Tuesday, July 31, 2007

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.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

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!

Monday, July 16, 2007

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.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

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.

Friday, July 6, 2007

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

Thursday, July 5, 2007

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.