Kristy Knits

Absence

2008-05-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

I've been away from my blog. I'm busy separating from my husband. So I'm moving... and busy, and stressed. Your regularly scheduled Kristy Knits blogging will return sometime in June... for now, I just don't have the energy. So see you all in June :)

Just keep knitting..

2008-04-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

Finish Undulating Rib Socks in a camo colorway. Not big on the camo, didn't realize what it was until I started knitting. I only picked this color up cuz I liked the combo of greens and browns. Oh well, they still turned out quite nice :)

What else am I working on? Welllllllllllll on the bus I'm knitting a baby cardigan that has been taking forever (mostly because I am SO ready to be done with it, don't like the yarn), Starsky is still ongoing although it hasn't been touched in weeks... maybe tomorrow, and some Entrelac socks:

Lots on the go, a few things almost finished... just keep knitting, just keep knitting :) Happy Saturday!

Thanks and looky!

2008-04-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the camping advice everyone! I've decided to go ahead with my plan of camping alone in Strathcona Park this summer, should be very relaxing :)

I'm working on Undulating Rib Socks right now, knitting on two circulars. It's my first time using two circulars for socks and I'm finding it... interesting. Seems to be faster. I've also been sewing, see:

Caitlin

2008-04-07T21:05:00.001-07:00

All I can really say is that I love it. Love it, love it, love it.

Finished last night, and wore it to work today. The Details if you're interested.

Question to all; I want to go camping this summer, but it looks like I'll be solo. The trip is about 10 days long with a ton of day long hikes into the wilderness to some breathtaking views (for the locals - Strathcona Park). I'm absolutely itching to go, but a little hesitant on the solo thing... what do you think?

Would I be nuts to go alone?
If it is nuts, where would I find someone willing to go with me (friends and family already questioned with no takers)?
If I do go alone, safety tips (bears, cougars, rednecks)? I find I can typically handle my own, I'm honestly not even a bit worried about the camping/night time part, it's the hiking part... alone... in the bushes... alone... how do I make noise to scare away animals when I'm all alone? Will I just look like easy prey to a hungry cougar?
Ugh, but I really, really want to go... advice?

One done, couldn't wait

2008-03-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

love it!

Enablers!

2008-03-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

So I know there is a craft fair thing on in town this weekend and I think 'no, I won't go. Must. Save. Money.' Then I had a bunch of enablers...

1) co-worker informs me that Fabricland is having one of their 50% of EVERYTHING sales

2) mother reminds me that Cloth Castle has a sale the last Saturday of every month.
3) husband buys the groceries this week...

Yes, of course I went fabric shopping! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehehehehe and I got some lovely stuff:

3 blouses (I made one of these in plain brown last week and got a bunch of compliments on it therefore I must make more)

2 summer dresses, cuz well... cute!

and 1 satiny top for going out. Not that we go out much, but darnit these shirts are so expensive in the stores so I want to see if I can make one on my own.

And now for your regularly scheduled knitting content :) Progress on the Caitlin Pullover is slow and steady, I can't wait to wear this one! Starsky has less progress, but it is still coming along nicely. This is the finished lower body and start of a sleeve on the Caitlin.

Goal Update

2008-03-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

So we're a quarter of the way through 2008, time for an update on the 'Goals for 2008 ':

Lose 20 lbs! Lost 15lbs so far and re-evaluated my goal, going for another 10lbs.

Learn. Thai cooking class and Photography class are complete and were both awesome. I actually took a second photography course because I liked it so much. Greg is looking into getting us scuba diving lessons this year as well.

Actually figure out this whole politics thing. I'll get around to it, I swear.

Home: tile backsplash, bar stools, and window coverings that the cats can't destroy. Done, done, and almost done (only the dinning room, office and gym left)

Compile a cookbook of my favourite recipes and publish it through Blurb. Cancelled. Why? Well in order to lose weight and also as a result of a nutritionist coming to talk to everyone at my work we adopted the Clean Eating Diet which is amazing and we have both never felt better. Unfortunately that means a lot of my favourite recipes are things we can't eat anymore... so yeah. Cancelled.

I really need to clean out our 'stuff' so Garage Sale this year, promise! I have a stash of stuff ready to go for the summer (actually a whole closet full). And I'm going to talk to my grama about having it at her house, maybe make it a whole family thing.

House insurance, I know our coverage isn't enough, and that's just tempting fate people. I are dumb. I are now smart and adequately covered.

Go skiing again, it's been years. Ski Trip was a blast.

Go on one of the following trips: West Coast Trail (still looking for a trail partner), Houseboat vacation, Cruise somewhere hot. Greg is looking into the cruise, and I found a partner for the West Coast Trail, but she would like to do this next year, so 2009 it is :) I have also been invited to Las Vegas for free - my uncle is sending me, my mom and my two aunts for my mom's 50th birthday in October. So I may not get the cruise or houseboat vacation in this year... depends on if there is time/deals.

Pay off at least $3500 of my credit card debt. Don't gasp, yes it's high, and yes I know I need to learn from past experience... I'm working on it.
Another one I've been putting off is insurance, I don't actually know what my life insurance coverage is, only that I have some through work. Must get that figured out.
I have lumped these two together for one reason Suze Orman. I've been reading, in fact I've devoured two of her books since February. I admit I suck at money, until now that is. Her books have really opened my eyes and I feel like for the first time in my life I am really getting all my financial ducks in a row. Admittedly I have a lot of credit card debt to pay off, but now I have a solid, feasable plan to attack it. So we can mark these as in progress for now, but I'm feeling very good about it.

Knit only from the stash or gift yarn until it runs out. Which is plenty, trust me. I have been SO good in this respect. I only slipped once and that was recently. I got the promotion at work and wanted to celebrate. So one slip up in 3 months isn't really that bad. Right?

How is your 2008 so far?

Plants and how they die

2008-03-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have a history with plants... it's not a proud or happy one. I kill them. Not that I mean to, it just sort of happens, they are either neglected too long or overwatered, or well I don't really know. All I know is that I'm no good at it. However the rising cost of fresh herbs in the supermarket has driven me to try once again. Here is what I have so far (picked up some pretty spring stuff too, just for fun).

Tips, tricks, or any kind of help you can give me would be much appreciated. I am the suck when it comes to plants (seriously, my husband just laughed at me when I brought this all home... for an uncomfortably long time).

There has been much progress on both sweaters I'm knitting right now, but as the long weekend is just getting started I won't post pictures until it's over - just to see how far I can get :) Happy Easter!

Sweater Addict

2008-03-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Not one, but two at a time :) I was getting a bit sick of laceweight, fingering, yarn overs and tiny needles. Not that I no longer love lace, but I just really felt like knitting a sweater, or perhaps two... Here is the progress to date:

Caitlin Pullover knitting in the round like pretty much everyone else that has picked up this pattern. LOVE IT!

Starsky, knitting up super fast and soft. I cannot wait to wear this bad boy to work :)

Break-fast

2008-03-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

I have broken my yarn fast! I admit it, I bought yarn. Let me explain how I justified the expense: I got a big promotion at work which will pay a lot more money, I worked my butt off for this job so I deserve a reward or two, and I haven't bought yarn in about 6 months.

I saw a sweater online that I simply had to have, this one. Then I remembered Starsky and how much I wanted on of these for work, the air conditioning is killer. Caitlin Pullover and Starsky it is! I bought Lana Gatto Wool Gatto with the main colour being grey for the Pullover and have already done my gauge swatches - ready to get started. I also bought Patons Shetland Chunky in a lovely medium blue and am already done 4 reapeats of the leaf pattern on the back. I love knitting with Chunky yarn - so fast!

I'll post some pics of the progress later this week :)

Photo Friday - Surreal

2008-03-13T21:29:00.001-07:00

Surreal

Another Finished Scarf

2008-03-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

I love the way this scarf turned out. It's for my Grama for Christmas, I know, quite an early start on Christmas... meh. It was fun to knit and I loved the Silky Wool. Also I heart my lace blocking wires, jus' sayin' :)

Photo Friday - Fuzzy

2008-03-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

Whhheeeeeee!

2008-03-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to have finally finished this scarf, it feels like it took forever. I love it! Greg helped me pin it out for blocking last night before the ladies showed up for Knit Night. I heart Knit Night :)

I have a few projects on the needles right now and am anxious to finish them up as well. Hopefully at least on more FO this weekend... maybe. I have the green scarf for my Grama, Merino Lace Socks for myself, and I started a cute little baby jacket out of yarn I have had forever, it cost $2 at a garage sale! I'm thinking the scarf will be the next on to come off the needles, followed closely by the baby jacket...

Also, it's March (can you believe it?) that means the year is almost a quarter over. Time to take a look at those New Years Goals soon and update them. But more to come on that later in the month.

Photo Friday - Art

2008-02-28T18:35:00.001-08:00

This post inspired by photofriday. After taking that photography class I wanted some inspiration to keep going so that the skills learns actually stuck. So each Friday I'm going to try to post a Photo Friday :) And yes, I know it's Thursday, but I'm out of town all weekend so you get this one a teensy bit early.

Photo Heavy Update

2008-02-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

Two weeks have flown by faster than I care to reflect on for too long. I took a photography class in there, so yes, this post is picture heavy. So in a nutshell;

Haircut, new makeup. 10inches of my lovely long hair went to BC Cancer Agency.

Thai cooking class, hmmm no photos... Photography Class

Making curtains for our bedroom.

Knitting

Finally caught up all my scrapbooking for 2007, 2 Salmon Kings hockey games. Work, Eating Clean still (yay 11lbs gone), Rock Climbing, Running, plus some personal stuff that has taken up A LOT of my time (sry no details, too private). This week doesn't look so quiet either, Blog, Ravelry, finish curtains for bedroom tonight, tomorrow and thursday are rock climbing nights, Wed is swimming with a friend and I hope to take some pictures after work to get the most practice I can after that photography class, and then Friday I'm off to Vancouver to visit my cousin for two days, Sunday is another rock climbing day and I'll have to do all the household stuff that day as I will have been away most of the weekend. Well, at least I can't say I'm bored. Definitely keeping busy.

Looking forward to the ferry ride too and from Van - great knitting time. I hope to finish the SecretPalYarn Scarf, and maybe even GramaRobbins Scarf too... I'll let you know how it goes :)

And the curtains

2008-02-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

As promised, one with flash, one without:

Another wonderful weekend comes to an end

2008-02-10T17:37:00.000-08:00

I made some more wonderful things this weekend, well really I started them throughout the week, it's just that weekends tend to be when I finish things up. First Winter Sunrise Hat in Lana Gatto, which is a dream yarn to work with, but kinda pricey... Pay no attention to the pajamas in the picture, no, no attention at all.

Second I made some placemats before going to a sewing lesson (the lesson came free with my new machine and was somewhat helpful). My mom also started a set of placemats. We were going to make them together, but well, I don't get it, she was just really slow and only got two done. I made my full set of 4 and love them. Greg really likes them too.

And last, but certainly not least (especially considering the time and effort) I made curtains for our kitchen. No pics right now since they are in for a final wash before hanging. I'll be sure to post some pics before Valentines Day :)

Sew much to do

2008-02-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

So little time... or wait, no, I mean; lots of time and lots of FO's, yay! First the sewing. I found these neat pillowcase kits at a local fabric shop. This took under 30 minutes to make and my husband loves it, which means I have to go get my own now.

And Grocery bags! This seems to be the big 'thing' right now, not using plastic grocery bags, but canvas ones. I think it's a great idea but feel funny about going to Thrifties with Fairways bags, or The Market on Millstream, or, or, or... I shop around and didn't want the brand thing to make me uncomfortable so I decided to make my own. They are denim, and loverly. I can't wait to go shoppping this weekend :)

And finally some knitting and kitty content for you. Pattern: Parallelograms from my Knitting New Scarves book. I love this scarf! I'm going to wear it to work tomorrow (just finished it tonight). I used Patons Classic Merino and have enough left over to make a second scarf easily. This took 3 days from start to finish... really less than 48 hours... hmmm... weird. It was kind of scary how fast this knit up, I kept double checking, then checking again, absolutely positive I must be doing something wrong. Nope, it turned out perfect. You'll notice I am short a human model for this photo shoot, never fear, Sylus will do just fine. Oh, Ah, show me sleepy...

Good, good, now show me 'it's cold outside and this scarf is so snuggly'...

He's a natural :)

It's Fetching Cold Outside

2008-02-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

So I made some mittens, based on the Fetching pattern available from Knitty. I can't begin to explain just how easy these mittens where, the whole pair took me maybe 4 hours. I'm quite satisfied with my new mittens; they do their job quite well :)

Arwen, finally

2008-02-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

Pattern: A Cardigan for Arwen
Yarn: Berocco Peruvia colour 7137
Status: DONE! yay!

One with the hood up, just for you Jennifer :)

Weekends are my time

2008-01-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

I finished up another chili apron and a baby dress this week. I know, I know - that's not knitting! But it was fun. I made button holes! It was amazing. I, however, do not have a baby nor do I ever plan on it - so Growly Bear is your model for today (only cuz the cats wouldn't hold still wearing a baby dress). The dress is for my new neice, Grace.

Cardigan for Arwen is coming along nicely too; I am just about finished the sleeve and all that'll be left is the hood and seams. Voila! Next post will be a finished Arwen, promise.

Pajama days

2008-01-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

While Greg did the tile backsplash in the kitchen all yesterday (which meant I couldn't cook or clean - yay!) I did a few things. 3 to be exact.

1. Made a spicy apron that had no photo model around and was therefore draped on Greg's chair.

2. Made a circular knitting needle case (which matches the straight + DPN case I made a while back)

3. Finished the snowflake socks. Please note: Sylus has again managed to get his socks in the sock photo :) He is SO my cat.

Very, very productive Sunday I'd say. I also did some more of Arwen and am hoping to be done by the end of this coming weekend.

Houston, we have a problem...

2008-01-19T18:13:00.000-08:00

As a 'thank you' for getting her addicted to knitting, my mother bought me a really, really nice sewing machine today... the competition for my spare time just got tough!

She's calling it fair revenge, since she was a quilter first and then I introduced her to knitting... I see through her evil plans to make me a quilter. Yes... yes, I see her plans... yet somehow all I can think is 'oooh! shiney! Where's the closest fabric store?'

Progress

2008-01-16T19:07:00.000-08:00

After posting about the lacey scarf, I really felt bad. What did the scarf ever do to me? It was being neglected, and I wanted to make up to it. So I knit. And knit, and knit and knit. Only 9 more repeats of the leaves left... although I might make it a bit longer, I do have enough yarn to make it longer... then the end piece and voila! It's just that easy LOL

The sock that ate my weekend...

2008-01-14T17:15:00.001-08:00

is done. And it fits perfectly! Now to complete the pair...

You'll notice Sylus modeling his socks in the background as well.... ooh, ahhh, strike a pose.

Snowflake Inspiration

2008-01-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

So after getting home and settled in I quickly realized I didn't have socks on the go anymore - gasp! Started these this morning and knit them a bit in the waiting room as my niece was born (very cool).

Colourwork is definitely one of the skills I need to work on. I seem to knit colour tight, really tight. Confession: I finished this sock last night (literally about to graft the toe), couldn't get it on past my ankle and this morning gave in to the reality that no matter how much pulling and stretching they would never fit. So I frogged them back to the cuff and started again. Progress is much slower the second time around as I'm making sure not to repeat my earlier mistakes. I still love them very much :)

Also here is the progress on Arwen. Very pleased with how quickly this one is coming along. Once it's finished I absolutely must pay some attention to that lace scarf. I really like it and it's a fast knit... don't know why it's fallen off the list lately...

I'm baaaack!

2008-01-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

It feels so good to be home. The saying is so true, there really is no place like home. Mt Washington ski trip was amazing, awesome and all of the above :) We had so much fun, skied SO much, learned a lot from some intermediate skiing lessons, fell a bit (it was funny each time) and froze our butts off!

I'm thinking about making this picture into a puzzle...

Finished the second Monkey sock while we were there. Yay, a pair of socks that are actually for me, wahoo!

Also made some wicked progress on Arwen - finished the left side completely, started and finished the back, and am almost up to adding the arm on the right side. So. Much. Fun.

Thursday is my favourite day of the week

2008-01-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

I have made some progress on, well, everything. I have finished the second leg of the Monkey socks and am just finishing up the first sleeve on Arwen.

I bought a new camera and have been playing. Here is my favourite picture so far (Dena and her baby):

I can't wait for my photography class in February! For now I am off though, off skiing for a week. Sooooo I'll see you in a week, dear blog.

Kudos to Kitty

2007-12-31T13:31:00.000-08:00

Sylus is my cat (one of them). Sylus is a big suck. Anytime I am sitting still, which is typically while I'm knitting he absolutely HAS to sit on my lap. If he can't he just sits next to me and whines a bit with sad little eyes. Now keep in mind that my spud-muffin loves yarn. I was sitting in front of the computer today, organizing some music files and knitting, when I looked down and... well, let's just say thank goodness the camera was within arms reach cause this was just too cute!

Kudos to you Sylus for being such a good little man and not chomping at the yarn, not even a once. I heart you buddy! And I have to admit the needle fwapped his ear more than once, but sleep and purr on he did.

You probably noticed the yarn is red-purple, so pics of progress are a must :) First Cardigan for Arwen, in Berocco Peruvia. Oh, and look my keyboard, haha. Well you can't blame me for not moving to get a better picture, Sylus is still sleeping on my lap.

And one finished Monkey sock in Lornas Laces Bucks Bar. Me likey!

Stash Attack

2007-12-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

One of my main goals for 2008 is to knit solely from my stash (Except for Yarn Pirate Booty Club which will be delivered to my door). Now let me clarify, this will in no way actually deprive me of any knitting or fun. My stash is large, in my opinion. I preparation for 2008 I went through my entire stash last night and this morning and added projects to my Ravelry Q for everything. People, I have a lot of knitting ahead of me!

3 cardigans (1 is a gift)
13 pairs of socks
4 bulky scarves
7 lacey scarves
2 pairs of mittens
2 felted bags
7 hats
1 baby sweater set

Has anyone been doing the math as we go along? According to my calculations I should be well into 2009 before this is all done!

Still working away on Monkey socks right now and the Lacey scarf. They won't be finished for 2007, but there is some great progress. I'll post some pictures as soon as I finish up at least one of the socks.

The Details

2007-12-28T09:20:00.001-08:00

Ok so I've come down off my yarn high... just a little. Here are the details of what I bought and it's intended projects :)

Patons Classic Wool Merino - 2 - Pink and Darker Pink is going to be Parallelograms

Sandnes Garn Smart - 4 - in Green and Darker Green is going to be Striped Illusion

Fleece Artist Sock - 2 - purpley and in teal/green are going to be socks... don't know which patterns yet, but sitting there are two pairs of socks :)

Noro - 3 - So far I'm thinking Shag, but I'm not sure. Maybe another entrelac...

Ornaghi Filati Super Merino, - 3 - ecru, navy and white is going to be Meandering Stripes

And finally Berroco Peruvia in lovely, wonderful red-purple that makes me want to squeal! This is going to be Cardigan for Arwen. I was sick of waiting for the gray colourway to come in, so I'm going to use the gray on some mittens and use this new stuff for the cardigan.

Must finish wips. Cannot wait to cast on.

oops!

2007-12-27T17:47:00.000-08:00

When the two phrases/names 'Year end clearance sale' and 'Beehive Wool Shop' come together... LOOKOUT(for me)! I can't even begin to express how big the grin on my face is right now, so I'll just show you.

Okay so how big was the 'wow' that just escaped your lips? Now multiply that by about a million, that's how much of a yarn high I am on right now. I want to smell it, then roll in it, then contimplate how to kick my husband out of bed so that I can sleep beside my yarn tonight... off to scheme!

Recipe for a very knitterly Christmas

2007-12-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

1. Cook the most amazing looking Turkey of your life.

2. Stuff mom's stocking (a non-knitter) with knitting stuff and then teach her how to knit for the rest of the evening.

3. Knit the leg of your Monkey Socks and use the cat as your display rack for a photo op.

4. Travel to SaltSpring Island and knit a ski mask along the way.

5. While on SaltSpring, also knit a kids toque with some leftover yarn from the ski masks.

Yeah I knit like lightning when I have large amounts of time blocked off for just sittin' around with family. Everyone loved their hand knit gifts as well! yay!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T09:27:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone has safe and happy holidays!

Great Scarf Craze of 2007

2007-12-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Okay so I just finish that Entrelac Scarf and what do I do? Cast on for two more scarves of course! I really wanted to use some of my birthday yarn and well, the orange stuff was just begging to be made into a cozy scarf. Finished in 3 nights of knitting :)

And I now have some picture worthy progress on the Secret Pal yarn scarf for myself:

I love this one so far. It's actually working up a lot faster than you might imagine; this is only... 2.5 hours of knitting! Once I have finished this... I will try my best to NOT cast on for another scarf... socks, yes I will make socks! In fact I might cast those on now so that I have some mindless knitting available for Christmas. That way I can still pay attention and socialize with family while knitting. Yes, Monkey socks it is!

All done

2007-12-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

I have completed my First Entrelac Scarf. This pattern was SO easy to follow and holy crap did it work up fast. I honestly didn't work on this like a maniac at all. Just 6 days of casual knitting and it's done! wow!

Can you tell it's hand-knit laundry day at our house? I like to do everything in one big batch. So for another two days my gym will look like this picture; comforter on floor, wet items on comforter. The cats love these days, they like to iritate me by crawling under the comforter and messing up the nice 'lay flat to dry' arrangement... I know, I know, close the door right? Part of me wants to let them have their fun :)

So what am I knitting now? Well I have Monkey socks on needles, started Arwen (still waiting on yarn - harumph) and Scarf with French trellis border from Weldon's 1890 and bramble leaf center by Jane Sowerby. Woooo that's a mouthful. It's from the yarn I got from my secret pal and so far it is looking awesome! Once there is some better progress to actually take pictures of, I'll show you.

Entrelac I heart you!

2007-12-17T17:01:00.001-08:00

First, some knitting content :) Ever since I started this scarf on Friday evening I just can't seem to put it down.

And now for something completely different. This amazes me every time it happens.. I am in awe at the things I get excited for now; the older I get the weirder it seems. For example, our Christmas gift from my Dad:

Absolutely thrilled and cannot wait to vaccum my house... this is where the 'when did I grow up?' comes in ;-)

Here is Dena 'helping' us unpack it all (note she is rather impressed that they made a box with an indent specifically the size of her butt, just for her of course and totally intentional on their part. After all, she IS the center of the universe):

And my dearest Husband trying to figure out the installation instructions. He really was doing quite well, I don't know why he made that perplexed face, but that's what makes him so darn cute!

Happy Birthday to me!

2007-12-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

From husband, who was shortly thereafter appropriately mauled.

The orange chunky orange wool/acrylic blend will be a nice scarf. The Merino lace weight will be something feminine and beautiful that's for sure! And the Sisu sock yarn will be lovely socks from Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave.

Yesterday one of my coworkers gave me a Christmas gift. A $10 gift certificate to our LYS Beehive. I knew I wanted to knit an entrelac scarf, but that's all I knew, so I went in and talked to Beth, who is really the most amazing person there. She persueded me to try Noro, and I'm glad she did. Entrelac is trisky to figure out the first time around, but now it seems so easy! And it works up fast too - bonus!

Last of my knitterly friends Christmas presents will be delivered tonight. But it's a secret, unless you're on Ravelry.

It's not easy being evil

2007-12-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Someone's going to have a funny knitterly Christmas present on their desk, in the office, in front of everyone, tomorrow :) I cannot stop laughing and absolutely had to share my sick brilliance!

When bad things happen to good cleaners

2007-12-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

My car is filthy. It's winter, who's isn't?

1. I decide despite the freezing cold and darkness that is setting in fast I MUST wash my car.
2. After washing the outside I realize the inside is gross too
3. Clean windows, and interior surfaces
4. Break out vaccum cleaner
5. Start vaccuming until something starts to smell funny...
6. Change bag in vaccum cleaner, maybe it's just full and having a hard time.
7. Start vaccuming again until smell returns full force
8. Look down and see vaccum cleaner on FIRE!.
9. In one not-so-smooth movement open garage door, while unplugging and turning of vaccum cleaner all while hurling it outside into the puddle left in the driveway from washing the outside of the car just prior....

Good thing I washed the outside of the car first. That soapy puddle saved the day.

ps. Garage took an full two hours to 'un-stink'
pps. New vaccum cleaner has been added to Christmas wish list
ppps. Husband is STILL laughing at me

Ski Funny

2007-12-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

Look at me, stickin' my tongue out at you :) This was fast and fun to make. Only one more to go and we're set for our ski trip. I used Susan Andrew Collection Warani, just over 2 balls and 5mm DPN's as well as 5mm circular. I love this yarn! love it! So soft and it doesn't split easy which is a good quality in my books.

Not everything is about knitting... sometimes

2007-12-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

I consider myself a fairly goal oriented person... okay more than fairly, almost completely. As 2007 comes to an end and 2008 is almost upon us, it's time for reflection and renewed vigour.

2007 sure had it's ups and downs:

I gained back almost 20lbs of the weight I'd lost in 2006. Booers.
We sold our condo - most stressful time of my life to date. Uber booers!
We purchased our town home and moved in. Couldn't be happier, this place is the best.
Road Trip to Seattle with my mom. I don't think there was a single day we weren't in tears from laughing so hard. SO MUCH FUN!
Road Trip to Canadian Rockies with Greg. So relaxing and the first time we'd gone away for more than a day together in 1.5 years. It was awesome, despite the rain.
Work life... what a roller coaster, good news is for the last month it's been on the high side of the roller coaster and things look like smooth sailing ahead.
Money... the love hate relationship of my life! My credit card was paid off at the beginning of 2007 when we sold our condo, yay profits. But now I look at my bill to date and it's right back up there saying hello, how can you afford to pay me?!
I had health problems and discovered I'm lactose intolerant so it's been an adjustment that I'm still not used too - boo!
I flew a plane, a real airplane. And man was that a great experience. If I had the money, I would fly and fly and fly all day long.
I picked up knitting again and have been doing some mad, crazy knitting projects that I am SO proud of. Pretty much all Christmas gifts this year are hand knit. Wow!

Now for reflection. All in all I'm disapointed in myself for 2007, but that's all the more reason to be excited now since I know I can make 2008 better. Looking back I've really learned a lot about myself, even if it is about my weaknesses. I get it, and hopefully I can fix it. And hey, it wasn't all bad :)

Goals for 2008 (these are all across the board, from things I've been putting off for long enough, to fancy whims):

Lose those 20 damn lbs! I've done it before and dang it, I can do it again!
Learn. I'm taking a Thai cooking class and a photography class in February and I can't wait. I realized that 2007 didn't have a lot of 'learning'
Actually figure out this whole politics thing, not saying understand opinions etc, just understand the general structure of things so that maybe, just maybe, one day I can feel confident enough to vote.
Home: tile backsplash, bar stools, and window coverings that the cats can't destroy
Compile a cookbook of my favourite recipes and publish it through Blurb to give to friends and family as Christmas gifts next year. Even if they aren't my own food creations, I've always wanted one cookbook with all my favourites, it seems I have a ton of books with only 3-4 well used recipes in them each. Kind of like music, where you buy the whole CD, but only like one song.
I really need to clean out our 'stuff' so Garage Sale this year, promise! This is one of those, maybe next year, maybe next year, ... things. So, this year, 2008 damnit!
Another one I've been putting off is insurance, I don't actually know what my life insurance coverage is, only that I have some through work. Must get that figured out. Also house insurance, I know our coverage isn't enough, and that's just tempting fate people. I are dumb.
Go skiing again, it's been years. And actually we're going in January so this works out well. It's our Christmas present to each other.
Go on one of the following trips: West Coast Trail (still looking for a trail partner), Houseboat vacation, Cruise somewhere hot.
Pay off at least $3500 of my credit card debt. Don't gasp, yes it's high, and yes I know I need to learn from past experience... I'm working on it.
Given the goal above, the next is to Knit only from the stash or gift yarn until it runs out. Which is plenty, trust me.

Think I can do it all ? I do. And I'm excited to get started... hence the weight loss starting two days ago and the registering for classes today, and the ski trip booked already... yep I'm goal oriented all right. Gonna get 'er done this year!

What are your goals for 2008?

And more updates

2007-12-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that I have more updates for you! I finished Greg's Knucks SO fast that I'm really not sure what to make next.

One pair of Knucks for the hubby for our Anniversary Dec 22 (estimate: 6hours) Started tonight - DONE
Socks for step-sister - Dad called, step-sister and step-brother won't be at Christmas this year so no gifts :)
Toque for step-brother - Dad called, step-sister and step-brother won't be at Christmas this year so no gifts :)
Toque or mittens for Jane - I've been thinking that it wouldn't be quite fair to give something to Jane and not to Chris, plus me and Jane have never done a gift exchange before... so it might be awkward... I've decided to simply give them the antipasto and salsa like the other couples we're gifting to.

I think I'll start the ski masks for me and Greg. We're going on a week long ski trip in January, our Christmas present to each other, and we both need these. I can't believe I'm ready for Christmas!!! All I have to do is mail out Christmas cards, that's it, all done, fini!

List Update

2007-12-01T21:50:00.000-08:00

Not only did I finish my Christmas shopping today, completely, but I also finished knitting my dad's Christmas Scarf!

Progress of the Christmas List

One childrens mitten for a coworker DONE
One ****** for Jennifer (estimate: 7 hours) Frogged in favour of something better which is finished
One pair of Knucks for the hubby for our Anniversary Dec 22 (estimate: 6hours) Started tonight
One awesomely manly scarf for Dad DONE
Pair of mittens, also for Dad to match the scarf DONE
Socks for step-sister
Toque for step-brother
Toque or mittens for Jane

Not bad for one weeks work :) Now I leave you with some finished pictures to go wrap presents... while it's snowing outside!

Christmas list evaluation

2007-11-24T08:28:00.001-08:00

I've gotten a lot done, but there is quite a bit to go.

One childrens mitten for a coworker who is putting together a really neat Christmas gift for her nephew and needs only one mitten :) (estimate: 1hour)
One ****** for Jennifer (estimate: 7 hours)
One pair of Knucks for the hubby for our Anniversary Dec 22 (estimate: 6hours)
One awesomely manly scarf for Dad (estimate: 10hours)
Pair of mittens, also for Dad to match the scarf(estimate: 6hours)

And then there is the 'If time allows' list:

Socks for step-sister
Toque for step-brother
Toque or mittens for Jane

What does this mean? Put down that Arwen you crazy lady and get knitting! There is 30-35 hours of knitting on the 'must make' list, and roughly 20 hours on the 'If time allows'. Repeat after me, I think I can, I think I can...

Secret Pal Reveal

2007-11-21T21:55:00.001-08:00

My Secret Pal is a secret no more! I received my reveal package just today and I must say OMG OMG OMG! Awesome!

Flower basket shawl - I've only been dying to get my hands on that pattern for some 5 months now. Thank you so much Vera! And I can't believe the trouble you went to, to get your hands on it, although I suspect any yarn crawl isn't really a hassle ;-) I cannot wait to cast on.

The yarn will be used as a pillow tonight, for sure. Anytime Handpainted and Merino come together in a label, I drool slightly. Seriouslly. hmm drool, pillow, maybe that's not such a good idea. This will definitely be on the knitting needles shortly.

The candles are heavenly

The little cards are adorable (and just in time for two baby showers I'm attending)

Frog ornament is totally me (33 sleeps till xmas) a.dor.able!

The felted soap looks interesting in an exciting way. Something I don't think I have ever seen or heard of before and really looks like it has the potential to be the coolest thing ever. I will let you know how it turns out.

Moving right along...

2007-11-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

1. Grama is better, but not great. She was taken home today as far as I know and we are now having to look at assisted living for her. She's not happy about it, but agrees that it's really the only option since she's too stubborn to live with any of the family, but definitely cannot be alone any more. SO happy she's feeling better!

2. Thank you for your input as to the next sweater project. Cardigan for Arwen it is! Just waiting on the yarn now.

3. Mom's sweater is finished, including buttons! wahoo!

4. Started Dad's scarf (Henry pattern from knitty), but we'll see how my patience goes as it's a lot of stitches per row.

5. End paper mits!

Darnit!

2007-11-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

So remember that Diamond Fantasy Shawl? I made it with the intention of wearing it the two Christmas parties I have to attend this year. Weeeellll... I found an outfit to wear (hurah!) and was too excited that it actually fit to be concerned with the fact that it really doesn't go with the shawl. Like. At all. So I can't wear it to the party. Then I get a call that my husbands work party is actually on my birthday, and there is no way I'm sitting in a room full of car salesmen all night on my birthday. So really I would have only worn it once anyways.

And finally, and this one is kinda sad, my Grama is sick. I was just told yesterday evening that they had to admit her to the hospital with chronic bronchitis, which is apparently really bad especially considering her age (almost 92). She'll be there for at least a week and they'll re-evaluate. I love my Grama more than words can express, and I am so sad at the thought that she might not be here much longer. Anytime she's sick, which isn't much, I get SO scared. I'm giving the shawl to her. She is the one that taught me to knit, and I know she would be so proud and treasure it. So it's hers, all wrapped up and ready to go. For the rest of the week I will be admittedly distracted just hoping I don't get the phone call to hop on the ferry to say good bye. Part of me thinks I'm over reacting, cause damnit she's tough. 91 and still driving, still living at home alone. She's such an amazing woman. But still I wait, and I fear that phone call...

I heart long weekends

2007-11-12T11:50:00.000-08:00

Until now I've been feeling very behind on Christmas. After a very productive long weekend I am now feeling quite satisfied that I will be ready on time. Last week me and Greg decided we would only do stockings this year and instead little gifts for each other, we would go on a vacation. So for January 6-11th we will be up at Mt Washington skiing our hearts out. I am so excited! And that solves a lot of my Christmas shopping fears. That being decided I thought it was time to tackle the rest of the Christmas list. I made Salsa and Antipasto for a lot of our gifts (please note the antipasto recipe from Best of Bridge, makes A LOT of antipasto... A LOT!) . This will go to friends and some family. We taste tested some last night to be sure it was 'gift-able' and it SO is! Yummy!

I also finished of Greg's socks which will be part of his stocking stuffers. And wrote up all of our Christmas cards. I will be stuffing them into envelopes tonight! Mad. Progress.

I finished one sleeve of my Mom's Christmas cardigan, attached it, and did the neckline. I've also started the second sleeve and expect the whole kit and caboodle to be done by the end of the week. Assuming I can find buttons... Anna?

I also got my Grandparents and my niece finished and ready to be wrapped. Phew, I'm glad that's almost done. The only thing I haven't had luck with is my outfit for the two company Christmas parties... my waistline isn't agreeing with me. I don't believe I can be the only person out their experiencing a bit of a tummy that is shopping for a dress or something fancy... but the stores proved me wrong. Apparently I'm the only chubby girl looking to go out this season hahhahaaha oy, the search continues :) Please don't get me wrong, I'm not unhappy about being a bit 'thicker' this year, I know I'm healthy, I'm just perplexed at the lack of options for my size (is size 9 really considered chubby anyways?) .

Fall is definitely coming to a close and winter is just around the corner. You can see the leaves are almost all gone. There is quite a strong windstorm over Vancouver Island today... Dena is observing the construction progress across the street. She makes such a good supervisor :)

So all said and done, it was a great weekend. It was relaxing and productive, which to me is the best kind of weekend you can have :) Now I'm off to knit some more on the Cardigan and stuff some envelopes... unless I cast on for some endpaper mits... hmmm..

Banana Bag

2007-11-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

I whipped up that market bag out of banana fibre on the weekend :) And what better to put in a Banana Bag than bananas:

I really enjoyed knitting with this fibre. I don't think I'd do it again as it's really sticky so it's pretty time consuming to knit with, but it was fun. And hey, now I can say I knit with banana fibre! Thanks Secret Pal!

Sweater Choices

2007-11-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

Okay so I've come up with a top 5 list of choices for my new sweater. This will be out of the Berroco Peruvia from my SecretPal in a light grey. Here's what I'm trying to decide on and would really like your input:

Cardigan for Arwen

Bristow... yes I know I just made this for my mom.

Samus

Rogue

Demi (would require purchase of this book)

Which one do you think I should make?

Bristow Cardigan Update

2007-11-04T08:25:00.001-08:00

As promised, there has been much progress. I was able to finish up the last front last night. I even managed to finish up the button band and button hole band to boot!

Somehow I managed to use ChartA from the pattern and not ChartB so all the cables are going in the same direction... oh well it's too late now in my mind to go back. So I'll just make sure to continue the mistake throughout and it will end up looking intentional :) All that's left is the sleeves (which are always quick), seaming in all together and the neckband. Too easy. Hmmmm I'll also have to decide on some buttons...

I went to Beehive yesterday and ordered more of the Peruvia that my Secret Pal bought me. It's way too nice to be something small. I ordered enough for a sweater, and will be perusing Ravelry most of the morning looking for the perfect pattern :)

Most of the Christmas catalogues from various stores were delivered this weekend, Canadian Tire, Sears, London Drugs, etc. I don't know why, but this year I'm just not into it. I'm normally the person who has their decorations up on Nov 1st if Greg will let me. This year I haven't even started my Cards, and I should have because normally I make them all... perhaps this will be a store bought year :(

Baroo?

2007-11-01T20:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week. Between busy work issues, hockey games, Halloween parties, trying to patch things up with my dad, and then Halloween itself time just seems to have been lost. The good news is, knitting has not been lost :) There has been much progress, although it's not much to photograph at the momment. I've finished the back, the left front and half of the right front on my mom's cardigan. I suspect the right front will be finished this weekend, although my schedule seems to be full again - I really don't know how that happens.

I have climbing tomorrow after work, and a rushed dinner before a Salmon Kings game (my work gives these tickets away all season and it ROCKS!). I plan on going for sushi lunch and a thrift store knitting needle mission with AnnaK on Saturday (absolutely cannot wait. weeeee!). Followed by a night out with another couple. Soooo Sunday, yes, Sunday I will knit this right front. And I will finish it damnit! Only 53 sleeps till Christmas!

I was also called tonight and informed I will have house guests on Tuesday night. This unfortunately means I will have to postpone Knit Night... and I can't even do it the following Tuesday as it's our strata AGM, yuck. Ack, and I will need to take the Wednesday off of work... I hate giving late notice for these sorts of things.. but I can't very well kick family out at 6:30AM... Can I?

two of two - Secret Pal!!

2007-10-26T10:12:00.001-07:00

This morning there was ring at the door... kind of early so I was confused as I wasn't expecting anyone. It was Canada Post! I immeditately ran upstairs and jumped on the bed waking up Greg so we could open the package together, not that he cares too much, but I like to share my excitement even if it means waking him up :)

Secret Pal, you. are. amazing. Banana Fiber!

Left to Right, Banana Fibre which will be made into this, Peruvia which will be made into... something, little animal magnets (SO cute), kitty toys, and delicate wash stuff for my hand knits(I've been meaning to pick some of that up).

The colour for the banana fiber is definitely bold, but I still love it. Love it! I think the bag I'll make from it might be a bit smaller than the pattern says, but I was planning on doing that anyways. YAY, banana fiber!

The Peruvia is amazing, so soft. I'm not sure what to make out of it yet. So far mittens and hat have come to mind. But it's so nice... I may pick up some more of this and go for a full on sweater.

The magnets are already on my fridge and seem to be quite entertaining for Greg, LOL. So cute. And my kitties thank you for the toys, they are playing with them now even as I type.

one of two

2007-10-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished scarf for Teresa. I'm so glad to be finished another Christmas present. This was actually a pretty easy knit once you get the hang of the pattern/charts.
Almost immediately after finishing I cast on for my mothers Christmas present. Bristow. It's going well so far although I have my concerns about size... oh well if it doesn't fit her at least it's something I would wear and I can just make her something else. So I will continue :) Plus you never know what will happen after blocking, maybe it really will be big enough.

Workin' Late

2007-10-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

So I'm at work, and have been at work for 14 hours now... expect to be here for another 4-6 hours. Upside, a lot of it is just waiting so I was able to finish my Step-mom, Teresa's, scarf. It's beautiful. I'll block it and take some pictures to share with all. I'm proud of it. Now I'm off to do more waiting, er, working and knit away at the second sock for Greg.

My weekend in a photo-nutshell

2007-10-22T10:54:00.001-07:00

Progress as of Friday night:

- 2 chocolate bars, 3 coffees, 2 hours of GuildWars and some sock progress

Saturday:

- Driving to Cowichan Fibre Fair... alone :(

- Sushi with AnnaK and then shopping at Beehive = yay!

- Sock and Scarf progress as well

Sunday:

- 3 hours at the inlaws trying to pry the china cabinet from their clutches, 4 hours of Guildwars and a bunch of time on the couch knitting (and sneezing damnit)

- Sylus approves of the progress thus far

I didn't quite accomplish the goals for the weekend as far as knitting goes, but I think it went well. One sock finished, the second started, and 14 repeats done on the scarf (only 6 to go). Scarf will be done by end of week... promise.... looking at calendar, 63 days left, ACK! Ok 4 more repeats WILL be finished tonight and the last two... tomorrow! Maybe.

In other news, I scored an amazing set of China with the cabinet we are getting from Greg's parents. I love it pretty, but not frilly. I already have China, but not nearly a full set. My mother has a similar pattern and is delighted to keep mine for me, for now. I managed to get Mother-in-law to empty the cabinet and put everything into three piles, sell, give away, and find new homes for... to clarify she offered the cabinet, I'm not forcing her to give it up LOL.

Christmas plans are starting to come in as well, my Aunt has 'booked' Christmas Day Dinner at her place, yay that means I don't have to do it! Birthday plans so far are to eat sushi and lots of it with Greg and Anna. I plan on being tipped over and rolled out the door after such a feast :) Although I'm still in denial about having to get any older. Every year I seem to get closer to 30 and I don't like how fast it's coming up on me.

Dear Weekend, I missed you!

2007-10-19T06:44:00.001-07:00

Plans for the weekend:
- attend Cowichan Fibre Fair with the lovely Miss AnnaK
- finish step-mom's scarf (only 12 repeats to go... I think I can do it)
- finish one sock (I'm just working the heel flap now)

I was thinking about Christmas earlier this week and was excited about being only 70 days to go. Later this week, my mind went 'Holy Crap! 68 days! I better get knitting! Knit like the wind fingers, knit!' What has everyone else got on their Christmas knitting list? Here's what I have left:

Finish step-mom's scarf
Mom's Cardigan
Dad's Scarf
Somthing for husband.. socks? Sweater?
Something special for someone that reads my blog
Hat for friend

I think I can get that all done in time...

All Better

2007-10-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

I am feeling much better after a good weekend of rest and relaxation. There was much video games and knitting involved in my recovery :) And to prove it, take a look at the wicked progress on my Step-Mom's Christmas present. I am so excited at how fast this is coming along, I'm 40% finished already! And yes, it will be much longer - blocking works wonders... and yes, I know I made a mistake on one of the diamonds, but I don't care :)

I also started a new sock. The Jacket I made for Greg... well I gave it to him for his birthday instead of Christmas. I know, I know, but I just couldn't help it. It was finished two days prior to his bday and it was so wonderful and great. Anyways He's wearing it a lot which makes me SO happy. So now I need to knit him something for Christmas, therefore we have the beginnings of a sock:And here is the second attempt at Beth's socks... I think I will take my Secret Pals advice, finish them and give them away. I'll make Beth some different socks... something better.

I stopped taking the bus. I drove in one day last week cause I was sick and didn't feel like walking the 20min from bus to work. Well, I was hooked. I have a really nice car and I miss it. I really, really miss it. The heated leather seats are workin' their majic as winter weather sets in and I just can't help myself. So I talked it over with Greg and I'm going to drive to work, but park on the road to save on parking space costs. I get in early enough in the morning that getting a spot on the road isn't a problem. We'll see how it works out.

edit: As I sit here reading over my post, I wonder if anyone will actually see the error in the one diamond... Also 3 words for you Lace Blocking Wires! I guess I'll hop on Knit Picks later today.

Buying stocks in Halls cough drops

2007-10-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's Friday. I've been off work for the last day and a half, sick, sick, sick! blah! I hate coughing, sneezing and generally feeling bad. It doesn't help that your generally more clumsy when sick... I made myself a nice bowl of turkey soup for lunch yesterday and managed to accidentally drop my glass of water, sploosh, right into my bowl. So water got into my soup, onto my accompanying bun (ruining my lunch) and of course turkey stew all over me, the table, the floor and even the wall. So now, not only am I feeling like crap, and lunchless, but I'm covered in turkey stew and have to clean it all up from the dinning room before having a shower to get herbs and turkey outta my hair... I hate being sick. My husband laughed when I told him last night. Fair enough, it really is quite hilarious.

I didn't even get much knitting done...I started a new sock for Beth as the pattern I had chose was annoying. I've decided I'm not a cabled sock knitter. Sock Cables make me unhappy. The new sock pattern is an ankle sock and I'm now worried about it being too small. It was knit on 2mm needles and well, it's small. Should I chaulk it up to knitting while sick and frog it yet again? arg, I don't want to, but at the same time I don't want to knit something that will never get worn. Thoughts? Ideas? Comfort?

Greg's Christmas present - done!

2007-10-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

I was determined to finish this jacket with my 3.5 days off and I did it! I actually did it! Well, I still have to sew in the zipper and then do the two hems that cover the zipper, but there is no more knitting to be done. And the zipper/hems will only take me like an hour.

I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I'm going to enjoy this FO for the rest of the evening. I'll wait until tomorrow to start thinking about what Christmas present to cast on next.

Speaking of tomorrow, it's Knit Night tomorrow - eek! I must clean my house! One of the down sides to mad knitting all weekend, the housework/cooking/eating/sleeping all kinda went on hold :)

Thanksgiving long weekend

2007-10-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

I got a head start on my long weekend by taking off at noon yesterday. I finished the second sleeve for Greg's jacket and started the yoke. Today was spent getting Halloween decorations and preparations for our annual pumpkin carving party. Then knitting the yoke and listening to an audio book. Pic of progress below, and just think I have two more full days of knitting which only have dinner plans nothing else. Anyone else think that I just might finish the jacket before the weekend is over? I'm hoping... but for now I'm off to watch Hockey Night in Canada! wahoo!

October? Really?

2007-10-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

So did anyone else look at the calander on Monday and pretty much crap their pants? Where did September go? Wasn't it August just yesterday?

That means Socktoberfest has started. I was thinking about participating, but I simply have too much Christmas knitting to get done. I'm trying to avoid becoming a knitting zombie close to Christmas and have been working like mad to get the first project finished. Greg's Avast Jacket is knitting up very fast. I finished the body on Sunday night, and then finished the first sleeve last night. so. fast. What else am I knitting for Christmas? Henry for my dad, Estelle for my mom, Diamond Fantasy Scarf for my friend, and a scarf from Victorian Lace Today for my step-mom. Which doesn't sound like too much, but will still take a while to get it all done... I'm a fast knitter though, I think I can do it :)

Sunday, Rainy Sunday.

2007-09-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

I finished my SecretPal's Monkey socks on Tues... or Wed? Either way they are done and ready to be mailed as part of her 3rd package. I'm just waiting for a book I ordered from my work to arrive and the last package is complete :) I mailed her second package out today, but I'm worried that the sewing box won't arrive exactly together. I suspect it will be opened and the content strewn throughout the box, but if that's what happens I'll simply send her the before and after pictures of what it should look like :)

I've also made some great progress on Greg's jacket. I'm excited to be done the majority of the stockinette and start on the sleeves... I dread the yoke, but oh well, it must be done.

What else am I working on... oh Socks for my co-worker Beth! These are fun. Although I still haven't found a cable needle small enough for sock yarn, and cabling without a cable needle drives me bananas! Beth actually made a joke about knitting her socks with toothpicks. At the time it was funny, but I tried it out, for the cabling part anyways, and wouldn't you know it? It works like a hot damn!

I finally got the book I've been waiting for at the library and suspect a lot of it will be read today as it's wet and cold outside. Although climbing is calling and I may end up at CragX all day again. I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, mostly because this blog is about my knitting, but I climb. I started climbing at the age of 8. My dad climbed SO much and of course got me into it quite young. He had these grandeur dreams of me becoming the next Lynne Hill. As such he pushed me quite hard and by the age of about 15 I decided I couldn't take it anymore and quit, much to my fathers dissapointment. To be fair, he had it coming... and that's all I'm gonna say. Moving right along, about 3 years ago I decided I'd take it up again on my own and even convinced my husband to join with me (he loves it!). We are now established annual pass holders each year and go at least 2-3 times a week for a duration anywhere from 1.5 hrs to 4hrs. I enjoy it immensely, more than words can really express. I heart rock climbing :) So there is another peice of the Kristy puzzle for you, enjoy!

The definition of tedious

2007-09-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

Working along long edge of cabled band with RS facing, pick up and k 4 sts for every 5 rows along edge of band. 221 sts on needle.

But at least it's done. Now the mountain of never ending stockinette begins. Which is good, I agree with Grumperina that the amount and difficulty of project on the go is a delicate balance.

I personally always need one pair of socks, at least, on the go for easily portable knitting. It gets me through my commute to and from work, through my lunch break and occasionally through line-ups or some sort of event I'm attending (football for example).

I then need something easy that isn't really meant to be portable... although it could be I suppose. Something like Avast where, other than the cable band I just finished, it's mindless knitting I can do in front of the tv in the evenings. Something I don't really have to think about, I just do.

And last I always need something challenging, something that really needs my full attention when knitting. Right now this is the Double Bordered Scarf with Diamond borders adapted from Weldon's 1904, from Victorian Lace Today.

There has also been some progress on the second Monkey sock for my Secret Pal, I'm almost finished the gussett now and imagine the pair will be complete before the week is over. Yay! The rest of my weekend was spent watching my cousin #66 at his Rebels football game (which included a streaker at half-time eek!) and making these:

It was a good weekend.

Secret Pal YOU ROCK!

2007-09-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

I received a package from my Secret Pal today. I was so excited that I opened it at the Post Office :) After seeing what was inside I practically ran home so that I could take pictures. The pictures explain so much:

Do you see those Lornas Laces?! My mind is racing with potential patterns, oh and it's in my most favorite colours... Those swedish Fish candies... yes, those are all gone. If you look closely you can see I had already opened the bag before getting home. Coconut foot creme, Photo Book, Hand-made bracelet (which is fabulous btw), pretty paper with matching envelopes. All I have to say is Secret Pal, if I could reach through this monitor and hug you right now, I would. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In my life there is knitting, and it makes me happy.

2007-09-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

In one word my weekend was wonderful.

Friday my credit card went into the freezer and I finished working out a budget plan which I've actually been working on for two months and it's really working, really! It made me feel good, although this means limited yarn purchases in the near future... I think my stash should keep me going though.

Saturday I went, with mom, up island to my cousins first football game of the season. It was entertaining, not only the game, but also watching all the girls giggle and swoon over my cousin, the quarter-back. Since it's 4 hours drive round trip and 4 hours of game, that's 8 hours total knittting time people!!! wahoo! I finished the first Monkey sock! When I had to frog the Jaywalker I went back to my old standby, I love Monkeys. Anyways, 1 down and the other started. Shouldn't be long now.

Sunday it rained. We stayed indoors. I was going to knit, BUT I got my invitation to Ravelry! I can't even begin to explain how happy this makes me. So Sunday was spent Ravelry-ing, I did knit 2 more repeats of the cable band for Greg's Avast Jacket, and then 3 hours at a rock climbing girls endurance training. If I'm not knitting, I'm rock climbing. They are pretty even competitors for my time...

Yes, it was a great weekend. And then this morning I woke up and it was weigh in day (yes, I'm trying to lose that 20lbs I gained back over last winter) and I was down another lb. Yay for me! Then when I got to work... Charmed Knits was sitting on my desk. Remember that Gryfindor Scarf I knit for my coworker? Well he bought me this book as a thank you. awwww, isn't that sweet? Now if only we can get this wonderfulness streak to last a little bit longer... for no reason in particular, it's just nice :)

Too Tight

2007-09-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

The Jaywalkers for my secret pal... they are too tight. Apparently I'm not the only one with this problem... arg!

Little progress

2007-09-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

So far this week there has been little progress on the knitting. I have been sick with a cold and sleeping pretty much every spare minute I find. I'm feeling much better today and suspect there will be something to show you after the comming weekend. For now I have pictures of my second Secret Pal package ready to be shipped out to my lovely pal in New York.

And also a picture of the progress to date on her Jaywalkers, which will be part of the 3rd and final package.

Best Husband Ever!

2007-09-09T08:04:00.001-07:00

Friday night I asked my husband for help winding the yarn for his sweater... and my dad's sweater, oh and the fleece artist for Grama. Side note: All of which are Christmas gifts - yay! He protested after only two skiens - agast!

Last night he came home from work and promptly handed me my new swift. Hahahahahaha. Ok, so the gift was almost completely self-centered on his part, which he admitted to when handing me the beautiful contraption. But still, a swift! I could hardly contain myself and smothered him appropriately. I then spent some of the evening and an hour this morning finishing up winding all my yarn - yes, yes that would be the highlight of my weekend :)

So everyone knows how Stephanie has a squirrel in her area with an affliction for brown fleece, right? Well he loves it. And this morning I discovered first hand how cute, but annoying it really can be. Think gray cat, gray yarn... See below for mugshots:

Ta Da!

2007-09-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

Yay, it's finished AND it fits!

Back and Busy

2007-09-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaaaack! And man was that fun :)

A whirlwind trip through through the rockies. We came, we saw, we went home. Even though it was fast (4days) it was enough to see what we wanted and stop when we wanted. The husband did most of the driving, which left loads of time for knitting!!!! Yay! I was able to finish of the knitting on my Wheat-ear Cable Yoke and am now doing all the sewing up of seams this week (I will post pics as soon as it's done).

Secret Pal updates: My downstream Pal recieved her first package on Tuesday and loved it - wahoo! Her Second package is almost ready, although it seems there is a shortage of bamboo needles at the LYS sooooo we'll see how that progresses. I received another email from my upstream SecretPal - Hello! I'm having a blast with this whole thing and highly recommend it to anyone thinking of giving it a try.

And now, I leave you with a few pictures from an amazing trip:

Monkey see, monkey do

2007-08-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've seen this on enough knitting blogs that I've decided it's my turn.

I've used Bold for stuff I've done, italics for stuff I want to do one day, normal for stuff I'm not planning on doing, and red for stuff I've never even heard of.

Afghan/Blanket
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater well, I'm doing one right now... does that count?
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan making one for mom for xmas this year
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Continental Knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
American/English knitting
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dyeing with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dyeing yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting - ??
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves one, and one alone... and never again
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

On the road again

2007-08-27T06:40:00.001-07:00

I finished the last of the Hedra socks on Friday and promptly passed them to my friend to take home with her. They turned out really good and fit her well. Enjoy, Miss AnnaK!

I went on the bus up to Parksville this weekend and made A LOT of progress on my sweater (Wheat-ear cable). I now have the front, back and one sleeve done... although the sleeve was done twice since I cast on 44 instead of 48 the first time around, doh! The weekend was good, visiting family, going to the local farm markets and such.

I'm only here until Thursday this week, then I'm hitting the road again on another road trip. This time, however, my husband is coming with me - yay! This is a rare occurance, my husband is in sales, so he rarely takes any time off. Where are we going? To the rockies and back, I say! I'm very excited to see the ice fields and glacial lakes. It should be a very pretty trip, with lots of nature to see. We'll be camping the whole way and I have to admit, I'm a little sketchy about the tenting in Grizzly central. It should be okay though, I'm just being silly I suppose.

Knitting-wise, I think I'll bring the sweater to finish... I imagine I will have the second sleeve finished on the ferry the first night... then I can join it all toghether the next day. After that... I think the Jaywalkers to finish. they don't require much pattern reading and I want to have my eyes mostly on the scenery. We'll see how much actually gets done :)

Enjoy your week, and have a great long weekend as well! (I'll be too busy to post again)

The promised stash - warning, picture heavy

2007-08-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

And so begins the evaluation of the stash. Do I have enough to keep me going for a full year? Maybe. Will I buy more anyways? More is already on it's way :)

Both of these are Lorna's Laces sock yarn. The purpley one will be a pair of Monkeys for myself. The pinstripe black and gray will be a pair of socks for my husband. Am I excited to start these? Kinda, they are socks... socks make good bus knitting so I know I will get to these in time.

New Silky Wool picked up in Seattle with this pattern.

Laceweight in a chocolate brown I couldn't resist. Folk Shawls Fir Cone Shawl. See Eunny's as an example.

From left to right. 1- $2 total for all 6 balls of that white stuff... Help me out here people. It's acrylic (meh, it was cheap) and fingering weight - what to make? 2- multi-colour sock yarn that came in a pack with the teal stuff there as well. Not sure which socks, but since it's sock yarn I know it will be used. 3 - Teal sock yarn. Pomatomus, already started... hmm that's another wip - oops! 4 - Yellow/Gold Lionbrand. What to do, what to do?

mmm fleece artist, yummy. This will be a stole from Victorian Lace today for my Grama.

Eek! Are those needles? another wip? NO WAY!? hahah burgunday lace weight, meant for a kimono shawl and it looks as though I cast on... and walked away.

Ah, yes. Inca Gold Baby Alpaca. I may have purchased this simply to pet. No I probably had a shawl in mind... yes probably. Now to remember which one.

This is going to be hmmm... actually a present for someone who reads my blog. crap, can't tell you much about this one.

oooohhh, see this? this has the potential to be a Flower Basket Shawl. drool.

This is three hats. Can't you see them? I can. Two Odessas, and one Shedir.

Snowflake Socks from Interweave Knits Fall 2007 edition.

This is a lacey scarf called Spring Rain. I got it at the Knit Out a couple months ago... and forgot about it. It's pretty, maybe that will become a birthday present.

This one for me.

This one for my step-mom.

These two... well they are a bit of a mystery. I believe the first was bought on impulse in a clearance bin soley based on the fact that it reminded me of Cookie Monster. And the red stuff... yeah, it's red. What should I do with these folks?

There is also the ever growing basket of leftovers. What does everyone do with their leftovers?

And this, this is the best for last (even though I think the finished product is quite hideous). My mother in law approached me about knitting something for her. I says, well sure what is it? I am promptly invited for tea. hmmm, odd. So I go over and she brings out this big box. She then goes on to explain the following:

During her mother's last days she lived with my mother in law and the whole family in their huge home. She had fallen ill and was quite dependant on them. She had ordered this kit, a knitting kit to make herself a jacket. It arrived a week before she passed.

So she asked me to finish it for her. Sob. I said yes, of course. And now all I can manage is to stare at the box in awe that I was asked to finish something so precious to my mother in law. I will finish it, but I will make sure it's at a time that I can give it the undivided attention it deserves.

And that about sums up my stash... hahahah lots hey? Anyways let me know what you think I should do with some of the stuff, the order I should tackle this all in, etc. I'd love some feedback.

WIP Evaluation

2007-08-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

It’s amazing what you find when you go through the stash. First you find WIPs, some you knew about, some you were knowingly neglecting, and some poor lonely forgotten ones:

Jaywalkers for my Secret Pal. Although I love the pattern and am excited to complete these, I really don't like the bamboo dpns... Perhaps they are just cheap needles, but I constantly feel like I'm going to break them and therefore it's slow going and frustrating to knit... I see new metal DPNs in my near future. In fact, these may go on hold until I aquire those needles.

The second Hedra, almost done. These were fun to knit, but I prefer monkeys. This last sock will be finished this week, promise.

Mystery Stole 3, this is the neglected one. I have all the clues to finish this one now... and really should finish it up... yup... I really should... Maybe in September, yes, I'll tackle it again in September.

The very long forgotten, I started Mariah a few months ago. In fact this was one of the patterns that made me want to knit... so you'd really think I'd have finished it by now... I wonder why I got side tracked, perhaps summer came and the thought of knitting a jacket just didn't seem appealing in the heat. I will take another look at this one as soon as I finish the Wheat-ear cable yoke.

And of course the most recent is my Wheat-ear cable yoke, coming along swimmingly. I'm hoping to get most of this done during my weekend away, this weekend.

Second you find much more yarn in your stash than you remember ever buying. But more to come on that tomorrow.

Rainy days and shopping

2007-08-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Rainy days always make me want to either go shopping or hunker down with some good movies and knitting. So I did both!

Yesterday I put together the first package for my secret pal, made the sewing box for her second package and went for lunch with mom. Yay, shopping! It was a good day :) This sewing kit was so much fun to make, and relatively easy, albeit time consuming. I would definitely make this again.

Closed:

Open:

While shopping we happened upon a sale, and who can resist a sale I mean really?! X-Files was the best show of it's time, I watched it almost religiously with my dad every Sunday night. We'd each have our own 2Litre of pop and large bag of chips, and we'd take over the living room staring at the tube while Scully and Moulder searched for the truth :) Geeky, I know. Anyways, normally these DVDs are like $50 each - ouch! And we found them on sale for $20 each, well you can guess we bought the whole set... yes the whole NINE seasons. Yes that's about 165 hours of tv on dvd, and I don't expect to come up for air until I'm done! Oh and just think of the knitting that can happen in 165 hours!

And speaking of knitting - here is the current progress on the Wheat-ear cable yoke. I'm excited to have this done in time for the rainy season... which seems to have started early... as in today. Well, what can you expect, I suppose it's just part of living on the West(read Wet) Coast.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

SP 11 Conest!

2007-08-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?
Measuring tape, without it my garments would be quite ridonkulous looking I'm sure.

2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? Ifso, how much and what type of project?
Of course :) It all depends on the length and type of trip, but socks are always a good bet as they are very portable. However if it's something like a long flight, I might take something bigger like a sweater.

3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot?
Hands down, Japan. I loved it there, mostly in Kyoto and the smaller cities, but Tokyo was very busy with things to do... so really all of Japan.

4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it?
Victorian Lace Today: Books: Jane Sowerby. Yes I own it, I couldn't resist.

5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)?
no... what exactly is a podcast anyways?

Cast On

2007-08-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

I received my secret pal and I've already emailed and commented on her blog to say hello. I'm very excited to get started and have already cast on a pair of Jaywalkers for her, in yarn I bought in Portland. It turns out her birthstone is Emerald, and wouldn't you know it, that green sock yarn I bought is called Emerald. I decided it was fate and cast on immediately. I hope they fit...

I also cast on for the Wheat-ear cable sweater in from the summer issue of Interweave Knits and so far so good. I'm using Cascade 220 colour Dune Heather. So there is a lot of green knitting going on right now. I'm also still working on the second Hedra sock during bus time and at lunch. Plenty of knitting to suite any mood I'm in :)

Crafty Saturday

2007-08-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

Not much knitting today, but lots of knitting related crafts :) I went down to Bead World in Market Square today and found a great selection of glossy beads that I thought would make perfect stitch markers. Voila!

After completing these I was putting the spare bits into my crafts closet and my sewing machine

stared up at me crying 'Use Me!' so I did. It the material and pattern I picked up on vacation. I love it!

Now onto more new things... have I ever mentioned that I am the queen of lists? Well I have lists for everything (really, everything 'to do' is my favorite word combination), so I'm off to tackle the list of movies to watch in conjunction with the list of knitting to complete. I haven't decided what to cast on yet, but I am itching to start something new so we'll just have to wait and see what hits the needles next :)

Road Trip Yarn

2007-08-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Our trip was amazing! I'm glad to be home though. Some pics of the recent purchases while on the road:

Pattern and matterial to make knitting needle cases. I have been looking for something like this for a while now and the material in the US is SOOOO much cheaper than Canada so I simply had to pick this up.

Of course, more sock yarn mmmmmm... sock yarn. All from Portland's friendly Knit Purl

And a new project from Seattle's So Much Yarn, which is by far one of the nicest yarn stores I have ever visited.

And of course I knit while I was away, Hedras

The second one was started in Vancouver and I got about half way down the leg on the ferry trip home. I'll finish it up on the bus this week probably. Now... do I resist the urge to cast on numberous projects right now with this new yarn... OR, do I pick up MS3 which has been staring at me ever since I got home?

SP11 Questionnaire

2007-08-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like Lornas Laces, Baby Alpaca, and really anything soft. I don't like Acrylic or the eyelash/funky fibres.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Currently an old plastic bucket, but I just returned from vacation with a pattern for a lovely needle case, including a circulars holder! I'm so excited!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I was taught to knit and crochet when I was really young, but didn't persue it. I picked up crocheting again about 6 years ago, and am now bored with it. Knitting was always in the background, but really picked up again for me in March of this year. I would consider myself an advanced beginner, who is willing to try anything new.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No... but if I was to have one... it would include sock yarn, fingering weight shawl yarn, mohair, ooh - and a teach yourself to spin book, drop spindle and some fiber!

5. What's your favorite scent?
Hands down - coconut. I'm a coconut freak.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Do I ever! hmmm favorite candy... do I really have to narrow it down? I think it's easier to say I don't like white or bitter dark chocolate, but anything else goes. Nuts with milk chocolate are a favorite right now, but so is the little penny candies, swedish berries, licorice(red or black) and salty things are lovely too.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I really want to learn how to spin and also weave... I also cross stitch occasionally, but find it's only good in small doses, and Scrapbooking does take up the majority of our spare room closet.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
MP3s are wonderful, I like all modern rock. I cannot express how much I love this local radio station http://thezone.fm/

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Favorite colors would have to be grey and purple. I can't stand anything bright, like bright orange or yellow, although a subtle yellow or a rusty orange are pretty close to the top of my list. I guess I like what you would consider Fall/Autumn colours.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Happily married for 1.5 years, and Chearfully Childfree by choice. We have 2 cats and they rule the house. They are spoiled, beyond laughing... Dena was our little princess kitten who is also a manx so she has no tail and one hell of a personality. Sylus was adopted from the local SPCA, he chose us immediately, and is a real lap cat... he is sitting in my lap even now. They both just turned 4, and yes, we had little kitty birthday tuna cakes.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I want to wear a poncho at the office cause our AC is outta wack so it's freezing, but have yet to make one. I wear some scarves, but am pretty picky. Hats are fun, and mittens are a must.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks are fast and easy so I love knitting those, but I always have an additional project going on as well. Currently my fascination is with shawls, pretty, lace, delicate, soft, shawls.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Hedra socks and MS3... and looking to cast on a new scarf pattern I got while on vacation this week.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I love hand made gifts, LOVE.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Circulars, Knit Picks nickle plated DPNs, Addi Lace Turbos. I like bamboo, but only if it's really good quality.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a yarn winder, but no swift.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
I beleive that would be the MS3, so not long...6 weeks.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas, Christmas, Christmas!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
African style masks. I love the animal ones (zebras, elephants, giraffes)

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 subscribe to Interweave Knits.
Books: Fitted Knits, Knitting Vintage Socks, Stitch n Bitch the knitters handbook
Yarn: Hand Maiden Sea Silk, Hand Maiden Camelspin, and of course more Lornas Laces(you can never have enough)
Needles: Knit Picks Circulars, I currently only have their DPNS, but really want to try out their circulars. I was thinking about getting them in 2.5mm and trying out knitting socks on two circulars although I have no idea how.
Patterns: Flower Basket Shawl by Fibertrends

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
socks - on two circulars, and toe up... not necessarily at the same time
Mobius - there is a pattern for cat beds using this method...

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I heart sock knitting. It is the best way to pass the bus commuting time.
Circumfrence: 8.5 inches
Foot Length: 9.5 inches
Heel Flap length: 2.5 inches (I put this in because in most patterns I've knit, the heel always ends up too long. Do I have small heels? Maybe.)

23. When is your birthday?
December 15th, which makes it very hard to book a dinner out for 8 or more (Christmas parties)

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Not yet.

Ready, set, go!

2007-08-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

I have completed all of my goals.. well all except the losing weight part (such an uphill battle!). Anyways I have pics!

Check out those diamonds! I'm so proud :) Plus the Monkeys are done! mmm purple-ific!

So I will leave you with this FO's for a week. Have a good one, and I'll see you all back here on August 12 or so...

Goals... maybe too many

2007-07-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I realized that I'm going on vacation in one week (leaving this coming Saturday, August 4th on the 9AM ferry) and I have a lot to get done with very little time to spare. I managed to give the house a good top to bottom scrubbing so I won't worry about that now until I get home.

I also worked my butt off cleaning the inside of my car. The car goes in for a service on Wednesday so that will prep it for the week long road trip, and as a bonus I know they will spick and span the outside of the car. I was too upset to wash the outside myself... someone backed into my car on the weekend while it was parked downtown. It's barely noticeable, but to me it's huge. I was sad... there was much throwing of bags and jackets into the backseat as I hurled the keys at my husband saying I probably shouldn't drive while this angry.

So. Goals for this week(some knitting, some not):

1. Lose 2lbs
2. Find Yarn Stores along our semi-planned route
3. Finish Monkey socks - I need the needles for the planned road trip knitting
4. Finish Diamond Fantasy Shawl - I'm only 1.5 repeats and an I cord edge away from finishing... I can taste victory and I want it to block while I'm away.
5. Pack... hmmm which also means tackle the ever growing pile of laundry - harumph
6. Pick up August bus pass... sooner rather than later
7. Stock up on easy to cook food for the husband... I'm thinking burgers and frozen lasagnas :)
8. Finish reading last 120 pages of library book due back while I'm away.

Did I mention Tuesday I'm playing tennis after work for 2 hours? Wednesday my car is in for service and I have to go rock climbing after work until about 6:30 that day as well? Oh and what about Softball on Thrusday night, did I mention that?

So what am I knitting while I'm away? Why do I need the Knit Picks 2.5mm's that the Monkey's are currently on? Well, let me tell you... it's a suprise ;-)

Secrets and more...

2007-07-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

I signed up for Secret Pal 11 thist morning. After seeing this on several other blogs I couldn't resist, it looks like so much fun! On a more yarney note - Lorna's Laces arrived yesterday afternoon. I got Jeans, which were promptly put on Anna K's desk :) Cranberry and Bucks Bar are sitting on my knitting table just waiting to be made into something. I think another pair of Monkeys for Bucks Bar... but the cranberry... hmmm...

No pics, sorry

2007-07-23T07:47:00.001-07:00

MS3 Clue #3 done. Looking at #4 thinking 'dear god, what have I gotten myself into?' But I'm sure I'll have it done before I leave for vacation in two weeks.
Diamond Fantasy Shawl, only 4 more repeats to go. It got too big to fit in my daily work bag, so I've started:
Monkeys. Started both at once (in the dark purple - thanks Jennifer!), cuff done and two pattern repeats. I'd read that the pattern was easy to remember, but no one mentioned just how fast these socks work up! No wonder they are so popular! I should have these done within two weeks as well.
Victorian Lace Today... I caved, I bought it. And I LOVE IT! I'm fairly certain I'll make everything in that book, eventually.
I also bought some Crystal Palace Kid Mohair in Misty Lilac at the same store for one of the patterns in the book.

So I'm going on vacation in two weeks. The plan, August 4th drive like mad into Seatlle to catch a baseball game (tickets arrived on Thursday - weeee!), tootle around Seatlle for Sunday, hit the road again and make our way to the Sea Lion Caves and the Sand Dunes, then make our way back stopping where-ever pleases us. I'm going with mom, we do this every couple of years just hit the road with not too much of a plan in mind. Soooo anyone have any recommended places to see/stop in at? Any wonderful restaraunts that we simply shouldn't miss?

Now... what to knit on the road...

Two shawls at once

2007-07-16T21:41:00.001-07:00

Clue #2 came out on Jul 6 - I finally got to it tonight and finished it in 4 hours, yay! I'm finding this KAL quite enjoyable. It's my first KAL and the added suspense of not knowing what I'm knitting, other than the fact that it's a stole, is making it doubley fun.

I read an article online today that mentioned needle blocking to help keep the shape better, so I tried it out for this quick block photo op. I think it works really well... I may pick up Knit Picks Lace Blocking Wires.

The Diamond Fantasy Shawl is also coming along nicely. I'm mostly knitting this on the bus and on my lunch break. I think I'm almost half way done, it's supposed to be 10 repeats, but I can't remember when the repeats started... after the first diamond, or mid-first diamond... oh well, I'll just keep going until the size suites me. I can't wait to wear this with a little black dress at Christmas time.

I think I would like to knit this one again, it's super fast and fun... but in a variagated yarn this time... maybe...

Sheep Farm

2007-07-14T19:51:00.001-07:00

Recipe for an amazing day:

1. Ferry Ride to SaltSpring Island
2. Spinning Mill Tour
3. Tour of the farm and petting all the different animals
4. Great lunch with great friends
5. Market wandering
6. Beach walk, pictures and visit with Grama
7. Tired ferry ride and drive home with much talking of how awesome the day was.
Here are some pictures of the highlights.

Spiral Boot Socks and Clue1 of MS3 - Check!

2007-07-08T19:18:00.001-07:00

Some Sunday eye candy for you. I finally finished the second spiral boot sock for my sister. I also managed to get the First Clue for MS3 finished tonight. Clue #2 came out on Friday... hoping to get that done sometime this week, as in, before Clue #3 comes out :)

I am very excited for the coming weekend. I've arranged for the stitch 'n' bitch group from work to take a little field trip. We're going to a farm on SaltSpring Island to visit a sheep farm. They are going to show us how the sheep are sheared, the wool is cleaned, carded, dyed and spun. I believe we'll even get to try a few things out to see how we like it etc. There is also a yarn store on premise and as per our special request, we get to pet the sheep :) What more could a knitter ask for?

New project and bus news

2007-07-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

Mission Bus Sock came to an ubrupt reality check today as my first day riding the bus. 1 - the express taking me into work is way too fast, 7 minutes does not go well with knitting. 2 - the bus ride home is far more condusive to knitting, 40 minutes, but also far more squishy... Therefore I must find a project with simple repeats, I can't take a pattern with me on the bus, it's just too tricky to balance on my legs. So the original difficult socks, just not going to happen. I'll find something easy, but fun.

It was fun to watch the number of people that just simply stopped and watched what I was doing. I had my headphones in and decided to pretend I didn't notice... for now. tee hee

I have been making progress on the second Spiral Boot sock and am about to work the heel... I suspect it will be finished this week, unless I get distracted by diamonds, pretty, pretty, diamonds

Long weekends are great for knitting

2007-07-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day!

I find myself looking forward to long weekends more than I used to... only because of the potential knitting I could accomplish in such a time-span. For example, this weekend:
Stripey socks for myself. Finally my first good pair of socks (my previous three attempts have resulted in very, very short feet... must find small children with large calfs to give them to).

There are two new babies comming into the world this fall, how could I resist?

I also cast on for what will be my 'Bus socks'. I'm going to attempt taking BC Transit for the month of July. Why? To save on money, do my part for the environment where-ever I can, squeeze in some extra walking in a day, and also, of course, more knitting time! So I cast on for what I thought was Monkey Socks.... note to self: when printing two online patterns at the same time, take careful attention to seperating the patterns well. I accidentally cast on for pomatomus... I don't think I'm quite ready for the difficulty, but heck if I have to redo it's just more knitting, so I decided to leave it as is and attempt a pair.

Now that I am using the intended Monkey sock yarn on these socks, the question becomes what colour should I use for Monkey Socks? In the stash we have an off-white, self-striping(which I don't think would work well), light blue, and a dark purple... or do I buy something new? Help me out here people, I hate decisions.

S & S

2007-06-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

Socks and Scarves. I have finished things to share :) A couple weeks ago I walked into my LYS and found some fun yarn at 40% off. I'm a sucker for a deal, and it was soft... so I picked some up and decided to make a simple scarf. Well it worked up so fast during the very short camping trip last weekend, that I was able to finish it in record time... I don't think I spent more than a total of 3 hours on this sucker and it looks great!

Also in sock land, things are progressing nicely. The one in the picture is the furthest along, the second is just shortly behind getting it's heel worked... probably tomorrow.

no FOs

2007-06-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'm back from camping, but our trip was cut short as my friend was feeling very under the weather. Yesterday when I got home I was feeling the need for some retail therapy since the camping trip was a bit dissapointing. So I got a new toy, a ball winder! It's so much fun, well maybe not fun, but it's amazing! It saved me from rolling 1376yards of lace weight by hand, yay! So I have no finished objects to share with you today, but I do have some new yarn.

This:

Turns this:

Into this:

WIPs

2007-06-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

I'm finding the spring urge to cast on as many projects as possible... quite satisfying. Right now I have the following in progress:

Second pink spiral boot sock
Self striping socks(both at the same time)
Shetland Triangle Shawl from Wrap Style
Wrap with Sleeves from Rebecca
Another Odessa by Grumperina this time in red

I think I will take the three socks, and the Wrap with Sleeves on my camping trip this weekend. At the very least there will be much progress, and hopefully at least one finished project ;-)

Ideas wandering around my head right now... Sensational Knitted Socks - Knit Along, how many people would be interested in joining me?... Mariah, am I ready to take this one on? Updates after I return for what looks to be a damp weekend in the outdoors, knitting.

Best. Cartoon. Evar!

2007-06-19T13:44:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6ZjMWLqJvM

11 days later

2007-06-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

After the shawl incident I frogged it and decided to stick with the same general pattern, but turn it into a scarf. I think it turned out lovely, and I will wear my expensive shawl-turned-scarf proudly come winter.

I was also able to finish off one of the new Spiral Boot Socks from Interweave Knits. I plan on giving these to my step sister for Christmas... a head start will make sure 'IT' never happens to me... right?

Please note that not a single one of my projects is complete without Sylus' stamp of approval. He sits on my lap while I knit and finds this to be the most entertaining way to spend his time. I can hardly blame him with all the sticks waving around for him to bat at, the yarn to sniff, oh and the pictures, what a showoff.

Shawl or lack thereof

2007-06-09T21:41:00.001-07:00

So the purple Stole I was making out of Fleece Artist... well, I guess I should have expected this when I started out with no pattern and only an idea with some beautiful yarn at center stage... I ran out, and it's no where near long enough. Although Sylus felt that it was still beautiful and worth a quick sniff.

I am torn between leaving it as is and ripping it to try something else. Leaving it as is does make for an adorable cape... hmmm the knitting crusader (please note, husband that was taking the picture has decided I am a geek, officially). Oh let your inner nerd out, you think it's funny!

Gryfindor

2007-06-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

I finished the Gryfindor scarf last night, washed, dried, tassled and delivered first thing this morning. It was nice to give the scarf to such a Harry Potter enthusiast since I knew he would actually wear and appreciate it. I took a picture last night, Sylus again approving of the good work. And then another picture of my coworker proudly wearing his new scarf.

It feels good to have another project finished... especially with two others on the go. I'm going to try and finish my purple shawl this weekend since it's not getting any warmer in the office and wearing winter clothing outside at this time of year just looks foolish. Between tonights lack of events, tomorrow evenings Yarn Harlot presentation and Sundays Knit Out I think it's an accomplishable goal... we'll see.

Anticipation

2007-06-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

Today my friends was a good day.

1 - Some of the members of my S&B expressed an interest in hand dyeing, spinning, and the process of making sheep into yarn. So I called a sheep farm on Salt Spring Island, which is only a $25 ferry ride away, and inquired as to the day tour possibilties. The man was amazingly nice and said he would love to have us come out and see the whole process from start to finish. He even granted my request to allow the whole gang to pet a sheep or two, we're animal loving ladies! And the best part is that it's by donation, so needless to say when I sent an email to our group for numbers almost everyone was in for a weekend of fuzzy fun. They also have a yarn store on the premises so we can buy yarn off of the sheep we just visited... I don't know why, but this appeals to be, yes, very much so.

2 - While on the phone with farmer mentioned above he said this coming weekend was out of the question as he was attending the knit out in Victoria... whats this!? my oversized ears perk up?! Google it was and look at the wonderful instantaneous happiness I found all in one little URL

http://www.communityknitters.com/knitout/

Yarn Harlot!? In Victoria!? Be still my shaking needle fingers... yes, I'm giddy with excitement. I picked up my tickets today to see Yarn Harlot on Saturday evening. I am thrilled that my grandmother accepted my invitation to join me. She's the one that taught me to knit, so it's only fitting that she be my date for the evening :)

3 -Sunday there is the first annual knit out(see above link), which I plan on attending with my good friend Jennifer. This makes for a very, knitty, busy weekend, but I think I'm up for it.

4 - Earlier this week I emailed the marketing department at my work and asked if they would do a feature on our homepage (www.abebooks.com) on knitting books. I gave them all sorts of informtion and links galore. I even informed them that I thought Yarn Harlot would be a great person to interview perhaps. So when I found out she was in town this weekend I sent them a follow up email in case they wanted to get in touch with her now. Well... I might just tear up... they asked me if I wanted to do the interview... do I?! do I?! Yes, it would be an honour... although someone will have to help me with actual questions so that I don't take up my entire time with simply on my own interests... like can I knit part of her travelling socks? and, and, can she come yarn shopping with me cause that would make my day? So while it's an honour, I am truely scared.... don't worry over un-spilled milk though, I emailed her to request her time and have not yet heard back... so as Stephanie Pearl-McPhee once said on her own blog 'Nothing like a little anxiety to light a fire under your knitting.... ' Gryfindor scarf - almost. done.