More Yarn, YIPEEEE!!!!!!!

Bloggers playing nice now so here's some pics I promised.

This is the yarn I picked up at the LYS on Saturday.


This is from Knitpicks, soft, mmmmm. I picked up 5 skeins of Jewels Shadow for something lacy, Alpaca Cloud in Stream and Autumn for scarves and some Paint your own lace merino wool.


This is my major sock stash enhancement from Aunt Margaret.



I received my Knitpixie order today and wow, first time feeling how soft the Lorna's Laces sock yarn is. I bought a couple of skeins of the Girly Stripes, purple/pink, gorgeous yarn and some stuff for my Secret Pal, sorry no pics don't want to give my identity away to soon. I've already sent out the first package and have the second ready to go for the middle of October and just working on the last package. Yes, I know I'm a little anal about these things but I just want to try to stay ahead of the game for this Christmas season and have all my eggs in one basket(I sure hope) and enjoy the season this year. Last year on Christmas Eve we had my sister(no biggy)and hubby's parents(first time they have spent Xmas with us) and there I was sewing our stockings I had embroidered(by hand) and had to finish putting them together. This year I am hoping will be different, I want most of my projects done for the end of November and maybe just do some socks(if I ever finish this first pair ;-) or dishclothes or maybe my afghan.

Back to the socks and CSI is just starting, I'll post pics of the socks tomorrow. I'm finally getting the hang of it, you know it might help if I actually followed a pattern. As if I'd go the easy route. TTFN

Long time no blog

Well it has been over a week since my last entry, so where do I begin.

First off I am now a homeschooling mom, yes, my eldest child who shall remain nameless has decided he didn't like school and wants to be homeschooled or just quit altogether. He had run away on the first day of school and was gone for almost a week. I was finally able to contact A's mom and ask her where her daughter was so she could tell me "where the f*** they were hiding my son". Her mother is one of the stupidest people I have ever met, her response was "Jordan told me he was kicked out". Now who kicks out a 15 year old kid and I asked her why she didn't call to verify and all she could say is that he is an honest boy, why would he lie. This coming from a woman who has called us in the middle of the night or early morning hours looking for her daughter. What a total dumb ass!!! Sorry but I really needed to vent.

The kids he hangs out with are not the best, they do come from very good homes but it seems that some of them are just to busy or have given up altogether and tired of chasing them around here when they do run away so what the hell if we give in they will stay home, sometimes. This does not make things easier for those of us who are desperately trying to make sure our kids stay in school and out of trouble. One good thing though as I look at my two little ones I can honestly say I think they will be more the leader types and not followers like my oldest. Oh man I hope so, having to go through this crap 2 more times is going to drive me insane.

Second, my leg is getting better and no longer in constant pain.

Third, I have enhanced my stash!!! Yeh!!!!! My Knitpicks order arrived today and I picked up some Handspun Handpainted Lopi wool for my first felting project, a bag for myself as well as some sock yarn, handspun handpainted 100% merino wool plus some merino wool(can't remember the name but very soft) for my Aunt Margaret.

I would post photos but blogger isn't playing nice right now.

Fourth, half way done my pair of socks. I am doing both at the same time and I'm just picking up stitches for the gusset. I had one almost finished but frogged to the heel again because the decreases lined up on one side and the other went down the centre, nice. I'm not sure how many times I have frogged these socks, well it's usually one I'm frogging but this is coming onto 2 weeks of working these puppies and I would really like to get them done. My sock yarn stash has dramatically increased from 5 balls to a small tote full which doesn't include the stuff from knitpixie that should be here any day.

Well I think I've gotten around to almost everything, back to the socks. I'll try again later to post the pics of my new stash enhancements.

GRRRRRRR....... Husbands!!!!!

What a weekend, I got no knitting done what so ever. Everytime I went to pick up the needles somebody wanted/needed something. You would think having the husband home on weekends he could pick up a little slack to give me a little time to do some of my own stuff but nooooo. Saturday we spent the day grocery shopping and looking for a bed for our 3 year old and ended up buying a damn nice set of bunkbeds, well more like a bunk bed style on the top, desk and shelves on the sides and a pull out trundle bed for the bottom. I also bought the 5 year parts and labour warranty since our little guys bed broke do to extreme jumping.

Now back to the rant, Sunday the husband didn't get up till 11:30 am, yes you read correctly, 11:30 am. I was up with Collin and Justice as per usual at 7:30 am had them fed and was making my all day meat sauce when he got his butt up and onto the couch. The next door neighbours started mowing their lawn and he just continued to sit there watching tv, by the way our lawn had not been mowed in almost 3 weeks. Once I got my sauce going I went outside grabbed the mower and started the front, I was half way done he came out and watched me do a bit then offered to finish. I finished it, ignoring his offer so he went to the back and picked up the toys and proceeded to watch me mow for a bit when I told him I didn't need an audience. After mowing the lawn, making sauce, cleaning the bathroom, washing the floors, vacuuming, picked up a few more groceries and some clothes for Justice I came home to find him still on the couch but this time showered, watching cartoons. What a butt!!!! Here's a picture of him.



Today I stomped the hoof on my oldest, Jordan, who is 15 years and Rob(husband) and told them they are going to have to take care of the yard work once and for all, none of this "letting it buck" for 3 weeks or letting the snow sit there and say "it will melt soon". You would think with 2 big guys I would never have to worry about the lawn or shovelling, "HELL NO". Then the icing on the cake today was I've been Summoned for Jury Duty!!! I'm going in tomorrow with my request to be excused because 1. I'm a stay at home mom 2. I have NO babysitter, our little guys have never been left with anyone 3. I'm homeschooling 4. The husband works fulltime Monday-Friday and we can't live on the $10.00/day they are offering if I'm selected.

Man, what a weekend and a Monday. All I want to do is get my socks done, my first pair and get started on some of the Opal handpainted I bought in August. Well off to my socks, working on the legs right now.

Hi Secret Pal (waving)!

Secret Pal

Hi Secret Pal,
Thanks for the email and I just wanted to let you know "I LOVE SURPRISES". My wishlist is a good guideline for my husband's Christmas Shopping. He prefers to buy a bunch of smaller items than one big item and I enjoy the variety.

I am looking forward to the next three months, I will be sending my first package out to my pal sometime this weekend. I've also been reading some of the blogs of the participants in SP6 and "wow" I thought I was one of the only RPG fanatics(PC games and Warhammer 40K) in my age category(boy does that make me feel old). The minis I paint are for my husbands D&D game he plays every Sunday. He's the Dungeon Master and I do some commission work for the guys who don't paint. I'll post some pics soon of some of my work and my boys.

Of to Michael's craft store, I'm going to give beading a whirl(everythings on sale this weekend)so why not.

Shopping for my Pal

This is me online shopping the last 2 hours for my Secret Pal.

This is so much fun and it also gives me an excuse to buy more yarn for myself since I am paying for shipping at some of the online stores any way ;). I found a few patterns, lace yarn and other nifty goodies I can send over the course of the next three months plus what I find at the local LYS and Chapters. For myself I purshased some Lorna's Laces Sock yarn, I've heard good things so wanted to give it a whirl once I do get my first pair of socks done. I also got some alpaca from Knit Picks to make a lace scarf and some wool to try out the kool aid method. That will be fun for the kiddies to pick out the colors of mommy's wool.

Well time to do some housework or maybe some knitting, yeh we'll do some knitting.

Socks, SP6 and More Yarn!!!! Yehhhhh...

Well the past 24 hours have been pretty darn good.

I found out who I was going to be a secret pal too last night. I immediately went to her blog and found out we have quite abit in common. We both have dogs, love Christmas and have the same favorite colors. So, instead of going to bed early last night I spend almost 3 hours checking online stores for some nifty gifties I could send my pal. Boy do I love shopping, especially for someone else and this is a total bonus because it is for someone who has the same interests. This is really going to be a great experience.

On the knitting front, I started my socks today (2nd attempt at socks) using regia 4ply(blue striping)on 2.5mm needles. I know, another knitting project on the go and I still have the afghan and shawl going but these were the ones I started weeks ago and was not happy with them. This time I am doing both socks on dpns(2 sets) so cross your fingers they will be the same size and I don't get stuck at the heel.

I received a package today from Aunt Margaret and it was a box of sock yarn. I got some Regia, Patons Kroy, Bernat Sox and some cotton sock yarn in awesome colors. I'll try to get my socks done this weekend and start in on some socks for my little guys. They checked out the yarn and have picked out colors for their own socks. It is so cute how they appreciate something handmade from mom, hopefully that will never change. My oldest, Jordan took a look and I asked him if he wanted a pair and he's going to pass, he's too cool right now for something handmade from mom. What can you do, he's 15 years old.

Well back to the socks, I'll finish the cuffs tonight and work on the leg tomorrow.

More FO's and I got mail!!

Finally finished my bookmarks this morning for the dishcloth exchange. I just wanted to add a little something extra since we will be receiving the dishcloths back close to Christmas. I made snowflake bookmarks with #10 crochet thread, the sparkly kind. This was my first time working with crochet thread and boy was it a pain in the you know what. On my fifth one, by the way I only had to do 6, I finally started getting the hang of using the thread. I don't like the way it keeps twisting up on you as your working. I will make 3 more to include with the Christmas gifts to my sister Lisa, MIL Val and Aunt Margaret.

Now to cast on for the socks today and hopefully see some progress in those. I wouldn't mind making a pair next week for my sister who's birthday is in 2 weeks. She's in Jasper, AB and worried about how cold it will get there so I figured she would like a pair of wool socks to wear. I also have a ribbon belt I made her for her birthday too and if I can't get the socks done next week I will send her a crockpot as well.

I checked my mail today and I received a package from my crochet partner for this month(6 inch square exchange). They are the cutest little squares, one in yellow and red and the other in yellow and mint green. She also included a pencil, notepad, eraser and paper. The little notepad I will use for making my socks so I can keep track of how many rows and so forth.

Time to go cast on those socks before I start supper, cross your fingers.

Elann News Sept. 2005

I got the Elann News for September in the mail today with some attached yarn samples of their new stuff and I'm in love.. The Laines Du Nord Korall Fancy which is 40% starting Sept. 27 is sooooo soft. It is 100% Shrink Resistant Merino Wool and gorgeous colors. The Peruvian Collection Cuzco at 67% off is 100% brushed alpaca, I have never felt alpaca before and wow, I'm thinking a wrap of some sort. The colors are awesome too. Also in the flyer was the Gjestal Naturgarn No.1 100% Wool (authentic Norwegian lopi)and I'm thinking cable scarf and matching hat. Mmmmmmm alpaca...... Have to feed the stash.

Can't wait to get my SP6 pal... I wonder what she likes, is it Alpaca, mmmm alpaca.

Still on the needles are the afghan for myself and I've actually made some progress. It just may be done for Christmas. The shawl got only 10 rows done today, I did manage to crochet a couple bookmarks for the dishcloth exchange I'm in. Just wanted to add a little something extra to go with the card and dishcloth. Only 4 more to go for bookmarks.

Off the needles or should I say frogged are my socks, 1st attempt and they suck so I frogged them and will start over. I'm not giving up on them, I still have my Opal sock yarn I bought last month and more sock yarn coming from my Aunt Margaret. She's sending some Patons Kroy in exchange for some wool I bought off of ebay.

Well, might as well go plug away on those bookmarks.

FO's

Finally finished my dishcloth today, boy did that take long, I just couldn't get into it for some reason. No more dishcloths for a while I'm going to work hard on the shawl and hopefully get that done by the middle of October. I'm giving myself lots of time on that because my Aunt Margaret who will be receiving it as one of her birthday/Christmas gifts is an "Awesome Knitter"(that is truly an understatement).

Off the hook are two 6 inch squares and a 12 inch square for 2 crochet exchanges I'm in and in the mail yesterday with some extra goodies. I love exchanges!!!

Speaking of exchangings SP6 is starting right away, Yahhhhhhh!!!!!!

Well better get going, Big Brother is on in 7 minutes.

SP6 "The Questionnaire" Hi Secret Pal!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I learned on acrylic and probably would never give it up. Just started dabbling in the over $3.00 a ball stuff, cotton is awesome to work with, so is the wool, boy was I missing out.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I crochet, self taught a few years ago and don't spin, yet......

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Dust, pollen, all the fun outdoor stuff and very strong perfumes ie: Poison, other than that nothing else.

4. How long have you been knitting?
20 years, wow, never occured to me that it was that long!

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Froogle & Amazon here's the link.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Anything soft and flowery or Vanilla/baking smells, mmmmmmm

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Who doesn't, I have a milk chocolate tooth, actually love everthing except Black Licorice.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I sew, quilt, embroidery and paint pewter miniatures(fantasy type).

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Love the 80's(now that is dating myself), 60's, for new stuff it is Creed, Nickelback, Blink 182 and country. I have a cd player and it plays MP3's.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I gravitate towards the deep colors, burgandy, hunter green, dark blues and black. I do love all colors except fluorescent colors.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm a wife/sahm of 3 boys, Jordan-15yrs, Justice-4yrs and Collin-3yrs and mommy to 2 female daschunds, Xena and Barky.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To win the lotto and open the biggest yarn/fiber store ever. Now back to reality, hopefully open a small shop after the little guys are in school and do what I love, knitting.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Anything different, love the chenille(lionbrand), sirdar snowflake was fun, just starting to use the natural fibers.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Haven't met one I haven't liked yet, I even like the boa/fun fur stuff too.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I love shawls, just started my first one and loving it and anything for my kids.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Scarves and mittens for my little guys, also dishcloths, fast and easy to make.

17. What are you knitting right now?
Lace Shawl, Afghan for myself, socks(first pair) and another dishcloth.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
I think they are cute, don't have one yet.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I use both depending on the project and if I have the circular needle(don't have many but working on that.)

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I've only ever used aluminum(I think it's aluminum, the Susan Bates ones).

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Just started my 1st one and loving it.

22. How did you learn to knit?
My grandmother taught me when I was 10 years old, just the basic cast on, purl and knit. What I know now I've learned from books and the good ole internet.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 months, still working on the afghan.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Love Daschunds and Batman (gotta love Christian Bale) & Spiderman

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas, I love the crafting and baking part the best. I try to give my kids and hubby at least one handmade item every year.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Besides yarn, needles, crochet hooks, fabric, I collect Myth and Magic figurines and anything Medieval related ie: Knights, unicorns, dragons.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Creative Knitting

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Yarn Harlot's books, Folk Shawls and Folk Socks books.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another???
Berroco 225 Scarves & More, Cabin Fever Leaflet 078-Evening in Eden, Cabin Fever Leaflet 302-The Ridgeway Pullover. Actually I'd love any type of shawl/scarf patterns, they are all so beautiful and I now have the confidence to knit with the more delicate yarns ;)

30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
My foot measurements are 9 3/4 from heel to toe. My preference is anything that isn't a long leg (I get those from my aunt), and for colors anything wild including stripes.

Injured

So last Wednesday I went shopping with my two little guys and when we were bringing in the groceries the phone started ringing. I took off my shoes and went running into the house with a few bags of groceries and BANG, fell flat on my face. I tripped over one of the many booby traps my boys have laid out for some unsuspecting person to get hurt on. You have to admit, sometimes other peoples pain can be funny. I landed left knee down first and I thought for sure I broke something, the pain was so intense it actually made me cry and I do have a very high threshold for pain. My middle child, Justice came running to my aid with the phone and offered to call "911" for me. He said I could ride in an ambulance if he called "9 1 1 " and while he was talking he was not within reaching distance because the first thing that came into my head as I was laying there in tears was "BRING ME THE BOY" for those who don't know that is a Simpson quote. After 10 minutes of laying in pain I managed to get up and limp, more like hop to the phone which Justice decided it would be in his best interest to stay far away from mommy because she was threatening to throw all the toys out. Called the husband and he recommended that I relax, elevate the leg and apply ice. Relax, that is not in a mother's vocabulary, I still had to unpack the groceries, get supper for the kids. Got that all done and was feeling not as bad come Friday when Hubby was off. Managed to get the rest of the groceries done and take the kids to the park, I should have spent the weekend resting but things have to get done and I am crippled once again. Just below the knee on the outside of the leg is all bruised which goes to the back of the knee and on the inside of the leg and it hurts like hell!!!

On the upside I did get some knitting and crochet done since the injury. I finished in crochet a snowflake bookmark, a snowflake fridgie, 6-inch square for my exchange 1 of 2. For knitting, I'm almost finished the dishcloth, 10 more rows, did some knitting on my afghan and the shawl.

Received my pattern instructions of Aunt Margaret today and yes it does include everyone's preferences!!!!! Man, socks are starting to be the "Bain of my Existence" and I haven't even made my first sock yet. Well that was my rant for the day, hopefully week.

So looking forward to SP6, is it the 11th yet!!!!!!