Haven't posted in a while...

so here's what has been going on.

Went to Newport with my mom, went cannoeing in Maine with the darling Pete, and visited my brother in New York.
Don't worry I have been knitting up a storm...pics to come tomorrow. Lot's of goodies. Baby sweaters, shawls, scarves for Fran and Angeline, and socks for Daddy in Ireland.

Newport Mansions.


Pete and I on the rope swings in Maine.



Pete in New York....with his new girlfriend-she can't talk and doesn't knit.


Top of the Empire State Building


My little brother. Check the New York Magazine tomorrow-his painting is in it!


one of his paintings.



AND FINALLY!!!! as of October 11, 2007 Pete is no longer an alien!!!!!!

ASAP

I'm away will post soon. In NY visiting my little brother.

My Dishcloth Goodies Are Here!!!!!!

Seriously I do not know how I resisted opening my dishcloth swap package last night. I woke up really early this morning and the first thing I did was rip it open. Great wrapping and taping job! When I opened up the colorful box I found inside so many wonderful goodies. My swap pal Alaina totally spoiled me. There were two dishcloths-one seed stitch and the other an adorable sun (I love yellow!), pretty stitch markers and row marker, amazing smelling soap (will be used tonight), initial "J" sticky notes, cucumber body lotion, an awesome dishcloth pattern book, a skein of coton yarn (in jewel colors!), candles, scrapbooking stickers (Yippee!) and the neatest buttons made from deer antlers. Thank you so much Alaina. You are so sweet and thoughtful. I absolutely adore everything. She also made me the sweetest card. I love your stamp! This package was so worth the wait overnight. Oh and I almost forgot but I can't imagine why since I have already eaten four, the best candy in the world, Toblerone!


Thanks again Alaina and I wish you a wonderful upcoming school year. Only a couple more days left of summer for both of us! Where did the summer go?

Sockapalooza Socks Have Arrived!!!!!!

Last Saturday I arrived home from work to find a "Sorry, we've missed you" card from the Post Office and of course they said I couldn't pick up the package until Monday after 9. Well, of course I have to be at work by 9 and didn't get home until after 5. But then on Monday afternoon I found out that I had ANOTHER package. Two packages! I just went to the P.O. and picked up my two packages. I decided that I was going to open one today and one tomorrow. I opened the one that arrived on Saturday and they were my Socks from my dear Sockapalooza pal Protagitron. The pattern is Brigit and they are beautiful.


I waited until my hubby came home from work to open the package and he grabbed them out of my hand and immediately put them on (luckily they are too snug). He was saying over and over "these are some socks". I have them on right now as I type this despite the fact it's about 80 degrees. I can't thank you enough for the most amazing socks. They are so soft and comfy and fit perfectly. Check out these cables!


The yarn is Colinette Jitterbug. The colorway is Velvet Damson or as I shall rename them Velvet Dream! Thanks again Martha!

I know the anticipation is probably going to kill me but I am going to wait until the morning to open the other package. Jeez, it feels like Christmas!

Saco Summer '07

Well here are a couple of pictures from our recent trip to the Saco River in Fryeburg, ME. We had such a great time camping, drinking, swimming, and canoeing. We will definitely be back next year!

Captain Tucket on the lookout!


Two days and no shower.


Just a pretty pic of the Saco.


Peter paddling away.


Police boats in the water. Quick, hide the beers!

On another note...
I finished my Indigo Ripples Skirt. I love it. Very flattering and comfy.


I told Pete to take some pictures with my feet in them so this is the photo I got. Some photographer! He thinks he is the next Ansel Adams.

3 rows left and I ran out of yarn

I have no pictures (except the one I shot with my camera) because I have used all the batteries in every remote in my house that uses AA and my new camera batteries went dead over the weekend. I have lots of great Saco River pictures and a few knitting pictures. But none of the completed Indigo Ripples Skirt because I ran out of yarn with 3, YES 3 ROWS LEFT! Luckily for me the yarn store Wild and Woolly has my dye lot and will hold 1 skein for me until Friday (the only chance I have to get to Lexington). So I wove in all my ends and I am going out today to buy new yarn for the Tangled Yoke Cardigan I am going to make it in exactly the same color as on the model. I am so excited. I have put my Mystery Stole on hold because...well just because. It was hurting my head and it is hard to knit while doing anything like watching t.v. or pretty much anything else. I will work on it but I have become depressed because I am 2 weeks behind in the mystery releases and will never catch up. I also saw the YarnHarlot last week. Lots of fun. I met a great crocheter Gina and laughed like crazy.

Sockapalooza Socks x 2

So the socks were finished for my pal a few weeks ago when I saw on her blog that she is going to be a grandmother. So of course I had to knit a matching pair for the wee one especially when I found out it was going to be a girl. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Amythyst Stripe.



I am mailing them both tomorrow with some extra goodies. Their destination is approximately 90 miles from my house. I was going to mail them on Friday since I will be in the same state as my swap pal but I want to know for sure that they are on their way and I won't be worried about them during my trip. I hope my pal and her new graddaughter like them!

My International Tote Exchange bag has arrived!

I came home from work yesterday and had a "sorry we missed you" card from the post office. I raced over to the post office but my mailperson was still on route with my package. I sat in the parking lot for a few minutes watching the other mailpeople return to the p.o. since it was close to 5 but no luck. On the way home I made my husband ask every lettercarrier we saw if their route was on my street but they said no and my letter carrier was still in the truck somewhere. So I woke up super early this morning and went straight to the p.o. and claimed my amazing, terrific, super clever, beautiful tote. My spoiler was Mikey and she sent me the most wonderful goodies and tote. I was so impressed with my tote. It is lined beautifully, has the neatest silver feet at the bottom to help with standing up, silver beads, and the pattern is exquisite. I can't wait to take it out and give it a tour of Boston! She also included so many great goodies. There was a cute pin with beads, a silver pin with sewing accessories attached! A magnetic bookmark-going straight into the book that I am reading right now, A North Dakota mug and blueberry coffee, a cute little lamb, a Needle Felting tool with roving ( I can't wait to try it!) Some really pretty ribbon-like red yarn, stitch markers, a cute silver and red bracelet that matches my bag, a candle that I can't seem to take my nose away from (it smells like one of theose fancy raspberry and chocolate desserts) and a knitting book of simple sweaters. The one on the cover is calling my name! Wow! I was so spoiled. This has been such a fun exchange. Thank you, thank you, thank you Mikey! You are such a talented knitter and so sweet.


I have also been working dilligently on my Indigo Ripples Skirt in Rowan Denim. I have completed the stockinette portion and about to start the lace today. I hoped to finish it today but I don't think I will be able to. I have about a million things to do before I go to work tonight.

Sockapalooza Socks are Finished

After three different attempts with different yarns and patterns I have finally finished my Sockapaloozasocks. I used the Fools Rush Sock pattern. I was really worried that the second one might pool but the stripes almost match perfectly. The only real difference is that one has a pale purple toe and the other has a dark purple toe. I think it's really cute though.


Lorna's Laces Amethyst Stripe
Size 1
1.5 skeins

I also started this sock. It has the same lace cuff but since the colors were so busy I decided to just have a stockinette stitch. The yarn is from Sunshine Yarns. Colorway-I forget.
I think it looks a bit like a melting Watermelon Roll from Friendly's. I need to google a pretty heel design.


I like this yarn but still love the feel of Lorna's Laces the best. It is so soft and feels so nice when knitting.
I will definitely be using Sunshine Yarns again in the future!

Well...Since I know you're looking!

Well, well, well. So you found my blog well here are some photo's for you. No knitting pictures today (although I did finish my Sockapalooza 4 socks last night!) The pictures were taken a few months ago in Boston with my husband and brother-in-law. We were out in Cambridge "having the craic".

Hubby and brother-in-law sending txt messages to each other in the bar. Or at least that is what they told me they were doing. Hmmm.

Brother-in-law and I taking pictures on the T.

Lost?

Sligo in Somerville.

The mystery is growing

I have completed Chart A and B. When I snapped these photos I realized that I made an error back on line 70 but there is no way I am frogging back! It isn't that noticable and in the whole scheme of things who cares. I can't believe I haven't thrown this stole in the back of the closet and pretended that it never existed. I am really starting to enjoy knitting lace and I can't wait to start the Swallowtail shawl. I might even add beads to it. Beading is not as scary as I thought. I was so afraid to pick up the crochet hook but it feels ok. Here is a close up of the lace.

And here is a picture of the first 100 rows. I haven't a clue as to what this is going to look like when complete.

Not much else going on in my life right now. DH and I went to my parents house for the weekend and went boating, tubing and swimming. I get so sick of living in the city sometimes. I have a cute backyard and deck which is VERY rare in Boston but there is nothing like living in the country and on a lake. I would love to go swimming right now. I personally WILL NOTgo swimming in Carson beach down the street from my house. SCARY, very scary. Swimming in Boston Harbor. Yuck. The air here is oppressive today. They are forcasting t-storms but are not sure when???? Crazy weatherpeople. Anyways enough rambling. Off to work on my Sockapalooza socks.

Mystery Stole 3

Well I have put all projects on hold because of this crazy, but lovely stole. I saw a bunch of people working on it on Ravelry and then on the Yarn Harlot's blog and I decided to take the plunge. Here is a horrible picture taken of Part One Chart A. I am in LOVE!

I know the picture is crap but it's the best I can do this late at night with my husband's phone. My phone is even worse for pictures. This is a fantastic pattern. This is my first stole. I have knit other lace patterns but nothing like this. I am hooked. Can't wait to start Chart B. Well off to bed.

Projects

Here are a few updates on projects I have been working on or have completed.
WIP Indigo Ripples Skirt
Rowan Denim-Nashville



WIP Fools Rush Socks for Sockapalooza pal
Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock-Amethyst Stripe


FO Denmark Socks Knitting on the Road
Koigu-Burgandy


FO Central Park Hoodie


FO Hourglass Sweater
Noro Cash Iroha


FO Jacket with Seed Stitch Bands
Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

Ravelry

I got my invite! Yippee! I was on there all night. I love it. I have all my latest projects updated. Lots of pictures will be taken tomorrow. I will add the pic's to my blog also. Lots of FO's that I have never snapped pictures of because...well...I don't know why. Ravelry is better than sliced bread. I cn't get over how organized it is and it even finds people you have projects in common with. No more googling projects for me.

Updates:
Fools Rush Socks for Sockapalooza Pal (who is on Ravelry too) 70% done
Indigo Ripples Skirt 10% done
Swallowtail Shawl 100% done in my mind/0% done in reality

Lots of knitting not enough blogging

I am participating in the second round of the Dishcloth Swap and I can't wait to start knitting dishcloths again. I had a lot of fun in the last swap and received lots of goodies from my pal. Thanks again Abigail!

Do you knit, or crochet, or do both? How long have you been knitting\crocheting? I have been knitting since I was 7.
Have you knit dishcloths or dishtowels before? Yup...Lots of them!
What are your favorite cotton yarns? Is there a cotton or linen you’ve been dying to try but have not? Any cotton yarns will do.
Are there any cotton yarns you don’t enjoy knitting with? On my needles right now is Rowan Cotton Denim for the Indigo Skirt and I am hating how it is dying my fingers.
What type of needle do you prefer using? (Metal/Wood/Plastic) Prefer bamboo for socks and addi's for sweaters.
What other projects do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? Socks, sweaters, hats, mittens
Do you have other hobbies or enjoy other kinds of crafting? scrapbooking when I have time and photography.
What kind of treats do you like? Chocolate? Candies? Nuts? I love toblerone!
What colors are your kitchen and bath decorated in, if any? My kitchen and bath are painted in jewel colors.
What are your favorite colors and what colors do you dislike? This summer I am really into bright colors. I am a bit tired of jewel tones-since that is what is on my needles. Burgandy, amathyst, and dark blue. I would LOVE something bold and colorful.
Do you drink coffee? Tea? Other beverages? I drink coffee and Irish tea.
Do you have any kids (human or pet variety!)? I have a black Pomeranian named "tucket". No kids yet.
Do you have any allergies? No allergies.
Please share 3 tidbits about yourself that you think your pal and other swappers might find odd or interesting.
My husband is Irish and has a brogue.
I use my china dishes and silver silverware everyday. I know it should only be saved for special occasions but I just love how pretty it is on the table.
I changed careers 5 years ago (graphic designer to teacher) and it was the best decision I have ever made.

100 things about me

I have seen this on numerous blogs and I always find it fascinating.
1.I have taught kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade.
2.I am a Reading Specialist and have taught grades K through 5.
3. I am going to teach 3rd grade in the fall.
4. I was a graphic designer for 3 years.
5. I played field hockey in college and high school.
6. I studied abroad in London my junior year in college.
7. I worked at Premier Magazine across from the Foster's sign in Piccadilly.
8. I have travelled to France, Spain, Belgium, and Ireland.
9. My husband is from a really small town in Ireland.
10. I have never met my father in law in Ireland.
11. I was born on St. Nicholas Day.
12. I love basil and mozzarella sandwiches.
13. I learned to knit when I was 7 by a neighbor on Cape Cod. I made a scarf. Typical.
14. I have spent every summer of my life on Cape Cod.
15. My best memory of the Cape was taking walks on the beach at 6 in the morning with my dad and brother. Eating chocolate donuts and chocolate milk.
16. I have a little brother that is a somewhat famous artist in New York.
17. My brother was on MTV a few weeks ago for an art contest.
18. My husband and I got engaged after being together for two weeks. Crazy I know but it worked for us.
19. On some important documents my name is Jill-Ann and some first name Jill middle name Ann
20. I love summer vacation.
21. I love working 185 days a year.
22. I won a fishing derby when I was young.
23. I tried out for tennis in high school and I didn't make the team.
24. I went to Catholic School for 12 years. Torture!
25. I burned my uniform on the last day of school.
26. I live in Juicy Couture sweatsuits.
27. I dyed my hair dark brown for a change last year after being blond my whole life.
28. My confirmation name is Naomi.
29. My initials before I was married were JANE now they are JANB.
30. I had a serious crush growing up on Mark Walburg. I live right near the house he grew up in.
31. Bobby Brown went to the school I currently teach at.
32. I went on a cruise once and will NEVER go again. I was soooo sick.
33. My mom is one of my best friends.
34. I have made about 20 open Nantucket baskets and 4 Nantucket basket purses.
35. I collect jadeite.
36. I have china for 18.
37. My favorite color is blue.
38. I love sailing.
39. I wish I didn't enjoy candy as much as I do.
40. My favorite summer foods are steamers, lobster and oysters.
41. My favorite winter foods are stews, corned beef and cabbage, and lasagna.
42. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.
43. Last year I dressed up as Little Miss Muffet.
44. I own a tee shirt that says "Free Paris"
45. Provincetown is one of my favorite places to shop. Great jeans, Juicy, shoes, etc.
46. I was married in a chapel in Vegas. Elvis was not there!
47. My husband's family flew from Ireland to Las Vegas for our wedding.
48. I love living near the ocean.
49. My school has an ocean view. (only in the winter)
50. I drive a jeep. I love Jeeps.
51. I love Magners Cider in a pint glass with ice.
52. My first job was on a farm picking strawberries. I earned $100 and have never come close to working as hard as on the farm in my whole life.
53. I scooped ice cream on the cape.
54. I worked at Christine's waittressing. "Oh what a night as Christine's" It is closed.
55. I won a dance contest at Jason's in Dennisport.
56. I had a fake ID from Connecticut until I turned 21.
57. I love Irish chocolate. Roses, Buttons, etc.
58. I try really hard to restrain from biting my nails.
59. I hate to write and clam up whenever asked to write something. Hopefully this blog will help me.
60. I live in "Southie"
61. I love Ireland and hope to live in a little cottage by the sea when I am old.
62. I am a nervous wreck about traveling to Ireland and meeting all of my husband's childhood friends.
63. I am going to Turks and Cacaos for Christmas this year.
64. Knitting relaxes me.
65. I always order a medium regular from Dunkin Donuts.
66. I love to cook. especially soups.
67. I enrolled in a Master's degree program during one of the worst times in my life and it was one of the best things I have ever done.
68. My best friend was in the Miss America pageant. I was always so envious. She is now a reported on tv.
69. I didn't really want to be a teacher when I was little. I wanted to be an art director.
70. I was a vegetarian for 2 years. I fell off the wagon on Thanksgiving. Turkey is so yummy.
71. I love the Red Sox.
72. I despise the Yankee's
73. I can't sleep with any lights on.
74. I would love to move to the west coast someday.
75. I am always get nervous when I visit a new yarn shop for the first time.
76. I tried snowboarding and determined that I am a failure.
77. I hate spinach and zucchini.
78. I used to love going to summer camp as a kid.
79. I went to one in New Hampshire and Cape Cod.
80. I have a shell necklace made by someone on Niihau, an island off the coast of Kauai.
81. My wedding band is the russian wedding band from Cartier. My husband has the same one.
82. I read the Yarn Harlot regularly.
83. I met the Yarn Harlot once in Grafton, MA.
84. I have 5 LYS that I frequent. They are all less than 10 miles from my house.
85. I have gone skiing in Canada and almost every mountain in New England.
86. I taught skiing lessons in high school.
87. I pieced a quilt by hand but haven't finished quilting the top.
88. I love swimming in the ocean.
89. I got the chicken pox in 8th grade.
90. My husband has the most adorable irish brogue.
91. I slept with two snoopies for my whole life.
92. I have the cutest black pomerianian named "tucket"
93. I want another dog and I will name it "vegas" or "vineyard"
95. My dog has been with me during the hardest years of my adult life.
96. At one point in my life I moved 6 times in two years.
97. I love where I live now and finally feel settled.
98. I am so blessed that my parents have always been there for me and supported me through all of the adversity I have faced in my young adult life.
99. I can't wait to be a mom. Maybe sometime in the next year or two.
100. I don't know what I would have done without knitting. I probably wouldn't have any fingernails left.

From this...to this!

Here is my felted entrelac tote before taking a dip in Mr. Washy.


And here it is after the quick dip.

The pictures were taken in two totally different settings with different cameras so the colors do seem a bit different. I will take a better one later with the same camera as the first picture later today. I love how the bag turned out. I brought it to school today to show it off to some of my students for "show and tell". They were impressed...I hope my tote exchange pal is too. Only one more half day of school left and I'm off for the summer. Bring on the knitting.

If my pal doesn't like it as a tote she can always wear it as a hat on a bad hair day! The model is a fellow teacher who secretly wants to be a reggae singer.

Update- I am not planning to line this tote because the inside is so pretty. It looks just as nice as the outside. This pattern was SOOOO easy to follow and so quick to knit.
Start date: June 10
Felt date: June 17
Dry: June 18

The dishcloths have arrived!

I came home from work last night and my dishcloth package was in the mailbox! I was so excited. I have been somewhat patiently waiting and checking the mail every day. When I opened it up I was so surprised not only had my pal knit me a dishcloth but two dishcloths and a little scrubbie. The best part about this....she designed the patterns herself. It took me a few minutes to discover her true identity. I found you! Thank you so much abigail. The dishcloths are the perfect color and they match my kitchen perfectly. My husband was looking at them and going on and on about how clever the little tribbles were. Abigail also made me a Pinwheel dishcloth and a 4Corners dishcloth. She included the patterns with my dishcloths and some yummy soap. I can't wait to try out a tribble! Abigail- thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a VERY talented knitter! I hope you don't mind that I am using your fantastic photo. I would LOVE to be in Arizona right now.

I am such a lucky dishclothexchange recipient. I can't wait for the next round! Thanks again Abigail!

A few wedding pictures and yarn updates

Well I have a few updates. I made this yesterday. It is for my Dishcloth swap pal. I finished it to today at lunch but it still needs to be blocked. I am sending out my package tomorrow. I hope she likes all the goodies I have collected. I still need to buy some chocolate and Boston Baked Beans candies. She does not live anywhere near Boston so I thought it might be a clever addition. It was a really fun pattern and I will definitely be making more in the future. When I came home from work my knitpicks yarn was waiting for me. Yippee! My hubby and one of his friends debated on opening the package but when they read the label they realized it was yarn and decided against it. Good choice. Here is another terrible camera phone picture of the yarn. It looks much better in person.
I can't wait to start knitting. I am definitely putting this bag on a list of totes for me.

Here are a few wedding pictures taken at our reception by one of the hotel photographers. They were taken at the Wynn in Las Vegas.

I have been married for 8 months and one day today!

I have the perfect second dishcloth for my pal. Here it is. It comes from knitlist. I have some great yellow yarn. I am going to make it tonight. My dishcloth pal is going to be so spoiled.