more shot of all of the yarn, because it's just so lovely. Oh, and it's as soft as Fred after a bath too, or those velvet ears, which remained softer than the finest velvet through the years. I will be very motivated to finish up what I'm now calling Anne's sleeping bag of a felted bag, so that I can Ravelry my way through some man sock patterns and some shawls. (It's DK weight, in case anyone has any brilliant ideas. Nothing too lacy though; Fred was a no-frills, don't mind the slobber kind of dog.) I also would be remiss if I didn't send you to Alabama Fiber Dreams at Etsy. Jessi does incredible work on her yarn and the stitch markers. I know I say that about all of my Etsy-selling friends, but it's true. I just happen to be well-connected.

Thank you, Jessi. Thank you.

The healing continues, through the kindness of great friends.

Fred's Garden

2007-10-22T04:40:00.000-04:00

Warning - photo-rich post.

I'm glad a picture's worth a thousand words, because there's very little I can say. The Knight spent his whole weekend on this project, and I spent several hours trying to find the right flowers too. Mugsy stuck right with us, and even went to the local nursery with me on Saturday.

Yes, we know Fred's not centered. Fred and Mugsy were constant companions and "brothers" in life, and one sad day, it will become a two-dog garden. Just as Fred always hung out on the front porch until Mugsy came out with him, he's saved a forever space for Mugsy too. (Yes, our front walk was torn up for this project, but it needed to be replaced anyway.)

Would that it was a better photo, but it's a beautiful stone, with a picture many of you might recognize.

'Nuff said. Sniff...

Mums have a special place in our hearts; they were EVERYWHERE at our wedding ten years ago. We drove all over Charlottesville and Waynesboro looking for the perfect mums, and the Knight's mother was gifted four we settled for from Waynesboro Nursery. On the way home, the Knight recalled a farm-style nursery, off the beaten path just outside of Afton. I don't even know the name, but they had the most beautiful, monster mums I've ever seen. She also gave us a very generous discount. I don't know whether that came from buying in bulk, or because the Knight had on a fire department tee shirt. At any rate, if you're in the Charlottesville area and need a great spot for pumpkins or mums, leave a comment with an email address and I'll get directions from the Knight.

He selected this one. I guess my mother inlaw's love for purple rubbed off on her son, because a few of the bulbs he planted are also purple. I think there are four or five varieties of tulips, freesia, and crocus. The little grassy looking shoots are the day lilies that used to live about where the garden is, all divided up. One clump was lost in the Knight's grave-digging, so we're curious to see if it manages to push its way to the surface.

I don't know why we selected two large and two extra large plants, but that's the way it worked out.

Likewise, the Knight selected this yellow one too, but it's nice and cheerful, and I like that.

Winter pansies are another favorite, and are special because my mother and I also planted them on my paternal grandmother's grave when I was about five. I'll have to look up my flower lore meanings and see what our selections have to say...

The whole front of the house will now get a make-over, as the Knight and a couple of friends are going to add a large deck-style patio and replace the wooden front porch with some of the new, synthetic decking materials. The Knight and my uncle will be shopping for that this Saturday while my aunt and I do our thing. They just replaced the decks and porches around their home two winters ago (or was it last year?) so my uncle will be a great resource, because I know he did his homework before he made the final selection.

So, there's your tour of the garden. The squirrels and deer had better stay away.

Of All the Things I've Lost...

2007-10-20T04:57:00.000-04:00

Well, I *WOULD* miss my mind the most, but I can't even remember what it was like to have it together. And trust me, I used to have it on the ball. Cass and I have discussed the possibility that we suffer from the same affliction, but we can never remember to keep comparing notes.

I remember Anne's birthday, because it is the day before my own anniversary. Easy. However, this month alone, I have barely remembered Sharon's birthday, and have zoomed past Wendy's and Nichole's, despite knowing in advance they were coming. Sigh. If I can't even remember that I forgot yours, I truly am sorry. I used to be good at this stuff. And crapola! I just realized that one week ago to the day, I failed to note my mother's anniversary. Dang. A call will be in order once day breaks.

In other words, Anne's bag will be finished this weekend, by cracky! That means that within a week, you'll get your after the fact blog post on this sleeping bag. Unreal. I'm probably going to have to either drive for more yarn in a few hours(what?! no LYSs open at 5 am?!). For some reason, when my mind (see first paragraph) knows we're knitting for felting, I am the loosest knitter in the world, so that's the whole problem. It sill felts to about the right size with ease, but this is just silly. I think I'll go crank out a couple more rows before I go back to bed, instead of updating my Google Reader. Maybe. If I can remember...

Nothing A Cuppa' Can't Cure

2007-10-19T18:38:00.000-04:00

It was a rainy, dreary day here in real life. Mugsy and I did get to meet Abby, but as I feared, Mugsy didn't really get to meet little Abby, because he was too amped up and I was afraid he'd hurt her. She's darling, and TINY.

A family care package arrived today. Missing is the one skein of white SWS Michelle doesn't ever care to see again. I've read somewhere that for whatever reason, white and cream colored wools felt poorly, but at any rate, Michelle wasn't impressed with SWS and I look forward to mixing the difficult white with the another speedy felting color soon.

On left in the back is a cute variation on Footprints with human footprints and dog paw prints. Very appropriate. On the right are Mugsy's new favorite dog treats. Michelle's daughter picked them out, and they're a hit! Then, there are two beautiful mugs, another dog treat , several bags of the pumpkin spice tea I'd eyeballed at the store last weekend, and on top, the most precious little basset hound angel ornament you've ever seen. The face even looks a bit like Fred.

Thank you, Michelle. The timing was perfect; we opened your box at very nearly the same time we eased Fred out of his pain two weeks ago.

Earlier this week, I mentioned that Nicole sent a sweet pin with her card. Again, my lack of photo skills creates a less that ideal picture, but there you go. The verse reads

"A pet's love is true

right from the start,

Through good times and bad,

like sharing one heart."

I believe you can find your own at Dixie's Pet Project.

Thank you again, Nicole, and each of you who said a prayer, thought of us, left a comment, sent a card, or reached out to us in any other way. We have felt your continued support, and it is so sincerely appreciated.

Now, if you'll excuse us, Mugsy and I are off to have a pot of tea. (No, he doesn't drink tea, but he enjoys smelling it brew.) I wish each of you could join us! Wanna bet what my new favorite mug might look like?

(And the Knight will come home later to a cup of real hot chocolate in *HIS* mug.)

Waiting is the hardest part...

2007-10-18T21:59:00.000-04:00

My Anners needs a good laugh, and a couple of other friends are waiting for the rest of the story, so why not let the world laugh with me?

Herein lies the reason we *ALWAYS* should carry some knitting with us.

Y'all know the Knight and I work together. He has a work truck, and I drive my personal vehicle, since I only leave the office to pick up lunch or run to the bank. Well, for reasons still unclear to me, the Knight announced around 10:20 that he was going to take my vehicle to meet a product rep on a job site where there was a rather interesting problem. (Picture this: 6,000 square foot luxury retirement home. Every time the water pump cuts on, the lights flash and the phone goes wonky.) I turned down Uncle Bobby's offer for lunch, because I just knew the Knight would bring me a barbecue from one of our favorite spots. By 2pm, I had eaten enough pretzels to choke a horse. By 3:45, Mugsy was restless, and my vehicle still wasn't back. Eventually, I left in the Knight's work truck.

That was a sight. I hadn't driven a manual transmission in about ten years, much less a heavy-duty work truck with all kinds of pipe hanging everywhere. (Sorry there's no photo, but keep reading.) With the moral support from the employees hanging around to see if I'd hurk and jerk my way out of the lot, Mugsy and I headed home without incident. (I drove fire engines. It REALLY was no big deal.) One of those employees had wisely suggested that I confirm that there was a house key in the truck. I did. Oddly enough, it was on the left side of the steering column, behind two other single keys, on a key ring holding a massive glob of keys.

Oh, but you're getting the idea, aren't you? Yep. The key I thought was mine was my brother inlaw's key to who knows what. (PLEASE tell me why the Knight thought it made sense to hang his brothers assorted keys there for over a year?) And when the Knight confirmed that, he was still on the job site, across the county. No big deal, right? Mugsy and I walked to get the mail. That killed a few minutes. We played fetch until I realized I didn't have any water for my furbaby. That killed a few more minutes. We opened the mail, which took WAY too long by Mugsy's standards, because there were two wonderful packages to help me pass the time.

The first, I ripped open. It's not quite so bright, but we'll try for a more accurate shot tomorrow in sunlight, *IF* we have any of that. It's more NH Knitting Mama's yarn! This time, it was a custom order for a special gift. (And that's all you're getting out of me right now. The holidays are coming you know!) It's the greatest, softest, laceweight alpaca yarn you've ever rubbed all over your face. I can't wait to cast on! Seriously y'all, rush over and snatch up the last few hanks of any of her yarns on her Etsy site. You won't regret it, and you'll save me from buying that coffee and cream... for the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap, of course.

So, picture me sitting on my back steps, stroking my yarn, throwing the still yellow tennis ball for Mugsy, while I rip into the second package, from Wendy the wonderful! (I wish I COULD have taken pictures, but my camera was inside, and I was saving my cell phone battery for more calls to the Knight.) One of the reasons to host a swap of your own is you get to meet more people than just your swap partners, and Wendy is an excellent example of that. I mentioned that I wanted to try the new Cranberry Blood Orange tea by The Republic of Tea, and she offered to send me a sample of hers. Sweet, right?! Hold the phone, because she sent that, some Bonkers Orangesicle, and an authentic South African Rooibos! All three are new to me, and I had planned on having a cup tonight. You know, as soon as the Knight got home and unlocked the door.

Back to our story. I found one of those nylon canvas chairs that rolls up to fit in a yoga mat bag type case outside, after I'd tried to stretch out on the cardboard that had contained the new hot tub cover, to no avail. One hour ticked by, and Mugsy and I were still chillin' and doing a bit of the fetch thing here and there. I even lucked out and found a clean, sealed water bottle in the Knight's stash he uses for training fires. Mugsy can now drink from a bottle, thank you very much. Just a wee, steady stream and almost none will be wasted.

Just shy of the two hour mark, my back had enough. I couldn't walk, I couldn't sit in the chair, I couldn't sit on the steps without pain. So, I called the Knight. He was finally headed home. Poor guy. I never really had been angry, but even the very frustrated part had faded away with the extreme wait. When at the two hour and five minute mark, the Knight pulled into the drive, Mugsy even stopped fetching to greet the man. We had just enough time to shovel in a quick dinner and get to our meeting.

The moral of this story? I'm switching over to that brown bag that has room to be a purse and a project bag for daily use. Even had I had a project bag with me, it would have been in my vehicle with the house keys. And we're getting a hide-a-key too, but I can't tell you where I'll put it.

And I think the Knight will be getting me an even better anniversary present now.

Go ahead and laugh. The Knight's not in trouble, Mugsy didn't get overheated, and all's well that ends well. But I *STILL* wonder why he wanted to take my vehicle!

Howdy, Neighbor!

2007-10-18T11:20:00.000-04:00

We now return to Dogs on Thursday, already in progress.

Blogland, meet Abby. Abby, meet blogland.

No, no, read the title folks. Calm down. You'll likely get advance notice if/when we make an addition to our family. This is our dog sitter's new baby. She's a bitty, wee, one pound chihuahua, and her human parents couldn't be more excited. She will come visit our household tomorrow evening. The Knight has seen her, as Neighbor Boy had to pick her up from his girlfriend's work on Monday (Neighbor Boy also works with us, in addition to his dog sitting duties and our shared volunteer work at the firehouse), so Abby got to ride in the Knight's work truck across town.

I'd actually planned this post several weeks ago, when I learned the arrival date of the little pup, and as we work through our grief, it's time to celebrate the living. Mugsy is settling in at work better than expected, so my evil plot to make it a permanent "visit" won't be met with an resistance by the inlaws. In fact, my father inlaw has been able to use Mugsy's cute little "groundhog" begging pose to teach Shadow (the Knight's grandfather's sheltie) to sit up too. Evidently, like people, dogs have different learning styles. After nearly two years of trying to teach Shadow said trick, he pulled it off successfully after mimicking Mugsy yesterday. (This photo documents one of the earliest attempts. Note the "cheat" with Shadow's paw bracing against my father inlaw's arm!)

Shadow thoroughly enjoys having Mugsy here too, and wanted to make sure EVERYONE got that. This morning, he refused his biscuit until Mugsy arrived, so that they could eat together. Seriously. How sweet is that?! There are two darling photos trapped in my phone of Mugsy in Pop's lap (TRUE job security, when he has the man whose name is on the front of the building wrapped around his little nubby tail), and of Mugsy and Shadow napping together. The Knight says the quality is too poor to share, but we'll see about that.

This seems like a good time to mention that progress continues on Fred's Garden. Perhaps after this weekend, it will be ready for a photo shoot. I don't know that we'll get any flowers planted this fall, but the Knight has mulch plans for Saturday. It has been a great source of grief therapy for the Knight, and will be a lovely memorial for all of us.

More Meme

2007-10-18T02:40:00.000-04:00

Anita, with the awesome Etsy store, tagged me for the 8 random things. Given my rather gabby nature, I'm wondering what's left that would seem random. I'm hoping that writing this in the middle of the night might help. (Me, that is. I'm reasonably certain it won't help you, but random is the point, eh?)

As is my standard practice, I'm not tagging anyone else, but be a sport and play along. We all enjoy reading these tidbits on others' blogs, so we'll enjoy reading it on yours too! Just note in the comments if you're considering yourself tagged so we can all wander over and read.

1. I don't like topless men. I'm a butt girl. I'd much rather oogle a cute hiney than a bare chest. (More random - Blogger's spell check doesn't recognize oogle or hiney, but suggests "honey" for the latter.)

2. Suddenly, I'm loving wood and bamboo needles. My poor collection of metal, and the poor Knight, who was sure he heard me say metal was all I wanted to knit with just a few months ago, would like your sympathy.

3. Are random and fickle the same thing? See, I've had fickle tendencies all of my life. Not with people though; if I call you friend, you can't beat me off with a stick. I'll pout and fuss - usually to dear Anners because she knows I still love these folks - but I'll still "BE THERE" for you.

4. I was NASCAR when NASCAR wasn't cool. I know many of you *STILL* don't realize that it's the hottest sport out there, but I've not missed many races (on TV) in nearly 20 years.

5. I don't know that I've drooled over a guy in that fangirl kinda' way since Shawn Cassidy in the 1970s. Can't recall ever uttering the words, "Oh, he's hot!" except when my stepson had a fever.

6. I don't dislike cats. I'm allergic, and Fred and the Knight dislike(d) cats, so there won't be any cats in my life.

7. One of my favorite, most loved cats wasn't even mine. My mother's 2nd husband (that'll be #8) had a blue point Siamese. The first time I went to the farm, my mother came strolling through the house, loudly warning me not to pick up - the big gray mass I had in my arms. Baron and I fell in love at first sight, and I'm gonna cry, 20+ years later, when I tell ya' he died - from grief? - prematurely a few weeks after I left for college.

8. My precious, perfect Father aside, I've not called any of my mother's husbands my stepfather, except for this one. Charlie is a saint, and he had me at the red wrought iron rooster door stop he gave me as a hello gift. We don't get to hang out, but he's a fellow Civil War buff, so what's not to love?

There. That wasn't so bad, and I think even Anne and my blogless, non-knitting sister might find a surprise or two in there. Note to self and anyone else still reading - this middle of the night while sitting on an ice pack, listening to Mugsy snore thing helps with randomness.

Yarn-inspired Memories

2007-10-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

I realized yesterday while working on my latest swap questionnaire that I really don't have a favorite color. Or, more accurately, my favorite right now won't be my favorite in ten minutes. I haven't always had this problem. There was a red phase, a blue phase, and for most of my adult life, the hunter green phase, now, even the colors I thought I always disliked are showing up in my stash and I'm liking them.

Take highway sign yellow and standard orange. Don't like 'em. Have said so repeatedly. Yet here they both are, in my current socks in progress. I love this sock, this yarn, this colorway, despite the yellow and black together, and the liberal sprinkling of orange throughout.

What gives? I'm blaming my hormones. I never liked pastels either, but a couple of years ago, the softest of pinks and a pale sage green began to appeal to me. It's been downhill ever since, if downhill takes you to the place where colors you've never been into before live.

While you chew on that and ponder why my color choices are changing, let's admire the Philosophers Wool I won from Amy. It reminds my of my great aunt, Aunt Bett. She loved blue. No fickleness there; her car was blue, her favorite dog was a blue merle, and I do believe every dress she owned had a bit of blue in it somewhere. She tried to help me learn to knit, and was the queen of doggy blankets. I've spoken before about her two human blankets, both done for me. My only regret is that I do believe I took her devotion to me for granted. Like most teens, she - and everyone else over 25 - embarrassed me in public, but I adored watching baseball with her, and she was a mentor in my love for dogs and horses.

She had a cardigan, just that very color. (Which isn't so vivid. It's a soothing, solid blue, without any really bright tones.) It's fitting that the yarn isn't slick or too soft. She had to fight to live twice, and there was nothing soft about her, except when it came to horses and dogs, and me. I don't know why the very last of her great nephews and nieces won her over, but I did, before I was born. So, I need a special project that will befit the wool and the woman it reminds me of. Worsted weight, 200 yards, if that helps you conjure.

In other fickle news, I have bounced three new yarn suggestions around for Mr. Greenjeans. 2nd Time Cotton looked good, but Anne says it is only soft, not super soft. Sharon has suggested Calmer, and it is in the running, but I don't see a shade I simply adore. I don't know squat about Sugarloaf, but I really like both the teal and the dark green in the Webs catalog. If any of you have the perfect easy-care, hot-flash friendly, sweater yarn, please let me know what it is!

FFBE #4

2007-10-16T12:46:00.000-04:00

Winding down, the fall felted bag exchange is. (Yoda, anyone?? Where did that come from?)

So, one last question for Anners, only I'm answering both options.

What was your favorite Halloween costume ever - for you? for your kids, if you have them? Why did you enjoy it so much? Do you still dress up now? Chat a bit about your traditions for dressing up on All Hallow's Eve!

I've never been into Halloween, not even as a kid. The only non-store-bought costume I recall was around 5th grade, when I just had to be Athena, my goddess hero. I had a sheet toga, and I remember raising cane about my sandals... Obviously, it's only my favorite because it was the only costume that required more than a trip to the store. I do enjoy carving a pumpkin, but that's about it.

It's a crisp, cool, sunny Sunday in October - the sky is clear, there's a bit of a breeze, and the leaves have already started to change. How would you spend your day to best celebrate and enjoy the season? Are you at home curled up with tea and a book and a window open to enjoy the breeze? Do you head out on a long drive and hike through the mountains to see the trees? Go find pumpkins and colored corn to decorate? Tell us about your special day!

Wait - are we assuming the NASCAR race was on a Saturday night? If that's the case, first things first! I'll pull on my walking shoes and Mugsy and I will head out for a few miles. Then, when we get home, we'll see if the Knight wants to ride across the mountain (FOOTHILL Anne, I know...) for any ol' reason, so we can look at the leaves along the way. When I get home, the crockpot of pinto beans will be ready, so I'll just whip up some cornbread and call it supper. If I have the energy, I'll make apple or pumpkin bread pudding for dessert.

Y'all Call Cleatis...

2007-10-16T11:18:00.000-04:00

He ain't never seen nuthin' like this. (And yes folks, we have a family friend named Cleat, and he most certainly would be interested in knowing that I'm suddenly into coffee. I'm also sure that Cleat thinks that any of that fancy stuff is stupid; Folgers is ritzy by his standards.)

I'm looking forward to Anne and Holly's coffee swap. (Even my mother inlaw glanced at the computer screen and remarked, "You're doing coffee now?!") Um, yeah. But please, pal o' mine, please don't try to broaden my horizons too much!

Sign-ups begin October 24th. (Anne's birthday, just so you know.)

So, here we go with the questionnaire:

I happen to love lengthy questionnaires, and obviously, my friends the hostesses do too, but if you don't, there will be another post sooner or later, so it won't hurt my feelings if you don't read along!

Coffee

What are your favorite kinds of coffee? (Brands, Roasts, anything at all you'd like to share!)

Iced. Mochas. If it's hot, I need it to not taste like coffee so much. If it's cold, add milk and a touch of Splenda or a flavoring syrup, and I'm good. Seriously? Starbucks peppermint mocha was my first clue that I didn't hate coffee. For summer, it's been McDonald's Iced Coffee. Large, plain or hazelnut.

Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee?

Now, don't laugh, but whole bean is good. I actually own a grinder, although I use it for flax seed.

This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? Do you enjoy special blends?

See above. If it's hot coffee, it has to be flavored. I don't like vanilla, but my mother inlaw does. I like chocolates, mints and nuts.

How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? Decaf?

Lots of cream or milk - I'm not choosy. Splenda over sugar if I have the choice, and you can hold the decaf. I like caffeine.

Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer?

I love the *IDEA* of a dainty cup and saucer, and I enjoy using a fine china cup when I get the chance. However, for day to day life, I'm a honkin' big mug kind of girl. (Here's the truth; if I'm acting like a lady, seated somewhere, bring on the cup and saucer. But if I have to TAKE my hot beverage somewhere, like to my desk, the living room, etc., it needs to be a mug, not quite filled, and there's still a chance I'll slosh.)

Winter and Holidays - PLEASE be descriptive! Your pal will need this information to be sure to put together a package you will enjoy!

What is your favorite part of Winter?

The cold part? Right now, I'm looking forward to wearing my sweaters, jeans, knitted socks, etc. I also love nothing more than a pretty, fresh snow first thing in the morning, or under the moonlight.

Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday?

Christmas, in the rather traditional fashion. However, I have friends with a vast range of beliefs and practices, and I like to learn about different traditions and such.

If you celebrate Christmas, do you put up a tree?

You bet! It's the extent of my decorating most years.

Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package?

Either, but please, no angels. I'm an open-minded Christian, but I'm not a big fan of angels as decorations.

Do you collect anything?

Dog ornaments, specifically jack russell or heck, even still a basset hound. I also like stars, pewter or brass ornaments, and the Knight has almost enough fire department ornaments for his own tree.

I also love holiday dishes. Anything with red, green and gold fits in with my dining room plans. I have a wild notion that mismatched holiday/winter tea cups and saucers would be fun so that I can start the tradition of a holiday tea.

Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snoflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect?

Stars. I love stars. I'm not sure how holiday themed they are, but they're easier to find around Christmas...

Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats?

Scarves and hats. Can't drive in mittens, can't hold onto a dog leash too well in mittens...

What is your favorite holiday or winter treat?

Pumpkin or peppermint anything. ANYTHING.

Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory.

Food. Family. Laughter. There's the year my mother inlaw and my brother inlaw's now former mother inlaw got into the wine and wandered around in the snow. I have an assortment of memories with various parts of my family, but they all involve food, family and laughter.

Winter? Playing in the snow. Good times. Fred loved to snort snow.

Yarn and Crafting

Do you Knit or Crochet?

Knit. I can't even do a great single chain in crochet.

For how long?

11 months and counting... Let's just say a year, okay?

Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles\hooks?

Depends on the project. I'm loving my Knitpick Harmonys right now, and I think I have just about every need in metal, so let's say wood/bamboo.

Circular or straight?

Circs, almost exclusively. I don't use straights for much other than dishcloths, but there are some pretty wooden ones out there! DPNs are good too, but I think I have at least one of every size of those.

What sort of projects do you enjoy making?

Socks. Felted bags. Socks. Anything new. Socks. Lace. Socks.

What are your favorite types of yarn to work with?

Unless I'm felting, I like wee little yarns. For socks, Tofutsies are my favorites, but I love trying new yarns too. I'm getting interested in lace, so that's a whole, new ballgame. I especially enjoy wool-alternatives or blends.

Do you spin or dye?

As a child, I spun in circles and my family called it "Going to the Baldwin Sister's." Fans of The Waltons will know what they meant.

So the short answer is no. And I never will, because my friends humor me and spoil me with their own efforts.

Do you do other crafts such as scrapbooking or needlepoint or anything else?

I used to, before I became consumed by knitting. Scrapbooks and stamping are the only things still on my radar.

General

When is your birthday?

July 1

Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!)

Just one very rotten Jack Russell Terror. I doubt that will change before the end of this swap, but if it does, you won't be able to miss it. (And that would be another dog, not a baby. There will be no human additions to our household.)

Oh - and Flipper. Poor Flip. I forget to feed him, I forget to mention him, and yet he lives and seems happy enough.

What are your favorite colors?

You know, I hesitate to answer that question because even the colors I say I don't like show up in the right combinations, in the right projects. Green, red, blue, brown and pink are always safe.

Do you have any allergies?

Not yarn or coffee related.

Can't Help Myself

2007-10-15T18:16:00.000-04:00

You know what I mean. You have plenty of yarn, but you buy more. I have lots of wool for felted bags that might never be, but I buy more. I stumbled upon this Ella Rae at Ben Franklin's Sunday, and it just had to come home with me. I'm not crazy about the Not So Sophie, for reasons I just can't define. We just aren't connecting as a bag and a woman, so I think I'm going to try another pattern with this combination. Trying Patons is something I keep saying I want to do, so I'll get to try two new yarns at the same time, because ol' Ben didn't have a solid Ella that coordinated. (And yes, I do realize that the Patons brown is richer than that in the Ella, but felting does weird things, so I'm going for it.)

I also picked up a couple skeins of this for Mugsy's first snuggle. He wanted it desperately this morning when his thoughtless mom dropped him on Dadaw's truck's COLD leather seat. I could barely drive for laughing; the pup literally stood on his tiptoes until I found a towel in the back seat and slipped it under him. Even then, it was cold, and he shivered, and I felt guilty. I even tried to reach the seat warmer (yeah, I know), but it's on the door handle, and I'm a short gal with a short wingspan, so it didn't happen. (Note to self: since you're supposedly researching your next vehicle, get one with the seat warmer controls in the center console, for Mugsy's sake.)

Anyway, the yarn. It's a mystery colorway I can't find online, in Amity, a 75% acrylic, 25% wool blend. It's yummy soft, and we're very excited about it. In fact, I considered using it for my Mr. Greenjeans until my brain engaged and I decided that Wick is the way to go. Stay tuned as I ponder colors, starting with solid vs. variegated.

Noro Clarification

2007-10-14T17:11:00.001-04:00

For my FFBE spoiler:

I wanted to love Kureyon, and I have some Silk Garden from a swap pal I hope to knit up sooner rather than later. I love the stripes, and I think now that I know more about felting, my first two bags - Chan and Booga, in Kureyon - would have been a bit tighter and thus, I'd be more excited about the results. So, it is indeed the KNITTING with Kureyon that I hate. I also can't imagine wearing the stuff, or curling up under it. I hear Silk Garden is far better in the knitting with and touchability in the final product, so I do want to give it a whirl.

In fact, I can't stop buying striped yarn, especially the self-striping kind. Part of its charm is my lack of confidence with color work, but it's also just a little Chan will never be a dyer mystery, watching the colors ooze into stripes while I just do my thing with the needles.

A shorter answer? If you're willing to knit with Kureyon for me, I'm sure I'd love it.

I Won!

2007-10-14T03:20:00.000-04:00

One of the many amazing things about our online knitting community is that we actually look for reasons to give prizes/gifts to each other. I know several of you popped by and wished Amy a happy 100th post, but ironically, the old philosophy major won the Philosophers Wool. That's why I love swaps and prizes; there's yarn out there I've never heard of, but can't wait to try, even though I don't know it exists. (Don't laugh. You get crazy over a new to you line of yarn too.)

Thanks Amy, and congrats again on your blogging milestone. I selfishly hope for many more, because I enjoy seeing what you're up to, knitting and otherwise!

Friend-Rich

2007-10-13T17:51:00.000-04:00

I am indeed friend-rich. I'm not talking pals to hang out with on a given afternoon; I'm actually without ANY of those, but what I have in the stand by you, true-blue category more than makes up for shopping with Mugsy on Saturday afternoon. (Shhh. Don't tell him. He's a doll, but he can't even go into most stores.)

Etsy has totally changed my shopping habits. I've always appreciated and expected exceptional customer service, but with Mary, Jessi, Amanda and Anita, I have CUSTOM customer service. What's best is that I know you can have it too; just ask! Each of those ladies has a great shop with a revolving inventory, and all are truly craft-artists, and thus, they enjoy trying new things on the way to making a customer happy.

Above are the 8 and 4 row row counters Mary made when I asked if she would be interested in trying her hand at some. Thanks, Mary! They're beautiful. Here are the 10 and 12 row versions. She also made other "sizes" for different row repeats, but as I'd not even used row counters before, I thought perhaps I should pace myself and try them out first. Not even all of these are for my personal use; some are swap pal bound. I hope my pal(s) will enjoy them too!

Now, obviously the dog lover one is staying at my house (sorry Nicole!), so I undid all of Mary's cute packaging (they also ship in tiny resealable plastic bags) so you could see more. Well, yeah, so I could see more too, but at the moment, it's all about you! That's going to make me smile every time I use it. Yes, yes, they ALL are likely to do that, but you know...

In today's mail, dear Anne sent a little pick-me-up. I'm going to have to watch her yarn shopping reports more carefully; that's twice now that she's flashed a Chan gift in plain sight on her blog. Her nails are so near and dear to her well-being that I think I'm going to take a hint and take a couple of hours one day this week and go get my own mani and pedi.

This is a good time to thank each of you for you cards, comments, emails, posts on your own blogs, etc. Each and every one has meant the world to us, and I am sure all of your support is what has allowed us to dry our tears and begin to pick up the pieces. Thank you from the bottom of our collective hearts.

Back to the yarn. On the left, Tofutsies color #733, which is the skein from Anne. On the right, #739, also known as the June Sock of the Month Club limited edition colorway. Rather true representations on my monitor, so I hope for the same on your end.

I'm finally done shopping for my poor Vegan downstream pal. She's figured out who I am, but I'll wait until her package is in the mail before I announce who she is, so that the few still awaiting packages have one more name to ponder until the ship by deadline. I'm also about ready to ship my October package for SP11. And yes Anne, your bag is almost at the halfway point, so it will be ready to go out on time, unless you decide to come up here after all.

FFBE #3

2007-10-11T20:03:00.000-04:00

This is such a post-heavy day. Sorry, but if I try to spread them out, I forget. Friday should be a light or no post day, as I have my standing stamp & scrap group meeting. I'm stamping, because I owe thank you notes and I feel wasteful and lazy when I buy cards.

The questions from here:

How often do you change the purse or bag you're carrying?

No moreso than I have to. I don't carry much, but it's still a pain. If I do change, it's for the event in question, and then I go right back to the favored bag of the moment.

Do you change based on seasons? Outfits? Something else?

Well... yeah, I guess I do. I decided my cream, pale pink and light green Sidekick was too summery, so I whipped out another one. I do also change based on outfits, if the situation warrants it. For instance, if I'm going to a conference, I carry black portfolio, bag, etc. and wear black shoes too.

My "mission" matters too. For air travel, I carry a big tote as a purse AND knitting bag. For shopping, I carry as little as possible, perhaps a wallet on a string or wristlette.

What's your favorite bag in the world (and it doesn't have to be a knit/felted one!)?

Hands down, my classic Coach. Black, sized just right. Timeless, traditional, conservative and yet still indestructible.

Looking for my Benefactor

2007-10-11T16:41:00.000-04:00

I arrived home to find not one, not two, but FIVE packages on the porch for me. Amazing! Two were Pampered Chef supplies, so we'll gloss right over those. Take a look at what the rest of them had inside! All of that, for me. Well... maybe not, but we'll say it is.

The mass on the left is Carodan's own wool. Evidently, on the last Saturday in September, I already knew I wasn't going to make it to the Fall Festival and I purchased a little extra when I ordered by October Tofutsies Sock of the Month Club. (That's on the right, with the pattern peeking out at the top.) The replacement Harmony needles from KnitPicks are the blur in the lower center, and that awesome book on the bottom is the big mystery.

Are you my benefactor? I'm positive I've never ordered from Powell's in Oregon. Heck, the only thing I've ever gotten from Powell's of Virginia is a hope chest, and I didn't buy it. Besides, I was still using my maiden name then. Also, the ship to/bill to are to my name you all know me by, and there is a super-secret (shut up Anne) first name, by which all of my online shopping happens. The order was filled/placed on October 3rd, which was the day I left home thinking both dogs were healthy and all was right in my world, so there's no good reason for me not to remember making such a special order. Whoever you are, THANK YOU from the bottom of my Amazon left me high and dry on this one heart. I am taking this book with me tonight to my training class, carefully tucked into my portfolio, so that while I'm supposed to be learning how to use all the neato features on the new website, I can really be learning how to knit the perfect sock. (I mean, if I can blog and knit, can't I figure out how to do whatever on a website?!)

Here's a close-up of *MY* Tofutsies. October is my favorite month, green, a favorite color, so... MINE! A great apple green with dashes of black, white, and maybe some grey too. Have I mentioned lately how much I love this yarn?!

I would also be remiss if I didn't blow kisses to Caroline or whomever re-addressed my package and still got it to me in a timely fashion, all while either preparing for or being at Stitches East. They didn't even charge me an idiot fee or the additional shipping I'm sure they had to pay. Now THAT is customer service. Thanks, Carodan!

Now, knitting has been happening, but you know we can't talk about what you can't see, because then Anne begins going gangsta' on our friends, trying to get them to tell her about her surprise. Like she really wants to ruin it. Silly girl...

So, I decided I wanted to finish my first pair of Tofutsies. I cast on (love that magic cast on!) while playing fetch with Mugsy. No need to do more than glance at the pattern and go, much less look at my notes or the first socks, right? Erm, uh...

As you can see, it *DOES* make a difference whether one casts on 14 stitches on EACH needle or TOTAL stitches. Not only is the sock on the left wider at the toe, it's toe portion is actually SHORTER before the pattern begins, because, well, it's faster to get to 36 stitches on a needle when you have seven more stitches to begin with. Sadly, it seems that the second sock is the version intended by the pattern's designer (am I right, Deby?), but since #1 is done and I liked the fit... I'm leaning towards frogging and repeating sock #1, but I'm also wondering how I ended up with 36 stitches when I started with an odd number and increase on each end of each needle. The socks are for me, and will always be work with closed-toe shoes, so... ?? Thoughts? Opinions?

More Meme

2007-10-11T16:10:00.000-04:00

8 Random Things Meme:

I got tagged for a meme by Jessi, and since it's been quite a while since I've done one of these, I figured it would be fun.

1. I'm not very random, and given my chatty nature, what's there to tell that you don't already know?

2. I don't like Noro Kureyon. That makes me a part of a really small minority in knitville. (Button stolen from Anne.)

3. Text messages suck.

4. I won't wear shorts.

5. In my 20s, I collected formal wear.

6. I have always been a morning person.

7. I like dark chocolate candy, brownies with nuts, German chocolate cake, but not regular chocolate cake or cookies. Go figure.

8. Somewhere along the way, I ceased to enjoy driving. Dunno when or how, but after years of resenting that the Knight insisted on driving, I've come to appreciate it. (More time to knit?)

So, there's 8 totally random things about me. I have left this in draft version all day pondering the taggees, so if you want to play along, jump in!

MEN!!!

2007-10-11T08:15:00.000-04:00

More eye rolling. Just a quick addendum about Stony Mountain Fibers. Y'all please check the link, because now that the Knight and his Uncle Bobby have opened their sweet (read: stupid) mouths, I now know that the Barbara of said shop is the mother of a life-long friend of the Knight's. The Knight didn't know she did anything other than gather her own wool, but dear Uncle Bobby did indeed know she "sold other yarn stuff" from their farm.

Dang it all. Honestly folks, I would/should have never shopped anywhere else without checking there first. (And I'm new enough to manic knitting that none of her brother inlaws, her husband, nor her son know of my all-consuming hobby.) So, all of my head-banging tales of LYS woe were for naught. Barbara might not have exactly what I want all the time, but I know my customer service issues are over.

Now, before you click over, Barbara's site isn't really set up for e-commerce, but without having ever talked to her about her business, I can assure you that if you call or email, she'll move that little mountain they live on to help you. Our family business has worked with her father inlaw's family business (where her hubby works) for decades. Two of her brother inlaws are some of my favorite people in this world, the kind of business associates whose mere voices makes me smile and know the conversation will be pleasant. Those (insert family name of her inlaws here) are nothing if not good, honest, hard-working folk, all about good customer service, and I'm positive Barbara has incorporated those same values in her fiber business.

Men. Can't live without 'em, and you just can't shoot 'em. But I can have shopper's revenge. I have swap pals to shop for, and of course, I'll be guilt shopping not only on my own behalf, but for the Knight and Uncle Bobby too... If you see something there I might "need", let me know. I'll be popping in very regularly, methinks.

Oh - and a contest! Head over and wish Yarn Collectors Anonymous a belated birthday and enter the contest. My "entry" put her right at half of her 50+ goal, so let's shock her with how many of us like to win yarn!

Hrumph Day

2007-10-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

I've heard Wednesday called Hump Day, because it's in the middle of the week, and once you get past it, the weekend is right around Thursday. Yeah, true enough, but today was more of a HRUMPH kind of day. You know, the kind of day where every third minute, you have a reason for a wry expression, or to roll your eyes.

But firstly, it's not a bad day for everyone. Go wish Michelle and her lucky half a happy anniversary. Go on, I'll wait. Just don't forget to note the sweet Murphy pup, AND the kickin' shoes Michelle has on in the "over the threshold" shot!

You know it's a bad day when your co-worker husband calls you en route and tells you how bad it is. I'll skip the details, but folks, when it's a bad day in a family business, it's REALLY bad. I'd managed to keep my head down and my nose clean, when into my inbox popped an email notifying me that my favorite almost local yarn shop, Limerick Fibres, is going out of business. Not at the end of the year, but starting October 15th, with the big finale on the 27th. Craptastic, huh? I mean, I love a good sale, but not like this.

Here's a little shot of yours truly in front of said shop this summer, stolen from Anne's blog. To say that I'm bummed would be an understatement. The owners were down to earth, helpful, kind, just what LYS owners should be women, and evidently, that makes them an endangered species around here. Now, I respect their decision to "go out on top" but I don't have to like it. However, in the farewell alert, they did suggest a local "shop" I knew nothing about, which is about ten minutes from my work, and only about five from the McDonald's where my mother inlaw's beloved Vanilla Iced Coffee is found. It's one of those by appointment spots, but since it will FINALLY be cool enough to leave Mugsy in the vehicle for a few minutes tomorrow, guess who is going to try to see if Barbara of Stony Mountain Fibers is in? I'm betting she headed to Stitches East, but it's a local call, so it won't even cost anything to call.

The other silver lining to that little black rain cloud? The Knight and I will be driving within two blocks of Limerick's on the 27th anyway... During one of the positives of the day, we made plans with my favorite aunt and uncle for a combined Happy Anniversaries/We Miss You Nannie & Fred day that day. I think there's a yarn shop in old town Fredricksburg I need to get my aunt to take me to see too!

Oh - and all this talk of LYSes reminded me of this. Anne gives great prizes, and it really isn't hard to write up a review, even if it is for a shop that goes out of business six months later. (More eye rolling and wryness.)

My Addled Brain

2007-10-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

Imagine my outrage when I got an email saying my Tofutsies Sock of the Month package had been returned to Carodan. Why you ask? Well, let me assure you that the good folks at Carodan are perfect. I, however, clearly don't even know where I live. Any first grader can recite her address just right, but not me. Can you believe the USPS wouldn't deliver a package with my name, my work street address, and my home city, state and zip code? (Roll your eyes. I did. I mean, I live in rural America. I thought that was worth something.) I want my green Tofutsies and the Fiddlesticks pattern, dang it! (Any of you who read regularly or actually know me know those socks were made for me!!)

So, I head home pouting enough that sweet Mugsy, the I go to work to eat all day now dog, felt inclined to stare at me with great concern the whole way home. However, I scared the little bean bug-eyed when I saw a package on the porch! Whhhoooo Hoooo! Little did I know that before I could feed the Bug (like he needed it) his wee handful of kibble and get to my package, the Knight would come in the back door with a padded envelope too.

Because I could just rip it open, the envelope was first. A new tea bag coaster, or whatever you like to call 'em. I use them when I use tea bags, but I also keep one at my electric kettle for the spoon, Splenda wrappers, etc. Nancy, you are so dear!! He's simply beautiful, and will be very happy and well-loved in my rooster kitchen. (Who wants to bet that the Knight mistakes him for a spoon rest?) I tell you, the gals in this tea swap are the kindest, most fun group of women you'll find anywhere. If you didn't join us this time, we hope you'll be there for the next one, some time in 2008. Every swap has its moments, and there are always complications and frustrations, but I really can't say enough about my fellow swappers this time. Nor can I crow enough about this pretty rooster. Thank you, Nancy. I remain in awe of the attention to detail many of you possess and use for knitterly goodness!

Now, go get a cup or glass of your favorite libation, and settle in. We're going vegan folks! (Sit back down, Anne, or you'll get none of the chocolate.) No, I'm not going vegan, but I do want to make healthier choices. I was a no meat vegetarian for a while - still did dairy and seafood - but that was years ago. Anyhoo, because I love Cass and am a curious bird, I joined the Vegan 2 Swap. Folks, this very well may be the most rewarding swap I've been in, no discredit to any of the others. My two "truly vegan" pals rock, and I feel I've made two new friends! So without further ado, here's the first of many photos of the package that will make Anne sorry she didn't sign up for this one.

I know you need details, so just settle down and exercise your patience (or read faster). Here's the happy, German, vegan sock yarn Nicole sent me. Just so you know, both yarns came wrapped, but I wanted you to see all of the cheerful colors! It's called "Flotte Socke" and I do believe it has a bamboo base, not that I know a lick of German. I do believe this is the colorway/yarn I need for my MagKnits Rainbow Socks. What do you think?

Then, there was the Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton, which also held the darling little wooden rooster! (Yay for me. Wait 'til the Knight awakens from his siesta and realizes not one but TWO new roosters slipped into the house, and only one of 'em will live in the kitchen, which is where he is trying to keep all of the roosters. Silly man.) That's no nesting box either. (Roosters don't nest, people. Geeze.) It's a wonderful fabric box Nicole made for me, and I predict many a sock project will rest within, along with some smaller lace projects, and any other little work on the sticks I can fit in there. I'm telling you, I have some seriously awesome pal mojo going!

Here's a close-up of the little darling. He's just lovely, and Nicole was kind enough to include a little booklet with more information about the company, so he might need friends...

Before I share my goodies, I think I need to make Anne read about the yummy pizza with a basil-tofu ricotta and a pesto sauce. Nicole actually included two recipes, and the other is for one of her favorite spreads. Yum! I bet Mugsy will eat tofu with me...

There were more hand-made goodies. Here's the sachet and some really pretty magnets, along with the how did I miss them essential double-ended stitch holders. Why didn't any of you tell me such a thing existed? Granted, I don't use stitch holders a lot, but I've been shuffling stitches back and forth when these ideal tools existed! What else have you been holding out on?

Here's a close-up of the magnets too, because I know you like photos, and these are too pretty to miss. Aren't they pretty?

Okay, okay. Last, but hardly least, are the treats. German chocolate. Marzipan coated in chocolate, which makes it wonderful. (Okay Nicole, I lied. Between the email to you and now, I had to have a piece. Who cares if I ruined my dinner?) But wait! There's more! Yogi Tee. (Kin to Yogi Tea? Anybody?) Mr. Tom, which appears to be nutbar heaven. Bath salts. Vegan treats for Mugsy too, but you'll see them in the first photo about this package. I am spoiled, and so is my dog!

While Nicole wrote a long, detailed letter, this was resting atop the package. Sweet, no??

How 'bout a cuppa'? Kick off your shoes, grab your knitting, crocheting, your book, whatever, and let's just enjoy the evening. Inside though, because it's still way above 80 degrees outside, with humidity to match. I think I saw a mosquito that could carry off this cute card too.

Shrug This and Cuff It

2007-10-08T18:24:00.000-04:00

Only because Amanda is awesome, and she wanted to see the shrug made in her yarn... Y'all know I'm not apt to win any photography awards. The Knight rushed off to the firehouse, because he has crew AND bingo duty tonight, and his good friend was there "opening" alone, so I was stuck trying to get a photo by myself, of myself. I tried outside, but it just wasn't happening. I think between the three, you get the idea. I lurvers it, and will be wearing it as soon as Mary reclaims her oppressive, unseasonable heatwave. I'm quite certain even my mother inlaw could snap a shot that would do the shrug, the yarn and me more justice, so keep checking back for a "real" photo. Gals of all sizes, this is the shrug pattern for you. Adjust the gauge a bit either way, and you can make this shrug fit your frame. I am exceptionally pleased with the way the perfect yarn and pattern met in this little semi-garment!

In other knitting news, in the precious few minutes the Knight did spend sitting in his recliner checking email, I *FINALLY* finished the first Tofutsie's August sock of the month, in the featured pattern Summer Daze. It's my first toe-upper, and I'm in love. See the ruffly little cuff?! How cute is that?! And the colorway is as close to true as I've seen anywhere online. There's some of everything in there, even orange.

It fits like a dream. (I swear my calves are not small tree trunks. Hagrid is not a part of my family tree! I actually rotated the photo 180 degrees, so maybe?!? Yeah. Let's blame it on that.) Some have fussed about the pooling in this colorway, with this pattern, but I don't mind at all. It's a cheery, busy, comfy sock, and I might just ignore Anne's bag this week and see if I can't churn out the mate in time to wear it before we get another tropical heat wave. I can't wait to try more of Deby's patterns, especially her yet to be released shawl pattern, done in Tofutsies yarn.

The good news is my October Tofutsies Sock Club yarn shipped out on Friday, so it should be here tomorrow. It's a green and black colorway, so I'm excited! Of course, I still have several balls of Tofutsies in the stash...

PS - Any spots on the mirror or other visible grime must be forgiven. I had to use the Knight's bathroom, as mine would have had echoes back and forth from the two mirrors, and I think y'all know why he didn't care to clean his bathroom this past weekend.

Back to Knitting Content

2007-10-08T13:44:00.000-04:00

Quite a bit of knitting happened over the weekend. I finished my beautiful shrug Saturday, and I need to remind you that Amanda has opened an Etsy shop, so now you too can create beautiful things with her semi-solid colorways! I hope to talk the Knight into taking a shot or two of me wearing the shrug this afternoon, but it's supposed to be about 90 degrees then, so we'll see.

Here, it is displayed on the wrought iron chair on the deck. It stretches, oh my does it stretch! That's a good thing, because I'm not a waif. Still, I think it looks great on too. It's warm though. Very warm. When the temperature drops later this week, I will appreciate that.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed knitting with the NH Knitting Mama's yarn. Follow the above link to her Etsy shop and get some of your own; you won't be sorry. The pattern was by Dream in Color, and I used #9 KnitPick Options, with a 32" cord. I think a 24" cord would do, but evidently, I don't have one. I used the metal tips here, as I don't have any tips in the Harmony Options yet, save the flawed #10.5s, which are being replaced as we speak/type/read. I am now eager to tackle more lace and "real" fitted knits.

I also snagged some great stitch markers for a pal, and some custom-made earrings for a Christmas gift (see?! I've started shopping!), and sweet Anita also included a notepad, which I adore. (We happen to share a last name; how cool is that?!) You can secure your own Yarndemon creations here.

Aren't these guys darling?! (Squint through one eye. Maybe then the photo quality won't be such a hindrance.) In case your imagination is weak, they're little Scotties, which will be happy earrings for someone in a couple of months.

Of course, there are other friends on Etsy too. Mary is working on some row counters for me, and anyone else with similar desires, and Jessi is working on something very special too. It's even better than having a personal shopper; I'll never settle for a yarn or stitch markers that aren't exactly what I want again. (And they'd do the same for you. Really.)

Past-Due Gratitude

2007-10-07T20:58:00.000-04:00

Firstly, Mugsy, the Knight and I wish to thank each and every one of you for your sympathy and support. The Knight is working on his own memorial for his hound, and I think that when it is complete, I'll share more with you about the life and times of Sir Fred Aloysius, and all of his other aliases. Because it's coming up in face to face conversations, let me politely but firmly state that no, we won't be getting another dog any time soon. Fred was the Knight's dog, and he doesn't want another at this point, and that's all that matters.

Thursday, much knitterly goodness came my way, and all I was able to do was note its arrival. I heartily apologize to Nannette and my SP11 pal, as it was in no way a reflection upon their thoughtful, "perfect fit" packages. In fact, the timing of the arrivals was perfect; it gave me a bit of a distraction during an otherwise awful time of waiting and wondering.

My secret pal sent this book, which is curious, because perhaps only Devon and maybe Ana know how very much I've wanted this book. It's actually still in my "stash" at Knitpicks and on my Amazon wish list, but I'll fix both of those tomorrow, or that's the plan anyway. Mugsy and I looked at all the socks, but the truth is, I want to make all but maybe one or two of the patterns in there! Thank you again, secret pal!

Next, I must begin to recount the details of Nannette's tremendous tea swap package. I hope I don't forget anything, but if I do, I assure you it is an oversight, not a lack of enthusiasm! As you can see, there is one of everything in there. Here's an inventory:

Republic of Tea Dragon Well loose tea (on my to try list for a long time!)

Zhena's Gypsy Tea Grand Green

The Tea Port Provence Rooibos

Maeda-en Sencha Green Tea

Scone Mix (in the highly recommended King Arthur Flour brand)

Carmel Apple Biscotti

Singoalla cookies

Sugar-free green tea candy

Green tea mints

Green tea bath tea (I've been wanting to broaden my tea uses!)

A tea ball - needed for work

A cute honey bear (stick with molded honey attached for sweetening)

Reusable cotton bags (again, makes loose tea more portable)

An awesome "Knit" blank book

A kit to knit a felted wallet

A garden flag

A book - Gunpowder Green by Laura Childs

The garden flag is already flying, and you'll likely see it in other photos in the days and weeks to come. I needed a new flag for out on the back deck, and had purchased several (school fundraisers - I am a sucker), but hadn't gotten around to putting one in place. The cheery colors are just what the doctor ordered! Mugsy and I will think of Nannette and all of the great swappers from the tea swap while we sit on the deck and have tea on pretty fall afternoons. We'll probably be reading the book too. I just discovered Debbie Macomber and knitting fiction, and now I learn there's tea fiction too!

The knitted coasters are perfect too. They are in a colorway I have picked up a couple of times but always put back, as I have so much cotton and knit so few dishcloths. Note how Nannette even went to the trouble of making a little twisted cord to hold them all together! (Hey Shawnee! Won't "our" tea for one cup be beautiful on this?!) You can't really tell here, but the colorway is a great, soft blue and green, with white. They are so pretty, and will help me feel pampered while I sip my tea.

I love blank books almost as much as Anne does, but I don't think I've said so before, which makes this book all the more special. I think I shall use it to record all of the teas I've received from my swap pals, and keep notes on them, so that when someone asks, I can make an accurate reply, rather than try to rely on my becoming more addled every day memory. (Right now, it's very busy clinging to every precious thing Fred ever did, but you knew that, right?) Neat that it is green (as in green tea) and says KNIT on the front, yes? Why, of course I do realize that it would be more rational to use it to record knitting things, but it's my book now, and I'll use it as I like. (Hope you don't mind, Nannette!)

As above, I don't believe I've blogged or even mentioned to my nearest and dearest that I've had this sushi knit in my shopping cart more than once too. I look forward to deciding which pattern I'll follow - or be a renegade and do my own thing? (not likely) - and to adding zipper abilities to my finishing skills. For the record, I do not like sushi, but I do love these colors. I went through a raw oysters and beer phase early in my adulthood, but that was a long time ago, and with the exception of a good steak, I like my meat COOKED.

Last, but hardly least, here's Mugsy inspecting his tea treat. He really appreciates being included, especially since his mourning mother failed to buy him a toy for his birthday. He did get his special meal though - two nights in a row, since I already had planned for it to be shared - and his big treat came tonight, when the Knight FINALLY allowed Mugsy to ride in his "new" truck. I suspect that we are well on our way to becoming the weirdos our friends talk about, because we take our dog everywhere, appropriately so or not. I'm not quite old enough to be a crazy old lady, but evidently, I'm mature enough to thumb my nose at convention and do it my way.

Again, we thank you for all of your emails, comments, etc. Even if I failed to reply personally, please know that we read each and every one, and it helped bolster us.

Forever Hooey Hound

2007-10-05T20:36:00.000-04:00

Tackhammer's Fred

May 2, 1996 - October 5, 2007

Cancer is an ugly, aggressive disease. There was a mass hiding behind his liver, more than half the size of his liver from what I could tell from the x-ray and ultrasound. The Knight held his four-legged boy and we cried and petted him, long after it was done. I remain in awe of Dr. Nancy Handley and the staff at Georgetown Vet. Their compassion and genuine affection for our dogs is remarkable.

I'd like to write more, but I just can't. Thank you all for your kind words about Mugsy's birthday and all of the support you've given us the last couple of days. Please forgive me if I don't answer each reply this time; this wound is just too raw.

Happy Birthday Baby!

2007-10-05T11:45:00.001-04:00

Before the Knight was even a serious fixture in my life, there was Mugsy. My tough little renegade, my snuggler, my pal. He was the first and best present the Knight gave me, and it's hard to believe that he's twelve, and in five weeks, he will have been in our lives 12 years to the day. Above, you see him with his office toy, a punching bag that cheers/roars when punched (read: bitten). Someone gifted it to my mother inlaw, but when she found that Mugsy liked it, it became his. That's the way Mugsy's life works; if he wants it, it becomes his. He's very confident and perhaps a wee bit spoiled.

The party's on hold while we wait on Fred. The first round of news this morning wasn't good. Fred's temperature is back up, and I'll spare you the other details, but hopefully, we'll hear something soon and he'll still be able to come home this evening. I can't tell you how much it meant to me to have 22 messages in the middle of the night, almost all of them in support of Fred.

Some day, you'll get knitting content again. Perhaps I'll get it together enough this evening to get up a proper blog post to share the vast swapperly goodness that arrived to cheer me last night. I really need to, because I have a self-imposed rule that I can't enjoy the goodies until I blog, and there's a bone in there Mugsy wants to share with Fred for his birthday... Please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming!

Don't Feed the Basset

2007-10-04T17:08:00.000-04:00

Well, it's not great news, but Fred has a diagnosis. He has a rather hearty infection, likely brought on by eating something he shouldn't have. It's his second episode of what Dr. Nancy calls "garbage gut" and like the first time, his inability to keep his slobbery jaws off of non-food items has landed him overnight IVs and the rapid healing only IV drugs can bring.

No, we don't have a clue what, when, or even where said toxin came from. Senior hound that he is, he doesn't roam like he once did. He hasn't been out of our sight, save working hours, and bless his clumsy heart, he leaves a trail of evidence when he does get into things that aren't his at home. But, Dr. Nancy is confident the fluid push will keep reducing the fever and will eventually motivate the gunk of undigested food to move on, and she predicts that Fredders will walk out to leave with me tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks so much again for your kind words and support. It has kept me sane. The day is coming when both of our aged dogs will need me to let go, but it seems we've bought more time for now.

Happy Fred Thoughts

2007-10-04T12:19:00.001-04:00

There's a daily click for a Fred Basset in the UK, who seems to be our Fred's soul twin. I click in daily, and often email it to the Knight, because it just seems like the artist/writer channels our Fred.

This is going to be a multi-post day. I see it coming, but I want to thank you for your concern, prayers and general good wishes for Fred. The Knight used and abused his family/supervisory powers today, and sent his crew on without him, while he went home to get his boy. He found Fred significantly weakened, and we rushed to Dr. Nancy. I have a hard time being strong when my rock of a Knight has his 58 lb. baby in his arms, whispering away. He stayed at my desk for a speaker phone chat with Dr. Nancy, and has begrudgingly gone to the job site. (Fred was weak because of the meds from last night.)

We're awaiting blood tests now, and Fred is on IV fluids. What's interesting is that while our human docs make us wait days, weeks, or even months for test results, Dr. Nancy is calling me back in two hours. Go figure. My mother inlaw assures me it is because vets genuinely CARE about their patients. Hmmm...

I'll update you later, but I suspect Fred is at the vet's for at least 24 hours of IV therapy.

Dogs on Thursday

2007-10-04T08:57:00.000-04:00

Fred's needing some love, so here's a shot I adore. It was taken two summers ago, at work. That's the Knight on the left, and a baby Shadow in the bottom. We were up into the wee hours of the morning, at the emergency vet. They were afraid it was bloat, but we were sure it wasn't. The good news is it wasn't bloat. The bad news is, we don't know why that lump of food is at the top of his stomach, not digesting.

He's miserable, so much so for those of you who know him, that he's not fussing. It broke my heart to leave him at home, but Shadow frets him so. Once my mother inlaw arrives from her doctor's appointment this morning, I'll go home, load up Fredders, and take him to our Dr. Nancy.

Of course, all of this is going on while Mugsy's allergies rage on.

Sadly, we're not alone. Other friends have pet and personal medical issues, and Amanda has had a very sudden, tragic loss. Sending prayers and good vibes out to all of you...

I'll keep you posted on Fred. Tomorrow's Mugsy's 12th birthday too, so I guess this blog has gone to the dogs.

Sock and Swap News

2007-10-03T11:08:00.000-04:00

Well, Camille got her Sock it to Me package, and unless she is so sick she's delusional, she seems to really like them. Hooray! It seems yet again I stressed over socks for a stranger unnecessarily. Whew!

Via email, Adrienne, my Sockza pal, let me know that my socks are world travelers now. Not only did the fly from Virginia to England, but they biked around Europe with her this summer. That should calm my socks for strangers fears, but, erm... no. I'm glad my sock swaps were successful, but I'll not be signing up for more.

My tea swap package is still out there, looking for its home. Perhaps today? I'm eager to see if my pal is as pleased with it as I was when I assembled it.

However, I'm not sitting idly waiting on my packages. (I've lost track of what is on the way to me - things I've ordered and swapperly goodness.) My dearest mother inlaw brought me some chocolate mint tea from her cruise! OH. MY. GOODNESS. It smells like a peppermint patty. Add hot water, steep, and a dash of sweetener, and you have a cup of liquid happiness. It's in a cute little wooden box. It's the same brand she found on another adventure this summer, but that raspberry tea wasn't as impressive as this. Of course, I can't find it locally, and only in a couple of spots online. Figures. Still, I count myself blessed to have such a thoughtful mother inlaw, and I even politely offered her a cuppa' too. We've also decided we need an electric kettle and a teapot for the office now.

Warning! Grab a Snack First

2007-10-02T19:12:00.000-04:00

As when I was teaching, I'm not one to stop for structured breaks. Just quietly get up and do what you need to do, and I'll keep talking. Food and drink are encouraged, unless you have a known spewing problem...

The things we do for friends! Firstly, pop over HERE and check out Holly and Anne's coffee swap. They both seem a little surprised that I'm excited about it, but firstly, when two pals of mine host a swap, I want to be a part of the fun. Secondly, Anne has taught me that I don't HATE coffee; I hate run of the mill coffee. She's also promised my pal isn't allowed to make fun of me if I ask for Starbucks or McDonald's gift cards. Dudes... even Anne adores McD's iced coffees. My funny little mother inlaw had FITS on her cruise, because they kept seeing McD's, but no iced coffees! I guess it never crossed her mind to ask someone on the ship to make her one...

Also, for a great cause, please go visit Nicole's first contest. I'd also like to encourage you to help her meet her donation goal for the year. Heck, let's see if we can blow her goal out of the water, okay? Pets everywhere need a helping hand, and the ASPCA is a great organization. You even get bonus entries for adopting a dog this year. I won't be getting those points, but I can assure you that our next basset will be a little girl from our rescue. There are so many pluses to adopting, but this is going to be a long post anyway...

Now, y'all have been great about reading along without pictures long enough. So, look out! Here come the photos.

First comes my current pride and joy, the shrug done in Amanda's yummy yarn. Giving the camera the green table and the gold project bag to focus on seemed to help me get closer to accurate colors. That's four of the nine repeats of the lace. Then, another cuff, stitch the cuffs together as sleeves, and then pick up about a gazillion stitches all the way around for a little ribbed border there too. It's warm outside now, but just you wait. I'm going to be wearing this by the weekend, no matter what!

Next comes several days worth of stash and supply building packages. These Peace Fleece needles are Nicole's fault. The Knight has asked me to knit *HIS* cloths on smaller needles, so I ordered some #6s. (Don't tell him I'd already ordered #6 Bryspuns, okay? I'm sure in time, I'll use them both.) They sure are pretty, and knowing that I'm shopping and knitting and making the world a better place all at the same time is a great feeling.

Next comes the fiber love. It's been a while since I really did some shopping with Loopy, so I got a little crazy last week when I arrived home just in time to get my Loopy's Groupies notice that a sneak-up was happening. I scored a couple of Wendy's sock patterns, and this Bambewe in "Sedona" which makes me want to skip the cruise and go back to those warm, red rocks and The Red Planet diner. But that's another story. If you haven't been to Sedona, you're missing the jewel of the Southwest. If you have, you know exactly what I mean.

I also snagged some Yarn Pirate in Loopy Blues, because I could and because so many of you swear by this yarn. I love the colors. I seem to be hung up on turquoise again, not that it's a bad thing. The brown actually has some red in it, but I guess the redwood stain on the deck didn't help draw that out.

Last, but hardly least in my Loopy haul is the Yarntini in Designated Driver. It looks like my favorite pair of almost thread-bare jeans, and I think it will make socks just as comfortable and long-lasting. Yummy, yummy yarn, all of it. And stash police? Don't worry. When my inlaws retire, I'm taking my knitting to work and my productivity will double. I will use up my stash, but I thank you for caring.

I also grabbed some of Bernat's Cashmere, which only has 5% of the fine fiber in it. However, I'm in search of a soft, favorite sweater meets easy-care yarn, so someone will be getting a little something made of this buttah. It sure is soft to the touch, but it's a relatively new yarn, so no one on Ravelry has been complaining about it pilling or anything yet. (See? Once the inlaws retire, I'll have my queue stacked and my stash built up for another 20 years of knitting at work and at home. There's a method to my madness, right?)

But wait! THERE'S MORE! Not much more though, I promise. Just my two sets of cable needles. I thought I'd show you both sets, since I know Anita (check out her darling Etsy store too!) has the "plain" wood set and is still waiting on her Harmony Knitpicks. Despite the fact I still don't cable, I'm feeling very happy with my purchases. The two sets offer different diameters, and if you can't tell, the plain wood set is notched about twice as often as the Harmonys. Interestingly enough, if I'd lined them up by size, largest first, it would be Harmony, plain, plain, Harmony, and the two smallest sizes are pretty darned close.

And my pretty #10.5 tips. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go switch those tips out on the secret bag project, and settle in for House.

What's that Mugsy? Oh yeah. Dinner for me. (Which means second dinner for the dogs, because when the Knight's away, I share a lot more. I learned to cook at the firehouse, where the average group was about 15. I don't do meals for one or even two so well.)

FFBE #2

2007-10-02T14:55:00.000-04:00

The colors of fall tend to be oranges, yellows, crimsons, and other 'leafy' colors - what is your favorite "Color of Autumn" and where do you see it?

My favorites are maroon and gold. I do love all of the colors of the changing leaves, but I prefer to look at them rather than wear them, save the dark reds. I'm not sure where I'll see them this year, as I suspect the continued drought will make the leaves rather muted.

Questions and Answers

2007-10-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

So, my Fall Felted Bag Exchange pal has questions.

Questions: what is your preferred sock knitting method and what needles do you use? Also, favorite sock yarn or one you want to try?

Well pal o' mine, I like anything BUT Magic Loop. Which is to say, I like dpns a lot, but two circs are so easy to travel with that I guess they are in the #1 slot. Needles? Addis and KnitPicks. I thought I was all about metal, but of late, I've been into wood and bamboo. ANYTHING bamboo appeals to me, because it's the ultimate renewable resource. The stuff makes Virginia Creeper (read: kudzu) look like a slow grower. I'm also really liking the toe-up approach to socks, just for the record.

Favorite sock yarn. Okay gentle reader, I know I've professed my love for about ten different sock yarns, but honestly, Tofutsies has to get the #1 slot. For merino/superwash, I'd go with Lorna's Laces or the local Misty Mountain, both available at the Loopy Ewe. Heck, if all else fails, if you can buy it there, I'll like it. Wick is the only worsted weight sock yarn for me, although I might be trying some others in the holiday knitting rush, which I do believe is upon us. The simple fact is, I love wee little skinny sock yarns. I want to try them all.

Lace is also working its way into my heart, but we have a problem; I'm fickle and want a fast, but passionate fling with my works in progress. Lace? She's a demanding mistress. She wants my full attention, my time, and to Mugsy's chagrin, a lot of my lap space too. She's what the boys call high maintenance, and ask my bigger than a wallet felted bags and baby blankies where that will get ya'. I'm high rent but not high maintenance, so lace is happening on my terms. (Read: Some of you will be getting pictures of your intended holiday gifts instead of the items.)

I have questions too. Why did my new-found joy in one LYS get dosed with cold water today? Do they really not want to sell me more yarn because I haven't brought in a finished project from their stock yet? (I swear. I wouldn't lie to you. That's about word for word what the lady said, in the 14 seconds she took away from her friends at the table in the back. I need to finish up something(s) with the yarn I've purchased there so I can buy more. 'Scuse me? Me and my yarn appetite walked out without even a good-bye. There's a Fiber Festival this weekend, you know!)

Do you (specifically, Anne) know how hard it is for me to not to share a cool work in progress with y'all? I'm learning new skills, trying a new yarn, and keeping it to myself is killing me. I know you'll love the bag, because I'm already thinking maybe I need one for me too...

And now, I have to walk away from this idiot box, so that knitting can actually take place.

Cast-On-Itis

2007-09-30T05:05:00.000-04:00

I've done a self-check, and have decided I do not have the dreaded cast-on-itis, despite beginning two projects within a 24 hour period. (Three in 48 if you count the No-Sophie, but that sounds suspicious, so finished objects don't count, right?) See, I can't show you Anne's bag. Plus, quite honestly, after doing one little bag in a little over 24 hours, the second one was starting to feel like garter stitch purgatory, and there was this perfect yarn for which I'd found the perfect pattern...

Yeah, yeah, the Tofutsies sock is still unfinished too. I very nearly picked it up to finish it off, but a girl needs a travel sock, and I think we're going to town this afternoon, so there's about an hour of knitting which might get me pretty close to the completion of sock one. See? I can justify my choices. (Denial? Me? I don't know what you're talking about.)

Okay, the truth of the matter is it's getting cooler, and I was feeling selfish again. That NH Knitting Mama yarn was calling my name, and since I was emailed a .pdf file with the Dream in Color Shrug pattern I found to do the fiber art justice, I just couldn't stand it. Plus, the pattern has a definite lace element, and some of you know I've become almost consumed with trying my hand at beyond sock lace. (The yarn is NOT that shiny. It's a fabulous, matte finish in a semi-solid green. It's so soft and squooshy!)

The actual colorway is somewhere between the too shiny, too blue-ish photo above and this too yellow one. That's the first repeat of the lace pattern, and I look forward to making some serious progress on the shrug later today. It's a pleasant little pattern, with a 20-row repeat, but the lace pattern is only worked on the odd rows, and three rows within that pattern repeat. I couldn't be happier with the marriage of the yarn and the pattern, and hope to be wearing my first lace, first shrug, later this week.

I would be remiss if I didn't give Pick up Sticks a plug. I wish more retailers would offer patterns via email. Yes, I understand copyright/reprint issues, but I'm also an impatient little brat, and I am positive that this pattern wouldn't have arrived this week without the pleasures of technology. Then where would I be?! (Slogging away on Anne's bag, finishing a sock and casting on for its mate? Pouting because I'd found *THE* pattern for the yarn I most wanted to knit with, to be certain.)

Constant Vigilance

2007-09-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

SWS felts in a HURRY. I timed it, and in a bit over three minutes, the bag was felted, tightly so. Not a stitch defined, anywhere. My hot water is pretty hot, but I can still fish the pillow case out bare-handed, so I think it's the yarn, I really do. I'm almost tempted to felt it on the delicate cycle next time, just because this way requires constant vigilance!

This is the Sophie pattern, basically. I'm calling it the Not-So Sophie, because I like a shallow, barely bigger than my wallet bag that fits snugly under my arm, on my shoulder. I dropped about 12 rounds, so I decreased at 10, 20, 30, 35 and 40 rounds, and bound off after round 42. It took right at two balls of SWS, or 2oo+ yards. The colorway is Natural Navy, done on #10.5 circs, with the same sized dpns for the i-cord.

I felt in a polyester, king-size pillow case, tied shut, with four of Mugsy's tennis balls thrown in to beat it up a bit. I add about two tablespoons of soap powder and wash on hot/cold. Then, with the Knight's help, I stretch and pull it into the shape of choice. Anything in the house can serve as the "form" during the drying phase. If it fits into the bag and looks approximately like what I want in the end, it's called into action.

I also took this shot for you. SWS is a great yarn for felting, but because of this very trait, I can't imagine using it for non-felted items. A pal made me a sock bag in SWS - unfelted - and I think I might line it for future use. The early fall edition of Creative Knitting has a cardigan/jacket done in SWS on the cover. No way. It would pill and shed too badly for practical wear, I'm certain! I didn't do anything but hold that bag in my lap while knitting away on it, and you can see how fuzzy the bottom is, and how that one "blonde" strand pulled itself loose. Of course, thanks to the nature of felting, the finished product reveals none of these little secrets, and is rock solid, tough and ready for my daily use.

I don't get the names Patons uses for SWS colorways. There's no navy in this wad of color. Purple (gasp! it's true!), lots of tan and taupe that thankfully turned a solid, warm brown, a touch of grey, and the black in the unfelted version just felted into a dark grey. Still, even with the purple, I'm very pleased with the results. It's a bit deeper than my summer Sidekick, and it won't show dirt. Perfect.

Uptown Girl!

2007-09-28T18:29:00.000-04:00

My good pal fortune continues. In Sock it to Me, a very light-hearted "Tink" had been emailing regularly. She sent me the mother lode of teaser packages early in the swap, proving that she'd read my questionnaire and then some, and really making me curious. From that package, I knew we shared a Loopy passion, and yet again, I tried to guess my pal's identity. I was dead wrong, of course, and do hereby renounce future hunches! Thanks Ana, although I do feel guilty that it seems knitting socks for me led you to call your blog the Frog Pond.

So, feast your eyes on my Uptown Boot Socks in Cherry Tree Hill, in Cherry. They fit like a dream, and feel like a cloud. I love red, but I'll be on the lookout for more red tops now, so I have every excuse to wear these socks very regularly. (Yes folks, my feet are that short. Lucky Ana, huh?) Oh, and don't tell the Knight, but I'll need another pair of clogs too, because my favorites are brown and a multi-colored felt, and these want a navy and/or black pair.

Even though she'd already sent goodies above and beyond expectations, the awesome Ana sent more. How 'bout that Scout's Swag yarn in "secret colorway"?! I love it! The Godiva is resting up for its big moment, after dinner. I'll have to put both dogs outside, because they can't have chocolate - like I'd share. (I mean, I guess I could, but you're not here, so it's all theory and conjecture anyway.) The cute yellow thingee is the result of an especially strange question Ana asked a couple of weeks ago. Out of the blue, she emails me and lists a very odd assortment of animals and asks which would be my favorite. (No, dogs weren't on the list, nor were horses. Go figure.) It's "Kooly the Koala" a kritter craft case. He's already holding the notions I use the most - my chibi, measure tape, scissors, etc. Isn't he cute?!

Thank you, Ana. And thanks AJ, for hosting a fun sock swap. It's always a little bittersweet when a swap winds down, but I still have three in the works, so I should get back to knitting. Tomorrow? Knitting and shopping. I hope to mail my Vegan Pal 2 swap out next week, and then, you still won't get to see the pictures of the secret project!

Two Pups, Ten Years, Lots of Love

2007-09-27T17:32:00.001-04:00

Well, we blew past 200 posts the other day. This is post #202. How 'bout that?! Those of you who know me personally know I can talk a blue streak if I'm in the right mood, and evidently, I have been most of the time since oh, say... March. Thanks for reading, caring, and in a lot of cases, becoming my friends.

My scanner is so old I can't hook it up to this computer without adapters, so yet again, 'scuse the photo quality. A little over ten years ago, the dogs and I all dolled up and went to visit a photographer friend, and bridal portraits were made. This is a squinty-eyed proof of my favorite pose, and my offering for Dogs on Thursday. They're still handsome old men, but boy, were they beautiful babies. I'll have to get my techie brother inlaw to scan all of the proofs in for me, and if/when I do, I'll post a better version, because it is my all-time favorite photo. There's another great one of the whole "family" which was taken with the engagement photos, but it includes my stepson, so... sorry. It will remain on the wall for in-home guests only.

No Pictures

2007-09-26T10:51:00.000-04:00

I'm in a bind here, folks. I'm knitting, I promise, but it's for Anne and as she is the sole hostess for the Felted Bag swap, she knows I'm her pal. So, pattern and yarn selections are the only secrets I can have. That means not even a shot for you. I toyed with the idea of a sepia shot, but that wouldn't tell you much and would tell her too much. I feel like a mean department chief, writing rules and regs to punish everyone just because one idiot firefighter can't behave, but those are the breaks. I can tell you it's an awesome pattern and I know she'll love it and the colors I selected. I tried to figure out how to post it on Ravelry without giving away too much, but trust me, she's know, even if I just put it on my queue.

In other no picture news, we are supposed to run with the topic of the week for the Felted Bag swap...

As of this weekend, the season has officially changed on the calendar - but what makes Autumn feel like Autumn to you, and why?

It's all about the toes. As y'all know, ask me the same question, two minutes apart, and you'll get different answers. I'm fickle, but I can live with that. I'm still impressionable, and my moods and what's going on around me impact my opinions strongly. Today, it's about the toes. A local friend and I have a running joke about our toes, because we both live in flipflops and the like all summer. This year, I'm enjoying my knitted socks, so I've given in to conventional wisdom and if my feet are cold in the morning, I wear at least enclosed-toe shoes, but I've really enjoyed the couple of truly chilly mornings where socks were in order. (LOVE the way Lorna's Laces feel on my feet. Must have more.) In the past, typing "Toes covered" in my email to my friend has been a lament, but this year, not so much. And yes folks, she *IS* on my list to receive handknit socks for Christmas. I just have to get a mutual friend to confirm size...

Now, for the conventional answer. Everything. I love the whole autumnal package. While I relish the four distinct seasons here in Central Virginia, and you'll find me calling each my favorite as it arrives, autumn is the real, true favorite. I love a crisp, cool morning. I love watching the leaves change. There's nothing like wrapping up in my favorite old corduroy shirt of my Dad's on a Sunday afternoon. Apples. All things pumpkin. You get the point.

Hands down, this year, the upcoming tenth anniversary with the Knight is the biggest part of autumn. Both of us had brief first marriages, and I know that there were plenty of folks whispering that we wouldn't last. Picture me smug, and happy. To celebrate, I'm finally ordering wedding photos. Maybe I'll scan one or two for you. I especially love my highly controversial bridal portrait proofs. I had two done; one of just me, for my stepmom and my mother inlaw, both of whom scoffed at my primary poses, which were with my boys - Fred and Mugsy - and then my father inlaw and I have that one, with me and the dogs.

No More Monkeyn' Around

2007-09-24T23:35:00.000-04:00

With a nod to my Knitter's Knight for the photo, here are the Monkeys. Done. They are a titch big on me, so I hope that means they'll fit with the negative ease my Sock it to Me pal says she likes. I don't mind pooling, so I hope she doesn't either. Sorry for the blindingly white legs, but that's what I have. They brighten up the photo anyway.

The stats: Knitpicks Memories, in the Red Hat colorway. Size 2.5mm/#1.5 dpns, the bamboo Addis. Only a few yards left over. Each size 9 sock took nearly a whole ball. I enjoyed the Monkey pattern, but have decided that for me, toe-up, short-row heels fit better. (But hey! These aren't for me...)

So, the socks and their pals will hit the road tomorrow, along with my tea pal's package, and my portion Jessi's prizes for winning the bingo game. Congrats again girl!

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's past my bedtime.

Be Still My Heart!

2007-09-24T09:10:00.001-04:00

The always awesome Michelle has started the best KAL ever. Have I mentioned I don't watch TV much at all? Well, that has changed, all because of one thoughtful friend/employee/dog & house sitter. He plopped Season 1 on my desk and said, "Watch it. You'll love it." As fate would have it, we stopped in to visit his father's duty crew at the firehouse a few days later - on a Tuesday night - and stayed riveted to the television for an hour. We devoured the first three seasons just in time. You're on notice - don't expect any contact from me on Tuesdays from 9-10 Eastern. (I do want a Tivo though; we became accustomed to the commercial-free version.)

I also feel obliged to note that everyone in the free world loves The Needle Lady, except me. Even Anne loved it. I did note they're polite enough and they have a selection of primo fibers. Maybe I'm just too picky. Dunno. I think it's because I am a part of the fourth generation of a family business that I have exacting ideas about how my patronage should be valued. I might get over myself (the Knight says his best friend is House and I am what would happen if House and Cuddy [my fav!] had a child) if places like The Loopy Ewe and Carodan didn't lead me to believe that my expectations are very realistic.

Also, swing by and visit Blume's Accessories. Like all of the Etsy folk I know, Mary will also treat you right. She's just getting started, so check in often.

I think the Monkeys will be a completed pair tonight too. Then I can ship that and my tea pal's package out tomorrow!

Things That Make Me Go Hmmmm...

2007-09-23T06:23:00.000-04:00

Since I don't go to UVA football games, I have to dodge the game traffic when I want to shop during a home game. I was going to head to the next little town over, but instead, I went downtown to The Needle Lady. It has been several months, and the owner is almost always there on Saturdays, so I gave them another chance. Big sigh. They carry very different lines than the other LYSs, and when the owner is there, they are friendly and offer to help, but the general cluttered feel still bothers me. It also bothered me that when she found this "sock project bag" for me and I wanted two, she didn't offer to order another for me. I would have paid up front, or whatever it took to make her feel secure, but the offer wasn't extended, despite my not subtle at all, "Do you have another? I'd love to buy two." I already had a book and at least three skeins of yarn in my hands at this point. Hello?!

You see, it is a nearly perfect bag. That strap is long enough to be doubled as a shoulder strap, or worn around the waist. Perfect! Just yesterday, my wool and I stood indecently on the back porch and threw the ball for Mugsy while I Monkeyed on. It balanced precariously on the top railing, while I was thankful the leaves hadn't fallen off the trees yet, because Ma was in her nightgown. My sock bags are all capable of hanging on an arm, but when you're playing fetch AND knitting, the yarn would like to be more securely out of the way. And just look inside this thing! Great pockets for dpns, circs, pencils, whatever. Luckily for all of us, there's a link on the card, but before I give you that, look at that yellow card on the left (top photo). It's Kitchener instructions, right there on the sock bag! Now, I'm in love with toe up, but what that means is that when I do choose to top down, I definitely won't remember how to get started kitchenering.

So, since you've been faithfully chewing through this rant mixed with great find report, here's where you can find your own Knit Knack Sack. (Check out the patterns! Scarlett is heading my way. Squee!!) Please look around; they come in leather too, but I think that's too heavy for me.

I also purchased Lace Style, because some of you know that I am trying to get up enough courage to tackle my first real lace project. I have a couple of should be Christmas gifts projects in mind, but I want something pretty basic to test the waters. Any suggestions?

I also picked up some swap yarns, but I can't show you EVERYTHING I buy for my pals, can I? A girl has to have a few secrets. I fondled several new Tofutsies colorways, but when I saw #809 with its brown and blue (and some stupid lavender in there), my defenses crashed. Honestly folks, I want to make myself socks in every single colorway. Swap pals, now and future? Send me Tofutsies, whether it suits our swap or not, and I will put you in the Swapper's Hall of Fame. And dudes, this stuff is MACHINE WASH AND DRY! (Yeah, yeah, Mother Inlaw will get a pair too, but probably for Mother's Day, as she's getting Hummingbird socks for her birthday and a shawl for Christmas, or vice-versa.) The Classic Elite Bam Boo was on sale, but I just picked up this one lonely blue guy, because it's not exactly bamboo weather in VA anymore. Sure, TODAY it is, with highs in the mid-80s, but the nights are still cool, and heading for cold. Anyone other than Sharon care to guess what I'll "swatch" with the bamboo?

Here again, mixed results from the Needle Lady. She offered advice on my bamboo vest, which "grows" when I wear it, but then totally missed the point when I very enthusiastically asked if she was carrying the Tofutsies Sock of the Months. Nope, and no offer to explore it either. That's okay. Caroline at Carodan will have it, and I'm betting I can order October 1, and pick it up at the Fall Fiber Festival. (Anyone else going??) So you see, I'd like to support each of my LYSs, but some just seem to fit me better than others. The Needle Lady has a tremendous following, carries some incredible yarns, and can be friendly, so I will go back when I need silk or something special I know they carry. And I certainly encourage visitors to swing in; you'll feel you missed something if you don't, but Carodan, Limerick Fibers and It's a Stitch will remain my semi-local top three.

Sweet Cherry Bag

2007-09-21T21:07:00.000-04:00

Can you see the cute little cherries on the ribbon? Squee! I hope my pal will enjoy that little touch. The package is ready to ship out tomorrow, save a note and some tissue paper. But let me tell you, CotLin is the only linen of any blended sort for me. Sigh. It slides on through, comparable to any of the " - & dairy product" cottons, and I bet one wash would find it snuggly soft. I see a fitted item for me in this very color, maybe, next spring. Try it for the extra-special cloths you might be giving as gifts, or treat yourself; you deserve it! I am amazed at how it costs less and feels worlds better, but don't take my word for it. Order some and try it for yourself.

In case you missed it the first time, this is Amanda's "Mandy's Candy Bag" pattern. You can also find it on Ravelry.

So, a little accountability check here. Tea swap - ready to ship out tomorrow. Sock it to Me - half way there on the socks, some shopping left to do, and really should ship by next Saturday to arrive before October 5th. Vegan swap - Do thoughts count? I've thought a lot about what to get my friendly pal, and I do have some yarn for her, and it needs to ship before October 15th. SP11 - Package #1 shipped out earlier this week. I already have one item for the final package, and have "commissioned" something for her with one of my truly artistic/crafty friends, to be a Halloween themed package. Should ship before the 15th too. My Felted Bag package has a personal deadline which the pal should be able to guess, but I think I've already told you I'm not talking about that swap here, right? ;)

Whew. Wow. I'm shocked. After Monkey #2, which should be done within the next week, I will have time to cast on for the Knight's birthday (or Christmas if I miss the first deadline) surprise, my felted bag pal's bag, finish my Summer Daze Tofutsies, and begin holiday knitting. The light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train!

Now, to cast on for that #2.

Feel-Good Yarn

2007-09-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

I take back all of the less than wonderful things I've said about It's a Stitch. Maybe the ladies there are a bit shy or whatever, but now that I've been frequenting it so very often, it's a happy yarn home. They've ordered a color of Louet Riverstone Chunky just because I fondled the color in the light worsted and pouted, while holding a pattern that called for the chunky. (I purchased the pattern, of course.) Remember me whining and complaining about their refusal to order KA dpns for me over the summer? Well, I came home with a set of KA #2s yesterday, so evidently, they changed their minds but the order took too long to serve its original purpose for me. There are two ladies I like better than the others, but that's the way people connect. Their new lines this fall are pulling me in every time I go to town and they're open, which isn't a good thing for me, but is great for them.

That's a shot of today's yarn love. It's Mirasol Hacho. If you haven't heard the Mirasol story, take a moment and go read. I love it when I can buy something I adore and know that I'm in some small way helping the world become a better place. As usual, the colors aren't vivid. It's a perfect fall navy, mixed with dark shades of red, green and gray. More socks for me!

Oh, and not that I ever doubt Devon, but I do like the KA needles. Am I the only one whose needle preferences have rather suddenly changed?

He's My Brother

2007-09-20T13:09:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken late Fall 2006. Many thanks to the always awesome Nicole for doctoring for me!

I've decided that as my dogs are both geriatric, my Dogs on Thursday posts should be about preserving memories. One routine moment that happens more than once most days, but never fails to warm my heart, is Fred's about face to follow Mugsy.

Fred goes outside first most mornings. However, rather than heading off the porch to do his duties, he simply waits right there until Mugsy comes out, and they head into the yard together. What tickles me most is when Fred has been out for a while, asks in, and then makes that predictable u-turn at the door because Mugsy is going out. It's simple and routine, but it is the essence of their bond. Like most brothers, they fight - sometimes violently, in their youth - but in the end, they seek each other out for companionship. I've had the pleasure of being around some truly wonderful dogs, but these two are at the top of the list.

Green is the color of Friendship

2007-09-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

Okay, really, so I have no clue what green means. Prosperity and good fortune, I think, but I'm in a hurry, so I'm not looking it up. I love green, and you aren't going to believe the green goodness that was on my front porch when I got home!

First - seriously, it was on top - was this. Amanda sent in my way as a thank you for the socks I sent her way. Y'all, my stash is in trouble, because this formerly variegated gal is in semi-solid love. Suddenly, I *NEED* solids or nearly so for my upcoming projects! I cannot wait to settle on a pattern for this soft, 400 yards of beauty. If you're looking for names Amanda, this one wants to be Alwington's Rolling Fields, named after my father's family's farm, which didn't have a single acre of flat field on it, but I still consider what's left (bite me WalMart thru Taylor Jr. High!) some of the most beautiful fields in the world.

I'm going to be a sight at my important meeting tonight, with my NH Kitting Mama yarn in my lap, and my new shawl wrapped around my shoulders on the first day we've topped 75 degrees in nearly a week. This is my prize from Grace's remarkable contest last week. If you thought it was lovely in her photo... I just wish you could all pop over and take turns draping it around your shoulders and fingering the variegated trim. So pretty! It's even more elegant than I aspire to be, but I'm going to wear it proudly and often, and perhaps by osmosis, I'll become a little more elegant and learn to knit lace too. (Shut up. I won't believe that sleeping with my notes under my pillows was a joke either.)

I want a real-life tea party, so you can try the teas that arrived today while you take turns petting my green gifts. (Fred will check you at the door. Don't let those sweet eyes fool you; he's territorial and he knows the yarn, shawl and whatever else you're eyeing stays in his house!) Seriously. Pout. At least I'm missing the standing Officers Meeting at the firehouse in favor of a much classier meeting with a cookbook publisher. Think my friends will drink tea with me if I bring it along? (Two of them would. They humor me. It's what they do, to keep me playing well with others, because for some silly reason, they think they need me on their committee. You know I love House, right? There's a reason...)

You gotta see this trim though. The solid green body of the shawl is lovely and so evenly knitted, but the trim (again, SHUT UP! I know I'm fickle, and at the top of the post, I pledged my love to semi-solid hand-dyed. That was in stuff I want to knit. This is in what I have wrapped around me.) is something else! Thank you again, Grace and Amanda, for making this a great day!

Buttonaire

2007-09-19T10:22:00.000-04:00

Firstly, I'd like to thank Becka and her friend for creating Pay It Forward buttons. I think she alerted a lot of us, but if you don't have one, slip over to her blog and pick out the version of your choice. If you're not familiar with Pay It Forward, see here.

Then, there are all of the things I've signed up for but failed to advertise.

This one really bothers me, because it is my favorite sock book, but I've yet to actually knit a pair from it. I thought I was going to for my Sock it pal, but you know that story.

I'm ChanKnits there. Don't look for anything too exciting there. This place - the blog - gets my free time, and Ravelry is a work in progress for me. That being said, I love seeing what's in your queue and searching for different projects/yarns!

Thanks too to all of you who have admired the Monkey. You know what? There's a reason popular patterns are just that. Easy enough but not boring, and great results. However, I gotta' tell you... I'm getting comfortable enough that I'm ready to head toe-up and avoid the heel flap for socks knitted for me. It's fun figuring out what I like and what fits best.

Monkey Pooled

2007-09-19T02:05:00.000-04:00

Sock it to Me pal, we're halfway there. It's a terrible photo, but there it is. It is too big for my sock blocker, which means your foot size is average or better. I will block them when both socks are done, which I hope will improve the presentation. The pooling doesn't bother me, so I hope you'll appreciate it as the way the yarn flows too. (Funny thing about pooling - hate it or accept is as part of the art?) However, I am crazy about the pattern. I now understand why Cookie A patterns are favorites of sock knitters everywhere.

In other knitting news, the yarn for my tea pal arrived Tuesday. Now, the big decision is whether to cast on for the bag for that package, or the second Monkey? I won't have much time for either tonight, or Thursday night. Wow. When I talk like that, the weekend is almost here! Any big plans for your weekend?

Let's Go to Vegas!

2007-09-18T03:08:00.000-04:00

Luck is a man. He's hot, and he's dancing with me. I wonder if the Knight would like to skip work and scoot to Charlestown? He's a natural card shark, and Luck is with me.

PHEW. That's me, breathing a sigh of relief. Amanda got her socks, and they fit! It was a great little pattern, and I'll be doing it again when ankle socks seem in season. It does my heart good to know that the second pair of socks made for someone else fits. That means that statistically (did I mention before that I love statistics, the math concept?), I should stop fretting over the Monkey socks for my Sock it pal. They fit me, and I wear very "average" socks, and pal says she does too. The wicked Knight suggested I should keep them, but I won't. With a little luck, by week's end, both my Sock it pal's package and my Tea pal's package will head in their directions.

And speaking of Sock it to Me, guess what?! I hereby renounce my right to pout out loud that I never win anything. Contest #2 simply required me to gush about my favorite yarn. In return, I've won gift certificates to here and here! Thank you, thank you!!

There's really not a lot to report here, but what else to do in the middle of the night when sleep is elusive? Monkey #1 will be done Tuesday evening, and my search continues for just the right things to send with them. I bought the ribbon for my Mandy's Candy Bag Monday night. Those of you who scrap or sew already know you can buy ribbon with ANYTHING on it, but I was still filled with toddleresque glee when I spotted it. No, you can't see, but you'll get a finished object photo soon enough, maybe even in the next day or two!

Froggin, a Monkey, Harmony and a Penguin

2007-09-16T13:16:00.000-04:00

Well, after about a dozen false starts, my poor Sock it to Me pal has a sock in progress. Recognize it? Yep. It's a Monkey. I'm really enjoying the pattern, and the way the Knitpick Memories is working up in it. And yes, those are DPNs you see. Turns out I miss the little buggers when I stay away too long. They're the Addi 2.50 mm #1s I bought during the Sockza crisis. I like them too, but I think I'll be buying the lot of the Knitpick Harmony needles. Every size, every style... Seriously.

Guess what?! That color is also as close to accurate as I can get. It's a fun colorway, and I do hope it will please my pal as much as it is coming to please me. (For those of you serving as my confessors, pause for the SNOL at the irony of that statement. You've earned it.)

Of course, I couldn't stay away from Summer Daze. (More irony; it was in the mid-40s this morning. No Indian summer happening here.) If you click on the photo, you can see my happy, beloved Harmony circs. Honestly, had I ordered a larger size (these are wee 2.25 mm #1s), I think I would carry them around and/or wear them in my hair. They're that pretty, even with the diminished colorations in the wee needles. I'm not a metal girl anymore. I suspect my tried and true metal KnitPick Options will alway have their purposes (wool?), but these lighter, warm, little works of art have my heart. A couple of reviews on the Tofutsies group have challenged their use with variegated yarns, and I don't think you can get more colorful than this one, and I had no trouble at all. Now, I will have to set this treasure aside and focus - FOCUS! - on the socks with a deadline.

Friday night, I made an attempt to channel my inner scrapbooker. She wasn't quick to come out, but she did join hands with my not-so-inner shopper and swipe a couple of baby-related items so I can (get this - multi-crafting!) scrap my photos of the babies and blankies I've connected with my gifts this year. She did leap to the front of the bus during this little project. I love to journal in my scrapbooks, so a cute journal box is always a hit. My sweet consultant punched and cut out all of the pieces for each of us, so all we had to do was follow along with the adhesive of choice, but he's a doll. My stepson likes "pingwings" so it will go somewhere on a page about him.

My September Birthday

2007-09-14T17:55:00.001-04:00

So, some of you know better. Either way, humor me. The way I see it, any time I get two boxes addressed to me with knitterly goodness inside, it's like a birthday. It just so happens that the first parcel was indeed somewhat birthday-related. See, my dear Anners knows I like getting gifts much more often than the calendar suggests, so... I got a nearly on my stepmom's birthday present. Talk about being worth the wait! The card had me SNOLing (that's SNorting Out Loud for those of you not in the know - meaning all but um... four of you? who were in on that joke), but I'll be honest and admit that the world stopped while I gently removed the Malbrigo from the package and cuddled it. Of course, the Maizy in a colorway that had to be designed with me in mind was on top, and that will definitely move the Maizy WAY up on my to be knitted list. (Like, um, next?) There was also a nice linen smelling envelope, which is going to my vehicle in just a few minutes, when I head out for the scrappin' group for which I am not prepared. (My knitting Mojo seems to have eaten my scrappin' and stampin' energies, so I'm hoping just being near other scrapperly activities will awaken those all but gone notions.)

Thank you, Anne. Your daily support is gift enough, for a friendship that is about to span a decade. (Yeah... we met in junior high. That's my story...) That you could both surprise me and pick the perfect yarns in the perfect colorways is the best gift a girl could get.

But wait! There's more! My Knitpicks order arrived too. You might be shocked to learn that size 2.25 mm (US #1 in the hard to find version) is not the best size to show you how beautiful the new Harmony needles and tips are, but trust me. (And look hard because you can see green on both tips.) They are lovely, and I will be tossing aside the Quicksilvers at some point this weekend in favor of these little (I mean LITTLE!) works of art. There's also some of their Memories merino sock yarn in a colorway called Red Hat, which has none of the brightness you see in these photos. I may change my mind and use it as originally intended for my Sock it to Me pal, so stay tuned for some better photos.

Finally, I remembered to add a pair of #7 Bryspuns straights to my stash before checking out at Knitpicks. It's a happy little box, and is almost enough to send me to the phone to tell my mother inlaw I think I should stay home tonight.

Oh! I also picked up some Lion Brand Organic Cotton today too. Wow. I made Mugsy ride in the back seat so I could pet the yarn on the way back to work. No, no. He rides in the back seat all the time, because of the airbags. I've seen them break noses and fingers on adult humans, so what would they do to my puppers? Plus, lunch was up front, so really, I didn't drive through town petting yarn. Honest. (And Mugsy didn't snort the yarn either.)

Mugsy would come to my defense, but he's zonked out. We had a rather unplanned visit to the vet this morning. The old boy's allergies have moved to a new level, so children's grape Benedryl won't do anymore. Another allergy med from the people pharmacy, an eye salve for his poor, red eyes, ear drops (the Knight administers those; he and Fred developed a rather shake-proof system years ago), and a shampoo that cost more than mine for his itchy skin should get it all back under control. Good grief. He looks pretty cute though, all snoring in the old comforter here in the study. Fred also survived the trauma of being home alone, which is always a minor miracle, so it really is a happy day.

More yarn shopping tomorrow, but note: it is *NOT* stash-building. I have a felted bag pal you know? And birthdays and Christmas, and...

Prize Therapy

2007-09-13T18:46:00.001-04:00

Good karma, this little Friday has for me...

Y'all need to go check this out. I told you to go sign up for Grace's incredible give-away, and now, my dear Anniekins, Alana, the very talented and lucky Stormy and yours truly were the winners of those incredible works of knitted art. I am beside myself happy. Add in the box from Jimmy Beans Wool (all presents, so no pictures) that the Knight found in the mailbox, and it is one lovely evening here in the woods.

Anniedoodle, bring your stole for Thanksgiving, and we'll wear our gifts and knit lace too, okay? I'm sure Grace's kindness and skills will rub off, but just in case, we'll put 'em under our pillows too.

(Poor Anne. Mugsy is busy saying hello to his Dadaw, so Anne gets stuck with my stupid-happy, stupid-talk. And you too, bless your buttons, 'cuz you're bothering to read these ramblings. The Knight does accept sympathy gifts.)

Yarn Shop Therapy

2007-09-13T16:42:00.001-04:00

It's been years since I have knowingly and willfully engaged in retail therapy. However, this morning, I found myself with about 20 minutes to kill before my first chiropractic appointment in about ten years. So, I did the only thing I could think of - I stopped in the nearest LYS and petted some yarn. Lest you think I'm cheap and/or easy, this isn't all of my haul. You all must pay the price for the inconvenience of having readers I also call friends. ;)

Everyone should recognize the current copy of Interweave Knits. If not, well, make it so. Get your own copy and get to know the best magazine in the industry, in my humble opinion. I'd heard it said that this wasn't a great issue, but maybe the same apprehension that spawned my fifteen minute spree inspired me to dog ear some dozen pages within... Granted, I think there were only two or three patterns in IK I want to even pretend I want to knit, but there are still articles and ads for so much more.

On the left, we have the answer to my prayers. Erm, well, yeah, that *IS* what it is. It's also Dulce by The Purled Llama, another almost local company! It's a superwash merino, and it will start to become my Sock it to Me pal's socks in just a few moments. Don't you love it when your LYS listens and responds? I asked for more sock yarn, specifically, central Virginia sock yarns, and here it is. This is a custom colorway called "Moonbeam" and I hope the moon will shine on my efforts to knit up some great socks fast.

On the right, we have Nashua Wooly Stripes Tweed, in Tartan Tweed. I wish I could offer you a link, but it seems the site is under construction. I may have to go pick up the second ball in this colorway, because there are only 88 yards of this soft, beautiful stuff, with which I plan to produce a fall handbag...

I also petted the new Louets chunky wool, which is so soft... Again, I can't seem to find a link, but I do have 4 hanks on order in a great green, for a "for me" project to be announced later.

Oh, and the new chiro helped a lot and feels certain he can fix me up again, sans surgery. I'm going to celebrate by casting on for the SitM socks!

Fred on Thursday

2007-09-13T03:50:00.000-04:00

Fred is just so much more cooperative about the whole photography thing. The Knight took this one with my cell phone earlier this week. Fred could be happier, but I think the Knight or "Dadaw" as the dogs call him (yeah, we think our dogs talk - what of it?), awoke the poor ol' man for the photo op. He's just such a sweet dogums, and I feel so blessed to have him in our lives.

Happy Little Friday!

Ravelry Me!

2007-09-12T17:15:00.000-04:00

ChanKnits is now at Ravelry. The world is a better place. I don't know that I'll use it to the full potential, but I do want to search out alternative yarns for patterns, and I want to track future projects to be, and I want to log my stash...

Yeah. Anyhooo, Anne was a single digit number ahead of me, so now, I just need to know what her Rav Name is, and the world will be right!

I'm off to knit and play with Ravelry, which will not take away from my blogging time once I get set up. In the meantime, I do want to thank Holly for her thank you for hostessing gift. I love 'em! The blue teapot reminds me of a charm I have on my silver charm bracelet, but I'm not walking through the house to find it, photograph it, upload the photo, etc. Just trust me, okay? Also, if you're in the tea swap, pop over there for some shopping hints!

Sit, Knit, Heel

2007-09-11T20:57:00.001-04:00

So, I frogged back last night, re-knitted the first part of the heel, and this afternoon, flew through the rest of the heel with ease. Go figure. And there's the misleading photo on the left, that makes the colorway look sage and pink. Poo! I wish...

Anyone else have great luck when you approach a troublesome pattern with a fresh outlook on another day? I couldn't believe how easily it flowed this time. Actually, I missed one little sentence in the instructions, and it made all the difference in the world. (I used to think I had good reading comprehension skills.)

There's a close-up of the happy little heel. (Pardon the glare, but at least it gives you a realistic view of the colorway.) I'm sure it could be prettier, but that will come with repetition. There's at least one more with the mate to be done, and I think I'll do toe-up again, at least after my pretty new Knitpicks arrive. Have I mentioned lately that I hate these Susan Bates Quicksilvers? (Free to a good home... seriously.)

I hate to cut this short, but House is on, and Mugsy is now using the Tofutsies skein as a pillow.

Favorite Things

2007-09-10T17:12:00.000-04:00

As a part of the fourth generation of my inlaws' family business, I like to support other small businesses. As a woman, I like to support other women in business. It's also fun and easy to shop at a friend's store. Thanks to Etsy and the internet, the world is my oyster. Thanks to Jessi for being a great friend AND a wonderful indie dyer and stitch marker maker. (You may shop for your own here.)

Jessi and I worked out a little trade for the Chocolate Covered Grasshoppers yarn and the sweet dog-themed stitch markers. I still haven't decided what I'm going to do with the yarn, but I had to have it. It reminds me of mint and dark chocolate, which are two of my favorite things. The dogged markers are certainly right up my alley, and have been immediately elevated to favored status. Ironically, even Jessi doesn't know that shades very similar to THAT blue and green grace Fred's "dress up" collar and leash, which were hand-made by another basset hound owner/friend. It's funny how things work out that way.

Jessi also made some markers for the tea swap. When she shipped them to me, she also added a pair for each of the co-hostesses. There are more for sale

on her Etsy site, if you aren't done shopping for your tea pal! Folks, THAT is why I swap and host swaps. Yes, it's a lot of work, but there are so many rewards. Meeting Jessi was a blessing, but her friendship and support keeps growing. She not only joined the tea swap, but sponsored it, and thanked the hostesses with just the perfect gift! (Shhh... there are other gifts too, but I have to be sure Devon and Mary got theirs before I ruin any surprises. There's also another sponsor, but see the swap blog for more information.) Now, I can take my dogs and my tea with me when I'm knitting!

Now, if you'll excuse me, yet again, I must find something to knit while I wait on the yarn and needles for the next project. I guess I'll give the short row heel another try.

Fall Felted Bag, Contest #2

2007-09-10T11:32:00.000-04:00

I love a contest. However, I'm practicing some rebellion skills here, as the sole hostess knows she's my pal, so she's getting NOTHING for #1, even if it does disqualify me. I've picked out the pattern and know what colors I'm using, and that's the only hint she's getting.

As for #2, well, the same hostess noted that I cheated and picked people I already knew for the answers to contest #1, so... Michelle and I remain as in touch as her crazy life allows! ;)

I'm sure I've somehow cheated today, but whatever...

My Little Hero

2007-09-09T21:54:00.000-04:00

Meet my little hero. He's from Vermont Teddy Bear Company. There's a great, long story about how our fire company ended up in this program, but that's for another day. You can check out the Friends for Life website for more information. However, today he's not waiting to comfort a scared child; he's showing off my latest finished object. It's a child-sized hat for Amy's project, Warm Up Winchester. Please pop over and check it out. They've already reached Amy's initial goal, but I hope there are lots of late-term folks like me, because I'd really like to shock Amy and Winchester with about double her goal!

The hat is the quick and easy pattern in Knitting for Peace (thanks again, Mary!) I used #7 dpns and Lion Brand Wool-ease in a blue heather of unknown origins. I think (hope?) I have enough left to knit myself one of these rolled brimmed cuties. Mugsy and I have had a slacker's summer, so with 40 degree temperatures in the upcoming week, we'll need warmer walking gear very soon!

So, I'm in the same boat I was in at the end of the last post; what to knit next? I may try the heel again, since Anne had good luck with hers and shared good pictures so I have an idea of what it should look like when it is right. In the meantime, we'll keep watching House season 2.

Dishcloth Square Blocks

2007-09-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

Meet Dishcloth Square Blocks. Or at least, that's what I'm calling him. He's #2 in what seems to be a weekly series of dishcloth patterns, being designed by Anne. He's done in Lion Cotton Red, with #7 straight needles, in my very Continental method. You can find the pattern here, but be sure to note the contest rules for both cloths.

And don't worry. He's not going to live on the tree. The Knight has already claimed him as his own, and I suspect that before the sun sets, DSB will have been called into action.

I was impressed with the Lion Cotton. It was soft! I'll have to see if I can't find some more, since I don't recall where I picked up this ball, but I do remember that it was the only color they offered...

Now, what next?? You're not going to get to see Amanda's socks while she's on vacation. That just doesn't feel right. If she was here to taunt - er, make that see them herself - that might be different, but since she's out in the middle of the ocean enjoying some alone time with her beloved, I think the socks will just quietly head north on Monday, and you can pop over to her blog for a shot of the finished pair. I *NEED* to start on my Sock it to Me pal's socks, but her yarn won't be here until next week. I am going to send my pal a little package next week too, but the socks obviously won't be included. I guess that forces me to figure out what I'm going to knit for my tea swap pal, huh?

Beauty is Needles

2007-09-07T20:53:00.001-04:00

I hope you're able to see this photo well enough. If not, proceed to Knitpicks site NOW.

Stop reading. Seriously.

Back? Cool. You know I'm a very loyal metal needle gal, but COME ON! How can you not rush to try these little works of art? I've ordered the 2.25mms, and folks, that means my Tofutsies are getting set aside until these arrive - maybe. The points look nice and sharp, and if I like the wee ones, you'll be the first to know, and I'll start trying the Options sizes too. (And ordering more wee little sock sizes in the fixed circs.) I also ordered the yarn for my Sock it to Me pal's socks. That'll teach the Knight to leave me alone on a Friday night.

Boxes First

2007-09-07T16:43:00.000-04:00

I stop for boxes containing yarn. Who cares about planes, suitcases or other little details? I got to leave with the joy of new yarn in my heart (but without a hairbrush, not that it counts, because I figured it out in time to stop and buy one en route to the airport), and I arrived home to find more of the same (both yarn and hairbrushes, but the hairbrushes weren't new). As the Knight was trying to get me to the door so he could get me to the airport Tuesday evening, I was admiring the Vesper Sock Yarn that had just arrived. On the left is Meteor, which is a lovely brown/red/turquoise colorway. On the right is Crew, which is just assorted greens and white. The picture hardly does the yarn justice. I've often admired the Vesper colorways, and now I have two to call my own!

When I got home Thursday night, there was another box waiting for me from Knitpic ks. There was another pair of 16-inch circs, as I've decided I like that length best for my sockies, and finally, at long last, there was some CotLin to try. (Center, in Moroccan Red.) It feels softer than the other cotton-linen blend I tried, so I'll give it a whirl. My mother inlaw selected some of the Felici self-striping in Hummingbird (on the left), as she was honest enough to admit that she won't be bothered to hand wash hand-knitted socks. I couldn't help but order some of the Firefighter colorway in the same yarn. I don't know whether I'll make them for the Knight or for me, but I want to come up with a little Maltese Cross pattern for them. (No, I still haven't unpacked. I packed light, so there's nothing but dirty clothes and the books from my workshops in there, and the two cookbooks I purchased, but they aren't touching my soiled laundry. However, the yarn has been fondled and blogged, so don't question my priorities!)

Since I don't think Knitpicks does a great job of displaying their colorways, here's a closeup of the Hummingbird. We really lucked out here! My mother inlaw will love it, and I'm looking forward to casting on for her wee little socks. She wears a ladies size 5 (US), so it won't take long at all to whip out some simple socks for her. I will say that the colors aren't quite as bright/neon-ish as my photo shows, but it's a heck of a lot more than you'll see on the company's site, so I hope it helps. Her birthday isn't until November, so I doubt you'll see these socks much before early November.

Likewise with the Firefighter. There's nothing close to the whitish pale gray I captured with my sub-par photography skills. There's a rather solid, true light gray, a dark gray, and some not quite fire engine red in this one. Heaven only knows when I'll cast on with this, because unless there's a pattern I've not been able to Google, I'm going to have to swallow hard, take a deep breath and venture into the land of writing my own pattern on this one. I don't want anything too lacy or patterned, but I do want a Maltese Cross or two on there somewhere, maybe dead center of the front of the leg, between two twists or something?

In other knitting news, Amanda's second sock is into its toe decreases. Then - of course! - I'll whip out Anne's second, "manly" pattern, and then, with whatever is left of a rather busy weekend, I'll tackle the elusive heel of the toe-up Tofutsie. I also need to finalize my plans for my Sock it to Me pal's sock pattern and yarn selections, because that will be my project for next week, and likely, the week after that. I haven't forgotten about my Tea Swap pal either, so that's the NEXT item in the assembly line. My felted bag pal has a pattern, and I need to make yarn selections there too, but since she reads my blog, that's about all you'll hear on that project. I also need to get started on the Knight's blankie when he's not around, but again, SitM and the Tea projects come first! Once those are safely behind me, I can start holiday knitting.

Contests Galore

2007-09-07T04:39:00.000-04:00

Nashville? Yeah, I saw the hotel, the neon lights of their Broadway from my hotel room window, and that's about it. But more on that later. Right now, there are contests to enter and then I'm headed back to bed for a little more sleep.

TeaTime Ramblings is having a contest, and if you like tea, you'll adore her header art. I'm now thinking I need to learn graphic art AND get more technical with my blog!

Grace is having a blogiversary and a contest you don't want to miss. Tell her Anne and I sent you, because my brain cells weren't firing and I failed to mention that awesome Anne sent me.

Last, but hardly least, Anne whose name will have to soon be The Bag Lady Who Writes Dishcloth Patterns, has released her second pattern and has added that to her contest. Make sure you get both patterns. The first one was a lot of fun to knit and I'm sure this one will be too!

Unheeled

2007-09-04T13:51:00.000-04:00

I don't think it's a coincidence that I often type a mildly naughty word instead of heel. My friendship with Devon was born of my first failed heel, and now Jessi is trying to help with the first toe-up short row heel, which after chatting with the pattern writer, I fear is a bigger mess than I thought. (Are the pictures any help at all? Can anyone see what I've done wrong!?)

However, the pretty little sock will have until Friday or Saturday to be heeled (that's for you, Anne!), as when I head home this afternoon, I'll have to finish packing and head to the airport. Cookbook University, here I come! I'm very sorry I won't get to see any of Nashville while I'm there. It's been over a decade since I've had time to putz around that city.

Oh - and someone remind me on Friday to submit my Short Story first line for the contest, okay?

Tofutsie Up!

2007-09-02T18:06:00.000-04:00

I can now add Magic Cast-on and Toe Up socks to my resume. Sure, I'm a long way from complete, but there's a little toe and foot for ya. I don't know why all the photos of this August limited edition Tofutsies makes it look all sage and pink, because the toe is much more accurate; it looks like a hodge-podge of summer colors with yellow, orange, a Caribbean blue, and a little black for contrast I guess. The photo of the yarn is much more accurate. It took some dry runs, but I got the hang of the Magic Cast-on soon enough, and my M1s up the toe turned out better than I could have hoped. I think I might like toe-up better, but we'll wait and see how the heel goes first.

See the little divot/dimple/crimp on the needle to the left front? That's what will keep me from using these Susan Bates Quicksilver circs again. The point is fine, the surface is fine, but that dimpled join is a bear, as is the odd, gentle bend in the needle just above the join. I've also decided that I really prefer the 16" length for socks, so I'll be ordering more Knitpicks when I get a chance. Right now, I need to head to the fire house for dinner and a membership committee meeting. I'm taking my sock with me. Summer Daze, an exclusive pattern available only with the limited edition colorway, was easy to memorize, so I won't need to bring the paper along.

Anyone else getting some long weekend knitting done? I'll work on the laundry when I get home...

Anne's First Pattern

2007-09-01T18:40:00.001-04:00

Anne has designed her first pattern, and she's having a contest! Here's my cloth, or rather, the cloth I knitted from the pattern. The Knight has already claimed it as his own, quite pleased that Anne made it large enough for a man-sized washcloth. I don't know what the colorway is, but the remainder of the Sugar & Cream ball will be used to make baby booties! If you want the pattern and/or you want to enter the contest, head over and get the pattern, and then post a photo of your finished cloth. There are other instructions, but you'll see 'em on Anne's blog. It was a quick, fun pattern!

The details: Yarn - Sugar 'n Cream. Needles - #7 straights. Method: Continental, all the way.

Also, does a single finished sock constitute a finished object? I'm just curious, because technically, the socks are a pair... At any rate, the first of Amanda's socks is complete. It's a cute little pattern, and it also knits up very quickly. I'm so glad she offered to take in the little fella', saving it from an uncertain future.

My first efforts at two socks on two circs died before the first round was complete. I'm just not coordinated enough for that challenge right now. I'm casting on with Tofutsies for the Summer Daze toe-up pattern, just because it is a little different. The fun, quick little pinky will be my travel project next week, and if it is anything like my trip to Chicago, I'll have it done before I get home. This time, I fly out of my local airport with a friend, but I fly home alone, so delays will mean I have no one to talk to and plenty of time to knit.

Back to socks now!

We ARE in Kansas!

2007-08-31T18:16:00.001-04:00

"Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good." That's a line from The Sound of Music, but it rings true for me. I certainly haven't done anything to merit the knitterly goodness that continues to come my way.

Today's dose of incredibleness came from Criquette of beautiful Kansas. I must admit, prior to this afternoon, Kansas wasn't one of the states I longed to visit, but she's a great tour guide, and now, I'm thinking I need to fly out to visit my favorite cousin (in Iowa) and see some of what I've always lumped together as the "bread basket" of our country.

Here's how it started, minus the note card that instructed me to stop ripping into the box and proceed to Criquette's blog, where I received specific, step-by-step instructions on how to open the numbered presents. Each postcard had a lovely note written on it, explaining why it was chosen. Then, each step included a little story as to why that gift was selected, and where it was found. (Go on, go check it out. I am touched and impressed by her ability to plan a tour I'd really love to take!)

Each item was wrapped in a lovely green and tied with a midnight blue ribbon. Heck, Criquette even explained why she'd chosen those colors to represent the blues and greens of her beloved prairie, since she knew me well enough to know I wouldn't have been excited about yellow. Details! Each and every detail was well-executed and made her thoughtfulness ooze out of the box and into my living room. Evidently, the South has no monopoly on good hostesses; I think the folks in Kansas go out of their way to make a girl (and her dogs) feel welcome and eager to see more too!

While I'd love to take you through each item, reading the "travelogue" on her blog will give you the same feel, minus the gifts, which are all mine. Well, um, not ALL mine; the dogs do get their treats, even though Criquette assures me they're made with human-quality ingredients. There's a local tea in three varieties, chocolate coated sunflower seeds, more chocolate (hmmm... maybe the Midwest is more aptly called the Snack Wagon?), a hand-knit scrubby with handmade soap inside, luscious yarn, and of course, The Wizard of Oz items.

Hush, Anne. I don't know if any of my other regular readers know why the Wizard of Oz is so ironic for me, but that's what friends are for. Let it suffice to say that I have a connection, and I appreciate it so very much, especially the funny notepad, which you really should click on and read. Mugsy would never desert me like that, nor has he ever chewed on shoes. Fred did have a right shoe fetish as a young pup, but he only carted them to his crate and held them in his mouth. The vet says it was because they smelled like me. Hrmph. Still, it's a very cute pad, and I like it very much.

I had to stop petting the yarn to type, but I am fascinated by the yarn (available here), and the chocolate coated sunflower seeds, which match. Who knew?! (So long, dark chocolate peanut M&Ms. There's a new crunch in town.) Evidently, the prairie is a fascinating location, full of all kinds of goodness and wonder. Maybe you should check it out on your next vacation. It's certainly on my radar now, as is the most awesome Criquette! Once more, a million thanks for a great Virtual Vacation, which arrived on an afternoon when I sorely needed it.

Fetch on Thursday

2007-08-30T16:50:00.002-04:00

Trying to get an action shot of a Jack Russell running wide open isn't easy. However, it was past time for Mugsy to get a turn as the Dogs on Thursday star, so deal with my sub-par skills and know that he's a happy boy. (Yeah, the Knight needs to cut the grass too, but it seems that when we're not having a storm, we're not home, or he's exhausted. This weekend...) We go through tennis balls like you wouldn't believe. Mugsy NEEDS one in every room of the house, and often falls asleep with a ball in his mouth. When he was younger, it was cute and funny. Now, I worry the old man might meet an early demise, so we try to talk him into dropping it nearby.

He's one spoiled, loved dog, and he knows it. He also is my constant companion, and my knitting tester. (Please don't ever match me with someone allergic to dogs!)

Name Game and More

2007-08-30T16:50:00.000-04:00

My dear Anne is having a contest regarding her first pattern. I'm going to re-arrange my knitting agenda for the long weekend and whip out a cloth, because I love the research and curiousity that were behind the pattern and the contest. I have some names in mind too, and given a recent email among several friends, I'm shocked some of us aren't banned from participating! ;)

Also, Amy still has a spot or two on her Pay it Forward list. I'm looking forward to knitting a surprise for her, and for Wendy and Nichole. More motivation to keep my swapping in check, so I can "spoil" my friends as they so richly deserve.

My skinny, short sock has a home! The always kind Amanda will finally have her own pair of hand-knitted socks. I am honored to make them for her, and I'm delighted that the pretty pattern and colorway will have a happy home.

Two Circs, Two Socks

2007-08-29T18:39:00.001-04:00

So, finally, some non-baby related blogging and knitting, eh? This arrived today, courtesy of UPS. I can't wait. I think I'm going to dump my current sock - or maybe frog it, since I don't think it will fit the intended recipient - and jump right in here. There are even a couple of patterns with Fixation, which I happen to have on hand! There are nine wonderful patterns, lots of clear instructions with pictures and detailed explanations, and I don't think I can wait to get started. There are three sizes (women's small, medium and large) for each pattern, but the handy-dandy chart every sock book should have with shoe sizes, measurements and more is in the front in case you want to get really personal. I've only flipped through it, but I can't wait. (You're lucky I'm finishing this post.)

Here's the sock in progress, which I briefly considered frogging. Maybe I'll give it to one of the teeny-footed gals on my Christmas list. Okay. That's the plan now, because you know frogging gives me heartburn. Thanks for helping me work through that little bit of indecision. Just because it isn't right for the person I had in mind, doesn't mean it isn't a great sock. There. That's a pretty fair representation of the colorway, which is some Sockotta. I'm not crazy about the yarn. It's just there. There are other blends that feel better slipping through my hands, but it knits up well, and I do like the colors. (See my Sockza bag in use?) The pattern was quick and fun, and I'm about 1/4" from turning the heel, so why frog? Heck, *I* am a rather small-footed gal myself...

The colorway isn't that blue, but evidently, you can't have accurate color AND a decent shot of the pattern. Go figure. It's from Learn to Knit Socks, Little Pinky. Fun, easy to memorize pattern, in an ankle length. I think it would look great on one of my skinny-legged friends. So, no frogging. Can't do it, but I am moving on so I can knit two socks at the same time. I also want to do the toe-up thing, especially since Surviving sent me the cool You Tube link to the Magic Cast On and more. So many socks, so little time!

PS - My Pay it Forward list is full, but I hope you'll find someone whose isn't!

Pay it Forward

2007-08-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

A couple of you know I had a pay it forward idea of my own in the works, but the good and generous Nancy beat me to it. Anne has signed up on Nancy's blog, and I have signed up on Anne's, so here's how it works:

It’s the Pay It Forward Exchange. It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. You all know I’m already a PIF type of person. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

I'm actually more of a "practice random acts of kindness" person, but I think they're two sides of the same coin. At any rate, I look forward to creating some unexpected gifts for three of you, and watching the circle grow.

Grace, Hope and Love

2007-08-28T22:36:00.000-04:00

It's hard not to hold a very newborn baby and fall in love. Everything seems right with the world when you watch first-time new parents gush and coo, and share their precious gift and their joy with their family and friends. Thank you PoG (Parents of Grace) for bringing a little more beauty, joy, hope and love into the world.

Here is Miss Grace, showing off her first pair of socks. (Good thing I didn't knit newborn size!) There's just a bit of growing room, but they were so well received that I'll be making a couple more pairs in this size, and lots more in the next. No, the photography isn't even good, but she's barely 48 hours old, and isn't fond of light yet, much less a flash. You've seen the socks before, so just admire the Sleeping Beauty wearing them. She snoozed through most of our first visit, and her dad has a shot of my Knight cradling Grace in his left arm, while coordinating fire training with his cell phone in his right hand. Heart-warming...

Here is the young lady of the week (month, year?) enjoying her first nap with blankie. It dwarfs her, and leaves me wondering what the full 42 inch version suggested in the pattern would have done! Her auntie made sure the cute socks showed too. I'll remember that Auntie, and when you are a new mom, your baby will get handknits too. (And just to record my bet for posterity, I bet brand new Uncle that in 10.5 months, we'll be welcoming his first baby into the world...)

Last, but hardly least, Auntie wanted a photo of her niece with her eyes open. In an effort to capture it, we both took a photo at the same time, from slightly different angles. If you look hard, you can see the dark of Grace's eye! That's her dad's proud arm (and chest) holding her. Thanks to all of you who have sent good wishes to Grace, her parents and the rest of us who love them all dearly. She's perfect, truly. Of course, that's easy for me to say, because there are no poopy diapers yet, and the Knight and I will sleep soundly tonight...

Pass those favorite baby girl patterns this way, will you?

Another Cass-Sent-Me Contest

2007-08-28T08:54:00.000-04:00

I think Cass knows every knitter who blogs out there. How can you not appreciate a contest that is happening just because said gal feels lucky and wants to share the wealth? Can't talk now though, because I'm obsessed with finding her Etsy store and just ordering one of the VERY CUTE sock bags she makes, which are also the prizes. Because you know, a girl can never have too many sock bags...

So, if you pop over to Schrodinger's for the contest, tell her Chan sent you, would ya?

Say Good-night, Blankie

2007-08-28T00:24:00.000-04:00

Mugsy is not pleased with these late-night Netflix and knitting sessions. He digs the Netflix part; he sleeps throughout, unless he hears me sniff (how is it that no one warned me Million Dollar Baby was a tragedy?) or cheer (North Country), but this up 'til midnight finishing off a blankie is for the birds, he says.

There she is. Baby Cables for Baby Grace. LOVE the pattern, HATE the yarn. I've never met a stretchier acrylic. (Lions Brand Pound of Love, if you missed it, earlier in the blog. The pattern's also from the Debbie Macomber pattern book.) Maybe the visit to present the blankie to the young lady will afford you a better photo, but tired as I am, I couldn't wait to show off the first baby blankie I can say I'd knit again - in a different yarn. Changes? The blanket is supposed to be something like 34" x 42". Mine is truly not measurable, because of how easily the yarn stretches, but I think I stopped a couple repeats shorter, because Grace is just a newborn. I don't think the Knight or his duty crew would be amused if I paged them and asked them to swing by the house on their way home from the little house fire in town, especially since they'd have to drive five miles past the station to get here. No, there will just be no final measurements on blankie, okay?

Here. Have a close up of the pattern. I adore it. I just hope Grace's little fingers and toes don't... Never mind. The way this stuff stretches, she'll be able to slip right back out, and with a good tug by mom, the stitches will ease back into position. Insane.

Now, I really must let Mugsy in before he destroys the front door. Fred is just chillin' on the front porch, hoping against all hope that his Dadaw (aka: the Knitter's Knight) will come home. When he was younger, he'd actually growl at me if I made him come in before he abandoned hope. Silly dog.

Good night Grace. Can't wait to meet you.

Felted Bag Contest

2007-08-27T13:53:00.000-04:00

There's a contest, so here's my "entry."

1. What is your favorite yarn for felting, and why?

Grins. Regular readers can answer that. Patons SWS, because it felts quickly and beautifully, comes in great colors, and is a soy-wool blend.

2. Name one person in the swap who is not from the U.S. and tell us where they are from, and link to their blog.

Chrissie, Singapore

3. Find one person in the swap who has a dog, and let us know the name of their dog(s) and link to their blog.

Michelle has Murphy and Chewy!

4. Find one person in the swap who has a child or grandchild and link to their blog.

Mary has children and grandchildren. (Funny how that works, isn't it?)

5. And finally, tell us if you like October or November more, and why!

October holds all kinds of goodness. The dear Mugsy has a birthday. One of my brother inlaws has a birthday. Our anniversary is in October. Anne's birthday is in October. Love those changing leaves! It's cool, but not COLD yet, for the most part.

Grace to You!

2007-08-27T12:31:00.001-04:00

I wish I could offer you a better picture, but technology is a wonderful thing. New Dad snapped this photo this morning, of his sweet girl, about 12 hours old here, and texted (Blogger isn't going to like that word) it to the Knight. Those of you who know me well know I'm rather competitive, but I've never enjoying losing more. Blankie will be finished tonight, as the Knight has duty crew at the firehouse, and then we'll both go meet Grace and hug and kiss the new parents tomorrow night. Blankie will still be available for the leaving the hospital shots, and if we're lucky, the socks will be there too.

(Maybe the Knight was right to worry; I didn't do a newborn pattern, but sweet Grace weighs in over 9 lbs. and is long too. Keep your fingers crossed that those wee socks aren't too wee!)

Of course, I'll take the camera too, so there might be more sweet baby photos!

Feast or Famine

2007-08-26T22:17:00.001-04:00

Sorry it's been quiet here this weekend. No pictures either. I've either been at a party, in Richmond with the Knight, or we've had no internet due to storms. Our part of the world WAS experiencing a significant drought, but now, we're washing away. It's given me lots of time to work on blankie, and I had hoped it would be done tonight, but I need one more repeat. (That's another 20 rows. )

I'm taking a break from knitting now, because Mugsy is using my skein as a pillow. Sigh. I am actually glad tomorrow's Monday. How sick is that?!

More Contests

2007-08-24T17:12:00.000-04:00

I try not to miss contests for the swaps I'm in. I know how disappointing it is to host a contest and have less than most of your swappers participate, but that's definitely not the case with the tea swap! Those swappers jumped on the first "early bird" contest with a vengence.

Sock it to Me contest, away!

My favorite yarn(s). Sigh. Well, that's easy-peasy... The Wick I gushed about for Cass's contest is right up there, even without the vegan limitations. I just love the stuff, and will knit more with it very soon. It's a bit bulky for daily wear socks, and I truly am hoping they'll come out with a fingering weight version. I love that it "wicks" the moisture away from the body, because my feet sweat, even when they're cold.

For socks, I haven't really knit enough to have a favorite. In fact, I haven't knit with the same yarn twice.

I must have a soy thing, because I also can't get enough of SWS! To date, I've only knitted up my trusty Sidekick in it, but there will be more. Like Wick, it is a bit splitty, but I got the hang of knitting with it quickly. I have more on hand to make another felted bag for fall, so stay tuned... It felts VERY QUICKLY. For me, that's a plus, but if you're using it for the first time, I can't emphasize enough that you must check it every couple of minutes, or you'll end up with a wee tiny version of whatever you were trying to make.

Can you help a fellow knitter/blogger out? She wants to reach 50 comments for her 1st Bloggiversary contest, so pop over and tell her I sent you, okay?