post card

I got one today from my SP.....Thanks SP. I think she's passively aggressively taunting me. She tells me that she's enjoying her summer at her favorite French Bakery in San Francisco. Oh how I'd like to be there in cooler weather right now! Lucky woman!!!!

BTW Secret Pal --- How's the teething goin?? (throwing out a lil taunt of my own). hehehe.
NO, really I hope it's going well. Thanks for the card!!!

ok, here's one of the purses.
The Pattern: The Retro Bag ( I think)
Yarn: Noro Kureyon color 52 and Cascade 220 two strands
(one of each) throughout.
Needles: 11 circulars.

Procrastination

Ok, so I'm guilty of that....I'm a dawdler sometimes... I forgot to take/post pictures of those purses before I gave them away. And...so that is that. I recently finished a very fuzzy soft pair of sockies for my sp.....shhhhh it's a secret though. They're out of Louisa Harding Kimono Angora mmmmmm sooooo soft!!!! And they tell me machine washable! Hope they fit! :)


AND... I made another constant companion bag....this one I just mailed to my mom...she's giving it to a friend for a birthday present....that lucky woman!!!! hee hee hee.

Today, even though I'm grounded from buying more yarn....don't tell on me....I went to my LYS and bought some cotton for washcloths. I haven't made one yet so I thought I'd give them a try, and that seems like a great way to learn new stitch patterns. Still have to finish the little sweater and then I need to start a tank that I bought yarn for awhile back....can't wait to do that. UFO's first though...(yeah right).

And.. I guess that's about it as far as my knitting world goes...ooooh we did another KC day, knitted....ate salads....watched The Family Stone....(I love that movie) which means we all cried too! Next one's at my house....guess I better put the knitting down and do a little housework...I hate that!!

Happy almost the end of June everyone!!

More Bags.....

Over the weekend, I felted a purse that I will give as a birthday gift to my friend, I knitted and felted a purse that I will give to my son's girlfriend for her b-day.... both are the "Retro" Bag from Designs by Shelly. And they both turned out real cute....I'll post a pic soon.AND... I started another Constant Companion bag from Knitter's Stash. All three are worked double strand with Cascade and Noro Kureyon. It's always fun to knit with Noro and watch the color stripes unfold. I've done so much knitting in the past 3 days my wrist is getting sore!!! (Ibuprofen is our friend) The constant companion bag was "commissioned by my mother....she's going to give it to her good friend for her birthday. What's with all the June B-days anyway! Which reminds me... My niece's is this month too...can't say what she's getting, she could visit this blog and then what kinda surprise would that be?!! OK, it's way too late to be on here...next post pics of purses...(say that 3 times fast). Have a great week my knitter friends!

Constant Companion #2

It's finally finished! I actually felted it last weekend, but... I hate the finish work and have been just too lazy to finish it up. So, tonight I finally shaved the fuzz off it and sewed on the pockets and then put the handles on it. Voila...it's finished. I'm not sure what I'll do with it...I may give it to a friend, a non-knitter, (who knew such a person exists) for her birthday to use as an overnight bag. So, tell me sister knitters....is it a good birthday gift? A good overnight bag?? I'd love some input! I like it ok, but I like my brown bag better!

Pattern: My Constant Companion
Book: Knitter's Stash
Yarn: one strand Noro Kureyon color # 92/one strand Cascade Ecological Wool shade 8010
Needles: Size 11 US/24 inch circular (clover bamboo)

Here are the before felting and after felting pics....



Wow... Looking at the pics I just knowticed the blue/green stripes three in the body of the bag and one on the top edge....kinda cool....ok maybe I like it more now hahaha. Maybe I should take the pocket off????

And She Strikes Again!!!

Yep, two days in a row!!! woohooo I got a card in the mail today..... from Hawaii!!! Lucky pal. And tucked inside the card are some Hawaiin flower decals!!! I love em! If they'd adhere to felted wool I'd decal my knitting bag hehehe but they won't so I'll have to stick em on my car.

Thanks Secret Pal ... you're so thoughtful!

My Secret Pal Strikes....

Will ya just look at the wonderful gifts my pal sent to me? I was having kind of a hectic day and came home to find a cute little bear covered box on my front porch! And tucked inside...was a gift bag homemade from newspaper with handles made of twine thru green eyelets. And tucked inside that was not one but two beeauuuutifuuuul homemade needle holders...(see picture above) . They are both made from denim with a bright pink back and pretty pink and white floral print, with bright pink grossgrain ribon ties. I just love em! Don't my needles look nice in their new resting place? OK, those aren't all my needles, and I definately have enough to put in both the needle rolls. Can you see the two bars of soap? They smell really really gooood (french no less) one is lavender scent, and the other peony. She sent a very sweet card too!
AND ... (yes, there's more) .... a pair of handknit socks!!!!! Look at my HAPPY FEET. They fit perfectly!!! Well done SP
Thank you so much for such lovely and thoughtfull gifts! You are a great spoiler!!!

Antiiiiiiciiipaaaation....Annntiiiiciiiiipaaa aaation....

Isn't that a song? I got a comment from my secret paaaal today....she says I'll be gettin a lil somtin in the mail tomorrow....yea....I can't wait. I love surprises...most of the time hee hee hee.

And...I have ta say.....no... I'm not really all that into Sci Fi....I guess it depends on what we're talkin about. If it's books... I'm more into mystery/crime type books.... and if it's tv, I'm more into the Law and Order/CSI type stuff/medical drama/mystery etc .... Movies... comedy/mystery/drama etc... I saw ET, I saw Close Encounters, I saw Star Wars (the first one not too many after that)

On another note.....my brother...is a lucky lucky brother. He flew to San Juan Puerto Rico this morning, and tomorrow he'll take a hop to the island of Les Saintes where he'll meet up with his friend who lives on a sail boat and they'll be sailing around the Caribbean which is where my brother will spend his 40th Birthday!!! So....HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER!

Also today, (it was a busy day), I mailed off a package to my spoilee.....can't wait for her to get it.
I checked her blog today and found that she's enjoyed a nice red wine with the dark chocolate "Toffee Interlude" that I sent her. Hehehe I love it...a woman who appreciates the fine things in life....like, chocolate and wine!!!! yummmm

Happy Tueday everyone!

Days Off

I ended up with another three day weekend this week...I kinda like it when that happens hehehe. I have a million things I should be doing...housework, laundry, yard work, KNITTING...hehe sometimes it just screams out to me...knit me knit me....but I'm ignoring it right now...must do laundry... must pull weeds....
The niece is coming up again this weekend...so it looks like another knitting marathon tonight...oh..we love those!!! knitting, movies and snacks...yummm. oooh I'll post pics! Can't wait to see her progress on her pratice swatch...she's learning to knit (she's a crocheter poor girl) and starting with a complicated baby blanky, yikes.
My secret pal received her ghirardelli dark chocolate/toffee interlude bar that I sent her, luckily it sounds like it wasn't all melty, the pic she posted looked good...and her description on her blog made me wish I'd brought one home for myself and I don't even like dark chocolate! And it turns out .... she's a California girl, thought she's had the misfortune of moving to some other state, poor girl.

border run update: 8 miles down 592 to go, ooh and a couple of pounds down too yipee!

Running To The Border!

Yep, that's what I'm doing. I'm going to run from my house, to the Mexican border!! OK, I'm going to be running on my treadmill in my front room....but I'm going to try to track my progress on a map and the goal is the distance from home to Mexico. My poor dusty treadmill... I've got to find some motivation...so this will be it. So far.... I've knocked out 3.75 miles!!! WooooooHoooooo.... I am on my way hahahaha. Come on...run with me!!! only about 596.25 miles to go!!! Come on...who's in? I'm trying to post a map but it's not happening right now... maybe later. Wish me luck!!!

sweater sleeves

Yea!!! They're done!
Spent 11 hours in lectures today....which was pretty much hell! About half of them were good ones...the rest....torture! San Francisco has been crazy this weekend. The sidewalks are packed with people even at midnight! So we were amazed when we came out of our dinner lecture tonight at eight to find everyone had gone home. Yea!!! It's a lot nicer out there now. Driving was crazy when we got here...it usually is but it was extra crazy downtown.

Anyway... I'm about to cast on a new project! A vest from recycled sari silk.
Here goes!!!!

Conference

Hello my knitter friends from San Francisco!!! The conference is going ok...busy....lots of lectures. So....I pulled out my needles to knit today and realized that the next step on my sweater sleeves was to switch to bigger needles....which I left in the room when I sized the amt of stuff I was dragging around in my bag...so of course, I went out at lunch to a fabric/yarn store and bought some new size 8's hehehe. Didn't want to waste a whole day!!! So, I did make some progress on those sleeves! Yea!

Tonight is an alumi reception for a couple of hours. Since it's Memorial Day weekend, some of the yarn stores I wanted to visit are closed so I guess I'll have to wait til at least Tuesday to do that. The weather's been really really nice! And I'm walking my butt off, or at least trying to make up for the extra calories I'm consuming. :)

Are you all knitting away at home?

Secret pals secret gifts....

Tonight I made the first of my secret pals gifts!!! What fun! I can't
wait to drop it in the mail to her tomorrow.

Also went to sweater class #3. Learned all the different ways to do increases and a few techniques for decreasing too. I'm all ready to start my sleeves and sew them on.

AND... I'm off to San Francisco on Friday, will be there at a medical conference for 6 days. Last night I did a little "research" and made a list of all of the LYS in the area where I'll be!! Yipeeee I can't wait to go shopping. My spoilee likes chocolate....all types...hmmmm seems to me there is a fairly famous chocolate source there hehehe.

welllll I'm tired....Craig Ferguson is on... I love that guy! But he's on too dang late, I've got to learn how to use that dvr thing.

oh btw....here's a pic of my finished bag. If you like this, go to the website for La Lana wool and look at the one Janet Scanlon knitted for them, $$$$$ but just beautiful! I want it!!!

My Bag:
Pattern: My Constant Companion from Knitter's Stash.
Yarn: Cascade 220 double strand throughout.
Needles: US 11 Circular (29 in).

And they did knit until they dropped...

Stitches.... After the second night of staying up until 0230, my sister woke up and discovered she had a few holes in her baby sweater front she'd been working on while falling asleep at the needles! But it was worth it.... we had a great time, knitting, teaching my niece Jenny to knit, eating and watching movies. And of course visiting our LYS. Our friend Julie (aka "chopped liver") stopped in for a little while on both days....she's knitting away at her grandbabies little sweater.... and doing a great job!!!

(That's my sister Teri and niece Jenny in the pic)

I was able to finish up the "My Constant Companion" bag from Knitter's Stash. Got it felted and when I went to put it together today, I discovered that I was supposed to knit two handles (it pays to read the directions and not just look at the pictures ...duh) and I'd only done one. So today I whipped out another I-cord which is waiting to be felted. I was in the process of sewing on the pockets when I stopped to write this, sooooo, when I get it completely finished... I'll be posting a pic! I have to say, I just love it! It's turned out so nicely, exactly what I wanted. I can't wait to stuff it full of yarn.

Today was Sunday yarn worship at KnitWits. We had a huge turnout which was fun. And I worked on some swatches for sweater class. Then I played around with some recycled sari silk, figuring out the gauge etc... and deciding what to do with it. I've been wanting to knit a vest with it so I think that's what I'll work on next, or at least really soon!

Back to the pocket sewing ...

Secrets.....

Could it be....I have a Secret Pal? Somebody has been sneaking into my blog and posting anonymously...... and she thinks I'm "very interesting" ....hehehe.

Yarn Worship - every other Sunday, a group of my knitty friends and I meet at one of our "LYS's" and we sit and knit and yes.....covet and worship the yarn in the store.....such fun!!!!

So, I might have a secret pal....but I still have no info on the pal I get to spoil darn it.... Hopefully soon!!!!

OH.... this is a girls knitting, chick flick watching, chocolate eating weekend. My niece is driving up from Modesto, and she gets to learn to knit with her mom and I and a few friends.

Knit til you drop!!!!

Knitty Friends Are the BEST!

My knitty friends ... and you know who you are .... went away to their LSI conference....and shopping too apparently...because look at what they brought back for me!!! I just love it!
You ladies are the best....thank you so much! I can't wait to pack it with my next project....hmmm whatever that may be. I'll pack it up and bring it to yarn worship on Sunday!
See you there!

little bitty sweater

well....the front and back of the toddler cardigan are done woohoo... and I successfully seamed the shoulders tonight! have to wait for the next class to start the sleeves, about 10 days away dang it. So, I'm working on the big felted knitting bag from the book "Knitters Stash" instead. It's huge!!! hmmm what else, my dad's in town, my son turned 24 today, and tomorrow is Mother's day! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOMS!!!

Anxiously awaiting word from SP8 ... oh where oh where could my secret pal be?

Me Me Me.... or ... SP8 questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
My favorite yarns....oh that's a toughy! I really like Noro yarns (who
doesn't right?) And though I've yet to use it, I'm pretty taken with the Manos
del Uruguay too. I've done quite a bit of felting, so I've used cascade, and
love it of course. I have to say, I'm not all that fond of the fake fur
stuff....at least not when knitting with it by itself. Too slippy slidey

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Aaaahhhhhaaaaa hahaha. Storing my needles in something, what a great idea...
I should get something. Right now, they're kinda scattered about. Usually I
keep a few pairs in my project bag, and I have an old dresser in my spare
room that I'm keeping my stash in and there's a drawer for needles.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've only been knitting about 3 or 4 months, but I've not stopped since I
started. I think I'm probably an advanced beginner. I've
made a bunch of scarves, I've made socks, felted purses, learned to cable and
am taking a sweater class right now.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Noooo, I don't have a wish list on Amazon, what a great idea! As soon as I
finish this post I'llcheck that out!

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
hmmm my favorite scent (this is fun), for bath products, I like the madarin
scents, or green tea type scents, I'm not that into heavy floral or heavy
fruity scents really and for candles, I like vanilla or spice/cinnamon
scents, citrus is nice for

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Milk chocolate.....chocolate....chocolate....mmmmm.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I like just about everything really, I haven't done a lot of craft stuff or
sewing for the past few years (been in school) but I'm back now! I like to
work in my yard and flower beds. And mostly, I'm just so into knitting! In
the past I've cross stiched, sewed, done fabric crafts, quilted, done tile
mosaic crafts... I'm open to alot of things! I do not spin....but, I would
love to!

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 all kinds of music EXCEPT Rap! My computer and car stereo play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
hmmm I'm a redhead, so I tend to stay away from the red/orange palate as far
as clothes go. Otherwise, pretty much anything goes I guess...

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
My son is grown and has his own house now, and my only
indoor pet (if you can call it that) is a goldfish, and anyday it may go
live in a water garden outside...just one more sassy comment....and that
fish is outside. Oh, and i have a cat who thinks she should live inside, but
she doesn't.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I do wear scarves and gloves, don't wear hats as a rule or poncho/shawls.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
So far I'm having fun learning new things. I love to knit the felted bags,
and the socks were fun. I am definately looking forward to making big girl
sweaters though (I'm learning on a baby sweater).

13. What are you knitting right now?
Right now, I'm working on a scarf, it's in a k2p2 rib pattern, made from
Merino Frappe by Crystal Palace.
And a baby sweater, and a pair of socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I love handmade gifts.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I seem to be using circular needles alot, Bamboo...but I like straight
ones too. I also recently used some addi turbos for a pair of
socks ....really liked them!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Not yet :)

17. How did you learn to knit?
My mother taught me to knit when I was about ten years old. But I just made
one scarf and didn't knit again until this year... I bought a "Knitting and
Crocheting for Dummies" book and taught myself....and then discovered my
LYS and have received a lot of help from the ladies there.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
Don't hate me... it's a couple of weeks old. A pair of socks... and a few
bags that need buttons etc.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday, would have to be Christmas. It's the one we make the
biggest deal about, and the one the whole family usually gets together for.

20. Is there anything that you collect?
Well.... apparently, I collect yarn and needles and patterns now....who
knew?!

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Yes, I'd love to have the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary. I love that book and
I'm dying to learn new stitch patterns!! So far I haven't subscribed to any
magazines....so far.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I love the look of some of the lace stitches. I need to learn to do a yarn
over for those I think .... first things first I guess.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, yes I am a sock knitter. My foot is 8 1/2 inches around and 10 inches
(that can't be right) long.

24. My birthday.... Feb. 7.

cables

Well, I did it! with Heatherly's help, I knitted a cable scarf. And I can't believe how easy it is and how complicated it looks. Of course this just a basic cable pattern but I like it!! hmmm what else, Oh yes, I finished a pair of socks and a couple of felted bags that needed a shavin and to have their handles attached. I should be out in the yard today, but... staying in and figuring out the whole "put a picture on the blog" thing instead. Sweater class next week...yahooo!

first post

Welcome to my first Blog!!!! I'm pretty darn new to this so, bare with me.
When I was about nine or ten years old I learned to knit. I think I might have finished a scarf, bright red acrylic (must have been Red Heart). I remember my mom knitting for awhile, she made us slippers for christmas. Mine were bright pink, white and black, just like good n plenty candy. Kinda nauseating when I think about it now, but ok when you're nine I guess! Anyway, I don't think my scarf went so well, because I didn't knit again until about three months ago. I bought a book (Knitting and Crocheting for Dummies) and taught myself to knit. That was the beginning of my "sickness", I haven't put the needles down yet!

Since then, I've made a bunch of scarves, some beanies (hip hop and optik by berrocco is a fun combo) and then I discovered the felted purse! I just finished my tenth, they're so much fun to make! OH, and I've made a pair of socks thank you very much!!!

The best part is I've met a bunch of great ladies since I started. Joann at Heartstrings, Devi at Knitwits, and of course Heather, Brooke, Linda, Lynn and Julie(whom I've known forever) from our Sunday Circle. Which is why I've learned so much so quickly, I'm always picking someone's brain. And....I got my sister hooked too!!

This weekend, I'm taking a cable class....I'm so excited! Thanks Heather and Devi!!
And at the end of the month....my first sweater...woooohoooo!!!!

Looking forward to the start of Secret Pal 8!!!! Another first, thanks Brooke.

I'm having so much fun! Life is Good!

ps...please check out my links :0)