Two More Packages

Friday I received another envelope from my awesome Secret Pal, and again today I received another envelope from her. Here is what I got:Friday's envelope contained the pattern book to make a Scarecrow Family! How cute! There are patterns to make several stuffed scarecrow toys and they are all bright and colourful. I really want to make some of those (or even all of them). My Pal said she knew that I knit for charity and thought that I might like to knit some toys as some of my charity knitting - how thoughtful! I haven't knit any toys yet, but I've had my eye on a few different ones that I'd like to try and now I can add these little scarecrows!

On the right side of the picture is the package I received today. It's a little sock blocker key ring and pattern for to make the sock! I have had my eye on this particular item for a little while now and had planned on ordering one - now I don't have to, because my pal sent one to me! She said she is going to be opening a yarn shop soon, and she's going to be offering these in the shop too. I think she'll do well with selling them. I've seen these all over blogland and they are definately a popular item!

Not much knitting going on - trying to get a child's pair of socks done before the end of the month to count as my May socks and have been working on a pair I started awhile back and never got around to finish. I'm still on the first sock, and I'm going to have to knit like a maniac in order to get the pair done and a pic posted by the 31st! I've just quite busy the last few weeks and have been preoccupied with something else other than knitting. I should be able to let you know shortly what I've been preoccupied with...if all works out, it will be great news, but if it doesn't, then it will be bad news...

So, off I go to do a quick browsing of some knitting blogs and then work on the sock...must...get...socks...done...soon. Happy knitting!

Mail Call!

What a great mail day this was! Not only did I get a book to review for CFBA (Christian Fiction Blog Alliance), which I joined a couple of months ago (see my writing blog, Ink Scrawls, for reviews of some great books), but I got another little gift from my awesome Secret Pal and my prize from a contest I won!

Ok, first up, the gift from my secret pal:
Sorry for the terrible pic. She sent me some stitch marker supplies and some scrapbooking supplies (at the bottom). The stitch marker supplies are the pin thingys you put the beads on, and the scrap booking supplies are letter tiles that look like bottle caps. She also said that my big package will be sent out the end of the month so that I get it in June - I'm so excited! Thanks so much SP, I love it and I'm looking forward to the June package!

The prize I won was for some sock yarn, Sol Joy (100 grams, 100% Superwash Merino) in the colour Polar. It looks and feels yummy! I can't wait to see it knit up into a pair of socks. What pattern would I use? Not sure just yet, but whatever I choose, I know it will look awesome! It looks light in the picture, but in actuality, it is a little darker. Kerry held a contest on her blog back in April and she drew the winning name and I was surprised that I had won. I had actually forgot that I had entered the contest. So, I was scrolling her blog on the weekend (I had been busy and hadn't been by her blog or several others for a few days), and lo and behold was a post saying that I had won. I emailed her to let her know I had finally saw the post and given her my address. However, she informed that she had it already because she is my group hostess/leader for SP10, and she already had the yarn in the mail! Thanks so much Kerry!

Now, a couple of people tagged me for the 7 thing about me meme that is going around blogland. I am supposed to list 7 things about myself and then choose 7 others to tag, they in turn do the meme themselves. So, let's see if I can come up with something...

1. When I was little I was scared by fire truck sirens. My dad used to volunteer at the fire department (driving a tanker) and one year at Christmas he was holding me up at the Santa Claus parade when the decorated fire truck drove by (they would have some of the firemen dressed up as clowns and they would throw candy to the kids in the crowd). The driver saw my dad and right when he got in front of us, he blew the siren and it was so LOUD. I must have been about 4 at the time, and for the longest time (probably until I was about 9 or 10) I got scared and would cover my ears whenever I heard a fire truck's siren - especially it was close to us.

2. When I was about six or seven, there had been rumors that the world was going to end and naturally I got scared when I heard that. I envisioned everyone and everything floating in space forever and that just didn't really appeal to me. So, the day after it was supposed to happen, my brother, my mother and I were in my brother's room (don't remember why, just that that was where we were) and I looked out the window and asked my mom if the world had ended. My brother said to me, "No Stupid, we're still here. If it ended we wouldn't be here."

3. I have a crush on Matthew McConaughey. 'Nuff said.

4. I love rocking chairs - ever since I was little, I have loved rocking in rocking chairs. I find it relaxing and do all my knitting (at least when I'm at home knitting) in my rocking chair.

5. I am allergic to many scented products like flowery scented perfums/lotions/bath products/candles, some household cleaners, smoke (and dust but that isn't scented). However, fruit scented things do not bother me in the least.

6. I love the cranberry lemon muffins from Tim Horton's. However, this has only been a feature product now and then, and they don't offer this kind of muffin all the time. Such a shame really, because they are yummy!

7. Apparently I can't count. I had typed a 7 instead of a 6 and was in the process of saying 'ok, there are the 7 things about me' when I noticed the error. Sheesh.

Oh, and to end off, yesterday my friend Sarah and I took the morning off from our jobs so we could drive up to Fredericton (about 1 1/2 hours away) to the provincial passport office to take in our passport applications to hurry the process along. Anyway, on the way there we drove past a farm (there were more than one, but just this one in particular applies to the story). I look out the window and what do I see on the hill - sheep! So, naturally I point and say in an excited joy-filled voice, "Sheep!" Sarah just laughed at me as though I were nuts (ok, I am, but that's besides the point). I told her I would blog about this experience because anyone who is a knitter (and/or spinner) would totally understand my reaction. Sheep are a knitter's/spinner's best friend; we like sheep. I told her that I was going to tell you all how she laughed at me for my joy at spotting the sheep. She laughed at me again. These non-knitters, I'm telling you...I told her I was going to teach her to knit and she agreed; I don't know how serious she was though. She might have just wanted to humour the crazy knitter sitting in her car.

It's Been A Week!

This week I received another package from my awesome Secret Pal. She sent a ring with an "s" scrabble tile on it - too cute! Sadly, it came unattached during its travel to my home so I'll have to reglue it. My pal also sent me some yarn!

It's sock yarn that she hand dyed herself! She sent a note saying that she knew I knit socks for kids and that I knit for charity. That's what this yarn is for - a pair of kids socks (which will go on the mitten tree at church). Look at those nice bright spring-like colours! I can't wait to see them knit into socks; they are going to look awesome!
Now we are to show our stash of sock yarn. This is something I have refrained from doing in the past. Why? Well, I'm not really sure. Maybe because I'm in denial that I have a stash of yarn, or maybe because I don't want to admit to how much I have, or maybe I just don't want anyone to know what the size of the stash really is. I do know that it isn't as large as some people's, net it is not as small as others have.

Well, since there is a contest involved (and you know me and contests, if it involves yarn chances are I'm entering) in showing your sock yarn stash, I figured I should play along.
To the left is the sock yarn I have in a 4-drawer rolling plastic organizer (two large drawers and two small ones), as well as the yarn my SP10 pal sent (see pic above). The yarn at the bottom is Knit Picks dye your own, though I think I might leave it as is as it has some little nubbins (or whatever you call them) of colour in it and might look nice as is. Aside from the yarn from my SP, the rest is either Knit Picks or Paton's Kroy. I will say that 4 of the skeins (the navy and the 2 skeins beside it) will be a pair of fair isle socks - I got the pattern from Knit Picks, but haven't made them yet (obviously).

In the next picture you will see some yarn I had downstairs (and a bit I had in my room, which were recent purchases). On the left is Cherry Tree Hill in blues and purples (was on sale), the green (called Shamrock) is Louet Gems in sport weight (anyone know if 100 grams will make a pair of adult socks?), both of these were on sale (I think) from The Sweet Sheep. The two light blue ones are Louet Gems in fingering weight (from the Loopy Ewe - button on my side bar), and the other three skeins are Patons' Kroy. I haven't knit with the Cherry Tree Hill or the Louet yarns yet. They both feel nice and soft and squishy, and can't wait to use them.

I will say that I am giving two of the skeins to a friend of mine, so I don't know if I should really count those in my stash count. These two pictures also don't include the socks I am currently working on (one child's pair, and two adult), nor does it include the skein I had gotten from Wooly Boully (link on side bar), or the sock yarn from my SP in the package she sent last month. As well, I know there are a couple of other skeins that I couldn't locate when I was gathering them together for the picture. So, really, my sock yarn stash isn't that big - not compared to some I've seen.

In other knitting news, I've finished the scarf for my ISE 4 pal, it is blocked and dried and I have a pic of it - but I'm not showing it just yet. I want to make sure she has it before I do so...either that or I'll post the pic when the scarf is enroute to her. I've contacted her a few times since the original email, but haven't heard anything else from her since then. I want to get a few little items to include in the package for her as well, so once I have the package enroute to my pal, I'll let you see the finished scarf. Oh, and I have the pattern for it written up as well which I'll be posting, should anyone want to try it.

Happy Knitting!

Finally...Some Promised Pics!

I finally have some promised pics to show you - the ones of the socks that I've been slowly working on. First up, the Secret Sock from the CD my Secret Pal sent me. This sock is done on two needles, and since I don't have any single point needles in this size (I think it's 2.5 mm) that are available, I had to use my DPNs and be careful so the stitches don't fall off the ends. What is showing, is the hem (by my fingers) which will end up being the cuff, and four repeats of the lacy pattern. I think if you click on the picture it should enlargen it so you can see the pattern better.

I'm going to have to listen to a bit more of the CD to see if it's time to start the heel flap. If so, I might do one more repeat of the lace (8 rows) before starting - otherwise the sock might be a little shorter than I like it to be.

The colours in the pic are a little darker (not a whole lot) than the yarn actually is, and I still think this might have been a bad choice for a lace pattern. But, I'm going to keep on trudging on with it and finish them up regardless.

The next sock is the Razor Shell Socks pattern sent to me by my Secret Pal as well (she is really spoiling me!), and I am on row 20 of 53 row leg. Depending on how long or short it is, I may add a few rows to the leg, but I'll just wait and see for now.

The yarn I'm using for this is Trekking (XXL), colour 283. I really wish they would name their colours instead of using numbers, LOL. The picture makes the red look a little pinker than it really is, but so far I think the colour is looking nice with the pattern. You can also see the "s" stitch marker I'm using; that is one from my Secret Pal - remember, she sent me stitch markers that spelled out my name.

I haven't taken a pic of the scarf I'm doing with my Easter Egg dyed yarn. I don't really have much of it done yet, but I'll take a pic when I get more of it. I'm working on it at work (breaks and/or lunch), but I might just work on it outside of then as well. I've also started a children's pair of socks (a simple stocking stitch pattern) to knit on during lunch/breaks/travelling to and from work. I'm just about to start the leg of it, but if I want to get a pair of socks done for May, I'll have to work on it more than I am doing so far...though to be honest, I just started it the other day. I'll show a pic of the socks as well at a later date.

I also finished my ISE4 pal's scarf this morning and have soaked it and have it out blocking. When it is totally dry, I'll take a pic of it and show you all. I've also written out the pattern and will post that as well, if anyone is interested in it.

For now, I'll end by showing a pic of Tinker Belle attempting to eat my sock when I was trying to take pictures. Prior to this, she was trying to eat the yarn...silly kitty!

Dye Job

Well, I've had a lot of free time since Thursday, and let me tell you I have enjoyed it! I have been working on some knitting - the "Secret Socks" from the disc my Secret Pal sent, another pair of socks from a pattern my Secret Pal sent, and my ISE4 pal's scarf...all while holding back from casting on for something else, because one can never have too many projects on the go!

So, the pattern from the Secret Socks cd is coming along nicely (no pics yet, I want to get another repeat done first), though I think I might have chosen the wrong yarn. The yarn I chose has some brown and grey and blue (and I think an orangeish shade) and as I'm knitting it up, I can't help but think it would look better as a simple plain stocking stitch sock, and might even look better as something to use for a man's sock. However, I haven't gotten far into it, so I might be surprised. I'm going to keep knitting on them though. The pattern is pretty easy, though I haven't gotten it memorized. As I was listening to it, I wrote down the directions for the leg pattern so I wouldn't have to keep rewinding to listen to it. I'm still not sure how it's going to work on the 2 needles...obviously there will have to be some sewing up afterwards. I just hope the bottom of the foot doesn't have to be sewn because I wouldn't think that would be too comfortable.

The other sock I started was the Razor Shell pattern, and I'm using my Trekking yarn for that. It's also a pretty easy knit, with 2 rows repeated for the leg. I'm not too far into that one yet though, so no picture of it either.

On Saturday I decided to try dying with the Easter Egg dyes I got on sale after Easter. I couldn't find the pack that had the tablets in it, so I used the one that had liquid dye. I decided to go with blue, red, and purple. However, as you can see in the picture on the left (and the others as well), the red is not so red - it's pink. But, that's ok because I think it looks good together with the other colours anyway.

There isn't as much purple in it as there is blue and pink, but that's ok - there are two sections of purple. I should say that I've not tried dying yarn this way (I've only done it on the stove), so it was a new experience. I put the dye in the jars according to the directions, shoved the yarn in and added some water so it would cover more of the yarn. I didn't let the wait til the dye was all exhausted, but for the most part it was. I lined one of the glass baking dishes with plastic wrap so that there wouldn't be any staining - though I don't know if it would, I just wanted to be on the safe side. I heated it for a couple of minutes (on high), waited, then heated it for another minute or so. I was starting to smell something - can't describe it - and since I didn't want to take a chance on burning the yarn or something, I didn't heat it any more. I hope that it was enough time though. Also, before I put the yarn in the pan I didn't squeeze any of the liquid out. The picture on the right is after I heated it, and was letting it cool in the microwave. It looks a little washed out or something in that picture, but that is just from the light in the microwave. Once it cooled down, I removed it to a plastic hanger and hung it up to dry.

The next day, this is what I had:

The colours don't look very bright, but that's just from the picture. In real life they are very bright and vibrant. When I was winding it in a ball (I don't have a ball winder yet), there was some dye on my hands after I was finished, but it didn't last very long. I think whenever I knit it up I will have to soak it some more to get the excess out. I used Patons wool in an off white shade, and there was just a little missing from it, as I had used it on a pair of children's mitttens. There is still plenty there, and I plan on making another scarf like the Noro one I made a few months ago. Since I started work today, I wanted some mindless knitting to have with my for lunch and/or breaks, and I figured that scarf would be perfect. I'll post pics as I get more completed - right now I only have about six or seven rows completed so it doesn't look like much.

So, that's all for now. I promise to get a pic of the socks in progress very soon so you can see how they are coming along. Happy Knitting!

Pictures, As Promised

Well, in last night's quick post, I promised to put up some pics of the lastest gifts. First off, (since it came first in delivery from the mailwoman), we have the little gift from my Secret Pal who is totally spoiling me (I love it!):

The Scrable Tile earrings and to the left (which I forgot to mention in the post yesterday - I claim extreme tiredness rather than forgetfulness), really cute purple sock shaped needle point protectors! Love 'em both! Thank you so much Secret Pal! Oh, and here is a close up of the earrings.

Next on the list, is the package that totally surprised me - though any package I receive (that isn't something I ordered) totally surprises me, because I don't get a lot of mail. Anyway, Rhonda's gift is a cute ornament! Look at that...a cute little sheep peeking out of a little red mitten! It's so appropriate, because like I said yesterday, she sent it as a thank you for hosting the Knittin' Mittens KAL. And look at the cute little Noah's ark card! There is no sheep on the card...I assume that is because Mrs. Noah (whose name is never mentioned in the Bible, btw) has it inside the ark, shearing it and preparing the wool to spin and knit something for Noah (or one of her sons)!

Thank you again to both my Secret Pal and Rhonda! Both gifts helped add some fun and excitement to a busy week!

In other knitting news, I joined Sockapalooza (yes, yes, we all know I'm a joiner) and have received my pal's name and specifications. I've got to find the pattern and yarn for her socks. She's pretty flexible with her colours and said any colour is fine. Of course I want to find the "perfect" colour/yarn and "perfect" pattern for her. I've sent of a hello email to her as well.

I've heard from my own pal, the one who will knit for me. She (I assume my pal is female) wanted a little more clarification with colours and the instep/heel circumference to help, so I've answered her questions to the best of my ability, and she said they help. So, at this moment, I'd like to say hello to my Sockapalooza pal, whomever you are!

Hopefully in my next post I will have some knitting content pictures to show you. I want to get some more of the socks in progress done before posting, but I promise to show them soon!

I'm Still Here!

Whew! I have been buzy since last weekend, and haven't had a whole lot of time for myself. I've had to work on lesson plans all week for the TESL practicum I had to do. That's done now (finished teaching this afternoon, actually), and finally I have time to sit and knit!

I haven't picked up the knitting needles since last Saturday and let me tell you, I've been in withdrawl! I was able to do a little bit of spinning earlier tonight and once during the week when I had a short amount of time. I figured if I picked up the knitting I wouldn't put it down, so I did some spinning hoping the same thing wouldn't happen. It was hard, but I did manage to put the spindle down.

I received a couple of packages this week. The first one was from my Secret Pal. She sent some really cute earrings - scrabble tiles (with the letter S on them)!

The other package I received was a really cute ornament from Rhonda. She sent it as a thank you for hosting the Knittin' Mittens KAL! Thank you so much Rhonda, I love it! I got it on Tuesday, but haven't had the chance to post about it or let you know I had it.

I will get pics up of both gifts tomorrow. Until then, I'm off to knit before I fall asleep - this week has really taken a lot out of me. I'll also be posting (probably tomorrow) about my TESL practicum on my Confirm The Work of Our Hands Blog. I'll let you know when, so you can go read about it if you want.

So, happy knitting for now, and I'll talk to you all tomorrow!

I thought Christmas...

...was four months ago? Isn't Christmas in December? That's what I thought. Today, however, Christmas came once again!
Look at that bounty! Whatever could all those presents be? I mean, look at that wrapping paper...sheepies! It was so cute! I was surprised that Tinker Belle wasn't around to help me unwrap. Usually she's nosy and want to see and sniff everything, but she was downstairs somewhere. So, I proceeded to unwrap these mysterious presents.

I opened the card first, which said that the autograph finally came in the mail, and I'd know what was meant when I opened the gift. As well, my pal was going to send me a huge present in June (which she asked if that was alright with me, and it was), but couldn't wait. So this package came as a total shock to me. So, here you see the autograph that was being spoken of...The Yarn Harlot's! My SP10 pal got me Stephanie Pearl McPhee's Knitting Rules! book...with an autograph! How awesome! I can't wait to start reading it; I've heard a lot of great things about her book and this is something I had on my Amazon wish list.
Here is everything unwrapped...the book, a package of blank "knitting" note cards , some playing cards with a knitting image on the front (very cute, and I don't think I've seen any with knitting on them before), some chocolate "poker chips", four Scrabble tile magnets with the letter 's' on the fronts, some "S" sticky notes 2 episodes of Knitty Gritty that can't be gotten here in Canada (one episode is the one with the Yarn Harlot on it, and the other talks about dying yarn with Scout from Scout's Swag...I think that's her name...), 2 skeins of yarn - one sock (I think, because it's in Dutch I assume since it says HWS Nieuwegein, Holland on the label; it also says Scheepjes Invicta Coloris, so I think that might be the brand, but I'm not sure. The colour is 1712 and it is multicolour - very pretty) and one of the Eco-Fil yarn in purple (it's sort of hiding behind the dvd episodes), and finally a stitch marker kit that even says Shelley's Stitch Marker Kit on the front...too cool (and it's a purple case to boot! I took a close-up of what is inside...everything needed to make stitch markers! I will definately take pics and show you the markers I'll make from this awesome little kit. Finally, what was in the package...something I don't think I've seen before...the pinkish thing in the pic above, which the book is laying on (that is really a lilac/lavender colour), is a bag that you can zip up into a little case! My pal wrote on the tag that it could be used as a knitting bag, and that is no doubt what I'll be using it for!

I'm telling you, my SP10 pal rocks! Thank you so, so much SP10 Pal...I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything!!!

Now, if that weren't enough, I also got another package today from The Loopy Ewe. I ordered something in it for my SP10 giftee (which I hope she'll like, and hope she doesn't already have). I liked so much what I was getting her, that I got the same thing for myself...so I can't show you what it is just yet. That will have to wait until SP10 is over ;o).

I'm very impressed with The Loopy Ewe's service, and Sheri had shipped my order out the day after I placed it. The only thing I didn't like, and wasn't expecting, was when the package came to the door, the mail carrier had to collect GST and a handling fee (which came to $11.76). I think, though, that that was because of the declared amount on the customs sticker...it must have been over the limit of what can be shipped without charging the tax. That's the only thing I can think of. But, it's not Sheri's fault and I don't hold it against her in any way, shape, or form.

The reason I think that it might be the declared value that was the cause of this, was because when I got the yarn from Woolly Boully the other day, I didn't have to pay anything. I'll just have to watch what I order from The Loopy Ewe the next time so that the amount won't be high...hard to do though; Sheri's got some yummy yarn and stuff at her shop!!

Anyway, I definately recommend The Loopy Ewe. If you've not been there, her link is in my sidebar (under the title, "Order From")...go and check her out, and tell her Shelley from Kitten Knits Yarn sent ya!

A Surprise and Yarny Goodness

Yesterday I awoke to a wonderful surprise. My SP10 pal struck again and sent me these awesome earrings! Aren't they cool? I haven't worn earrings in a dog's age, but she had emailed me and asked if I had my ears pierced so I thought I would go and check. I took a pair of earrings I had, soaked them in some alcohol and slowly tried to get them in. What luck! I was able to get them in! So when I got this little package yesterday, I was able to put them in my ears!
To the left you can see one in my ear...man was that ever a hard picture to get. I kept getting the camera in most of the shots but I finally was able to get this one. Pay no attention to the grey in the hair that is showing...

Unfortunately, I didn't keep them in for too long because I didn't want my ears to get sore since I haven't worn earrings for awhile. I'll wear them for a little bit each day (in fact I have them in as I am typing this up and so far so good!) until I am sure my ears won't get sore. They are so cute, and I can just imagine wearing them when I have my 'I Love Knitting' t-shirt (that I won from Karen's contest last November or December) on and doing some knitting! Thank you so much SP10 pal, they are great! I love them!

Also, you can see in the picture at the top, the link for the Etsy shop my pal got the earrings from, GraphicDesignChick.etsy.com, so I'll give that a little plug here. I haven't visited there yet, but after I finish this post I will go and take a gander at what she has there.


Today was another good mail day. Well, any day when you don't get bills is a good mail day, I suppose. Anyway, here is what I got today:
This is some superwash sock yarn, 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon. It is approximately 440 yards of yarny goodness! I took the picture in the little greenhous that is set up on the back patio, and used the geraniums that are starting to grow (they'll be planted in front of the house at some point), as a backdrop. Look at the colours - so vibrant! The part in the shad, toward the right of the picture, is the most accurate (the sun is shining on the rest so you don't get a very good idea). There are actually two or three shades of pink in it, as well as white and brown. The colour is appropriately named, Neopolitain...and now I'm wanting some neopolitain ice cream. I think I have a pattern in mind that I am going to use this yarn with, so stay tuned to see what this yarny goodness turns into.
I ordered this yarn from an etsy store, Woolly Boully (found her via someone's blog I had visited), and she shipped it out very quickly. She allowed me to send a money order, and as soon as she received it she shipped my yarn to me. She also threw in a cute stitch marker (which I forgot to include in the picture) with my order. So, go check out Jenny's shop as well! She has a few more colourways that I have my eye on, too (such as the Moon Flowers colourway).

That's all for now. Today is going to be filled with practicing my flute and knitting...but mostly knitting. My ISE4 pal's scarf is now 2 repeats longer than it was yesterday, and last night I got about 5 or 6 rows of the Secret Sock done. I was getting rather tired so before starting the lacy pattern on the leg I put it away and went to bed. I didn't want any disasters on my hands, so I did the safe thing and waited until I was more awake to work on it. I'll work at that today, and maybe get a pic of it up tomorrow or on the weekend so you can see how it's looking.


Happy Knitting!

Another F.O.

Remember the scarf I said I was working on...the lacy one that was working up quickly? Well, I got it done and blocked. It's the Kid Merino Cat's Paw Lace Scarf only I didn't use Kid Merino for it. I used Peruvian Pure Alpaca from Elann in the sangria colour.

When I ordered it, I thought the colour might be a little redder than it actually is (which is more of a reddish brown colour) because I wanted to make a scarf for a friend of mine from work because she is retiring in August. I know a scarf isn't really a summer item, but hey, this is Canada - we get winter up here!

Anyway, I don't know if I will give it to her now or not. I have some more of this yarn left, so what I might end up doing is taking it into work when I start (on May 7) and asking her what she thinks of the colour. If she likes it, then I'll gift her with the scarf. If not, then the scarf will go in the 25 Things For Charity tub I have and be put on the Mitten Tree at church at Christmas time.

Here's a closeup of one of the "cat prints". It doesn't really look like one to me, at least in this picture, but even if it doesn't look like a cat's paw, it looks kind of like a little flower so that will be acceptable.


Ok, as I said, I used alpaca (and boy was it soft!) yarn in the sangria colourway and size 6mm needles. It was a little slow going because the only size 6 I had (or at least that I could find) were plastic ones and the yarn didn't move too easily. It would have gone much better and quicker if I had bamboo or aluminum. I know I have 5.5mm and 6.6mm bamboo's, but I honestly don't know if I have 6.0mm in bamboo or not. At any rate, the scarf is done and blocked and overall I think the pattern turned out lovely (even if it doesn't quite look totally like cat paw prints to me...but that might be because of the way I had blocked it too).


I'm still working on my ISE4 pal's scarf. Now that school is done (with the exception of my TESL practicum which will be done next week), I will have a little more knitting time until I start back to work.


Oh, and I've started on the Secret Socks from the CD that my awesome Secret Pal 10 pal sent me not long ago! I'll show more of that when I get more done. I needed a break from studying the other night, so for about 1/2 an hour I worked on the sock for that...well maybe not quite 1/2 an hour...I got 8 rows done. This is a first for me (well, not only knitting a 'secret' pattern from a CD)...this sock is done on 2 needles! I was debating on trying to 'adjust' and use 4 dpns, but thought to myself, 'no, I am going to try some new things with my knitting this year so I am going to attempt to do it on 2 needles.'


Anyway, I think the pattern is from a podcast...at least that is what it sounds like so far...pretty cool! I have only listened to 3 podcasts (none of them from this lady because she has an accent, and the ones I've heard don't have any accents), but am thinking of downloading some for when I start to work. We are allowed to listen to the radio, CD player, etc. while working (data entry) so long as we have our earphones one. But, like I said, when I get further along in the sock, I'll post a pic of what it's looking like because right now it doesn't look like much of anything, lol.


So, now I must go and get caught up on reading some blogs and then do some knitting! Happy knitting to you!

Another Pair Done

Finally finished the socks I was working on - the children's pair from the left over Opal yarn I used on my Trellis Socks (the yarn I won back in November/December from Karen's contest). Here they are...well over on the left I mean.

They are fraternal twins, as you can see. The one on the right is the one that was made first, and beside that you can see the left over yarn...not much.

I only made the leg 3" this time, normally I make them 4"; but had I done that, there is no way that I'd have had enough yarn to finish the second sock. I just hope that the little girl who gets them will like them and find them funky looking.

The pattern I chose is the Butterfly Rib Socks, and they were super easy to make. The only problem, was that the pattern is designed for a woman's foot and since these are children's socks (the ones I made), the pattern didn't quite work out right in the back...I had 4 stitches of plain knitting in the back of the leg, and since it's in the back it won't be noticeable (or make too much difference I don't think).

I rolled up a face cloth and stuck it in the leg of one of the socks so that you could see the pattern a little bit...it's supposed to look like a butterfly, hence the name of the pattern. Unfortunately, the picture doesn't show it all that well. You might be able to click on the pic for a bigger view...that might help...maybe.

These are counting for my Socktopia April entry (under the butterfly category), my SAM3 entry, and my fourth item for 25 Things for Charity.

Well, just wanted to get this posted this afternoon. Back to more studying after a quick cat nap. Just came home from church not long ago and I'm feeling tired, so if I don't take a nap before studying, I won't be able to concentrate and will probably end up falling asleep anyway; so I'll nip it in the bud and have the nap first.

Happy knitting!

S Is For...

Spinning
I did some more spinning Sunday and Monday. Yes, not to worry, I did some studying for my exams too.
I used the extra stuff Heidi had given us at the end of class to practice with. In the foreground of the picture, you'll see some with two colours; that is a bit of leftover from class that I wanted to use up before switching to the offwhite. I just came from an exam and all my spinning terms are somewhere in the back of my brain, laying dormant for when they can come forward and shine again...until then, they will remain in hibernation (at least until after my exam on Tuesday).
Anyway, there are definately differences in the spinning; some thicker areas and some thinner. The above is two plied, and I am so stoked (whatever that means) that I remembered to twist the drop spindle the opposite way to what the singles were done!
To the right is the ball of all the top that I spun. Offhand, I'd say it's probably a little smaller than the size of a tennis ball, or close to it anyway. After I had done the plying, I soaked it and hung it to dry (with a coffee cup for a weight). There isn't enough to knit anything with, but I'll either keep it as is for future comparisons, or I'll just knit a swatch up to see how it looks (and use for future comparisons). Not really sure right now though. I also have done some spinning when taking breaks from studying. I've been using some of the coloured roving I bought after the class the other day and I must say that I am doing it much thinner than I have - a big improvement. There aren't as many big fluffy sections as in the beginning. I haven't a clue what size the yarn would/will be once plied, but I am guessing probably chunky or something like that. It's definately not sock yarn size. I'll try to take a pic of it over the next day or so, so you can see how I've come along. It's still far from perfect, but I'm proud of it (at least so far).

Here's a blurry pic of Tinker Belle. I think she likes the spinning...or at least the wool. When I was trying to take pics of it she got up to grab hold of it. The camera was sitting on the stool so I just pointed and shot the pic before she got away - didn't want her taking my yarn with her! S is also for Secret Pal

Yup, she's done it again! My SP10 pal sent me two more little packages, and I go them today.

The first one I opened had a cute little "knitting" card which explained what the pouch was. It's a dpn holder! It's so cute! She made it herself, and I think she did an awesome job on it! Under the flap, there is a ribbon (held on one end with velcro and sewn in on the other) to hold stitch holders so they don't get lost in travel. I should try to remember to take a close up of it so you can see it better. Maybe I'll try and do that tomorrow when I take a break from studying. It's really cute and she used three different patterned materials to make it. Plus, the ribbon is pretty and colourful polka dots. My SP said she is new to sewing, but I think she did a fantastic job on this! I don't think I'd know how to make one of these.

In the other package was a nice little note and some patterns (a scarf and some socks)! I tell you, my SP is definately spoiling me - but I like being spoiled! Thanks so much Secret Pal, you rock!! I can't wait to start knitting these patterns, and the one from the CD in the last package too. Can't wait for exams to be finished so I can focus on knitting these in the evenings! I tell you, it was hard to study for awhile after the mail came today. I had to take these patterns and dpn holder and put them away so that I wouldn't be tempted to even look at them while studying (been hard enough trying to focus on studying - I'm sick of studying, sick I tell ya!). I do admit that a couple of times I did put my notes down and go fondle the dpn holder and look over the patterns...but not for long.

Well, my next exam in on Monday (then one on Tuesday), so tomorrow I'll have to get back to studying. But for tonight, I am going to go and knit! Now, I have been getting a little knitting done. When I wake up in the morning I'm not awake enough to study right away (or do much of anything), so I've been doing some somewhat mindless knitting. I've been doing a lacy scarf that I had intended for a friend of mine at work (which I start back to on May 7). She likes the colour red, and I had ordered some alpaca yarn from Elann in the colour sangria. I thought it was more redder than it is (it's more of a reddish brown), but thought I'd knit up the scarf in it anyway. Well, I'm undecided if I'll gift it to her or not (might just take a ball of the yarn in and ask her what she thinks of the colour and if she likes it, then she can have the scarf. If she doesn't like it, then I'll put the scarf on the mitten tree at Christmas or find someone else to gift it to. Anyway, the scarf is a quick knit (when I can knit it...I usually only do a repeat each morning, and have about 4 more repeats to do) so it shouldn't take long to finish it, especially after exams are done. I'll have to block it as well, but I'll definately put a pic up when it's done.

For now, I am off to work on my ISE4 pal's scarf as I haven't worked on that since before the weekend. I'm over half done with it, and it too seems to work up fairly quickly. Gotta love the quick knits!

Happy Knitting!!

My Friends Have Always Told Me...

...that I was a little spun. Now I guess it's true.

Today my friend Elizabeth (my oldest friend - in that I've known her the longest) and I went to London-Wul to the drop spindle class that was offered. There were five of us there, in total, to learn, and Heidi taught. What a great time!
Behold, my new drop spindle! Isn't she cute? I'm not entirely sure what it's made from...I mean I know that it is wood, but I don't know what kind. Don't know if that matters or not. I think it is a high whorl spindle because according to our vocabulary, a high whorl spindle has the hook at the same end as the whorl (which I found out is the weighted disk).


We started off learning some of the vocabulary used in spinning, things like carding, tops, drafting, drafting zone, S Twist, Z Twist, etc., and we also learned about the different lengths of wool, the crimp of it - which helps in understanding the language behind spinning.

The first thing we did was spin with some single spun wool roving. Heidi demonstrated how to do this by explaining that we have to tie a leader line before we could being spinning. Then she showed us how to take a small portion of the roving, open the fibre, lay it onto the leader line and hold it. Then she said to give the spindle a twist, stop it, pinch the spot where the leader line meets with the fibre, pull a length of it and let go, allowing it to spin up. It's a really cool process!


Once we did the single we used it (using both of the ends) to double ply it. Mine looked kinds of wonky, but she explained that you have to soak it and weigh it down. Then when it's dried it looks a little better because it is more relaxed. Also, she said when you double ply it you have to twist the spindle the opposite way from what you did the singles - I think I may have goofed on that and twisted it in the same direction as the singles, so that would have affected it too.


Finally, we did a single spin of mohair. Talk about soft! Mine didn't stay together very well - I think I used too much of it, not separating it enough. I just realized that I forgot to take a picture of my little samples of those...however, over to the right is some of the mohair spun on my spindle. Yeah, I know it's not perfect and has spots that is wound too tightly or not enought, but Heidi said that is ok, that's what gives handspun yarn its uniqueness (or something to that effect). At any rate, it was my first try today at doing spinning of any kind so I can't expect perfection, right?

And, finally, because I can feel a new addiction taking root, I had to buy some coloured roving to spin up to make some mittens. I bought two bags, because I'm not sure when I'll get out to London-Wul next time (they aren't overly far, maybe 15 to 20 minutes away).

Heidi gave us each some extra roving (called top) for us to practice on, and I'll definately use that before digging into these bags. The colours look pretty accurate; the bag on the left has some green, red and purples, and the one on the right has pink and blue shades. I can't wait to see how they look spun up, and then knitted!

I'll do my best not to expect perfection so soon. It will come, and just takes some practice. The only thing is, I have exams coming up this week and next and now I'm not going to want to study - I'll want to spin (and knit)...but, I will have to take breaks from studying though, so maybe that's what I'll do on those breaks...

Off to do a bit of studying, but mostly some spinning! Happy knitting & spinning!

SP Strikes Again!

She's done it again...I got more mail from my SP10 pal again today! Firstly, the other day I got another post card from her, and today here is what I received:

There is a little note on such pretty paper (I love the font she used too), as well as a diary/calendar from Simply Knitting. Each month is coordinated with a ball of yarn and on the front it tells you which month is which colour (too cool!). Inside there is a place to record family member's measurements to keep handy for when you knit for them; there is a page with lists of organizations accepting knitting (charities to knit for); a page with needle and crochet hook sizes with conversions; a page to record the needle and hook sizes you have; the calendar, and finally, some places you can order yarn from (in the UK). It's really cool!

Also, my wonderful SP included a CD that has step-by-step instructions (to listen to) for knitting a "secret" sock. Once you knit it up, then you will see the pattern! I'm excited to try this, and can't wait to see how the socks turn out! I think I'm going to use the sock yarn with aloe and jojoba that I had ordered from Mary Maxim not too long ago...I just hope the pattern looks good in it as it's striping yarn.

Thank you so much SP, you made my day!

In other knitting, the children's socks I've been working on in the previous post - I am afraid that I am going to run out of yarn! I don't have much left and I'm only a few rows into the gusset decreases...I really hope that the yarn will not run out because I have these planned as being my April entry in Socktopia. I'll knit as far as I can on them...then I don't know what to do, other than putting out the word for anyone who might have some of this yarn left over (I wouldn't need a whole lot really, I don't think). I don't think using other yarn with it will work...then it will be TOTALLY mismatched! But like I said, I'll knit as far on it as I can and maybe it will stretch out long enough for me to finish the sock...I hope.

Edited to add: I just came from checking my email a few minutes ago and my lovely SP has added to my spoil! She has purchased and sent me the pattern for Rogue! I've seen this pattern done up on other blogs and thought it looked wonderful. And now the pattern is mine! Thank you so much SP!

Progressing Along

Well, thank you all for your well-wishes regarding my cold. I have a little of it left, but am considerably much better. This one didn't seem to be as bad a cold as usual - which is good! I still have a little of it left, and should be over it completely in a few days.

In knitting news, I've been working away on my ISE4 pal's scarf, and it's coming along nicely. When I work on it, I have to make sure I have the time to do a full repeat (24 rows) otherwise I'll forget where I am and get lost. It goes quickly though, and often I will do two repeats in a sitting. I am enjoying this scarf and the pattern.

It was a beautiful day out today, around +7 celcius (sorry to those using the non-metric temps, but I'm not sure how to convert it over for you), so I thought I'd take out my current knitting project out on the back patio and take a pic of them...you know for accurate colours and such.

Ok, for the first item, above, I have the scarf folded up...I'm still paranoid that my pal will discover it and my cover will be blown. So, if you are reading this and you are my pal (I know who you are), don't let on that you've discovered me or the scarf...otherwise I'll be sorely disappointed in myself at blowing my cover!

The scarf looked much brighter outside in the sun than in the house - naturally, and I found I liked the colours a lot more when they were out in the sun (not that I didn't like them before, just that I was worried that the scarf was going to be too dark).

The other picture I took is of the current sock project I started over the weekend. Another child's pair that will go for the mitten tree at the church at Christmas (and count for 25 Things For Charity). I am using the Butterfly Ribbed pattern, one that I printed off the net some time back. I'll post the link for it when I get the pair done.

I'm using the leftover Opal yarn (that I made the Lacy Trellis socks with), and am worried I won't have enough for it. So, I made the leg an inch shorter than normal so that it would just be a short sock. Also, they aren't going to match because the area that I began with for the first sock doesn't appear until the middle or so and if I were to cut the yarn, I would definately not have enough. So, hopefully the little girl that gets these won't mind. I also wound the yarn in a ball and the colour pattern will be working backwards...it's starting with pink (like at the heel of the first one), then purple, etc...I hope it won't look too freakish, lol. I'll also get a close up of the pattern when they're finished.

Well, must go do some homework now. Not much left to do in the school year. Exams start next week (the 19th) and I'm so not looking forward to that. I've also got to finish my observation and teaching practicum for TESL, but that probably won't be until the first week of May at the earliest. I want to get it done before I start work for the summer...which reminds me, I need to call and see if I can come in for the summer again. I don't think they'd like if I were to take off 2 mornings and 2 afternoons to do my practicum teaching, so if I can do that the first week of May, then I can start work the week after. Anyway, I'm it will all fall into place, I'm sure.

Happy knitting!

I Am Sick, Sick, Sick...

...ok, technically I am not that sick. I have a cold - an annoying, stuffy head, stuffy and runny nose, sneezy, ears feel like they are stuffed with cotton and when I talk my voice echoes in my head cold. I hate colds. I hate being sick. And yes, I am a whimp.

I think this cold came on yesterday, but I'm not totally sure. For a little over a month now, my eyes have been itchy, watery, and red. So, I figure it's my allergies starting to act up (being that time of year and all). Then, the sneezing begins. Darn annoying sneezing. And I'm about to lose my mind from all of this. So, on top of that, this cold or whatever it is (I think it is a cold), is driving me even more loopy. And not in a good way.

Right now, my chest feels somewhat sore from all the sneezing I've been doing. It's not "delicate lady type" sneezes either. I'm talking about loud-give-it-all-you've-got sneezing. Loud enough that I'm surprised I haven't been issued some kind of ticket or whatever for noise pollution. Did I mention that I hate being sick?

So, I have been working on my pal's scarf for ISE4. I have finally decided on the yarn and pattern (which is the border from one pattern and the stitch pattern from one of my knitting dictionary type books). I like the pattern, but I think it would look better in a solid colour yarn rather than varigated (she didn't want solid), but I am using the colours she stated on her questionnaire. The scarf does look good though, in my opinion. I just hope my pal will like it. I'd hate for her to have her hopes up at getting a fantastic scarf, only to receive something she doesn't like (for whatever reason). I don't know if she is a more experienced knitter than I am or not, but I'm hoping my knitting isn't disasterous. I don't want to be known in exchange circles as "the girl who knits crappy stuff."

Anyway, my pal would like a long scarf, and I've got so far three pattern repeats (I think). It isn't a difficult knit, and once you finish the 24 rows you have a fair amount showing. I'm paranoid of showing the pictures in case she happens upon my blog and sees it...at any rate, I am enjoying the pattern which always helps when you knit something - I mean, why knit something you don't enjoy, right?

Well, I'm heading off now. Not going to do any knitting though because I'm feeling tired (and sick of course). I just discovered moments ago that I have run out of nighttime cold medicine and it's too late to go get any (the drug store will be closed by the time I get there, and besides it is crappy outside tonight). I thought I had one more left, but alas, I am out. I'll have to suffer. Can't take the daytime stuff or I'll be up all night (it's non-drowsy). Oh well, enough complaining. Everyone gets sick from time to time, and it could be worse - I could have the flu or a stomach bug. Hopefully I'll feel like knitting tomorrow!

Happy Knitting!

And The Winner Is....

Do you want to know who the winner of my little contest is? Well, you'll just have to wait til the end of the post (Mmmwwaahahahaha!).

Firstly, I want to show you the pair of children's socks I finished for Socktopia and SAM3:

These are the socks I was working on for the above KALs. I got them finished with about 2 hours to spare on March 31st. They look like they'd fit a stick figure, but that is because of the ribbing effect. They'll stretch out some and should hopefully fit. I made them for a child's size 2-4 out of Knit Picks Simply Stripes in the Storm colourway. The Chevron pattern is from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch (page 70).

I call these socks "Mom, the cable is out!" to fit into the "what's on tv" category for March's Socktopia entry. I was trying to use colours and a pattern that would give it that effect of the rolling, snowy type pattern you get on the tv sometimes when cable goes out.

Oh, and Secret Pal, I got those postcards today! Thanks so much! That must be where you went on your little trip last weekend...awesome! Too bad you didn't get to go to those yarn stores like you said in one of the notes.

So, are you ready to find out the winner of the contest for the stitch markers? Well, without further ado...here is Tinker Belle in pictures to tell you who won:

Firstly, she had me write down everyone's name on a slip of paper (without opposing thumbs, it's kind of hard for her to do). So, I got my trusty purple pen with purple ink and wrote down all entries.

Next, I put 3 kitty treats beside each name to make it even...you know, so that she wouldn't gravitate to one that had the most on it. You can see in the picture that I used Temptations...my mom heard last night that they are pulling Pounce treats off the shelves just in case it has some of that stuff that's been harming the cats and dogs in it...so until I find out if they are safe up here, I decided to use the Temptations ones.

So, by the time I got them ready and the camera turned on to take the pictures (I think I got the first one taken), Tinker Belle strolled into the room without having to be called. First she gravitated to the right side and sniffed around. I thought she was going to eat from one of those ones...then she moved and smelled the ones elsewhere. Finally, she stopped and chose a little pile of 3 to start eating. You can see in the picture she chose one. This is odd, because she never sticks to the outskirts of something. She always heads for the middle, stepping on everything around her. But today she didn't do that. So, we have a winner. The name on the slip of paper belongs to (not sure if you can see it in the photo):

http://www.GlitterMaker.com/ - Glitter Graphics - MySpace Layouts

So, Janice, send me an email with your snail mail, and I'll get your stitch markers out to you soon!

Contest Alert!!!

Ok, well since I've never really held a contest yet here at Kitten Knits Yarn, I've decided to have a little one now...just 'cause. Before you get too excited, it's just a little prize right now. I made some stitch markers today with some beads I got not too long ago and thought I'd use those as a prize.

I think you can click on the image to make it larger. There are 5 turquoise stitch markers in the set with one of them designated as the one you could use at the beginning (it has larger glass beads on it than the others do, so that it matches but is just a little different.

I tried to take a close up of the "lead" marker but it didn't work out too well. I have the camera set for macro, but I can't seem to get it to work the way I want it to. Guess I'll have to go through the instruction manual again to make sure I'm using it correctly.

Anyway, I will run the contest all weekend and draw the winner on Monday morning. You'll have until Sunday midnight Pacific time...since that would make it 4 am my time, and I'll draw when I get up Monday.

All you need to do, is leave a comment and tell me what my cat's name is (easily found on my blog...just look for pictures of her and her name will more than likely be there). If you don't know what her name is and don't feel like looking it up (or don't care, lol), then tell me how you found out about the contest. Either way, your name will be entered for the draw.

Now, go tell everyone about it. I'd like to see a lot of entries ;o)