Kudos to Kitty

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

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

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!

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

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

Hope everyone has safe and happy holidays!

Great Scarf Craze of 2007

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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!

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

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

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

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:

1. Cardigan for Arwen


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


3. Samus


4. Rogue


5. Demi (would require purchase of this book)

Which one do you think I should make?

Bristow Cardigan Update

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?

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!!

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

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

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

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!

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

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.