It's FO week!!

Yep, for FO number deux see below!

VooDoo Wrist Warmers from Knitty

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashemerino in white and Plassard Laser yarn in blue. The Plassard yarn is interesting, better than fun fur IMHO ;)! Not a bad knit, and since I had learned a lot about stitches and ribbing since my first one, the second one turned out better and my button hole was better as I understood what the directions meant. I started these last fall, then other objects took my attention and it kept being put off. Well thanks to the WIP Roundup at Knitty Coffeeshoptm , I decided to get my butt in gear and finish the smaller ones, now I can concentrate on more socks, ;) and some summer tops for me! Yay! One more quick FO tomorrow, another flower washcloth and I am good to go!

So, it's almost Friday...yay! 4 days off too! Not on/call too too!! BTW! This is blog post #101, I had decided long ago when I hit post 100 (which I never thought I would!) I would give a prize to the first commentor. (which I too never thought I would have!) The winner of that is Aija! Have you seen her socks?? She does unreal sock knitting! She chose to have her own Sockfish..so I'll be making both of ours this weekend!

My quizzerama winner was Michelle, her prize should be arriving at her house any day. We had many an email going back and forth during this past fall/winter and got to know each other pretty well. She was my first swap mate and cheered me up more than she realized during that time! Thanks!

Have a nice weekend everyone! Stay dry and safe!

Just another Manic Monday

Don't know what was up today...heat, rain, general crankiness...let me tell you, people stayed away from me today at work...(well I was better by noontime ;)!

Finally finished these! My first Cascade fixation ankle socks. Many more pairs to come and I think they will go quicker if I don't get distracted by other knitting! This pair is ok, not the best fitting, but I will tweak my pattern more and add more rounds of knitting before I do the heel flap next time. I originally started them with 2 circs all the way to the foot part on the second sock...then I found these! Brittany dpns in 5"; size 3. It was like knitting with butta.. I really enjoyed these dpns...oops! shh don't tell anyone...(she knows too many ways to knit socks...now if SHE could just knit them a little faster...quoted by my sock yarn stash!)

I only got the 3's as I knew I'd be knitting a lot of these, mainly because I got a bit of the Esprit solids and multicolors.

My best surprise was my One-Skein SP package! Nice King-Tut yarn in a really gorgeous colorway! Included was a nice card and yummy Blackberry lip balm! Thanks SP!

I can show it now!

Well remember the other day when I showed you the hats, I gave you a tiny fabric swatch shot... well I had made the most lovely CPurl17 a circular needle case in exchange for some much sought after inox gray 24" circulars for socks. She also surprised me with a skein of Mountain Colors Bearfoot sock yarn.



..so I decided to surprise her with this and a ball of Cascade fixation for more ankle socks.

Introducing Ms. Sockfish!! Pattern available here! I loved it from the get go when I first saw The Giving Flower post it. Then she made up a pattern, and emailed me when it was available, and here you go!!

What a great way to use up scraps and let me tell you, I had barely enough of the circular print (Amy Butler!!) left. I had to piece the back fin and when I ironed on one of the eyes to the wrong side of the body..OY! I eeked another eye out. Would have been very funny though..imagine the crossed eye one hehe! ETA: these are only for gifts or swaps, I cannot sell them or mass produce them...sorry

As for the needle case, you can see it at her blog if you want to. I have a few orders to keep me busy for the next month though FYI, (they aren't the quickest things to make and I do like to knit a bit ;)!! ) one of the orders to fill is my own...you should see my mess o'needles. So if you are a patient person as Cpurl was...who knows!!

SP4Z

Thank you so much for my package! You made a day...well..interesting but exhausting and not bloggable so much better! When I saw this..sniff..well thank you!!


Nice yarn..hat for son...HA! Hat for me...so soft!! Classic Elite Montera!! Good small perfumes to go in the purse for those..um..hot, sticky, stinky Carolina summers, hair clip, lip balm with a hook so I can FIND it in my purse, nail file and..hehe lip plumping treatment...watch out hubby!!
I bow to your ESPN!!

(hehe usually people say ESP..well I am known for ESPN...just like to say it that way and no I do not watch ESPN... :)

Z's Quizz-a-rama

Take the quizz-a-rama here!

Ok, so I jumped on the bandwagon here..I think it is a cute idea I like taking everyone else's..well that I think I may know a bit..the winner gets a prize from me...wonder what it'll be??? (acts all innocent..have no idea what to give these people for prizes..)!

So, when the action stops happening (if it even starts LOL!) I'll let the winner know!

ETA: I just took the test as a few people were having trouble..must have been with the site as I got the questions fine and even 100% ;)!!
ps..don't worry I won't win the prize as I am not qualified as I know the person..hehe

Whew!! Made it!!

My Dulaan Hats are in the mail as we speak! My lucky number 7!! Not bad since January, and I plan on more next year!

Done with Patons Classic Wool(pink) and Divine, Cashmere luxury aran, Lambs Pride Bulky in all but 2 hats!(my most favorite yarn of all!!) The middle oatmeal colored ribbed hat with the tiny green hat in front is what started it all..it was a failed Knitmas gift for FIL..I was wondering what to do with it as it doesn't get too cold in NC..Then a saw a post for Dulaan...BTW..um..the black one with red stripe in the lower left..well, I did finish it today before I sent it LOL..just had to do a few more decreases and a small i-cord hat-tail...did I say I love LP bulky ;)

I've got my sewing groove back...although I am taking tonite off...a preview of what I've been working on...but I can't post until...well..the recipient sees it..this is to tease her!! My most patient friend..(well maybe not after this!)

Well after downloading a trial of photoshop elements..many trials to unzip...and try to install and I have not enough computer space for it...so I start deleting more stuff/junk and still not enough..then I go to Picasa..and sweet...it's free, I can order prints, edit like I want, and export it so I can save pictures to a disk, blog directly from it...so for now..this is it! Not too bad!

Off I go to knit...yeah on some socks, 3 prs on the needles!

2 Sewing FO's and 1 knitting FO!! Gotta get more done, I wanna swatch for ribbi shell, PPT, and when my silky wool comes in, for Shelagh...swatch, swatch, swatch!!

Pink and Blue

I recently did a swap of Cascade Fixation with Knitpastis. I am swapping my Desert Sand for her light blue. I had originally purchased 2 balls of it for a pair of longer socks, but when I found the KAL and began knitting with it..I decided one pair was enough.....which lookie here...the light blue on the right matches perfectly with the color on the left...so can you say 3 pairs of socks with 2 balls. Should be interesting with the left overs...We can all make pairs with our leftovers..those would be interesting..

And since we both make totes, we decided to swap a tote with each other. I picked this fabric as I have always wanted it, but it is usually sold out... So she's picked out her fabric and will be patiently waiting while I finish up some projects to get her own! You'll have to wait and see her post though! ;)

Amy Butler's Ginger Bliss line in "Azalea Pink Daisywillow"

I love it..it's pink and flowery and inside it is very soft. She also included a few tags to attach to my finished products..Thank you Knitpastis!!

Have a great weekend...and some answers to ??'s

Yes, I joined another swap!! But this one, I really think I'll be able to use my stashes---yarn and fabric!! I certainly will try! We should find out our swap partners this weekend, so I wanted to post this as I will be very busy this weekend. Learning how to knit continental, much needed sewing projects, normal errands and chores, and a last shot at at least 2 more Dulaan hats. They need to be shipped this coming week to make it in time for this year's delivery. I know I'll have more next year, and I may branch out into a sweater or scarf...and maybe time to finish a sock...one can hope!

Here you go swap pal!

What are your favorite colors? Reds, greens, blues, pinks, blacks, browns, purples, oranges, greys! In any hues of these colors!

Are you a new sock knitter? Yes

How long have you been knitting socks? Started in January 06-4 pairs done so far..a few on the needles! :)

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? both!

What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn? I like superwash wool or cotton

Where do you usually knit socks? Anywhere I can!

How do you usually carry/store small projects? Little totes I have leftover from a craft fair I did 3 yrs ago. I am looking forward to someone else making me one though! :)

What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? So far Knitty's(tm) Thuja and plain stockinette and ribbed typed patterns.

What are your favorite sock knitting techniques? umm..don't know many yet, I've only done stockinette and ribbing so far.

What new techniques would you like to try? Toe-ups, short row heels, lace patterns, cables

Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting? Circulars baby! Magic Loop or 2 circs, either as long as they are circs! :) --btw..currently set for needles

What are some of your favorite yarns? Allthings Heather um..she knows the colors I like ;), Cascade fixation, STR, Lorna's Laces, Regia, Knit picks, Mountain Colors Bearfoot,...haven't knit with them yet, fondle most of them! :)

What yarn do you totally covet? Right now, Fleece artist sock yarns in any of the colors I like, Sundarya yarn in Chimney, Vesper in Antigone, Scout's Fraises des Bois or Tarzhay... As you can see I do like to support the independent yarn dye'r..producer.. :)

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? Can't think of any right now, I elect to revisit this question if my pal so asks! ;)

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? Currently using addi natura's, clover bamboo, inox metal grays and express, and addi turbo's (on thicker yarns)

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Wool-cotton blend...sturdy, durable, warm, soft, and a little giving.

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? jelly bellys, chocolate, cinnamon candies, anything really ;)

What’s your favorite animal? umm...see below

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? Belle-bloodhound 3 yrs; Sapphire-sealpoint Siamese-1yr.

If you were a color what color would you be? Red....sassy...bright...bold

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s).. For me a nice comfortable v-neck tee shirt, well fitting not too short, tight, or loose...just perfect fitting.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? I love the sea and sky at different times of the day (wished I lived by the sea!), flowers, birds

Do you have a wishlist? No, just feel free to ask questions if need be :)

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today? I'm looking forward to meeting new people, making the kit for my pal and hopefully get them something either they haven't found or tried. Thanks for having this.

Erie Island

I came home today to find this package!! I could barely contain my excitement as I knew it was from my Dye-o-Rama Swap Pal! (well..I hoped it was ;) It is gorgeous!! I love all of the colors, they look so good together. She said she was inspired by her garden...wow! I bet that is one lovely garden! I guess I'll have to change my sock yarn to be used queue and move this one right up there LOL! This swap was a lot of fun, I learned something I had never done before, how much hard work it is!!, and I feel so honored that someone made something especially for me. How cool is that? I mean you usually pick out the colors you like..but on this swap someone does it for you, they research, ask questions...

The whole skein

Close up...look at those colors!!!! :))

Thank you again Historic Stitcher for the yarn, the green chibi (I've been looking for that color too! :) and the m&m's, which I am trying to hide from DD and Turtlegirl (shhh..these are a favorite of hers and she doesn't live too far from me and since I threatened to take her lovely Clapotis...you never know ;)

So does anyone have any ideas on what socks I should make? Help..please...I want to show off the colorway but not with a busy pattern...hmmmm what to do...

P.S. I'm going to try to email you again, but the last 2 did not go through :(

It's a bird, a plane.....

It's a Cascade fixation ankle sock!! Yeah! Sock 1 is finally done! Fits fine, snug, but not tight....at 38 stitches. However, the future pairs will be at 40sts and at least on the next pair I am going to try a few rows of plain stockinette stitch before I start the heel flap.



And lest you think I've got SSS...see the heel progress on sock 2! :) I so can't wait to finish this pair as I have a pink pair in the wings to start!

BTW, I have discovered something I can't do...well..not good anyways. I cannot start something on DPN's...I tried to start Sock 2 on them and well...it was not good. Now I started over and went to 2 circ's and you see the progress. I can do that with magic loop as well. I knit hats, no problem as I start knitting on circulars, so I add the DPN's later, after knitting is established.... things that make you go hmmmmmmm

On a sad note...well to me..I accidently deleted my photoediting program. Can't find the software yet, so I think it was either free or came with the computer..which is why I should have the software.. I really liked it as I could edit as much as I wanted and not show anyone what a lousy photographer I can be LOL! This photo courtesy of Picasa...just uploaded it, clicked on "blog it" and there you have it. We'll see how it works! So what do you guys use for photoediting? I may be purchasing some if I can't find that darned CD...hmmmmm

Yay and yarn pr0n

I got a package today from my cheapy SP4Z! How did she know I love Jelly Belly's???? hmmm hehe! Those mini chews, I've been eyeing but haven't got cause I was trying to be good...well no more, those are hidden from little hands! Love the bookmark, I really needed one no more bent pages now! I also love the scratch/sniff stickers too... Thank you SP4Z!!!

Ok, no knitting content so I'll show you some yarns I've received in the last month or so...

Mountain Colors Bearfoot sockyarn

Hipknits cashmere yarn...ahhhh..socks for sure..well maybe not..decisions

Peace fleece in Ukranian Red, I'll definately order more of this for a cardigan next winter.

Treadsoft Handpainted sockyarn in Sunburst I won from Jen 's contest

Wicked by Heather

Hopefully knitting content tomorrow. I am still plugging away on my cascade fixation ankle socks. I did finish 3 flower washcloths, sorry packed them up before I took a picture. I've been a little tired this week, doing 3 people's jobs wore me out. I had to get a new encoded ID card for work...my picture is a sad tale...my eyes were these huge bags! ugh! No wonder I went to bed Friday at 7:30 pm and woke up Sat. at 8:30 am... I accidently deleted the file I use to upload my pictures from my camera..sniff...I loved that program...hopefully I can find it again...my other ones are not user friendly....On a good note, went shopping today w/DD and Bath/bodyworks had my favorite shower gel "Flowering Herbs" I got 3 bottles, they haven't had it in years..I may have to go back for more ;)

Be very afraid.....

Hehe Lookee here!! DD wanted all my knitting friends to see her! She had field day at school and loves to be made up like this. Could it be that she is a Leo??? Hair color and eye color NOT courtesy of me LOL!!!

As for mom...off knitting/sewing...later :)

Thanks for indulging me.....

Yes, thanks for patiently watching my dyeing progress. Although it is addicting and I cannot wait to do more, those lovely, soft undyed skeins will sit in their protective bag for a while longer....I have other projects with due dates and need to focus on those. Besides when it gets hotter here, the yarn will dry quicker ;)

So my Dye-o-Rama yarn went out Saturday! This is the choice I made and I am very happy with it. It is so soft and I do not doubt she'll love knitting with it.




And this skein of green with a little black smudges from the dye that wouldn't stay mixed....well


It became this....so nicely variegated if I say so myself...it will be going on a trip across the ocean in the next day or so! :) The top skein was dyed in leaf green wiltons with black added as I "thought" it would darken it up, it just kind of bruised the yarn... So yesterday I overdyed it in kelly green wiltons and the variations are really nice.

So off I go into knitting land, and hopefully some pics in the next day or so of some progress on something! :)

P.S. Label design by Fuzzysheep Designs. I got me my own label.. :)

A decision....

Has been made for what is to become of this yarn!

The Tie dye yarn will become the Tropicana Socks from the June issue of MagKnits. Check it out. I've found another Summer Top Pattern to use with my bulky cascade fixation yarn I got at a steal! :)

Now, hopefully I can get a handle on my WIP's this coming week and tackle these! :)
Have a good weekend everyone!

Almost Friday....

Ugh...I love having a few days off in a row...but it makes the next week rough...and I was off yesterday too! Hubby is fine, in a little pain (psst..men are wimps...at least my man is!!) This was minor surgery for a trigger thumb..you'd have thought....well..it was nothing compared to what happened in December...well what can you say! (hahaha! a lot, but I must behave, as he doesn't make fun of my yarn and other fiber..um...enhancements!)

Speaking of which, I received these yummy fab's of Amy Butler's at a pretty good price thanks to a tip from Knitpastis, a fellow AB fabric fan.

I'm sure they will turn into many totes, a girl can't have too many can she?

Progress is being made on the first ankle sock. Cascade fixation in Desert Sand and you can see the color I chose for the next pair! I see many of these in my future as they are perfect for here in hot, humid, muggy, miserable NC. Once I get the pattern perfected for my feet...they'll get done in no time!

Lastly...see this, 1 lb of Kona Superwash in fingering weight! My emergency sock yarn arrived from NH in 2 DAYS!!!! As I was so worried about the previously dyed yarns and was not going to send either one...well I have decided... my pal is getting the merino/tencel blend. Not as dark as I wanted but sooo very soft, I can't resist sending her them. I ordered these skeins fromCatnip Yarns! Amazing service! I emailed my angst late Monday nite, and after a few emails and payment on Tuesday, it was shipped the same day. There may be a tiny weeney bit of dyeing this weekend..then again..thinking of the winding and weighing involved, I may take some time off LOL! Besides, my roots are calling me...dye me not your yarn!!!

My hats off to all of those who do this themselves as a home business either full-time or part-time! That means you Heather and Dani as my top two I purchase from. All those skeins you both produce..I don't know how you do it..but very glad that you do!

Happy Friday everyone! :)