two sticks and yarn

Haven't posted in a while...

2007-10-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

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

My Dishcloth Goodies Are Here!!!!!!

2007-08-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!

2007-08-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-07-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-07-16T04:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-05T04:18:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-06-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-06-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-06-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-06-06T06:10:00.001-07:00

twosticksandyarn --
[noun]:

A brand of soylent green breakfast cereal

'How" will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Juicy Sweatsuit and PATIENCE

2007-06-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well... haven't posted in a while. Haven't been knitting all that much either. I have completed my dishcloth and bought goodies for my pal! Going to mail my package this week. I hope my pal likes the dishcloth and goodies. The gorgeous yarn I bought for my sock pal became very tangled and I had to spend nearly three nights untangling it. I think I need an award for patience. After I finished I celebrated with a glass of wine. I am going cast on this evening on my socks. I also ordered the most gorgeous yarn and pattern for my International Tote pal. This is the bag I am making. I totally want one for myself. I found the pattern here. As for the weekend I had a great time. My hubby, one of our close friends and I went to Cape Cod. The weather was not the greatest so we drove down to P-town to shop. I bought the cutest Juicy sweatsuit and flip flops. It's called Grace Kelly and it is Kelly green.

Well I was tagged by Shannon for the seven things "meme" so here goes.
1. My favorite food of all time is/are nachos. I could eat them every day for the rest of my life. I like them covered with everything. Every time I go out I want to order them. I really try to limit myself but it is tough.

2. I love going to the Red Sox sneaking up to the seats right behind 1st base. I know it's wrong but it is so much fun. I have had legitimate tickets in that section but think it's more fun to sneak up there.

3. I want to move away from Boston sometime in the next 2 years. Possibly to California.

4. I played field hockey for 7 years (high school through college) and quit my senior year of college. I regret it to this day.

5. I married my husband in Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. It was the absolute best wedding. There were only 12 people present and it was perfect. We are going to Turks and Cacaos on our honeymoon this Christmas.

6. Summer vacation is one of the best things about my profession. I know people may think that that is a horrible thing to say but seriously if I had to teach for more than 185 days I might have to retire 22.5 years early.

7. If I could I would wear sweatsuits from Juicy Couture every day of my life. They are comfy and sexy. What more could a girl ask for.

The rules, copy/pasted from my tagger's blog:"Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write on their own blog those 7 facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog."

Yarn Shopping

2007-05-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to my LYS a good yarn and bought the most
beautiful yarn for my sockapaloozafour sock pal. I am so excited.
The yarn doesn't look as good in the picture as it does in real life
but then again I only snapped the picture with a cell phone.
It is Anne Schaffer colorway unknown I think it's one of a kind.

I hope she likes it. I am going to knit a pattern from
Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush. I have knit two pairs of
socks from that book and absolutely love it.

I also bought these for my dishcloth exchange pal.

Haven't decided yet which
one to use or the pattern.

I really, really want to make this Indigo Ripples Skirt and join this KAL indigorippleskal. The yarn store only had 4 balls of the Rowan I wanted so I guess I will have to wait.

Dishcloth Contest

2007-05-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Chan, from my dishclothexchange swap, asked us to answer a
few questions for a contest. Here are my answers.

What gives you hope? I am a teacher so when the kids "finally get it"
and feel good about themselves I feel hope. My husband is also a
huge inspiration to me. He is very supportive of my many hobbies
and I don't know what I would do without him.

How do you recharge and get energized when you're feeling drained?
Almost everyday after school I work on one of my ongoing WIP.
That usually calms me down. If it’s an especially draining day I
buy an iced coffee or Richie’s Slush on my way home.

What is your favorite summer adventure, whether it's a memory
or an item on your agenda for this year or both? This question is
really tough because I can't think of one summer that really stands out.
My summers have always been fun. My parents own a house on
Cape Cod right near the beach and I have spent my summers sailing,
swimming, working, etc there. I scooped ice cream
(favorite flavor-cotton candy), worked in a candy shop
(favorite candy-swedish fish), worked in a bicycle rental shop,
bussed tables, and waitressed. Cape Cod is one of my all-time favorite places.
It also has a couple great yarn stores such as ladybugknitting ,
adventuresinknitting and Sheep to Shore on Nantucket.

Finished Mitten

2007-05-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Last week I finished one of my Aran Island Mittens. I haven't
started the second one yet because... well...I can't stand the needles.
I was using size 1 metal needles and they were so slippery and
hurt my hands. Hopefully this week I will get some bamboo size 1's.
I keep breaking the size 1 bamboo ones. I love how the first mitten
came out. However, I definitely had to pay attention to the chart at all times.

My dishcloth swap pal recommended a new pattern for a dishcloth at this
great site here and I may work on it tonight. Thanks spyarn! My brother-in-law
is flying over for a few days and I'd love to send a few dishcloths home
to my mother-in-law in Ireland. Since dishcloths are my new obsession.

Here is an arial photo of my husband's hometown in Ireland. It's about
40 miles north of Dublin in Co. Louth. I haven't been there yet but
we might be going there this fall.

Dishcloths!

2007-05-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

On Friday after work I decided the perfect mother's day gifts
would be dishcloths and soap. I had some pink/salmon colored
cotton yarn in my stash so I made these for mom.

Travelling Vine Cloth

Bonbons-et-Calissons

Both patterns were from here smariek. I love her dishcloth patterns!
I really enjoyed making these. The patterns were easy to
follow and knit up quickly. I think I'm obsessed with dishcloths.
I can't wait to make more. They are so fast and can be completed in a few hours!

I gave them to my mom yesterday and she loved them!

Top 10

2007-05-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

Top 10 things I am looking forward to most about the summer

10. Daylight that lasts and lasts
9. The beaches on Cape Cod
8. Sailing on the Charles
7. Cold Stone Creamery on a hot day
6. Kniting socks for my sock pal
5. Reading books
4. Sitting on my back deck with my DH and cold drinks
3. Lobster and Steamers
2. Ireland?
1. Not having to get up for work until September

Finally some pictures

2007-05-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

These are only with my phone so the quality isn't the greatest.
Nantucket Jacket and Aran Island Mittens. I love the bobbles in the mittens.
So much fun!

New Design

2007-05-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. I searched and searched and with my limited design
and computer skills I found a template that I really liked. I was
having a difficult time finding a template that blogger would allow.
Goldfish are fun. And I don't have to feed them! No tragic deaths!

On the needles:
Nantucket jacket 25% complete
Aran Island Mittens 20% complete
Shamrock dishcloth 100% done and already used by DH
Garterlac Dishcloth 0% complete hopefully 100% complete tonite!!!

Dishcloth Swap

2007-04-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

I just joined a new swap. I am so excited. I do not have any dishcloths
and can't wait to make one for my pal. We filled out a questionare and
here are my answers.

When did you learn to knit? Who taught you?I learned to knit when I
was 7 by my next door neighbor on Cape Cod.
What was your very first completed object? A blue and pink
stockinette scarf. I was so mad that it kept curling that I tried to
iron it flat. I quit knitting after that for a few years because of
the curling catastrophe.
Your most recent? The Central Park Hoodie. I wear it all the time!
What was the very first thing you sent to the frog pond?
(pulled out and started over) Socks
Your most recent? The Aran Island Mittens (Folk Mittens).
I just started them last week and I had a bit of trouble with the
design in the tree of life pattern.
What is currently on the needles for you? Aran Island Mittens and
theNantucket Jacket (Interweave Knits)What types of needles
do you enjoy working with? I love Addi turbo's and bamboo.
What have you tried and hated? The long pink metal ones
I used to knit my first scarf. YUCK!
Have you knit dishcloths before? No but I can't wait!
What was your favorite one? The one I will be making for my pal.
Do you use homemade dishcloths or face cloths yourself, or give
them as gifts, or both? I do not have any dishcloths.
What are your favorite and least favorite scents?
(For your body, such as soap/lotion/etc) Lavender or Lily of the Valley.
What are your favorite colors? Any Jewel colors.
What colors (if any) are your bathroom and kitchen decorated in?
Jewel colors. Dark green, burgandy, deep
blue.
What other hobbies and crafts do you enjoy? Reading,
making nantucket baskets and embroidering pillow cases.
Chocolate: Dark? White? Milk? Ew? Milk Chocolate
Do you like salty treats? What kinds? Not Really. Does salt
water taffy count?
If you could go anywhere in the world for one day and spend
the day any way you wanted, where would you go and what
would you do? I would first travel to Ireland to visit my in-laws.
Then my husband and Iwould go backpacking through Europe and Asia.
After that we would head down to Australia, New Zealand and finally Tahiti.
Do you have any allergies?
No allergies.

Spring is finally here!

2007-04-26T05:52:00.001-07:00

On my needles now... Nantucket sweater and Aran Island Mittens.

Hourglass Sweater

2007-03-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Still working on my hourglass sweater but in the meantime
I have made two hats, a baby sweater and started a pair of mittens.
It is very cold here in Boston.

Central Park Hoodie

2007-02-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

Well I don't have any pictures to show but I finally finished my CPH.
Record time too. Started Dec. 26, 06 finished Jan 25, 2007.
Currently working on the Hourglass Sweater. Yeah I know
everyone made one years ago but I am getting around to knitting it!
I'm using Noro Cash Iroha. I really like this yarn.
Well off to wake up the hubby and pick my parents up at the airport.

First timer!

2006-12-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is my first post on my new site. Took me a while.
Instead of casually snooping and being insanely jealous of
everyone elses blog I finally have my own. Yippee!