Knitting mom of a SID child

Some great deals

2011-05-26T19:20:00.003-05:00

Aaron and I decided to take a stroll through Lowe's today to look for some new wheel barrel handles that needed to be replaced and while he was doing that I decided to roam the store. Oh I am so glad that I did because this is what I found.

We looked at the fridge at another store and was quoted $2700. and this one we got for $1688. I can not believe the great deal we got.

We also found a beautiful wool rug that used to be $350.00 for $160. It was a very great day for me finding these two great deals. Now maybe I will get new counter tops and kitchen sink and faucet.

Spring has sprung and change is in the air!

2011-05-21T19:46:00.002-05:00

The season of unsettledness is upon us. One day we have 90 degree weather and the next day it's in the 50's, it rains or the wind is blowing wildly and you never know if that thunderstorm will produce something bad. Well, this is how it's been for me the last month. Many changes have happened, some of them good and some of them very disheartening and having you question your every thought ,action and who you allow to be part of your life. Over the past couple of years I have helped new knitters challenged themselves, grow and give them lots of encouragement only to have some people who I thought were my friends throw me out for there own personal gain. No, I will not mention names nor will I give details for I just need to put this all behind me so that I can once again attempt to have confidence in myself.

So, with that said there needs to be some changes made in my life and unfortunately some of you will not be happy with my decision to no longer offer the Block of the month club. I want you all to know that it was super fun and I will miss having my girls night out.

So other changes are that we will be moving sometime this fall and the other house needs a ton of work before we will move in. Take a look at this kitchen..........

Yes, that is all the renters clutter. I will be paining the cabinets inside and out as well as the walls. The flooring is carpet so that has to pulled up and vinyl put down.

Here is the other side of the kitchen.

This next picture is of the basement wall that needs to be removed and replaced before we can move in.

That is just a little bit of the work that needs to be done.

So what else is going on..... we have a Baptism on Sunday for Aaron's Godson and the next Sunday a wedding for Aaron's 1st Cousin in Ames. after that it's school out for the summer and work , work, work.

As always happy knitting.

52PP IV

2010-06-19T18:20:00.003-05:00

I have officially decided to do the 52 Pair plunge 4 this year. It started on June 1st and I'm sad to say that I have yet to make a pair of socks. Why you ask is that? Well, I've been a little busy this month. I had a wedding last weekend and tons of family in town and lots of gatherings and on top of that I started a new job on the 7th as well. So with the new job consuming all of my time and it being summer and the kids are home all day driving me crazy I have my work cut out for me.

But, on the good side I have babies that I can knit socks for that are due this winter so that will help me get to my 52 pairs.

So with that said I did cast on a sock today. I started Wendy Johnson's Diagonal Lace socks which is also the pattern for the June KAL in the group Socks from the toe up KAL on Ravely.

Fontana

2010-05-01T10:06:00.001-05:00

IMG_2096
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

This is a test knit pattern that will be available I do believe in the middle of May. It's very simple and beautiful and works up quickly on size 7 needles.

Some very weedy Pea's

2010-05-01T09:58:00.005-05:00

IMG_2095
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Strawberries

2010-05-01T09:58:00.003-05:00

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Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

and now look like this

Stawberry roots

2010-05-01T09:58:00.001-05:00

IMG_2093
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

They all started like this

Strawberry garden

2010-05-01T09:57:00.003-05:00

IMG_2084
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

garden

2010-05-01T09:57:00.001-05:00

IMG_2079
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

cabbage

Garden's

2010-05-01T09:56:00.001-05:00

IMG_2078
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Here's the onions, cabbage, broccoli, beets, spinach, lettuce and radishes.

more peppers and tomoato's

2010-05-01T09:55:00.001-05:00

IMG_2077
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Peppers and Tomato's

2010-05-01T09:54:00.001-05:00

IMG_2076
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Wow, it's getting to be that time of the year again where it's time to plant a garden here's this years peppers and tomoatoes.

OMG! Look at what the UPS man brought me today.

2010-04-09T12:32:00.004-05:00

The bag on the far left and center are the following two wools.

The Third bag on the couch (far right) is a mystery wool that I had purchased from a lady on Ebay and it really turned out to be a nice fiber. There is 10.96 pounds of Fiber between these three bags.

Now this picture below is of my cormo that I have yet to receive as well as a metric tone of alpaca and my BFL.

I can't wait to get the rest in and play with it all. Now I just have to figure out where to put it until I get a chance to spin, spin, spin, spin, spin, spin, spin, spin, and spin some more. I think.. wait, I know I have more than enough fiber to keep me busy for a very long time.

If you have questions please don't be afraid to ask.

A trip to the toy store

2010-03-15T12:53:00.004-05:00

Today I decided to take Trinity to Toys R Us to use her $25.00 Gift Certificate that she got for her birthday. Well here's what we came home with.......

Wow, You would think that would cost a lot of money. Well, take a look at my receipt.

Did you see the total. $1.70!!!! Yes,that is correct. I had a $25.00 gift certificate and a $3.00 off coupon that you get in the mail for having your kids signed up for their Birthday club. And, They had a sale for $20.00 off all Barbie folding scooters. Yes, I paid $.087 and $0.88 for each of the scooters. The tax on it was $1.75.

I don't think that I could have found a better deal anywhere for what I got.

Alpaca farm visit

2009-10-20T13:39:00.002-05:00

Today I went to The Enchanted Alpaca Ranch in Parkersburg Iowa with my friend Lisa. We had a tour of the barn and out to see all the alpaca's and boy she sure did have some really beautiful animals. Then we went to see her studio and look at some fleeces and I have to say that I had a really hard time deciding what I want to buy. So after looking and oogling and much talking I decided to purchase this........

1# 3 oz of Selena's Cria coat. I love this fiber and she had some of the most beautiful fleeces that is was so hard. My availability of money was a determining factor since I spent so much yesterday purchasing a gaming system for the kids for Christmas that I was kind of tapped out. But, now since I know where she is I know that I can always get more when I want.

Now let the spinning begin.....

Broccoli anyone!

2009-10-15T21:54:00.002-05:00

fleece

2009-10-14T18:07:00.005-05:00

I purchased these at the Iowa sheep and wool festival and I just got done messing with the 9# Rambouillet so These two will me my next projects.

A shawl for Autumn

2009-10-13T16:50:00.006-05:00

I finished my Ruffles & Ridges shawl and personally It's to short for my liking as a shawl. So I decided to let my oldest daughter have it.

Here are some pictures of it

I made the larger sized shawl but used size US7 needles. The Yarn is Wollmeise and in the color Spice market.

I'm all warm and fuzzy!

2009-10-12T14:22:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm all warm and fuzzy because of this.......

Lots of soft Rambouillet wool. I had purchased this in June at a wool festival and I have been working on getting it all washed and carded for a very long time and finally it is done. Now I just have to weigh it all and see how much I really have. That will be done on another day.

Back off you bad dog!

2009-10-11T16:40:00.002-05:00

My 4yo who thinks she is a cat is pointing her tail at our german short hair dog that is not pictures and she was yelling " back of you bad dog, I'm a cat and your not going to eat me". I couldn't help but bust out laughing after I got the camera and caught her doing it a second time. This is what I love about being home with my children..... All the weird and fun stuff that come out of there mouths!

Blogtoberfest day 10 Work

2009-10-10T17:44:00.000-05:00

Work, work, work, work, work, work. That's what I do all night long. Work, work, work, until I go home then I get to Play, play, play all day long with my beautiful family. See you latter. I got to go to work.

Blogtoberfest day 9 Time consumer......

2009-10-09T16:33:00.003-05:00

Netflix! is consuming my time today. I finally decided to order it and all I have to say is this..... Why in the world did I not order this sooner.

Pie!

2009-10-08T12:17:00.003-05:00

When it rains I like to bake because it takes the dampness and chill out of the air. So today I decided to make apple pie.

So what is your favorite food to make when it rains?

You know fall is here when.......

2009-10-07T15:02:00.006-05:00

You know fall is here and winter will be quickly approaching when the garden stops producing produce and the dog starts to whine that it's cold out.

There are only a few habanero peppers and Cayenne peppers left in the garden now for everything else has either been blown over or sat on by this beautiful creature.

So in the end I started to do this......

I can only do a little bit at a time because my wrist just rebels and then that takes precious time and strength away to do the things that I really want to do and that is knitting!

so what kind of things do you have to do or want to do before winter comes knocking on our doors??

Day 6 Brrrrrrrr

2009-10-06T17:40:00.005-05:00

This is what today has been like all day. Cloudy, windy, cold and rainy. So what do we like to eat on a day like today?????

Minestrone Soup!

So, what is your favorite cold weather soup or meal??

Blogtoberfest day 5 YAAARRRRRRNNNNN

2009-10-05T12:03:00.009-05:00

It's mail time. This is what I have received from my mailman lately

Top row is Araucania nature wool in color 415
next is Araucania Aysen in color 806
next of the bottom row left is Tempted Luxe grrl in color Foliage and right is Creatively dyed yarn calypso in color seven

So what do I intend to make with all this yarn. Well the nature wool I want to make a simple cardigan for myself, the Aysen I'm not 100% sure what I want to make so does anyone have any suggestions? The Tempted Luxe grrl is going to be a pair of socks adn the creatively dyed yarn may be Damson.

Day 4 Airborn

2009-10-04T12:25:00.001-05:00

Airborn is my youngest daughter. I just have to say that was a really nice day and now that Spring has turned to summer and summer to fall I will miss this come Winter.

Blogtoberfest day 3

2009-10-03T08:26:00.001-05:00

The Socks from the toe up KAL for October is underway and we have some awesome prizes. I decided to cast on the Peace socks first since they will go quickly using sport wt yarn and I have way to many other things going on this month and need a quick pair of socks.
Yarn: Earthly Hues
color: Smoky Rose Quartz
Needles: Crystal palace bamboo circulars using 2
toe: JMCO and I knit it longer than the pattern states to because I don't like my little toe to stick out.
started: Oct. 1st.
Finished: ?????

Blogtoberfest day 2

2009-10-02T06:47:00.001-05:00

Blogtoberfest Post 1

2009-10-01T11:43:00.002-05:00

So what is Blogtoberfest you say???? Well, basically it is a challenge to see if you can post every day in the month of October. So as crazy as I am I decided to join in the fun and give it a try. I guess the worst thing that could happen is that I forget to blog and well then the world will continue to go round and I will just have to stop thinking that I have all the time in the world to do everything that I want to do. So here we go.....

Today on this very Rainy October day I am attempting to get my camera to connect with this lovely iMac that I own. Ever since I added Snow Leopard I have not been able to get my camera to upload pictures so today is the day that I hopefully fix this issue. Thus there will be no picture today. Sorry!

I have also assigned all the prizes for the Socks from the toe up KAL on Ravelry and sent out the notices. So for those of you get me your info so I can send it on.

I really should be doing laundry and cleaning but it always seems that the 1st day of the month lands me in front of the computer for the day and I don't seem to get anything done at all. But, I did get the semi felted roving that Lisa dyed fixed so that is is once again able to be spun. I will take a picture but I will not promise that I can get this dang camera to work. We shall see. Well, off to do the laundry and dishes and knit the test knit patterns that I should be farther along on and, and, and, and ,and, and. Well I guess you'll have to come back tomorrow to see what's new.

Until then, knit on crazy girl... Knit on.

A Fun Freecycle Find (very heavy with pictures)

2009-09-15T10:28:00.041-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I saw a post on my local Freecycle site that a lady was offering a large box of sewing patterns so, being the crafty nut that I am I jump on the change to see what was in the box. Well I have to say that there were many that I will never make, some that are just pure funny to look at and some that are classic treasures that I am proud to have. So.... this posting is very heavy with the pictures to please if you have dial up I'm sorry but this will take forever. So on with the showing of my treasure.

I can now make a vest or several differnt ties for my hubby but the only problem with that is he'll never wear it. People actually made ties???!! Oh yeah, this was made in 1970!

This pattern is for little girls pajamas or nightgown from 1964. I just think there cute as ever.

This one just make me laugh and think of Richard Simmons..... That's all I'm going to say. Take a look.

Little boys jumpers from 1965

Can you say "Hammer time!" 'nuf said!

I'm assuming since I was born in 1973 That I would have worn something along this line as a one year old. Pattern from 1972 and I want a ruffle butt because they are so cute. Ok, maybe not now but when I was little they would have been.

I remember my older sisters wearing tops like these. I do believe my oldest sister wore the ruffled collared one for here senior pictures! Pattern is from 1978

Suit Jackets from 1971 Just makes me laugh just because.

A Miss pajama pattern (oops they called them nightgowns back then) from 1972. Take a look at the blue on.... That style of top is back. I've seen many tops in the store and some knit pattern on Ravelry as well.

Girls pajamas. Pattern copyrighted in 1948!

OMG this next one just makes me bust a gut laughing. Take a look it's from 1975. Who does the one in the solid brown suit remind you of??

Ok, this one will be used lots.

Little girls pattern from 1972. I could see my girls in these with some modifications.

Not sure on the date of this pattern but late 50's into the 60's?? Very functional apron in that time.

No Date on this one but it was only $0.60. They call this a Beach dress.

I really like this skirt and may just make one. Pattern is from 1962.

Here's a classic jacket and skirt style. I can do without the plaid though. From 1976

Bloomers anyone!?? From 1971

Anyone deal with this interesting garment?? Pattern from 1971, I probably wore something like this as well as a baby.

I did this picture as big as I could because I just wanted to show you the style from 1975. Check out those shoes!! Do they remind you of some????

Here is a Cape and Skirt pattern from 1967

And FINALLY a pattern from 1986 God help me if I ever wore anything like this.

Ok, so that's just a small sampling and I know your probably thinking that small is not the word for it but here is a picture of the box and all of the patterns.

I think I have tortured you all for today. Till next time...............

Ruffles & Ridges shawl and Design 11 sweater

2009-09-13T18:35:00.013-05:00

Since I has Friday night off of work I decided that it was time to get a few projects finished so that I can move on to some of the others that I still am working on and possible cast on a new project. So I worked like mad to get the Ruffles & Ridges shawl finished first because it was the easiest to do. I use Wollmeise 80/20 in spice market and only used 1 skein plus maybe 10-20 yards of the second skein I had. I went down to a size 7 US needle instead of the 9 that the pattern called for because I just didn't want this huge shawl and I love the way it turned out. It's just right to keep my arms warm and it is small enough to wear as a scarf in the winter as well. So here is some pictures of my oldest daughter Autumn modeling it for me. Oh, and I'm going to appologize now for the crappy pictures because I had to use my camera on my phone for my digital just doesn't want to upload after I installed snow leopard on my computer. I'll just have to figure it out some time when the kids aren't home.

Now I also finished Autumn's Design 11 sweater out of the Noro Flowers book. The yarn I used was handspun on my Ashford Traveler, The fiber was from Spunky Eclectic Coripaca in colorway Thunderstorm. I actually spun this about 9 months ago and just could not find a project that suited the yarn for it until I saw this book and thought it would be perfect for this yarn. I didn't have enough yarn to make myself a sweater so that's why my very lucky and spoiled 9 year old daughter was the lucky one to get my first handspun yarn for a sweater.

Here are some pictures.

2009-09-08T09:36:00.003-05:00

Wow! It's been a really long time since I had blogged last. It was mostly due to a crazy summer with the kids home and lots of gardening and canning. But, since they are back at school I have actually had more time to knit and I finally got all the pieces to my Noro Flowers Design 11 finished last night and blocked them out this morning so I won't have such a hard time seaming them together. Here they are.......

I still have the front edge to do but I wanted to give the peices a little more form before doing that. Originally this was supposed to be for my daughter but well...... It's going to fit me instead. So, I guess I'll have to let her pick out another pattern that is more her sizing and then off I will go on that one.

The yarn was spun by me and I purchased the roving from Spunky Eclectic. It was some of the last Coripaca that she had available. Colorway is Thunderstorm.

Hopefully I will piece it together tomorrow and have the edging done by Thursday. Well that's my goal anyway but things always seem to change and not go my way such as all the pain that I have been having in my neck, shoulders, hands and wrists. I am blaming it on the 2 car accidents that I was in when I was 10 and 14. I was told last year that I have some significant narrowing and beginning arthritis in my neck and back which does not help the fact that I have several large knots in my trapezius muscles as well and they have been giving me some major fits lately so that's causing most of my pain. Well at least now I can officially say my children are a pain in my neck!!!

Ok so since I canned all this food I had to find a place to put it all..... I thought where in the heck will it fit that is a fairly cool room in the winter (we heat with wood and the house can get darn right hot sometimes) so I found a space in my office/junk room that would work perfectly. I purchased a 48" wide shelving unit and then had to clean out the room. Well at least I can find the floor now but I still have tons of paperwork to go through. The self is also about 6 1/2' or taller. So here is a picture of all the goodies.....

Ok I'll start on the very bottom self... That's all the Bread and butter pickles. Next shelf up is all spicy dill pickles which are my family's favorite. Next shelf up on the left side is all the salsa and the pickles on the right are Kosher dills. The Next shelf up has the following from right to left......... Gooseberry jam, pickles beans in the following flavors.. dill, sweet and tangy, spicy and mustard,pickled beets are next and then the sweet pickle relish.

That was a lot of work and I am pleased to see that I still have the very top shelf to put some stuff on for storage but you can't see that in the picture. Well that's enough for today and hopefully I will be more of a regular blogger now.

A little bit of yard work and some gardening!

2009-05-06T08:57:00.006-05:00

It's that time of the year when I go through the yard with my hubby and tell him all the stuff I want done. This year it's cutting down two dead pine trees. Here is a picture of the second one that we just pushed over because it didn't want to go in the right direction not to mention that being the stubborn tree that it was tried to eat the chain saw as well.

But that is not all that I have been working on. I decided that this year I was going to can, pickle and store whatever vegetables that I can because food is just way to damn expensive and I am a cheep ass that would rather work for a lot of food than go buy a little bit of food.

So, here are some pictures of two gardens all on our .6 acre property.

The picture above is one of the two gardens so far. Here I have planted 34 tomatoe plants. 8 Big boys and 4 cherry tomato plants for us to eat. 24 Roma and la roma tomato for canning and making salsa, 8 rows of green and yellow wax beans, 2 rows of beets, a 3sq ft section of dill, and 4 rows of lettuce. This section is about 1100 sq ft.

The picture above is another section of garden that is about 500sq ft and has 4 rows of onions, 4 rows of various peppers from habinero's to sweet bells, 4 broccoli plants and some lettuce.

The above pic is of the section of our property that is going to have my cuccumbers that hopefully by the end of today will be tilled and planted. We'll have to see if the weather continues to cooperate with us.

I also have long neck yellow squash, zucchini and sweet potatoes that will have to go somewhere as well but that will have to wait just a little bit because the tree has to get all cut up and then inbetween the tree stumps will be where these go. But I still have my mom's garden to plant and I may take some of these out to here place to plant. I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do.

Well, that's what I have been doing since Monday morning and I have to say that my hands are killing me and I just want a magic wand to magically make it all happen and to kill all the potential weeds that may think they have to grow in my garden.

No off to do some laundry.

Socks, socks and more about socks

2009-04-21T11:15:00.007-05:00

Well, It's been a long time since my last post but I just had to take time out today and post because there are lots of things that are going on in the sock knitting world for me that I need to share so here we go.

First, There is sock madness 3. I finished round two and here is my finished pair of socks

The round 3 pattern just came out yesteday and well it's a cable patten so I have to say there is no way that I will finish that in time to go on to round 4. (There are many reasons for this that I will get to in a bit.... Keep reading)

second, I have failed, yes, failed at the 52 pair plunge challenge on Ravelry. I got very distracted with with the June 08 flooding and all the clean up, then there was the canning of all the salsa and apples that fall, then the Christas knitting started and well then the first of the year I decided to spin like a crazy maniac. So all of the sudden it's the middle-end of April and I have only done 11 pair. Even if I only knit baby socks I will not make it.

Third and the most exciting............

Wendy Johnson's new sock book calles Socks from the Toe up arrived in my mailbox this last Thursday and I love every single pattern in the book and want to knit them all. So what do I do? I go to Ravelry and see if there is a group started for the book.... I'm looking and looking and looookkkkinng and I don't see one. So, thus I the crazy knitter that I am started the group Socks from the toe up KAL

I have been busy a heck sending out letters for donations and or sponsors for the KAL. It starts on June 1st and will go for 23 months (because there are 23 patterns in the book). So far there are 8 full sponsors and several other indy companies donating prizes. Thank you to all of you for the donaiton.

So go check it out because I have to get back to organizing all the prizes

Rainbow and mail call

2009-03-27T11:05:00.011-05:00

This picture is the result of lots of rain, wind and gloom on Monday and this was the end result on Tuesday when it finally decided to be nice. It was the most pretty thing I have seen so far this Spring. Yes, it is Spring and this weekend we are going to get another snow storm. I guess that Queen Spring forgot to tell King Winter that he was FIRED. Well this is what we get for living in Iowa.

Ok That's the Rainbow so now to the Mail Call.

I placed an order with Carol at the Sheep Shed Studio in WY because she got this huge 600 pound bale of fiber from the Brown Sheep Company and then sells the fiber to all us crazed spinners in the world. I have heard many great things about this Big Bale sale before and I just had to see what all the hype was about so I place an order for 10 pounds of Big Bale Sale roving and 1 pound of nylon because I had heard that there was some superwash in there and then I could get out my Louet junior carder and make up some sock batts to spin for sock yarn. So it finally arived yesterday by my very pregnant mail lady and I went out to get it from her and she said,"what the heck do you have in these boxes, this is the 3rd one this month?" I explained that I spin and knit and she just didn't get it. Oh well, Soooooo you'r probably wanting to see what the heck was in the package. Ok, I suppose I'll so you but first I had to organize it by putting all the like colored rovings together.

Pictures.......... Are you ready?????

Are you Sure your ready???????

OK, OK, I'll stop messing with you all here they are....

Sorry for the picture being upside down but well that's what I get for trying to take pictures with Trinity at my heels. This is the 1 pound of nylon and the little blue bag is the thank you roving and it is a beautiful blue superwash.

This is just a small pile of scraps that just don't fit into the other piles of roving so they will go into the scrap bag for later.

this is blue and red superwash pin drafted roving that is a tangled mess and will be carded into batts and I'll add some nylon to it and spin some sock yarn. It will take alot of work but it is very doable.

The rest of the pictures are excellent super soft wool roving that I have yet to test to see if it is superwash wool or not. there were two piles the one in the chair and the very last picture that had at least 2 pounds or more of roving. I think I will have to spin this and make myself a couple of sweaters for next winter. The others are smaller piles but most are 4 oz or more of fiber and it is all wonderfully soft. I look forward to getting to getting a chance to spin it up but first I have to finish my swap fiber that's on the wheel now and then I am going to spin some lace singles for a Knit a long that I'm going to do on the Spunky Eclectic Ravelry group and there is also Sock madness that will get me all distracted when round two starts.

SOCK MADNESS 3 round 1 socks and MAIL CALL

2009-03-23T17:25:00.008-05:00

Sock Madness 3 started on March 19th with round 1. I received my pattern at an unknown time in the morning but it waited till I got around to it at 8:30a.m. I was able to get both the cuff and legs done before I had to go to work on Friday and then did not touch them again until Sunday on the car ride to my SIL house for a birthday party. I finally managed to get them finished today. I personally would not have picked this particular pattern for myself but It is a well written pattern and had a very unique heel that I have never done before. I'm sure that I will attempt this tye of heel again someday on a sock that will be long enough to fit my foot so your probably wanting to see a picture of these socks Huh, well here they are cramed on my huge feet.

I decided to go with green in honor of St. Patricks day. I know wait for round 2 to begin which is sometime after the 2nd of April since everyone has a two week time frame to finish round 1.

OK, Time for MAIL CALL

I received lots in the mail on Friday right before I left for work and boy was it hard to leave it all behind. so let's see what I got.

first I received the Spring 2009 Spin Off Magazine and there is some really great articals in this one that I have yet to read.

Second is the Not Your Mothers slow Cooker Cookbook by Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann. I had heard about this cookbook on a Ravelry group and I just had to see what everyone was raving about. I have to admit...... I have not been able to make it through the breakfast section because I tend to read cookbooks like others read novels and all the recipes are looking and sounding like they will be very tasty.

third is my knit picks order. I got 2 pairs of size 1,2 and 3 needles in the 16" cable length for knitting socks. It never fails that I always want to start another pair of socks because I'm getting bored with the current one and don't have another set of needles. With these I know can make many differnt socks all the time. Can you tell I love to knit socks!!

(sorry for the sideway's pic)

OK, I saved the best for last. I also received my swap package from the Sheep Shed Studio's Ravelry groups swap. I am loving this package and can't wait to get some spools empty so that I can start spinning this up. So here is what I got

1. black/white roving dyed by Wendy
2. Angora goat fiber (super duper soft)
3. a bath bomb
4. 1 silver and gold thread
5. a tiny crochett hook that I personally use when knitting and adding beads
6. 3 oz glass beads
7. bag assorted spangles
8. peacock hot fix glitZ
9. Dove chocolate
10. a little baggie with tea
11. and last but not least a item that my children went crazy over......... a autographed poster by the Designers of the Phineas and Ferb cartoon that my kids love
to watch.

So here are the pictures of the package.

Thank you so much Wendy I loved every bit of it.

MAIL CALL Loaded with pictures

2009-03-17T10:52:00.021-05:00

I received 4 books in the mail yesterday and thought I better get them posted before I get to involved with spinning some sock yarn. So here we go

Book 1 is Cooking Light Slow Cooker cook book here are some pictures.

MMMM Tiny french beans with smoked sausage and Picadillo

I think that this will be a cookbook that gets used frequently.

Book 2 is Ready Set Serge I really need to read this one closely while sitting in front of my serger for it gives instruction in threading it which I really need considering my children pulled all the threads out:( Here are some pictures.

Now who need's a rice bag for those soar stiff muscles from to much knitting or spinning or soon to be gardening aches and pains

Book 3 100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet

OK so if you don't garden but want to have one why not knit yourself one!

Finally book 4 I saved the best for last

is Dozens of ways to repurpose a Pillowcase

Are these projects cute or what. Now I need to go raid the Goodwill stores in the area and see if I can find some pillowcases worthy of the projects. HEY, anyone have some they want to unload??? I'll be happy to take them off your hands for you.

The socks that took me FOREVER to finish and Mail call

2009-03-13T11:23:00.006-05:00

This is the sock that took me forever to finish. Why you say! Well, I got side tracked by spinning, Ravelry and well it was boring to knit. Now I know why I don't like to knit plain old stockinette socks..... Boring. But I like them and did learn alot from this pair of socks but first let me tell you about the pattern and sock yarn.

Pattern: Fingering Weight toe up socks with gusset and slip stich heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Whimzy Pinzy Creations 100% merino superwash wool sock yarn in colorway Chocolate & Love.

Ok so what I learned other than the fact that it's a boring knit.
1. I need to add more increases into the upper part of the leg before the cuff it I want them to not cut the circulation off to my feet.
2. I hate the way the heel and heel flap is constructed. This is just my own personal opinion.
3. I do like toe up sock. What a great way to try them on and make sure they fit before being commited to 3/4 of the sock.
4. I will not do a 1x1 twisted rib again if it is at all possible that the sock will be tight. I do believe if I had done a stardard 1x1 rib or even a 2x2 rib that the cuff would not have been as tight. Not to mention that crazy me thought that I would want to go to a size 0 needle for the cuff. The rest of the sock was done on a size 1 addi turbo's.
5. I love them anyway because I do not mind the fact that I slouch them down on my leg as I don't want to cut all blood flow to the feet off. That would make fore even more intersting conversation at work.

Ok enough about the socks on to MAIL CALL

So Mail Call is basically me sharing what fibery/yarny goodness that has come to me via the USPS/UPS/FEDEX carriers that dare try to come near my door. ( For the German short hair named Daisy owns the front steps and they all know it)

Ok so here's the pictures .....

the first picture is of 3 4oz braids of Panda in colorway forcast and tahiti. the last picture is some sock batts each about 1 oz in superwash BFL heathered in colorway mermaid.

these are all from Spunky Eclectics March update. I love her dyeing and all her fibes and I will be getting more from her.

So the next Mail Call will have either Souther Cross Fibre or Spunky Eclectic club shipments or my books will be here. So keep checking you'll never know what I get in the mail.

SOCK MADNESS 3

2009-03-11T12:16:00.011-05:00

I did a crazy thing (which really is not all that crazy for me) I joined the Sock madness 3 competition this year. You know how I like socks! Ok so I thought that I would share what yarns I have picked from my stash to use for each round I gave myself two options for each round so here they are.

ROUND 1
A. Wollmeise in Veilchen
B. Superwash 100% spanish merino wool from Tricot Treat on etsy in colorway Grasshopper

ROUND 2
A. Koigu KPPPM in color P538-19
B. Koigu KPM

ROUND 3
A. 100% superwash merino in Green tea by See Jane Knit
100% superwash merino in Green tea como also by See Jane Knit(etsy)
B Koigu KPM 2236-77 with Koigu KPPPM p623L-380

ROUND 4 ( only one option)
Knit picks Essential solids in Dusk and Cocoa

ROUND 5
A. Colinette Jitterbug in colorway Sauguin
B. 100% merino from handgefaerbt.com color way I think is Dark topaz dragon

ROUND 6
A. Claudia hand panted yarns in colorway Hawaii
B. Claudia hand painted yarns in colorway (Unknown lost the tag, I'll have to do some searching)

ROUND 7 ( only one option)
Knit picks Felici in colorway Arugula with knit picks Essential solid in Grass

ROUND 8
A. Lorna's Laces Shephard sock colorway seaside
B. Lorna's Laces Shephard sock colorway Vera

So there you have it all my choices do these look like good options or should I make any changes. Please let me know. Thanks a million.

It's been a while so here is what I've been up to......

2009-03-08T19:23:00.012-05:00

Alright I have to get better at posting what I'm working on and doing more oftem because this is going to be one heck of a long picture heavy post put I promise it will be full of goodies for all of you. It will mostly be spinning related because that has been my obsession since the beginning of the year so here we go in no particular order just lots of goodies.

this is an order that I got from www.thesheepshedstudio.com I love Carol and all the goodies that she gets from the Brown sheep company. I got 5 pounds of sock roving that is superwash wool and nylon. I can't wait to start dyeing that. I haven't decided if I want to spin first or dye it first. I also go 3 pounds of brown and 3 pounds of dye soppers that I will use in my Louet Junior hand carder to make some yummy batts. Oh and the Black cat that is Shadow our rescued kitty that came to live with us just before Holloween.

This is a picture (not a very good one) of my first shipment of club fiber from David of Souther cross fibre (formerly Come in Spinner) in Australia. David can be found on Etsy. I can't wait to start spinning this but I have to finish up this first.......

this is my February club shippment from Amy King of Spunky Eclectic I have about 7oz of the 12 completed in a 3ply and am working on the rest of it. I love Amy's fiber club she is such an awsome dyer that she has inspired me along with Carol of The Sheep Shed studio's to dye some of my own fiber. So here are those pictures.......

that's alot of dyeing of fiber. Most of the fiber was from The sheep shed studio. The little cloud like fibers are some white alpaca that I had a raw fleece from and they are ohhhhhhh so soft. The yarn in the last picture is some mohair that I had purchased from Sarah's yarns in a large cone. I have more of the cream and I'll most likely dye the rest of it at some point. I had alot of fun dying all of that fiber and will be doing more in the future. Ok on to the next thing....

Ok of the three pictures above the first one is some Gecko colorway that I spun up in 2ply lace wt yarn. The fiber came from Come in spinner on etsy. ( now is Southern Cross fibre). The middle pic is the coveted Coripaca from Spunky eclectic in colorway thunderstorm; there is 12oz of that all spun up and super dooper soft. the last picture is the January fiber club shipment from Spunky eclectic also the colorway is Twilight adn it is an organic merino and is so delicious that words can not describe it you just have to feel it..... YUMMMMMMMYYYYYYY :)

this picture is of some Superwash merino/bambo fiber from Merlin the cat yarn on etsy. I do have this all spun up and plyed I just don't have another picture of it. I did it as a 3ply and it is wonderful yarn and I will be using it for socks.

Ok I think that is enough of the pictures for now. As for what i will be working on this week is finishing the Feb. fiber from Spunky fiber club and a toe up sock that I only have the leg and cuff to finish on the second sock. Then, I will be getting ready for Sock maddness 3 to start. It a contest that test's all your sock knitting skills and ability not to mention you ability to stay awak and knit till finished before anyone else with a unknown pattern that is emailed to you. This will be the first time of competing in this competition. I can't wait for March 19th.

LnV sock marathon 2009 and Autumn's B-day

2009-01-08T10:02:00.009-06:00

I joined the Lime n Violet sock marathon 2009 challenge. What is this you ask?! Well, this is where you add up all your sock yarn and figure out home many mile of sock yarn you have and then set a goal to knit say 1 mile of sock yarn. The marathon starts Feb 1 and goes until Sep 1, 2009. Ok are you ready for my sock yarn stash? Here is a picture of it.

I have 64,372 yards of sock yarn which is 36.575 miles of sock yarn. I basically have enough to make 162 pairs of adult socks with left overs which usually get made into socks for the kids.

Thats a lot of sock yarn. So my goal is to knit 5 miles of sock yarn which is 8800 yards of sock yarn. There is 26 weeks for me to knit and I broke this down to be 338.5 yards a week that I need to knit. Basically that is pair of socks a week.

I'm glad that I am not limited to socks only. The rules state that You can make whatever you want but it just has to made out of sock yarn.
So, if you want to keep track of how I'm going I put a knitmeter just under the knit wars so that We all can keep track of how I'm going.

NEXT

I decided to again attempt the Monthly dishcloth KAL challenge of knitting all 24 of the KAL clothes. I got the 1st one of the January cloth done. Here is a picture of it.

NEXT

yep, I'm in a next kind of mood sorry. But, last but not least is my oldest daughter Autumn turned 9 yesterday, here is a picture of the birthday girl and her favorite grandma and aunt. Oh, and the cake.

Where is everyone???

2008-10-30T18:34:00.013-05:00

Mysterious person say's.... "Pam, where are you???? Paaaammmmm, are you there???, Paaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, where have you been???? Do you here me??? PAM, ANSWERE ME, are you there????"

Pam finally say's " Where am I? Who is yelling at me? What day is it? What the heck is going on???"

Mysterious person replies.. " Pam, It's Oct. 30, 2008! Where the heck have you been your readers have been looking for you??"

Pam... " Readers?! What, who is this?"

Mysterious person... "I'm your blog you dufus!! where have you been?"

Pam finally comes to and realizes.... " holly crap black cat it's almost Holloween and I've been gone since when????

Mysterious person replies.... " You've been gone since August 28th. Where have you been?"

Pam .. "Well, Let me think.............. where have I been?"

mysterious music starts to play in the background......

OK, Ok, I'm back and this is what I've been doing since the last post.

I made this hat for my Nephew and Godson Braxton. I still have one more to make for his sister Emma in Pink and White.

This young lady joined our family. My children named her Shadow. I felt so bad for her that I just couldn't help myself because I, in my mind can't stand when people dump there animals out when they can't defend themselves. For Shadow was declawed. So, she is now in our happy home.

I made this Simple Lace Shrug by Lisa Sisk out of knit picks SIerra yarn for Autumn, my oldest daughter. I know.... that shirt is not a good fit for the shrug but it's what she had on at the time I took the picture. It turned out great and just as I thought it would.

I've been putting up with this man... My lovely Hubby. Doesn't he look just happy in this picture? He should be because Trinity and the dog (Whitney) are both alseep. I should say that he has actually had to put up with me!! Na, I like it the other way around!

I've been loading, unloading and stacking this lovely wood that my hubby cuts and splits so that we have a toasty warm house this winter without breaking the bank by paying way to high utility bills. ( I call this sweat equity... wouldn't you?)

I sewed this bag for my Niece and Goddaughter Leah for Christmas. She loves horses and when I saw this fabric I new that I had to make something for her with it. Now Kris, YOU BETTER NOT SHOW HER THIS!! Oh, and my oldest daughter is also going to get one for Christmas, I just have to make it yet.

I made these socks for my Sister-in-law...Pam... The other Pam that is. I did these just because she is always there when I need to vent. Thanks Pam.

I made this felted bag for charity. I is going to the 3Center silent auction at work. The money raised will go to those employee's of St. Lukes Hospital that lost there homes to the flood in June.

I had a birthday. I turned 35 on October 23rd and I got 18 red roses.

I also died!........ Yes, that is right I died in sock wars. That was a miserable experience that I am not sure that I will do agian. The only thing that I'm going to say is that is was very unorganized and the pattern sucked.

well, I guess I shouldn't joke about dieing becasue we did have a funeral also. Aarons uncle died and his Grandpa Joe is also not doing so great.

Let's see what else have I done...... Oh, I made lots and lots of salsa, yes, HOT, HOT, salsa. which leads me to the next picture but not of what I have done but now we go to the what I have to do....

Make applesauce! That I will start on Monday after I drop the kids off at school and then Trinity and I will peel, core, cut, cook and can these apples. who knows, I may just get up enough energy to make an apple pie.

Then I will fininsh the second sock of Leahs Birthday present and work on finishing my Lady February sweater that I only have the sleeves left to do. Oh, and all the rest of the Christmas knitting that I have to do yet.

And maybe soon I will have some really, really good news. I'll just keep you all in the dark on this one until I know more myself but it's really exciting.

Hunter's monster socks

2008-08-28T16:21:00.002-05:00

Hunter's monster socks
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Here are another pair of socks for my kids. I did the same amount of sts for these socks as I did for Trinity's except I just used a size 2 needle instead of the size 1 that I used for Trinity's. Hunter likes them and that's all that matters.
52PP II pair #6

Trinity's socks

2008-08-22T20:30:00.001-05:00

Trinity's socks
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

this is pair 5 for the 52 pair plunge II. I should have 11 pairs done at this point but I don't I guess I have a lot of knitting to do.

First day of school

2008-08-20T18:22:00.002-05:00

Here's Autumn, Hunter and Trinity on the first day of school. Autumn is now in 3rd grade and LOVES her teacher. Hunter is in Kindergarten and hopefully likes his teacher but he really didn't talk to much after school. Finally Trinity, well she has to stay home with me and the huge smile is before I told her that she's not going to school this year and boy let me tell you she was MAD at me for that one. She's not the typical 3 year old. She knows her colors, numbers, shapes and can say the alphabet but can not recognize the actual letters yet. Now I could have sent her to preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays but that would require Miss smarty pants to actually do her pottying business in the potty instead of her pants. Yes, I know she's 3 1/2 and is not potty trained yet. She knows how to do but just refuses to stop and take the time to do her thing. So, Thus she has to wait until next year and then she will go M/W/F for 3 hours. But, I do have things planned for the two of us while she is the only one home.... here's the plan...

1. To go on bike rides when the weather cooperates.
2. Take her to the mall to play at the play area with other children hopefully her age.
3. go to the Library for story time.

Well, that's all I have for now any Suggestions??????

Ok, so here is what I will be doing tomorrow sometime.

Canning salsa!!! Yummm OH! Yes, I have tons of tomatoes and they need to be attended to; so it's canning day Thursday.

But, I also have to take care of this little problem............

Yes, that is my size 1 addie turbo. The cord has broken almost completely from the needle. I have used these needles for so many pair of socks that I just can't count them all. If I am not mistaken Addie's have a lifetime warranty so I will have to go to my LYS and see what she says..... wish me luck. I do however have another longer pair in size 1 that I will use the magic loop technique to finish my sock that I am working on for Trinity.

Ok, enough for today.

Knit on!!

INLOVEWITHALPACA

2008-08-18T14:38:00.001-05:00

INLOVEWITHALPACA
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

I finally finished this lovely bag the Elisa's nest tote. ( you can find the pattern for free on Ravelry.com). I started this back in June and only had part of one handle left to make and life got in the way and I put it in a drawer and now today I dug it out (because I was cleaning) and decided to finish it. I love the pattern except for one part. The handles are to close together making for a small opening. I think I would make the opening larger next time. The pattern was very easy to do and only took minimal brain power to figure how to do the I-cord handles. The only thing I don't like about this pattern is the color of the yarn itself. Oh well, Its for groceries so life goes on.

Note to all:
I bet your wondering what the heck I have a chair doing facing my wall like it is!!!!! Well, that is actually one of my freshly painted walls in my remodeled living room that my children decided to make a tent with all my dining room chairs since there is nothing in the living room because we are still waiting for the hardwood floor to come and be installed. so, I can't wait for that to get done and then I will so you all pictures of it.

Well, till next time. Knit on my friends.

Mockery socks finished

2008-08-15T00:48:00.001-05:00

INLOVEWITHALPACA
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Did you all think I fell off of the face of the earth???? No, I most certainly did not. I just got caught up in the wirl wind of tornado's, floods, working way to much because of the first two and trying to remodel and clean like mad along with many other issues that have happened to get in the way. I hope that once school starts on the 20th that things may start to slow down a little bit. I will have two in school full time now and only Trinity at home during the day. So my schedule will be a little easier than is was last year but you never know..... things just are not going the way I want them to.! I have lots of gardening to take care of and more cleaning and remodeling so I will be busy. I hope to get pictures posted of the living room and entry after the floor gets put in hopefully next week.

Ok, enough about that , I finally finished these socks. they are Mockery socks. You can find the pattern on Ravelry I use wollmeise in Campi orange and I have to say I LOOOOVVVVEEEE the color. I was really worried that I would not like the color but wow it really is nice. The picture does not do either the color of the yarn nor the pattern justice. But it's the best that I can do for right now. Well, I must get sleep for it is almost 1AM and the sun rises way to early for me. Till Next time........ Knit on!

finally a new camera and hopefully some pictures

2008-06-03T23:09:00.003-05:00

So..... I finally have a new camera and here is my first picture for everyone.... My first pair of socks completed for 52 pair plunge II and also my third pair of socks for sock war III. (I just noticed that I spelled plunge wrong on the picture. Sorry but I'm not going to fix that tonight. I actually have no idea how to fix that but oh well. Everyone should know by now that I suck at spelling)

I will be mailing these to G'mama on Wednesday morning and then I wait for my next socks in progress or my death socks. I actually hope that my socks of death arrive first, but you never know. I just hope they get there before next Tuesday because we will be leaving and won't be back until late Wednesday night. As for what to knit next. I think I will cast on the no purl monkey socks. I have made the regular version of the pattern and hated the purling so I will try these and see what I think. I'm not sure what yarn I will be using I guess I will decide that in the morning since it is after 11pm and I have to get up at 6 AM to get the kids off to there last day of school for this year. Maybe, just maybe I will take some pic's of them on there last day of school... I'll see how good they are. Ok enough, to bed I go.

I fell of the Wagon

2008-06-02T22:11:00.002-05:00

You all probably wonder where the heck I have been. Well, Life got in the way and my camera got broken and there for it is really boring to just read word instead of looking at fun pictures. So I promise soon I will have a camera to show you what I have been up to sometime this week hopefully. I will share with you that I am still in Sock war III. I am working on the second sock of the third pair. Yes, I am tired of this pattern and wish someone would just send my sock death. I also decided to sign up for the 52 pair plunge II that started on June 1st. I know I must be crazy to do this but what the heck I have to have something to do with my hands otherwise I just eat and I'm tired of that. So check back latter or next week and I promise to have pictures.

The Gluttony Socks-spoiler

2008-03-20T09:43:00.002-05:00

I finished my first project of The Seven Deadly Spins club shipment.... The Gluttony Socks. I chose to knit them as a fraternal pair because well.... I just liked them that way. I knit did not change that pattern to much just enough to knit them on two circulars and I caught the pattern changes but just didn't know how to convey them when I was doing them on two circulars. Oh well they turned out very nice. I love the yarn and would like to get more but I have to wait. I've got bills to pay first then I buy sock yarn with the left over monies. Ok, so enough talking ....scroll down for the picture of my completed socks.
I can't wait to see what the next shipment brings?!!

Yarn P*rn, what's on my needles and finished objects

2008-03-03T21:39:00.006-06:00

Hey everyone, this is going to be one heck of a long post but I have a lot to share so I guess I start with the good stuff first so here is some Yarn P*rn for you all to drool over.

1. This is Spunky Eclectic's fiber club 8 oz of South African fine wool in colorway: Think Spring. Here is what Amy said about this colorway..... The grey skies are parting for the pink sunrises and the brighter yellow days of Spring. Can you feel it coming?? Well, I have to say a big fat NO,NO, NO. Sorry don't mean to scream at you all but today was day 13 (I think) of no school because of crappy weather and snow and glaring icy roads. I don't think that my children have had a week of school since before Christmas break.

2. This is some Fannie's Fingering Weight sock yarn from Farmhouse Yarns, LLC in colorway Brambles that I just could not resist from Woolgirl.

3. 5 skeins Malabrigo lace weight in colorway Charrua #259 I have to say sherri at The Loopy Ewe is very naughty. She is such an enabler that I just can't help adding more to my stash.

4. Chameleon colorworks bambino sock yarn in colorway purple rain and peacock also from the loopy Ewe

5.A skien of Loopy Legends sock yarn in colorway: Ronnie's jewel Box and a Loopy sock project bag. I love them both and hope to add more of the loopy legends to my stash in the future.

Ok, enough of the yarn P*rn on on to the next topic......

What's on my Needles.......

Well, I have a couple of projects on the needles, I'll start with the one's that I don't have pictures for or have shown pictures in previous posts
1. the Goddess knits 2008 mystery shawl KAL I am done with clue 1 and have yet to start clue 2 but you'll understand why latter in the post.

2. the Hourglass Sweater from Last-Minuted Knitted Gifts my Joelle Hoverson. I'm doing it in 50/50 wool, angora blend in a medium grey color. it's yarn that I bought off of ebay on a 2kg cone. I am throught the main body section and have the first sleeve started.

3. the Monthly Dishcloth KAL March casted on today and have day 1 and 2 done.

4. secret of the stole ii- I am on clue two but I have to frog back two rows becasue I messed something up and I just have not done it yet. I actually am whatching what everyone elses looks like because I am uncertain if I actually like it yet. So..... this is on the back burner for the moment.

Ok so now for the one's with pictures which acutally is only 1 so here it is......

this is the hooded blanket I do believe it is from magknits.com. I am making it out of lime cotton ease and I am doing it differnt from the actuall patter. I did 3 inches of double moss stitch for a boarder and them sockinette in the center. I still don't know what else that I'm going to change I guess I will decide that when I get this part done. Right now it is 26 inches wide and I like that size better than the original pattern. The bottom picture of the two is a close up of the pattern detail but the first picture is much closer to the actual color of the yarn.

Ok, Now for the FINISHED OBJECT.....

these are the socks for my Best Friend Tracey. The pattern is silky drops from Palace yarns. I used knitpicks Risata yarn in Burgundy. I have to say I am so thankfull that these are done. I was starting to really hate stockinette by the time I was halfway done with the second sock. My husband thought that I was going to go crazy or something tonight because I just could not get the off the needles fast enough. But, I am glad that they are finished and will be delivered to Tracey on the 15th of this Month. Oh, and these socks were the reason that I have not started clue 2 of the mystery shawl KAL, but before I go and start on clue 2. I'm going to finish the hooded baby blanket because this is also for Tracey and she is due to have here little man sometime shortly after Easter. So, I have to get moving on it. I did get a good couple of inches done today especially once I got out of the double moss stitch pattern that takes forever.

Ok, I told you it was going to be a long one......... so until next time keep knitting.

Goddess knit mystery shawl 2008 clue 1

2008-02-22T15:58:00.003-06:00

Here is clue 1 of the Goddess knits mystery shawl 2008. I am using Yarn Love's Juliet sock yarn in colorway: Blue Plate Special; it is 75% superwash wool and 25% nylon on size 5 knit pick options needles. I am loving the way it is looking so far and hope that I don't get any horrible pooling or something weird stripy thing. So here are some pics.......

here is the whole clue, but kind of blurry, sorry about that.

the next picture is a better picture and shows the colors very well.

Decisions, Decisions, decisions????

2008-02-21T18:25:00.003-06:00

Ok, I have a hard decision to make!!!!, which one of these three yarns do I want to use for the Mysticlight KAL???!!!! Here are my options.....

Lorna's laces in Flame

my own handspun in various colors of red and pink. I have 4 more skeins drying as we speak.

OR..............

Socks that Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts in color Tlingit from the Raven series.!!!!

I guess you could say that I am probably leaning more towards the Socks that rock. But, I would love to have your thoughts and opinions on these three yarns.

spinning

2008-01-30T16:22:00.001-06:00

Oh, I decided to spin some lace for either the mystery shawl KAL by Goddess knits or for the mystic light KAL. I guess I will just have to wait and see what others are using before I make up my mind. But, in the meantime I shall spin, spin, and spin some more of the awsome fiber.

The picture below is a spool of the light reds, pinks of the roving.

Below is the two together, the roving that is in another picture below have varying degree of reds, to pink

Below is the first skein

a close up

and the skein with the roving.

If any of you who are in these two KAL's or the owners have any thoughts, I would love to hear them.

Thanks

Dem Fischer Sin Fru aka The fisherman's wife

2008-01-29T10:23:00.000-06:00

Ok, here is what I have done through row 20. I am concerned with it being to big so any advice from those who have finished clue one would be greatly appreciated.

Malibrigo lace in Pollen on size US 3 addi turbo

through row 20

a close up

measures 2 1/5 inches at this point.

Is it going to be ok or way to big????

Secret of the stole II clue 1 finished at last

2008-01-28T22:45:00.001-06:00

I finally finished clue 1 tonight after 6 attempt to start and not mess it up. I found the if you are not really, really, really used to using super fine yarn that it is very difficult to knit with and most of all to read your knitting. I guess I havent got to that level yet. because I ended up using a much thicker yarn that suggested. You can see a picture of the yarn in the last photo. It is ivory alpaca and I would say that it is a heavy lace weight yarn. I love the results but I think I might be brave and try it again in the yarn that it called for. We'll see how ambitious I get. I also am working on clue 1 of Dem Fischer Sin Fru KAL and I am on row 19 of 77 so, the second one will have to wait. I will probably start clue 2 tomorrow.

clue one in above pic

a close up

The yarn.

Monthly Dishcloth KAL January mid month dishcloth

2008-01-21T21:19:00.001-06:00

I finally finished the January mid month KAL. I work weekends so I only had the first two days rows done and then had to go to work. Not to mention all the breathing treatments with my oldest daughter who has asthma. Oh well, tis the season for respiratory issues. Anyway, I love the cloth and just might make some more I used raspberry swirl peaches and creame yarn. This is from my new order that I just recieved this last week. Oh, I guess I should show you all what I got........

the above picture is 3 grab bags, I just wanted to see what I would all get. I have to say that I am satified with the pickin's.

Some finished projects

2008-01-15T22:42:00.001-06:00

Woody dishcloth pattern that I turned into a bib for one of the two baby's that are due this spring.

Baby bib from Mason dixon knitting also for one of the two baby's that are due this spring.

Baby Kimono from Mason dixon knitting. I used cotton ease and buttons instead of the ribbon because the two babys that I have to make gifts for are both little boys. So, I thought this would be better. I also added snaps to help the kimono stay in place better. This is the first time that I have made this patten and overall I am very happy with the way that it turned out. I will be making another one soon.

MY YARN STASH!!!!! :)))

2008-01-09T14:12:00.000-06:00

OK, are you all ready for this??????
I present to you..... Drum roll please ( please pretend you hear the drum roll)

MY STASH...

WAIT!!!! are you SURE your ready for this??????

Ok, Ok, here it is.

The above picture is mostly sock yarn, lace wt and some Jagerspun zepher lace yarn, spinning fiber and odds and ends.

This picture is mostly wools, cottons, some acyrlic/wool blends, baby yarn and yes, fun fur. The box on top of the cubes in the upper right corner has 3 cones of Jagerspun Zepher lace in it. Now the 6 tubs to the far right have all spinning fiber and the very top green tub is full of Patons clasic wool for felting with.
Oh, and please forgive the mess... My children decided to make a huge mess in my fiber room.

I know I'm a yarn-aholic and need one of those yarn-aholic group meeting thingys. I know, I know, I should probably go on a yarn diet program..... But, what fun is that???? And to think I want to put a order in at Elmore Pisgah!! Yes, I still thing I will, No let me rephrase that. Yes, I know I will.

Happy Knitting and thanks for visiting my Yarn stash Oh and please be forwarned viewing these pictures for any length of time may cause you to enhance your stash!!!:))

Football dishcloth completed

2008-01-09T11:48:00.001-06:00

I decided to take the 24 dishcloth/year challenge from the Monthly Dishcloth Yahoo group. this is the first cloth of the year and I have just finished it this morning and if Blogger would cooperate I would have already had it up but the blogging gremlins are out full force today. I guess I'll have to threaten them with my pointy sticks.

I am for the most part happy with it. I used US size 7 needles and I think that is a little big for my tension; so the next time I'm going to try 6's I'll have to play around with it and to do that I grabed out my Mason Dixon Knitting book and will give some clothes a try in the meantime while I wait for the Mid Month KAL to begin on the 16th of January.

I'm such a bad blogger:((

2008-01-07T23:13:00.000-06:00

I Can't believe that it has been since the 14th of December since I posted anything. I have tons to share just I guess not the time to sit down and actually put it all together so tonight since everyone has been to bed for the last almost 3 hours and I had a nap today(which hardly ever happens) I am not tired and have the brain power to do this. So here we go.

this is the headband that I made for Autumn for Christmas. She wore it to school the next day and loves it. I just wish that she would just leave it on instead of having to take it off all the time to fuss with it, but oh well, she's 8 today and is just that way. I'll get over it.

Here is a picture of our furry family members... Daisy and Whitney. Daisy is the German shorthair that is usually outside but on this night she had to come in the house and decided to camp out on the couch with Whitney our Cavachon. The only reason I allowed this is that some neighbors who have horses.... well were out on our road and in our front yard trying to get those two beast back home along with a donkey. ( They have been trying to round them up for half the day). So since all this was happening I didn't want Daisy to get hurt because she can't see all that well and is not used to such large animals. Nothing like having an ass in your front yard at 10pm. ( sorry I couldn't help it)

Ok enough Pam get on with it.........

This is Autumn's Christmas concert. I know it's a bad photo but it's the best I could get. I was supposed to be on Dec. 6th but was postponed untill the 13th.

This is Miss Whitney in her newly knitted sweater. I couldn't resist because I had to have her shaved down so much that you could see flesh. So she needed something warm considering is was in the teens or lower for temperature when this happened. She seems happy enough in her sweater.

This is Autumn's purse that I knit and felted for her Christmas present. I have to say that she loves it along with about everyone else in the family. Who knows maybe next year for the Female exchange gift I'll do something felted. We'll just have to wait and see.

Ok, This is Miss Trinity my youngest modeling her newly knitted mittens. She usually is not this shy but I guess that's ok, It shows off the mittens. She loves them so much that at times she refuses to take them off and wears them all day until she needs to eat; then she'll take them off because we can't get them dirty mom!!!!

Here are the socks that I made for my mom for Christmas I used cherry tree hill yarn and YO cable from sensational knitted socks. She says that she likes them but have yet to hear if she has even tried them on yet??!!!

Wow, Look how happy Hunter is in this picture at his Thanksgiving feast. I have to say that He is a changed little boy from a year ago. 6 months of therapy and going through preschool again has made him so much happier. Don't let him fool you though He still has Sensory issues and will the rest of his life we are just finding ways for him to adapt and adjust to what he needs to keep him on a level playing field. Next school year will be intersting because he will go for full days all week instead of half days only on M,W,F. That will be intersting.

Ok, I told you I was a bad blogger.

the above picture is of the kids in there costumes before they went Trick-or-Treating. They sure are cute!!

this is the bag that I knit and felted for my goddaughter Leah. I gave it to here for Christmas. She loved it.

Last but not least I will leave you with this............

Trinity's favorite spot, The bathroom sink... She is such a water bug but this day she just wanted to sit in it.

Trinity's Pointelle lace headband

2007-12-14T11:43:00.000-06:00

Trinity's Pointelle Lace Headband

I made this headband for my daughter, I have seen alot of different patterns for headbands but not really anything that just jumped out and said make me... make me. So, I decided to design my own pattern and I thought what the heck I'll just share the pattern for anyone who would like to make one.

Size:Toddler
15" long before sewing ends together

Yarn: Fleece artist in pale pink colorway
needles: size 1 addi turbo circulars or you may use double pointed needels or straits if you choose.
Guauge: 9sts= 1" in stockinette stich. although gauge is not crucial to the outcome of the headband going up or down in needle size will result in smaller or larger headband.

CO 10 sts
knit across for 13 rows
next row k1,kfb,k6,kfb,k1
k2,p8,k2
k1,kfb,k8,kfb,k1
k2, p10,k2
k1,kfb,k10,kfb,k1
k2,p12,k2
k1,kfb,k12,kfb,k1
k2,p14,k2
k8,kfb,k9
k2,p15,k2
knit across
k2,p15,k2
knit across
k2,p15,k2
knit across
k2,p15,k2

Begin lace pattern and repeat rows 1-6 twenty times

row 1: k5,YO,SKP,K2,P1,K2,K2TOG,YO,K5
row 2: K2,P15,K2
row 3: K6,YO,SKP,K1,P1,K1,K2TOG,YO,K6
row 4: K2,P15,K2
row 5: K7,YO,SKP,P1,K2TOG,YO,K7
row 6: K2,P15,K2

when finished with lace rows continue as follows:
knit across
k2,p15,k2
knit across
k2,p15,k2
knit across
k2,p15,k2
k8,k2tog,k9
k2,p14,k2
k1,SKP,k12,k2tog,k1
k2,p12,k2
k1,SKP,k10,k2tog,k1
k2,p10,k2
k1,SKP,k8,k2tog,k1
k2,p8,k2
k1,SKP,k6,k2tog,k1
knit across for 13 rows
Bind off and graft ends together.

block lightly to stop the curling of the ends but be careful not to stretch it to much.

The lace pattern was modified from the pointelle lace pattern in Vogue Knitting stitchionary volume one.

Copyright 2007 Pam Kies aka Knitting mom of a SID child. So.... Please, please, please do not copy or reproduce this pattern in any manor other than your own personal use. That means no selling of this pattern or making the headband and selling it for profit. If you have any questions or comments or errata for this pattern please email me at pkies@mchsi.com. This also included no use of my photo either.

Enjoy

Socks for my niece's birthday

2007-11-14T21:38:00.001-06:00

Socks for my niece's birthday
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Here are the socks that I made for my niece's birthday. These are her school colors. I hope she likes them. I'll give her them on Thanksgiving. hopefully I'll remember my camera so I can take pictures.

and Kris, Don't you dare show these to her.!!!

Hint 5 of secret of the stole completed

2007-11-05T20:48:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it It's Monday and I have hint 5 done. I usually don't even get a chance to work on it until Monday, but a change in my work schedule leaves me home on Friday's now so I can have some time to knit. Take a look

I just did some rough blocking I hope to find some blocking wires. I just haven't had the time. Hopefully before I finish this I will have them. Well I guess I just have to work on my Christmas projects until the next clue comes out on Friday.

secret of the stole progress and a question

2007-11-01T16:20:00.001-05:00

100_2852
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

I thought that I would post a picture of what I have done at the moment. I am on row 313 of clue 4 and will finish out the clue and probably add some more because at the moment with so so dry blocking it only measures 36 inches in length. I know that if it was wet blocked I would be able to stretch that a little bit more. I'm only 5'4" and am wondering what length is suggested. This is my first stole so I don't have experience to go by. Any suggestions??????

I think I'll just keep knitting the repeat until the next clue comes out!!!!

Secret of the stole clue 2 completed

2007-10-18T09:54:00.001-05:00

Secret of the stole
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Wow, I just started to knit this on tuesday evening after the kids went to bed and I can't believe how fast it really went. I worked on it also last night and decided to finish the last 6 rows this morning and what do you know...... I'm done!!!! I love this pattern so far and am exited to see what the next clue with look like.

Well off to work on the Secret of Chrysopolis, I've neglected that one and it sure is beautiful so I better get my but in gear. I'm still on clue one and clue four is going to out tomarrow.

knitting as fast as I can

2007-10-09T08:54:00.001-05:00

I've been knitting as fast as I can because I was a crazy gal and joined two mystery stole KAL's. What the heck was I thinking!!!!!! Oh well. So I thought I would share some pictures of there progress.

The fist picture is of the secret of the stole clue one. I am using Chocolate brown cashmere and the beads are a tortoise color with teal blue centers. I really like the way this one is turning out. And It is knitting up very quickly.

Clue one finished

Close up

Secret of Chrysopolis
Now this poor stole is going to take me an eternity to complete. I call the chart a bleeding eye chart because after you look at it for a while you think your eye's are going to start to bleed. I love the way it is turning out and it will be beautiful when it is finished. It's just going to take me a while to acturally get it done. this picture is of the first 16 rows of clue one and we are into week 2 and will be getting week 3 clue this friday. So I better get my but in gear and knit faster.

chewy sphagetti holiday sock club 1st shipment

2007-10-02T11:08:00.001-05:00

chewy sphagetti holiday sock club 1st shipment
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Wow, I love this yarn. Not the colors I would necessarily buy for myself but that is the fun of a holiday sock club. I am trying to figure out what pattern to make with this yarn. I was thinking of Nancy Bush's conwy or my own spooky creation. I promise I will post the finished socks. Ohhh Got to go. the goblins (children) are calling me. :))

Birthday gift

2007-09-28T01:03:00.001-05:00

I just got home from work and thought I would post pictures before going to bed. This is the little felted purse that I made for a classmate of my daughters who is turning 8 on Saturday. I added a few special items for her.. lip gloss, nail polish, pen and notebook, and what every gal likes..... chocolate. I think that she will love it; I know my daughter does and is begging me to make here one. Little does she know that she'll be getting one for Christmas.

I finished my first felting project

2007-09-24T10:23:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can not believe how fast this bag knit up, I think it took me longer to actually get the darn thing to felt than to knit. I started and finished knitting this bag yesterday and started to felt it last night at 11pm and finally got it felted at 2:30am. I put a box in it and went to bed. I finished it this morning after I took my two oldest to school and took the car to get the oil changed. So here are some pictures of it.

Booga Bag

Closer picture. The colors are brighter in real life.

Trinity modeling it for me

this is a picture amazingly taken by Trinity my 2 year old. I can't believe that she actually did it.

At first this was going to be a pocket but then I decided to make it into a case for my iPod.

Project details
Pattern: Booga bag
Yarn: Noro Kureyon color 156 ( I think that this is discontinued) It took 3 skeins
My thoughts: I love this bag, I will be making more of these. This is the first time that I used this yarn. I have heard alot about it and I have to say that I love the way the colors stripe but I think the next time I use this yarn I would use two strands so that it is thicker.

I finally finished the second chocolate cherry sock

2007-09-18T13:20:00.001-05:00

I finally finished the second chocolate cherry sock
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Wow, that really went fast, I started the second sock last night after I finished my Jaywalkers and I just got it done. I have to say that SSS set in with this pair because the first sock (Left) is a little tight but the 2nd sock fits much better, I don't know if I knitted this one a little looser or what, regardless I do like them and will where them alot.
Yarn: Claudia hand painted yarn
colorway: chocolate cherry
needles: crystal palace US size 2 bamboo circulars
finished today. Started in July or August

Jaywalkers done

2007-09-17T19:14:00.001-05:00

000_0407
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Pattern: jaywalkers
started: Sept 5
finished: sept 17
yarn: fearless fibers
color: hendrix

I love these sock they are so soft and fit nicely for me.

Now I'm going to start my woolgirl sock club sock. Yeh!!!!!!

FIRST WOOLGIRL SOCK CLUB SHIPMENT

2007-09-17T13:53:00.001-05:00

FIRST WOOLGIRL SOCK CLUB SHIPMENT
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

I can't believe it!! all the goodies, I am Sooooooo glad that I was fortunate enough to join this sock club and I will be joining again for the spring 2008 club. I just have to get my jaywalkers done and then I'm casting on these. The yarn is so soft that you just want to fondle it forever.

Got to go, I've got knitting to do :))))))

I'm officially a loopy groupie

2007-09-15T16:12:00.001-05:00

I'm officially a loopy groupie
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

OMG, I was waiting for my first shipment of my woolgirl sock club to arrive and well It did not but, I got this instead. WHoooo hooooo. I ordered a skein of yarn nerd in raspberry sherbert and a skein of cider moon in albatross. the other goodies that I got are....... 2 skeins lornas laces in purple club, some soak and some mints. Well and of course the loopy groupie bag. I guess this makes up for my not getting my woolgirls sock club yarn. I guess I will have to wait till Monday.

Knit on

My final bead choice for secret of the stole

2007-09-14T09:27:00.001-05:00

000_0384
Originally uploaded by inlovewithalpaca

Ok, I finally found the perfect bead since there were so many of you that commented that you liked to brown beads but yet likes the blue so I came to find these beads from stone mountain gems and beads and I am just in love with them. the picture really does not do it justice. they are a small amber triangle shaped bead with rounded edges and a teal/bule center. they are just awsome in person. I have not had a chance to swatch per say but I have everything ready to go. I would love to know everyones thoughts on this one.

Knit on

Secret of the Stole Bead choices. What a decision!!!

2007-09-04T20:36:00.000-05:00

Ok, So here are what I have for options and I tell you this is a tough decision. I have them numbered from left to right.

1. ( first one starting on the left side) Honestly I like this bead color probably the best but the only problem is that it is Just to big. So this one is out.

SO NOW THE HARD PART BEGINS BECAUSE I LIKE THEM ALL

2. is a very clear almost ocean blue like color.very beautiful here's a closer picture

3. is a verigated lot of beads. here is a better picture of them

4, is so close to color #2 that I could actually mix them together and you would never know.

5. is more in the greens, take a closer look

these do have a touch of gold brushed on the outside of the beads. This is actually from a kit and I just dumped everything in so I wouldn't have to take the time to sort them out. I'll do that latter so that's why there is all the other parts.

and last but not least

6. the tortoise beads

So what do you all think. here is another picture of them all.

I would love to hear what you have to say so please leave a comment.

Update on sots yarn choice

2007-09-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

First of all I would like to thank everyone for there comments and thoughts about which yarn to do the secret of the stole in. I have decided that I will be knitting the brown cashmere. Although many of you have suggested and wondered what blue beads would look like on the brown. Sooooooo, I have ordered some beads from fire mountain gems and beads and then tomarrow I will be traveling to Cedar Rapids to check out some stores and see if I can find something that may be an option. I'll let you all know with more pictures when I get back tomarrow and after I go to the doctor( I picked up all the crud that has been going around at work this weekend) So, I'll let everyone know and I just may need more help with bead choices :))

knit on.....

Making choices for Secret of a Stole

2007-08-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know, I know. I am a little crazy I have joined two new KAL's and I just am having a hard time deciding on my yarn for the Secret of a Stole KAL. So, I would love your advice on which yarn and bead combination to go with because I am having such a hard time deciding what to go with. I know that the designer said solid colors more earth tones and no primary or really bright colors. so here are my two choices

they both are 100% cashmere from colourmartuk. and I think that I have enough do use either one ( I have to measure it out yet and then wind into balls). The brown one is colorway Mink with size 6/0 transparent silver lined tortoise color seed beads. The blue well I really don't know what the name of that color is but It is like a light cornflower blue just not as gray with transparent silver lined light blue size 6/0 seed beads

So What does everyone think. I would love to hear your advice/opinion.

As for the other KAL it is the chrysopolis ( I hope I spelled that right) a german KAL and that one begins on the 28th of September and I will be using Lisa Souza 100% superfine merino yarn 1750 yards in color Mother of Pearl. I have not done a swatch yet so I may have to change my mind and I'm a little worried that the size 4 needles will not produce a lacy enough effect and will have to go to size 5 and then.................... Will I have enought Yarn???????????? If any of you are in this group also I would love your advice too... Here's a picture of the yarn

All for now ......... Knit on.

The chocolate cherry and cherry bomb

2007-08-09T14:19:00.000-05:00

Not getting much accomplished this week in terms of SOS2007 but I did manage to get my cherry chocolate ribbed sock done and a cherry bomb done for Trinity

I used Claudia's hand painted yarn color chocolate cherry on a US size 2 circular and my own vanilla sock pattern it is a k4p2 rib. For the heel I did row 1 *s1,k1* row 2 s1, purl across. I could have made the heel flap longer but I wasn't paying attention I guess; for the sock is a little tight in the arch but It still works.

For Trinity's sock I just did a 2x2 rib and then stockinette for the rest of the sock and the same heelflap as mine. I just had to have a fun name to go along with mine. I will have to wait till she wakes up from here nap to see if it fits. I still have several yards left of the one skein. Now I just need to cast on the other one of mine and hopefully have a fishished pair by Monday.

this week I have mostly been a yarn stalker and been playing with ravelry. I haven't been doing to much knitting because of all the storms that keep coming through and that makes my hands HURT. My family has a extensive history of arthritis and I'm afraid that I've got it too. BUT, that will not stop me from knitting, I just have to go slow. Sooooooooo I decided to buy more yarn (just what I need) from the Loopy Ewe. That place is awsome and I can't wait to get my order. I just received an email saying that it shipped and that means that I should have it on Saturday. I also managed to get to join wool girls sock club. I can't wait for that to start rolling in. In the meantime I should be getting my sock club yarn from knitting.com I am in both of there clubs. Yes, I know 3 sock clubs. But I must admit that since June when I first started knitting socks I have become an obsessed sock knitting maniac. Yes, I'm addicted. Ok, I'm more than addicted I'm obsessed, obsessed, crazy and out of control!!!!!:))))))

Flame wave socks by Ann Budd

2007-08-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

I have a situation that I'm not sure what to think about!!??? I purchased this yarn from Posh Yarn. It is Lucia 4ply sock weight in color way Sizzle specifically to knit this pattern and here is the problem that I am having.

In this picture you don't see any problem other than a beautiful design.

but look farther and please offer advice

These three pictures show how the yarn has faded just by being knitted and the color is ending up on my fingers. I love the yarn and it is making a beautifull sock but has anyone ever had this problem before???? What do you suggest I do to keep it from further fading/bleeding. I don't want to end up with orange feet or shoes??!!!!!

Baby fern footies finished

2007-08-03T10:29:00.000-05:00

Here are the pictures of my 9th pair of socks for SOS07 and my August lace pair for Sock knitters anonamous on Ralvery that is haveing a year round sock contest/knit along.

Pattern: More Sensational knitted socks- baby fern
yarn: posh yarn emily in refresh colorway the first picture shows the colors that mose accurate
needles: US size 3 addie turbo using magic loop one at a time
started 8/1/07
finished 8/3/07

I liked this pattern but it is a little more lacy than I would usually do for socks but hey they were fun to knit.

Now I think I'll knit a sock bug pattern!!!!

Sock # 8 for SOS completed

2007-08-02T10:26:00.000-05:00

Here is pair #8 for Summer of Socks 2007.
Pattern: More Sensational knitted socks cross-stitch block
yarn: socks that rock Foo Foo colorway
needles: two size US2 circulars from crystal palace done one at a time

This is a close up picture of the leg of the sock. I goofed in the beginning of the pattern by sliping the stitches knitwise instead of purlwise for the cross sections the result is a cool twist. I must say that this pair of socks took me longer than usual but that twist in there made it more difficult to handle. Oh well I love the way they look, fit and feel. These socks are for me unless someone in my family decides to claim them for themselves. I'll have to keep an eye on them:))))

sos 07 sock progress

2007-08-01T22:59:00.001-05:00

Well, I've been a busy knitting gal today and it seems that I have my sock mojo back. check out the socks

The first picture is Baby Fern pattern from More Sensational knitted socks in a footie. Yarn is posh yarn in refresh colorway. I had bought two skeins of this and had to use a little of the second to finish Trinit's socks so I decided just to make another pair for me out of the rest. knit on size 3 addi turbos using magic loop. I started this about 3pm and finished it around 10pm. I did alot of other things inbetween so it actually only took me a total of three hours to do. Now that is a fast sock.

The second picture is of my progress on the Cross stictch block sock. I only have 21 more rounds to go before starting the toe so I will get this done tomarrow and probably the other footie as well.

During one of my I just don't want to knit rages I decided to go to the Loopy Ewe and take a look around there website and after many hours of looking, deciding and trying to figure out what I wanted with out spending my next entire paycheck. I made my first purchase. 6 skeins of sock yarn. These are ones that My oldest daughter picked out and wanted me to knit some knee socks for her. I hope their shipping is not to slow. I also ordered some more sock yarn from Posh yarn 2 weeks ago and I'm hoping that it gets here yet this week.

Crazy days

2007-07-31T22:06:00.001-05:00

Well since my last post I probably knit enough to finish 3 pairs of socks but for some reason I have not even finish a pair. I start and then find out that they are either to small or to big. What's a gal to do???? I guess I have sock knitting block or something. but I guess I did fib. I did finish a pair of socks for Trinity, they are the only one's that fit that I started take a look.

the pattern is Crosshatch lace from More Sensational socks. Yarn is my left over posh yarn in refresh colorway, knit on US size 3 addi turbo's using magic loop method which is the first time that I used this method and I have to say that I just love it. Trinity just didn't like the thought of sitting still so I had to hold her feet to get the picture.

I did manage to get my second cross stitch block sock started today. I only have two repeats done of the leg and have 2 more to go before doing the heel flap.

so now that I took a break from knitting I steped outside and saw this

a red moon, The picture isn't the greatest but It will do.

so back to knitting hopefully tomarrow I will have better luck. I'll let you know

P.S. Part of the problem was the three baths that I had to give Trinity because she just can't help herself when she finds mud.... She just has to play and roll in it. UUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

1 sock, a pair of socks, more socks, socks, socks

2007-07-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

I've been without internet for most of the day and finally at 8pm I have internet. There was another huge storm with high winds and heavy rain last night. That makes 4 in the last 7 days. Luckily we only had some branches off our two large oak trees in the back yard come down. Nothing of significance. Ok so sock, socks, socks.
I finished the 'Vog on's for my co-worker vicki here's a picture

Yarn 60% superwash merino wool, 30% bamboo, 10% nylon from Peacecat handrafts at etsy.com
pattern: 'Vog on
needles: done on 2 addie lace circulars US size 2

Then, I decided to do something more foo foo like these.....

Pattern: Cross-Stitch block from More Sensational knitted socks
yarn: socks that rock in color Foo Foo
needles: 2 US size 2 crystal palace bamboo circulars

I ended up making a mistake that in the end I liked. I sliped the stitches as if to knit instead of as to purl. What it did is twist the crossed stitch instead and I really like the way it looks, so on I shall go.

The pictures only shoe two repeats done and I'm starting repeat 4

SOS07 pair #7 progress

2007-07-20T10:13:00.000-05:00

first sock done of pair #7. These are 'Vog on done in a pink verigated yarn that is 60% superwash merino wool 30% bamboo and 10% nylon. I purchased this yarn from Peacecat Handcrafts on etsy.com. I love the way the yarn feels and it is wonderfull to knit with. I will be purchaseing from her again. This pair of socks is big on my foot but that's ok because they are not for me :(( They are for my co-worker Vicki :)) and here foot is bigger than mine I hope she likes them. I'm going to cast on the second one and hopefully get a good start on them before I have to go to work tonight and then there will be no knitting until Sunday after my two 12 hour shifts.

knit on

Long weekend and some Jaywalking

2007-07-19T11:38:00.000-05:00

last weekend was very long I worked 3- 12 hours shifts in a row.... I usually only work two!! so I lost a day of working on my jaywalkers. But, I am happy to report that pair #6 is done. Take a look..............

So, now I have a delima what pattern do I want to make next?????? any suggestions????

'VOG ON and some Jay walking!!!

2007-07-12T17:02:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've been a busy gal this week so hubby decided to take Autumn and Hunter out to cut some wood so I only had Trinity to entertain this morning and early afternoon which allowed me to get my 2nd sock of 'Vog on done so that is pair #5 for SOS2007 here's a picture....

after that was wondering what pattern to do next and took a look at all the photos on Flickr for some ideas and decided to go Jaywalking!!!!!! so here is what I have done already.

As I was Jaywalking I had to stop and take a picture of my children and how creative they can be....................

So since I'm on sharing photos of my children..... I just could not help myself last night and took this picture.............

Take note that Trinity in the middle has her leg over Hunters head/neck and is playing with his hair ( something she always does). I did move here leg because it just looked uncomfortable!!!!

so back to SOS2007 # 6 for jaywalking,

'Vog on... yarn, posh yarn, emily in refresh colorway size 3.00mm circulars
Jaywalkers.... yarn Mountain colors hand painted yarn in feathered cherry 60% superwash wool 25% mohair 15% nylon

A little Monkey business!!!!! :))

2007-07-10T20:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's been a little while since I actually have done a decent fun post so I've decided that I was going to do some monkey business!!. So, I came home from work on Sunday morning and had all but a few rounds of my Monkey to do and when I tried it on......... My monkey was to short. I got it on but needed one more pattern repeat and it would have been perfect. Here's what it looked like........

Sooooo, Since my monkey didn't fit, I was determined to get me a pair of monkey's :)) So since I did not have enought of this yarn to make two more I decided to make these...............

Monkey anklets.

I love the way the fit and love the color so what if I was a monkey short!!!!!

so while I was finishing my Monkey anklets the mail man decided to deliver my package of sock yarn from.... Posh Yarn. Oh let me tell you I have never felt something so soft as this yarn, I almost used it as a pillow last night. Sooooooo, after my monkey business was finished I casted on these.......................

sock # 1 of 'Vog on from knitty, yarn- Posh Yarn, Emily in colorway refresh, needle- two addi turbo lace circulars size 3mm.

I have to say that on June 21, only a couple weeks ago.... I learned how to do a heel flap and turn a heel to make an actuall pair of socks instead of tube socks and in that time this is what I have accomplished......................

4 pairs of socks and sock 1 of pair 5 on the needles ('Vog on). I guess you could say that I am a sock-a-holic now!!!!)))))

so.......... enough monkey business for now. Knit on!!

SOS 2007 2 more pairs completed 3 total so far!!

2007-07-04T15:32:00.000-05:00

Wow, I finally got these two pairs done. I have been trying to hurry because I bought some new sock yarn and am just dying to try it out. I will try to get pictures posted later but not enough time right now. So what's on the needles--- a pair of hunting socks for my husband and I'm going to cast on some panda cotton, not sure of what pattern yet. I guess I better figure that out first. Got to go. knit on.

MORE SOS 07

2007-06-26T23:01:00.001-05:00

OK I have one pair of socks done and two others started. I just couldn't help it I had to work with these two yarns and I love them both. I also have a bad habit of getting bored with the pattern after awhile so It's good that I have two going at the same time that way I can switch back and forth. The pastel colored sock that actually has a heel in some wool/angora blend that I got off of Ebay and the pattern is the Yarn over cable from Sensational knitted socks by Charlene Schurch. The other one is also a wool yarn that I got off of ebay and is the 3x3 cable with moss stitch out of the same book. I have only done cables once before and that was on a dishcloth and I am happy to say they are looking very nice. well Its either back to knitting since the kids are asleep or to bed!!!! I'm not sure which, I think I'll knit for a little bit longer.

my first sock is done for sos07

2007-06-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

Ok so this is my first sock that I completed this morning. Now I need to get the next one started. I messed up on the toe but oh well, I guess this whole thing is more of a learning experience than anything.

SUMMER OF SOCKS 2007

2007-06-21T16:54:00.001-05:00

Well, I did another crazy thing..... I joined the summer of socks 2007. The reason that this is so crazy is that I have never actually turned a heel before today. This was one of my 2007 knitting goals for myself and is one of the reasons that I joined the summer of socks 07 to motivate me to accomplish this goal. Since today is the start of the contest I went to the silvers sock knitting tutorial and began my first sock. As you can see in the pictures I have made it through the heel part and now down the foot I go. I am so proud of myself!!!!!!

I'm knitting the socks out of Jojoland Kaleidoscope, color HM22.... It reminds me of orange and raspberry sherbert. I'm using size 2 dpn's. These will be ankle socks for myself.

New mystery

2007-06-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

Wow, I guess you could say that I love a good mystery!!! For I have started two New mystery shawl knit alongs and thought that I would share my progress with you all.

The first one is from the mystery shawl KAL from goddes knits. I will have to say I have had alot of trouble with this one. I have started it 5 times with 4 different yarns and finally like what I'm getting. This is the picture of clue 1 and I will be starting clue 2 tonight after my SIL delivers a printed copy of it for me ( I don't have a printer right now) . This shawl is knit from the top down and will be a triangle shape. I'm doing this on size 6 needles and am using Cherry Tree Hill Supersock yarn.

The second one is from the SASE yahoo group and this is also week one completed. This shawl is more of a stole as far as I can tell right now but who knows it is a mystery and you never know when somethings going to change. The picture is only of a portion of it so I could show more of the detail. This one I am knitting on size 8 needles and am using 100% baby alpaca.

wowser another crazy month, wild hairs and I've been tagged

2007-05-29T23:09:00.000-05:00

You all probably have wondered what's happened to me!!!! Well where do you want me to start???? Ok, the beginning of the month was pretty basic up until this last week when on Wednesday when my son broke his big toe on his left foot. Let me tell you what a nightmare that has been. But, I will spare you the not so nice details, Hunter ended up getting a cast from below his knee to past his toes just to protect that broken toe because he couldn't stand the tape and wouldn't leave a spint on. So know I have to deal with the crying of "it itches" every night. Thank God for Benedryl that helps him sleep and forget about the itch. So know he is out of T-Ball for this summer but Autumn still plays and Hunter sits in the stands cheering his team on.

As for knitting, I have been a busy beaver in that respect. I guess you could say I'm addicted to knitting. That is a good thing!!!!

so, I have had many exciting knitting experiences and am thrilled to share them. First, I finally got a wild hair and knit my first hat, I couldn't just stop at one so I ended up doing two, the first picture is of Trinity and the second two are Autumn. Autumn's hat is made out of my very first handspun yarn, 100% alpaca. If I could reach into my computer I'd kiss those cute faces. Oh well, I guess I'll have to sneak in there rooms for that since they are sleeping now.

After, I got done with the hats I had another wild hair and this one I am simple impressed with myself on!!!! It is a first... are you ready to hear what I did.??????? I knit Trinity a tank top and skirt without a pattern, I just sat down one day and it flowed out of my brain and to my hands and then to those knitting needles. I have to say I am very proud of myself and I am almost finished with a skirt just like Trinity's for a co-worker of mine. I couldn't contain myself, I had to share it. I eventually will probably write up a pattern and I'm thinking of posting it on my blog, but that is still up for debate. The last picture is a better picture of the finished skirt since it was washed and blocked lightly.

Ok, if that wasn't exciting enough for all of you. I had another first, I finished my Mystery shawl and just got done blocking it. I have to admit, it is not perfect but neither am I. I do have to say that I am happy with the finished results considering this is also knitted with my own handspun yarn.

Ok so for the last wild hair........... I decided to enhance my stash, do you all want to guess how many skeins are in the picture???? Oh, go ahead let's have some good clean fun.

Ok now for some more fun.... I've been tagged by RaAnn of Wichet stitch so here is what I have to do....

Rules of the Game
1. Reveal 7 random items about myself
2. tag 7 people and list their names here. then direct them to my blog to read the rules of the game

So here we go

7 random things about myself

1. I am an archery buff, love to shoot in competitions
2. I hate the cupboard doors left open
3. I am a pack rat
4. I can't live without my Mountain Dew
5. I am an Interior Designer as well as a Registered Nurse
6. I taught myself how to knit
7. I love to collect cookbooks

so, Now for the seven to be tagged

1. Amelia Ask The Bellwether
2. Leah UFO KNIT CLUB
3. Janet Janets Knitting Room
4. Rachel Rachels Knitting Corner
5. Andi Things Stitched
6. Smariek knits
7. lilibethsgarden

These are all blogers and members of yahoo groups that I belong to that I look to for inspiration and they have done a good job of that. Thanks guys.

What a Month it has been

2007-05-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe that it has been a month since I updated this blog. ALOT has happened. First, all three of the kids were sick and to the doctor probably more than 10 times total and lots of medicine and general crabiness because they got a virus that then decided to hang around as sinus infections and add to that Autumn's asthma acting up it was not fun. I think we finally have them back to good health!!??
As for Hunter and his sensory issues all went to pot this last month with him being sick, He was so lethargic that we had to stop his listening therapy because all he did was lay around and sleep, eating was not even thought of. I think he went for 3 days at one point without eating because he felt so bad. As least he would drink. so now that he is better, all of his behaviors have come back... Biting, hitting, screaming, jumping, and in general just plain defiant. so that was the crap of the month so now for some fun..... Autumn started Soccor and has had her first two games of wich they lost both. She informed me that she does not want to be in soccor next year because it's just to much running. I can live with that considering that she has asthma and it is alot for her. T-Ball has also started. Autumn and Hunter are on the same team this year and they had there first practice this last monday evening. Autumn did great and well Hunter not so great. He spent the first half of the practice screaming at us and the poor coaches had no idea what to do with him and then he noticed his coach from last year and said I will practice if my old coach helps me!!! Wow what a memory. So I went to speak with her and she was happy to help. After 10 minutes he agreed to be out on the field by himself and was excited for the next practice. WOW, is about all I can say, but considering, I'm just happy he stoped screaming!!!! I'm hoping that this will get better once he gets back into the swing of things with therapy. As for Miss Trinity, she will occasionally decide to dig her BM out of her diaper and smear it everywhere, But since has told me "Mommy, I'm poopy" and then she will run and get a diaper and lay down. I think it's time to potty train that girl!!!! We'll see how well that goes. As for Aaron my DH, the poor guy has been working six 12 hour days a week and it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon. :((
As for my knitting alot has happened I have purchased several books they are pictured and I can't believe the great deal that I got on them. So heres the list:
1. Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurous Yarn $5.98 at Barns and Noble What a deal!!!
2. Victorian Lace Today $ 29.95 at Barns and Noble, regular price but so worth it
3. Lace Style $24.95 from Barns and Noble, again regular price but very worth it.
the remainder of the books I got form crafters Choice book club and I couldn't be happier all for a total of $27.95
4. Beautiful Knitting by Luce smits
5. 101 one skein wonders
6. The knitter's bible knitted accessories
7. 100 knitting projects
8. the yarn girls' guide to beyond the basics
Thats 8 books for $88.83 that's $11.10 average each

this is a picture of the featherlight lingerie dress in the Lace style book that I am just in love with and will hopefully get to knit it before the summer is over. Leah, this is the pattern that I was asking you about.

This picture is some of my spinning that I have done. On the bobbin is some merino/silk from Yarn or a Tale. it is so super soft that I just can't wait to get it finished and plyed. hopefully this week yet. the skein in the middle is some mohair that I bought on ebay. It turned out really nice but, I wish I had more of it. I could have also plyed it a little tighter. Oh well, it's the first time spinning mohair. The skein on the far right is 100% alpaca that is what I would call a heavy lace weight or fingering weight. I plan on using this for the SASE yahoo groups first KAL that starts on the 7th. We will be knitting a scarf this time.
AHHHHH finally last but not least.

This is the mystery shawl that I almost have finished. I only have a little bit of the boarder to do and then the fun task of blocking it. I can't wait to get it done, I'm sort of getting to the point of not wanting to work on it, but then again the excitement of almost being done keeps me going. I'll post pictures of it after I get it all finished
Well, that's all for tonight. I know what was I thinking waiting to put all of this on one day. I guess that's what I get for not posting for a month. Thanks for reading, I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments.

HUNTER AND A NEW MYSTERY!!

2007-04-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

Wow what a week it has been. Last Wednesday the 28th of March, Hunter had more testing for ADHD and autism for which they did not find. That is a blessing!!! Dealing with a global sensory child in itself is enough. I was a rough day, Hunter managed to only make one girl older than him cry!!!! I still don't know what he said to her but it must have been enough to make her cry.

Now for the Mystery!!!!! this is the picture of the new mystery shawl that I'm working on. This is clue 1 and 2 complete.

Got to go help with homework and bed

I think I'm in Love.....

2007-03-27T22:23:00.000-05:00

This I think... No I know I'm in love with!!!! This is my first spun yarn after buying my wheel and receiving it 3 weeks ago. I went to have a class with the lady I bought my wheel from last thursday and she said " you don't need to be taught anything, Your a natural!" WOW what a compliment!. This is 100% alpaca. there is approximately 682 yards and weighs about 8 oz on my kitchen scale. This yarn is a bulky yarn I would most likely knit it with size 9-11 US needles. I'm not sure what I will use this for as of yet but, I'm sure something with be calling it name/

this is some wool that I tried to make into lace weight, but It does not have enough twist. I guess I will have to spin faster!!

These two pictures are of clue 1 of the mystery shawl KAL. I spun this myself!!!! I'm so impressed. this is a 50 merino and 50 silk from the Copper Moose in black cherry. There is about 840 yards in the ball and skein that needs to be wound up. I think I will do one more skein but just a little bigger and we'll see if that will be enough for the whole shawl. I'm not sure but I don't want to spin more that what I need. I'd like some left for some lace weight. I am using a size 7 needle.

OK, well that's all for knitting at the moment. I need to get to bed tomarrow Hunter has a appointment at the University of Iowa for testing for ADHD and Autism. We have to leave at 6:00 am and hopefully will make it home by 6:00pm. So, I need to try to sleep but I don't think I'll get much. To much on the mind:((

Happy Knitting

Now we can see what I've been up to

2007-03-15T21:21:00.000-05:00

This is my Ashford Traveller. (and my messy kitchen. Who wants to clean when this arives!!!!????). Well, now I just have to figure out what to name her. I know there are several people who have named there wheels. Any Suggestions????? Doesn't hurt to ask!!

OK, does this not look like a purple nightmare?????!!!! This is my first spinn on my wheel on Wednesday night. I actually don't think the the spinning was all that bad. But, I tryed to ply it and I have no idea really how to do that so that just might be the issue. Of course it's was a freebie so that's ok.

This is 3.2 oz of suri alpaca form Alpacas D'Auxvasse. I think I'm in love with this fiber. It is easy to work with and just so soft that you want to use it as a pillow. The only thing that I noticed is that it is a fuzzy yarn. I'm not sure if this is due to my inexperience or just the way it is supposed to be. I have not plyed it yet for I am waiting to have my first spinning class with the lady I bought my wheel from. I'm hopeing this coming Thursday.

This is what I am currently working on. It is a deep red superwash wool from The Sheep Shed Studio. I just have to keep reminding myself.... thin but not to thin. It's going well so far.

I would love to hear feedback from all you spinners out there, when I get back on Yahoo, You'll know because you'll actually get an email from me asking you to take a look at this.

As for Yahoo, I have not heard anything from them yet. I guess yesterday I couldn't firgure out pictures for this blog and today my Yahoo issure. I guess there always has to be something going to crap or it just would not be my life.

Keep spinning