Friday, September 30, 2005

I love these colors

Peace Fleece

So so so great! I'm ordering two skeins of the Chickie Masla color to do a pair of baby booties in and to experiment with. I'll let you know what I think!

Patterns for future reference

Crocheted:

Socks

iPod Cozy

Baby Wrap Sweater

Book Thong

Rose Bath Pouf

Privacy Wrap

Bath Mitt

Triangle Shawl

Ripple Shawl


Knitted:

Samus (Sweater)

Leo (Sweater)

Mariah (Cardigan)

Sonnet (Cardigan)

Petrol (Vest)

Mariposa (Tank Top)

Peekaboob (Tank Top)

Sigma (Tank Top)

Soleil (Tank Top)

Clapotis (Scarf/Wrap)

Cozy (Wrap)

French Market Bag

Satchel (Messenger Bag)

Tasha (Bag)

Anouk (Baby Dress)

Haiku (Child's Cardigan)

Lace Panelled Baby Blanket

Leaf Trim Shawl

Cutaway (Cardigan)

Bigfoot Socks



Okay, enough for now! My vision is getting blury!

Progress!

I have about 6" done on Owen's sweater. The Wool of the Andes has been good to work with and is knitting up nicely. I love the color and think it will look great on Owen. His eyes are like Bryan's and change between green and hazel.

As soon as I can find the cable for my camera I'll post some pictures! I have pictures from my Secret Pal's package and some of my French Market Bag.

Oh! Speaking of the French Market Bag... I got such a thrill yesterday! I went down to Branson to spend the morning with Mom & Dad (see my personal journal if you'd like to read about that day in full... it was "fun") and of course brought Owen's sweater with me. It was a good thing because I had plenty of time to work on it! I brought it in my French Market Bag and Mom loved the bag. Here's how the conversation went:

Mom: "Oh! I love that bag! I saw it at your house on moving day and wondered where you got it. Did you get it at a craft fair? I showed it to your Dad because I told him that I wanted one. How much was it? I guessed $50, but I could be wrong. Did you keep the name of who you bought it from?" (Mom was talking very fast. She does that when she's excited.)

Me: "Um, Mom? I made that!"

Mom: "What? How?!"

Me: "Well, I bought wool and needles and then I made it."

Mom: "I want one! Make me one!"

Me: "Merry Christmas!"

You can imagine what a thrill that was for me! My Mom is very crafty and handy, the general consensus being that if you handed her an instruction manual she could perform brain surgery. She's crocheted blankets, quilted everything from quilts to pillows, tole paints like a professional, and has made several beautiful filet crochet items. So for her to make that comment to me made me so proud!

And now... on a different note:

bamboo
You are bamboo.
Warm, cozy, and thoughtful, you take your time and
enjoy how things feel, smell, and taste. You
love the craft and beauty of traditional
things, and you value the comfort and
experience of knitting as much as the results.
But while you are reveling in your warm cozies,
don't get stuck. Warm is wonderful, but so is
the whole wide world!


What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

My first sweater!

I'm so sick of boring, plain, garter stitch that I could pass out. So I decided to put aside my green therapy blanket that I started the day that we moved here, and still work on Ashley & Glenn's wedding gift... but to start on a sweater for Owen!

The yarn: Wool of the Andes from KnitPicks

The pattern: Stocking Stitch Sweater from Debbie Bliss' Baby Style

The color: Chestnut

The size: 3T (I figure it'll last him through this winter and perhaps into next fall if I'm really lucky.)

Yes, it's not exactly brain surgery. Just Stockinette Stitch and raglan sleeves... but it's something I've never done and I'm looking for a bit of a challenge. However, I don't want so much challenge that I shudder at the thought of sweaters. Nope. So this is a great compromise for me. If it goes well, I'll try a more detailed sweater for Owen. And if that doesn't make me cry, then I'll make something for Bryan.

It's a plan!

I made my swatch to test the gauge and I'm dead even! Love it! So I have cast on my 70 stitches and have stockinetted for 7 rows. Only 9" from cast on to go!

I'm proud of myself. Yay me!

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Before I go to bed...

My Secret Pal has received my first package of spoiledness and she was pleased! I'm already trying to figure out what my next package will contain. So much fun!!!

I just finished skein 4 of 10 on Ashley's Twirl Blanket. It's really turning out nicely and I hope that she appreciates it. It took me a while to figure out the whole hanks thing. I don't exactly have a winder... besides myself... and so I've had to work it out on my own. Finally today I untwisted it into the big long oval, and then put that around my neck and wind from there. It sounds somewhat hilarious... but it totally worked! I managed to wind a ball in 5 minutes, compared to 20 minutes. I may be on to some amazing system and everyone will be doing this soon. I totally see it. ;)

Saturday, September 24, 2005

How much fun would this be?!

I was doing some yarn investigating when I came upon this amazing thing that I so would love to do! How could someone pass this up? (Except for the money issue, of course.)

I ordered some yarn from KnitPicks and it arrived! There are 10 skeins of Twirl in Cream, a few skeins of something for my Secret Pal, 8 skeins of Wool of the Andes in Chestnut for Owen's sweater, and 3 skeins of sock yarn in blues and greens that I can't remember the name of.

I'm making up the Twirl into a luxe blanket for my cousin who is getting married at the end of October. I already realize that I will probably need more yarn for this, making it more expensive than originally intended, but she's worth it!

I also found one of two lys only about 15 minutes away from me in Springfield. The first will probably be my favorite and it is called Simply Fibre (I think?), located on S. Campbell. The ladies in there were wonderful and very helpful. The store itself is adorable and jam packed with so much yarn it was dizzying! I found a great beginner's sock pattern and some dpns for it. I also found two more skeins of yarn for my Secret Pal that I almost kept for myself, but couldn't bring myself to do it!

By the way, have I mentioned how sweet Bryan is? I was trying to find some of the TLC Amore in Light Sage since I knew that I would need more, so one day this week after work he went on a search to find more for me! Hobby Lobby didn't have it, neither did Simply Fibre (which I could have told him, but he was surprising me), and I think he finally found it at Michael's. Bryan came home victoriously with 4 more skeins in hand and made my day by giving me the spoils of his conquest along with an iPod for my birthday hidden among the yarn. I tell you, I'm the luckiest girl around!!!!!

Friday, September 23, 2005

Good morning, world!

I'm pregnant! *grins*

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Hello, fellow knitters of Missouri!

Bryan just called to let me know that he was on his way home. He overheard a few ladies at work talking about knitting and he piped in to let them know that his fabulous, amazing, wonderful wife knits as well. Apparently, he directed them to this blog... sooooo...


Hello, knitting ladies of New Horizons!


I'm not sure if you have heard, but there's a little group of women who get together and knit once a month. Their last meeting was September 10th and they met at Zio's. I was unfortunately unable to go at the time, but I'll let you know when the next meeting is set for and perhaps we can grow their group a bit!

I love finding knitters. *grins*

Picture time!












Here are a couple of older pictures. (By older I mean, "from August.)

For your viewing pleasure, courtesy of my not screwed up anymore computer:

This is from our trip to Petco Park in beautiful our-home-at-that-time San Diego. It was Owen's very first professional baseball game and our first time at Petco Park. Bryan really enjoyed having Owen on his lap, pointing out all the players and what they did. Owen especially liked when the players ran and slid in the dirt. That was very hilarious to the almost 2 year old. I brought in the beginnings of my French Market Bag from Knitty and thoroughly enjoyed being able to knit and watch baseball at the same time. Fantastic! I also learned that I could totally knit and hold a sleeping toddler concurrently. The picture on the far right is me doing just that. They grey topped by green is Owen's behind. *grins*

Oh my gosh. I have the best Secret Pal... ever!

Yesterday was crazy. C R A Z Y. I'm smack in the middle of this C R A Z Y day and I get my first package from my Secret Pal.

This woman knows me. I swear. She happens to also be incredibly thoughtful!!!

My first package: (pictures to be posted after hubby gets home with batteries for the camera)

A beautiful blue hydrangea... only my very favorite flower in my very favorite color. I had to leave my potted blue hydrangea back in CA and I have been missing it every day. She couldn't have known!!!

A candle that smells so good that it burned for 4 hours last night. Pumpkin spice. Aaah.

And what I think is the most awesome thing anyone could have given me right now... a packet of information about Nixa from the city's Chamber of Commerce! (My girly lives near me, apparently.) I sat and read through it all for a solid hour and a half last night. There was a ton of stuff in that packet and I have the city's important phone number sheet hanging on my fridge now! Seriously, I showed Bryan this packet and he was thrilled, too!

417 magazine. Only the magazine to have in these parts. It covers all the cool stuff happening in the 417 area code. (In San Diego that wouldn't be much since there are 3, soon to be 4, area codes in the county.) I haven't opened this edition yet. I'm saving it for Owen's nap this afternoon.

And finally, Midwestern Living Magazine. I had to laugh when I saw this! It still cracks me up that I'm a Midwestern Girl and not a Southern California Girl. I'll get down to reading this during Owen's nap tomorrow. (Magazines are perfect nap reading.)


This delivery totally changed my day around. THANK YOU, SECRET PAL!!!!

Saturday, September 17, 2005

Hello world!

I'm back and on the internet! Wahoo!

I'll have to do a full update a little later, as I'm tired and very ready to go to bed. I just had to let you all know that I'm okay, I'm in Missouri in my brand spanking new house and I'm adjusting to life in the Central Time Zone. *grins*

First things first...

My SP6 questionnaire!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

I'm not a yarn snob, but there are certain things from Red Heart and Lion Brand that I don't care for. Basically, if it's good and soft I'll use it. I have discovered that I do appreciate fine yarn though. I felted a bag with Plymouth and it was fantastic. I couldn't believe how much nicer my work looked while I was making it.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

Spinning? No. Crocheting? Yes. My great-grandmother taught me to crochet when I was young, and I've been doing it on and off my whole life.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

I am allergic to smoke and to pets. Oh, and freshly cut grass... though I don't believe that'll be much of a problem here.

4. How long have you been knitting?

Not very long. Only about a couple of months. I absolutely love it!

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

I think I do. It's somewhere on my blog. If not, let me know and I'll gladly make up one!

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

Vanilla has always been a favorite. With that said, I also love to try new scents!

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Yes, but one I'm trying to tone down. Though if you find it absolutely necessary to send me chocolate, I like it dark. *wink wink*

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I love to cross-stitch, though I find that trying to do that with a 2 year old is not only dangerous, but impossible! I took a broken glass mosaic class last summer with my Mom and sister and that was a ton of fun!

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I have eclectic music taste. Please no rap or heavy metal. My nerves can't take it! My computer plays MP3s and I'm thinking I'll be adding an iPod to my collection soon.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite color is blue. Like French Blue or muted blues. I also love sage greens and soft buttery yellows. I think the only color I'm not fond of (meaning I wouldn't paint my walls this color) is orange. My mom describes my color preferences as Martha Stewart Muted. Does that help or confuse?

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

We just moved to Missouri from Southern California, in part to be near my parents who moved to Branson in July. My parents are awesome and I love them to death! I have a sister who will be graduating from college in May and getting married in June. She's incredible and I miss her a lot. My two brothers are 11 and 6 and live with my parents, of course. They're practically like my own kids, and I adore them. My youngest brother has an autism spectrum disorder called Aspergers and just started kindergarten. The middle brother is a genius with Legos and loves to draw. My husband is my best friend and I'm madly in love with him. We just celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. For a good laugh, ask how we met. And finally, our son, Owen. He just turned 2 last Saturday (a day before his Daddy's birthday) and he is the light of my life. I love him more than I can even describe.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

I want to travel. Anywhere. Everywhere. I want to be the best Mom, ever. I'll add to this later. It's been a long day!

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

I'm still learning, but this Amore yarn from Coates & Clark that I'm working with is fun. (If you happen to find more of the Thyme color, you'd be my hero!) I really liked the Plymouth yarn. I'll keep you updated as I discover more! I'm dying to try Debbie Bliss yarns!!!

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Anything scratchy. I have sensitive skin and if it's the least bit scratchy it'll drive me crazy!

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

Bags. Purses. Yeah. I'm also obsessed with finding the perfect cardigan pattern to make for my son's winter coat. He's a size 2/3 T, in case you were wondering! I'm also trying to figure out if my husband would ever wear dress socks if I made them for him.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I'm still a novice here, but scarves are fun and quick. I really am dying to try socks for my big man and a sweater for my little man.

17. What are you knitting right now?

A basic garter stitch blanket. I need something soothing and repetitive that requires no thought whatsoever. Cheap therapy for my currently crazy world.

18. What do you think about ponchos?

Meh, I could take them or leave them. I think I'm more of a wrap or shawl type girl.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

They both serve their purpose. I do seem to lean toward circulars, though.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I love my Denise set! Fantastic. I also bought my first set of bamboos and I could die. They're fabulous. I'm not a huge fan of aluminum, though. They frustrate me.

21. Are you a sock knitter?

No, but I'd like to be!

22. How did you learn to knit?

I taught myself. It took a few tries over a few years... and viola!

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

I don't have one yet. Give me time.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

We just went to the Bass Pro "Wonder of Wildlife" Natural Museum and I fell in love with the sea otters!

25. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas. Definitely.

26. Is there anything that you collect?

I don't think so. I'll certainly be reminded of it when I'm unpacking, though!

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

None. *tear!*

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?

I don't think so.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??

Not yet.

ETA: 30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?

I'm a size 8.5 and I have feet a tad on the wide side. I like thinner socks, but will need some slightly thicker ones for the coming weather changes!