That One Blonde Girl

Psst...

2008-02-01T09:41:00.001-06:00

I've moved over here...please update your links and bloglines, etc.

http://antoinetteslife.blogspot.com/

This blog will remain live mostly as an archive of things that I've done, but many posts will be removed.

And she likes to take pictures, too!

2007-10-21T20:19:00.000-05:00

One of my weekend projects was to make myself a light tent. I was inspired by Lolly's post a few weeks ago, and I followed the tutorial that she used on Strobist.com. In about 30 minutes and for less than a few bucks, I had this: This is definitely going to help my jewelry making business...I can take some pretty sweet pictures with the macro setting and my light tent!!

Adventures in Knitting

2007-10-21T20:13:00.001-05:00

So, I've been knitting. Except it didn't turn out to be what I wanted.

I wanted to knit Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Sweater on Two Needles (also known as the February Baby Sweater) from Knitter's Almanac. I am in the Lucky Lurker Sock Club, and the first month's (September) shipment was in a great colorway so I thought it would be perfect and show off the lace pattern nicely. Not so much. I knit a lot on this and it took me a full day of looking at it to decide it wasn't the best yarn for this sweater. I think the yarn is destined to be a baby surprise jacket instead! I just need to frog and re-wind this yarn...

She rises again...

2007-10-17T18:25:00.000-05:00

Thoughts on:

Jewelry - The show went o.k. I was a little overpriced for where I was selling (rural Missouri town's local festival) so I didn't sell as much as I hoped, however, I got a TON of compliments on my stuff. Jewelry is an expensive hobby - and I try to only use REAL materials (silver, real swarovski crystals, etc.) so we'll see what happens in the future. I've been scouting at a few craft shows and am going to do another one in December in Des Moines, so we'll see.

Etsy - Jewelry leads me to Etsy. My entire family and many of my friends are not near me. But they have friends that want to buy my bracelets...and they have friends that want to buy and so on. I think I'm going to set up an etsy shop to sell online. There are a zillion etsy sellers out there, but I'm cool with that!

Knitting - I finished a few things - Grace's Hat and my first sock. LOVE that hat - can't wait to get a proper photo up with baby Grace in it and LOVE the sock. I often wear that lonely sock on my foot around the house. I will not make it's mate. I think I'm going to frame it for my craft room (seriously!) I also just cast on for a new baby sweater (what is it with me and baby stuff??)

Craft Room - my friend came over this weekend and helped me re-organize my craft room. I've got before photos, but no after yet...but I'll post them when I get them. I'm putting together a big box of yarn, beads and scrapbooking supplies and giving them to a local art teacher for use with her elementary students.

I think that's it for me. I'm going to also be refreshing the look of this blog. What was I thinking with pink and green? It's so icky now!!!

Where have I been?

2007-09-18T15:34:00.000-05:00

Obviously, that's not knitting. That's selling jewelry. Good times. I miss knitting so much. I'm craving it. I'm lurking all over the place on Ravelry getting good ideas. This winter, it's all about the knit.

I'm a sewer!

2007-07-30T10:35:00.000-05:00

This is cross posted at the International Notions Bag Exchange Site...

I finished my notions bag this weekend! This is for a very busy knitter! This was my first ever attempt at sewing in a zipper by machine, and first pattern that I followed 100%! The bag is about 6" long - perfect size for sock knitters' notions (and it's filled with things that are helpful when knitting socks!) Oops, maybe I wrote too much! I hope the recipient enjoys it!

Knitting Magazines For Sale/Swap

2007-07-24T09:35:00.000-05:00

The following is a list of knitting magazines that I am willing to sell or swap. If you have an interest in any of the items, please e-mail me at blondieknits (AT) yahoo (DOT) com. (Remove spaces and replace the at and dot with appropriate symbols.)

I accept paypal only, no personal checks. Give me your ideas for swap items if that's the way you want to go.
All items are in good to brand spanking new condition unless otherwise noted. Stored in a smoke/pet free home. Let's just say I'm a shopaholic and often buy things that I don't need...

ALL MAGAZINES ARE $5/EACH INCLUDING SHIPPING. NO DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE PURCHASES OF MAGAZINES.

Vogue Knitting Presents knit.1 - The Men's Issue. I think the date is Fall/Winter 2005.

Knitscene - Spring 2007
Vogue Knitting Winter 05/06Knit It! Magazine - 2002
Knit It! Magazine - Fall 2006.

Spinning Items for Sale/Swap

2007-07-24T09:05:00.000-05:00

The following is a list of knitting/fiber related items that I am willing to sell or swap. If you have an interest in any of the items, please e-mail me at blondieknits (AT) yahoo (DOT) com. (Remove spaces and replace the at and dot with appropriate symbols.) I accept paypal only, no personal checks. Give me your ideas for swap items if that's the way you want to go.

All items are in good to brand spanking new condition unless otherwise noted. Stored in a smoke/pet free home. Let's just say I'm a shopaholic and often buy things that I don't need...

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

FOR SALE OR SWAP: A Handspindle Treasury from Spin Off Magazine. Will sell for $15, including shipping.

In progress

2007-07-17T08:26:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a baby hat from Itty Bitty Hats for a co-workers soon-to-be-born baby girl, Grace. So far, it's knitting up pretty easily and quickly, although the directions for seed stitch in the round were wrong at the beginning of the book, so I got through two rows and had to rip them out and start over.

I know I've been MIA - but I've been over on Ravelry so much it's almost like I shouldn't bother blogging (besides, not many out there are reading this anyway, right?)

Who knows what I'll do. For now - I'm just trying to knit!

Ravelry, how I love/hate thee!

2007-07-10T09:31:00.000-05:00

I've been on Ravelry for a couple of weeks now. Let me count the ways/reasons that I LOVE and HATE Ravelry.

I hate Ravelry because:

It makes me think that I don't have as much yarn as I thought I did. (which really shouldn't be a bad thing...)
It makes it look like I don't really have a lot of finished items. (But I used to knit a lot of scarves, and I'm not going to post every stupid scarf that I knit for a craft show...)
It makes me feel jealous of all of the beautiful things that other Knitters have created! (Because that's who I am - I'm jealous!)

I LOVE Ravelry because:

It inspires me to try something different. (So many patterns, so little time...)
It helps me organize my ideas and favorites with the click of a button. (Me - organized??? Who knew it was even possible!!)
It gives me a different way of seeing my projects and feel accomplished for getting something done. (I do feel accomplished looking at my little projects all lined up in a row...)
It allows me to connect with Knitters in my area or with similiar interests. (Anyone interested in an Iowa Group? I need at least three others to join...)

I suppose I'm just whining, but boy oh boy, Ravelry is doing some great things for me! If you don't have your invite yet, be patient, Jess and Casey are working full time on Ravelry to get it ready for everyone - and you will not be dissapointed!!

Goodbye, Secret Pal 10

2007-07-09T18:21:00.001-05:00

IMG_2481
Originally uploaded by The Knitting Fool

Or maybe I should be saying welcome to my two new friends - I spoiled Cindy this round and she's a very interesting person with a unique background! She homeschools her children and has two therapy dogs - golden retrievers. I have a personal love for Goldens as "my" dog, who now lives with my parents because they won't give him back, is a golden. Although he's not a therapy dog...

Then there is Crafty Caroline, who spoiled me! The photo is of the most recent package I received from her - some beautiful yarn, a candle in vanilla and jasmine and some Burt's Bees products. The hot weather here melted the candle and Burt's Bees, but that's o.k. - I use a candle warmer and the other stuff is in the fridge waiting for me to take it out! That Blue Sky Alpaca yarn is screaming to be knit into a pattern that will keep me warm this winter - I'm thinking a cowl of some sort. Maybe a lace scarf...it would be my first! Thanks so much Caroline for making this a great time!

Unknown treasure

2007-07-06T09:24:00.000-05:00

I was going through all of my knitting books and magazines last night and putting them up on Ravelry (so addictive!) and I came across this book, that I didn't even REALIZE I OWNED.Check out the date - I'm quite sure this was one of the original printings as the book is old and yellow. My cousin, who lives in remote Missouri, picked it up a while back at a garage sale and gave it to me. Look how much she paid for it...Luckily, she doesn't knit, so I don't feel bad keeping it, but now I'm going to make her something special for giving it to me - I don't even think she knew what she had! My favorite part is the "About the Author..."

I'm not knitting, but I am creating

2007-06-28T10:00:00.001-05:00

The situation: I have a baby shower to go to this weekend. I wanted to knit Tulip Toes, but my knitting time has been severely cut down because I've been so busy. Enter the fleece blanket. A fairly quick (2 hours max) project that is guarantted to get some oohs and aahs at the baby shower! Yes, the baby is due in August, but it's IOWA so it's going to be a cold winter, and this blanket will be nice and toasty - and big enough to last for several years. (Finished size is 52" by 46".)

I purchased 1.5 yards of two kinds of fleece - one floral, one striped (I love stipes and flowers combined!!) Then I spread the fleece out, cut off the selvage edges and put one piece of fleece on top of the other to trim them both to the same size. You'll see in the above photo, I've also cut a 4" square out of all four corners of the blanket. It helps the blanket lay flatter. This next shot shows the contrast fabric on the other side, and the 1" by 4" strips that I cut into the sides.

I reccommend cutting and fringing opposite sides - and when you tie, start in the middle and work out - it helps keep the blanket from distorting. Me cutting (notice the other sides are already fringed and tied)And me tying - yes, this shot should have been before the previous, but oh well!

Close up for the blanket - I love how the frings flips over to the opposite side and shows the pattern on the reverse - it's so pretty! The final product with it's beauty shot on my chair. Please note the flowers in the background that J got me for my 28th birthday yesterday!!

Friday Storms

2007-06-26T08:16:00.000-05:00

On Friday night, there was a tornado that hit not too far from where I live. Houses about 1/2 mile up the road have some damage, but luckily we were o.k. with the exception of our apple tree that got ripped out of the ground and thrown across the yard.

These are some photos taken with my little Canon Digital Elph from Friday night after the storms. They are not retouched at all! I'm not sure why the colors came out like they did - it must have been reflections from the sun or something, but they sure are pretty. Of course the rainbow was actually much brighter than in the picture, but the camera doesn't reflect that.

So sorry!

2007-06-25T15:14:00.000-05:00

I haven't been posting here (or doing much knitting) because I'm over at Ravelry having a great time! It's so fun to get organized and the amazing thing is I feel like I have accomplished something when I look at my list of finished projects!! I just need to get the camera out and take some photos of my other projects and yarns to get my profile complete.

RAVELRY - I'M IN!!

2007-06-19T16:25:00.001-05:00

I got my invite to Ravelry just now!!! I signed up - I'm blondeknitter (such a creative name, huh?) I have to start uploading everything to flickr to get started, so it will be a while, but I'm glad to get in!

Socks on a plane!

2007-06-19T10:32:00.000-05:00

I did in fact knit a bit while on my way to and from NYC as evidenced by the above photo. I had no trouble with my Addi Needles going through security on the way to NYC, but on the way back, the funniest thing happened in the Newark Airport. Security called me over to the table, asked me to open my bag. A man put a rubber glove on and held my knitting with the needles sticking out with one hand and gave it a weird look. I explained to him they were knitting needles, and he coudl in fact pull them out if he needed to (I had a lifeline in, so I wasn't worried) He just said everything looked fine and put it back in my bag. I was a little sad that I couldn't get a picture of the look on his face because it was PRICELESS! My progress was minimal - I'm done with the foot decreases and just knitting the foot until I get close enough for the toe. I'm getting there - I started this sock SIX weeks ago...it's taking too long!! I saw this shirt in the airport and I liked it, so here it is for you to enjoy...

The Festival Haul

2007-06-13T10:57:00.000-05:00

I really like the camera that I've been borrowing from my dad. It sure does take pretty pictures with that macro function...
Yes, I bought yarn. Did you actually think that I could be around yarn and not buy it? Everything there was so pretty, so soft, so colorful. That stuff up top (pink and purple, but it looks blue in the photo) is 100% icelandic wool from Riverwinds Farms. Handspun and dyed. I bought two hangs so I have a few hundred yards. I think it will be a baby sweater of some sorts...

You can't go to anything in Iowa without corn being involved. So, there was yarn made from corn! Ingeo yarn from Fields of Fiber. I have to say that it's tough yarn - not particularly soft, but not rough - just "solid." I'm going to knit these up into facecloths since they seem to have a bit of texture on them that would allow for gentle scrubbing. I also bought a variety pack of colors to make a rainbow washcloth. They're machine washable, so I think they'll be perfect for washrags!
Close up of the Ingeo. I don't know what was with my color selections that day....

Finally, my little flock of stinky sheep! They're filled with Lavendar amongst other things and designed to keep moths away from your wool! Plus, they're really cute, and they don't actually stink! They were also from Riverwinds Farm.

I'm heading to NYC for the rest of the week - I'm not sure that I'll get to visit many yarn shops, but Seaport Yarn isn't too far from my hotel, so we'll see. So I'll be out for a while - hopefully getting some knitting done on the plane or in the airports.

And, I thought I should add that there will be no sheep fashion show this year as there were not cute sheepies in speedos at the festival. :(

Vendors

2007-06-11T17:18:00.000-05:00

Sadly, I was too awe-struck by the beautiful yarns in front of me to take a lot of photos, but I did get a few...The big difference I noticed between the Iowa and Maryland Festivals is that in my opinion, the Iowa Show seemed to be far less commercial - these were all indi-style spinners and dyers and knitters here. True, the Iowa Festival is not even 5% of the Maryland Festival in terms of attendance and vendors, but the Iowa Festival has focus! The people who show there are great!

Now, I was dissapointed that local Des Moines area yarn stores weren't in attendance at the show. I'm sure space was an issue, but it would have been nice to see some yarn storn support. Some of the vendors I saw this weekend

Snokist Farm
Lamb Lane (couldn't find their contact info but they shared booth space with Snokist Farm.)
Willow Ridge Farm
Huacaya Moon
Riverwinds Farm
Fields of Fiber

There were a few more, but I can't find their cards right now...I'll add more to this later!

Iowa Sheep & Wool 2007

2007-06-11T13:10:00.000-05:00

What a weekend! J and I got up super early on Saturday, went to the Des Moines Downtown Farmer's Market, went to the Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival and then to Big Creek State Park, then over to a friend's house for some trampoline fun and to grill. It was a LONG but very FUN day!

Iowa Sheep & Wool seemed different this year. Not too many sheep...unless I just wasn't looking. The sheep that were there were BIG...like this guy.

On the left is a photo of a normal size sheep getting sheared...yes, it was young, but look how SMALL it is compared to the big RAM...that Ram was HUGE! He was crazy, too! The shearer was telling us how he broke his ribs once shearing a giant ram like that! He was a big boy, but it was interesting to see how calm them get when they're being sheared. P.S. Those are my favorite sheep up top, Jacob Sheep. I think they're so cute! I also got to use my dad's digital SLR for these photos...they're much better than the little Canon Elph that I carry around...

Baking and Knitting

2007-06-07T07:58:00.000-05:00

I made Sheri's Monster Cookies last night. She runs the Loopy Ewe. (For the record, when I wrote this post I hadn't bought anything from her yet , but I went back to the site and fell in love with a few things, so now I'm an official customer!!)

Anyway, my modifications were as follows: I made half of the recipe - which fit perfectly in my Kitchenaid Mixer - and made cookies with about 1.5 tablespoons of dough. That got me 8 DOZEN COOKIES! And that was just half of the recipe!! So yummy! I had enough for J and I both to take a giant bag to work, and then leftovers for us at home and to take to a friend's house tonight to share. These are awesome! I highly reccomend you make them!

I've also been slowing tinking away at my first sock. It's coming along - I just wish I had enough time to sit down and get this thing DONE! Socks do seem to be a quicker project - but judging by how long it's taking me to get through this one - you can see I don't get a lot of time to knit! And I guess there were a lot of mistakes on this one at first...

It is coming along though - I'm still in the decrease section of the foot. It's pretty easy to memorize how to do them, so I like that. what I don't like is the ribbing pattern - I wish I was doing some kind of lace or other pattern.

This weekend is the Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival. I went last year as well, so I'm looking forward to going this year! Here are some of my posts about the festival last year.

Vendors and vendor photos
Sheep Fashion Show (look for another round this year!)
What I bought!

So, this is my last post until after the festival. Hopfully I'll have lots of fun photos to share!

New Additions

2007-06-06T08:33:00.000-05:00

J and went bike riding this weekend on the road in front of our house. We were just goofing off, racing up and down the street when I heard a cat meowing near a field with cows in it. I stopped on the side of the road, and started calling to the sound. (we live in the middle of nowhere, so I was suprised to hear a cat meowing that far away from everything!) J pulled over as well, and we saw the grass rustling...and more meowing. Kitty sounds - BABY kitty sounds! I saw two kittens fall/jump from the tree - keep in mind at that time it was drizzling outside, warm, but not that warm. The two little kittens RAN to us! We picked them up and they kept nuzzling us, and wouldn't let us put them down!

So we took them home. That was a feat in itself as we had to hold them with one hand, use the other hand to steer our bikes and pray that we didn't fall over - and we had to ride with them for almost 1/2 mile!

We dried them off, fed them and played with them. We figured they probably got lost or seperated from their mom and/or littermates, but they knew what real cat food and water was so I'm sure they were weaned.

On Saturday, we decided that just to be on the safe side, we'll check with a few neighbors to make sure no one is missing any kittens. The first ones we checked with claimed ownership of the cats and said we could keep them if we wanted them as they have a few farm cats that have babies already. They actually offered us more kittens if we wanted them. For now, we'll just keep our two kittens.

So the kitties have a new home! We don't have names yet, we're calling them Fuzzykitty and Greykitty right now. But they are fun cats! We already have them sort of trained to come back to us when we call them! Now only if they grow up to be mousers...

Thoughts on...

2007-06-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

My Birthday - My birthday is on June 27. I'll be 28 years old. I don't know that I'm doing what I planned on doing with my life, I don't know that I am living where I thought I would be living, but life is good for me.
Plans - Isn't it funny how your plans change? Sometimes the changes are good, sometimes they are bad, but they always seem to work out, don't they?
Weight Loss - So I haven't really been posting about that much, have I? I'm back at Weight Watchers meetings, and in Week 3 of the program. I'm feeling pretty good. When I hit good milestones, I'll be sure to post about them!
Random things - I wish it wouldn't rain all weekend - I want to ride my bike!

Socks, socks, socks!

2007-05-31T09:28:00.000-05:00

Points to ponder:

1.Why are my photos sideways? I know why...but I can't change them where I'm at right now...

2. Will I ever get this sock done?

3. Is the second sock going to have the same issues with my lack of ability to count properly?

4. I have cankles! I never thought I had cankles. This is the men's medium sock...

More of my sock story

2007-05-24T09:01:00.000-05:00

So after my marathon night of finding the dropped stitches, I ended up with this...not too bad, eh? It's fairly smooth, but there is one little patch that is somewhat messed up.

I knit on the heel last night, and THANK GOODNESS that I used a lifeline when I was done with the cuff because I dropped two stitched of the heel flap and had to rip all the way back after I had completed 15 rows! It wasn't too bad though, I'm almost done re-knitting the flap!

This weekend we're off to St. Louis for family time and a friend's wedding. It should be lots of fun! With all of the driving, I'm hoping to have a sock done, but we'll see!

My sock might be saved

2007-05-22T07:59:00.000-05:00

O.k. - last night it took me HOURS...from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. to rip back my ribbing to a salvagable point and then pick up stitches from there. I won't tell you how many individual stitches had laddered down an inch or two, but I managed to get them all back on the needles, in the right direction and everything! This sock will not defeat me - I will defeat it. I did learn that I need a smaller crochet hook than a D, so for future socks I'll have to go buy one soon. I even started the heel flap (with a lifeline on the last row of ribbing) and am about 1/4 of the way through the flap.

I will make this sock. I'm excited to make a sock! My sister-in-law, who started sock knitting with me when I went to DC, has already finished her first sock! I have to catch up!

Sad Sock Story

2007-05-21T09:06:00.001-05:00

I tried. I'm still trying. But I'm failing. You'll remember a recent post that told about my adventures in sock knitting. Well, I've had a few accidents since then.

Accident number one - I realized my heel flap did not have enough rows...so I couldn't pick up the required number of stitches. Plus, I felt like I should have made the sock a little longer in the leg this time..I was so excited to get started that I made it short. Really, really short.

Accident number two - this happened last night. I got into my four inches of 2x2 ribbing. Started the heel flap, got about halfway through and somehow managed to drop a stitch in there. I ripped back, and I HATE RIPPING BACK RIBBING. And managed to drop several stitches several rows down. I'm going to try to salvage it...again. But we'll see. I want to make a jaywalker sock so bad, that I almost want to say screw it to this one! But, I should do a simpler pattern first, right??

Last shot of the day - I lucked out at the grocery store and got some super yummy strawberries. We are starting to get some ripening in my garden, too!

I'm famous...or not really.

2007-05-15T15:38:00.000-05:00

I was doing some blog surfing today and found a photo of me at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on the Go Knit in Your Hat blog. Check out the first photo in the May 5th entry - I'm the girl about 3/4 of the way to the back of the line in the red shirt with my hand in my hair. Who wants an autograph?

SP 10

2007-05-11T17:07:00.000-05:00

My SP 10 hit me with a nice little gift, don't you think? First of all, what a CUTE bag! I love bags - I feel like I have a zillion bags, but I'm always on the hunt for new and awesome ones, and this one fits that bill! The bright colors and flowers on this are SO CUTE! Then when I opened it, it was full of little brightly wrapped packages! Once I opened the packages (and I'll admit it took a long time because I couldn't stop staring at that great bag!) I found a host of other great things. Two skeins of Noro - in a fun bright color that matches the bag (I think I see a felted accessories clutch in it's future.) The newest issue of Knitscene with some great designs, including a Kate Gilbert felted strawberry purse and some super cute stitch markers - one even had a little yarn and needles on it! My camera doesn't take great closeups to share that though.

Thank you so much, secret pal!

Edited to add that today (Monday the 14th) I opened my e-mail and my secret pal got me Glee! Yay! I've been wanting to knit that for quite some time! Thanks so much!

I'm finally doing it!

2007-05-11T09:05:00.000-05:00

Socks - they're so fun - you can buy cute socks at the store for so cheap! I love wearing fun socks. But, I've always had this craving to knit my own socks and have been collecting yarn for it for some time - heck - every secret pal I've had has even sent me sock yarn!

So when I went to D.C. this past weekend, I jumped right in and started to make a sock. I used Cat Borhdi's book, Socks Soar on Two Circulars, and got to the heel turn! This is the funny part - the directions start to confuse me. You can't tell from the photo, but I've inserted a lifeline after my heel turn because I don't know that I understand the directions to pick up the gusset stitches properly. I wish I had the book with me to show the directions, but they confuse me at this point! I'll have to try working on them this weekend and post more later!

My First Trip to Maryland Sheep & Wool

2007-05-09T06:03:00.000-05:00

And what a trip it was!

We got there around 9 a.m. - VERY crowded. In fact, the main road inside the festival looked like this:

I went straight to The Fold to get some Socks that Rock, and found this:

So I had to get in line. There were actually two lines:

But, in 1 hour and 45 minutes, I made it through and bought this:

That would be Socks that Rock from left to right in Jewel of the Nile, Sherbet, Hard Rock, Waterlilies and Romancing the Stone. Some very nice ladies standing in line in front of me (and I forgot to ask for their names so I aplogize) grabbed the Hard Rock and Sherbet for me as I couldn't even get to that side of the booth. In the line to buy, I met a nice girl from Chicago with her non-knitting sister there who had a Green Gable in blue on! Very pretty!

That day was so much fun! We only stayed until around 1 p.m. - and the Socks that Rock are all that I purchased - some for me, some for gifts. Oh, and in keeping with the sock theme...I actually starting knitting something new, but that's for another post!

In progress

2007-04-27T10:21:00.000-05:00

O.k. - I didn't knit last night, but I did do some photoshop artwork on a photo of my log cabin baby blanket. The photo is about three weeks old, so I photoshopped in the areas that I have knit past...I bet you can't tell where the photoshop area is, can you?

Just keep knitting...

2007-04-26T15:02:00.000-05:00

I've been knitting. I swear! I just haven't unloaded any photos off my camera. I've been working on my log cabin baby blanket, and it's becoming a slogalong project for me. Miles and miles of garter stitch, fast until I have to bind of and then pick up stitches in a new color. It's getting there though! I'm a little worried I might run out of yarn - I want it to be 40 by 40 inches and it's about 27" or so right now (a little more rectangular than square.) I'm being monogamous with my knitting until next week, when I go to D.C. and get to attend the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival! I think I'm going to start my first sock on the plane there (it's two hours, so why not!)

This week, my sister-in-law, niece, cousin and his two kids are coming to visit. It's going to be a fun full house!

Fat Boy, 1994-2007

2007-04-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

Our family dog died yesterday. His name was Shadow but we called him Fat Boy. He was 13 years old.

Fat Boy was suffering for a while with severe hip dysplasia. Over Thanksgiving last year, he was outside playing with my parent's other two dogs Little Man and Max, and Fat Boy couldn't walk back up the hill so my brother had to go down and carry him up. Some days were good days, but some were really bad.

My parents were both at work yesterday and the dogs were in the house alone for about 6 hours. When my dad got home, Max and Little Man kept walking to the basement steps. My dad walked over there, and Fat Boy was laying at the bottom of the steps. He must have fallen down them sometime during the day. He didn't move, so my dad picked him up and carried him upstairs and then took him to the vet.

Fat Boy was one of the funniest puppies ever. He used to eat EVERYTHING - shoes, clothes, he chewed up the side of my parent's deck. One of my favorite stories is when he would creep into a room, and he knew he did something bad, he would always keep his head down and try to look innocent. He came into the living room one day like that, and when I offered him a toy, would NOT open his mouth. My dad had to pry the dog's mouth open and when he did, pennies were everywhere - Shadow was knawing on a penny roll and it was like a slot machine was coming out of his mouth!

Then there was the summer he decided to dig holes in the backyard and they were so big he would get down into them to lay down. He was always a funny dog. He was also well-behaved, and liked to sleep with you whenever he had the chance.

The picture above was just taken on Easter when we visited. The irony is that he looks so alert here because he was protecting the house that day from a neighbor's dog. I hadn't seen him that alert in a long time.

R.I.P. Fat Boy!

Do not adjust your monitors

2007-04-11T09:18:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's snow. Yes, it's April and yes, it's Iowa. Usually we're sunny. Today we're going to get about two inches of the fluffy stuff.

We put bird seed out every spring to help the little guys out. This morning they obviously needed it!

This cold weather had killed everything! All of our tulips and daffodils are gone. Our crocuses were in bloom for about a week, and now they're done.

Easter Eggs!

2007-04-09T15:42:00.000-05:00

Because I found my camera and have still been neglecting to post photos, I am posting a photo of the Easter Eggs my niece and I dyed on Saturday. Thankfully, I got a few pinks and greens in there for Project Spectrum!

She's alive!

2007-04-04T14:56:00.000-05:00

Just a few points because I'm super busy.
1. I'm never planning a conference again. Even though it was a success the logistics alone were CRAZY!
2. I was so sick all weekend and I'm happy to have recovered, but now my house is a mess and I have NO knitting progress. At all.
3. Heading to St. Louis this weekend. Again.

That's it for now!

Missing

2007-03-28T18:47:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be missing for about a week. I'm planning an annual conference for a professional organization I belong to and it's next Tuesday, so I'm super busy! I'll be back next week!

Another post with no pictures...

2007-03-26T11:15:00.000-05:00

The good news is that I found my camera. The better news is that I borrowed my dad's camera and I don't want to give it back. I'll have to figure that out later I guess.

Not much knitting to report. The log cabin is still coming along nicely. I think I have about six more rectangles to complete before I can call it finished. I'll see what project strikes my fancy after that. I'm limiting myself right now because there is too much to knit!

I just booked tickets for J and I to go visit his brother in D.C. the first weekend in May, which just happens to be the same weekend of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival! This will be the first time there for me - I'm so excited to go, but I don't know where to start! I'm afraid for my wallet that day as well!

Thoughts on...

2007-03-22T11:21:00.000-05:00

White Feathers - I found one this weekend. I'm not sure if it's from my Uncle or my Grandpa, but it was AMAZING. J and I were leaving my mom's house to visit his sister, and we just happened to stop and there it was! The feeling of peace that overcame me was wonderful!

Eating right and exercising - Doing great there so far. I did a 45 minute kickboxing class last night, then went on a 30 minute walk to loosen my muscles up. Today is weight training. Fun! Food isn't that much of an issue yet, except yesterday I wasted 600 calories on chocolate - too much! Today's menu is better because I'm eating mostly fruits and veggies all day so I can enjoy chinese tonight.

The Secret - Have you heard the hype on this book? I read it, it's interesting. I'm living by the principles right now.

Work - I've been so busy lately. I feel like if one thing goes wrong, I will miss a ton of deadline and make some clients very angry. It's fulfilling work for the most part, but a little bit frustrating. That's o.k. though, because exercise helps me de-stress.

Travel - There is a lot of travel coming up for me over the next few weeks. We're home the next three weekends, then going to St. Louis for two weekends, then back here for two, then to Washington D.C., then back for two, then to St. Louis for one, then back for two, then New York City for one, then back...and that takes us up until July 4th! TOO MUCH TRAVEL!

Pictures - I lost my digital camera sometime after I took a bike ride with it on the 10th. I remember bringing it back into the house, but don't know where it went after that. I have my dad's camera that I'm borrowing, but I haven't even attempted to use it yet so no photos for a little while!

The concrete jungle

2007-03-15T16:13:00.000-05:00

Here in Iowa, wildlife is everywhere. I thought these two geese were so cute waddling down the parking lot so I had to take a picture. There is a Walgreens not too far from here where a goose laid eggs in the parking lot under a bush and you could see her every day protecting her babies. I also saw people get out of their cars once and stop traffic on a busy four-lane road to help a goose and her babies get across the road. So cute!

I'm gone until next week...traveling to St. Louis. Happy St. Patty's day to all!

More on that darn spinning wheel

2007-03-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

This is why my wheel is fake:

Yes, it does look like it could easily be converted to a working wheel, but that is not the case. That post is GLUED in there! Apparently no one every spun on this wheel - it was made for decoration only. I'm not that sad since I already decided that I wasn't a spinner, but now I have this non-working wheel to deal with. I think I might take it to an antique shop or something and see what I can get for it. I feel really bad for this woman who was in the spinning class that I took who bought a wheel like mine for $350, and the little old man she bought it from claimed his wife spinned on it for years, but it turns out hers is a fake too! Little old man liar!!

New Project Alert!

2007-03-08T08:35:00.000-06:00

The new Knitty is up! And I found this pattern...which is perfect for the vest that I've been wanting to make with my Noro!!!

One of these days, I'm going to make a list of all of these things that I want to knit...one of these days.

Oh, and my Aunt Carol found a white feather this weekend.

Ever seen the wrong side of a log cabin blanket?

2007-03-07T08:33:00.001-06:00

IMG_1692
Originally uploaded by The Knitting Fool.

Nobody ever shows the wrong side, do they? I'm making some good progress on this blanket. This photo, taken Saturday, is already outdated - I've knit another two strips!

This will be gifted this summer to one of the two friends I have pregnant! another summer of babies around here!

The Baby Blanket that wasn't Meant to be...

2007-03-05T17:10:00.000-06:00

Stinkers. We've all had a few. I had high hopes for this blanket. Very high hopes. It was my first baby blanket project - it was my first "I made it up myself" pattern, and my first attempt at holding three strands of yarn together at once. It did take me a while to start/finish it, and alas, I finished it too short of what it needed to be. It's nice and wide (about 40 inches!) but not long enough.

It also has a few small errors, like this hole.

And, it has a square where I knit pieces of it wrong so there are knits where purls should be and purls where knits shall be. I think this blanket is going to be gifted to my 3-year-old niece, who can care for her baby dolls with it. I'm still working on my log cabin blanket and that's going to be a big winner - I can already tell!

Oh, and I finally figured out why my photos are so grainy sometimes...when I upload them from home (on dial up) they only can upload a certain amount...so they are pixelated. I'll try to be better about uploading from work, but this is all I've got right now!

SP 10 Questions

2007-02-28T13:59:00.000-06:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like wool. Not a big fan of cotton, but blends are o.k. Favorite brands/names, Noro Kuyeron, Blue Sky (even their cotton!) Berroco.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Plastic storage tubs. I have a system that I really like.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I’ve been knitting for a few years really. My skill level is intermediate, but I’m lazy and have a short attention span, so I do mostly beginner-ish projects.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes. see my sidebar.
5. What's your favorite scent? I have very, very sensitive skin, so it’s best to stick with things like Burts Bees or other all natural brands. I like Vanilla.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I am a chocolate pig. Chocolate and peanut butter. Yummy!
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I make jewelry, scrapbook. I tried to be a spinner, and it didn’t work, so I’m not interested.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I listen to all kinds of music and am open to everything! My computer will play MP3s.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Purple/Pink/Black are my favorites, but I really like everything. It just depends on the project. Right now, I’m somewhat following Project Spectrum, so I’m trying to explore more color!
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Live with my boyfriend of 8 years. No indoor pets – we have a farm cats.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, Yes, Yes, NO!
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I seem to be on a baby hat kick right now.
13. What are you knitting right now? Log Cabin baby blanket, Fake Isle Hat.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Sure!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Prefer Addi Turbos. But would maybe like to explore Knit Picks options.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I own both.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? More than one year old.
18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
19. Is there anything that you collect? Yarn. :)
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I’m open to any/every thing. No subscriptions but I like to read Knit Simple.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? My last few secret pals have gotten me sock yarn, and I’m just waiting to take a sock class. I don’t know that it’s a technique, but I’d like to challenge myself a little more this year with my knitting.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I should be a sock knitter soon! I wear a women’s 10 shoe.
23. When is your birthday? June 27 – I will be 28 years old.

Strangest Baby Blanket Ever!

2007-02-21T08:43:00.000-06:00

Remeber this? I hadn't finished it and it's well over a year old. The good news is it's done now. The bad news is that, well, let's just say say that the blurry photo is the best thing about this knit baby blanket. I'll have to wait to be home during some natural light to take some photos of the other issues with it.

In other news, tonight I'm going to see Barack Obama at a town hall meeting in Des Moines. I'm not a political person, but an advantage of living in Iowa is that all of the presidential hopefulls visit here often, so I figure I should take the opportunity to see them all while they're here. For the record, I am not a republican or a democrat. I'm open to anything!

I am not a Spinner...

2007-02-20T10:17:00.000-06:00

And I'm o.k. with that. I guess I got overly excited last year when I was at the Iowa Sheep and Wool Festival - I bought a drop spindle, but never really could figure out if I was spinning correctly.

On Sunday, I took a spinning class at Living History Farms here in Des Moines, and I liked it - I really did. I just found out that I don't have the patience for hand spinning - on a drop spindle or on a wheel. The instructors actually complimented me a lot on my wheel spinning - I found the wheel MUCH easier than the spindle, but it just didn't do it for me. I hate to admit it, but it's a ton of work!

I am very jealous of those spinners out there who make such beautiful yarns. I am just going to have to continue to support their passion by purchasing more handspun yarn. The effort is worth it, because it's beautiful, but it's not for me. I'll just have to keep knitting!

Why do I love Iowa?

2007-02-18T11:46:00.000-06:00

I never, ever thought I would end up living out in the boonies in Iowa. But I love it. Why? Because I can walk out the front door on a cold but sunny Sunday morning, and see two bald eagles perched in a tree.

The White Feather

2007-02-15T18:19:00.000-06:00

My Uncle Jerry died just over a month ago after a long battle with colon cancer. He was "technically" only my uncle for a few years, but he and my Aunt Carol (my mom's sister) were together for as long as I can remember, so he really was always my uncle - technicalities aside...

Carol has a daughter named Dena. Dena has three sons but only two of them are old enough to know and remember their Grandpa Jerry. These kids were heartbroken when he died. They loved him so much. At the wake, one of her sons asked me if their Grandpa would be friends with my Grandpa in heaven (my grandpa died 5 years ago.) Jerry and my Grandpa were friends before, so I know they are friends up there!

Just before the one month anniversary of his death, Dena and the kids were talking about Jerry and sharing stories of the fun they had with him. Dena said that she told the kids to look for a sign from him that he's o.k. She had read in one of her books that a white feather is a sign from a loved one that they are doing fine.

On the one-month anniversary of Jerry's death, Dena's oldest son, Ryan, went home from school a different way than he usually did. He was walking along and came across a white feather.

A day or so later, Dena and her other son were cleaning out the car, and they found a white feather in the back of the car.

I'm not religious, but I believe in God. I also believe that when people die, they can still see us down here and are watching us. Jerry sent those kids those feathers to help them heal. They still miss him. They will need a lot of time to heal, but it's nice to know that Jerry sent them a little something to hold onto.

The Soundtrack of My Life

2007-02-13T09:07:00.000-06:00

Emily posted this on her blog, and I thought it was fun, so I did it too!

Directions
If your life was a movie, what would the soundtrack be?
1. Open your mp3 library
2. Put it on shuffle.
3. Press Play.
4. For every question, type the song that's playing.
5. When you go to a new question, press the Next button.
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool.
7. Don't skip songs. (Unless they happen to be podcasts/foreign/downright perverted and you don't want your sister to think you're some sort of dirty whore.)

My Soundtrack:
Opening Credits – Crash – Gwen Stefani
Waking Up – That’s How Strong My Love Is – Rowland Gift
First Day of School – Beautiful Day – U2
Fight Song – Kick - INXS
Breaking Up – Falls to Climb – R.E.M.
Happiness – Burn for You - INXS
Life's Okay – For Martha – Smashing Pumpkins
Mental Breakdown – Can You Hear Me? – Missy Elliot
Driving – Showdown – Britney Spears
Flashback – Run, Baby, Run – Sheryl Crow
Getting Back Together – Hey Now! - Oasis
Wedding Song – Shine Like it Does - INXS
Birth of First Child – Disenchanted Heart – The Nadas
Final Battle Scene – No One’s Leaving – Jane’s Addiction
Death Scene – Eskimo – Damien Rice
Funeral Song – Maybe Katie – Barenaked Ladies
End Credits – Cowboys and Angels – Garth Brooks

I have a pretty diverse musical taste, so I'm not surprised by some of these. I'm obviously a huge INXS fan, but never would have thought they would come up as often as they did. I'm also a huge Tori Amos fan and have all of her music in my iTunes, but none of her songs came up! Strange. iTunes must have it's own mind...I'm now listening to these in order to "live" my life in music today! What a fun meme!!

On gauge swaches

2007-02-12T16:12:00.000-06:00

I caved in and knit a gauge swatch. I actually knit about half a gaugue swatch and that indicated that I was spot on with gauge - which is an anomoloy, but whatever. So I started to knit Green Gable. and discovered that the YO, K2tog details at the beginning did lot like my yarn. Or the yarn did like them because it split like crazy. I'm using Addi's - they're not too pointy, but my yarn fell apart. It's Royal Bamboo - It's meant for this project. I knit about 2 inches, then ripped it out because the fraying on the neckline irritated me too much.

I'll re-start it again this week, I'm sure. For now, I'm in the middle of knitting fun fur hats! I hate fun fur knitting - I don't mind it for scarves, but when I'm trying to do ribbing, it's impossible to work with.

Swatching

2007-02-08T09:01:00.000-06:00

So tonight I'm going to start knitting a sweater for my sister. I'm going to make either Green Gable or Glee in Royal Bamboo - the cornflower blue color.

I'm not quite sure what to do about swatching. I usually get gauge by going down two needle sizes - and since these patterns are mostly knit in the round, I need to make a round gauge swatch. I don't really want to. I just figure I can knit it, and see what happens. I know that many a knitting disaster has happened when knitters think they are above swatching. Only tonight will tell!

This will be my first adult knitted sweater. I'm making it for my sister because she's small!!

Thoughts on...

2007-02-02T08:39:00.000-06:00

Secret Pals - I know that the pal who spoiled me is a busy lady, so I don't know who she is yet! I can't wait to read more about her in her blog though! I'm a little impatient with this - but that's just my nature! :) The secret pal I spoiled is Emily. It turns out she and I have a lot of similarities, so I'm glad that I've made a new friend!

Project Spectrum - Officially started yesterday. I have a fair amount of blue in my stash, not too much of the other two Feb./March colors. That's o.k. though because one of my first projects is going to be knitting my sister a sweater out of blue yarn.

Organization - I sat down a few nights over the last two weeks and cataloged all of my knitting needles and yarn. I made a spreadsheet with several columns for the yarn so I know the color, gauge, yardage, fiber, etc. for what I have. Every time I buy new yarn, I'm going to enter it in there. Also - I'm a little embarassed at the amount of fun fur that I own, but I used to knit and sell those scarves so whatever.

Weather - It's cold. Really, really cold. -2 when I got up. Tomorrow, the high temperature is going to be 3 above, with windchill of -30. Brrrrr!!!!

Yarn Stores - A while back I mentioned Donna's was going out of business. That's still sad news, but the good news is that Artistic Bead is going to move into Donna's old space and expand their bead selectin and be a yarn store as well! The owner and I had a few e-mail exchanges about what yarns would be good to carry, and I've given her plenty of feedback! If you're in Des Moines and want to tell her, get thee to Valley Junction and talk to them! I'm excited to see the new store!

Final Secret Pal Gift!

2007-01-31T18:54:00.000-06:00

My Secret Pal spoiled me one last time – and it was a great surprise to come yesterday to this box of goodies!
That would be four skeins of Berroco’s Pure Merino. I think they should call this yarn pure heaven. When I posted on the blog a while back about wanting some to make my first cabled scarf, my pal remembered and got me a cable needle as well!

There’s also a copy of Vogue Knitting – some super cute stuff in there. The cover piece is made with Pure Merino, although I’m not that ambitious…yet. I also got a cute mini card pack, some Eucalan wool soap – which I LOVE and use on my Noro projects, and some DOVE DARK CHOCOLATE. Secret Pal, my waistline is a little upset over that, but I think it will get over it pretty quickly.

Let me know who you are so I can properly thank you – I lost your e-mail address when I was cleaning files the other day! Thank you so much for all the fun you’ve given me this round!

Quote of the day

2007-01-30T14:02:00.000-06:00

"By sharing the pie, you get a bigger piece of the pie." -overheard in a teleconference I was participating in today.

Project Spectrum starts tomorrow!! Eeek - I need more colors to work with for the first two months!!

February/March- Blue, White, Gray
April/May- Green, Yellow, Pink
June/July- Red, Black, Metallics
August/September- Brown, Orange, Purple

I am a knitting machine!

2007-01-29T11:10:00.000-06:00

I made three hats this weekend! I actually made two on Friday night, one on Saturday, and then I tore out the top of one on Sunday and reknit it. Of course, big needles, big yarn, and small hats, but they're so cute! The blue ones remind me of little gnome hats. Even though it's still January, I consider these my official start to Project Spectrum!!

Pattern: Bulky Baby Hat by Blue Sky Alpacas

Yarn: Bulky Hand Dyes in Dark Blue (large hat,) Duotones in Blue on Blue (small hat,) and Tahki Yarn Baby Print in Color 41 for the medium sized hat.

Pattern mods: In the blue hats, I stuck to the pattern and the decreases at the top got me a pointy gnome-like hat. I modified the decreases in the medium sized hat for a flatter crown, and later ripped out the smaller hat's top to flatten it out.

Comments: Very quick knit - big yarn, big needles. The pattern calls for Size 15 to get gauge (1" for 2 stitches) and I ran out of yarn on the blue hats at that needles size while getting gauge. I re-knit them with a size 13 on the dark blue and size 11 on the duotone blue and they're just fine. It's a very, very basic and easily memorable pattern that can be translated to many different yarns!

I'm using photoshop to "save photos for Web" but the second one still seems grainy...any tips out there??

Oh, deer!

2007-01-26T10:56:00.000-06:00

That deer was expensive. Almost $3,000 expensive. Luckily, I have insurance or I'd be in big trouble. Either way, I won't be getting my car back until at least Feb. 5th. No fun!!

I did knit last night - Blue Sky Alpaca's Bulky Baby Hat. I went down two needles sizes, knit the middle size, and still ran out of yarn. So I ripped it back out! I'll re-knit it tonight on the same size needles, but the smaller size, and I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed!

Damn Deer!

2007-01-24T10:26:00.000-06:00

I killed Bambi last night when it ran into my car. My car is not driveable. The radiator is toast. It didn't look too damaged last night, but when I went this morning, I'm saw that it's the grill, front bumper, side panel and radiator damaged, among other things. It is getting towed to the dealer as we speak. Luckily, I have insurance, but I'm still so mad! This is the second time since I've lived in Iowa that I have hit a deer (actually, I maintain the deer hit me.) Ever heard of the campaign, "don't veer for deer." I can tell you from experience they tell you that because if you veer, you're going to get hurt far worse than if you just plow straight into Bambi. I hate deer right now.

Stash Organization

2007-01-23T07:10:00.000-06:00

I've been spending some time fondling all of the yarn I have aquired during my knitting life. Last night, I bagged it all up, organized it, and discovered a few things:

I have enough "good" yarn to make 7 adult size sweaters.
I have enough sock yarn (even though I've never made socks before) to make at least seven pairs.
I have enough dishcloth cotton to make at least six dish rags.
I have enough miscellaneous yarn that doesn't go with anything else to make at least 100 scarves.

So, is that good or bad? And what's with the sevens?? Is that my lucky knitting number? Luckily enough, it all fits into three containers - the rubbermaid container I posted about before, one under the bed container, and this three level thing that is holding all of my odds and ends.

Tonight is going to be for accessory organization. And, in the interst of full disclosure, I bought yarn this weekend. I bought some things to gift my secret pal, but I also bought some Adrienne Vitadini yarn to make a sweater for me. I don't think it breaks the rules because the yarn was about 40% off (buy 8, get six free...)

I try...I really do. Now I just have to KNIT! I think I might abandon all of my current scarf projects and start on a sweater...

100 things

2007-01-19T07:10:00.001-06:00

Look at me hopping on the long-gone bandwagon. This might provide a little insight about me!

My birthday is June 27, 1979.
I was born, raised and lived in St. Louis until I was 22.
I moved to Iowa in 2002, to be with my boyfriend.
I can't tell you how many times people have told me that I set the women's movement back 50 years by moving for a man, but I don't care!
My guy and I have been together since 1999.
I like living in Iowa better than I liked living in St. Louis.
I can tolerate St. Louis for three days when I go back and visit (which is often.) Then I have to come back to Iowa.
I like to gossip.
I love celebrity gossip, and I check gossip sites often.
I am ususally the first person in my office to know about the latest celeb break-ups, babies, etc.
I know a lot of deep dark secrets about my friends that I would never repeat, but I would never tell a lot of those same friends my deep dark secrets because I'm a very private person.
I don't often say something behind a person's back that I wouldn't say to their face.
I am very sarcastic...sometimes I take it too far.
I want people to be brutally honest with me - many people have told me that I'm the only person they could be completely honest with because I don't get mad when people are telling me the truth.
I can't stand liars, and I can't stand it when people don't tell you the truth because they "didn't want to hurt you."
I find it very hard to pretend to like someone that I don't really like.
I don't like it when people pretend to not be mad at me when they are mad at me.
I also find it hard to not share my opinion.
I believe in God, but I am not into organized religion.
I went to Lutheran School (LCMS) for 12 years - how that ruined it for me is a long, long story.
I dislike politics - I think most politicians are liars.
I love celebrities - and I think all of them are liars.
I am a tall girl - 5'9" and I often wear heels, so I'm usually over 6 feet tall.
I used to be a human barbie - super skinny, huge (real) boobs, blue eyes and blonde hair.
Then I graduated college, got a desk job and stopped taking care of myself.
I consider myself to be about 60 pounds overweight.
I want to lose that 60 pounds in 2007.
I have lost 14 of those pounds so far.
I feel good when I exercise, but I feel like I never have the time to set aside.
I work in public relations.
I love my co-workers, am still tolerating my job, and I hate sitting at a desk all day.
Sometimes I seriously consider a career change.
I wanted to be many things growing up - an occupational therapist, a veterinarian, a photographer.
The vet thing didn't work out because I was a secretary at an animal hospital and cried everytime someone brought a pet in to be euthanized.
The occupational therapy things didn't work out because I was never good at math and decided that since I wasn't required to take math in college, I needed to find a major that didn't require math to graduate.
I have a Bachelor's degree, but the highest level math class I have ever taken is high school geometry (10th grade at my school.)
Sometimes I'm embarassed by that, but most of the time I don't care.
The job I most wish I could go into now is photography, but I don't think I could make a lot of money at it because I'm not terribly good at it.
I was never really in the "in"crowd - I've always been able to be friends with people in every crowd.
Sometimes that was a good thing, but a lot of times it made me feel like I didn't belong anywhere.
My family thinks I'm crazy, but I fit right in with them!
My parents are still married after 29 years.
I have a 19 year-old sister and a 25 year-old brother.
My brother married my best friend after I moved to Iowa.
I was grossed out at first - but I think they're great, and I couldn't have a more awesome sister-in-law.
I now also have a three-year-old niece.
She calls me Aunt Toni.
She is the only one allowed to call me Toni - besides my boyfriend.
I make everyone else call me by my full name, Antoinette.
When I was born, my name was Michelle.
My dad changed the naming papers while my mom was still in the hospital.
I used to hate having a "different" name.
Now, I love it, and couldn't image being named Michelle.
My middle name is Marie, and yes, I know who Marie Antoinette was.
I live on a pretend farm outside of Des Moines.
I say pretend because really it's a house with a barn, and a fair amount of land, but nobody really farms it because it's mostly woods.
We have about 5 acres that a neighbor farms for us. We use the corn to heat our house.
Our house used to be a catfish farm, so we have lots of ponds.
Until I moved to Iowa, I hated eating fish.
Now I love eating fish.
But I won't eat fish out of our ponds at home.
We mow our lawn with a tractor.
We have a huge garden.
Every summer we can tomatoes and green beans.
I really like canning stuff.
But I usually complain while I'm doing it - it seems like once the time is right, we end up canning for several weeks!
Last year, we planted more than 20 tomato plants.
We used to raise turkeys.
I hated the turkeys - they would perch on my car!
But they were kind of fun because we would put them in a pen every night and then during the day they were "free range."
We haven't had turkeys for two years.
I love to cook.
I'm a much better cook now than I was 5 years ago.
I try to plan a menu every week and try one new recipe each week.
I get recipe ideas from the Food Network.
I want to be a more creative knitter, but I feel like I never have time to knit.
I do other crafts as well - scrapbooking, jewelry making, and sometimes I sew.
I'm o.k. at most of those things, but I usually need to follow a pattern.
I want to be good enough at all of those things so I can create my own designs.
I collect crafting supplies.
I envy people who buy just enough for a certain project.
I always buy anything that I like because I'm sure I'll use it one day.
My crafting supplies have their own room, and it's running out of space.
I learned to crochet when I was about 6, but never did anything more than chain stitches.
I've tried to re-learn crochet since learning to knit, and my hands really do not work that way anymore!
I learned to knit a few years ago - and I love it.
I've since discovered that my grandma (who died when my dad was 10) was a knitter. My dad has given me some of her afgans.
I wish I knew my grandma. I think she and I are a lot alike.
I've only been to one foreign country - Italy!
My grandpa was born in Italy.
When we went there, we tried to go to the island he was born on, but missed the train to the port.
I want to go back to Italy, but I would also like to go to England, Scotland, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey.
I can't wait to have babies.
My biggest fear is that I will never be a mother.
I don't know why I'm so afraid of that. I think it's because I know a lot of couples whose only wish was to have kids, and for some reason, it just didn't work out.
I have aways been around kids - there are tons in my family, and my friends are popping out babies like crazy these days.
I love taking care of kids - even when they are really, really bad, I can't help but smile.
My favorite all time movie is Reality Bites, and 10 things I hate about you.
I love playing team sports if they are for fun, and not always for the win. Volleyball is my all-time favorite!
I love hosting parties at my house, but I hate cleaning up to prepare for the party, and cleaning up the mess after the party.
I also love having company over to stay with us for a weekend.

Back and Knitting...sort of

2007-01-17T20:10:00.000-06:00

Thank you for the kind e-mails/comments about my uncle - he will certainly be missed! I survived the ice storm in St. Louis this weekend while I was down there for the funeral. It actually wasn't too bad. The roads were fine, it was more of an issue with trees causing power lines to go down. Luckily, my parents had power the whole time. During the last ice storm, they lost power for five days.

Knitting progress - I guess you could say I've been making plans. I stocked up on Noro Kureyon in four different colorways when a LYS was going out of business, so I now have more than 1,100 yards of Kureyon in four different colorways. - Numbers 115 (reds), 138 (brights/pinks/ purples), 156 (blues/browns) and 164 (green/blue/brown). You can see a shade card here. I want to make a cardigan for myself out of color 115. I think I'm going to make this cardigan out of that colorway. with maybe 3/4 length sleeves instead of full. For the other colors, who knows. I have two friends with three baby boys under the age of 1, so I think I might end up with three baby sweaters in time for their first birthdays! I also have about 15 random colors of Kureyon in my home collection that I bought just because I LOVE that yarn, but now I feel like they need a purpose!

I am knitting a little bit. I am making two scarves. Both of them are boring garter stitch knit the long way - they're going fast, but are not yet done. The yarn I'm using (picured above) is Schaefer that I was using to make a scarf with a chinese waves pattern, but I didn't like the way the yarn felt knit up - it was too tight. The other yarn (below) is just weird. It's snippets of all different kinds of yarns - and it's too loose right now, so I might rip it out and re-do it. I call the yarn "fur ball." It really does look like a dead, mangled muppet. I would like to finish both of these scarves before I start any other projects because having multiple projects makes me accomplish less!

And, I have kept my Knit From Your Stash promise...even during a trip to St. Louis, where I had the opportunity to purchase yarn, I didn't! But I have a question...I was to make a fake-isle hat - it will be my first two-color work. Now, I have plenty of Noro to work with, but no solid yarn to match...do I dare buy a skein to make the hat, or just wait??? What's a yarn lover to do?

Gone for a bit...

2007-01-10T11:14:00.000-06:00

My uncle died yesterday, so I'm heading down to St. Louis for the funeral, etc. I'll be gone until Monday.

Calorimetry

2007-01-08T15:38:00.000-06:00

Look - I finished something! Calorimetry, by Knitty. Please notice that even though I have a large head, it is a tiny bit too big (look at the crown of my head!!) I did stick to the pattern, but never measured for gage. Here it is folded in half with a postcard for size comparison;Gratuitous close-up of the yarn I used. It's hand-dyed wool that my secret pal from Round 7 got me. If I remember correctly, she bought it from and E-bay seller. It's got great color...looks just like a sunset to me. Unfortunately, it was not my first finished object of 2007 - it was actually my last finished object of 2006! My first object for 2007 is a sideways knit scarf!
Can anyone give me a heads up if my photos are looking a little too grainy? I try to size down the files so I can upload them to flickr from home on dial-up, but it seems like I'm making them too small.

My Experience in New Orleans

2007-01-05T09:57:00.000-06:00

A lot of people questioned me about going to New Orleans for a vacation. They said things like, "Why would you go there, there's nothing left of it," and "That city is a dump now - there is nothing worth seeing." J's two nieces moved down there to live and work in August of 2006 - and you wouldn't believe the grief that they got - and are still getting - for moving there.

I wanted to see for myself. I went to Mardi Gras down there in 2005, and I didn't get to see the city like a tourist, I only saw the city as a wild partier. So this time, the trip was going to be a little different.

The good news is that the city is very much alive! The touristy areas - The French Quarter, Garden District, CBD/Warehouse District, etc. - are very much alive and kicking. Lots of people. Lots of partying. Lots of great food. The bad part in the touristy areas is that not all of the workers are back - they fled when their homes were destroyed, and haven't been able to come back, so there is a desperate need for workers in New Orleans right now.

Then there were the areas that were flooded. You can see in the photo below, the waterline on the house. That's where the water sat in some areas for days and days - and it was probably a few feet higher when the flooding happened. I almost cried to see that Lisa and Donnie had to spray paint their house that they were o.k. because there was really no other way to be able to tell people how they were. These people lost everything!!

The 9th Ward looked like a war zone. Here and there patches of re-furbished and/or re-built homes appeared, and they looked strange amidst the mess, but it was hope. It was very sad to look at. We actually paid for a "Katrina Devastation Tour." The tour guide, a native, told us all he was initially opposed to having the company he works for make money off of the trip. Then he told us that it's an important story to tell, and part of our money was going to be designated to the charity of our choice (I had checked into this prior to the tour...)

Not all houses looked like the one above - but our tour guide told us that immediately after the flooding, almost every house did look like that. I would estimate that about 25% of the houses we saw looked like the one above. Most of the rest were just gutted and abandoned - some for sale, some with 'tear down' notices on the doors. Our tour guide asked us to not take photos of the people cleaning out their houses out of respect for them. So we didn't, and honestly, I don't think I could have. The people I saw cleaning out house had on masks and were sweating, some still crying over the devastation.

There are some glimmers of the "new" New Orleans. In the 9th ward, a new neighborhood is being built called Musician's Village (completed house above, back of village pictured below.) You can read more about it with the link. These are photos of the houses, and volunteers building them. Some people have already moved into their new homes.

The last photo here is of the ampitheatre area, where the musicians can come play one the entire neighborhood is built. For some perspective - this area is about 80 acres. All of those cars were filled with volunteers helping build the houses. You can't see all of them, and the other photos I took didn't turn out, but there were a lot of people helping!

There is a lot of sadness and anger there about the government not stepping it up and getting these people out, and now, its lack of help to the victims. From what I have seen - it is warranted. New Orleans was - and is - a great city. It can be re-built better and stronger than it was. It's going to take time and money, and lots of volunteers. Everything helps - if you can only visit the city and put a little money into their economy, do it - if you can volunteer down there, go for it! If you prefer to donate money, find your local Red Cross or charity of your choice and pass it on!

That New Year

2007-01-04T17:51:00.000-06:00

I joined Project Spectrum today, hoping that it will help me get through my stash this year, since I'm not buying any yarn for a while. I really like the way that Lolly organized the colors. And, a few months ago, I bought a bunch of blue bamboo yarn (enough to make a sweater) so I think I'm going to start with MY FIRST SWEATER PROJECT!! Well, it would be my first sweater for me. I've made baby sweaters before. Ooh, and I just realized that the second set of months is green, so I get to work for four months on the sock yarn my Secret Pal got me!!

I spent New Year's Eve with J and my parents in St. Louis. Pretty low key. We drove back to Des Moines on Monday morning, and I've been dragging myself into work every day since.

I want to write about my New Year's Resolutions, but I'm still trying to figure out what they all are. I guess I know these for sure:

Knit more!
Write down every piece of food that goes into my mouth.
Write down every single cent of money I spend.
Eat out for lunch only once per work week.
Eat breakfast every day.

Those sound so boring, but I'm just doing those in January. In February, I am going to start cutting down on my calories a little based on how much I'm already eating and I'm going to set up a budget. I'll probably also add some working out guidlines at that point. I want to take baby steps. Very little baby steps because I want to make sure that with everything I do, I make a positive change that becomes a HABIT instead of a fleeting project.

As far as knitting goes, I finished a Calorimetry scarf/hat while driving down to St. Louis over break. I just need to sew on a button and take some photos. I also started a scarf with this crazy yarn I bought - it's totally novelty crap, but it's kind of cool, so I'll have to post something about that as well.

Photos to be saved for my next post. Tomorrow, I get TIVO!!! Yay!!!

I'm Back!

2006-12-31T21:03:00.000-06:00

I took this photo in Jackson Square. I'm not sure why that man is using a Ken doll as a model, but to each his own I suppose...

Made it back from New Orleans after a flight cancellation on Friday night that kept us there an extra day. Still in St. Louis and was uploading some photos, so I thought I should post a quick hello! I've got a lot of things cooking right now, including some fun knitting stuff, so I want to get back to that...more later.

For now, Happy New Year, and I'll see you all again in 2007!

On Vacation...

2006-12-25T09:29:00.000-06:00

So take a look at my Christmas Tree and the presents that have likely been opened by now. I'm in St. Louis and New Orleans, won't be back until the New Year...and hopefully, I'll have some new knitting goodies to show with my return!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I'm such a joiner...

2006-12-21T12:28:00.000-06:00

Remember this post? It's time for me to seriously consider this KAL (or would it be a Stash-a-long?) I don't need to buy new yarn. I just spent too much money on enough Noro to make 5 adult sweaters (no joke.) I'm trying to make 2007 the year of getting myself in order from head to toe, and that stash yarn is not helping. This is my public declaration that I am going to Knit From My Stash in 2007, abiding by the following rules:

Timeframe - January through June, 2007.
I will not buy any yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:
2.a. If someone asks for a specific knitted gift that I really and truly do not have the yarn for, I can buy yarn to knit that gift. And if I participate in the next round of Secret Pals, I can buy yarn for my pal.
2.b. If I am knitting something and run out of yarn, I can purchase enough to complete the project.
2.c. If I am in another state, I can buy yarn, or if I'm shopping at a store that is going out of business, I am allowed to buy yarn.
I am allowed to receive gifts of yarn.
Spinning fiber of any sort is exempt.

So, here it goes! Wish me luck, and hopefully, 2007 will be a more knitterly year for me!

Edited 1/4 to change rules to ending in June 2007, and to be able to purchase yarn if out-of-state or if a store is going out of business. Go figure I'm already adjusting the rules...

More sad news...

2006-12-21T08:36:00.000-06:00

The Village Knit Wit in Des Moines will be closed by December 31. It's so sad because it's only been open for a year, and it is the best yarn store in Des Moines. Best needle selection, best prices, best everything. They are selling everything at 40% off right now, and I went last night and got so much Noro I could probably open my own store. It's so sad to see them go. If you're a Des Moines knitter, I highly encourage you to get out there and support them in their final days.

HUGE loss to Des Moines

2006-12-19T15:52:00.000-06:00

I just got this e-mail from Donna Martin, owner of Donna's Country Collections in Valley Junction.

News from Donna,
Because you have been a loyal customer of my store, I would like you to be among the first to know I plan to retire from retail. I will help my daughter with pattern designs through Indygo Junction.

You have made it possible for “Donna’s” to be a successful destination inValley Junction for 25 years. To thank you, I’d like you to benefit from upcoming sales of holiday décor (25 – 50%), select Brighton, includinghandbags, luggage, shoes, sunglasses and jewelry.

Knitting classes continue through January – come sign up or give us a call.Many yarns are now priced 25 – 50 % off. Prepare for your winter days ofknitting.

Thank you for your continued support,
Donna Martin
Donna’s Country Collection
234 Fifth Street
Valley Junction
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
515-274-2522

Is the store closing? Sure sounds like it! Huge loss to Des Moines there. I took several knitting classes there, and loved the teachers - Sarah Jane and June! I'll have to find out where they end up!

E-bay Woes

2006-12-19T14:18:00.000-06:00

I'm an E-bay fan...I've purchased many things on there, from a bridesmaid dress to collectibles. Until now, I have NEVER had a problem. I won an item off there on December 8. I paid via pay-al immediately - it was about $20, so it wasn't too much. Well, the seller has not acknowledged my payment, sent me the item or responded to my requests to do so. I'm almost at the ten day mark, which means that I can file a grievance with E-bay, but I don't know that I want to. The seller had 99.1% positive feedback, so I didn't think there woudl be an issue. Plus, the seller has recieved feedback over the last few days so I know they are shipping something out. What should I do???

Updated to add that thanks to Kaitie's suggestion, I have requested contact information and will call her tonight. Thanks! I'll keep posting on this saga!

Heading to New Orleans

2006-12-18T09:14:00.000-06:00

So J and I are going to be in St. Louis for Christmas (our hometown) and then New Orleans until New Year's. I've been to NO for Mardi Gras (in 2005) but I didn't get to do touristy things then - other than party. So, does anyone out there have any suggestions for what to do in New Orleans? We're staying in the French Quarter...

My New Toy

2006-12-14T16:29:00.000-06:00

Attention all organization crazy knitters: get thee to Bath & Body Works and buy the "Perfectly Polished Manicure Kit." (Sorry, it's not on their Web site or I'd link it.)

Why? Because it makes your knitting

O.k. - I lied. It doesn't make your knitting flawless. But it does help you organize all of your knitting tools and gadgets! The open view:
That center piece is clear plastic so you can see through it, and it pops out!

This bag is pretty small - I'll measure it tonight and post dimensions later, but you can stuff it with your stuff! It's amazing how make-up bags can become the best storage units for all of your knitting gadgets and gizmos! This is a new favorite of mine. I'm not too hot on the color or the "flawless" on it, but storage is storage. Oh, and all the manicure goodies that were inside have a home in my manicure box! I paid $20 for this. It was $29.00 but I had a coupon for $10 off a $20 purchase. One thing to look for, especially after Christmas is when they clearance all of these kits...you can probably get it for cheaper than $20!!

There is also a hidden pocket:

Knitting + cats = crazy??

2006-12-13T09:51:00.000-06:00

What is it with knitters and cats? We have some barn (outside) kitties to keep the mice away on our property( I live in the boonies and my nearest neighbor is the beaver family in our pond.) Mice used to be a huge problem when J (my boyfriend) moved into the house and traps wouldn't contain them all. Since getting cats, the numbers have gone from 15 a year, to maybe one or two. Cats are good.

So anyway, we have these barn cats that think they are lap kitties. We do spoil them (as evidenced by the dog bed they are in.) and we even cook hot meals for them in the winter (not all of the time, just some of the time, like last night.) I do have to say that our kitties make great garbage disposals - they eat all of our leftover food! They especially love chicken and deer meet (J hunts. )

Our kitties are all boys - the black one is Biggie (after Biggie Smalls the rapper - yes, I am a rap music fan) the striped one is Skunky, and the little one is Oreo. They are all brothers, just out of two litters. The two older ones don't get along too well - they kind of fight over who is the boss cat, but they both take care of Oreo like he is their baby.

So last night, Biggie and Skunky were "helping" us put up weather stripping on the door (and by helping I mean rubbing on our legs so we would pet them.) They were being sweet, and then all of a sudden it was scrappin' time. They were rolling around fighting like you would see in a cartoon. J had to use a broom to seperate them. Then I go back out there (in the garage) a few hours later, and they've obviously made up because that's when I took the photo. Reminds me of me and my brother when we were little. :)

See that!!!???

2006-12-12T14:09:00.000-06:00

I added links all by myself! I'm so excited about the new blogger...it's much easier to use when customizing pages! My next trick...maybe adding a photo or two!

I started a new project last night from the latest issue of Knitty. Boy, do I LOVE me some Knitty!!

And did anyone notice this pattern? It looks just like the sweater I wanted to buy from New York & Company. See this post. I'll have to make a few modifications, but I think I can do it!! Could that be my first sweater for myself project?? It might be!!!!

New Blogger Notes and Recipe Contest Post

2006-12-11T12:04:00.000-06:00

Obviously, I've switched to the new blogger. Good things - I like that I, as someone who has little HTML and/or coding knowledge, can change things around. Bad thing - I added one link - Hi Liz! and for some reason, I can't go back and add more??? WTF?? I'll get there one day I suppose! Edited to add that I somehow figured it out! Now, how do I add my Webrings back in???

The recipe part came to me this weekend, when I had an epiphany of sorts. You see, both the boyfriend and I came down with a sickness. It started out like food poisoning (I'll spare you the details on the symptoms) and then resulted in a flu-like stupor for both of us. He is actually still home sick today. Me, I needed a break, and headed to work, only to find out four of my co-workers are out today with the same symtoms. We really need to wash our hands more at work or something.

So anyway, my Secret Pal 9 hostess, Patty, asked us to post a story about a recipe that was dear to us and what it meant to us. Well, after this weekend, it was really a no-brainer. My mom can cook - very classic stuff - grilled pork chops, whipped potatoes, spaghetti, etc. But she always had one recipe that I could never duplicate - that of her homemade chicken noodle soup. I remember that stuff from when I was a kid - it was magic. At the first sign of a cold she would have it on the stove, and when we ate it, it was like it just killed our cold. The amazing part - there was never really a recipe. So, I thought I should share my mom's non-recipe chicken noodle soup. Oh, and I will say that it certainly saved me this weekend - it's all I could stomach!

Mom's Chicken Noodle Soup (serves about 6)
Take one @ 2lb chicken (remove giblets/neck/etc.) and rinse, pat dry. Place in a pot that is big enough to cover the chicken with 4 or so inches of liquid.

Pour two cans of chicken broth into the pot. Fill it the rest of the way with water (chicken should be covered by about 3-4 inches of liquid.)

Bring to a boil. When chicken is cooked, it will literally start falling apart in the pot - about 45 to an hour. Take it out, and let it sit on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. LEAVE THE LIQUID IN THE POT!

Pick the chicken apart into pieces suitable for soup - One thing I like to do is pick half the meat for soup, and then save half the meat for a casserole or something else. But I'm usually only cooking for two, so that might not be a great idea if you have a bigger family!

Put the chicken pieces back into the soup. Add 1/2 bag of wide egg noodles, bring to boil to cook noodles, add salt and pepper to taste, and serve when noodles are done! I like to add a dash or two of parmesan cheese to my bowl just before I eat it.

Optional add-ins for when you put the noodles in: carrots, celery, beans, spinach, onion, asparagus, etc. This is a basic recipe, but it's soooo good! Hope some of you get to try it!

Attention Des Moines Area Crafters

2006-12-06T16:02:00.000-06:00

New event in town - check out Craft Saturday, a bi-monthly craft selling event. I haven't gone to one yet, but it looks interesting. The vendors are listed on the Web site. No yarn dealers yet (or hand spinners) but my guess is it's only a matter of time!

Sock yarn tangle

2006-12-06T10:35:00.000-06:00

sock yarn tangle
Originally uploaded by The Knitting Fool.

The other day I decided to wind the Cherry Tree Hill sock yarn my Secret Pal gave me. Yeah, it turned out to be a bit of a mess. I didn't know this at the time, but that stuff is notoriously hard to wind. And I have a ball winder and a swift. So, I got it wound about halfway, then the ball exploded on the winder and went everywhere. Then I went to the swift and had to find the other end to start winding again. Needless to say, it because a bigger and bigger mess. So big that I took a photo.

Now I have it fixed into a nice tidy ball. One of these days I'm going to actually knit a sock instead of talking about knitting a sock.

The moon came out really early...

2006-12-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

This was the view out of my back door on Sunday night. It was so pretty, but so COLD! I think it was about 5 degrees at this point. I took this around 4-ish...it seems it was dark really early that day. In person, the moon looked much bigger than this photo shows. What's really funny is that when I used PhotoShop to adjust the color, it takes the moon out!! It's much prettier with the moon in, and I would say that the photo above is of pretty accurate color.

I might have started knitting something else. I was going to give away this yarn, but I started a scarf with it in the Chinese Waves pattern. I like it so far...

The human head weighs 8 lbs.

2006-12-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

Or maybe it was six pounds...I don't remember. I need 8 pounds gone for my next goal. I would like to have them gone by Christmas. I think I can do it, but I'm going to have to work hard!! And I'm a hard worker so that shouldn't be an issue! Give me good weight loss vibes! I'm working it!!

I want, I want...

2006-11-30T16:58:00.000-06:00

Seriously, did you see Lolly's sweater? GORGEOUS! Beautiful! She did a fab job! Makes me want to get that book! I really, really want to knit a sweater, but I want to lose weight first (that way I can knit a smaller size :)

Maybe I should just find a really cute baby sweater. I have two friends with little babies right now, so that's what I'll have to do! Anybody have any pattern suggestions?

My 1st Secret Pal 9 Gift!

2006-11-29T09:42:00.000-06:00

My secret pal has been fabulous so far, e-mailing me a lot, sending me postcards from all of her travels, and this weekend, I got a package from her with the (literally) yummiest stuff you have ever seen... Yummy thing #1 - Brittany knitting needles, in a size that I desperately needed!
Yummy thing #2 - REAL Vermont maple syrup!
Yummy thing #3 - Not pictured because me and my boy ate it too fast - a GIANT bar of Ghiradelli Chocolate with citrus - YUMMY!!
Yummy thing #4 - a Glow in the dark sheep - it's so cute! I tried to take a photo of it glowing, but it didn't turn out very well!
Yummy thing #5 - Super cute notepad with a hologram-type cover - I'm using that notepad for my grocery list now!
Yummy thing #6 - Burt's Bees soft hands kit - LOVE IT!
Yummy thing #7 - A CD of some of her favorite tunes...I'm listening to the CD at work today, and I like it a lot!
Yummy things #8 - Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Yarn in blues/greens! I'm so excited about that because I think I'm finally ready to take the plunge into sock knitting, and this yarn is AWESOME!! So soft! I took photos last night of winding it into a ball that I'll post later because they're pretty funny.

So, thanks secret pal! I hope that you don't have to travel too much over the holidays!

I want this sweater!

2006-11-28T15:58:00.000-06:00

I want it in black, size XL. But they only have it in red in that size. Heck, I would even be o.k. in grey. The question is, do I buy the red so I have something to look at while I MAKE MY OWN, or do I just pout?

And...

2006-11-22T07:47:00.000-06:00

I guess I forgot to add that I'm going to be gone again for the next few days, heading home to St. Louis for family and friend time. So, no posting until I get back.

Happy Thanksgiving!

New Pattern

2006-11-22T07:40:00.000-06:00

I love Berroco yarns. I don't really know why, because some of them are rather cheap and acrylic, but some of them are so soft and nice. Case in point: Pure Merino! I want it in every color. And today the Berroco Knit Bits newsletter came out with this fabulous pattern! I think I might try the scarf if I ever get my hands on that yarn!!

Fall Cleaning

2006-11-21T11:25:00.000-06:00

So I was on a business trip last week and got back home on Wednesday. I should have gone back into the office, but instead I took Thursday and Friday off work to clean and organize my house. I got less done than I hope for during those two days and the weekend, but nice weather forced me outside for a while to help the boy-toy clean the garage and work on completing our shed in the backyard.

As part of the organizing, the yarn stash was unearthed. Here it is in it's glory on the island in my kitchen: That stash isn't as huge as I thougth it would be but it is stuff that I have things planned for. I have a little bit of everything, so I bagged it all up and put all of this into ONE rubbermaid container. Isn't that pretty?? There are definitly "mixed" yarns in some of the bags, but I tried to keep them all with the same fiber, etc. For instance, on the bottom bags, we have the soy wool bag first, then the cotton, then I'm not sure what's next, then the sock yarn, then another bag that I can't tell what it is, and then the denim yarn. The best part is, it actually all fit, and I can put a lid on it! So pretty, and it takes up a lot less space! My new rule is, no new yarn goes in until there is room, because that bucket is BURSTING at the seams with yarn!!

I entered a contest!

2006-11-19T20:52:00.000-06:00

My SP9 hostess, Patty, challenged us to make a dish rag by Nov. 22. I did it! I made a washrag! I used peaches and cream yarn (or sugar and cream, I never remember which one I used) in my favorite color - the bright ombre! I used the pattern for Chinese Waves found here. Several glamour shots abound - the first being my new dishrag (on the left) with an old one that I made a year ago in the same yarn. I do like how the Chinese Waves pattern makes the colors pop a little more. These are close-ups of the pattern stitch on the right and wrong sides. The way the pattern works, the slip stitch side (the right side) looks like this: But I actually think I like the wrong side better. It looks like this: I think this pattern would make a nice baby blanket pattern as well, and it goes so quickly! I would say it took me a few (very interupted) hours to make this. If I didn't have knitting ADD, I bet I could have finished this in under an hour.

I'm back!

2006-11-17T08:39:00.000-06:00

And I got to knit on my vacation! Since I'm at home, I can't post photos, but I'll get some up when I'm back on a computer with high speed access!

Thoughts on...

2006-11-10T13:24:00.000-06:00

The weather - that photo was taken at lunchtime today with my camera-phone. It's snowing. Three days ago it was 75. I thought that only happened in St. Louis. The good part is that it's the big, fat, wet snowflakes that are so pretty. The bad part is that people in Central Iowa forget how to drive when it is starting to snow...

My secret pal - She sent me a postcard from Vermont! She was vacationing there, and it sounds like she had a great time. The photo on the postcard was a beautiful fall shot of red and orange leaves. She kind of left me a hint - that where she lives, it gets brown....wonder what that means??

Knitting - oh yes, I knit! Last night, I almost finished my fingerless mitts. I just need to finish the thumb part on the last mitt. It's just 1x1 fib for five rows, and it's only 11 stitches. I should have done it last night, but I was watching...

Grey's Anatomy - Thank goodness for that ending!! I don't want to ruin anything if you haven't seen it, but I was going to scream if Derrick saw McSteamy at the bar and walked out! I was also going to stop watching the show if McSteamy and Mer hooked up. I haven't been in love with the show this year like I was the last two years, but that episode seemed more like old times for me! Mer/Der all the way - can't wait for that steamy bathtub scene next week!

Work - I've been having some trouble with someone at work. Because I don't know who reads this blog, I'm not going to say who it is, but let's just say that today I am making a really assertive move to get the problem to stop. We'll see what happens. I'm out of the office all next week because...

Business trips - I'm heading to Salt Lake City for a business trip. I think it's going to be a fun conference. I have about half a day of sight-seeing time, so I'm going to try to hit up some yarn and bead shops while I'm out there. If anybody knows of some good ones, leave me a comment!

So that means I will not be able to post the week of Nov. 13-17. Stay tuned for an update later in November and since I'm doing a significant amount of flying, I should be able to get some knitting done!!

quotes

2006-11-08T07:52:00.000-06:00

I was in a class yesterday, and the instructor had two quotes that really struck me, so I thought I would share them...

People often undervalue what they are, and overvalue what they're not.

It is up to you if you are going to let a moment wither you or blossom you like a flower.

I don't really know why those stood out to me so much, but I really liked them. The class I was taking was for Dale Carnegie. I took it a year ago, but never officially graduated, so I had one make-up class. It was very nice!

I HATE SWEATERS!!

2006-11-02T09:49:00.000-06:00

I actually only hate store-bought sweaters. I love real sweaters. The ironly is that I don't have a "real" sweater for myself - no hand knitted sweater for me! I really need/want one, too, but I need to lose weight first (so I can knit a smaller size!!)

My problem comes with pilling and shaping and sizing and..ugh, just everything I have wrong with the other clothes I buy. Isn't that the freedom of knitting? That you can knit it to fit you, and not have to buy it off the rack where it fits around your chest but is far too big on your waist?

Knitting is going to have to be my freedom. I will knit myself a sweater one day. I do have the yarn and pattern for a summer sweater, I've just never knit it. Maybe this spring!

Generic Update

2006-10-30T13:31:00.000-06:00

So, been busy. No knitting to report (boo!)

What have I been up to? Well, this weekend, my boyfriend took me on a surprise trip to Madison, Wisconsin! I had a fabulous time and it really meant a lot to me that he took the time to surprise me. I brought knitting with me, but we were so busy with other stuff I didn't have time to knit.

Fall to Pieces

2006-10-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

I love the fall. I love the weather getting cooler, the smell of fires in chimneys and the color. I especially love the color. We have this crazy bush in front of our house. It's rather boring...green leaves, etc. all summer. Nothing special. But, in the fall, it turns into a blazing red/maroon/purple color that is GORGEOUS. I just love it. I'm kind of sad that it stays that color for only a few weeks...usually it gets so cold here that the leaves drop off before they die so then the ground is covered in red leaves.

This year, it hasn't quite changed all the way over yet...it's still got some green...

Almost Finished...

2006-10-19T10:37:00.000-05:00

If I can manage to knit while watching Grey's Anatomy tonight, I should be able to finish these. Just in time for winter! I started the other fingerless mitt last year in October - I knit it in the waiting room while my dad was having surgery. For some reason, I get second mitt syndrome and never knit the other one. Last weekend, I started knitting on it again and am almost done - I just have the thumb and top of the mitt to do. I'll post pattern and yarn detail when I finish!
I'm sure you've noticed that the finshed mitt is right side out. When I knit with double pointed needles, I tend to have the wrong side out---strange!!

A photo of a photo...

2006-10-13T15:23:00.000-05:00

So I took this photo of a photo of a photo in the new Dale of Norway pattern book that I bought. Finally, a yarn store in Des Moines has Dale stuff! Anyway, I love that sweater. I want that to be my first fair isle project ever...but I'm not sure if it's too advantageous for me...anybody out there with experience?

What's that?

2006-10-10T16:39:00.000-05:00

2.2 pounds gone forever in my first official week of Weight Watchers. I'm not dissapointed, but I thought I could have done a little better! My second week is cruising along just nicely, I'm not starving, I planned out all of my meals for the week and I'm excercising! I hope it's always as easy as this.

Oh, here is a nice little snack "recipe" for those watching their weight (or those who like healthy snacks:

Combine 8 cucumber slices with about 8 tomato slices. Add some cubes of mozarella cheese, and 10-15 green olives. Add a little olive juice, mix it up and eat! Very yummy!

SP9 Q and A

2006-10-05T13:11:00.000-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I'm not very picky. I love anything soft. Noro and Berocco are my current faves as far as brands go right now. I am dying to get my hands on some Berocco Pure Merino in any colors from 8545 to 8560.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Various things - I have a needle case for my dpn, however, I do need somethign for my longer straight needles.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for two years. I would say I'm fairly intermediate, but I'm lazy in that I prefer simple things. I keep telling myself that I want to knit socks, I just haven't found the patience for that yet...
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I do, but I need to update it - actually, I will have it updated by the end of the day today!
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) Vanilla and strawberry. I can't really do much scented stuff because it is a migraine trigger. But anything from Bath &Body or Burt's Bees is usually o.k.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I do have a HUGE sweet tooth, but I'm trying ot watch my weight (actually get rid of some weight) I would still love candy (Dove chocolates, anything with chocolate and peanut butter, or nestle caramel crunch bars!) because I have to learn to moderate what I eat. :)
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I scrapbook, I love to bake and cook. I have a drop spindle and I'm slowly learning how to spin.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I'm pretty varied in my music taste. I listen to everything.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? My favorite colors are richer colors, but really, I like everything. I'm not a huge fan of neons though.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? LIve with my boyfriend of 7 years. No pets. Well, we have barn cats.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Everything but the poncho!
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Tough question. Right now, I'm in a baby stuff phase.
13. What are you knitting right now? Baby booties.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I never have, but I'm sure I would love it.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo straight/dpn or Addi circulars!Right now, I am in desperate need of short size 9 dpn!
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I own and use both.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? really, really old.
18. What is your favorite holiday? I really like Christmas - the lights, the decorations the family togetherness - it's just great.
19. Is there anything that you collect? Yarn :)
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I don't have any magazine subcriptions, and I just about have every book I want.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Socks. I have some books and stuff, but I need to just push myself!
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I wear a women' s size 10 shoe.
23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) June 27.

Show me your knitting needles...

2006-10-05T08:08:00.000-05:00

So last night I meant to knit a bit. I fiddled around some super cool yarn my secret pal from round 7 gave me, and I think I"m going to knit it into wristwarmers.

I was looking for needles to use. I needed #9s. (I am a very loose knitter and usually always have to go up at least two needle sizes.) So, I searched through my needles:

Can you beleive this mess? They are somewhat organized, but not really. I have loads of needles, in almost every size, except for 9s! I do not own a pair of size 9s - or even 8s. I guess I have to go shopping then...

Something new...

2006-10-04T13:07:00.000-05:00

I started something new this week. Inspired by Lolly, I have decided that enough is enough with my weight loss and (lack of) physical activity.

As of Sunday, Oct. 1, I put myself back on Weight Watchers. I am excercising NO LESS than five days per week (I have three days of activity so far this week), and I will succeed this time. I'm not losing weight. I'm getting rid of it. I'm not dieting, I"m eating right to learn to be healthy and to set an example for others.

So, here are my virtual models. The first one is how much I weighed when I started this journey (and no, I'm not yet comfortable telling how much I weigh now, but when I lose some weight, I will share) and then below that is right around where my goal is (about 150 lbs., keep in mind I'm 5'9".)

I'm not going to turn this into a total weight loss blog (after all, it is about me knitting) but I do feel that if I"m putting it out there, it holds me a little more accountable. I might pick one day a week to update my progress, but I'm not sure yet. What I can say now is that I have a kickboxing class tonight at 5:30, so when I'm done with that I have some knitting time at home tonight!! Woo-hoo!