Sockapalooza Update

Ok, so I finally have the pattern and yarn chosen for my Sockapalooza socks. And, I have begun to knit! Well, ok I'm past the "begun" stage now. I started the socks last Thursday, after I ripped out what I started before. They were going to be too big, so I ripped it out and cast on 64 stitches.
This is what I had as of early Saturday afternoon. I have a lot more done on it now, and in fact I am on the foot portion and I am really liking the look of this sock! It's the Fluted Bannister Sock, and it is a very easy pattern - a 4 row repeat that is easily memorized. I'll post another picture of the sock when it's completed. I'm really praying through this that I'll have enough yarn to complete the second sock. I don't know what I'll do if I don't have enough. I have to mail these socks out on August 2nd, so there wouldn't be enough time to get more of the yarn in.

I'm using Louet Gems 100% Merino wool, a fine/sport weight yarn in the colour Shamrock (it's really a little lighter than the picture is showing). It is thicker than I normally use for socks (I usually use a sockweight yarn), and the sock is nice and thick and should be very warm on my Sockapalooza pal's feet.

I also started a cardigan sweater (sized for a 1 year old) to knit on while at work on breaks and is coming along nicely. I started with the back and it is to be knit 11 1/2" long; I'm already up to about 8 1/2" so far, maybe a bit more. I don't have a picture yet, but when I get one I promise to post it. I was a little unsure of the colourscheme - even though in the picture on the pattern it looked nice. The colours are a tad different in reality, though not a whole lot. I must say, though, that I think they look good together. I'm so terrible at putting colours together so I tend to go (whenever possible) with what is in the pictures - or keep it solid. I suppose I should branch out and experiment with the colours...or get my colourwheel out (from my scrapbooking/card making supplies) and utilize it with my knitting as well.

Well, I had better get this posted and get cracking on the sock again so that I can finish them up and - heaven forbid - should I run out of yarn, I'd still have some time to pull something from my stash and knit up a different pair. My pal (the one knitting socks for me) posted a comment and said my pair is already finished, and they're purple! I can't wait to get them (and yes, I'll post a picture of them, too)! The sock is calling, so I really should go. Happy Knitting!

Birthday Meme & Quiz

Robyn, my awesome secret pal, tagged me with the following meme. Go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (month and day) - mine is January 20. Next, post 3 events, 2 births and 1 holiday and tag five other people. So, for tagging, anyone who feels like taking part can do so. Let me know if you do and I'll go read your answers!

Events
- 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome
- 1841 - Hong Kong Island occupied by the British
- 1986 - Martin Luther King, Jr., day was celebrated as a federal holiday for the first time

Births
- 1896 - George Burns, American actor, comedian (d. 1996)
- 1965 - Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, the wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

"Holiday" (there really isn't a holiday per se listed)
- Presidential Inauguration Day in the United States (since 1937).

Robyn also had a little quiz on her blog and I decided to take it...I think I may have a problem...

77%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Online Dating

Candy Wrapper Scarf

Well, last weekend I promised to post the pattern I used for my ISE4 pal's scarf. Finally, I remembered to do it! I call it the Candy Wrapper Cable Scarf because when I looked at two sections of the cable and the knitting between, it reminded me of a candy wrapped up in its foil wrapper. I know the pictures aren't all that good, but it does look cute, and it's a very easy pattern to follow.

If you would rather have the Word document of the pattern, just email me (on my profile) and let me know and I'll email it to you.

Candy Wrapper Cable Scarf

By
Shelley Snyder

* Cable pattern taken from Knitting Stitches by Mary Webb, Medium Stitch 13, page 183

Glossary of terms

K = knit
P = purl
K2tog = knit 2 together
Yo = yarn over
Sl = slip
Ssk = slip slip knit

C6f = slip 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at front; knit 4; knit 2 stitches from needle
C8f = slip 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at front; knit 6; knit 2 stitches from needle

Directions

Cast on 40 stitches

Knit 4 rows (garter stitch)

Row 1 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, k8, p2, k8, p2, k8, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 2 – k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p8, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2

Row 3, 5, 7 – same as row 1

Row 4, 6, 8 – same as row 2

Row 9 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, k2, c6f, p2, k2, c6f, p2, k2, c6f, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 10, 12 – same as row 2

Row 11 – same as row 1

Row 13 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, c8f, p2, c8f, p2, c8f, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 14, 16 – same as row 2

Row 15 – same as row 1

Row 17 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, c6f, k2, p2, c6f, k2, p2, c6f, k2, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 18 , 20, 22, 24 – same as row 2

Row 19, 21, 23 – same as row 1

Repeat rows 1 to 24 until you reach the desired length of your scarf

End with 4 rows of knit (garter stitch)


Close up of cable pattern:

Lookie Here!

Remember I told you I was working on a pair of children's socks out of the yarn hand dyed for my by my SP10 pal, Robyn? Well, lookie here:

I finished the pair today, on break at work none the less. This pair went quickly, probably because I was anxious to see how they would look. They are nice and bright and pretty. I call them my Summer Sunset Socks because of the sunsetty (is that a word?) colours.

They are my typical stocking stitch children's sock knit on four DPNs (I think the size was 2.75 mm). In the picture they are resting on the rhodedendron out front.

Next up, for my knitting at work, will be a baby sweater done in Lion Brand Cottonease (I think) with a pattern I got from one of those tear off pads at Michael's. I chose the same colours as wasin the picture on the pattern because I liked the way they looked. There is a yellow (not bright but more mustardy I think), a rose pink shade, and a berry colour. I'll take a picture at some point when I start knitting so you can better judge the colours. Anyway, I liked they way they looked together. I'll also take sock yarn and needles along just in case I feel like working on another sock and not the sweater.

I ran into a big of a snag with my sockapalooza socks. I hope my pal doesn't stumble along to my blog and read this, otherwise she'll know I'm her pal. I've sent her an email with this in it, but she hasn't replied yet. I did a swatch with the needles and yarn, consulted my Sensational Knitted Socks book to see how many to cast on. So, I get 72 stitches because I'm using fine/sport weight yarn and size 2.75mm needles.

I've knit several rounds of the cuff, and only have a few more to go before starting the leg pattern, but to me this sock is looking big and would be too stretchy. I'm also afraid that if the sock is big, I'll run out of yarn (100g). She doesn't like toe up socks, so that is out of the question.

I guess my question to anyone who can help, is this: is 72 stitch too much? Should I cast on less? Should I disregard the gauge I got and just cast on the number of stitches the pattern calls for (60 stitches, but the size is for women's medium...my pal wears a US size 8 sock with a 10" foot length and 9" circumference). Help! I don't know what to do! I'm not good at substitution, so I don't know if I were to use a regular sock weight yarn if the pattern/sizing would work out well (since it would be a different weight sock yarn). Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas? I could really use your helps since I need to get cracking on these socks!

And, to leave off on a happy note...

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!

A Prize For Me!

Not too long ago, Holly of Knitnspinner had a little contest and I was one of the winners. She emailed me and asked me what I would like for a prize - some yarn or some roving. I said that either was fine, and told her she could surprise me. Well, she did; and here's what she sent:

It is some merino/silk top and it is sooooo soft!

Now, this made my day - I love getting mail (except bills and stuff like that). I was thinking that it might be my scarf from my ISE4 pal because she emailed me a few days ago to let me know she'd send it out and I should be getting it soon.

However, when I looked at the customs sticker, it said nothing of the package containing a scarf. To be honest, the fact that I had entered the contest and this awesome package was on its way had completely slipped my mind; and I haven't ordered any more yarn for a little while - since finding out I'd be going to South Korea (so now I'm trying to save my money for that - no more yarn purchases for me for a little while), and when I opened the box and saw the contents (there were also some chocolate included - yummy!), I remembered the contest. Holly, thanks so much for the prize - it is awesome and I love it! I can't wait to spin it up! The closeup (above) is close to the actual colour.

I took a pic with and without the flash (this one is without) outside a little while ago. I'd say in reality, the colour is a smidgen darker than the picture (the other picture wasn't very accurate).

On the Sockapalooza front - I think I've decided on yet a different pattern to knit for my pal. While cruising the SAM3 blog, I came across a post that had the link for the Fluted Banister Socks and thought they looked great. Now, the pattern says that you use sport weight yarn, 350 yards/100g, and I have fine/sport weight that is (I think) 225 yards/100g. It is noted in the pattern that the test knitter has plently of yarn left over...it also said that for the pattern repeat in the leg that 15 repeats gave 7 1/2 inches. My pal only wants 7 1/2 inches from heel to cuff (so that would include the heel flap too, presumably) so I won't be making that many repeats. I am just wondering if my 225 yards/100g will be enough. My pal also said that she prefers cuff down socks as opposed to toe up, so I can't start at the toe and knit until I run out. I've really got to get these socks started

Where Am I?

Well, I'm still here. I wish I could say I've been so extremely busy that I haven't had time to blog, but that's not the case. I've just been a little lazy I guess.

I got a postcard (from Boston) and another package (haven't taken the pic yet) from my awesome Secret Pal. She said she's got one more package for me - the reveal package, in which I will find out just who she is. She asked me in the card that was in the last package if she should wait til the end of the month to reveal herself or if she should send it sooner. I'm quite fine if she decides to wait til the end of the month...afterall, we're pretty much half way through June now (where has the time gone?). Thank you so much for the package & post card SP!

In knitting news, I've been working at the mindless knitting at work - the scarf made with the yarn I dyed with Easter egg dyes. It's looking pretty, and I'm not far from being finished with it. I only work at it during lunch and breaks at work, that's why it's not finished yet.

I've also been slowly working at the scarf for my friend at work. I've only got about three repeats of the pattern finished though. I'm doing the Dayflower Lace scarf, and I'm wondering if the yarn I'm using is working with the pattern. I'm sure once it is blocked it will look more like the pattern. Right now it's a little difficult to see the pattern, but when I stretch it some I can see it a little better. I just hope it turns out well enough to give her as a retirement gift.

I was waiting for my yarn to come in so I could start on my Sockapalooza Pal's socks. It finally came in yesterday, but now I don't know if I'll have enough. I got some Panda Wool (2 skeins) to make her socks, and the pattern I was going to use (and an alternate one) both say to use nearly 3 skeins of the wool for larger socks. My pal's feet is a smidgen bigger than mine and she likes them about 7 1/2" from the cuff to the heel. I'm afraid that I won't have enough yarn with the Panda, so I just might go ahead and use some sock yarn from my stash (though I might also have to use a different pattern because my stash yarn doesn't have any solids in it, and the patterns I planned on using would look better in a solid yarn). I've been thinking about using one of the patterns (as an alternative) from Sensational Knitted Socks, but now I think that pattern might also look better in a solid yarn. Oh, what to do, what to do!

I want to get these socks started soon so I can get them completed and off to her before I have to spend my time getting ready for South Korea. I think we have to have the socks to our pals in August, and since I leave sometime in August, I'd like to make sure I get my pal's socks out on time - if not a little early. But first, I have to finish the Razor Shell sock (still slowly working on it from time to time) because I need those needles...unless I use a 2.75mm needle...though that would make for a looser sock.

At any rate, I should work on one of my WIPs and get it completed instead of doing little bits of several of them. That way I'd have some pics of FOs to show. Off to work on some knitting since I've slowed down on that in the evenings so I won't aggrivate the carpal tunnel. So far it isn't bothering me, so I guess I'll get some knitting done while I can!

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.

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!