The Running Biology Of A Knitter

Free Pattern - Freshly Sprouted

2011-06-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

My husband and I are expecting our first Little One in a few weeks and I've been very slooooow in getting any knitting done for him. The one thing that I really wanted to do was to at least make him a cute little hat to come home in. I'm not a huge fan of the hospital hats and couldn't imagine not making anything at all for him. I've started on some pint-sized socks, but not sure that those will even fit. Sooo, using the same sock yarn that I used for the teeny socks, I cast on and blindly tried out a newborn-sized hat. After a few tries, I found a pattern that works well with sock yarn.

Materials:

US 1 1/2 needles - dpns or circs will work (using magic loop for 32" circs)

US 2 needles - dpns or circs again

1/2 skein of sock yarn or less (my 1/2 skein was only 175 yds and I've got enough to make at least one more hat); I used Sophie's Toes Superwash Merino Sock in "Fresh Lettuce" colorway

darning needle

Gauge: Using US 2 needles, over stockinette portion, 8 sts/inch x 11 rows/inch. However, please note that the gauge is not hugely important since this will be stretching over a newborn head and not all newborns have the same sized heads! ;) Please feel free to change needle sizes to go with your fingering-weight yarn. You can also add or remove a multiple of 8 sts to the pattern to accomodate your needs.

Pattern:

Using US 2 needles, co 88 sts. Switch to US 1 1/2 needles and join for knitting in the round (as always, be careful not to twist your stitches when joining). K 2x2 rib for 5 rows, then switch back to the US 2 needles.

K for 3.5-3.75 inches, then start decreases as follows:

K6, k2tog; repeat around.

K 1 round.

K5, k2tog; repeat around.

K 1 round.

Continue decreasing in this manner until you have gotten to k2tog around. At this point, you will continue k2tog each round (no rounds of k1 in between), until you have 3 stitches left. Close to the last row, you will have an odd number of sts, just add that one into the next round of k2togs.

Once there are 3 sts remaining, cut the yarn leaving a tail of at least 6" and thread the tail through the remaining sts. Weave in all ends, add to the top of your favorite beautiful newborn baby and voila!

Free Pattern - Man Paws

2010-01-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

I've listed the pattern that I used to create the "Wooden Paws" (Ravelry link) for my husband. Feel free to share some pics of your projects, too.

Materials Needed:

Approx. 150 yds. of dk to worsted weight yarn (works wonderfully with handspun, too!)
US 3 dpns or circular needles (32" in length or longer)
US 4 circular needle (dpns are doable, too, but note that instructions are written for circs and make adjustments for yourself as needed)
Waste yarn or stitch holder
Yarn needle to weave in ends

Glossary:

co - cast on
st(s) - stitch(es)
k - knit
bo - bind off
2x2 rib - knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeat around
M1L/M1R - please refer to this site for a great tutorial video on each (scroll down to the first third and they are on either side of the page)
decrease bind-off - please refer to a great article here on some stretchy bind offs (it's halfway down the page)

Instructions:

Using US 3 needles, co 44 sts. Do a 2x2 rib for 2", then switch to the US 4 needles.

K for 2".

Start increases for the thumb gusset here. On the next round, k up to the last st, M1L, k1, switch to next needle, k1, M1R, k to the end of the round. K 1 round. Continue in this manner until you have 16 increases (8 on each side of the mitt), or a total of 60 stitches. K one round. K to last 8 sts on first side of mitt, place 8 sts on holder or waste yarn, switch needles, place 8 more sts on the same holder, k to end of the round. Continue knitting the 44 sts in stockinette for 1/2".
Switch to the US3 and do a 2x2 rib for 1 1/2". Bo using a decrease bind-off or another stretchy bind-off that you really like.

Pick up the 16 sts on your st holder using the US4 needles. K for 1/2", then switch to the US3 needles. Do a 2x2 rib for 1/2". Bo using the decrease bind-off.

Use yarn needle to weave in all the ends and to help close up any remaining holes in the thumb-area. You're probably better at those than I am and don't have any, but just in case... ;)

Repeat for the second mitt, only changing the thumb increases. When beginning the increase round, k1, M1R, k to end of needle, switch needles, k to last st, M1L, k1. K one round. Repeat these two rounds until you have 16 increases. Lather, rinse and repeat all other directions.

I know that for most of us who do the simple version, the pattern will look the same on either hand, but I wanted to include the different thumb increases so that you can add patterns or texture on the backs of the hands or make any other changes you want without having to think about how to switch things around. I encourage you to add more cuff or top length as wanted, and have so much fun with it!

It really is a quick and fun knit. And what more could you ask for than a happy guy with warm hands? Enjoy!
If you have any questions, please leave a comment here or send me a mesage on Ravelry - I'm cbdom. Pattern and images © ChelseaD/cbdom, 2010.

Wooden Paws

2010-01-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

I'm very very slowly making progress on some mitts for the special person in my life. It's not because I'm a slow knitter. It's because I need to actually knit in order to make some progress. I think that I might be purposely sabotaging any efforts that I make to finish things. If I keep starting more, I can never be finished, right? Sigh.

These mitts (well, the beginning of one mitt) are being knit out of Julie Spins BFL in her "Wood" colorway. I've spun this into a 2-ply heavy dk to light worsted weight yarn. I'm making them up as I go along, so I'll be sure to post the pattern and any tips once I finish them. I'm really liking the fabric that this yarn is making so far. Maybe that's why I'm not working on them so much - I don't want to give them up. Nah, just laziness and over-commitment. :D

Here's how the mitts started:

Gorgeous colorway, amazingly yummy yarn to spin with. What more could a knitter want? Oh, more time. Sigh.

Mis Pies Están En Miami

2009-11-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Handspun, finally done! :D It took me about a million months to get these done, but I've finally finished a pair of socks again! Woohoo! This is a handspun yarn, made from Squoosh Fiberarts' SW Merino in the "Crazy Tops 01" colorway, shown below.

I spun this into 364 yds. of two-ply fingering weight yummy yarn.

The socks were knit on size US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace 40" circulars (one at a time). I do a provisional crochet cast-on with a short-row toe, basic stockinette foot, short-row heel, then knit for about 1/2" before starting a 3x1 rib for the cuff. The cuffs are about 6" long, finished with a decrease bind off. Finish, wear, and have fun! ;)

Fall Flowers

2009-10-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

I finally got my back deck cleared off. I've had many different transplanting sessions on it over the last couple of years that have piled up. Since there is no easy way to dispose of old containers, soil and spent plants from the back yard, stuff starts to pile after several seasons. Finally, I was able to take some time recently and clean off the entire back deck (all six inches of it ;). That gave me the perfect space to transplant this year's mums and get my first ever tulip bulbs in the ground. I'm excited about the bulbs, but of course I have a while before those will be ready. The chryanthemums, however, get to show off their pretty colors right now. And it's really nice to see them out of our living room every day, I must say. They really enjoy this combination of warm and cool weather. Yeay for fall flowers!

Spinning For Socks

2008-12-05T18:43:00.001-08:00

I've been baaaaad. I spun more sock yarn. I couldn't help myself! I know, I know - I already have enough of that without having to make more. I hear ya! But... I just couldn't help myself.

JulieSpins had this roving and I saw it and had to have it and then I spun it and gave it as a gift and then I got more of the same roving and same colorway but a little different and then I spun that up and.... well, I fell in love. Plain and simple. Now I want to make socks out of it. Is that really so wrong?!

Fiber: SW Merino by JulieSpins in "Jungle" colorway (here's my other "Jungle" spin from her)

Detaisl: Approx. 334 yds. of two-ply in fingering weight yumminess.

Plans: Make socks with it and then wear them to the grave. Seriously.

Dawn on My Toes

2008-11-30T15:55:00.000-08:00

My first pair of handspun socks! :)

Pattern: Plain ol' sock pattern. Crochet cast-on, short-row toes, short-row heels, decreas bind off in 1x1 rib.

Yarn: My handspun, 388 yds. of two-ply fingering weight in merino, Moonlight Baker's Hungry for Handspun in "Morning Sky" colorway.

Needles: US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace 40" circular needle

These were a lot of fun to do. I love how squooshy they feel on the inside. I swear they feel even more magical than ones that I make from store-bought yarn. ;)

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? I hope that y'all had a nice time and didn't have too much traffic to sit in on your way there or back. This is such a nice time of year, I hope that everyone is able to enjoy it and take it all in slowly. Cheers!

A Warm November Spring Day

2008-11-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson

My husband and I wanted to get out yesterday morning for some fresh air and sunshine. It has been pretty warm here the past few days so we knew that it would be a great day to go to a neighborhood park that we love. When we got there, at 10:30 a.m., it was about 70 degrees. Yes. You read that right. It ended up getting up to 80 yesterday, but the big deal to me was that it was 70 degrees at 10:30 a.m. on a fall morning. Seriously?!

We didn't do much once we got there. Aron brought his camera to take some random shots and I brought some knitting. We both brought some good reading, too. Sitting on the grass, feeling the warmth of the sun on my feet and the cool grass beneath, I just felt like I was in heaven. I kept on forgetting that it was mid-November. Seriously!

Though I didn't do a whole lot of knitting, I do have some progress pics of a project that I've been doing with the Stitch-It Podcast Listeners Group over at Ravelry. They've started the "Embrace your inner Linus: Shawl KAL" and I've picked one of my favorite yarns in my favorite colorway to make La La's Simple Shawl. I love the way that it's turning out. I can't wait to get it done, though it will take me quite a while. ;)

I'm off to go do some more selfish knitting since it's going to be gift-knitting time in a few days for me. Happy Sunday!

Spinning Mania!

2008-10-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I just went a little bit crazy in a shop update that I've found some fabulous fiber at. At first glance, I wasn't super in love with my first braid that I got from her. Though it was pretty, I knew that she had previously done some amazing stuff. Spinning it up, I still wasn't too sure. After plying it, however, I realized that this stuff is really fabulous. She does some amazing colorways that are unique and make you think outside the box. Colors that you wouldn't think to put together suddenly glow and radiate. This simple skein of fingering-weight is so subtle in comparison to what she usually posts in her shop.

The fiber is by Juliespins and she just did a shop update. Though you couldn't tell by looking at her stock since it sells out in mere seconds. ;)

4.4 oz. of Superwash Merino Handpainted Roving in "Jungle" colorway (she does a new version of that colorway in almost every shop update - I'll show you my next one ;). This was spun into approximately 400+ yds. of two-ply fingering weight. Super fun socks, that's my guess! :D

Witches Brew

2008-10-15T15:55:00.001-07:00

Though I missed posting a pair for last month in the Sock A Month KAL, I do have a pair today. Lucky you! :)

Yarn: Knitterly Things' Vesper Sock Yarn in "Crew" colorway, one skein

Pattern: Generic toe-up with short-row heels and toes, using a provisional crochet cast-on

Needles: US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace 40" circulars

Sigh

2008-08-30T13:16:00.001-07:00

I just love this colorway so much. I really want to learn how to Navajo ply so that I can keep the colorway's stripes consistent. If I do a 2-ply or a 3-ply, that will mix the colors up. I still might save it for when I've learned how to Navajo ply. Does anyone have a good recommendation for how to learn? Any good books or other resources?

I'm Doomed!

2008-08-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

I may be a little bit overly dramatic, but I do think that I'm doomed. I have fallen into a huge smooshy pit of fiber and I don't really want to get out. Is that wrong?!

Here's my latest fall...

But this was the one that started it all...

And this was the one that kept me wanting more.

So you see, there is a slight progression. Sort of. Well, I can't seem to help myself and I don't know that I really want to. If anyone you know wants to start spinning, tell them not to... unless they really really love fiber. A lot. Otherwise, they may not be prepared for just how much they will end up loving it once they start spinning. Seriously.

One More Pair For Team Cabin Fever

2008-08-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Olympian Socks by Sheryl Giles

Yarn: Claudia Hand Painted Fingering in "Cabin Fever" colorway, two skeins

Needles: One 40" Addi Turbo Lace US 2 1/2 circular

Mods: None

These socks were knit for the Socktopia Olympic Sock Contest (not related to Ravelympics, but in celebration of the Olympics). I am part of Team Cabin Fever and just could not pass up using the team's namesake colorway. I don't think that the colorway shows the pattern well, but it is a lovely colorway nonetheless. I love how squishy this newere base-yarn is that Claudia is using. This could end up costing me a lot of money if I decide to replace all of my existing stuff with the newer base-yarn. Of course, I need to start stashing more fiber for my new wheel that I'll be getting soon, but I just might have to get one or two more Claudia colorways, too. Hmmm...

How is everyone's summer turning out? My husband went for a crazy bicycle ride for the end of our summer. He rode a billion miles to the Yosemite area. We knew that going the whole way would be a little crazy because of the 6,000 foot ascent during a very short distance (at least short when it comes to going up using your own energy). Though he did not end at the park itself, he made a ginormous distance and burned more than 6,000 calories during the process. It was so much fun following along and supporting him with love and energy (in the forms of beverages and snacks). We kept him well hydrated and well calorated (if I want to make it a word, I can dang it!). He had a great time and surprisingly wasn't sore the next day or the day after. I'm so thrilled that he did so much and that he was so driven. I personally would have collapsed after trying to make it up the hill near our house. ;) What else are you doing to wrap up your summer freedom?

Golden Olympians and Wheels

2008-08-15T17:16:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Olympian Socks by Sheryl Giles
Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in "Latte" colorway (mmmm!)
Needles: US 2 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace 40" circulars
Mods: Almost none, except the short-row toe, which didn't really work well for this pattern. :)

This pattern was a lot of fun (and a fun competition for the Socktopia Olympic Contest), but it's all about the colorway for me. The colors are so rich but subtle. I really like this colorway and now I'm hoping that Emily does it again.

Almost off-topic, I have a new interest:

I have been taking a fabulous spinning class for the past few weeks. The class meets once a week for five weeks and we get exposure to many different wheels. The wheel in the above picture was an Ashford something-or-other. I didn't find the name on the wheel itself, but I do believe that it was the Elizabeth2. I was also able to try out the Ashford Traveler and the Kromski Prelude. All three of these wheels were single-treadle. I most definitely like double-treadle better, but these wheels were a lot of fun to get to know. I know that my singles aren't completely perfect, but it sure is fun getting some practice in! I am looking forward to purchasing my own wheel soon (very soon)! I am trying to ignore the fact that this is going to turn into a whole new obsession. Didn't I pass up several offers of sewing lessons just to avoid the urge to make beautiful quilts?! Well, I'm glad that I completely kept myself out of harm's way. I'm sure that a fiber obsession will cost waaaaay less than a fabric obsession! ;)

You'll Never Believe it! Socks!!!

2008-07-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Anastasia by Mintyfresh at Pepperknits
Yarn: Zen String Serendipity Fingering in "Georgia" colorway, 1/2 skein
Needles: Addi Turbo 40" US 1 1/2 circulars
Mods: Ankle-length with 2x2 ribbing for 10 rows

This pattern is a lot of fun, but for some reason I've forgotten how I did it as a full-length last time. Once you go around the entire leg, the pattern needs to change at a couple of points in order to continue without skips. I couldn't do it this time. Oh well - I needed something shorter anyway. ;) This colorway is a lot of fun and the yarn base is great. This was my first time using Zen String's yarns. I am looking forward to finding a good use for the "Dahlia" colorway. I've seen that one done with a Monkey pattern. It looks fabulous, but I'd hate to copy someone. Does someone have a suggestion for a good pattern for the colorway? If you click on the colorway name above, it will bring you to a photo of my stashed skein. I would love to see what suggestions y'all have! Thanks. :)

NOT Socks?!

2008-07-22T13:35:00.001-07:00

No, not socks.

Pattern: An Unoriginal Hat by Stephanie Pearl McPhee

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts' Leticia in "Space Dust" colorway, just under one full skein (enough to add a cute little flower or something)

Needles: 5 Crystal Palace US 11 bamboo dpns (10 3/4 size recommended and I might use that the next time since this was a tiny bit too big)

Mods: None :)

I love this colorway. I really like the pattern, too. However, the hat itself doesn't fit perfectly. It sort of wants to just lay there. So next time, I'm making it with the slightly smaller needles, which I did purchase. Has anyone else made this hat? What yarn and needles did you use?

Another Week, Another Pair...

2008-07-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Sigh. Yes, more socks. Sorry, y'all!

Pattern: Lombard Street Socks by Susan Pierce Lawrence
Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in "Forsythia" colorway, just barely more than half a skein
Needles: 40" Addi Turbo circulars, size 1 1/2 US
Mods: Toe-up, provisional crochet cast-on with short-row toes, short row heel, anklet-length (only did two of the leg repeats once heel was done), 2x2 ribbed cuff for 2". I think that's all. Otherwise, they're the exact same! ;)

I think that this yarn is beautiful and I really like this pattern. However, even though I don't think that these are ugly, these don't totally excite me. Oh well, perhaps I'll try something different with the remainder of this colorway...

Quick and Striped

2008-07-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Sunnyside Ellen's fingering weight in "River Country" (such cute stripes!)
Needles: Addi Turbo US 1 1/2 40" circulars
Pattern: my basic, basic, basic toe-up recipe, provisional crochet cast-on, short-row toes and heels, 2x2 rib at cuffs (and four rows of 2x2 rib at toe just to add something different).

I know that these are super-basic, but I really loved the stripes so didn't want to muddle them up or lose a pattern in the fabric. Great yarn!

Big Dork

2008-07-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I messed up. I hate to have to post this but I did not pass my final exam. I can't believe this. I really am a good student, I swear! I get A's all the time. Seriously. Don't laugh - I really do. ;) So to fail a final exam (that was 80% of the grade!!!) is a total shame. I am re-taking the class right now, but that's alright. I plan on rocking this class and getting an excellent grade, dang it. And I plan on resting easy once these six weeks are over. That way I'll have a little bit of down-time before the Fall starts at my new school. Phew - I can't wait to have a break.

Thanks for being my shoulder to cry on, everyone. :) I'll keep you apprised... I'm sure that you'll be waiting with bated breath.

Socks and School

2008-06-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

This month's Sox:

Pattern: "Gentleman's Fancy Socks," from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Emily Parson's "Sophie's Toes" in "Man in Uniform" colorway, one skein
Needles: One 40" Addi Turbo circular, size US 2 1/2
Mods: Toe-up, provisional cast-on short-row toe, short-row heel, no increases done for calf-shaping.

(ETA: Since my pics never seem to be able to enlarge, click here to see close-ups)

I made these lovely socks for my husband. Lucky guy. ;) Well, I'm sure that he'll love them now that it's a million degrees outside. Sheesh!

So I'm closing in on my final quarter at my current school. My final exam is this upcoming Friday and I'm freaking out right now. I have only one class that is remaining to fulfill the requirements to transfer to my next school (I have been accepted with a contingency that I meet this requirement). I am taking that class this quarter and I'm not so sure that I'll be passing it. Seriously. I happen to be a pretty good student, but this class just wants me to work harder than my brain seemed up for this quarter. Hmmm... sound like setup for failure? Nah - I would never do that to myself! Yeah. Uh-huh.

Well, if for some reason I don't pass, I will need to figure out a way to get through the class in the summer, even though the summer session starts three days after my final. Because of the close dates, I can not technically register for the same class in the summer since I am still officially registered in it now - that would be repeating the same class. I would have to petition to re-take it for a better grade and then quickly hope that the instructor will agree to add me to the class. And that is just way too much to think about right now. So, after all that ramble, I just want to ask y'all to send some good thoughts my way. Thank you! I'll give an update on the results - as soon as I can get the guts to face up to it if I fail, or on Monday/Tuesday if I pass. ;)

Fire Breathing Monkeys

2008-05-23T16:39:00.001-07:00

Yup. Another pair of socks. Snore... ;)

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A.
Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in "Fire Breathing Dragon" colorway
Needles: US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo 40" circulars
Mods: Toe-up with provisional crochet cast-on, short-row heels, and all purls were knit instead.

This was a fun pair. I hope that you can see some of the detail of the pattern. Happy Spring, everyone!

Elfine's Froggies

2008-04-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

I loved this sock pattern. Really. Loved it. And the colorway? Well, some of you who saw the socks in progress made some comments about how bright they were, but that's alright. I still love this colorway for this sock, and I think that that is what matters the most (especially since I'm the one who will be wearing them).

Pattern: Elfine's Socks by Anna Bell at My Fashionable Life

Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in "Froggy" colorway, one skein

Needles: One 40" US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace needle

Mods: Provisional crochet cast-on with short-row toes

This pattern is so lovely - especially for Spring. The yarn color feels like it was made to go with the pattern. This is what real spring colors look like, people! ;)

In case anyone (else) is getting bored with socks, I do have something non-pedial on the needles. Though it's not that exciting to most of you, this is my first lace shawl. Of course, I have started one before, but I have a strong feeling that this one will actually become something larger than a doll-sized lace thingy.

Well, I think that I've tortured enough of you for now. I won't come back until I have something interesting to say. Or at least until I've gotten desperately sad and lonely missing your company. Let's see how long that lasts!

Another Pair...

2008-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Getting tired of me just posting my pairs of socks yet? Well, too bad. ;) At some point, I'll start including some real content. You know, since I'm sure everyone is dying to hear about ME. Ha.

Okay, this month's (first?) pair:

Pattern: Shock Wave by Abigail at 1870 Pearl

Yarn: Beat Sock in colorway "Nevermore," by Perfect Day Yarns

Needles: One US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo 40" circular

Mods: Toe-up using provisional crochet cast-on creating a short-row toe, short-row heel, and I think that's it. I believe that everything else was the same.

The pattern is really really easy to do and you can memorize it after you've complete the first round. It's especially great for self-striping yarns so that you can add some interest to the pattern but still maintain the striping. I thought that these turned out quite lovely - the yarn is really fun to work with. And who doesn't love some purple (and dark brown)? In this picture, the brown looks more like charcoal grey, but it is indeed a dark brown.

I hope everyone is doing well. I've been destashing a lot because it's gotten insanely crazy. Who really needs that much sock yarn? Well, nevermind that question - who needs that much yarn? Don't mess with the sock yarn. Everything else can go. ;)

Have a great weekend, everyone. Go get yourself some sun - yeay for Vitamin D!

Cheeky Monkeys!

2008-03-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is very silly that I wanted to make this pattern with this colorway just so that I could call them that, but I couldn't help it. I really liked the yarn a lot. I wasn't sure how it would pattern out, but I do like that it was not only diagonally striping along the foot and leg, but it also did different things on each leg.

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A.

Yarn: Chewy Spaghetti "Spaghetti" in "Cheeky" colorway

Needles: five bamboo US2 dpns.

Mods: Toe up with provisional crochet cast-on, no-purl version, short-row heels, regular 1x1 rib for cuff (for 1 1/2 inches), and Wendy's version of the Russian bind-off.

Fall Charade

2008-02-20T14:18:00.000-08:00

Yeay! I've finally finished my Charades.

Pattern: Charade by Sandra Park

Needles: One 47" circular Addi Turbo US 1 1/2 (it says 2, but it's really 1 1/2)

Yarn: Emily Parson's Sophie's Toes in "Fall Mums" colorway. Yum-o-licious!!!

Mods: Toe-up, provisional cast-on, short-row heels and... that's about it.

I really loved this pattern. I know that everyone and their mother has already made it, but that doesn't make it any less fun, does it? It looks fabulous with this yarn. This yarn is so rich in color that the stitches just stand out even more. Though Emily's yarns are variegated, these somehow ended up striping a little. The bright blue striped and the golden brown, pale lavender, fuschia, violet and light blue all blended between the stripes. It really is a beautiful effect. They also fit like a glove - so much so that it is a little hard to get them off and on. But once they're on... fuhgettaboutit! I lurv 'em. :)

Happy Super Tuesday!

2008-02-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we may not all agree on the direction that we want to see our country head. However, I think that all of us understand how important it is to have their voice heard. Make sure that yours is heard today!

Oh, and it's alright to remind ourselves every once in a while that our craft unites us in more way than one. :)

Image is, of course, courtesy of The Great Franklin Habit. Thanks for the light spin on a very exciting campaign year, Franklin!

Good Friends, Great Reasons to Knit

2008-01-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

I recently re-discovered a good friend of mine from a while ago. She is a fabulous person and why we let our friendship slowly lose speed, I have no idea. I think that we were both going through different phases and had our priorities listed a little differently. However, she and I occasionally do find each other on IM and send a "hello." Recently, she found me on IM and told me that she is pregnant! I'm so thrilled for her, I just can't tell you. She and her honey "eloped" this past Wednesday and had a wonderful co-ed baby shower today. Some good friends of the newly-expectant (and newlywed!) couple threw a fabulous shindig and a good time was definitely had by all. I left feeling a bit sad and a lot happy. I am sad for the time that we lost between us and that we might have to start a little bit over again, but I am so overwhelmingly happy for Mary and her wonderful new life. She is an amazing person and I couldn't be happier for her. I'm sending her hearts right now. :)

Here is Baby Sierra's new non-Hoodie Baby Blanket. Well, the reality is that I hardly followed anything at all in the pattern. In fact, I think that the only thing that I did do was the edging.

Pattern: Hoodie Baby Blanket by Nikol Lohr

Yarn: Cascade Luna, 2 skeins ea. of colors #709, 722, 725 and one skein of color #710 (for edging)

Needles: 47" US 7, several of them for edging (that's probably what cost the most!)

Mods: Decided against hood when it was finished and I placed it on the blanket - it looked too busy; used Cascade Luna instead of Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Dyed Cotton; used US7 instead of US8, which was obviously not that big a deal; CO 120 sts instead of 100 (to accomodate for changes in gauge); used alternating stripes and used the seed-stitch pattern during rows of color-change (the pattern used in the Tulip/Rocketry cardigans).

Aren't the colors just sweet?! :) I can't wait to meet Sierra!

Anastasia's Non-Christmas Cacti

2008-01-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

Well, these were supposed to be socks that I could wear for Christmas, but I didn't put the pressure on myself. So now they are just simply socks to wear anytime. Who needs an occasion to wear these ones, though?

Pattern: Anastasia by Pepperknits

Yarn: Emily Parson's Sophie's Toes in Christmas Cactus colorway

Needles: One 47" Addi Turbo circular (I'm really loving doing socks on these!)

Mods: The only mod that I made was to knit the cuff in 2x2 ribbing for 1 1/2". There was no need to make any other mods since the pattern is perfect as is. :)

Phew! Made It Out Alive!

2007-12-26T08:10:00.001-08:00

Christmas was a little bit scary, as it often is in our family. Mom II (Wendy Mom, Mother-in-law, etc.) has a HUUUUUUGE pile of gifts waiting for us every Christmas. For me, it all started our first Christmas together - which also happened to be our first MONTH together! I figured that I so would not be involved in stuff, just observing everyone else's gift hoarding. Well, I was wrong. Wendy had bought me a ton of stuff to open on Christmas, no matter that she hardly knew me at that point (I had only met her a week or two prior).

I have never felt not a part of the family's crazy and silly traditions. We have had years where there were treasure hunts (at the end of which lay each of our "big" presents), years of "only" little gifts and a Visa gift-card, years of tons of huge things, years of tons of "little" things. This year was a wonderful year of quiet appreciation for the family that we are. We all shared many things that were off of lists, but we each also spent the time to find something more individual and special to the recipient. It was really wonderful time together.

It's also a sad time knowing that our family structure will be changing a bit over this next year (and not in the best of ways). My sister-in-law will be leaving the family on mutual terms with my brother-in-law. I'm sure that they will remain friends for a little while (at least while they're going through the finality of their process), but I think that ultimately, this is the best step forward for each of them. They will eventually be able to move on with their lives in the ways that are most healthy for each of them individually. I'm proud of them for acknowledging something that is so difficult and painful. I look forward to seeing them both heal and find more comfortable places in their lives once again. Until then, I am sending them my most heartfelt hugs and support.

On a less serious note, I have finished a pair of socks. :) I have a pair of Christmas socks to post and I'm glad to show these pictures since they were taken in Hawaii. Yes, it is so difficult to have to take pictures of socks when you're in a place where you just don't want to wear them. Sigh. I have a tough life, don't I? ;) Aron modeled these for me since they are much closer to his size than mine. These are for my brother-in-law. I also made a pair for my sister-in-law (see post below titled "Monique's New Days") because I felt that they would both need comforting little hugs often over this next chapter in their lives.

I really liked these, but I'm not so sure that my brother-in-law did. I think that the two recipients of socks this year are a little subdued in their responses to gifts, though, so that may be why I wasn't sure if they liked them or not. :) Aron liked them and wanted to call them the Matrix socks (good name since they totally look like the green computerized font falling down the screen).

Pattern: Harris Tweed Socks by Ali Green
Yarn: Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in DF Green, 2 skeins
Needles: 1 47" Addi Turbo circular needle (I'm loving this technique!)
Mods: Toe-up, crochet cast-on and short-row heel, increased to 64 sts? (can't remember exactly)

I highly recommend making a pair for someone. In fact, now is the best time so that you can be caught up when next Christmas rolls around!

Maggie's Spiced Days

2007-12-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

So this is not only the second pair of lace socks but this is also the second orange-y pair. I am almost positive that Maggie won't like all of this orange much, but we'll see. I do think that this pair is technically more rust-colored. It has a lot of other beautiful fall colors, as well. If you've never tried Emily Parson's Sophie's Toes, it has to be one of my favorite sock yarns. It feels a-maz-ing!

Pattern: New Year's Day by Dipsey Doodle (yes, back to back)

Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in Pumpkin Spice colorway (yummy!)

Needles: One Addi Turbo US2 42" circular (my first time using a circular for socks)

Mods: Toe-up (my first pair of finished toe-up socks!); short-row toe and heel; I alternated the directions of the cables for each sock

Monique's New Days

2007-11-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

Monique, my sister-in-law, will love these socks. She loves these colors and I think that the pattern will be perfect for her.

Pattern: New Year's Day by Dipsey Doodle

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM colorway #453

Needles: 5 US2 bamboo dpns

Mods: eye of partridge heel, short-row toe, cable directions alternate for each leg.

I love this pattern and look forward to using it again. In fact, I'm currently attempting it in a toe-up version on a circular needle. Pretty so far!

Maggie's Monkeys Are Done!

2007-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Maggie will be getting socks from me soon. Yeay!

Even though she has many other people making her some beautiful socks, I'm thrilled to be able to put some more warm socks on her feet! :)

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A. (doncha just love it?!)

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM color #145, 2 skeins (African Sunrise? Well...)

Needles: 5 bamboo US2 dpns

Mods: My usual eye of partridge heel, short-row toes, and I skipped the "ktbl" that's mentioned during the gusset (by accident)

Please feel free to stop by Sockin' it to Maggie to check out the other great works going on. And make sure to leave some great comments for that talented group of people! ;)

Words Can't Do 'Em Justice

2007-10-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

These are going to be quite a pair of socks!

I'm knitting these for Maggie, who supposedly loves bright and fun colors. While these were in my hands, they looked like a great idea. I thought that the Monkey pattern would do the yarn great justice. Unfortunately, however, the African sunrise that the yarn was supposed to remind me of soon became forgotten when I started to feel a little woozy. The bright colors are quite a bit when you're spending a lot of time looking at them (i.e. knitting them). Nonetheless, they should at least draw a giggle or two out of Maggie when she first sees them... I hope!

Maggie Needs Socks!

2007-09-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if any of you have read about Maggie, but she is a young lady who needs some handmade socks. Maggie is a seventeen-year-old who has had to face some pretty serious medical obstacles. Though I'm told that knitters can not fix everything (despite our best efforts to keep trying to do so), we can certainly knit up some socks for her. Lucky us - she loves hand knit socks. Please visit Kelly's Sockin' it to Maggie page for information about dates, sizes, and other information on where to send your beautiful gifts of love and support. :)

Grassy Penllyns

2007-09-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am giving these to a wonderful dear friend... who is a little more than flakey right now. She just moved across the country - today! Well, technically, she started the trek. She is actually spending a week of sightseeing on the way there so she has a little flexibility. Unfortunately, these cute things will be housed with me until my flakey friend is situated in her new home since she was unable to make time to visit with me before leaving. Well, she's the one missing out. ;) I also made a Soft Drawstring Pouch from Last Minute Knitted Gifts to house the socks in. I used one skein of Bluesky Alpacas' Alpaca Silk in the Sapphire colorway. I love this little bag. Perfect sock bag! Oooh - lucky Christmas recipients! ;)

Pattern: Penllyn by Wildhorse Farm Designs
Yarn: Painted Skeins Superwash Merino in Grassy Jeans colorway

Needles: 5 US2 dpns

Mods: Eye of partridge heel, short-row toe

I just love this pattern. It's so simple and has such great results - I'd make this pattern again and again. :)

Fall Will Be Here Soon...

2007-09-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

So what are the signs in my household that Fall is arriving soon? When Crimson, Blazing Foliage, and Autumn Harvest are sitting on the doorstep.

Mmmm... so yummy! Yarn by Emily Parson of Sophie's Toes. Color choices by me. So was it coincidence that the three colors that I chose reflect the upcoming change in seasons? Nah. It was just hopeful longing.

A Funky Pair

2007-08-22T19:13:00.001-07:00

Yeay! They are complete!

Pattern: Shock Wave

Yarn: Claudia Hand Painted Yarns in Red Wagon colorway

Needles: 5 bamboo US2 dpns

Mods: Eye-of-partridge heel, short-row toe.

Red Wagon Has Become Shock Waves

2007-08-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know - I wanted to follow the advice of some of you who posted recommended patterns for this yarn. Well, I sort of did. Dave was so wonderful about his recommendation that I pick a simple and subtle pattern with not a whole lot going on, like the Dublin Bay pattern (it has a simple lace pattern just on the sides of the legs). He then found the Mad Color Weave pattern and threw it my way. I thought that the finished sock in the Mad Color Weave pattern looked beautiful so I planned on using this one with my Red Wagon. Unfortunately, my laziness kicked in after studying the pattern for a little bit. I decided that it was just too complicated for me at the moment that I decided to cast-on. So, I did still follow Dave's advice - I found a simple pattern that has really easy repeats to follow (I can do it with my eyes closed, now), but that shows enough texture in the fabric to really show off the beautiful and fun colors of this yarn.

Pattern: Shock Wave (using 64 sts)
Yarn: Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in Red Wagon
Needles: 5 - US2 Crystal Palace bamboo dpns (is it just me, or do ALL of their needles split and splinter?!)
Mods: I made the M1's in the pattern more lacey by making one with the right needle, slipping the loop onto the left needle, then knitting that off onto the right needle again. I know that some people just make one and leave it on the right needle like it's the new stitch. Also, I used an eye-of-partridge heel, again. I added a short-row toe, as well. I just can't stop using those dang toes! I just love 'em.

I have really enjoyed using this pattern. It creates a very nice bias fabric so that even though it looks similar to stockinette (in that it doesn't have any purls), it is surprisingly stretchy. I highly recommend it for busy yarns that you might just fall back on stockinette for. It shows off all of the colors so nicely.

I've finished the first sock and I'm almost done with the leg of the second sock. I'm also trying to somehow pull a Birch out of my butt before September 2nd. I'm going to see my mom right before she travels to Italy for the first time. She had told me that she didn't know what all of the fashionable 50-something women wear in Italy. I, of course, thought of knitting her something beautiful that she could easily just throw around her shoulders or into a suitcase. Hmmmm... considering the fact that I've finished one repeat and might just have to rip that back (What?! With Kidsilk Haze?!!!!), I don't know how far I'll get. Sigh. If anyone wants to sell me their finished Birch, just email me. ;)

Well, I should be receiving some Hand Maiden Sea Silk in Mom's favorite color (periwinkle) by the beginning of next week. I have it as a back-up in case I decide that the Montego Bay Scarf is what all of the stylish and fashionable Italian 50-something women are wearing. ;)

Monkey Off My Back

2007-07-28T23:06:00.000-07:00

Monkeys - I love them!

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A.
Mods: Added one more pattern repeat on the leg, eye of partridge heel, short-row toes (I love the look and feel of this type of toe)
Yarn: Claudia Handpainted Yarns in Pink Cloud (soooo cute!)
Needles: Crystal Palace dpns US2 (I used 5 needles)

I have finally finished my silly Monkeys that I started at the end of June. I am so mad about these dang things! I finished the first one fairly quickly (or so I like to think) and then had a bout of SSS. After a little while, I finally got started on the second one. I thought that the ball of yarn looked a little smaller and maybe even not quite the exact same shade and perhaps a tiny bit "fuller" in the twist. However, I was so intent on doing the second sock quickly since I had such a hard time getting it started. Once I got to the heel, I should have taken my head out of my butt. I started to run out of yarn. So I went and got the next ball which also seemed like it might have been a little small, etc. So when I literally started to set up to do the toe, I look in my knitting back which I haven't really used since the end of the first sock. Lo and behold - my MATCHING skein of Pink Cloud was in the bag. I failed to acknowledge prior to this that I had purchased a matching pair of skeins together (they were the last two in stock at the LYS) and felt that I needed one more, just in case (or for a pair of anklets later). The third skein was purchased at a different shop, different lot no., etc. However, if I needed it for the toes or anything else, it was close enough so that NO ONE would notice, right? Apparently, even though I divided this extra skein into two equal balls (one extra one for each sock), I even failed to recognize (aka acknowledge) that this was not the yarn intended for sock number two. So what does any good knitter do? When she's at the toe of the second sock? That was so hard to get through in the first place? Why, she frogs it, of course! So I immediately frogged the dang second sock with the dang "backup" yarn and dang it - I knit that dang thing up so fast that my head spun. If it weren't for Aron's wonderful offer to knit a few stitches into the toe of the second sock (they were to be given to his mom), I'd probably have a burning ceremony for the dang things. Lucky for Wendy, and the socks, Aron's stitches saved the day. Thank you, Sweetie. :) By the way, technically, I do love the socks. And the pattern. And the yarn, for that matter.

Stage 5 And On...

2007-07-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many mistakes I've been making on my Birch Shawl. Luckily, my mom "never sees" my mistakes on anything that I make for her. If I don't point out the mistakes, I'm hoping that they will be hard to find (it's not really big enough to really tell whether or not the mistakes will be glaring or not just yet). Either way, I'm still plugging away... slowly. I feel like Vinokourov - I have a huge gash on my @$$, I've just given the dang hill all of my engergy, and I've still got to hit the Alps?! Tomorrow?!!! Sheesh!

Well, no pics of my sad little Birch (more like a limping Birchette at this point - it will grow big and strong some day, I promise!) today. However, while cruising some great cycling sites, Aron and I found this amazing shot (I was unable to get permission from the site to put it up here, so please click on the link). The tranquility of the scenery is very deceptive. You can almost forget what it is that these men are there for - the competition! Onward we go!

Le Tour and Birch

2007-07-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Birch's progress seems slow, but there are sooo many tiny stitches that I feel like I did a lot.

The Tour de France has kicked off and this is the first year that Aron and I have not been watching it every moment as it records at home. Well, the good news is that the Tour de France KAL has been keeping me honest. We both have been sooooo busy that it has been hard to find the time, but we have nonetheless. My "progress" on Birch is slow and steady, but I think that that's what it takes to be Queen of the Mountains, right? I have included a picture of my "progress" to show that I've done something. The problem is that I had to rip back my first three rows (which took me forever to do in the first place) only to end up cutting the yarn and starting over. Anyone who has ever worked with Kidsilk Haze knows that ripping back is a joke, right? I am now in the middle of row 6 (row 8, look out - I'm on my way!). I'm trucking along slowly now and hope to be finished by my mom's birthday in early October. If I can't, we'll see how Christmas works as a new deadline. ;)

Yeay!

2007-07-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

I got my Ravelry invite today. Yeay- I'm so excited to check it out! I figured that I'd be one of the last people to get invited and I was totally ready for that. I was so surprised to see the invite in my JUNK folder. Thank goodness that I caught it! Anyhoo, I know that they are slowly getting through the waitlist, so hang in there if you haven't gotten yours yet! See ya on Ravelry and Happy Knitting!

Pop's Sox

2007-07-06T01:11:00.001-07:00

My wonderful husband is modeling the newly-finished socks

These beauties were knit for my Dad for a belated Father's Day present. Though I did finish them a couple of weeks ago (I think just one week after Father's Day), I wasn't able to give them to him until yesterday. My MIL had everyone over at her house for the 4th and a good time was had by all. Of course, Dad and Wendy did have a showdown playing cards. It was a long time coming! Hopefully, Dad will enjoy his new socks... once Winter gets here. Dang! Should have thought about that since he lives in his sandals for nine months out of the year. ;)

Yarn: Claudia's Handpaints in "Oops" colorway, 2+ skeins (just a little from the third skein for a men's size 12 1/2)
Needles: 5 dpns, size US2
Pattern: Simple Trekking Socks, using a short-row toe instead of traditionally decreasing toe

What's Next For The Red Wagon?

2007-06-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hi, all. If you're coming over here from the Sock A Month Knitalong 3, you already know my dilemma. I am wondering if you can help me decide which type of sock pattern to make this beautiful Claudia's Handpaints Red Wagon colorway into. Please leave me comments and let me know if you think that it should be a cable pattern, a lace pattern, a rib pattern, or any other ideas that you may have. Also, if you have a specific pattern that you are in love with, tell me about it - I'm always open to new ideas. Thanks for the input!

Oh! And if anyone wants to add comments to the Chevron Scarf in the post at the bottom of the page, I'd love to get some input. The picture was taken pre-frogging. I had to frog it because I was pulling the side too tight where the yarns were changing. I'm re-casting-on, though, and I don't know what others think of it (I think that my taste is not quite what others think as "normal," sometimes). Thanks for the input there, too. You are helping me get through my yarn issues. ;)

Sheep Gone Baaaa-aaaaa'd

2007-06-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Oh my gawd. This is so hilarious. I see that I am once again probably the last person on the planet to know something, but it's still funny. Who hasn't seen the trailer for this movie? I was laughing hysterically when I saw the trailer. The thought of our coveted mascot being turned into such a deadly beast is hilarious. I laughed extra-hard when the flock is seen coming over the hill as the scared onlookers fear for their lives. And when they cut to the freshly-sheared ovine bleating with his tongue sticking out, well...words cannot explain. Please watch and be warned: it is intended to be a horror flick, so there's some blood and gross stuff. But it is sooooo hilarious!

Much Love

2007-06-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

I have to write a non-knitting post here. I love my husband so much. Right now he is on a looooong bike ride over the beautful hills near our home. He loves riding the hills in the Bay Area and doesn't ride enough of them, lately. His job has been kind of challenging lately. Just this morning, he was faced with a huge dilemma- he was concerned about not seeming responsible for doing his ride despite the fact that some people at his job are not fully competent at the moment. I reminded him that he is always putting in too much time and he hasn't officially had a weekend off in almost a year (except for a couple of three-day trips that we've taken). Anyway, I just needed to tell everyone that this wonderful man deserves some fun in his life. Besides, look at how handsome he is! Can you tell someone this good looking not to get on a bike? :) I love you, Babe! I hope that your ride ends up being the 100 miles that you wanted (crazy man!). Oh - and I didn't plan on having his team jersey match my blog. He's just loving in that way. ;)

Return of the Ribby Pulli

2007-06-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know that I've mentioned this in previous posts, but this is for a good cause, I swear! Lotus Knits is having a contest for some of her wonderfully beautiful yarn. I love her yarn, though I have yet to buy any. Since we are going a little crazy with our cc (and we freakishly pay it off each month), we've got to take a break from online purchases. If only I could mail her some cash. Sigh. :) Well, I think that I just need to explain what I'm casting on for next. I will be using the above STR in Fire on the Mountain and Cascade 220 in something or other (pretty color, though, huh?) to make the Ribby Pulli. I love this pattern and can't wait to cast on for it.

Unfortunately, school is heading into finals this next week, so I won't be casting on until the end of the week (and no, I don't mind that I'm always at the back end of trends ;) So, if you visit Lotus Knits' page, you can enter the contest, too. You just need to mention the contest on your blog, and explain (with pix) what you want to cast on next (or post what your first project was, I think). Details on her blog! And go buy some of her yarn. It's beautiful!

Mom's Embossed Leaves Socks - Finished

2007-06-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

So Mom's socks are finally finished. Though I finished them last week, I finally took pics today. I am now working on Dad's socks and I'm hoping to finish them by Saturday. Ha! We'll see about that - his size 12 feet are working against me. And so is school - a midterm today, three group presentations next week, two essays due next week, and studying for finals (they are the week after). Hmmmm... too much on my plate? Nah! ;)

Yarn Harlot Rocks!

2007-06-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

There's Stephanie's sock! It was so pretty - I could just feel all of the love that it had collected on its journey.

I know that it's been a couple of days, but I finally get to post about her. I jumped into the car with DH around 2:30 and headed for Petaluma Thursday night. We hit plenty of traffic but still made it in time to find decent seats. Of course, finding a good place to have a meal once we got there was a little difficult. We set our stuff down and set out to find some dinner. Hmmm... well, the place across the street was alright, but we wanted something a little more filling so that we could stand in book-signing line later on with enough energy. After wandering the block a few times, however, we decided to settle for some great hummus and pita. Mmmm. Sounds good even this early in the day. Once we got back to Copperfield's, we wandered the store and browsed their wonderful selection of books, magazines, games, and anything that you could possibly want to find in a book store.

In wandering around, I met some of the nicest people. I met Sandra who lives nearby. She was dying to get Alison's Charmed Knits. I told her that since it was the store's last copy, she would be crazy not to buy it. She then called me an enabler. No way! Me?! ;) I was simply living vicariously through her. She told me about Knitterly, the cute little LYS down the street. She informed me that they would be staying open as late as needed after the book-signing to accomodate all of the knitters. Talk about enabling someone! I even ran into her at the shop and she was trying to talk ME into buying things. The nerve! ;)

That's me holding up Mom's second Embossed Leaves sock.

After I enabled Sandra to make a purchase (that you so know she wanted to do anyway), I headed towards my seat. I have been knitting my mom's beeeeeelated Mother's Day socks. I picked a beautiful periwinkle, Koigu's # 1005. I am making the Embossed Leaves socks from Interweave's Favorite Socks (you can see below for pictures of the first, finished sock). I love this pattern and even though we had tons of time to sit and knit and I was in the middle of a great independent bookstore, I was drawn back to my chair. I have also never knit amongst my peers. I know, I know - it's sad. I actually have a yarn shop near me (Purlescence - shout out!) who is really great at doing Knit Nights and Movie Nights and all of those cool things. I have just always been afraid to attend since it seems like everyone else already knows each other. So this was a unique situation for me and I could feel the draw of my sock pulling me towards it. I also knew that this was a good time to get some good knitterly mojo into my sock - I was hoping that it would absorb all of the surrounding positive energy from all of the other beautiful socks being knit up and that it would bring my mom special love.

As I sat down, I met Kristine of Curious Creek Fibers (I told you guys that you should spread your name!). They were just about the nicest people. Kristine was very humble about her craft but I kept telling her to proudly shout out her calling. I ran into her at Knitterly after the signing and she was again just about the sweetest person ever. She gives great hugs, too. She showed me this amazing display that she had put together as a centerpiece for a wedding. Who knew that yarn could be as beautiful (or more so) than flowers. Well, I guess that we all know that - one of the downfalls of being in love with yarn. Kristine was wearing a Clapotis that was knit up in her own beautiful yarn (it looks like it might have been Oban in the colorway Anemone). Unfortunately, I was unable to get a picture of her, but you will notice Phil in the picture of me holding up my sock in the crowd. Also, you can see bits of her Clapotis next to him as she is leaning over to talk to the people in front of her. If you want to see a great picture of Kristine wearing her Clapotis and Phil wearing his gorgeous sweater, you can visit Yarn Harlot's page - she's got a picture of the two of them in her Petaluma coverage.

Juanita and I exchange email addys. Her shawl is gorgeous - the color is beautiful!

So back to where we sat - Juanita was there by herself. She stayed with a friend in San Francisco, but actually came from Los Angeles, I believe (was it Burbank?). She had the cutest pin for Stephanie - a Canadian Mickey Mouse head. So cute! She made this cute Flirty Ruffles Shawl by Fiddlesticks. It was in a gorgeous deep red, not quite burgundy. I wish that I could remember the yarn that she used. Anyway, the pictures do not do it justice. So many tiny stitches! Aron, most wonderful photographer that he is (and my husband), decided to be paparazzi for both Juanita and I since Juanita did not bring her own camera. How could you visit the Yarn Harlot and not take pictures with her (and her sock)?!

Here's Juanita and her first pair of socks (in blue) - made with Stephanie's basic sock pattern from Knitting Rules.

We also chatted with a few other women whom I can't remember the names of. I do know that Loopy Chick sat near us, but we can't find her blog (thanks for reminding me of her name, Juanita - I came up with the same problem in searching for the blog). She had another gorgeous shawl that had beautiful beads on it. Can you believe that I have yet to make a shawl or a poncho? That is soooo going to change this summer! Thank goodness for school breaks! Loopy Chick was knitting a beautiful toe-up sock. I was telling her how much I liked it and that I wish that my toes would look that good when I do a toe-up. I have yet to complete a toe-up since I have only tried them with the figure-eight cast-on. Loopy Chick told me that hers was a toe-up with short-rows. Oh my! That happens to be my favorite toe shape. I love making short-row toes. She passed along a recommendation to look up Wendy's Generic Toe-Up Sock pattern. As soon as I finish Mom's beeeelated socks and Dad's Father's Day socks (must finish both before next weekend - got to start on Dad's size 12 1/2's soon!), I will be starting a pair of these toe-up wonders! I can't wait to make some socks that I use up EXACTLY the amount of yarn that I want! :)

Here I am holding THE sock. ;) She is so cool! She even knew to spread out my sock to see the pattern on it!
Gawd - I wish that I could swap out my pic here with a younger and thinner one! ;)

Stephanie was a great speaker and made everyone laugh until tears were rolling (I swear! It wasn't just me!). She is as funny in person as she is in her writing. I wanted to tell her that she was inspiring to me since I am a Literature major and I love her style of writing. Of course, once I got up there to have her sign my book, I just said a few things. I think that I said "Would you mind taking a picture with me and my sock?" and "You have the best blog!" or something else dorky like that. I think that I had told myself that she was so human that I didn't even think about what to tell her until it was too late. I'm not one of those people who gets star-struck. I don't believe that people who are famous are any better or different than you and I. That, however, does not mean that I don't have a lot of respect for people like Stephanie. I know how hard it is to write an essay - I couldn't even imagine how hard it would be to write a book. I think that she is an incredibly talented person who connects with so many people that it's probably quite surreal for her.

All in all, I am so grateful that I went. I was preparing to go by myself since Aron's work has kept him occupied for at least 70-hour work-weeks. However, he was wonderfully supportive and knew that this was a great opportunity to understand and participate in something that I've become very passionate about so he found the time to leave early and do the 2 1/2 hour trek with me.

The event gave me some great time to sit still and knit among many other very wonderful and sweet people. Of course, it didn't hurt that we were all collected to listen to a very talented and hilariously funny person. I know that every other knitter out there feels the same way that I do about Stephanie's writing - it's like she's writing from my brain! I laugh out loud so often when I'm reading her stuff because I know exactly what she's talking about. I figure with all of the funny things that she covers, at least one of them is something that every single knitter can relate to at some point. She made Aron laugh, too. He told me that when the Q&A session was going on, he wanted to ask her, "So how do you feel since they've picked someone else as the American Idol?" I was so mad that he didn't ask that. He has such a quircky sense of humor. I also realize that I may be the only one that would laugh. He thinks that it'd be so silent that you'd only be able to hear the crickets outside. :)

Thank you for having such a great time, everyone! Thanks for introducing me into a world of fun and friends. I wish that I could do that every night. I might even consider driving all the way to Petaluma for it if only we could have this all the time. Thank you for writing about what so many of us think and feel, Stephanie. Without your hilarious and heartfelt books, we might actually feel like the freakish loners that CHOKE thinks us to be. And thank you, Aron, for being my wonderfully handsome and loving paparazzi. You are always my favorite person to be with, no matter where I am and what I'm doing.

Frogged Arm Warmer

2007-06-04T17:27:00.000-07:00

I love this yarn and I love this pattern. This is a cute pattern for some really cute arm warmers using Noro's Kureyon. However, since I didn't go crazy with the pattern, I'm frogging it for now. Perhaps when I am ready to commit to making these I will pick up the same yarn again. Maybe this fall when the weather starts cooling down again...

Embossed Leaves, Sock 1

2007-06-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

So this may be the only sock that I knit in this pattern. I was a little overl ambitious and knit this sock in one day. Now my hands are going to fall off! Well, okay... I will kni the second one. It just might take me a week or two. I loved this pattern, but I did not like the start of the cuff. I think that I might knit the second one in the round from the beginning and just modify the instructions to include in the round instead of back and forth. If you have not yet picked it up, please get the Favorite Socks book by Interweave. The patterns in there are wonderful - and yes, you can always compile a collection of your own if you have the magazines that they took the patterns from. The Embossed Leaves pattern is just beautiful - and it's my first lace sock pattern. I am looking forward to making the second sock since I love the pattern so much. Note the really cute toe - it has leaves, too! :) Oh yeah. In case you're wondering, yes those are freckles on my legs. Why am I the only person on the planet with freckles EVERYWHERE?! ;) Not that many people realize how freckly I am when it's winter and I'm covered in clothing from head to toe. Once Spring comes along, the freckles come out to play!

LMKG Chevron Scarf?

2007-05-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

I just can not decide what to do with this thing! I started using Claudia's Purple Midnight and Passion Fruit. I like the two together, but I can't decide if I like the two together for the Chevron Scarf. Purple Midnight is a dark royal blue with some rich purple and a paprika-like red. It also has some mauve and tan. The Passion Fruit has the same paprika red and mauve and tan. It also has a lavender that is the paler version of the purple in the Purple Midnight. I dunno - I am still deciding whether or not to frog this thing. I am so enjoying the simple feather and fan stitch, but I do need to go back and allow some easing on the right-hand side (I keep tightening it too much). Updates will follow on the fate of the Purple Midnight Passion Fruit Chevron Scarf. ;) I am also awaiting an order on Claudia's Sea Dreams colorway. I will be using that with her Bootcamp colorway once the Sea Dreams comes in. I love that combination because it is very unexpected. As you can tell by the name, Bootcamp is sort of military-like colors: army green, brown, and a pale aqua! Yes, aqua. The Sea Dreams is mostly the aqua with other pale, soft colors. I think that they will be fun together!

GYK Rocks!

2007-05-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Good Yarn Karma, for finding so many people so quickly. I'm so thrilled with how quickly people have responded to my seven-out-of-eight postings that I put up at Good Yarn Karma. I'm pretty sure that all (maybe one won't be) will be takers. I love this whole process! I found a pattern book that was posted there that I liked and now I get to pass some love along to someone else. Sigh. What a nice world we live in. :)

Future Chevron Scarf

2007-05-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

I love what people have been doing with the Last Minute Knitted Gifts Scarves. I have seen them everywher and in every colorway. I have been foraging through the ol' stash for a while - in fact almost as long as I've had this book. I've always sort of felt weird about sacrificing unborn pairs of socks. But, I think that I've come up with a color combo that will make the transition an easy one. Be warned, however, for this color combination is most unusual and may blow your screen away (hopefully my colors are true enough in the photo - if not, your monitor will be just fine). These are Claudia's Handpaints fingering weight in Passion Fruit and Purple Midnight. In real life, the two have some of the same tones of color. However, they also both have other different colors, enough to create quite a contrast. I think that this will be a beautiful scarf. Oh, and I'm planning on trying out Domesticat's Chevron Scarf Pattern, first. It seems to be more defined and that just works for these colors. Updates to follow...

Future Ribby Pulli

2007-05-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

I found this great pattern at my LYS and found out that everyone that works there is making it in the same wonderful yarn that I have here! I love it when that happens! So I have Blue Moon Fiber Arts' Twisted in Fire on The Mountain AND Cascade 220 in a fabulous heather shade - 9455. These two together look great, but now they'll look even better in the ChicKnits Ribby Pulli Sweater Pattern. Yeay! Updated pics will follow...

Setting Suns

2007-05-18T19:56:00.003-07:00

These are two places that Aron and I love to visit. The top picture is of Jackson, Wyoming as the sun goes behind the Tetons. The bottom image is of Half Dome (Yosemite) from Glacier Point as the sun just hits the top face of the granite. A beautiful time of day no matter where you are.

Wendy's Birthday Socks

2007-05-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

Wendy (MIL) loves pink but she can not wear wool (I know, totally sad, isn't it?!). I found this really cute pink in Crystal Palace's Panda Cotton (it's 55% bamboo, 24% cotton, and 21% elastic nylon). I think that she will look fabulous in the color. I'm using Evelyn A. Clark's Go With The Flow pattern from Ann Budd's "Favorite Socks." The pattern is taking me a while to do, even though I've finally memorized it. I don't know if it's me, the yarn, the needles, or what but I feel like it takes forever to do the leg pattern. Oh well, it's probalby just me. I've decided to make them just a little bit shorter than what the pattern calls for since the yarn that I'm using has just a little less yardage (and it will shave off some time, too :). Anyway, I'm off to do some more rows - I just have a little over a week to do two of them. Yeay!

Update: Dang it! They've been frogged. :( Well, I decided not long after taking this pic and posting this post that I should check them for fit. Unfortunately, after trying to get them on my foot, I realized that they are just going to be too tight. Wendy and I are the same size so I don't think that I should just count on them fitting her. So, on to the next pattern...

Tragic Loss

2007-05-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been in denial for a little while now. However, I think that it's time that I come to grips with something: my favorite yarn that I've never even used may be tragically lost forever!!!! NOOOOOO!!!! I bought myself two skeins of the most beautifully colored yarns on the planet: Tilli Tomas' Rock Star in Morrocan Blue. I know - the color is absolutely TO DIE FOR! So I was able to bring one home with me and awaited the second one since it had to be ordered. No big deal. I was in no hurry to knit it up - I needed time to find the right pattern for it anyway. I was excited, nonetheless. So I finally got the second skein in, about two weeks later. Of course, I bought something else while I was there (I believe that it was some scrumptious Rowan Cashsoft). So the bag made it home. The other yarn made it into my stash (I believe) and the Tilli Tomas... well, that's where I seem to blank. I almost feel like I might have dropped it behind the yarn organizer thingymabob, but I don't think so. I feel like I am living in an alternate universe (where everyone wears a goatee!). I don't get what the heck I did with that darned second skein! I think, however, that I should just resign to the fact that I may never see it again (unless of course my lazy butt decides to look behind my yarn caddy thing) so that I don't get too dissappointed. It is hard whenever I go to one of my LYSs and see the same one hanging just behind the cash register, pointed its beautifully sparkling beaded strand at me and laughing oh so loudly. I will get over it, though. I also think that it is completely possible that the millions of moths that I'm choosing to ignore that are flying around (well, maybe only three or four... yikes!) could be the culprits. I have "locked" my stash up in drawers that are moth-proof, but that is after I found a couple flying around. It gives me the eebie-jeebies just to admit that in writing!!! Anyway - back to the Tilli Tomas. I feel like I should be pouring some Jack Daniels on the ground to show my respect for the dead. Peace.

Happy Anniversary, Love!

2007-05-18T19:03:00.001-07:00

Happy anniversary, Love! I had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back with you again. :)

Er....

2007-03-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

What's wrong here? Aron is so sweet that he loved his socks DESPITE the fact that one is a whole inch shorter than the other (and that is on his legs!). How on earth did I miss that measurement?! What a bad knitter!

Finished Aron's Socks!

2007-03-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of obligatory pics of Aron's new long socks. The colors are more rich than the camera shows, of course. I used Koigu's KPPPM. I like it a lot, but I'm looking forward to finally using some of Claudia's Handpaints. I have a few of her colors but really haven't been moving very quickly in the projects department lately. For Aron's socks I did an alternating rib and cable. It was K2,P2 for four rows, then K2, P2, C2, P2, K2, P2, etc. for one row. This pattern was repeated until the end of the gusset. I did close-ups of the socks, so you'll only be able to see some of the pattern and the colors.

Rip-it, Rip-it!

2007-03-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so now I seem to understand the whole "frogging" thing a little better. But is it still considered frogging when you do it to someone else's sweater? I bought this great cream colored cotton cable sweater from The Gap a few years ago for about $15. I couldn't pass up the price. The sweater was gorgeous and the only thing wrong with it was that it had a dropped stitch in the front next to the cable panel. Well, since I know how to fix it, I bought it and fixed the stitch. The problem was that the sweater was not a style that was very flattering on my body-type. So I was watching Knitty Gritty today and decided to Rip-it, Rip-it! So here is the journey of someone else's frogging sweater. Now I have enough yarn to do another sweater or I can do some blankies and baby thingys. Who knows? The sky's the limit!

Mmmmmuah!

2007-01-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

I haven't told my husband how much I love him lately. Well, I've told him, but not enough. At least this is my belief. So here I am, to tell the world: I LOVE YOU, ARON!!!! Phew, much better! Thanks for paying attention. Back to what you were doing. :)

Two Hats For One Head

2006-12-18T16:24:00.000-08:00

This is a fun little hat that I knit for Wendy. I hope that she likes it. She loves pink and she likes it with grey a lot. Let's hope that she gets some good usage out of it in Chicago! In case it's hard to tell, it's a double-sided hat. I just wanted to show both sides. You fold one side into another, depending on which one you want to wear. :)

A Sock Is Born!

2006-12-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've got one almost finished! ;) So much for getting a billion pairs made for gifts by Christmas. :) Who knows- I may get some more done with such a nice break.

Finishing

2006-11-30T20:53:00.000-08:00

I have officially finished a pair of wrist-warmer-thingys. They look really cute. A classmate of mine loved them so much that I've committed to making her a pair of her own. She is so sweet- she loves anything warm and comfy. I have also started on a cute pair of arm-warmers. They are the same, fingerless-type gloves, but these go almost up to your elbows. These have a cute pattern, too. I'll post pics once I've completed at least one. Right now I've got to go and rip a row out to correct. Wait- I think that I may have already posted this. Anyhoo- that's that.

A Red Hat No More

2006-11-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

I started this red hat (in Jo Sharp's SilkRoad Aran Tweed) a little while ago. I was very happy with the yarn. I was not so happy with the ribbing that I was doing. Once I stopped the ribbing, I noticed that the hat was too big. I have stopped the hat and am now trying to find a new pattern for the yarn. I think that I'd still like to make a hat, but maybe a more interesting one while I'm at it. Like I said, I really like the yarn a lot. I just think that it might look sort of boring all by itself. I did see a great new pattern in "The Yarn Girls' Guide to Beyond the Basics." The only thing that I'm hesitant about with that pattern is that it is knit back and forth. I've only knit one hat back and forth (vs. in the round). That was my very first hat. That was the first hat that I gave to poor Aron. I think that that was the worst possible attempt at a hat that I could have ever made. I don't know if I'm ready to re-visit back and forth knitting for a hat. Maybe just not yet...

Broken Basketweave Blanket

2006-11-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

I used a pattern made for an entirely diffent yarn (a much more expensive, thinner, and much more beautiful yarn!) to make a throw. I like the pattern with the nice yarn better, but I am very happy with how warm this version will be. I am using Encore Chunky and a size 11 needle. I was doing fine speed-wise. Until...I knit a whole section a row too soon. The pattern is knit "backwords" (wrong-side forward) for an entire section. If this was a scarf, i.e. shorter rows, it'd be really easy to pull out the stitches for 20 rows and start over again. However, since this is a fairly wide throw, I have been hesitant to go back and fix it. I plan on tackling it this week, though. Wish me luck. I can't wait to see it finished. And of course to use it, too. I just love this color!

Interrupted Seeds

2006-11-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

I really like this scarf a lot for a few reasons. I knit it on large needles (as I'm sure you can see) with this fabulous mohair that I found. I decided to add some different texture and different yarn-thickness but keep the color family the same. I thought that these two yarns worked really well together. You obviously can't see it in the picture, but I worked the novelty yarn in three other spots on each "half" of the scarf. There are some stripes of it close to either end and also close to the neck itself. The scarf is very long, and very warm! Now I just need to find a good home for it. Another one of those dang things where I really wanted to be creative with something simple but never found a good home for it. I'm sure that I'll think of someone.

"Oscar The Grouch" Scarf

2006-11-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

Okay- the name is only because it's green and really furry. No other reason. Tina asked for this scarf when I dragged her in to a yarn shop with me (poor thing!) and she saw this yarn. I really wanted to make something for her so I promised to make a scarf out of this yarn. She and I have a thing where we (mostly I) never give each other gifts when we're supposed to. Birthday presents usually come at Christmas-time...the next year. Christmas gifts come when we see each other for coffee...two years later. So we basically (and I still mean I) have this tradition that we have to uphold, right? So this is Tina's Birthday present. For this year. In September. I plan on giving it to her - with her Christmas present - at Christmas this time!!! I know that it's hard to see, but this is actually quite a cute scarf. It's hard to see but I just did a very simple garter stitch on #15 needles. Usually with yarn like this, I like to do seed-stitch to allow for some variation in the direction of the "fur." With this one, though, it was very slippery and it was harder to go back and forth with knit and purl. It turned out great. I hope that she likes it! Now the trick is to make certain that she doesn't see my blog before Christmas!

New Pics Of A Wrist-Warmer!

2006-11-26T09:58:00.000-08:00

Wow- can you believe that I completed something? Well, techniquely, not really. I completed half of something. I completed one wrist-warmer and thought that it'd be cool to post a pic so that I'd feel obligated to make the second one. Here are two shots of the wrist-warmer. Great hand-model, huh? I think that I'll use her again. ;) Also, here's a ball of the Manos color that I used. It looks very cool in person. I thought it'd be a little more scary than it is. It's funky, but not scary. Super-fun.

Socks Blossom Into Wrist-Warmers

2006-11-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

I started to attempt my very first pair of socks, today. Started. Not the first time that I've started this attempt. At socks. Well, I would have gotten further than the cast-on stitches if I didn't have difficulty with the itsy, bitsy, tiny little needles. Okay, they're not THAT tiny. But tiny enough. So I started my cast-on stitches and I noticed that my palms were starting to feel a little itchy from the teeny, tiny little needles poking my palm. They weren't hurting my hand, just making my palm all tingly and itchy. So I told my hubby and he said something that sent a signal to my usually dull lightbulb. Aha! I need to make something to keep my hands from tingling/itching. I need to be making hand- or wrist-warmers. And yes, for you lay-persons out there, this may seem like the obvious- mittens or gloves!- but alas, we in the knitting realm like to make more complex (or at least just MORE) projects for ourselves. No, any old mittens just won't do. We make hand- and wrist-warmers. They can be several different styles. Usually they look like fingerless gloves or like socks with the toe cut off and an extra hole for your thumb. And they're knit. So socks started and wrist-warmers are continuing. Photos to follow of my "first attempt" at both. In the meantime, here's a drawing to give you an idea.

Lacy Scarf

2006-11-24T16:30:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite new patterns. I have always liked mohair but never really knew of any cool patterns to use with it, other than a large seed-stitch. I found this pattern and have already made another scarf with it. I used Rowan's Kidsilk Haze and size 9 needles. This pattern is also my first attempt at any type of lace-work. Anyhoo- I hope that you enjoy this pattern. If you're interested, let me know and I can send you a copy. Otherwise, I plan on posting it with some of my other favorite patterns...soon.

Noro Needs A Home

2006-11-24T14:37:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much I love Noro yarns. I was a late bloomer (I usually am) and don't follow what's "in" until it's been "in" for a little while. I tend not to like following trendy things so much. So when Noro first hit the scene years ago, I took a little while to fall in love with it. Now I've been in love with it for a sufficient amount of time to welcome it into my constant stash. I always keep some somewhere. Now, this was my last Silk Garden (although I do still have some Kureyon that needs a purpose) and I made this mult-directional diagonal scarf and cute little cap. Now that I've made them, they don't have a home to go to. I don't feel right keeping them for myself, but I just might have to. I do love the colorway very much. Hopefully someone will be "the one" to give them to. Otherwise, I'll have to foster them until they can go out on their own.

Aron's Cap

2006-11-24T14:28:00.000-08:00

I knit this cap in Manos del Uruguay recently and I wasn't so sure that Aron would like it. He ended up loving the yarn, but we haven't had the excuse to put it on yet. I grew to really like Manos while making this cap. I never knew that it was so "lofty" once it was knit. It seemed like it might be a little bit too scratchy.

Snowy Morning

2006-11-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

Oooh- one more post! I have to share with you the beautiful webcam pic of one of our favorite places to visit (even though we've only been once :) ). Here is a beautiful pic of Jackson, Wyoming right now. It is a great place to visit. We went in October last year and had so much fun visiting the Tetons. Of course, the Summer looks gorgeous there- so much green!

Whiney

2006-11-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know how all of my fellow knitters out there do it, but I always see people's cool pictures of the things that they are currently working on. I think that I really need to start doing this. I also think that it just might be motivating enough to get me to finish things quicker (and perhaps not start so many things at once?!). Okay- I am going to try some things out today to see if I can get some photos of current projects. That way I can feel cool and feel like I have something to do. :)

Do you hear the words that are coming from my mouth?!

2006-11-23T02:22:00.000-08:00

School is pretty hard right now. I am starting to knit more (is it the weather?). I haven't been running in a little while - I am hitting the treadmill this week.

By the way, my toes are friggin' freezing right now! I don't know why I didn't put my slippers on before hubby went to bed, but dang it!!! I'm so cold now! :p

Long Time Gone

2006-10-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

Winter break is coming. I can almost see it. Well, maybe not but I think that I need to convince myself of this in order to keep on going. This has been a very hard school year already. I am trying so hard to just hang in there and I'm supposed to be getting "excellent" grades, not just barely making it. Returning is always so hard, I suppose. You adjust not only to the change in hours, but you are always "working." There is no real break from it, especially when you have exams coming up. Every spare moment that I've had, I've wanted to relax and sleep. Not study more and do more homework. I don't know if it gets harder as you get older or if it gets easier. Do you take it more seriously as you get older? I thought so but I'm feeling like a flake right now since all that I want to do is get some quiet time.

Just a Friendly Hello

2006-10-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

It seems so peaceful in our home at the moment. Cats are laying and cleaning. Husband is getting ready to fall asleep. I'm finally winding down. These longer days are so hard to get sometimes. I feel exhausted. I can not wait for our home to feel like a home again. I don't know how much more we can handle here. I love our home. I hate our landlords. We can't afford to move (rent price is excellent!). What do we do? I don't know. I'm just enjoying the peace right now.

Bastard Landlords

2006-10-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

I absolutely want to scream. I have been going crazy with our stupid landlords. I hate that we don't own this place. We have been dealing with so much cr*p from our landlords that I just don't know what to do anymore. I want so badly to just scream at them until they get that they are being bastards. Actually, I think that they know but they just don't seem to care. I sure hope that this bull ends soon!

Beautimous!!!

2006-10-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

I so badly wan to be here right now. Wouldn't this be beautiful to see it live?

Vintage Paris Map

2006-10-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

I found this great vintage-inspired Parisian map at a paper store. These are so great. There are many different ones and I love the details that they have. I really miss Paris! I want to go back-now!

Squeeze Muffin

2006-09-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is the Love of My Life.

Fair Maidens

2006-09-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't adore these three as their bridesmaids? :) You all look fabulous!

Am I Driving Anyone Crazy Yet?

2006-09-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am just trying to figure out all of the little tiny details so that I can make my page the exact ways that I want it to be. I would love to hear some input if you notice any details that I might not have noticed or if you have some suggestions for improvement. I am enjoying the planning, organizing and creating part very much. Soon, I'll just be able to sit back and enjoy the page by itself. :)

Some Yummy Yarn

2006-09-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

This is such a pretty yarn. Look at this great assortment of colors! Has anyone knit with this yet? This is the Crystal Palace "Taos." It is 100% wool and I'm wondering how soft a hand it has. The colors are fabulous!

Wedding Day Love

2006-09-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

No words are needed to explain why I love this man.