Monday, November 06, 2006
Fond Farewell
I have decided that I am going to move over to my new wordpress site permanently. I will no longer be posting to this site, so if you are looking for me, come on over!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Secret Pal
New post over at my "tester" blog. Still trying to decide if I want to make the switch, so in the meantime go over and see what my secret pal sent to me!!! :-)
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Thinking about Moving
I am thinking about moving this blog over to wordpress b/c lately I have been having a lot of trouble uploading pictures, etc. I don't really know how to go about changing everything from this url to that one, like rings, etc. but surely I can figure that out! Anyway, go over to my new blog and tell me what you think!
Friday, October 27, 2006
I Think I Might
I have been doing the Secret Pal 9 Swap which so far has been a lot of fun because I get to buy a lot of fun things to give to my pal. At times I actually forget that there is someone out there who is buying fun stuff for me! My secret pal, the one that is buying for me, seems to be very nice and she has asked me lots of questions that have made me stop and think. Especially about the scary and before uncharted topic of socks! I think that I might have given the impression on my blog here that I don't want to knit socks more than I may have meant to.
I will admit that before she asked me about socks I really didn't care much to make them because I don't really wear "decorative" socks all that much. (Yesterday was an example of when I should have as my feet were cold and I had to wear stupid white socks that really didn't look all that cute with my shoes.) But now that I have pondered the question for a while I think that I might actually want to make them. It doesn't hurt that I have found all kinds of fun things with which to make socks.
Exhibit A:
Stretchycirculars.com
Obviously DPNs are intimidating, even though I feel I have become somewhat of a master after my successful baby hat earlier this month. I thought that I would try 2 circulars b/c that is what Ann uses, and if it's good enough for Ann then it is certainly good enough for me. I also looked up the magic loop method which seemed like something that I might want to try. Then I got the Knit Simple magazine and inside was an ad for 10'' size 2 Stretchy Circular needles which they proclaim to be useful in the knitting of socks. I believe that this will be my poison of choice.
Exhibit B:
Sock YarnStacie has informed me that sock yarn does not count as stash, so all the more reason that I should learn to make them. I don't really have a huge stash anyway, but I would be more than happy to have some fun yarns that don't count toward it!
I bought some.
Exhibit C:
Patterns
Really, the patterns for sock knitting are almost endless when you pair them with the wide array of sock yarns out there. I found several yesterday in my brief search that I liked, these, these, these (sort of) and these for Jason. These are also fun, but I am thinking that they might be a little too ambitious for one just starting out.
Exhibit D:
Gifts
I think that many of my very grateful family and friends would be more than happy to get a pair of socks from me for an important gift giving/receiving occassion. Maybe next Christmas everyone will get socks. Who knows. (If this is to be the case, then I think that I shall have to start on the first pair on Dec. 26, 2006 just to get them out in time. I think that we all know that this isn't going to happen.)
I believe that all of these exhibits are just cause for me to learn to knit the elusive sock. I will do it...one day.
On a side note, I have been knitting this week. (Although I knit nary a stitch yesterday! Nor did I crochet.) However, all of what I have been doing is going to be a gift to my secret pal, and really, I can't be posting that on here. Once I am revealed to her, I will be more than happy to slap a few pictures up for your viewing pleasure.
I will admit that before she asked me about socks I really didn't care much to make them because I don't really wear "decorative" socks all that much. (Yesterday was an example of when I should have as my feet were cold and I had to wear stupid white socks that really didn't look all that cute with my shoes.) But now that I have pondered the question for a while I think that I might actually want to make them. It doesn't hurt that I have found all kinds of fun things with which to make socks.
Exhibit A:
Stretchycirculars.com
Obviously DPNs are intimidating, even though I feel I have become somewhat of a master after my successful baby hat earlier this month. I thought that I would try 2 circulars b/c that is what Ann uses, and if it's good enough for Ann then it is certainly good enough for me. I also looked up the magic loop method which seemed like something that I might want to try. Then I got the Knit Simple magazine and inside was an ad for 10'' size 2 Stretchy Circular needles which they proclaim to be useful in the knitting of socks. I believe that this will be my poison of choice.
Exhibit B:
Sock YarnStacie has informed me that sock yarn does not count as stash, so all the more reason that I should learn to make them. I don't really have a huge stash anyway, but I would be more than happy to have some fun yarns that don't count toward it!
I bought some.
Exhibit C:
Patterns
Really, the patterns for sock knitting are almost endless when you pair them with the wide array of sock yarns out there. I found several yesterday in my brief search that I liked, these, these, these (sort of) and these for Jason. These are also fun, but I am thinking that they might be a little too ambitious for one just starting out.
Exhibit D:
Gifts
I think that many of my very grateful family and friends would be more than happy to get a pair of socks from me for an important gift giving/receiving occassion. Maybe next Christmas everyone will get socks. Who knows. (If this is to be the case, then I think that I shall have to start on the first pair on Dec. 26, 2006 just to get them out in time. I think that we all know that this isn't going to happen.)
I believe that all of these exhibits are just cause for me to learn to knit the elusive sock. I will do it...one day.
On a side note, I have been knitting this week. (Although I knit nary a stitch yesterday! Nor did I crochet.) However, all of what I have been doing is going to be a gift to my secret pal, and really, I can't be posting that on here. Once I am revealed to her, I will be more than happy to slap a few pictures up for your viewing pleasure.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Ann Shayne Day
As I alluded to yesterday, and if you've been to either Ann and Kay's or to Maria's, you know that this past Saturday ANN SHAYNE came to Memphis, TN as part of the Southern Festival of Books. Maria and I were indeed not only lucky enough to go, but to get to meet and hang out with ANN! It was a thrilling experience to say the least. (I won't go into the pick-up lines that we encountered along the way to and from the festival as they are best saved for another time.)
Ann gave a very cute talk about their fabulous book complete with profound truths, and as you might can imagine, she is just as funny and cute in person as she is on the blog and in the book. After the talk, she signed books outside and thought that it possibly couldn't get any better than just meeting her and talking for a brief moment. WE WERE WRONG. We were told of a kitting trip at Sleep Out Louie's. Of course we then proceeded to go to Sleep Out Louie's and sit and knit with Ann for about 3 hours with a group of about 20 knitters. It was so much fun!
Bless Maria's heart, she just could not separate herself from the love of the Rebels long enough to really let loose and give Ann all of her attention, but she had a grand time too. Fortunately, Ann is a really relaxed and fun person and found all of our antics to be humorous and I hope not too over the top. (Maria and I can really be a force to be reckoned with at times.) She thought that Maria was funny with all of her running back and forth to check the score. (Really, Maria loves those Rebels.) And I am sure that she thought I was crazy because I kept saying, "I can't believe that Maria is going in there to watch the game!"
We are going to try and convince her and Kay to come to Oxford and visit our LYS because we need to meet Kay too! We can only imagine that the Ann and Kay duo would be twice as nice, and we are having a hard time imagining how we would be able to hold up to the excitement of seeing them both! Somehow, I think that we could manage!
(I am sorry to inform that blogger is being a pain in the hiney and won't let me upload any pictures. I will try and rectify this situation and get some fun pictures posted ASAP!)
I think that Ann gave 10 profound truths during her talk, so I am going to be so bold as to add #11.
PROFOUND TRUTH #11: If you have the opportunity to go and see/visit/knit with/talk to ANN SHAYNE, by all means GO!
Ann gave a very cute talk about their fabulous book complete with profound truths, and as you might can imagine, she is just as funny and cute in person as she is on the blog and in the book. After the talk, she signed books outside and thought that it possibly couldn't get any better than just meeting her and talking for a brief moment. WE WERE WRONG. We were told of a kitting trip at Sleep Out Louie's. Of course we then proceeded to go to Sleep Out Louie's and sit and knit with Ann for about 3 hours with a group of about 20 knitters. It was so much fun!
Bless Maria's heart, she just could not separate herself from the love of the Rebels long enough to really let loose and give Ann all of her attention, but she had a grand time too. Fortunately, Ann is a really relaxed and fun person and found all of our antics to be humorous and I hope not too over the top. (Maria and I can really be a force to be reckoned with at times.) She thought that Maria was funny with all of her running back and forth to check the score. (Really, Maria loves those Rebels.) And I am sure that she thought I was crazy because I kept saying, "I can't believe that Maria is going in there to watch the game!"
We are going to try and convince her and Kay to come to Oxford and visit our LYS because we need to meet Kay too! We can only imagine that the Ann and Kay duo would be twice as nice, and we are having a hard time imagining how we would be able to hold up to the excitement of seeing them both! Somehow, I think that we could manage!
(I am sorry to inform that blogger is being a pain in the hiney and won't let me upload any pictures. I will try and rectify this situation and get some fun pictures posted ASAP!)
I think that Ann gave 10 profound truths during her talk, so I am going to be so bold as to add #11.
PROFOUND TRUTH #11: If you have the opportunity to go and see/visit/knit with/talk to ANN SHAYNE, by all means GO!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Kerchiefy Fun
A friend of mine and Maria's is going to be doing the 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer this weekend in Atlanta and since I am such a thoughty person I made her a kerchief like she has been wanting. She is a part-time knitter (ha) and had tried to make herself a more complicated one but since I was under a time constraint and didn't have said pattern on hand I used the Kerchief pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts (can you tell that I just got a copy?) and some Sugar n Cream cotton that I had on hand. (Of course!)
Obviously I had to make some modifications due to the differing guages of the called for yarn and the SnC yarn otherwise it would have been more shawlish. It is really too small for her to wear around her head (made to the measurements given in the book) unless she wants to pin it into place, but she thinks that it will be extra handy for any sweating emergencies that are sure to come up during her 3-day, 60 mile walk.
I am only too glad that I could help. :-)
And because I am nothing but a shameless tease, here is one pic from this past Saturday that was spent with the lovely and adorable ANN SHAYNE in Memphis, TN. I promise that I will give a very detailed account of the fun time that ensued tomorrow. You will all surely hate me once I tell it because it was so fab. :-) :-)
Obviously I had to make some modifications due to the differing guages of the called for yarn and the SnC yarn otherwise it would have been more shawlish. It is really too small for her to wear around her head (made to the measurements given in the book) unless she wants to pin it into place, but she thinks that it will be extra handy for any sweating emergencies that are sure to come up during her 3-day, 60 mile walk. I am only too glad that I could help. :-)
And because I am nothing but a shameless tease, here is one pic from this past Saturday that was spent with the lovely and adorable ANN SHAYNE in Memphis, TN. I promise that I will give a very detailed account of the fun time that ensued tomorrow. You will all surely hate me once I tell it because it was so fab. :-) :-)
Friday, October 13, 2006
Alert: Adorable Baby Hat!!!
This is the Children's Cotton Hat from Last Minute Knitted Gifts and is going to Ella, the brand new baby of a friend of Jason's. Seeing as this is only my second attempt to make an item using dpns I would say that it is spectacular! Of course there are a few imperfections, but laddering was kept to a minimum. Hooray!I used size 8 dpns (b/c I unlike some people can admit that I knit tightly) and 1 skein of Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in 805 Lemongrass. This yarn just happens to be the featured yarn this month at my fabulous LYS, Hanging By a Thread, so I got a very cute baby gift for $4!!! I am definitely going to go back and get some more of this while they are running the sale! It is so soft, comes in about 20 different colors, and 1 skein will make a baby, toddler, or child sized hat in this pattern.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Some Exciting News & Some Not So Exciting News
Exciting News: Maria and I are excited and happy to be travelling to her favorite city this Saturday to see our favorite dishcloth knitter, none other than ANN SHAYNE! (Oh I really can't express to you how excited we are.) I am in fact so excited that no words spring forth in order for me to express just how excited I feel.
Not So Exciting News: I made myself a very detailed timeline so that I would feel confident that I could get everything completed for Christmas in time. I then decided that I didn't want to have to work under those conditions so I am just going to get what I can completed. If you are expecting a present from me, don't fret, I will get to it eventually. (I am not thinking of it as giving presents late, more like making the holidays last a little bit longer.)
I have also had to choose some different items to give to some individuals (three!) due to the fact that 3 x 75 does not equal 256. I don't know how I ever thought that it did, but due to this error I am somewhat short on yarn yardage. One situation has been rectified by choosing another project and already completing it*. One will be ok because I had a little more than 3 skeins, so it will just be a little smaller. One I am going to have to start all over from scratch. Ugh. This is very disheartening b/c the receiver really would have liked what I was going to make.
I guess I am off to search for patterns and see what I can make with 225 yards of worsted weight yarn that is not a dishcloth.
*Pictures to come soon as my camera took a vacation to New Orleans and has not yet come back home.
Not So Exciting News: I made myself a very detailed timeline so that I would feel confident that I could get everything completed for Christmas in time. I then decided that I didn't want to have to work under those conditions so I am just going to get what I can completed. If you are expecting a present from me, don't fret, I will get to it eventually. (I am not thinking of it as giving presents late, more like making the holidays last a little bit longer.)
I have also had to choose some different items to give to some individuals (three!) due to the fact that 3 x 75 does not equal 256. I don't know how I ever thought that it did, but due to this error I am somewhat short on yarn yardage. One situation has been rectified by choosing another project and already completing it*. One will be ok because I had a little more than 3 skeins, so it will just be a little smaller. One I am going to have to start all over from scratch. Ugh. This is very disheartening b/c the receiver really would have liked what I was going to make.
I guess I am off to search for patterns and see what I can make with 225 yards of worsted weight yarn that is not a dishcloth.
*Pictures to come soon as my camera took a vacation to New Orleans and has not yet come back home.
Monday, October 02, 2006
SP 9 Questionnaire
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I am not really picky in the sense that I won't use acrylic yarn b/c I will, but I have a hard time seeing with fun fur and really frou frou novelty yarns. I'd really like to try Koigu since everybody raves about it so!
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a quilted little roll up case for my straight needles, I have a Denise circular kit so those are in the case that they came in, and my crochet hooks are in an Ashland Sky Hook Sac.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting for a little less than a year by my best estimate. I taught myself from a "I Taught Myself Knitting" kit. (Same goes for Crochet) I think that my skill level is advanced beginner to almost intermediate! :-)
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, I have an amazon wish list.
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I love just about everything except coconut and pear. My favorites are vanilla , raspberry, and oriental florals.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
YES! I love chocolate. ANY KIND.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I don't spin, and I keep a scrapbook on and off. I am trying to learn to hand sew, but just for small projects like seaming, etc.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like pop, country, and rock. I don't really like rap and R&B. I imagine that my computer will play MP3's but I've never tried it.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love PINK! Orange doesn't really look good on me, but if it's not something that I will be wearing, then I like it too. I don't really have a color that I don't like.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am single, without pets.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, all of the above.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I have really only knit a limited number of items (dishcloths, scarves), but I am looking forward to branching out soon to sweaters/tops and felted purses.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Lots of things! I am working on Christmas presents mostly.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Of course!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Straight, and I don't have a preference between bamboo, aluminum and plastic. I use aluminum the most, but I like them all.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a yarn winder, but no swift. I don't really know if I need a swift to be honest.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Baby poncho with some terrible novelty yarn that is hard to work with and makes my hands feel yucky so it has been sitting around for about 8 or 9 months now.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I love stuffed Lambs!
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
There are tons of books that i want but mostly I have been coveting "Sexy Little Knits." I have subscriptions to Creative Knitting, Crochet!, and Knit Simple.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Even though I don't really WANT to, I need to learn how to do intarsia. eek.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
No socks yet, therefore I have no idea what my foot measurements are.
23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
03/21
I am not really picky in the sense that I won't use acrylic yarn b/c I will, but I have a hard time seeing with fun fur and really frou frou novelty yarns. I'd really like to try Koigu since everybody raves about it so!
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a quilted little roll up case for my straight needles, I have a Denise circular kit so those are in the case that they came in, and my crochet hooks are in an Ashland Sky Hook Sac.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting for a little less than a year by my best estimate. I taught myself from a "I Taught Myself Knitting" kit. (Same goes for Crochet) I think that my skill level is advanced beginner to almost intermediate! :-)
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, I have an amazon wish list.
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
I love just about everything except coconut and pear. My favorites are vanilla , raspberry, and oriental florals.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
YES! I love chocolate. ANY KIND.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I don't spin, and I keep a scrapbook on and off. I am trying to learn to hand sew, but just for small projects like seaming, etc.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like pop, country, and rock. I don't really like rap and R&B. I imagine that my computer will play MP3's but I've never tried it.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love PINK! Orange doesn't really look good on me, but if it's not something that I will be wearing, then I like it too. I don't really have a color that I don't like.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am single, without pets.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, all of the above.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I have really only knit a limited number of items (dishcloths, scarves), but I am looking forward to branching out soon to sweaters/tops and felted purses.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Lots of things! I am working on Christmas presents mostly.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Of course!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Straight, and I don't have a preference between bamboo, aluminum and plastic. I use aluminum the most, but I like them all.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a yarn winder, but no swift. I don't really know if I need a swift to be honest.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Baby poncho with some terrible novelty yarn that is hard to work with and makes my hands feel yucky so it has been sitting around for about 8 or 9 months now.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I love stuffed Lambs!
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
There are tons of books that i want but mostly I have been coveting "Sexy Little Knits." I have subscriptions to Creative Knitting, Crochet!, and Knit Simple.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Even though I don't really WANT to, I need to learn how to do intarsia. eek.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
No socks yet, therefore I have no idea what my foot measurements are.
23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
03/21
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Blocking Practice
Since I want to one day knit myself a garment I decided that I'd better learn to block. I joined the Dishcloth Knit Along (b/c I am knitting them anyway!) so I thought that dishcloths would be the logical place to start. Different patterns can look pretty wadded up when they are completed.
I knit the Valentine Heart Cloth and made a makeshift 'blocking board' out of a craft project gone awry, a corkboard tile that I covered in some chenille fabric. I layed a paper towel over the fabric so that if any dye wanted to be exchanged in the process it would not get onto the dishcloth or the corkboard (who knows, I might find a use for it one day).

This is not a perfect attempt as I did not even attempt to use a ruler, but you gotta start somewhere. My goal is to get one of those little boards with the lines on it that people use to cut out sewing patterns. Maybe I'd better learn what they are called before I go looking for one, as cardboard board with the lines on it is not exactly the correct terminology. :-)
I knit the Valentine Heart Cloth and made a makeshift 'blocking board' out of a craft project gone awry, a corkboard tile that I covered in some chenille fabric. I layed a paper towel over the fabric so that if any dye wanted to be exchanged in the process it would not get onto the dishcloth or the corkboard (who knows, I might find a use for it one day).

This is not a perfect attempt as I did not even attempt to use a ruler, but you gotta start somewhere. My goal is to get one of those little boards with the lines on it that people use to cut out sewing patterns. Maybe I'd better learn what they are called before I go looking for one, as cardboard board with the lines on it is not exactly the correct terminology. :-)
Monday, September 25, 2006
Getting Started
I love to go home and see packages of yarn on my doorstep. You can surely imagine my delight when I went home today and this was waiting on me.
This is Noro Silk Garden and the color is pink/brown 251. I hope that it will one day be my Clapotis.
I also ordered some Noro Kureyon for the Booga J Bag and some Nature Cotton in lavendar for a tank that I saw in the Spring/Summer issue of Knit Simple but that was all on backorder. It's not really like it matters all that much since I have so much Christmas knitting to do. I really don't need to be knitting myself anything at the moment!
I am well on my way to completing two Christmas presents. I thought that Twitterpated would be cute for my two 17 year old cousins.
I still have a little work to do on them and once I get my courage up I will "sew" up the lining and add that along with the handles. The green one is made out of almost 2 skeins of Knitpicks Shine in Green Apple, and the lilac one is made of 1 skein of Cotton Classic. The lilac one is much smaller than intended since I ran out of yarn making it. I had to sew it up using some Lion Brand cotton in a similar color, but that is too dark to use to add the handles. I don't know yet what I am going to do about that!
I found some really cute fabric over the weekend so I got enough to line the purses and anything else for Christmas that might need lining. (I don't want to give too much away. :-) )
I don't really know how to sew so this should be an experience. I found something called "stitch witchery" and I am hoping that I will only have to sew the pocket into the purse instead of having to sew the pocket and sew it into the purse.
This is Noro Silk Garden and the color is pink/brown 251. I hope that it will one day be my Clapotis.I also ordered some Noro Kureyon for the Booga J Bag and some Nature Cotton in lavendar for a tank that I saw in the Spring/Summer issue of Knit Simple but that was all on backorder. It's not really like it matters all that much since I have so much Christmas knitting to do. I really don't need to be knitting myself anything at the moment!
I am well on my way to completing two Christmas presents. I thought that Twitterpated would be cute for my two 17 year old cousins.
I still have a little work to do on them and once I get my courage up I will "sew" up the lining and add that along with the handles. The green one is made out of almost 2 skeins of Knitpicks Shine in Green Apple, and the lilac one is made of 1 skein of Cotton Classic. The lilac one is much smaller than intended since I ran out of yarn making it. I had to sew it up using some Lion Brand cotton in a similar color, but that is too dark to use to add the handles. I don't know yet what I am going to do about that!I found some really cute fabric over the weekend so I got enough to line the purses and anything else for Christmas that might need lining. (I don't want to give too much away. :-) )
I don't really know how to sew so this should be an experience. I found something called "stitch witchery" and I am hoping that I will only have to sew the pocket into the purse instead of having to sew the pocket and sew it into the purse.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
I got a camera!
I finally bought a digital camera of my own, so now I don't have to haul all of my things over to Jason's house to photograph them. I think that this will be great for blogging! Of course there were some stray dishtowels laying around that I'd not yet photographed.
The one on the right is the mid-August KAL from the Yahoo Group, Monthly Dishcloths. I liked the color combo so much that I made a ballband dishcloth to match. (I like to make them with the varigated yarn in the background.)
I also made Jason some dishtowels since he doesn't really use dishcloths. I got a new dishcloth pattern book, Kitchen Kolors, and I LOVE IT. The dishtowel on the left is from that book and then the dishcloth on the right is a modification from the ballband dishcloth.
I got the idea from a woman on the Mason Dixon KAL, but I varied this one up a bit. She did 3 bands on each side but I liked the idea of a definite front and back, so I did 5 bands for the front and then 2 for the back. Best of all, they look cute folded up!
The one on the right is the mid-August KAL from the Yahoo Group, Monthly Dishcloths. I liked the color combo so much that I made a ballband dishcloth to match. (I like to make them with the varigated yarn in the background.)I also made Jason some dishtowels since he doesn't really use dishcloths. I got a new dishcloth pattern book, Kitchen Kolors, and I LOVE IT. The dishtowel on the left is from that book and then the dishcloth on the right is a modification from the ballband dishcloth.
I got the idea from a woman on the Mason Dixon KAL, but I varied this one up a bit. She did 3 bands on each side but I liked the idea of a definite front and back, so I did 5 bands for the front and then 2 for the back. Best of all, they look cute folded up!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
New Knitty = Trouble for my list
I am probably the last one to discover this but the new Knitty is up. Hooray! Bad news for me though, as it just causes me to discover more and more things that I want to knit. I think that I need to join a 12 step program for people who plan but never actually get anything accomplished. I like a lot of the patterns from this issue...drumroll please...
1. Viveka
2. Lucie
3. Cactus Flower
4. Ivy
5. Serrano
6. Twiggy Tweed
7. Back to School (My heart did a little backflip when I saw those)
8. Ayla
I like the sock patterns as well, but I am not even considering adding them to my list, b/c I am kidding no one, least of all myself. :-)
I know that some knitting patterns have been circulating around on the web for forever, but I haven't been knitting forever so a lot of them are new to me. Therefore I am geeked up to knit Clapotis and Booga Bag. At first I didn't really love Clapotis, but the more I looked at it and the more I convinced myself that I would be able to drop a YO stitch, I realized that I love it. Coupled with the fact that I work in a basement where it is about 65 degrees year round, I am going to make it. Seriously. I have the yarn picked out. (I hope that this is a suitable substitution...those of you in the know, please let me know!)
Because I was so good on my trip and didn't spend all of my trip money I was able to come back home and order yarn! I purchased all of the remaining yarn that I need in order to make the Christmas gifts for my family and friends. I am excited about this and I am hoping that it will make for some more exciting blogging. I so want to have some FOs to dazzle you with!
1. Viveka
2. Lucie
3. Cactus Flower
4. Ivy
5. Serrano
6. Twiggy Tweed
7. Back to School (My heart did a little backflip when I saw those)
8. Ayla
I like the sock patterns as well, but I am not even considering adding them to my list, b/c I am kidding no one, least of all myself. :-)
I know that some knitting patterns have been circulating around on the web for forever, but I haven't been knitting forever so a lot of them are new to me. Therefore I am geeked up to knit Clapotis and Booga Bag. At first I didn't really love Clapotis, but the more I looked at it and the more I convinced myself that I would be able to drop a YO stitch, I realized that I love it. Coupled with the fact that I work in a basement where it is about 65 degrees year round, I am going to make it. Seriously. I have the yarn picked out. (I hope that this is a suitable substitution...those of you in the know, please let me know!)
Because I was so good on my trip and didn't spend all of my trip money I was able to come back home and order yarn! I purchased all of the remaining yarn that I need in order to make the Christmas gifts for my family and friends. I am excited about this and I am hoping that it will make for some more exciting blogging. I so want to have some FOs to dazzle you with!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Niagara Falls, Part Two
More pictures!
American Falls (photographed from Canada):

American Falls (photographed from America):


Bottom of the American Falls:

American Falls and Canadian Falls (taken on the bridge between USA and Canada):


Canadian Falls:

Cave of the Winds (American side):


Fancy footwear they make you wear at the Cave of the Winds:

Yep, we took a picture of the barrel (not sure if this is the actual barrel that Annie went over in or just a replica):

Jason and me at Journey Behind the Falls:
American Falls (photographed from Canada):

American Falls (photographed from America):


Bottom of the American Falls:

American Falls and Canadian Falls (taken on the bridge between USA and Canada):


Canadian Falls:

Cave of the Winds (American side):


Fancy footwear they make you wear at the Cave of the Winds:

Yep, we took a picture of the barrel (not sure if this is the actual barrel that Annie went over in or just a replica):

Jason and me at Journey Behind the Falls:
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Niagara Falls, Part One
We got back from our vacation to Niagara Falls on Tuesday. Yesterday I was not up to blogging as I was feeling barely alive, but today I am back and ready! Due to the overwhelming amount of pictures that were taken by my male companion I will be telling you of my trip in installments.
Here is Part One...
My mother (making her blog debut) and me on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, sporting some fancy ponchos:

Jason and me posing for a postcard picture at Souvenir City (Mother took this one and I guess she wasn't feeling comfortable with the zoom capabilities :-) ):

Here I am hanging with some celebrities (Brad Pitt and Prince William, in case you can't tell) that I met along the way :-)


Jason and me in front of Lake Ontario at Niagara-on-the-Lake:

They illuminate the Falls every night (I am pretty sure that these are the American Falls but I can't tell for sure):

American Falls (left) and Bridal Veil Falls (right):

Canadian Horseshoe Falls:

More pictures tomorrow!
Here is Part One...
My mother (making her blog debut) and me on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, sporting some fancy ponchos:

Jason and me posing for a postcard picture at Souvenir City (Mother took this one and I guess she wasn't feeling comfortable with the zoom capabilities :-) ):

Here I am hanging with some celebrities (Brad Pitt and Prince William, in case you can't tell) that I met along the way :-)


Jason and me in front of Lake Ontario at Niagara-on-the-Lake:

They illuminate the Falls every night (I am pretty sure that these are the American Falls but I can't tell for sure):

American Falls (left) and Bridal Veil Falls (right):

Canadian Horseshoe Falls:

More pictures tomorrow!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Add it to the List
I have been looking through knitting patterns online. You know that this means that I am adding more patterns to my ever-growing list, aptly titled, "Things that I would like to make if I would ever stop making dishcloths."
I am behind on the times and therefore I must play catch-up and knit the following:
1. Panta
2. Mini Sweater (aka Boobholder)
3. Very Cherry (Seen at both Carrieoke and Knit, Anne Marie, Knit!)
4. Tubey (check out the KAL for lots of cute variations, including no stripes, which is what I would definitely be doing)
Through some of my blog stalking I have seen the following patterns that I really like. These are ones that are for purchase and they are arranged by website...b/c I am considerate like that:
GlampyreKnits
1. One Skein Wonder
2. Tubular Camisole3. Orangina
4. Bulky Mini Sweater (b/c I saw it on Knit and Tonic)
Zephyr Style
1. Glee
Thanks to Knit and Tonic (again) I found the following patterns:
1. Tulip
2. Back in Black
And last but certainly not least:
Simple Knitted Bodice
I am so ambitious! I am so ready to make something that I can wear, other than a scarf, or if I were to get creative, a dishcloth. I am probably really crazy to be this ambitious and it is likely to be my knitting and crochet downfall, but, alas, I must try.
I am behind on the times and therefore I must play catch-up and knit the following:
1. Panta
2. Mini Sweater (aka Boobholder)
3. Very Cherry (Seen at both Carrieoke and Knit, Anne Marie, Knit!)
4. Tubey (check out the KAL for lots of cute variations, including no stripes, which is what I would definitely be doing)
Through some of my blog stalking I have seen the following patterns that I really like. These are ones that are for purchase and they are arranged by website...b/c I am considerate like that:
GlampyreKnits
1. One Skein Wonder
2. Tubular Camisole3. Orangina
4. Bulky Mini Sweater (b/c I saw it on Knit and Tonic)
Zephyr Style
1. Glee
Thanks to Knit and Tonic (again) I found the following patterns:
1. Tulip
2. Back in Black
And last but certainly not least:
Simple Knitted Bodice
I am so ambitious! I am so ready to make something that I can wear, other than a scarf, or if I were to get creative, a dishcloth. I am probably really crazy to be this ambitious and it is likely to be my knitting and crochet downfall, but, alas, I must try.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
5 Things
I found this fun meme on another blog so I thought that I'd play along too! Pictures of knitting coming soon I promise!!!
5 Things in my freezer:
1. ice cream------i am a weak woman
2. chicken
3. broccoli
4. ice trays
5. ground beef
5 Things in my closet:
1. clothes
2. shoes
3. lots of bags and purses
4. my dresser
5. plastic storage totes
5 Things in my car:
1. CDs
2. umbrella
3. dumbbells
4. my black jacket that sort of doubles as a rain jacket when it is cold
5. magazines
5 Things in my purse:
1. wallet
2. keys
3. eyedrops
4. lipsticks---about 5
5. makeup bag
5 Things in my wallet:
1. debit card
2. check book
3. insurance cards
4. drivers license
5. old receipts
I am tagging:
1. Basement Queen
2. Stacie
and anybody else that reads this and wants to play along!!!
5 Things in my freezer:
1. ice cream------i am a weak woman
2. chicken
3. broccoli
4. ice trays
5. ground beef
5 Things in my closet:
1. clothes
2. shoes
3. lots of bags and purses
4. my dresser
5. plastic storage totes
5 Things in my car:
1. CDs
2. umbrella
3. dumbbells
4. my black jacket that sort of doubles as a rain jacket when it is cold
5. magazines
5 Things in my purse:
1. wallet
2. keys
3. eyedrops
4. lipsticks---about 5
5. makeup bag
5 Things in my wallet:
1. debit card
2. check book
3. insurance cards
4. drivers license
5. old receipts
I am tagging:
1. Basement Queen
2. Stacie
and anybody else that reads this and wants to play along!!!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
At Long Last!
I am happy to report that the Moderne Log Cabin Baby Blanket has been finished and presented as a gift to my co-worker. It received quite a gathering and all were impressed! Yea!! I am very excited to be finished with it!
I made some obvious modifications from the layout in the Mason Dixon Knitting Book. I did not add Block 10 and shortened Block 9 significantly because it was getting to be so big! (And because I was ready to be finished with it!) Since I am such a "rule follower" this was really hard for me to do, but I consulted with Maria and she felt that it was big enough as well. I forgot to measure it but I think that it is probably close to 36"x24". (I used Caron Simply Soft and size 8 needles.)
I have enough yarn left over from this blanket to perhaps make a traditonal log cabin blanket if I add another color to go along with it. What luck! I also happen to have a random skein of Simply Soft in blue! Of course I need to get to working on some Christmas projects and since I finished this "big" project I am free to start another.
My boss happened upon a yarn sale and brought me and Maria some yarn. I don't know what she is going to make with hers but I am considering this and this. The first I am going to keep for myself as I think that it is tres cute and the second I may give as a gift.
Maria is going to Memphis to pick up a co-worker of ours today and she is freaking out...Needless to say, she is not excited about this trip. Too bad she won't get to drive the van, that would probably make her feel better...
I have enough yarn left over from this blanket to perhaps make a traditonal log cabin blanket if I add another color to go along with it. What luck! I also happen to have a random skein of Simply Soft in blue! Of course I need to get to working on some Christmas projects and since I finished this "big" project I am free to start another.
My boss happened upon a yarn sale and brought me and Maria some yarn. I don't know what she is going to make with hers but I am considering this and this. The first I am going to keep for myself as I think that it is tres cute and the second I may give as a gift.
Maria is going to Memphis to pick up a co-worker of ours today and she is freaking out...Needless to say, she is not excited about this trip. Too bad she won't get to drive the van, that would probably make her feel better...
Monday, August 07, 2006
Who Could Resist?
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights!
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly could
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking -this doesn't happen very often
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day- not really, but I have been known to make my own accent more pronounced when the need arises...as there is nothing quite like a distressed Southern Belle
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country-I was kissed by an 80 year old WWII vet in Normandy? Doesn't that count for something???
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken-we’ll see how this one turns out!
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Gone white water rafting
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents-step
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours-jetlag is a terrible thing
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life
wow~i'm pretty boring...
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights!
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly could
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking -this doesn't happen very often
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day- not really, but I have been known to make my own accent more pronounced when the need arises...as there is nothing quite like a distressed Southern Belle
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country-I was kissed by an 80 year old WWII vet in Normandy? Doesn't that count for something???
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken-we’ll see how this one turns out!
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Gone white water rafting
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents-step
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours-jetlag is a terrible thing
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life
wow~i'm pretty boring...
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