knit-n-meow

selling

2007-02-19T09:26:00.000-05:00

I am selling a few things on ebay, a set of addis and yarn that I got from Stitches. These are the item numbers on ebay if anyone is interested. 140087528642
140087530536

last night

2007-02-08T14:09:00.000-05:00

was so much fun at Wicked, if I could I would see it again tonight. My next theater adventure will be Blue Man Group and Tosca.

I plan to do the finishing on my cable sweater so maybe a picture of me wearing it this weekend. It has been so cold here I think I can pull out my mohair fair isle and that wonderful red alpaca sweater. I haven't been able to wear that one yet.

In other news another quarter at school is almost finshed and I am a little behind, never fear I shall catch up this weekend.

I will be traveling to Research Triangle Monday for a work meeting but I won't be there long enough for a yarn shop visit. I will be in Charlotte North Carolina at the end of March for a week. Lots of work stuff but time for sight seeing too. If anyone has been there or lives near let me know of some interesting sights and of course local knitting flavor.

i can't wait

2007-02-05T09:07:00.000-05:00

until Wednesday when I will be at the Hippodrome watching WICKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what's this

2007-02-04T19:48:00.000-05:00

pictures of more birthday goodness and finshed projects!

I got this quilt for my birthday, my room before was dark and very rustic cabin, now I'm chnaging it over to be a little more girly

the Colinette kit I got as a Chrsitmas gift, this poncho is warm and beautiful

a louisa harding wrap

a rectangle poncho made from kuryeon

this is the alpaca shawl from blue sky that I had in an earlier post. Still my fav yarn I am making another in a wondeful wine red color

a gift for me

2007-02-01T14:34:00.000-05:00

In case you did not know my birthday is Sunday (my 29th anniversary I like to call it). How cool is this, a handwarmer mug, this was my first birthday gift. A co-worker and fellow knitter gave me this mug. I was so envious of hers and little did I know she had gotten one for me. It can go in the dishwasher and microwave. Great for heating all the tea I drink at work.

It's from clay in motion if anyone is interested, I think I'll be getting one for home too.

the color purple

2007-01-25T10:08:00.000-05:00

According to a short little quiz, if I were a color of purple this what I would be.

You Are Iris

You are an interesting blend of fun and wisdom.You definitely make people think about themselves and their place in the world.But they'll have fun doing it. You definitely epitomize laughter therapy.You are a very enriching and entertaining friend!

Sounds good huh!

i spin

2007-01-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

and I'm not talking about yarn. I have joined the craze of those crazy fitness people that spin. Used to be just regular indoor cycling but now is spinning. For those of you that have taken these insane and intense classes you all can appreciate the fact that I cannot walk up my steps tonight. I've been taking the class for a couple weeks now but I went 4 times this week, two nights back to back. Probably not the smartest thing I have done but this spinning thing is very addictive, all those endorphins I guess.

I have finished the front and back of my cable sweater that was stuffed away months ago. I hope to have the sleeves finished this weekend. Things are crazy busy at work and it finally looks like winter has arrived in Maryland. Maybe we will see some of the snow that I have been so jealous of in other blogs.

the fever is gone

2007-01-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

This picture says it all! So sad to report that my local football team, the Ravens, lost to the Colts. For those of you that don't know this is a bitter loss since the Colts abandoned Baltimore many years ago in the middle of the night. To lose to this team is very depressing. I was hoping they would win since the superbowl is on my birthday this year (by the way I will be 29 again and I'm not telling how many times I have been 29!) . For those of you with teams still in the playoffs good luck.

some holiday scenes

2007-01-03T17:15:00.000-05:00

what have we here...barely controlled chaos

hugs and kisses to the monkey

some of the Christmas Eve goodies

blog question

2007-01-01T08:53:00.000-05:00

Someone asked where I got the pattern for the rectangle shawl. I ordered it through Jimmy Beans Wool online shop, the pattern is from Blue Sky Alpaca. I wore it last night and it is beautiful I'm ready to make another. I'll try to get a photo posted later today.

I seem to have lost by sidebar when I tried to merge to the new blogger. Any idea how to fix this problem?

a knitter's christmas

2006-12-28T07:56:00.000-05:00

It was a merry christmas indeed. I got some wonderful gifts, yummy candles, some new clothes, kitchen gadgets I wanted desperately and a cappuccino maker.

Two lovely friends gave me this book and I can't decide which project to begin with. There is a beautiful shawl that is based from a heaxagon that looks like it will be up first (8 balls of kid silk haze yikes!)
I got this wonderful kit from Unique Kolors by Colinette (mine is in shades of purple) that I had eyed since wearing the store model and not wanting to take it off.
And the yarn for this great bag (actually cash from Mom bought this goody bag!) I can't wait for the finshed project.
Knitting news is still more socks, vagabond poncho in manos, almost finshed the beautiful shawl in the last post.

The holiday weekend was so busy, I have finshed my PhD applications so everyone keep their fingers crossed for a letter from Johns Hokins in the new year. Big things at work, my first project begins next week. The family was over on christmas eve, close to 30 people but it was fun. I'll try to get pictures up this weekend.

Of course the dogs had to create chaos. 2 hours before people arrive Raz decides to eat half a pound of hershey kisses, with the wrapper! After an upset belly and about 2 gallons of water she was back to herself, I was pretty lucky.

Hope everyone's holidays went well and have a safe new year celebration!

coffee anyone

2006-12-11T18:53:00.000-05:00

Finally a knitting project captured on camera. I have lots of FOs to post too but first thing is first. Thank you so much Kelly, the package arrived and they are perfect, sucha cute bag too. Check out Celtic Cast On Design for some wonderful hand made stitch markers. I can't show them now becasue they are a Christmas gift but she did a fantastic job.

This wonderful project is my new found joy. I love the shawl, probabaly was sold on the entire outfit since I have that same shirt and blue jeans of course. The pattern is from Blue Sky Alpaca, also featured in an ad in last Interweave Knits. The yarn I am using is Inca Alpaca from Classic Elite and seriously folks it's like butter. So smooth and soft, I have found a new fav yarn!

Jackons, handsome boy that he is, is gaurding one of the items that arrived today from my coffee swap partner. It's some lopi lite that is just dying to be knitted into a felted bowl, if Jackson will let me, he seems to have a fondness for licking lopi. Wool is too dangerous to the kitties for him to enjoy it though.
Here are the rest of the goodies in the package. Christmas blend Starbucks, coffee candy, dark choloate, notepad, a cute as can be kitty print jar opener, a wonderful dishcloth that actually has a cup of coffee knitted as a design. I'm not sure if she whipped this up but it is great and matches my kitchen! A big coffee mug, perfect for weekends and some coffee from a local coffee shop up her way, smells wonderful and bold, can't wait to brew the first pot.

This swap was so much fun I can't wait for it again. I'm also going to try and get into the next tea swap.

tis the season

2006-12-04T18:37:00.000-05:00

Kiera, my niece, and I taking in all the tree excitement
Zach and the boys putting on the lights

finished , the tree in all it's glory

knitters from all callings

2006-11-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

I found this article today and it moved me so I wanted to share with you all. Knitting is not just for grandmothers anymore.

Utah Jail Inmates Knit for the Needy
By Associated Press

LOGAN, Utah - Jail inmates are spending hours knitting caps, blankets and booties for children around the world. "We might all be criminals," said David Evans, 25, of Blackfoot, Idaho, "but some of us have big hearts."
The pastime at the Cache County Jail in northern Utah began about two years ago. The handmade crafts go to a group called Save the Children or to humanitarian efforts organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Inmates have knitted more than 300 hats this year, about half with matching booties. They also have stitched mittens and small blankets.
"We are like an army," said Jane DeSpain, a Mormon Relief Society president who organized the project. "There are humanitarian projects going on all over the world. They are part of that."
Jail officials said they were wary about putting knitting needles, a potential weapon, in the hands of inmates. But there have been no incidents. The needles are counted and collected before 30 to 40 prisoners return to their minimum-security blocks.
"Anytime you are doing something good for someone else, you are improving yourself," said Capt. Kim Cheshire, jail commander. "That isn't just for the inmates; that's for the rest of us."
One man created a large hat that resembled the one worn by the cat in Dr. Seuss' "Cat In The Hat." It stretched more than 3 feet, with broad red and white stripes and a braided tassel. Folded beneath was a child's hat to match.
Justin Paz, 19, of Logan, recently was making a blue baby blanket. As his tattooed hand worked the needles, he thought about the child, probably a boy, who would snuggle with it.
Paz said he's hooked on a hobby that is "helping somebody."
"Honestly, when I get out, I'm going to buy one of these," he said of the knitting tools.

still here

2006-11-27T14:31:00.000-05:00

What.... is this an actual post. Yes folks I am still here and still knitting. Things are just so busy. I have some finshed projects but haven't had the time to get pictures. Turkey day was good, the outside of the house is decorated and the tree hunting starts next weekend. I promise to get some pictures up by the end of the week for those readers that are still faithfully browsing past my blog. My coffee package for the knitter coffee swap is almost ready to go out. I am on a 1 week break from school so perhaps I won't be neglecting this blog so much. I'm trying to keep up with everyone's even if I haven't made a comment.

Update

2006-11-14T07:49:00.000-05:00

One big paper down, one small one to go. In knitting news I made a stupid mistake. I knitted for about 5 hours on my beautiful cable from Vogue only to realize that when knitting straight, not on circs, you must read the chart back and forth. Now I have made this mistake before so I should know better. All fixed now but the ripping was so sad.

In other news, I am going to show my age here. I went to a Guns and Roses concert last night, my throat hurts, my ears are still ringing and I am operating on about 3 hours of sleep!!!!!!!!!
The concert was great though...very much worth it!

2006-11-12T20:09:00.000-05:00

Just in case I did not mention this little fact I joined the knitters coffee swap. They have asked us to post our answers to these questions for our swap pal.

QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground?Whole bean, I grind my own to keep the flavor better
2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Fully loaded, is there anything else ?
3. Regular or flavored? Regular coffee drinker here
4. How do you drink your coffee?recently switched to splenda and "cream to tan"
5. Favorite coffee ever? Anything starbucks but favs are Komodo Dragon and Christmas Blend
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? Kind of fussy, I prefer the bolder blends
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Dark Chocolate
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? nope
9. Yarn/fiber you love? love the natural fibers, favs are Rowan
10. Yarn/fiber you hate? not big on novelty yarn
11. What's on your needles? Cable sweater in Louisa Harding silk/wool, socks of course
12. Favorite colors? depends on the season but I usually go for the natural warm colors
13. Allergies? not to any fibers or food
14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? Right now hating school, I should be finshing my twenty page literature review but instead I am writing and reading blogs

stitches goodies

2006-11-06T18:08:00.000-05:00

I went to Stitches East this weekend and what an overload of stuff to take in. It was a sensory overload. I didn't get too much after all I have the best LYS to do all my shopping. I did a magnet for my car that says "ssk", how cute is that! I also got this georgeous silk bag from lantern moon. I am now a pampered knitter!

I also got this ice blue yarn for a shawl collar sweater, it's the small picture on the right, a pattern for a wrap (on the left) and a great sock pattern from Blue Moon Socks that Rock. The sock yarn is also from them, it's the colorway dyed for Wendy Knit's cat Lucy. I was so excited to get it since it has been soldout forever!

cozy afghan

2006-10-31T07:13:00.000-05:00

I finished this in record time. I started this afghan, Manos yarn it's the fall block pattern, in the beginning of August and finshed this weekend. I will be putting a crochet fringe on it and then I'm giving it to my Aunt at Thanksgiving. She is also my husband's godmother and is very special to me. She has always treated me more like a daughter in law and has been wonderful to both myself and my husband. I think she'll love it.

This post has been a long time coming becasue I am insanely busy at work and with school. I have huge things are working coming up and starting my thesis for my masters. YIKES! Start to throw in the holidays coming up and I think I'm going to go crazy. I did join a swap thatIi think will be great fun. Only 1 gift exchange and its' the Knitter's Coffee Swap. I love coffee and with these cool days starting this will be perfect. Other great news is that I have lost almost all of my 'quit smoking' weight. A grand total of 15 lbs, I still would like to drop another 10.

good eatin

2006-10-18T18:51:00.000-05:00

Honestly folks I am still knitting with all this cooking going on. Tonight we had lemon marinated chicken and parmesan crusted green beans. It was YUMMY! Things are very busy at work and with school so the posts have been slow coming. I am reading all the blogs just slow with comments

I can cook

2006-10-15T18:16:00.000-05:00

This is the Thai marinated steak that I whipped up at Let's Dish. I cooked mine alittle long, Zach likes his medium rare but it was delicious either way. I think this was the best steak I have ever had!

Everyone wish me luck, I am giving a testimonial speech at a signing ceremony between my local community college and the university I graduated from, Towson. I'm pretty nervous but my speech is good, thanks Dad & Heidi for the review and edits and Maggie for the insightful tips.

Can it be

2006-10-14T17:27:00.000-05:00

a finshed project!!!!!!!!! That's right folks, finally a finshed project to showcase. This is from Fall 2005 Vogue mag. Knitted in Andrean Alpaca. It's so soft and warm, I think still needs to bell out a little on the sleeves and peplum but this is going to look great with a black pencil skirt and red leather boots! Laura at the LYS calls this "one Red Hot Mama outfit"!

Thanks to the Elves at the yarn shop for the fabulous finshing job, I think I'm spoiled now!

Ta-Daa let's dish

2006-10-11T08:44:00.000-05:00

Yummy, I'm going with my Mom and friend to Let's Dish. It's great, you prepare your meals, pack 'em, mark 'em, stick 'em in the frezeer and cook when ready! I figure between this and the crock pot my kitchen will never be messy again! Just to name a few...the menu is chicken parm, thai marinated flank steak, wild rice and chicken chowder, jambalya..need I go on. Check out the site and see if there is one near you.

still alive

2006-10-10T06:28:00.000-05:00

I am still alive and knitting. I have no pictures and little progress to report. I have finished the vogue sweater I was working on. I will begin blocking tonight so maybe a picture in the future. Things have been incredibly busy at work. I am trying to make my rounds to post comments to let you all know I haven't forgotten you. Happy knitting

catching up

2006-09-28T06:24:00.000-05:00

This week has been so busy, this is the first time I've had a chance to post. I made some stitch markers over the weekend. They look ok but I don't think this is a new hobby I'll be taking up.

The boys visited last night while their parents went to dinner. We did lots of coloring and played Candyland. It was a good thing I didn't remember the rules because they don't play the game by the rules yet. It's lots more fun to jump the squares to whatever color you want!
This adorable picture is from stuffonycat.com, Not one of my kitties but don't you all think we need to knit this for our cats!

diagnosis

2006-09-22T07:58:00.000-05:00

It would seem that Dazzle has a staph infection. Since she is immune compromised due to the meds she is on her body couldn't fight the bacteria that is normally dormant on the body. She's on antibiotics for about 3 weeks but at least she and her sister can be together. Since this has happened Dazzle is eating dirt like a crazy woman. There is no shortage of dirt in our backyard so now she is also on vitamin supplements. It never ends. Thanks to everyone who has shared their concern for Dazzle.

it never ends

2006-09-18T06:47:00.000-05:00

I suppose you all figured that Dazzle was doing better and yes that's kind of true. Her IBD/colitis has been stable since the new drugs and new food. But we now have new problem. She went to the vet's Friday for what looked like a hot spot. It turns out it is either a fungal infection or staph infection. So now she is on antibiotics, anti-fungal ointment, and shampoo. Poor thing she can never catch a break. The worse part is that she and Raz have to be separated until we find out if it is contagious.

In knitting news I have statred another project. This is my Grey's KAL project, yes I cheated and started early. I have never seen the show before so I spent Sunday watching the entire first season. So I figured the best plan of action was to go ahead and start the project. It is a open, lace work, pullover with a peplum and bell sleeves from Vogue Fall 2005 issue. I'm working it up in Alpaca Regal in a ruby red. Those interested check out the KAL blog for updates. I'm still waiting for the Harding yarn for the cable sweater and of course I still have socks going. My aunt's afghan is almost finished, only 3 more blocks to go.

elegant cables

2006-09-15T09:05:00.000-05:00

My LYS is having a cable challenge KAL. I am going to be using this Lousia Harding Yarn called Grace a 50/50 silk wool blend.

to make this elegant cabled sweater

anatomy & a KAL

2006-09-13T08:45:00.000-05:00

I have added yet another thing to my plate that is already full. I joined up with Melissa's new KAL. You can get the details here but basically you knit along to this season of Grey's Anatomy. I have yet to see this show but have needed an excuse to add it to the DVR queue. I plan to spend time this weekend getting caught up on the first 2 season's. Not sure what my project will be but I do have christmas gift to get started on!

all good things end

2006-09-11T08:14:00.000-05:00

Just love the new doormat..I had to explain to darling husband why we have a sheep doormat!
Finished socks, Claudia Handpainted, rib pattern, Raz looks so disinterested
Flowers from the new garden
Yellow, Peace Rose

Pink, hybrid tea rose

Purple, heirloom rose

Finished socks, finshed garden..upgrading from soup to spagetti....and back to work...enjoy the week!

vacation end

2006-09-09T20:11:00.000-05:00

The vacation/sick leave has one more day left. back to work Monday. Int he meantime more gardens to mulch Sunday morning then I'll be busy making goulash and chilli. The kitties spent some time relaxing (I've never seen Thomas and lIbby snuggle like this)

My niece got me a get well soon balloon which Jackson quickly took over so we hooked it to him. Before everyone screams he does not swallow the ribbon and this provides hours.... okay minutes of playtime. Before long he does chew through the ribbon and then
he is left jumping for the ribbon..he has given up for the moment

The last package from my secret pal arrived this past week. This exchange has been a lot of fun...lots of surprises in the mail. I'm thinking a fun spring scarf is waiting to be knitted up with these goodies. Thank you very much secret pal for all of the goodies

more labor day madness

2006-09-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

These two boys were my little helpers this past weekend. They are my twin nephews, Dominic and Noah. We played pac man and watched Star Wars. Once they saw the camera all they wanted to do was pose. Two little hams!

Here is the new rose garden, I added a heirloom, kennedy, peace, and dior rose. We will be putting in the mulch this afternoon
The dior rose is already blooming!

labor day weekend

2006-09-07T09:49:00.000-05:00

We finally have a fence for the dogs. They are loving the run of the backyard without being on a leash. I have more pictures to post but blogger is giving me fits.
My surgery yesterday went well. I'm pretty sore today but at least I get to lots of ice cream without any guilt. I've also been eating soup. I made chicken noodle over the weekend and to give me some variety Maggie is bringing me beef vegetable! Hopefully I'll be posting pictures of my newly up-dated rose garden. I've added lavendar, red, yellow, and white. We made the garden larger and put up landscape block. Zach should be putting in the mulch today so more pictures later.

Action Jackson

2006-09-05T19:09:00.000-05:00

Jackson was tagged by Chaos.

5 weird things about myself:

1. My affectionate "human" nickname is FAT BASTARD
...I'm not heavy just husky

2. I love to eat small children..they are tasty

3. I have a wonderful godfather..Uncle Matt

4. I snore when sleeping

5. I love to like Pepsi cans.

crazy cables

2006-08-31T06:11:00.000-05:00

Friday knit-along is starting again at my LYS and this time it's a cable challenge. Not that the cable should be challenging, it is a knit along, but it's a chance for us to challange ourselves to do something different. I had to be a difficult person and plead for a cardigan because I don't usually wear pullovers (the knit along pattern). So I chose the one below. Well it's a challenge. The pattern is not written correctly so Maggie, Laura, and, I have worked to adjust the pattern so I can make it. My first creation!!!!!!!!!!!. sort of. The yarn is Classic Al, Elsebeth Lavold and it is so wonderful and soft and this cable thing is pretty fun.

Jackson proclaims himself King of the Box and Guard of the Yarn Stash

rescue story

2006-08-29T09:18:00.000-05:00

I posted this picture on the KCCL blog and when I saw the pictures on Chris's (excuse me Chaos's blog), his relatives found an odd spot to sit in, I was reminded of a tough day for the Libbster.

Early one morning I heard this sweet meow but could not find the cat behind it. As I was tracking the cry I realized one of the cats were missing. Where was Libby? I swore to Zach that the meow was coming from the floor. He obviously thought I had finally lost it, a crazy cat lady now! Well I lift the vent and see a white paw. It was Libby. She had climbed into the vent in the front of the house, gone across the floor to the back and was stuck. How to get her out. The landlord had me put food in the air unit out back, where she could get too, the Critter Gettr' couldn't help, and neither could Animal Control. That left the fire department. After a few chuckles on their end they have me wait 12 hours just in case she get out on her own, then they arrive. Sirens and lights the whole works. The neighbors have come running and the job begins. They use the big saw to cut the floor, have I mentioned that the floor was concrete. After an hour and a HUGE hole in the floor Libby was tempted by my hand bearing chicken of course and she came out. Her coat was kind of gray but she was unharmed. All of our vents are now screwed to the floor. And you can see she has not lost her desire to be in dangerous places!

No kitty was harmed in this photograph

ribbons

2006-08-26T17:48:00.000-05:00

The Birch Lace Shawl took Honorable Mention at the Maryland State Fair, not too bad. The others that place where very nice pieces of work and the winner of second place was by a knitter I know from the LYS, Lindar Romar. Congrats to her. Zach was amazed at the woman demonstrating spinning on a loom and some of the weaving demos. He was happy to hear that I would not be taking up either of those crafts, even though I would love a loom!

2006-08-24T11:47:00.000-05:00

Where have I been, I can't believe I have neglected this blog. Things have been very busy at work and home. I have however gotten quite a bit of knitting done on my Aunt's blanket and the various socks I am working on. I've also been exercising and diet which make me a little grouchy and that's putting it mildly according to Zach. School is on brief hiatus (2 weeks) so I plan to do some serious cleaning around the house and Labor Day weekend will be filled with putting up a fence and various other outdoor projects. Following that life will suck, I have to go in for a horrible mouth surgery thing that I won't go into detail about but let me say it is a liquid diet for a week! Guess I'll lose the weight then. On a better note I sent in the lace shawl to the State Fair, I should find out if I won anything within a few days.

I leave you with a note from the elusive Teddy, it is rare to get a sighting of this cat, he is sooo shy.
"I certainly hope that she never neglects us, as she has her wonderful readers...where's my tuna?"

free at last

2006-08-20T20:13:00.000-05:00

I have submitted my last paper for this quarter. What a strain, I really need to learn not to put these off until the last minute. Maybe I will actually sleep tonight. Such a stressful weekend had a great hightlight..thanks so much Kelly I really needed it. Noon on Saturday the doorbell rang..mailman to the rescue with an airmail package from Canada. Several weeks ago Kelly and I set up a swap and the package from her arrived!

super soft dishcloth yarn that matches my kitchen perfectly!

How cute are these cats!!! They are made by artisians in third world countries and distributed at a local shop near Kelly and the money is sent back to the artisians. I love these kind of co-op organiztions
I have saved the best for last. Imagine petting the softest thing you can..that might come close to how soft this yarn is. Handpainted angora from fleece artist. The colors are beautiful, I think a pair of booties might be perfect for this yarn..for now as I told Kelly I think I'll cuddle with it.

is it over

2006-08-18T06:55:00.000-05:00

Isn't she done with those papers so we can play!

energy

2006-08-15T13:23:00.000-05:00

Just as I am feeling drained of energy trying to push out 2 HUGE papers by the end of the week...tada I get the energy bill. This is the first with the new degregulation crap from BGE. For those of you that have gone through this and those going through it need I say more..YES. Can you believe that my bill seems to practicaly double and that is with Maryland stepping in at the last minute and adjusting the rate hike from originally 72% down to 15%. It works out to save me about $70, this new difference. However, when a family of 2 has to pay over 200 a month in energy cost something seems very wrong. Guess I'm going to have to get the light up knitting needles so I can turn out the lights!

Aren't we cute

2006-08-13T18:01:00.000-05:00

Look at the girls...they are showing off their new haircuts.

sock massage

2006-08-11T18:04:00.000-05:00

Look at these yummy yarns. My LYS just them in Thursday, I got there just a few hours after and many were already gone. Claudia Handpainted is my new favorite yarn. Just like a foot massage when these finshed socks are put on. The one is called Walnut, rich warm brown tones. The other is called oops, blues and purples almost like a beautiful waterfall. Check out Kelly's blog for what she thinks about this new yarn! It's even cat approved!

flowers and socks

2006-08-10T08:43:00.000-05:00

Look at the flowers Zach got for me last night.

The rainbow 2 on 2 circular socks are moving along pretty quick. I love the stripes on the heel.
Yet another photo slideshow this one is some macro shots of the roses in my garden and other flowers. I'm getting a tripod from my parents to work on some more photos. I'm really enjoying this macro feature especially with the flowers.

sidebar change

2006-08-09T07:25:00.000-05:00

I made some additions to the sidebar. I put in a link to slideshows, one of my pets, and one of my summer stuff. I think I'll keep changing that one through the year to have a photo gallery of what I'm doing. The pet pictures will likley change too. I'll make a link in the blog posting if anything major changes. I tried adding my finished Jo Sharp tank, blogger wouldn't post it but you can see it in the flickr badge
This is the svale shell from Designs by Judith. The yarn is really soft. I don't think I'll work with it again, it tends to split easily.

pictures galore

2006-08-08T06:43:00.000-05:00

These pictures are from the Freer Art Gallery. The gallery was comprised mostly of Asian art. The first two are from the peacock room and the last is a Buddah statue from the Buddah art collection.

Click here to see the zoo pictures if interested. There were too many to post.

busy busy

2006-08-07T06:46:00.000-05:00

My weekend was so busy. I don't even have the energy to organize the pictures. As you all know went to the Aquarium on Thursday, the a crab feast on Friday, then to Washington DC for the zoo and some museums. Sadly the big cat section was closed and there was only 1 gorilla that we saw. They are my favorite part of the zoo and I was saddend to hear that 2 of them recently died. Saw the baby panda Tai Shan and other cuties, the orangatuans were climbing the o line, saw beautiful art at the Freer Gallery and was bored to death at the Air & Space museum. I'll get pictures uploaded to a photo site for viewing pleasure. Knitting news..I finally finshed my Jo Sharp tank. I turned the heel and did the gusset on the rainbow 2 on 2 socks but I had to take one of them off the needles. I could not figure out how to turn the heel and pickup the stitches with them both on the needles.

what I did on my summer vacation

2006-08-04T07:12:00.000-05:00

My mother and I took my niece and her friend to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It was so hot in the city..temps were in the 100's with heat index around 115. Made for a long day but we had a good time and I got to play with my camera some more. You can almost pretend I am traveling with Jeff Corwin experiencing the wilds of the jungle...just ignore the glass reflection in the pictures. The first picture is looking down at the aquarium from the observation deck of the World Trade Center.

Of course I had to feature my sock..ode to Yarn Harlot and the rest of the knitting traveling socks out there.

macro shot

2006-08-02T06:19:00.000-05:00

I've been playing with my camera, trying to get nice shots like everyone else has and I think I'm getting the hang of it. I tried using the macro setting but it was blurry. Ah Ha, you must hold the camera very still and my hands were to shaky. I propped up the camera and tried it. In the last post I tried it with the yarn and then with a live animal. Jackson is the perfect model, he loves to have his picture taken. I love the way everything else in the shot is slightly out of focus and he isn't. I snapped the picture just as he looked away so no glowing eyes either. A while back I submitted his picture for the ASPCA calendar contest.. I think this one would have been much better

Mailbox surprise

2006-07-31T16:19:00.000-05:00

Look at the goodies in the mail today. On the left we have some great cotton yarn perfect for washcloths..just what I was looking for. My chilli pepper kitchen is red, yellow, and green so these will go great (I've got some turqouise there too, little southwest style). My secret pal also sent something extra..as you can see it matches my dining room. Thanks Secret Pal, it's always great to have a surprise in the mailbox.

Day at the Fair

2006-07-29T16:21:00.000-05:00

Look at these cuties...hmmmm..where did all that wool go?

Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Champion and her ribbons

Award

2006-07-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

My lace project feature on a previous post contained a hint about a possible award. Well I can finally announce the news since judging is over. I entered it in the Harford County Farm Fair and I got First Place Blue Ribbion & Champion Ribbon.

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

I will be taking pictures tonight at the Fair so we all can see the ribbons!!!!!!!!!!!!!

up for trade

2006-07-26T17:03:00.000-05:00

I've got Addi Turbos up for trade.. They are size US #9 24" circulars. I used them for about half an afghan. Anyone intersed in a trade send me an email (it's in my profile).

In honor of 2 posts in 1 day a FO. I plan on attaching leather handles to this entralac bag. Done in pastazza (last time I felt with that yarn!)

YUMMY

2006-07-26T08:03:00.000-05:00

Zach and I saw Pirates of the Carribean, Dead Man's Chest The movie was okay, they are all too long now to sit in those seats. Give me my Lazy Boy! But, who can pass up an chance to see Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. Why do all us find a man with greasy hair, gold and silver teeth, clearly unwashed body so damn sexy! Make sure you take a tissue, not for tears but for drool.... Johnny boy is yummy in this film.

burning sky

2006-07-25T12:23:00.000-05:00

Sunset view over my hometown on Manos KAL night.

yarn galore

2006-07-24T06:21:00.000-05:00

Lots of pictures of my shopping spree at the HUGE sale. I also got the very last frog sweater pattern pictured in a previous post for Kelly, should get to her later this week along with a little something else and a treat for Sockies too!

Claudia's handpainted

Encore, for the frog sweater

More Encore for my twin nephew's sweaters

Manos, for a fall harvest afghan (a special christmas gift)

Kid Silk, for yes another lace project!

Needles for socks, and this great magazine, lots to make from this issue

fight night

2006-07-21T06:31:00.000-05:00

It was fight night at the animal kingdom house last night. Dazzle is obviously feeling better and decided to take on her sister. Warning: images are expicit and no aniamls were harmed during these scences.

The Stare Down

Dazzle says to Raz: "you want a piece of ME!"

Dazzles issues the take down and Raz falls to the floor

Commentators Libby and Jackson: "We can't show you any more if this broadcast..MEDICS!"

Just so everyone knows the dogs are fine, this actually is play that they use to do all the time and now that Dazzle is better my house is again filled with the growls and barks of happy dogs.

More pictures to follow Saturday after my yarn frenzy shoppping spree!

SALE SALE

2006-07-20T07:51:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about Ewenique Yarns huge sale this Saturday. If anyone in the area reads this blog and you do not know about the sale check out their blog or website to get all the info and run, okay drive to the sale! It's this saturday 7/22/06, great yarn, great discount, and a raffle with door prizes! The best part is you can pick out your yarn now, they will hold it and bingo Saturday you buy. I already have 10 skeins of Manos for another afghan, yarn for my nephew's sweaters, my neice's sweater look at the cute picture above, and some more kid silk for another lace project. I simply must stop filling my bag.

Thanks for info about the washcloth yarn. My secret pal I believe is coming to the rescue with a shipment...isn't that exciting now I must run to B&N to get the book!

crazy knitting

2006-07-18T06:36:00.000-05:00

My 2 socks on circulars is going pretty good. The yarn is very soft and the colorway is fun to work with. The striping is coming out different than I thought but it still looks very cute, I think my niece will love them. The only problem with this technique is the manuvering the yarn. I'm glad I am using 2 separate balls, at least this way the twisting is easire to untangle.

This project is not going as planned. I'm using pastaza and it will be felted but I am beginning to think I chose poorly in the yarn catergory. This should be a tote size bag and it's not! A friend of mine is also making one and she felted hers already. Let's just say it makes a great family market bag (yeah it's that big!) The yarn is not going far either. In fact so I don't have to buy anymore skiens I am going to repeat colors before they come up in the pattern. The bag is already above budget so I must find a way to keep it under control. I'm thinking that when I'm done I'm going to use leather straps/handles instead of felted ones. And this will probably become my new library bag.
Does anyone know where to get Peaches and Cream yarn or a substitute? I want to make some of the dishcloths in Mason Dixon Knitting.

Dazzle update!!!!!!!!!! For those interested she is eating and doing other functions just like a normal dog. Keep your fingers crossed!

dinner and a show

2006-07-16T13:31:00.000-05:00

Cirque du Soleil was incredible last night. If you have never seen it before the cable Bravo channel shows some of the previous shows and it can at least give you a glimpse of what it is like. Our seats where right at the stage 2nd row. We ate a Chipparelles in Little Italy and were pretty disappointed Zach had lasanga and I ordered penne anna. The show was so good though that dinner didn't really matter. Another couple went with us and we are all planning to try and go to Vegas to see the other Cirque du Soleil show..other stuff too.

end of second sock syndrome?

2006-07-14T06:33:00.000-05:00

This week I took a step up your sock class at my LYS and learn some pretty cool new sock tricks. We covered the magic loop, one sock on 1 circular (12") and 2 socks on 2 circulars. I was really hoping to like that technique so I could avoid the second sock syndrome but I did not quite get the concept. Mostly my problem was with the cast on. So I may have to be a princess and have someone at the yarn store cast on.

Other news is I avoided a near disaster with my entralac bag. Thank you Karen. It seems I forgot to do one of the rectangles on a previous tier but it turned out to be a easy fix, not a rip out!

My lace goes on debut Saturday night. Zach and I will be going to Little Italy in Baltimore for dinner with friends then off to Cirque du Soleil. I am so excited!

Next week is a HUGE sale at my LYS, the Coolest Customer Sale (of course it's me). We get a glass of lemonade and in the ice cube is our dicsount for that day. It could be anywhere ffrom 15-25% off. I am already making my list.

Raz was examining my almost finshed socks and had a few words of advice " Uh mom, I think you need another pedicure, nail polish looks a little dull, great sock though!"

Look at this delicous yarn..It's Claudia's handpainted sock yarn, colorway is carosuel. I'm planning on a pair of socks for my 5 year old neice. Yarn this good should ward off the dreaded second sock syndrome.

Book and a Block

2006-07-12T06:53:00.000-05:00

Many knitters are also readers and we all try to find inventive ways to do both things at one time. And if your like me, the energizer bunny, then your are trying to also watch tv, talk to your sweetie, fight off the monster cat, and everything else! We knitter/readers also would probably like to try a book club to go with our knitting. Ewenique Yarns my LYS, has done just that! So we will be reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, with our first discussion in September to go along with the Block of the Month meeting, which has now changed names to Manos Monday.

thank you & update

2006-07-11T06:25:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to all those who commented on my lace. I've only been knitting for about 7 months now and since finishing this shawl I feel like a "real" knitter. I can't wait to pick out my next one. I've started another Jo Sharp pattern and it's going well. I wish I had changed the pattern to in the round but it's going fast enough. It's just a simple tank but with some shaping to spice it up. The best part is the yarn I'm using. Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool and it is sooo nice to work with.
This friday I'm having some crafty friends over for a little SNB topped of with chicken parm should be great fun!

Dazzle update: looks like high liver counts on blood work is due to meds so will probably try pred and flagyl. She is being scoped today for some more biopsies and a looksy. She'll probably stay with grandpa for a couple days to get new meds regulated and start new duck and potato food. Have I mentioned that my dad is her vet and without him she probably wouldn't be here (I think her bill to date is over $7,000 if I had to actually pay for everything!) Anyhoo, hopefully she will pull through okay if not it's off to the internal medicaine doc and then it gets real pricey.

Shawl style

2006-07-08T12:53:00.000-05:00

Remember the lace shawl I started a few months ago..well it's DONE. Took approx. 3 balls Rowan Kid Silk Haze, pattern is Birch from Rowan Mag. 34. It's so soft and falls so nice. Everyone agress not to block otherwise I'll lose the honeycomb look. So I need to do a light spritz and press the corners. Even though it was intense I loved working with this yarn and I enjoyed the challenge of lace. Had to resit the lure when the project turns out so beautiful. Hopefully this project will win some awards but that's all I can say..... more details about that at the end of the month!

sp8 greatness

2006-07-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

When I arrived home I was greeted with a package from my secret pal..and I needed it. Dazzle is very sick again so it's been a long day and what a way to cheer me up. The package smelled so yummy..a scented candle that reminded me peach sherbet, a delicious lollipop that I ate right after the picture was taken, such a beautiful card, with the most interesting yarn. My secret pal knows that I live near a great yarn shop so she topped them with the neatest yarn she got from a art and wine festival!

The picture quality doesn't do the yarn justice but it is hand spun..my first hand spun yarn.. with purple and green and gold.. so soft and beautiful. She had a great idea of a scarf and I think my pal is right. This will go perfect with my green wool coat this winter..hmmm what kind of stitch to use?

Libby says this is sooo my color..what will my mommy make for me!

Thanks secret pal..I love the yarn and can't wait to make something with my first hand spun.

O say can you see

2006-07-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

Lots of pictures..fireworks over Baltimore's Inner Harbor!

Boat Trip

2006-07-01T18:07:00.000-05:00

Lots of pictures in this post. These are from the boat trip Friday. We left from Baltimore Harbor, on to Rock Hall near the Bay Bridge. The water was full of debris and pretty dirty because of the storm. After dinner we slowly cruised back to the harbor. AHH the life of luxury!

Baltimore Harbor

One of Balitmore's Crabbing Boats

Where we ate dinner

Fort Mc Henry

Key Bridge (named after Francis Scott Key who wrote the Star Spangled Banner)

Me and darling dearest, relaxing after a dinner of steamed shrimp, steamed crabs (a Baltimore delicacy) and blackend Mahi

randomness

2006-06-29T07:28:00.000-05:00

I'm not evacuated or flooded but my backyard is a mudpool that Raz can't help but jump into and roll around in. My secret pal let me know that a package is on it's way. How exciting.
It finally stopped raining here, we are just left with horrid humidity...don't feel to sorry for me, it's suppose to cool off and I will be crusing around in this Friday afternoon. and then again for the fireworks on Tuesday at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore!

rain..rain..go away

2006-06-27T10:14:00.000-05:00

Pictures from my hometown...how miserable...don't worry it's not me stuck in the water...but my basement is coming close to becoming a pool!

HOORAY

2006-06-26T07:02:00.000-05:00

Today is my ONE YEAR anniversary of being a non-smoker. I was a smoker for over 10 years and decided about 2 years ago that when I got my degree I would quit. So last year came around and I got my degree, went to Florida to celebrate and returned to begin my life as a non-smoker. And I am happy to report that I have stayed that way for a year now. Of course darling husband was quiting as well. But alas he didn't make it, on top of that he successfuly hid that fact for over 6 months!!! I'm still hoping he will find it in himself to quit but in the meantime HOORAY for ME.

smile

2006-06-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

taken from cuteoverload..seriously got to thisesite for the cutest pictures (www.cuteoverload.com) and I'd like to know who got all that yarn!!!

test drive

2006-06-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

Car shopping can be so exhausting..but when you might be buying one of these it sures get a lot better!

The girls can't wait..now they have their own seat in the WAY WAY back!

a sit down

2006-06-15T08:53:00.000-05:00

While watching the Sopranos on DVD last night Jackson had a sit-down with Dazzle to discuss the chicken dinner their Mom cooks for Dazzle. It ended with Jackson landing a sucker punch on Dazzle's head. Round 1 = Jackson 1, Dazzle 0

looky here

2006-06-14T06:28:00.000-05:00

I am so pleased how this turned out..very Jackie O. if you ask me. The pattern is from Paintbox Knits and I made some adjustments (it was suppose to have flowers coming out of the pocket and a tie at the top) I used the cutest lamb button & crochet loop, and instead of the stitched on flowers, trimmed the pocket and the sleeves in the green. The stitch is moss or double seed and it was so easy. The yarn is Madrid (5 pink, 1 green). This is for my niece, also godchild maybe I'll make it to some of the other little girls that join our family as well.

After looking at this creation Jackson says he promises not to bite her anymore!

miscellaneous ramblings

2006-06-13T11:37:00.000-05:00

In the news today:
Jack, a 15-pound orange-and-white cat, cat sits under a treed black bear in a backyard in West Milford, N.J., Sunday, June 4, 2006. When the bear climbed down, the cat chased it up another nearby tree. Neighbor Suzanne Giovanetti thought Jack was simply looking up at the bear, but soon realized the much larger animal was afraid of the hissing cat. The cat's owners called it away and the bear ran off.
Now that's the kind of cat you need out camping!

In other scattered thoughts today I have found a new thing to spoil myself with. A PEDICURE. I had my first one this past weekend and it is so much better than doing your own..you get a massage on top of it all. I just finished the Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child book The Book of the Dead and it was good. The others in this set were better but still good. I won't go into any details so that it's not spoiled for others. I started Ahab's Wife and we'll see how it goes. It's very well written but it lacks in excitement. I have taken a pass for now on the Outlander series (not my cup of tea). School has started back up but I am sure I can handle it. I just keep telling myself it is almost over.

I finally finshed a project. I have so many gogin it seemed like I would never actually complete one! It was a cardigan for my niece (Kiera) and I can't wait to post the picture. Laura at the LYS put it on display in the store so I will pick it today and post pictures tomorrow. The details of the sweater to follow in that post.

vacation pictures

2006-06-07T06:52:00.000-05:00

morning on the lake

the creature that made the rustling in the woods

she came down to the water edge for a drink..just 10 feet from the boat

I know ...not suppose to feed the wildlfe..but they were sooo cute

here's Zach testing the water at the falls, Swallow Falls State Park

tallest water fall in Maryland Muddy Creek Fall 52 feet

I bravely made the climb to the top of the fall..what a climb..those stairs were tough!

back to regular life

2006-06-05T06:30:00.000-05:00

I am back from vacation, it always goes to fast. Had great fun, didn't catch one fish but did get a great tan! I will post pictures soon.

A big thanks to my Secret Pal for the gift certificate to my LYS!

vacation time

2006-05-28T12:12:00.000-05:00

Bon voyage, I am off for vaction and will have tons of pictures when I return at the end of the week!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 dozen and 4 years

2006-05-25T15:12:00.000-05:00

We've been married for 4 years....and look at what beautiful roses I got...do you notice that the 2 cards below are the same...that's right we both got each other the SAME card...you'd think we'd been married much longer...truth be told we've been together 12 but yesterday was our 4th wedding anniversary

review time

2006-05-25T09:12:00.000-05:00

I've finished Mermaid Chair, Sue Monk Kidd and it was great. A touching story of family bonds, friendship, love, and marriage. I listened to it on the mp3 and I think it was better because the reader (Eliza Floss) had a southern accent to go with the character Jessie, and she gave the listener a sense of having a story being told to them. Put this one on your list for your summer reads.

one down...

2006-05-24T08:29:00.000-05:00

One year of grad school down................one more year to go!!!!!!!!!

Libby say's : kudos to you Mom!! Can I have chicken now?

silky lace

2006-05-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

an update on the lace project. I love working with Rowan kid silk haze. When the lace is held up it shimmers like gold and the yarn is soooo soft. I'm also loving the lace work.

NEWS ALERT

2006-05-16T13:31:00.000-05:00

How fun is this..create your own news alert. You too can have fun using this link http://tools.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp. Thanks to Melissa for sharing this info http://littlempknits.blogspot.com/ And thanks to my secret pal for contact.

Scaredey cat

2006-05-12T07:06:00.000-05:00

The elusive Teddy...most people don't think he exists because he only comes out when it is absolutely quiet so no one except Zach and I see him. Poor little thing... looks so startled

promise to mom

2006-05-09T12:40:00.000-05:00

I promised my mom I would post this picture. It is my Mardi Gras Poncho that I made for Easter. Check out the fringe, lucky for me Maggie and Laura http://www.eweniqueknitter.blogspot.com/
did all of that work. On top of that I made it much to big and we had to cut it and redo the fringe, thanks girls!!
Hopefully this will give my Aunt inspiration, she has just learned to knit and is starting her first sweater, good luck!

Spoiling assigned

2006-05-06T20:22:00.000-05:00

Yeah,!!!! I was assigned my spoilee, can't wait to get started

sp8 info

2006-05-05T06:09:00.000-05:00

Here is my responses to the sp8 questions..hope this helps my future secret pal!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love the natural fibers, so far there is nothing to list as do not like but I’d say acrylic is my least favorite
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I store my circulars in a binder type container that is suppose to hold tackle, the pouches are heavy duty Ziploc type bags and for my straights in a roll up pouch
3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I’ve been knitting for about 6 months but have been working on intermediate techniques and projects lately
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I love patchouli, sandalwood, and lavender
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I do like chocolate but I limit myself to special occasions, butterfingers are my favorite7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I try my hand at photography, I love to cook, and I do a little bit of crochet. I tried scrap booking but only for special family albums
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I usually listen to singers and songwriters, some country
9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I prefer neutral/warm colors but in the summer I wear my fair share of pinks.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married and we only have cats and dogs
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves and hats and ponchos
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I don’t have any favorites yet since I am still challenging myself, I do always have a pair of socks going though.
13. What are you knitting right now? I am working on a sweater, summer tee, lace scarf, socks, afghan, and entralac bag.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I prefer circulars, bamboo
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I borrow my mom’s winder, no swift
17. How did you learn to knit? A class at my local yarn store, and still learning new things through their classes
18. How old is your oldest UFO? My Manos afghan, I started it in January but it is a big project.
19. What is your favorite holiday? The Christmas season, not so much the day but the holiday season itself.
20. Is there anything that you collect? Buddha statues, incense burners, books and yarn of course
21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I really want the Rowan Classic Beach book and yarn to make the Scallop sweater. I also want to try the bamboo yarn! I have a subscription to Interweave
22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Intarsia and new sock techniques for different heels and toes
23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes!! Size 6 1/2-7
24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 02/04

I is for Iris

2006-05-05T06:07:00.000-05:00

I is for Iris, the symbol for spring I think. I just wish this was in my garden and not my neighbor.

travel companion

2006-05-04T07:13:00.000-05:00

You're wondering why a bug picture and not knitting...well I must share this story that if you can picture the scene should be rather funny. Coming home from work yesterday I was listening to my audio book and I felt my back itching and after a while a poking and something hard when I scratched my back. I realized it was a BUG and figured it was a bee. In a full blown panic I pull over jump out of the car and now realize that it gone down the back of pants. What to do now I contemplate, should I pull my pants down, and this road is very busy mind you or take my pants off in the car. I summon the courage to pull the offender out of my pants and it lands on my seat. Of course now looking at it I am certain it is a SPIDER and I'm DYING of course. I call Zach as I race to my dad's hospital for him to look at it and my back, which I am sure is covered with bites and turning necrotic. Zach has no sympathy, telling me it's proabably not a spider and I need to calm down. Of course I know this but that's not what I want him to say, husbands never know how we want things handled. I get to my dad's and he looks at the bug and we discover that it is some kind of beetle, my back is not covered in bites. When Zach looked at the offender in the formalin jar he says with exasperation , "you freaked out over this!". Well you would too if it landed in your pants, in the car, while you where driving! Further discovery has led me to concluded that this is likely a beetle very simliar to that in the picture, a snout nose beetle, aka, weevil, and it was that snout that I felt poking me. This is what I get for having those roses in my car I am sure, country girl who apprecites the finer points of nature I am not!

blog changes and catch up

2006-05-02T09:19:00.000-05:00

As you can now see I have been playing around with blogger, should be working on my paper. I know have an avatar on my profile which actually really looks like a cartoon verison of me. I have also added my list of WIP and a gallery of finished projects via flickr. I'm still adding pictures so be sure to check back.

I dug the holes for my roses and they are currently "heeling" so I can plant them this afternoon. This was suppose to be a simple project but now my husband is involved and we have to make a whole garden complete with landscape stones. In the end it will look nice but it started out with simple roses. Of course I probably won't see any flowers until next year or maybe even after, I will post a pic of the updated garden zone tomorrow though.

Dazzle is doing well for those interetested, she loves her chicken and brown rice and so far no problems with the new meds. Her sister is pouting about the food though. She lays mournfully by the bowl when Dazzle is done and licks the crumbs. Poor thing.

Busy Days

2006-05-01T07:27:00.000-05:00

No knitting progress from the weekend except my guage swatch for the new KAL at the LYS. Tee Time V-neck shell/tank in so soft Svali yarn. The color is a pale purplish pink and of course I can't get gauge. Other than that I am so busy getting the house ready for my brother-in-law's suprise 21st party. I will be busy finishing up end of quarter grad school papers, planting my just arrived roses, and such. I can kill just about any plant, even a cactus but for some reason roses grow by leaps and bounds under my thorn pricked thumb.

Knitter's Review and my LYS

2006-04-27T06:14:00.000-05:00

This great review was given in the most recent edition of Knitter’s Review and it’s my LYS.

On the Road: Yarn Shops in the Baltimore Region
by Amie Gavin Glasgow

Ewenique Yarns130 N. Bond St., Suite 103Bel Air, MD 21014
tel. 410-399-9929
eweniqueyarns.com

Heading North of Baltimore to Bel-Air, Maryland, we have Ewenique Yarns. The pretty, sunny shop is tucked into a small strip mall, so if you're not careful you might miss it. You won't want to do that, though.
In addition to being well stocked in Rowan and Brown Sheep yarns, as well as many other favorites, the shop is decorated with dozens of toy sheep that were given by loyal customers to express their appreciation. The staff earns this appreciation, giving all first-time customers a gift of a retractable tape measure decorated with their logo, as well as an emery board to smooth any yarn-snagging nails.
On one visit, I witnessed a man coming in with a shopping list from his wife. The sales associate helped find several yarns that fit the list requirements, and patiently explained their return policy should anything be not quite right. Later, in my own purchase, I discovered that one of the buttons I'd chosen was scratched. Without hesitation it was given to me at a marked discount. It seems Ewenique Yarns features unique service as well.

lace-pain and pleasure

2006-04-25T18:36:00.000-05:00

I love working with this and it is a fun pattern. But your are looking at hours of work that no longer exist. I had to rip it all out due to a mistake with my yarn over and damn stitch markers that of course I am still using. However I have now recieved instructions from Laura at the LYS, thank you by the way, and I am on my way again. You can see a completed version of this project at Fig and Plum's blog (http://www.figandplum.com) under her projects link for further inspiration.

H is for halfway done

2006-04-24T12:16:00.000-05:00

Now on my third pair of sock I truly understand second sock syndrome. I love knitting socks, they travel everywhere, knit fairly quickly and I love seeing what color comes next but when I finshed this sock I really wanted to be able wear both socks.

Dog-Gone Sundays

2006-04-24T06:25:00.000-05:00

Isn't this the picture perfect sunday? You would think they were the ones that slaved away cleaning all day. Dazzle is feeling a little better, eating yummy boiled chiken and brown rice. She goes on Imuran this week hopefull all goes well. Much news on the knitting front this weekend and I will be posting progress pictures later today.

lace take 2

2006-04-21T07:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, lets try this again. This is what I am going to try. The other pattern had some kind of cluster knit 7 tog and it was not a fun stitch pattern. So instead I shall attempt this as my first lace project. It's from Rowan #34 and I am using kid silk haze in gold. It's got a lace cast on that I am struggling with but shall master soon enough.

lovely lace

2006-04-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

I know I go on about the new projects on the horizon but I am getting the yarn for this tonight at the needle exchange (that's my LYS version of a stitch-n-bitch). This pattern is from the spring issue of interweave and I'm going to do it in Rowan kidsilk haze. Hopefully I am not committing knitting suicude by dodin this lace pattern but I keep wanting challenging projects. The husband's boss sweater is moving pretty good and so is every thing else. Boating season has started so i don't expect to see much of my husband for the next couple of months. I guess that's good, plenty of uninterrupted knitting time.

I took a fixing mistakes class at the LYS last night and it was great. The instructor was great, she is also an editor for interweave :) aren't I lucky,. The class was such a confidence booster. If you all have one around you I highy recommend the class.

Dazzle has been diagnosied with colitis, aka irritable bowel disease. Recommendations are steroids or immune suppressant drugs but we are going to try the diet treatment first.

Lucky me I get to spend all day Tuesday at nursery school. Now I have no children so this will be a real challenge. I'm only good for about a couple of hours around kids, these are 3 and 4 year olds, and this will be all day of observations for a paper for grad school. I think I'll need a stiff drink when it's all over. Wish me luck.

Easter Basket

2006-04-18T06:16:00.000-05:00

I worked up this Easter basket to take as a hostess gift for Easter dinner to my cousin. It was done with cascade 220 and fling then felted, the pattern was so easy and done in I think less than 2 hours. Of course the cats thought it was the greatest thing with all the fling sticking out I think they'd like a larger one for them to sleep in.

One another note thanks for support with Angel. Dazzle is doing better, keep your fingers crossed. She does not have pancreatitis we are still waiting for the colonoscopy biopsy results. We need to sell our house in order to buy the one I blogged about so we are going to begin the fun part of getting that ready. Although we now are think maybe we'll go back to original plan and wait another year. Decisions..it's never easy.

Scruffy Angel

2006-04-17T11:53:00.000-05:00

This is Angel and she shared 11 years with Zach and I. I had have her put to sleep this morning and it's been a very rough day. She had been chronically ill for close to 7 years now with sinus issues and she had a severe heart mumur. She never groomed herself and would be close to having a stroke when I groomed her. So many of my cats are getting old and leaving one by one that it's hard to let go so I held off longer than I should have. She looks so cute and scruffy in this picture. Although she looks like she is winking she is actually getting ready to sneeze, which she did all the time and I really don't think she was happy. Sorry to have only sad news today but it's to difficult to be cheerful.

Dazzle up-date

2006-04-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

For those of you that are waiting, Dazzle was doing better. She was under control from Thursday last week until yesterday moring. However, yesterday afternoon she had another flare up so back to the vet she goes. This time for a colonoscopy and to have bloodwork done for pancreatitis. Poor thing, I'm sure it doesn't feel good to have such an upset stomach and I think even her sister has sympathy pains. I know I have sympathy pains when I have to clean out the kennel and wash her off so many times. I let you all know how it turns out, hopefully I'll make it home from work in time to prevent any problems today.