Stitches N-2 Socks

New venture. These socks are knitted with handyed blanks that are available in my Esty store.

Sleighing tonite

My sister came up with a brilliant idea to go for a sleigh ride tonite. It was wonderful. Mom, Sis and Scott, Joey, JT and Keith and I went to Appleholler and had a terrific time. The following pictures are from our little trip.

Damn, long time no post

Mom and Connie.

Mom and I took our annual fiber trip today and went to visit Frene Farm. We met Laurie who spent a couple of hours sharing her business, fleece and animals. Here are some great shots of mom and I meeting Connie

I think Connie liked me alot :)

Love it

A friend send me this..

Birthday Knitting

Dark Illusion Scarf

Nephew is a nut for HP and when I found this scarf posted in Ravelry, I knew that I had to create it for him. The pattern was free Storm Moon Knits

I had a bit of challenge starting it but I've never done Illusion knitting before. After a bit of starts I have gotten to this point. He is going to flip when he sees it. I am using Cascade 22o in the suggested colors on the Storm Moon Site and it's perfect. I am finding family members walking back and forth past the knitting to see the illusion change. What they won't think of next.

If there are cat lovers out there we had a cat emergency. Some vile BOT FLY laid larva eggs in my poor cats neck when she escaped and now I have a cranky kitty with a big lampshade on her neck. Thank goodness we noticed as it could have gotten worse but as it is, she has one cheek laid open. Playing hospital attended to cat is easier than sick hubby;) Well off to finish grad school work. The bain of my existence, then to knit!

Back from the beyond

I spent about 6 months trying to get my blog hosted on another server and I QUIT! There is something that is so frustrating about not getting help working these things out. So I am back to work this one. I have been doing alot of knitting, mostly socks as I joined the STR Rocking Sock Club. I have done 3 so far and will post the first two when I get the camera up.

I finished my peekaboo mittens today!

I went to the midwest fiber and folk art festival and bought Totally tubular spin kits. This one was the browns. I had to buy the red and blue also. (shhhhhh) Don't tell hubby. The yarn is a blast to spin and super warm. For some reason I cannot post the picture but will do as soon as I figure it out.( I'm a total dork and have figured it out)!

I discovered the wonder of our public library recently and have taken home a bunch of new books that allow me to peruse them before I lay out the money. I am now working on the Gnomy Hat by EZ Almanc. I have a suprise for it. You'll have to wait to see.

Im Weaving !!!

Darling husband bought me a rigid heddle loom for Christmas. Following are the photos from the first project.

Feel free to offer feed back on this.

These are my beautiful girls at my fathers Christmas Party. They get more fabulous every year and I want to run away from home!! We helped my father celebrate the holidays this weekend. My Step-mother passed away in April so this one was alittle tough but it will get better.

What a super Secret Pal!!

Thank you so much Maggie Mom. It’s so nice to get a gift that is chosen just for you. I love the nifty Szechuan Scarf. The color is going to make my eyes look so green. Yeah Hubby will love that. The silk in the front of the screen is a great blue green. I am going to combine with some handspun alpaca for a special gift for me. I never get anything I knit so it will be a great change. I am a hot chocolate fiend and it’s awesome that there is no caffeine so I will actually get to snuggle with it and not be up all night. I also got wonderful smelling pumpkin candles and simmering oil. I love the little snowman candles. I can’t remember if I told her but I collect them. A very sweet addition to my collection. Last but not least, a great note pad that is now in my classroom. I never can find a note pad so this one is sitting next to my computer. My administration will be thrilled that I will remember all the stuff I have to do.

Thank you so much Maggie! I love treats and it’s not often someone does something like this for me. Im so glad that we are friends and fate brought us together. Have a wonderful Christmas! You deserve it.

Hubby Convinced

I have been trying to get my darling husband to make me a yarn swift. He didn't understand why he should be making something like that. Here is how I convinced him that it was really important.

It's so wonderful how an object lesson can be so helpful in teaching our husbands what is important. Do you think it would work with dishes.

I learned a new technique today. I went to our local quilt shop and found out they are selling yarn. I got a ball of the yarn that has aloe in it. For 20 dollars I am not sure if it's worth it but it's soft and makes my hands feel good. I am working on Mag Knits Jaywalker socks. I am using the magic loop. I had my doubts about it but WOW its easy and fun. I have about 800 UFO's around here and my goal NEXT YEAR!! is to finish all my projects .. at least before I start two more. Grad school has put a too large dent in my knitting time. Reading and writing is making me crazy. SO at least this weekend I get to go away and spent some time (13 hours in the car) to do some knitting. Did I mention 13 hours ONE WAY. Just me hubby and the dog. Going to Maryland and cant' wait. I'm going to just relax. Pictures from the trip when I get home. Maybe even a new LYS in Frederick, MD.

Happy Thanksgiving All

Okay HATE pictures

I figured it was time for me to post another picture of myself. I got my DH out to help me plant my tulip bulbs that have been sitting in my car for the last 5 weeks. That was very nice of him :) I am totally enjoying this secret pal 9 that I am participating in. My new pal is AWESOME and I am a little glad we are far apart because if we were close, we would get nothing done at all :)

I have not been doing to much knitting lately because of all the demands on my time. I did however, get the spinning done that I have been planning. I got two colors of exquisite alpaca. I blended them together and realized that it made a vomit based color. Just figures doesn't it? Anyway, I figured screw it and on the second single I alternated the white and the brown in .1 oz and then plyed that with the vomit color. It's much much better now. !

I am currently working on two sweaters, ADHD RULES, and 2 differnt scaves. Very different projects that satisfy my need for entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, I am starting my master's degree on Monday. Just because I don't have anything better to do I guess :) I didn't realize that I am going to have to do a ton of work but the monetary rewards will make it worth it. Hope the family doesn't really want to see me much for the next 20 months. Speaking of family, they are currently (by they I am mean daughters and boyfriends) gathered around our new tv with surround sound. Wonder when I will be able to watch it.

Anyway -Here is a bit of Halloween Fun for you my secret pal!

TOO BUSY TO POST

I'm so excited as I just started with my Secret Pal 9. Got both my secret pal and met my recipient and they are both lovely. I don't think I have ever written so much and learned so much in such a short time. I'm dying to know who my secret pal is because I want to send her things to. I guess that doesn't fit the reality of a secret pal exchange. The really cool thing about this is that I am finally meeting new people who share my love and understand how crazy addicting it all is. I have recently finished my Swallowtail shawl from Spin off and am starting another one. I guess I swore that I wouldn't do it again but they are so beautiful I am going to have to . I have already given the first one away. I wish someone could explain to my why we give things away instead of keeping them for ourselves. I'll post a picture tomorrow. That way everyone can share in my first lace. I'm pretty proud of myself and I actually blocked it. Can I get a cookie for that. I've never had to do that before. Okay. I'm typed out. More and pictures tomorrow. NIGHT

An Apology to my Secret Pal

What a mess I made of the questionnaire. I really am an educated person!! PROMISE. I was so freaked when I got the email that requested my questionnaire that it sort just flew up there. I spent the last week in Orlando at a conference and my brain was frazzed. Apologies hopefully will be accepted and I will try to be a bit more coherent next time. OH, Shhhhhhhhh got new laptop today. I am beginning my Masters of Education in Technology the end of October and I am a bit spoiled by my darling husband. More about him and that later. It's 2 am and I am very tired. Wireless networking isn't what is all cracked up to be. Especially when you install it yourself. NIGHT ALL, Night dear secret pal. Hmmm working on a Name for you. :)

Secret Pal #9 Questionaire

Please forgive the typos, I am pretty new at blogging and am having trouble with the hard returns and checking the spelling :)

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I am all about knitting with natural fibers, but don't really care for cotton. So I guess that leaves wool and silk and any combination thereof. I do use acrylic with my students at school for their CTC comforts projects as it is inexpensive and wears well.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?I recently learned how to weave baskets. Yeah I know like I don't have anything else to do. and I designed a needle holder with a cover for my needles. Not completely effective but I am still working on the greatest needle holder ever. Circulars are a pain.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?I would say advanced. I am beginning to design my own patterns but fear of failing at it sorta stops me at the thinking part. Love lace, cables, and textures, colors. I guess you could say I do it all.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No, I just throw everthing in the shopping cart and let it simmer, then decide what is important. I guess it would be a good idea for my family also. Hmmm...planning to head to Amazon soon.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)Favorite scents are spice and vanilla based. I also love sandlewood.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? LOVE CHOCOLATE, what can I say.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Oh man do I spin. In the last year I bought two wheels and a disgusting amount of wool, and silk fiber. Im courting a new love of raw alpaca fiber and just bought some cashmere 2 oz. (let's not get crazy) fiber for a special gift for my mom.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I love new age environmental music. I have unmedicated ADHD so anything that is soothing and calm. I play a good deal of this type of music in my classroom and the kids love it. I also love the sounds of thunder storms..

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love the colors of autumn and blues.Seriously, colors from the forest, black , browns, tan, greens, rusty orange, yellow, reds, etc. You get the picture.

10. What is your family situation? Does crazy loud and loving explain it, twin 15 year old daughters, Darling husband who tolerates all the fluffy stuff. A mom and sister who share my love of fiber based art. Do you have any pets?Yes, I have two cats, Riley (f) and Tyler (m) and a dog Toby, (m)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?Love scarves and mittens, the others... not so much because I hate hat head and about ponchos, I have made two and I actually wear them so I guess that is a yes also :)

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I have been knitting smaller items with the occasional sweater. Hats, Mittens, Scarves and socks. Most items are made with dk to light worsted homespun.

13. What are you knitting right now? I am working on the Fuzzy Recptions Sweater from knitpicks. It's Lime Green and double stranded. 1 of alpaca and one of merino. SO DARN SOFT! Umm two pairs of socks, Just finsihed the swallowtail shawl from Interweave Knitters Magazine, Umm let's see Mittens I designed with a matching hat I HATE for my niece, will be froggin that one!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?Love homemade gifts almost as much I like to make and give them. Something special about knowing the person thought about you while you were creating.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? LOVE LOVE LOVE circular bamboo needles but have recently purchased a set of Denise Resin because I get frustrated with the organization of the crazy needles. I also seem to lose one. I also realized that bamboo is not great for lace. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?I have a yarn winder and my father is making me a swift from some amazing hardwood. I can't wait to receive it because it will be something I cherish forever

17. How old is your oldest UFO?probably a cable sweater that I started about 7 or 8 years ago and since lost the pattern and don't think I could have figured it out if I knew where the pattern is.

18. What is your favorite holiday?Christmas, far and away. Im like a little girl and again a chance to share gifts with others.

19. Is there anything that you collect?I collect turtles and snowmen

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? There is a book out there about designing aran sweaters. That would be great to have because I would love to spin, design and knit my own. Im intimidated by trying to do it on my own. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?I love Interweave knitters magazine and Spin off - I read them cover to cover to cover. Over and over.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?I would like to learn enterlac, it looks really cool but very hard. Have done some modular type knitting and love it.

22. Are you a sock knitter? YES YES YES, but not little string socks. Sport or heavier as those tiny needles make me crazy. What are your foot measurements? 9" inches long, 9 inches wide at widest part (dang that sounds huge) I just have wide feet. NO, they are not square :)

23. When is your birthday? 04/04/1966)

Knitting Hiaku

I entered a contest at JanuaryOne it was a hiaku writing contest about knitting socks. 328 entries so I don't expect much but I like what I came up with

I knit and I breath
Socks fall warm from my needles
My world is at peace

After the week I had this is where my mind is. It's amazing how knitting can put everything in perspective. Though, I wish I wasn't working on that darn lace project. I am expecting something scary when it's blocked because I seem to be reiventing the pattern as I go along. ADHD and lace knitting doesn't seem to go together. I'll post a picture later.

Remember the alpaca that I was so nuts about in the Wi sheep and wool post? well it's full of matts?? I finally got so frustrated I used my drum carder to smooth everything out and I am totally in love. It floats when it's drafted and I have a project in mind already. I finished one bobbin and am working on the second but as thin as it is it takes for ever. As you can see there is a lot VG material in this yarn and I hoping that I can get it worked out through spinning plying and washing. I loved this so much I bought 8 oz of raw alpaca from a farm in PA. I swear if I keep buying more fiber I'll be spinning in my grave. Hubby is ready to exchange me for a cheaper model. I always tell my students that clothes to me are things to keep me from being naked. If they really knew the truth, I could care less about fashion as long as I have beautiful soft fiber to play with.

Another project I am currently working on is an afghan from Lion Yarns. It's a circular pattern that changes color every 14 rows. It's huge and it needs tons of needle space but here is the rub, my sister, whom I adore just finished a rec room in her basement and the color I chose look STUNNING in her room. Guess who is getting the afghan for Christmas. NOT ME! Here is another picture of the sock kit I bought from sheep and wool. I finished one the other night and am suffering from SSS (Second Sock Syndrom) I've mastered the pattern so the challenge is over. I am always having this problem which is my I have so many UFO's in the house. but here is the sock anyway. No comments about the "fluffy leg" in the picture. Tried to get Darling daughter to pose but she was way to busy. AS USUAL .(**okay, having trouble with more pictures. I'll add it tomorrow when blogpsot likes me again) To be continued.......

LACE, bad idea?

I decided after reading the lastest Interweave knits I needed to experience lace knitting. There is a pattern Swallowtail shawl from the Fall 2006 Interweave Knits. It's pretty and rather small so I can use it for a scarf without feeling "grannyish" at work. (Please no offense to those who feel comfortable with shawls in public.) Im working up to it.:) Here is where I am with the project. Im in the first part of the pattern in which you have to do 14 repeats of 6 rows. AWESOME. I was going to finish it tonite and get going on the lower edge. Knitting away, listening to football, FOR THE 12th *^&!$# hour (Sorry honey) and it all goes to heck. I changed repeats in the middle of the row, dropped about 15 stitches and had no idea about fixing it. I was this close to dumping the whole project but my perfectionist attitude kicked in. I spent (can you say it loud) almost 2 hours fixing it. Needless to say I won't be working on the border rows tonite. I think part of the problem was that I am working with super slippery SHARP needles. Normally I use bamboo. Major change. I am enjoying it however, and can't wait to get to the blocking.

Forgot one

My mom made friends with this guy at the WI sheep and wool. He was about the friendliest sheep we "met". Wish I would have asked what he was.