Wednesday, August 29, 2007

HSKS3 Swap

Call me crazy. I signed up for a swap in additon to SP11. This sounds like a ton of fun. I did the sorting quiz, and I was sorted into Hufflepuff!! I have posted our house flag to the right (see, take a look). Cute hu? Pal assignments will come out shortly. Soon, I hope. I am going to the Rib Cook-off in Reno this weekend - I'll be gone friday - Sunday - so HSKS pal, if you don't hear from me - that's why!!

On the SP11 front - I got some yummy stuff to send my pal. I need to buy a bubble envelope and then off in the mail it goes.

Socks for Soldiers: I decided I don't care for the plastic, flexible needles (size 1) that came with my official kit. So, the next round I will begin knitting onto some wooden needles. the needles are verry cool - they were homemade from a former SP swap buddy. Size 1 and stained in a walnut stain - very pretty. It warms my heart to know that my socks will be on a soldier's foot soon and his or her tootsies will be snuggle warm with a knitty hug from "home"

Have a knitterly weekend everyone.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

SP11 & Stuff

Yippee - I heard from my SP11 spoiler! She sent me an e-card, but it's in cyber space someplace. The Lundt candies - my fav filling is probably the chocolate.. Can't have too much chocolate, can you? I think this is going to be a good round of Secret Pal. I love "meeting" new people and learning a bit about where they live. The person who spoiled me in SP10 lives in Singapor. How cool is that??

Ravelry: I got my invite! I had just a few minutes to set up some basic stuff. I am BrookeKnits. I'll have to spend some time each weekend to learn more and post more stuff.

Socks for Soldiers. Did you see I added the button? I have my kit, which I did not HAVE to buy, but did, just to get the "official" needles, pattern, etc. My son left his floor lamp at the house. I need to "borrow" it so I can knit with black yarn. I am currently using KnitPicks "essential", but there are other approved yarns: Regia stretch black or white includig wool/cotton blends; Opal Uni in black or white & Gems Opal by Louet yarns. Trekking - black or white; Cherry Tree Hill - black or white; Henry's Attic - black or white. Why "black or white" you ask?? Well, the main mission is BBS or Big Black Socks. They are knit "mil spec" - which means they can be worn with military uniforms - all branches. We can also knit leiesure socks (any color), but the main deal is BBSs, which must be black. There are members who will dye the white socks black, and then they are sent to Kim (the organizer) and she takes care of shipping out our care packages. This is a legit non profit group. She should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, don't ya think?

Hogworts: I tried to do the sock swap, but in doing so, then changing my mind, accidentally deleted my old blog. Yikes. Then one of the members of MS3 turned me on to a related site, Hogwarts sock/scarf KIT exchange. Much better. I knit so darn slow. So, I am very excited. I'll find out in about 24 to 48 hours if I am in the swap or not.. it's not a secret swap, we will know who we are sending to.

Back to work.. not fun, but necessary. TTFN.

Thursday, August 23, 2007

My Newest Toy

I'll take pictures tonight, but guess what I got today?? Nope - guess again..... Nope - another guess.. Wrong again.. I'll tell ya. I got an antique skein winder. I tell anyone who will listen to me that I knit and spin and if they ever see knitting and spining stuff cheep at yard sales - BUY IT - i'll pay them back - or call me on my cell for the big stuff. (I am allergic to yard sales, as I was drug to them kicking and screaming as a kid) Anywhooooo - a nice lady in town had this "yarn measurer" that she was selling - technically it measures yarn, but really it's skein winder - and now it's mine. Chris, the adorable, practically perfect husband, gets credit for the "gift" to me!! I'll run home, work on mysocks for soldiers "big black socks" and my MS3, now on row 100 something or other; and i'll post some pics.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

A Message from the rural MIdwest

(an email sent to me by my sister-in-law)

Message from the rural Midwest: Because of misunderstandings that frequently develop when East Coasters and Californians cross states such as Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, those states' Tourism Councils have adopted a set of information guidelines.

In an effort to help outsiders understand the Midwest , the following list will be handed to each driver entering the state:

1. That farm boy standing next to the feed bin likely did more work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.

2. It's called a 'gravel road'. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your car. 3. We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.

4. Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod. Don't cry to us if a flathead catfish breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little trout you fish for...bait.

5. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.

6. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards are making their final approach, we will shoot it! You might hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.

7. No, there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Ordersteak. Order it rare. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.

8. You bring Coke into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice.

9. So you have a sixty-thousand dollar car you drive on weekends? We're real impressed. We have a quarter-million dollar combine that we only use two weeks a year.

10. Let's get this straight - We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow.

11. Our women hunt, fish, and drive trucks--because they want to. So, you're a feminist... Isn't that cute..

12. Yeah, we eat catfish. Carp, too--and turtle. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the bait shop.

13. They are pigs. That's what they smell like. Get over it. Don'tlike it? Interstates 70, 80, & 90 go two ways--Interstates 29, 35, & 69 go the other two. Pick one and use it accordingly.

14. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's like a religious holiday. You can get breakfast at the church.

15. So every person in every pickup waves. It's called being friendly. Understand the concept?
16. Yeah, we have golf courses. Just don't hit in the water hazard, it spooks our fish.

17. That Highway Patrol Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot, his name is "Sir". No matter how old he is.

18. The bill on your hat should turn down at the edges to shed the rain and be centered over your nose to keep the sunlight out of your eyes. Any other location/orientation makes you look like an idiot.

19. We also speak ENGLISH here, speak it or go away.

Now, enjoy your visit!
(ok, not really knitting/fiber related, but it got my funny-bone)

Thursday, August 16, 2007

SP11 Contest (bonus)

My SP11 Hostess if having a contest!! Here it is:

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without? Well, knitting needles would be hard to live without!! LOL. As far as gadgets go, I think I would be hard pressed without my little Knitter's Companion book. If for nothing else, than the needle sizer page.

2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? If so, how much and what type of project? YES!! I get "twitchy" If I don't have knitting with me. I had several UFOs that were good for knitting in the car - something t hat was going to be felted - Now I just take whatever I am working on. My last trip, I took my MS3 Stole and a pair of socks. This trip (leaving in a few hours) I will bring the mate to the sock I just finished & probably my Socks For Soldiers sock - just started last night. There is NEVER enough time to knit at conference, but at night, just before bed - it's nice to "unwind" by knitting.

3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot? Back home!! Seriously, I love the ocean - the coast. So, my favorite destinations in the last few months would have to be southern california. I adore the Carmel/Monterey area too.

4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it? I have been drooling over the Fall Interweave Knits magazine (i have a subscription) and I just got Charmed Knits - Harry Potter inspired designs. I'll probably make some socks out of that book. I'd love to get the new book Knit Kimono (??). I heard about it on the pod cast "Lime and Violet" it sounds interesting.

5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)? Yes. I listen to several. Lime & Violet; It's a Purl, Man; Stash and Burn; Ready Set Knit; The Mosh Knit. A favorite?? That's hard.... I like Ready Set Knit, 'cause they are short. L&V are funny, but they ramble and sometimes I fall asleep before the podcast is over (sigh). I like Its A Purl, Man - 'cause it's a guy.

OK. there is my answers to the contest. I have a good feeling about SP11. Now if I can get though it without "accidentally" deleting my blog (like I did to my old blog), it will all be A-OK!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Knitting In Las Vegas!!


Made it there and back in Vegas this past weekend. Like the good geek that I am, I took knitting along - I had to try to get some MS3 knitting time in. I am about 10 rows away from finishing Clue 1 - and most are on clue 6.. I am behind a tiny bit. This is me and my sock (basic sock pattern from Yarn Harlot's book). My most amazing husband arranged for limo rides to and from the airport on our trip there and back. So, the sock got to ride in the limo too!! On the trip from the Vegas aiport to the hotel, we got a bottle of champagne and 2 long stem roses!! I am crazy busy packing tonight and leaving in the am for my conference. I'll post some pics when I get back. Oh the SP11 front, I have my pal and I have made contact. No word from my pal yet, but it's early. Have a great fiber filled weekend!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I can't think of too much I don't like. I guess some of the "novelty" yarn is on the lower end of my list.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Oh, I wish I had my camera. I have some fabic needle cases that were sent as gifts from prior SP buddies. and I just got a needle case for my circulars that hangs in the closet. You slide the circ thru the do-dah. I'll take a pic and post it later.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have been knitting for about 2 years I think. I learned from Devvy, the owner of KnitWits, my local knitting shop. I think I am an intermediate knitter now.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes. I have an Amazon list, that has been terribly neglected. I will make a point of checking it out and making sure it is updated.

5. What's your favorite scent? Oh gezz, this is a test, hu? What don't I like?? I have some lemon body scrub that is yummy, some bath and body works stuff in pear and someother in brown sugar and vanilla?? It's all good.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes, I have a sweet tooth. My all time fav chocolate is LUntz chocolates. I find them at Cost Plus World Market (one of my favorite retail stores). They are round balls of chocolately goodness.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I crochet, but have not in a long time. Yes, I spin. I have a roving stash and two wheels - an Ashford Traveler and a Joy. I have a drop spindle, but don't know how to use it. LOL.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I am all over the place when it comes to music. Chris Issac, Amy Winehouse, my mind is blank. Kate Earl... Big Bad VooDoo Daddy, Room Full of Blues.


9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I like all colors. I don't think I look good in yellow - it washes me out. At least if the yellow is near my face. I have a fair complexion and I color my hair (highlights), I guess those florescent colors are a bit over the top. I gravitate toward earthy colors.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Very happily married. Two kids, both out of the house. One dog, who has bone cancer and was given about 6 months to live, that was about 3 months ago. Just me and wonder husband.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, Yes, Yes. It gets cold here in the winter. We often get snow. Hats, mittens ponchos and scarves - Y OU BET.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I finally got over the sock phobia thing I had - I am signed up with socks for soldiers - and I love to wear hand knit socks... so It seems like I always have a sock going. Favorite to knit?? I guess now that I "get" knitting. I like projects that offer a challenge, but not too crazy. I'll nver knit a car cozy - I am doing MS3, which is my first large "real" lace project. I am liking lace.

13. What are you knitting right now? So many: 1. Lacy thong for daughter (first one was a smidge too small, ARRGGGG); socks for me; socks for soldier - big black socks; MS 3 lace stole; and ...... something else, i can't recall. Ohhh, finishing work on needle case. felted, just need to sew on the tie thing.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? You bet your wooly little hand knit socks I do.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Depends on the project. I do tend to use circulars even on a project that calls for straights.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes to both. I even have a home-made PVC niddy noddy - 2 of them!!

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Technically, it is over a year old, but I took the stitches I had off hte needles, so now it can't be a UFO.. its a "project/kit" waiting to be cast on (again). See how I am?? LOL.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Hands down - Thanksgiving. Love to have the family around, very casual, no expectations and really good food.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Besides yarn, roving and knitting needles?? Pigs collect me! It is not something I set out to collect. My sister always gave me pigs. Long story, can't go into it.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? there is one book... I think it's called "Komonos" or something like that. I heard about it on a podcast. I subscribe to InnterWeave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? If I have not tried it - I'll give it a go. Bring it on!!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes. My foot is 9" long. I wear a US size 6.5 shoe.

23. When is your birthday? Once a year. Just kidding. May 7. I am a Taurus.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Not yet. I am on the list. About 3,000 names ahead of me.. Boo Hooo.

OK, I hope this helps my SP 11 buddy. I have some pictures in the camera ready to post. I am crazy busy with a conference this weekend. I'lll be more knitting friendly after the 19th.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Vegas Baby!!

I am off to a long weekend in vegas. I have packed my MS3 stole and have prayed long and hard that my luggage does not get lost!! I have my Harlot socks in my carry on bag... I am seriously thinking of adding my Socks for Soldiers stuff and starting on a pair of "big black socks" for that.... can you imagine knitting a sock leg that measures 12 - 14 inches?? It'll be a first for me. I end up with ankle socsk - 'cause I get impatient.... or socks that turn into golf club covers... but we shall not discuss THAT. I'll take pictures of my socks in vegas (at the table games, at the slot machines, etc. and hope they don't kick me out!!)

Monday, August 6, 2007

Wine Tasting, Yarning & Tow Trucks

I had a wonderful opportunity to do some wine tasting in Sonoma last weekend. It was lovely - some private tastings and tours. I was at Duckhorn this time last year, but this time went to Duckhorn Paradox - just up the road. Great wines. Two that we tasted are only available at the winerey!. We got to go into the caves at Gloria Ferrar (champagne). it was great fun.

Super Husband went downtown with me to do some "yarning" - found Bella Yarns and got some lovely Alchemy (spelling??) lace yarn for myself and Healthly, and some Trekking sock yarn - 'cause sock yarn isn't real stash!!

Then, on the way home - the tread come off the front tire. The best part of this was the CHP who pulls up and asks us what's going on. I say (as I am knitting) "It was such a lovely day, thought I'd pull over and get some knitting in." - then with a great big smile I say "seriously, waiting for tow truck - tread came off the tire" - He laughed and was on his way.

Only a knitter would say "ohhh, I hope the tow truck doesn't get here tooo soon. I can get tons of knitting in now!! LOL.