Knitting Progress

I’ve mentioned in the previous post about becoming involved in a scarf exchange on Ravelry.  Since joining, I’ve been looking through various scarf patterns to knit for my exchange partner.  There are so many wonderful looking scarf patterns, and that makes it difficult to choose just one.

Yesterday I had the flu so I couldn’t do anything, though I had hoped to start the scarf then.  Today, I feel a lot better. I won’t say I’m 100% better, but the fact that I’m not aching and I have no fever makes me feel a lot better.  Today my cough seems to be what I’m dealing with more than anything, and there are times when I cough so much that it’s hard to catch my breath.  I had an opportunity to go shopping in Dawson Creek today (I had hoped we could check out a yarn shop there, see if it’s open, and maybe get some yarn to use in my pal’s scarf), but I decided to stay home to get better for work tomorrow.

I looked through some of the yarn I have here, which isn’t much, and looked for something that might fit the categories – colour(s) she said she liked, types of yarn she likes, etc.  I decided on a skein (I won’t go into details of what colours, the brand/type, or pattern just in case my pal reads my blog. I don’t want to ruin the surprise for her), and searched the internet for a pattern.

Of course, me being me, I am second guessing my choice of yarn, colour, etc.  If I were doing this scarf for charity, I wouldn’t worry so much because there would be someone “out there” who would like it.  I just want my pal to like the finished product, and not feel disappointed in what I’ve chosen.

Since this is an alphabet swap and we need to choose things to include that start with the first five letters of the alphabet, I’m trying to keep this in mind with the things I’m choosing.  I have something for A and B, and have an idea for C.  Still deciding on D and E – though things could change between now and when I get the package sent out!  I just really hope my pal is happy and satisfied with what I send her.

Yesterday, at some point when I was feeling a little better, I ordered some yarn from The Loopy Ewe. I haven’t ordered anything from them in a long time, and found out I had a credit of nearly $20!  Anyway, since my birthday is coming up in a week from tomorrow, I decided to order some yarn for myself as a birthday present to myself.  I probably won’t get it in time for my birthday, but that doesn’t matter since I’m busy knitting my scarf exchange pal’s scarf.

I have also ordered some yarn and a couple of patterns from Knit Picks a couple of weeks ago.  The patterns were ones to download, so I already have them.  They are for argyle hats (it includes a few different patterns) and the matching mittens (again, it includes a few different patterns).  I’m looking forward to knitting those up – they looked so cool.  The hats and mittens I make from these patterns will more than likely go to charity.

I’ll post pictures of my scarf exchange pal’s scarf once she gets it so that I don’t ruin the surprise.  I’ll also post pictures of the yarn and the patterns, I’ve ordered for myself, when I get them in the mail.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on lately.  Feel free to drop a comment and let me know!

SP13 Gift!

I got my gift from my SP13 pal, and it is awesome! Yesterday was a gloomy, foggy, heavy rainy day that started out with ice and snow everywhere, making it slushy in most places. I was afraid to drive until I hit the highway where one lane was pretty clear...though there was probably some black ice. It wasn't as bad as they had said it would be the night before. However, the temperatures quickly rose to double digits and the rain came...I don't think I've seen it rain that hard in a long time.

So, when I got home from work (no problems driving, except for the wind so that was a little difficult driving down the highway), the box waiting for me was a bright spot to the day! Thank you so much, SP for my gift!

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to open it. Here's what I got:

A nice card, a cute snowman tin with a cute kitty ornament and knitted catnip mouse (for Tinker Belle), some chocolates (yummy!), and 2 skeins (or are those called hanks...I'm never sure) of Malabrigo yarn in the Carribbean colourway! It's so gorgeous and skooshy! I have never knit with this yarn, and it's been on my wishlist. I don't know what I will make with it yet...any suggestions??

Thank you so much SP!! I love it all! And Tinker Belle...well, she absolutely LOVED the mouse. She wouldn't put it down after I gave it to her. I had to take it back momentariliy to get a picture, and she kept meowing and pawing at my arm wanting me to give it back to her. She went nuts over it! I'll close with a pic of her enjoying her new mouse.

"Puuurrrr. Meow meow meow, meeeeooww!"*

* translation: Thanks Mommy's Secret Pal, I LOVE it!"

Sockapalooza Pal's Socks, ISE 4 Scarf, Spinning

Ok, I promised a picture of the socks I knit up for my Sockapalooza pal, and here they are:

They are made with Paton's Kroy yarn (I forget the colourway off hand, and can't find the ballband). I used 2.75 mm DPNs, and the pattern is the Yarn Over Cable from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch.

The foot looks big (it's 10 inches from heel to toe), but I think it's because the cuff and leg are skinnier due to the ribbing nature of the pattern. At least that is what I surmise. I do hope they fit my pal (I'm sure they do...gotta think positive), and I hope she'll like them and the colourway and yarn I chose for her. I also gifted her with the two skeins of yarn I had ordered way at the beginning of Sockapalooza that I was originally going to make her socks from - only to realize that the pattern I chose AFTER ordering the yarn called for part of a third skein of the yarn...

I really enjoyed knitting this pattern. It is very easy to do, and I had the pattern (which was only 4 rows, and 2 of those were the same) memorized very, very quickly. If you haven't knit this pattern and you have Sensational Knitted Socks, I do recommend that you make this pattern!

Currently I am working (albeit slowly) at work on a child's pair of socks using the Little Shell Rib pattern from the same book. It's another easy peasy pattern that is easily memorized. I have no pics of it yet as I only have the leg done...well about another inch until I start the heel flap. Not sure if I'll get these socks finished before leaving for Korea, but I'll do my best so I can add it to the pile of items for the mitten tree at church...which reminds me, I'll have to have my mom or dad drop the stuff off at the church when the tree is up so the items can be put on/under it.

On another note, remember the scarf I knit for my ISE 4 pal? Well, I sent it out to her on June 7 (the day we were supposed to), and after the post office contacted her two or three times, I received my package back yesterday. She never went and claimed it at the post office. I've contacted the leader of ISE to let her know what happened and offered to use my package as an angel gift for this one, if someone has not received a scarf, or it could be used as an angel gift in the next round of ISE. I must say I was disappointed...something may have happened to her or she may have moved (I hope nothing bad has happened), as to why she never claimed it. Oh well. The next round will go better...and I'll also be sending it from South Korea!

I've also been working a little at spinning. I'll try to take pics of the first "skein/ball" of yarn I spun...it's really not a pretty sight...really. I've got a couple more sections to soak and dry before I can ball it up (I don't have a niddy noddy or whatever you call those things to make skeins with). I started into the other batch of roving I got back when I took the drop spindle course, and I must say that is a LOT better and finer spinning. I'll take a pic of that too so you can see the difference. I didn't want to spin the pinkish roving I won in the contest awhile back (scroll down to see the pic of the roving) because I didn't want it to look terrible. I figured I could use this batch or roving I purchased back in April as my next practice spinning before moving on to the beautiful pink one. I do plan on trying to squeeze that and my spindle into one of my suitcases. The spindle will be no problem to fit into my carryon (or any other suitcase for that matter), but the roving will take some squishing...should make a nice cushioning should I decide to pack anything "fragile" to take with me (though at this point I don't plan on taking anything fragile).

Well, off to do some knitting or writing for awhile. Happy knitting!

The Time of Revelation

Gee, that title sounds kind of apocalyptic or Biblical doesn't it? Well, in all actuality, the revelation is neither apocalyptic or Biblical - the revelation is of my awesome SP10 pal! That's right! Today I found out who my secret pal is!

She is none other than Robyn from Knit and Purl Mama! Today I received an envelope with a pattern for the Seize Diamondbacks socks, as well as the dvd for the Knitty Gritty show the designer of the socks was on.

Robyn, thank you so much for all the awesome gifts you've sent - I love everything! You've made my first experience with Secret Pal wonderful, and I'm so glad I decided to take part this time. I'm going to join again, though it probably won't be until SP12, because I'll be getting reading and heading to South Korea during the next round (assuming they start it in the next couple of months).

Robyn has an etsy shop (she actually got me sent me some earrings from there pretending that she ordered them from "Robyn", not letting on it was her shop!), called graphicdesignchick. Go check it out - look at those oh so cute dragonfly stitch markers! She's also going to be opening her own online yarn shop that will be located at www.robynsnest.ca. Right now, however, it takes you to her blog but once she has the shop up and running that is the address you can find it at. I can't wait to see the yarns she'll have!

In other news, I've begun a children's pair of socks in the red/yellow/orange yarn that Robyn sent me a little while ago. I've got one sock finished and will begin the other one this weekend. I've been pretty much knitting this sock at work during breaks and lunch, but I did do the cuff and gusset at home. I'm also planning on starting the socks for my Sockapalooza pal this weekend, and I really hope they turn out!

When I finished my ISE4 pal's scarf, I promised to post a picture and the pattern when she got the package. However, I sent it out on June 7th but I haven't heard anything from her. I don't know if she has gotten the package or not. She's also not posted anything on the ISE4 blog saying she received it yet either. Regardless, I will try to get the pattern and picture up Sunday or Monday.

Well, off to read some more of Robyn's blog - you should see her little fella; he's so adorable and has the sweetest smile!

A Scarf In June

I got another awesome package today! This one was from my International Scarf Exchange 4 pal, Elizabeth (aka Stashkitty) who I think is blogless (though if she does have a blog, I hope she'll leave the link in the comment section since the only one linked to her on the ISE4 blog is to that very same blog...).

Here are the contents of the package she sent (forgive my mom's diabetes pills in the background...those did not come in the package, lol). There is the lovely scarf, some pretty stitch markers, a bag, and some delicious treats from a bakery in her neighbourhood. Let's see some closeups of everything.

First up is the scarf. See how pretty it is? I'm not sure of the pattern, but I love it! The yarn is Savanah DK and is an organic cotton/silk/linen blend, and its nice and soft. I really love the scarf, and I can't wait to wear it (I'll take it with me to South Korea)! Here's a closeup of the knitting. She did a great job on the scarf!

Next up are the beautiful stitch markers. They look a little red in the picture, but they are more brownish. I don't know if she made them or not, but they are so cute. You can see that they are on the bag that the scarf was in when I opened the box.

So, since you have been teased with a small portion of the bag, I'll show it in its entirety. The fabric was made at the place Elizabeth works at. She didn't say if she made the bag, or if it was made where she works, but I've sent her an email inquireing. Isn't it pretty? It's big enough to hold a knitting project bigger than a pair of socks, so I'll be able to use it when I make the next child's sweater that I have waiting in the wings to knit up. I had to use the flash in the picture so the fabric looks a little washed out or faded. In reality it isn't, though. I should have taken it outside to photograph when I took the scarf out, that way the picture might have been better.

And finally, the yummy treat! Yes, I said yummy. I've already sampled some after supper and it is soooooo good! She got it, as I said, from an old Italian bakery in her neighbourhood called Court Pastry Shop, according to the name on the box it came in. I don't know what this treat is called, but regardless of the fact, it is really good! I've never tried these before, but let me tell you, I wouldn't mind taking a little trip down to Brooklyn (where the shop is located) to get some! I decided to Google the shop and came up with this link to an article.

Anyway, thank you so much for the fabulous package Elizabeth! You did an awesome job with the scarf. I love it and everything you included!

As Promised...

Here is the pic I took of everything my Secret Pal sent in the last package...the pic I forgot to download from the camera for the last post:And as you can see...Tinker Belle had to make her presence known and approve of everything (which she did).

Also, I did some knitting over the weekend. I started the scarf for my friend at work, but there isn't enough of it done yet to show any pics. I'm using the Yarn Guard and a set of the needles my SP sent in this last package with this project. I also worked a little on the scarf that I take to work with me...the mindless knitting one.

Also, I made one of these: a dishcloth dress. The pattern calls for 5.0mm needles, but my 5.0's are in use with a UFO/WIP, so I used the 5.5's that my SP sent in this last package. The stitches are a little loose, so I think the size 5 needles would be best. I did a sample one not long ago on 4.5mm needles (I messed it up so I didn't take a pic of it), and it was smaller in size.

The picture on the left was taken with the flash so the colours are lighter, and the one above right was without the flash and of course the colours are showing darker. The actual colour is probably closer to the top part of the "dress", and it is made with Bernat Cotton.

This is a really easy pattern, and it is so cute! If you'd like to try the pattern, you can find it here (it's free). I've got some other colours of the cotton to make a few more of these.

And finally, remember I've been saying I've been preoccupied with something, and was late with my SAM3 socks? There is a good reason. I had a phone interview that night. You can read about what is going on with regard to that at my other blog, Confirm The Work Of Our Hands, and see what my future holds.

I Hit The Mother Load!

Ok, first off, for HDW I submit the following picture of my May socks. Yes, I know I am a day late with it, but I had a good reason for the hold up. Here they are:

These are children's size 2-4, knit on 2.75 mm (I think) DPNs, using Paton's Kroy (I forget the colourway) in a basic stocking stitch pattern. I've already added them to the bin I keep for stuff to put on the mitten tree at church at Christmas.

Ok...now on to the real fun - not that knitting socks isn't realy fun, but this next fun is a different kind of fun! You see, my awesome Secret Pal told me the other day that she sent out my final package. She had said I should receive it by today (Friday). I actually got the package the day before yesterday. It took a whopping 2 days to get to me - 2 days! Is Canada Post good or what!?

Ok...I just realized that the main picture I had taken with most of the loot did not get put onto the computer...so I'll make do with the onesI have. I will try to get that picture posted another time though.

Here you see the lovely Tinker Belle claiming things as her own. In this picture you see some fortune cookies (yummy), Jolly Rancher candy (also yummy), 2 sets of kniting needles (sizes 10mm and 5.5mm) one pair in teal, one in pink, some point protectors, a pretty shade of pink ink stamp for card making/scrapbooking, and a foam sheep to decorate (it's really cute). What you don't see is the beautiful card my SP sent...and that is because Miss Tinker Belle is laying on it! Also in the package were three kinds of beads (white ones, pink ones and goldish coloured ones), some other candy (chewy gum drop kind, Jolly Rancher Rocks, Hubba Bubba gum, two little snack cakes, a package of French Vanilla cappuccino mix), a little book of search a word puzzles, a small blank scrap book, some 3.00mm bamboo knitting needles, a key chain...and I'm sure I'm forgetting some other things. However, I do have some pictures of other items from the box!

This is a cute little angel ornament with a knitting charm. I have one like this that I got from one of the older ladies at church last year when I graduated. Instead of the knitting charm, though, it has one of those hats you wear for graduation.

Next up is a set of pretty stitch markers! I love these! She also sent a pair of adorable earrings and a heart shaped measuring tape! I was going to get another measuring tape so that I could keep one at home and take the other with me in my knitting bag so that I wouldn't forget to take it with me some time (it's been known to happen...). This one will go with me in my knitting bag for sure.

Next up, below, is a yarn guard which will come in handy and help keep the kitty from trying to attack it when I'm knitting. SP had packed several of the smaller items from the package in the yarn guard...very clever! I probably wouldn't have thought to do that.
Also in the box were 2 skeins of sock yarn (that is going to look great knit up into socks!), and 2 hanks (I think that's what you call them) of red yarn - 30% silk, 70% wool, 50 g/500 m. There is no ballband on the yarn, so I am assuming she may have spun (and maybe dyed) the yarn herself. Hopefully she will let us know in the comments about the yarn. Anyway, it is so soft and squishy and I have a strong feeling it might become a lace scarf...

The final picture I have is of a gorgeous little bag! It is pink and black, with a black lining, and I absolutely LOVE this! It is the perfect size to carry a sock project in progress. It looks hand made, and again I don't know if she made it or not. I do know she sews because she made that cute little dpn holder for me a little while back.

My Secret Pal has proved over and over again that she is absolutely AWESOME!! I love everything you have sent to me, SP. You have really outdone yourself and made my first experience with secret pal a fabulous one. Thank you so, so much!!

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.

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!