My Boys

Not posting...but I have been knitting!

I have much less playing computer time since I started school again, I have been SO bad with posting I never even got to take any pics of the SP packages I sent out. But I have been knitting! Almost done with a PINK sweater for my step sister, the shower is in less than 2 weeks so finishing that is my priority. The sweater is almost done, I'm almost done with one sleeve then to sew, yuk! My sister in law is due towards the end of the month so I'll have to finish that after the shower. The blanket is complete, just needs to be blocked. The sweater is knit up to the collar with all other pieces done as well and just the sewing left, I hate that part. After those I have a Christmas gift poncho to knit my mom for her trip to Italy but luckily that's not till April and she knows I have babies ahead of her.
Pics of baby things to come soon.

A Long Over Due Thank You!

Thank You Ollie!!! I received my package from my SP and it was so fun to open all the stuff in one package! I must apologise for getting this up sooo late with Halloween, Gage's birthday, River's birthdat AND River's birthday party all in one week I've been ridiculously busy. Here's the scoop on the goods:

2 books: Blankies Hats & Booties

Candy Blankets

Stitch markers

3 wool soaks; citrus, aquae and flora

Sz 13 cute Bamboo needles

Sz 1 Addi turbo's 40 in...I have never had the pleasure of these before and I can't wait to ML socks

2 Sock Yarns!! Tofutsies, in purples

Fortissima Socka in greens and browns

I was just thinking that after my holiday/baby knitting is finished I just want to knit socks for a while, especially since I tore a hole in one of only my 2 pairs!

There was also a card and a Knitting magazine which is in my car because I took it to River's swim lessons.

THANK YOU AGAIN OLLIE, YOU ROCK!!!

Pink!!!

Well its official!!! Myy step-sister is having a girl!!! I have boys, my SIL has a boy AND every time I went to knit a gift.....yup!, it was for a boy! With the exception of my cousin in Florida BUT my Grandmother, my knitting mentor, knit blankets for all her grandchildren about 10 years ago "just in case" so that was taken care of. I knit her blanket buddy, but it wasn't pink, it was purple. I figured everything she got was most likely pink, so this would be nice change. I think I'm gonna have fun digging through my pattern stash....(pink, frill, and ruffles Oh my!)

River's First Day of School!

River started an all day Pre-K program at St. Michael's Catholic School. He was very excited, as you can see. He even came down from his room dressed and ready to go. I'm sure this first day joy will disappear in the years to come but for now its a pleasure!

Lots of Little Pouches

I haven't updated in a while because my oldest son started a full time school for the first time AND I had a Partylite party. Which brings me to these little guys above. I plan on tucking these in everyones order when they come in. They are just big enough for coupon cards or whatever you'd like to tuck in them.

I just wanted to knit

I had to put down my Mystery Stole for a little while, mainly because my DH and I have been on a "24" kick all summer. I have a HUGE crush on Jack Bauer and I can't watch and follow charts and beading at the same time. Sooooo put it aside just for a couple nights and I CO for a baby blanket in my Grandmother's signature pattern. Now I can do both because I just wanted to knit!

My stepsister is most likely having a GIRL! Yay! We are a family with lots of boys. The second ultrasound will confirm it in a month, so I still want to hold off on that.

Every time I wear my knitted socks I really want to knit socks, and after the baby/Christmas knitting is past that's just what I'm gonna do :)

And I still can't shut off the flash on the digital camera without Don's help.

Aruba

Dining on the beach with the sun setting in the background, showing off my Grandmother's Crocheted Shawl in beautiful Aruba. It was a good time :)

Secret Pal 11

Here it is, Finally!!!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
most lace yarns, and sock yarns
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Mohair

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a needle roll, a similar thing for my crochet hooks and my options are in their carrying case. All that then goes in my rolling tote.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?

Almost 18 years. I learned from my Grandmother
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Advanced

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Nope

5. What's your favorite scent?
Any baked goods smell

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Not really a sweet fan, but I forget that when its Godiva chocolate :)

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I devote all my time to knitting
Do you spin?
No, but I would like to learn, I got the book Spin to Knit for Christmas, but have been too busy with projects to start a new craft.

8. What kind of music do you like?
Mostly Rock, pop, and movie soundtracks
Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yes

9. What's your favorite color(s)?
Purple, bright bold deep pinks, and sea blues
Any colors you just can't stand?
Not that I can't stand it, but orange is my least fav.

10. What is your family situation?
I live with my husband and our 2 boys, they are about to turn 5 and 3
Do you have any pets?
Yes, 2 cats and a huge black lab

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Everything but mittens

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Baby blankets

13. What are you knitting right now?
Lots of baby stuff OTN, I have a SIL and a step-sister who are expecting. I am also doing Mystery Stole 3

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Of course!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
either really
Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
anything sleek so I can go fast :)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I have been making my Hubby a huge blanket going on 3 years now. Its made up of 20 inch garter stitch blocks and gets boring to knit fast.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas, my husbands birthday is Christmas eve. We also do up Halloween pretty well as both the boys B-days are late October

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Pill boxes

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?

Long Addi Circs in sz. 0 and 1 so I can Magic loop my socks two at a time

What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Interweave Knits

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Continental Knitting

22. Are you a sock knitter?
Yes

23. When is your birthday?
March 30th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes, but I just got my invite yesterday so I haven't done anything with setting it up yet. My ID is Suzsweeps

Here is my Mystery stole 3 finished up to the end of clue 2 and a little of the 3rd. I have discovered that I can not watch my hottie Jack Bauer on 24 and work on this stole at the same time as I had to tink back quite a few rows on several occasions! Plus I did not get as much knitting done in Aruba as I would have liked because it was nearly impossible with constant winds like that. I was able to slip a few rows in here and there before bed tho ;)

I just got an email that Secret Pal 11 is ready to get on its way! I'll get the survey up soon.

I also have officially booked a Partylite party for September 7th so I need to get crackin on sewing up those favors that I started.

Sweet Little Layettes

I have been busy knitting even though I have not had much computer time to update. This is the layette set for my SIL who is not finding out the sex of the baby. I'm going to wait and put pink or blue buttons and ribbon for the bonnet.

Since I have some time I'll hold off on seaming since that's the least fun and because I FINALLY got my yarn for the Mystery Stole!!! My Swatch is blocking but it looks like I'll be using # 4's with my Zephyr, and it was as wonderful to work with that as I have read all over Blogg Land. It blocks beautifully. I'm sure I'll be caught up with the clue's soon now that I can give all my knitting time it this week and next week when I'm in Aruba!

I also finished a Devil Hat from Stitch n Bitch for my sister for her Sweet Sixteen party Saturday. If my Dad remembered to take a pic and send it to me with her wearing it I'll post it up.

A Long Over Due Thank You!!!

I got this "Reveal" package last week but have been having digital camera misplacement issues. Thank You Yvette, my Secret Pal from Canada. This was full of great stuff starting with the chocolate box to my right that is already finished, pictured with two really cute stitch markers that were in that little pink satin pouch.

To the left is the rest of the contents including The "Bags" book, Sz. 7 short needles, a clover darning needle set with a carrying case, a ball of Lambs Pride Superwash in Misty Blue, a magnet, pin and note card set. Thank you Yvette, your a Doll!!!

I have been busy knitting and promise to get some project pictures up. I started a layette set for the Christmas baby, AND I have more baby knitting on the way......my step-sister is expecting baby #1 in early February!!! So I will be an Aunt twice over this winter :) And the best part about that is that she is SURE she is going to find out the sex, soooo I am holding of CO something so i can wait and pick something color appropriate. She only has another month or so till she can know. My SIL on the other hand doesn't know if she'll find out so I am just holding off on more ideas till she decides ;)

The main thing I am awaiting is the delivery of my yarn for the Mystery Stole 3 project. I am really looking forward to this. I have my beads but I decided to take dive into the "infamous" Zephyr yarn. I am going to be using Vanilla with crystal beads. There is over 5500 knitters in this KAL!!! Its also only my second attempt at beading. As of tomorrow clue number 2 will be released, but it is good that I have some catching up to do since maybe I can take this with me on vacation at the end of the month. I plan to do sooooooo much knitting in Aruba. No kiddo's so....nuff' said, lol.

I've been a bad bad blogger

I've been a bad blogger. I just been real busy recently and haven't gotten much uninterrupted computer time. I sent out my 3rd and final SP10 "reveal" package to Vange, and here it is.

A little angel ornament, Lavender scented car freshener, and in the tin is a row counter on a bracelet that has little Celtic Knot beads on it.

A total of 1770 yds of Merino Lace yarn, plenty for a shawl or multiple smaller projects.
An Irish angel pin, Irish creme chocolate and the row counter out of its tin.
A couple goodies for her kitty cat.
A Fabri Knit Kit for a Denim Hobo Bag.

And a hand knit wash cloth that I made her with a 4 leaf clover in the center.

Enjoy Vange!

A Christmas Niece or Nephew is on the way!

We have some exciting news in the family, my SIL is pregnant with baby #2 and due right before Christmas! Her first baby born last year was a summer baby, but this one is a winter baby in need of lots of knitted things to keep him/her toasty and warm :) We're talking sweaters, hats booties, and of course a nice thick crib blanket for those chilly winter nights. Having 2 babies born at the end of October, I know how to dress a winter baby. I've actually already picked out a layette set and CO for the sweater yesterday. I think I may try a log cabin pattern for the blanket, I know there is one in my "Mason Dixon Knitting" book. If I double the yarn it should make a nice thick crib blanket that a little bugger wouldn't wiggle off in the middle of the night.

On other knitting news I finished the Diamond Shawl from the Alpaca yarn that my secret pal spoiled me with. I'll get some pics up along with the baby sweater later on tonight when River isn't sitting on my lap :) I loved working with that yarn, my first time working with Alpaca. I made it a shoulder shawl so I even have enough left over for a scarf!

SP spoilee package # 2 on its way!

The top picture has the non knitting things that go with this package:

Party Girl Pink nail polish
heart shaped toe separators
A double sided foot scrubber
And a Yankee candle car air freshener

This is a themed package, we're talk'n socks here:

1 Ball Sockotta yarn in a new color

Sz 2 Bamboo DPN's

A sock and wristlet pattern for this yarn

Sock shaped point protectors

And the round tin has teeny tiny stitch markers perfect for knitting socks. The pic on the left has one of the stitch markers on the ball of yarn

Enjoy Vange!

Gift # 2 going out and more Secret Pal Knitting

During the over 7 hour drive to North Carolina I finally got a chance to work on my socks. Its the Chevron pattern from the "Sensational Knitted Socks" book.

As for the gift for my cousin in Florida who had a baby girl named Sabrina, instead of doing one of my bear blankets I wanted to try the one from Lion brand that was a Bunny, here's a close up and Gage will show you the body shot.

My Secret Pal Has Struck Again

I received this package last Thursday but have not been able to give it its proper adue since I left that night for an out of state weekend wedding and then returned home with a sick kid who eventually passed it to me in the form of laryngitis. its the first time I ever lost my voice because I got sick, but it is quite similar to when I had my tonsils removed just 6 years ago. The one upside, as you can tell by the following pic is that it in now way affects my knitting :)

This package was a great surprise as I was packing for my trip. With a card it included a hand knit pot holder in a drop dead gorgeous teal color with a little matching pot, a sheep pez dispenser, two peach scented tea lights, two little rubber fish toys for each of the boys that they have already played with in the tub, a 32 in. sz. 3 Bamboo Cir'sand 4 balls of Mystic Alpaca in a beautiful purple that I would call a true Grape Bubblegum color. You can see how much I love it already in the pic above, 3 days of knitting so far. I am using the diamond fantasy shawl pattern. Thank you thank you Secret Pal you are the best!

1 down 1 to go!

I finished Al's hat, almost. It still needs to be blocked and Don wants a pompom on the top in mixed purple & yellow. Obviously I decided against lettering because I really wanted it to be a good hat, so I needed a rib all over and the lettering and 1x1 rib just wasn't cuttin it.

Tonight I will CO the bear blankie because I need to knit up to a point after the pattern in order to take it to my knittogether tomorrow. Although I did swatch up that sock yarn, and I can CO both to bring....we'll see :)

FYI: Last night I discovered that in a pinch a sz 1 DPN can double as the key to unlock our bathroom door ;)

I also got a post card in yesterday's mail from my SP giving me the clue that she lives in Toronto, Canada. I've been to Canada once...to elope! It was a cute surprise.

2 gifts OTN

Originally I was working on these for my secret pal spoilee, but then once I started them and tried it on they seem pretty snug, and perfectly fit for me which made me wonder how it would fit her if I have no idea what she looks like much less the size of her fingers. So I decided to keep these for myself and made her something from the book I gave her instead, a muffler scarf in which size didn't matter. But its mate has to be put on hold while I knit up a couple gifts.

The first of which is a hat with the team name "Vikings" on it. Our neighbor was recently diagnosed with cancer...thank God a very treatable kind. He is a Football Minnesota Vikings fanatic so I picked up some Red Heart wool in purple and some yellow for the letters and started to think out how to graph the lettering. I think I'll do just a basic 1x1 rib with a flipped up brim where I can have the Vikings name. I suppose the brim will have to be st st to look right for the lettering. I'm going to swatch that up tonight.

The second is one of my own Blanket Bears for my Cousin Dawn in Florida who had her second baby girl yesterday. For the longest time I have been meaning to actually write this pattern out and put it up on my blog to share with anyone who wants it so I think I may actually do that this time. Now that I finally finalized and perfected the pattern....it only took me 2 years, and everyone I know who had a baby getting a different prototype. Its a great stash buster and cute gift. Usually I give this along with a full size blanket but I know my Grandmother has already taken care of that for all her grandchildren!

Sending Out My First Spoilee Package

This is going out a litter later than I was hoping, but with Don's ear injury lots of stuff got pushed back...but here it is!

Book- "One Skein" by Leigh Radford
From the book I knit her the Triple Cable Muffler in black using KnitPicks Gloss in black and included "one skein" in Burgundy for herself.

Clover No. 8 DPN's

A cable needle

Grandma's Secret Spot Remover

A jar of raspberry chocolate pretzel dip

A Ghiradel chocolate carmel square

Magnetic memo pad

An Americana style bear and heart decoration tucked in a little mesh gift box

And a cat bungee toy for her fur baby

Along with a card it will be in tomorrow's mail off to Vange somewhere in Connecticut :)

Some Excitement

We've had some excitement in the Stiles household this week. My husband was injured at work and part of his ear was amputated! It had to be surgically reattached. With the help of some good pain meds he is doing pretty well. On the whole he is fine, nothing with his hearing was effected. He does have a small fracture in his cheek bone also. He is an elevator mechanic and was trapped between the wall and an elevator and when he tried to get free his ear was ripped by the ear lobe.

I'll post more on knitting notes later with some pics. I have a secret pal package that I want to get out by the end of the week. I need to check up on my patient now :)

Secret Pal Birthday Surprise!

I got an email B-day card from my secret Pal that had a pic of Dr. Jack from LOST on it :) It also told me to keep an eye out for this little goodie package. Along with the card came the SnB ca lander...I love those rip away daily calenders and I usually get one over Christmas but didn't this year :) There was also a fabric zippered gadget bag that had an Ice cream Cone lolly pop in it, Sz 9 Clover needles in 9 inch length, A Margarita Fruit Dip mix, AND a ball of Lana Grossa Sock yarn in an awsome multi reds & blacks!!! OTN I have those fingerless gloves for my Secret Pal Spoilee and when those are done I am ready to make my 3rd pair of socks! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to my Secret Pal! You Rock :)

My To Do List

After browsing the http://www.knitpicks.com/ site I have added a bunch of things to my "To Do" list. One of the first is going to be this http://www.knitpicks.com/Queen+of+Diamonds+Gloves_PD50554220.html because I have the Gloss yarn in my stash in 3 different colors. So its perfect, one for myself, one for SP10 spoilee and one possibly for a gift...maybe Christmas or something.

On other knitting notes, I am on the last 7 rows of my blue/green shawl. Its just garter stitch at the end so I am hoping it will breeze by this weekend and I can CO and block soon. I'll put a finished pic up when its done :)

I turned 30 yesterday! Dh took me into the city and we ate at MESA, Bobby Flay's resturant http://www.mesagrill.com/newyorkcity/ and it was Soooooo good. Afterwards we went to Carolines Comedy Club. And to top it off next week I'm getting inked. SO 30 is looking pretty good :)

Get to know you Q&A

1. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? 7am
2. GOLD OR SILVER? White gold
3. WHAT WAS THE LAST FILM YOU SAW AT THE CINEMA? Hannibal Rising
4. FAVORITE TV SHOW? One Life to Live, LOST & Jerico
5. WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST? usually cereal
6. WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE LEFT IN A ROOM WITH? people who talk about the weather
7. CAN YOU TOUCH YOUR NOSE WITH YOUR TONGUE? nope
8. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? getting out of the house
9. WHAT'S YOUR MIDDLE NAME? Elizabeth
10. BEACH, CITY, Or COUNTRY? Alaska
11. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter
12. FAVORITE ICE CREAM? B&J Fossil Fuel
13. BUTTERED, PLAIN, OR SALTED POPCORN? LOADED!
14. FAVORITE COLOR? Purple
15. FAVORITE CAR? Something with a stick would be nice again
16. FAVORITE SANDWICH FILLING? turkey
17. TRUE LOVE? Don
18. WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU DESPISE? close talkers
19. FAVORITE FLOWER? roses
20. IF YOU HAD A BIG WIN IN THE LOTTERY, HOW LONG WOULD YOU WAIT TO TELL PEOPLE? I woudn't wait
21. FIZZY OR STILL WATER AS A DRINK? water from my fridge
22. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHROOM?Against my dh better judgement its pink
23. HOW MANY KEYS ON YOUR KEY RING? too many
24. WHERE WOULD YOU RETIRE TO? not sure
25. CAN YOU JUGGLE? no
26. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK: saturday
27. RED OR WHITE WINE? red
28. WHAT DID YOU DO FOR YOUR LAST BIRTHDAY? A trip to the tattoo Palor
29. DO YOU CARRY A DONOR CARD? no, but my dh knows I would
30.WOULD YOU EVER SKY DIVE? the Air Force took care of that

Finished 2nd pair and SP10

As it turned out, my food poisoning was actually a stomach bug that got passed all around my house so I have not been able to update in a while but here is my second pair of knitted socks. These fit much better than the first pair but I still see room for improvements. Definitely going to try size 0's once I get my hands on some knit picks cir's in that size since I am convinced I will only use Magic Loop for socks.

I have made contact with my spoilee and I spotted a comment from my spoiler so SP10 is officially in motion! This is my first exchange like this so I can already see this being a great time. I already have some ideas for my spoilee, I'll just have to go cyber shopping on my fav sites to get the juices flowing.

Don showed my how to work the flash on the camera so I really want to put up a better pic of the shawl I'm working on. I think since I'm snowed in today I may put a longer cable on the needle so I can stretch it out a bit and get a better shot.

The All Over Lace Faroese Shawl

I haven't been able to update recently since I had a bout of (what I think was) food poisoning these last few days. I don't wish that on anyone!

but here is a pic of the lace shawl I have been working on from Heartstrings. http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/a16.shtm I LOVE that company :) Their patterns are so well written. My next shawl will also be from them I have the pattern to the Scottish Lace Thistle, but I am waiting to find the Ann yarn in the colorway that is shown on their site. Beautiful purple and greens, but it seems to be sold out everywhere so I will try to search for it again when this one is complete.

This is a very enjoyable lace pattern to knit and I love the turquoise with yellows and greens. I think I am about half way done in row numbers, but since it is increasing every row I know I have a lot more than half the knitting to do.

I really have to learn how to size my images. I'm sure its real easy once you figure it out.

I just got the info for my spoilee for the secret pal 10 I am participating in. I can already tell this is going to be fun :) I am pretty sure its closed for new people now, but I'd bet there will be a secret pal 11 so here is the link if anyone wants to check it out http://secretpal10.blogspot.com/

Secret Pal 10 Questionnaire

I am participating in my first Secret Pal so here is my homework

The Questionnaire
Here are is the questionnaire for SP10. Please be sure to post it in a spot on your blog where your pal can easily find it. Since your pal will use this to help create your packages.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Opal sock yarn, Merino and most lace yarns
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Cotton

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? 2 kneedle rolls, a zippered case and the Options storage case

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? My Grandmother taught me when I was 12 so its been almost 18 years.

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Advanced

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? no

5. What's your favorite scent? Vanilla or any kind of "baked goods" smell, like pies or cookies.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Carmel with chocolate or chocolate covered pretzles or chocolate covered crackers

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I just got the book Spin to Knit, but have only just begun to read it, no spindle or anything yet.

8. What kind of music do you like? pop and classic rock Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? yes (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Purples, greens and blues. And pinks too. Bright turquoise and fushia's also. Any colors you just can't stand? not really

10. What is your family situation? Married with a 2 (Gage)and 4 year old (River) boys. Do you have any pets? Yes a Black lab named Sebastian, and 2 cats Suzie and Sweet Pea

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? All of them except mittens.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? baby blankets, lacy shawls or stoles, and now socks. Lots of lace stuff...doilies too!

13. What are you knitting right now? A Heartstrings shawl.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? of course :) they are treasured

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? mostly circs I just got the options set and love it. But I do like to use the short straight needles for scarves and things but I only have sz 10's so far. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? aluminum or sleek surfaces

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes both

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Coming up on 10 months!

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas and Forth of July

19. Is there anything that you collect? Pill boxes I ahve wanted to start collecting little sheep, but haven't yet, hehe

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Book- a Treasury of Magical Knitting, I got the 2nd treasury for Christmas and now I want the origional. I am also waiting to get my hands on the Schaefer Anne yarn in the model from the Scottich Lace Thistle.
What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Knit1, I like Interweave press, and Vouge Knitting

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Yes! fair Isle using slip sts

22. Are you a sock knitter? Yes! But I am a newbie only 2 pairs so far! I am waiting to get a chance to get the knit picks size 0's 32 in circ before I start my next sock project. What are your foot measurements? I wear a sz 8 1/2 I', 9 1/4 inches long from heal to toe and 7 3/4 in around widest part of foot.

23. When is your birthday? On March 30th..I'll be 30!

Plans can change as ya knit.....

So I had originally intended this yarn for the Scottish Lace Thistle Stole, but as I was knitting up a swatch that was in the lace pattern, I realized that one of the things I liked most was the purple and greens in the model (scroll down for link). SO I decided to wait to get that yarn, BUT since I really enjoyed working with this lace yarn I wanted to use it now that I had a taste. The moral of the story is that its on to my current project OTH http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/a16.shtm still being swatched at the moment.

2nd pair of socks

OTN- From the "Sensational Knitted Socks"book. The first sock is near completion. I love these self patterning yarns :) This is the slip-stitch pattern.

2 of Everything

After River's cat, Candy, HAD to be something for Gage. He picked the Bear pattern from the "Knitted Toys" book, then came with me to the yarn store and pick out a contrasting color for the tan that I had in my stash. He also picked out which buttons he liked for the eyes. Meet Candy's little brother Teddy.

I have the perfect Lace yarn for this pattern http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/h35.shtm and the best part is, its in my stash! A beautiful greens/yellow variegated that I have been holding off for my next lace shawl/stole project. Thanks to the ladies on the Lace Knitter's List for this one!

Magical Knitting

I used my new ball winder that Hubby got me for Christmas to prep these two yarns for my dive into Magical Knitting. The blue multi is Lion Brand's Landscapes in Country Sunset. The pink is a Kettle dyed felting wool I got from eBay in Pink Lagoon. I started the Moebious Scarf from "A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting with the blue and the pink will go to the basket from the same book.

The Cat project complete

Meet Candy. Why River picked that name I don't know but he picked it all by himself, and was very happy to pose for this pic with his new cat. The yarn was all from my stash, probably Red Heart. The pattern was from "Knitted Toys" by Zoe Mellor. Next up from that book is a bear for the 2 year old.

Hearts on a String

This yummy cashmere scarf is finally complete, blocked and is now with its rightful owner. This was a Christmas present for MIL that had to be put on hold while I waited for more yarn. This cashmere yarn from Treehouse was a dream to work with.

Every knitting blog needs a picture of a cat right? So here are my girls, Suzie & Sweet Pea.

I need to get more organized!

So the gorgeous piece of hand painted furniture (pictured below)calls to me every day aching for a doily to keep it nice and warm. After sifting through my zillions upon zillions of patterns at home and surfing the net only to find mostly crochet patterns. I remembered a leaflet I have (somewhere) that has an elongated diamond shaped doily. this realization only came to me when I saw this leaflet during my Internet search and remembered that I actually own it. Unfortunately for me it is not with the bulk of my pattern stash, so now I have to sift through the couple areas...or should I saw disaster areas..of where it may be. this brings me back to my New years resolution to get my knitting storage area of the basement in full feng-shui mode, nice neat and organized.

On other knitting notes, River picked out brown buttons for his cat's eyes. I am about half way done stitching it together, but I think I am going to need more stuffing. Not sure if I will get it done tonight since we have the first of many "open houses" for River's pre-school next year....and getting the boyz into school is definitely at the top of my priority list, lol!

New piece of furniture needs a knitted doily

Even though we moved in our house over 2 years ago, this little beauty has been wrapped in shrink wrap in my garage until now. Originally this is always where I intended it to be., my wedding picture hangs above it. But when we first moved in somehow the kids toy box got there first along with other huge play things. Its also where we put the Christmas tree. So this year when the tree came down, the toy box stayed where we tucked it in the corner and some of the older and grown out toys were long forgotten about after Christmas. This is just calling out for a hand knit doily. I'm looking through books now and will do the Internet thing on it throughout the week. .

I hope to finish River's cat by tomorrow night and have a pic of it up soon

The Cat Project

I asked River, my 4year old, what stuffed animal he wanted me to knit him and he said a cat. He picked the colors and said he wanted stripes not spots. So now I'm off to my least favorite part....the sewing.

First pair of socks...EVER!

I finished my first pair of socks. I absolutly loved working on them. I used a Regina yarn from www.knitpicks.com and a basic toe up pattern I got from the lovely ladies on Socknitters List and I used the Magic Loop technique. The cuff is done in a simple lace pattern. I learned alot from this first pair and hope to get them blocked and on my feet soon. I realy want to get my hands on some of the Socks that Rock yarn that the girls on Socknitters list rave about.

This bag has become an extension of my arm. The screen does not do it justice.

First Post!

I am creating this Blog to keep all my knitting adventures in one nice neat, organized space. Also so my Grandmother, who is also my knitting mentor, and whoever else out there in cyber land may follow along on this magic knitting carpet ride. I am hoping to soon become active in some knitting web groups and the local Guild so I also need some *evidence* of my obsession.

I am going to start off with a picture of my Christmas present to myself. Its something that every knitter should be jealous of because it is as exquisite in person as it is on the screen. I think every knitting lady should have one...its the perfect knitting bag. A Jordana Paige in blue. www.jordanapaige.com