Do I or Don't I

...join another swap, very tempting I tell you. Since I've missed out on the SP11 I seem to be trying to make up for it in other ways, lol. Right now I'm sitting at 4 swaps Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap(almost complete, sent my package out a week ago), Monkey Swap 2, Hogwarts Sock Swap 2 and HSKS 3.

On the knitting front, I've got one monkey sock at the point where I'm going onto the heel, Hogwarts socks started, HSKS 3 bag pattern picked out just need to grab the wool for it. I've also been knitting up one of the patterns I've written had to frog twice, just wasn't happy with the look and the second time my knitting got shuffled around by the kids and hubby and lost 2 needles. With all the yarn overs, twists I just couldn't get it right. I'm now working the heel, the sock fits and is looking the way I want it so fingers crossed on the finished product.

I also ordered more yarn and hopefully will be fondling it by the end of next week. I picked out some Malabrigo lace after seeing Wendy's new "Easy Flame Lace Scarf" pattern(on her sidebar) I just had to get some lace weight. After the super long week both this week and last I needed a little pick me up that chocolate just couldn't provide, hehe.

Speaking of long weeks I'll give you a little breakdown of what's been going on, first working on the pattern and not getting it right with 2 trips to the pond, not to bad. I had to go into the Dr's to get my blood work results and my regular Doc is on vacation so I had one of her collegues, well that's ok because I have seen him before. So it's my turn and I wait a few minutes in the office and the Doc comes in and I tell him why I'm there and he apoligizes for not going over my results before hand, no biggie and starts reviewing them with me. First sugar levels-normal(relief after that diabetes scare a while back), than starts working down, thyriod levels are low but already new that since I'm on hypo-thyroid meds already but he checks back to my previous record from 3 months ago and it has gotten worse. I call hubby and find out the dosage and now I'm getting 1.5 times more of the previous dosage. Now we work are way to the bottom and come across some interesting numbers and he says "Wow, that doesn't look good" , I say "What" almost freaking out and he repeats himself so I ask him to fill me in and I've got my anemia back. Fuck, the way he sounded it was as if I was dying or something. Now I've got my new prescriptions and should see a change in about 6-8 weeks, I sure hope so I am very tired of being tired all the time. You know, I don't know why I didn't think of it over the last couple months when I first started feeling like crap and went in sooner for the bloodwork. I guess I just chalked it up to stress of hubby's job change. That's a whole new story and a bundle of stress to boot. Ugghh and next week the little guys start school, my baby will be in Kindergarten and I will be home alone for 2.75 hours a day unless hubby is off or working nights. This is going to be the biggest change of all, I really haven't had much time to myself especially not 4 days in a row.

Well time to get some knitting done, I'd like to get the heel done on the first Monkey sock before I start supper and wake up hubby for his last night shift.

Have a super long weekend everyone!

HSKS 3 Questionnaire

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
Slytherin

2. List your favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length. Or would you prefer circulars?
Crystal Palace, The Collection SRK or Lantern Moon, US 1's/6 or 8 inches. I do use circs and have a number of US 1's & 2's in Addi's.

3. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?
Lantern Moon Socks needles would be nice but anything bamboo or wood that is 6 inches or more in length would be awesome.

4. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?
Does not apply, Slytherin all the way, Woot!

5. Do you have any allergies?
Mild allergy to cats.

6. If you are swapping scarves - what is your desired length for the pattern? This will help your partner find the pattern that is just right for you and buy yarn accordingly.
Does not apply, socks only ;)

More Stash Enhancements

Yep, got a bunch of goodies in the mail today.

First off, I'd like to say "Thank You" to Robyn for the lovely stitchmarkers and Blockbuster coupon she sent as a little thank you gift for spoiling her in SP10. Look they are so pretty, I was actually thinking about ordering a set for myself in the near future.

I missed sign ups for SP11 so I've made up by joining HSKS3 on the weekend, can't wait to get my pals info to see which house colors I'll be using for my felted bag I'll be making.

Now onto the *crack*, I mean yarn. I received my Red Bird Knits and The Sweet Sheep goodies today. This was an especially great day for mail. I picked up my Monkey Swap pal's pattern, yarn to go with it as well as the yarn I'll be using to make her socks with. I'll be using the Meilenweit cotton for the Monkeys and the other yarn, Louet and Cherry Tree Hill is for patterns I've got ideas for and my Hogwarts pal's socks. The Cherry Tree Hill is a back up for the Louet Gems Fingering weight in case I don't like how it is knitting up. It is a little thin and with the colorwork I've got planned I just want to have a back up just in case. Oh my, I also forgot to mention the Tofutsies yarn in the front right, this is my first ball so can't wait to see what it becomes as well as the Sweet Sheep wool wash. Had to make up the 80+ bucks for free shipping some how, lol.

Weekly update, well lots of knitting over the course of the week. My fingers actually cramped up on Friday so I took the weekend off of knitting and spent tons of time with the kids going to the park and what not. Hubby worked a few night shifts this past week and wound up sleeping almost 2 days straight recovering, so much for my back up babysitter, lol. Lucky it was really nice this week, not to hot the boys and I along with my knitting spent most of the time at Indian Battle Park. We will see how he does this week, he's working his last day shift today and starts a couple night shifts on Wednesday and off for the weekend. Hopefully we can spare a few hours to take the kids out so I can get some hardcore knitting done :) or maybe a nap.

Well time to make supper, Chicken Quesadillas are on the menu tonight, yum!

I Won!

I won a Ravelry invite from Barbara this weekend. My luck is changing, woot! Thanks so much Barbara for hostessing such an awesome contest.

On the swap front, I sent out my Knitter's Virtual Vacation package today. Total weight, 5 lbs of fun goodies and some scrumptious yarn. Silly me totally forgot to take a pic and remembered when I was standing in line waiting to mail the box.

I also received my Monkey Swap 3 pal and have her yarn on order. I can't believe I have almost nothing for blues in my stash, with that being said I placed an order over at The Sweet Sheep and Red Bird Knits. Hopefully they get here before the weekend.

I've also got a few more projects on the go, first try at a pattern I'm working on hit the frog pond all because I got one side backwards, oh well live and learn. I've casted back on and working the cuff. I also finished one of my what I'm calling "thinking socks" just a basic 2 x 2 rib using Regia Tweed. My first time using tweed and I'm so tempted to pull the tweed off, guess I'm not a tweed person although the sock is looking very good. I'll get the second one going a little later. Pics to follow.

Oh my god, I'm going to be on Ravelry!

Sockapalooza Socks have arrived!

My Sockapalooza socks have arrived all the way from North Carolina. Thank You to Roberto for the awesome package and most gorgeous socks one could ask for. Take a look, perfect fit and they are extremely soft on my rough feet. I also received some other great goodies, a ball of Step for myself to knit with,yummy chocolate, coffee cup, notecards, postcards all with the beautiful scenery North Carolina has to offer and an "Our State North Carolina" magazine. The little guys and myself had a great time reading through it this afternoon and it is one of the first places we would love to see when we get a chance to visit the U.S.A.

Thanks so much Roberto for the wonderful gifts, this was a great first Sockapalooza for me!


I'll be updating my sidebar tomorrow. Time for bed.

Where do I begin

How about a big "Thank You" to my Hogwarts Sock Swap Pal Shannah from Hufflepuff sent me some awesome socks that fit like a glove. They arrived this morning and wow is that owl tired coming all the way from Texas. Shannah also sent a very gorgeous set of stitchmarkers, size 0's bamboo needles(can't get them here in Lethbridge) and some Diakeito silk in black, hmmm those are going to be fabulous socks. Thanks again Shannah, I'm still only half way thru book 6 but these socks should help me stay on track, hehe. I've worn them most of the day today and they are so comfy :).

I've also joined Monkey Swap 3, couldn't resist since I missed the sign ups for SP 11. I just can't believe it is already the middle of August, where did July go? But lucky me I've almost finished all the back to school shopping, just need runners, Kleenex and film for both boys and I'm finished. Got their haircuts today, I'll post pics of them tomorrow when we are out and about.

I've also got some more neat gifts for my Knitter's Vacation Swap Pal this past week. Tomorrow it is a trip to Fort Whoop Up for more sight seeing and goodies, the boys love that place. Maybe even a trip to the museum depending on how much time we spend at the Fort. I'll be sure to post some pics before I send it out.


Here's a pic of the socks I made for my Sockapalooza pal Marie who just received her package.


And as promised here's a pic of the goodies I bought last month, well some of them anyway(just the really good stuff, hehe). I've got some Cherry Tree Hill in Pink, Fleece Artist Nova Socks in Sorbet, 3 skeins of Seacost Handpainted in Cherry Fizz, Taffy and Penstemon. The second pic has some Louet Gems Fingering in Pink Panther, Shamrock(for Slytherin socks I'm designing) and C*eye*ber Fiber laceweight in Dream for my Knitter's Vacation Swap pal. The last pic is some Sunshine Yarns goodness in Hedgwig and Indie. Yes I went a little overboard but I really needed to replenish my stash after giving my Aunt so much, hehe. I know excuses, excuses. I did get free shipping and also had to order yarn for my Hogwarts 2 Swap pal who's socks I have finished designing and just starting the test knit pattern. Ohh I can't wait and hope she likes them.





Now for an update on what I've been up to, well I've been doing some designing and getting everything down on paper. Wow, the ideas I have had the last few weeks have just been amazing. I think I'm going to have to look into test knitters because I just can't get all those knit up in a year. So far I'm looking at 10 patterns the last two weeks plus the others I have written up but not knitted. I casted on for my Hogwarts Pal's socks but using different colors for the test run. So far the cuff looks awesome, lol. I've also been reading and playing World of Warcraft, our guild is raiding Kara every Thursday and Sunday night so that is a few hours of fun time for me and I do get some knitting in when we take a break or setting up, lol. Sorry to everyone who's tried to contact me, I have been working on the laptop mainly which doesn't have my main email. I'd like to send out a Congratz to Robyn for her new business "Robyn's Nest", go on over and check it out.

Hubby is having a good time at work. It really is kind of weird now after 6 years of the same job and him calling me during the day(many times during the day) and now nothing. I see him off and hear nothing for 12 hours and the first few days it really bothered me but now I've been so productive. Yeah I've still got the kids and the home to deal with but without the phone calls it has just given me a few more hours of time for my designing/knitting/reading. It does work out to him being home more which I don't mind and the kids are loving the new hours too. Hubby has been really supportive of my designing too but still is unwilling to take up knitting so he can be one of my test knitters, hehe.

Time for bed, kids have a dentist appointment in the morning at 8am. Happy Knitting!

Monkey Sock Swap THREE Questionnaire


The basics:
Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? Intermediate

The measurements:
Shoe Size: 9 US
Foot circumference: 8 3/4 inches
Foot length: 9 3/4 inches

Yarn Preferences:
What colors do you love? Purple, Red, Greens and Pinks.

Do you prefer solids or variegated? I love them both.

Do you prefer wool, cotton or acrylic yarn? Wool, either super wash or handwash.

What colors would you never wear? Mustard Yellow or anything neon

What are your favorite brands of yarn? Lorna's Laces, STR, Louet, Koigu and Cherry Tree Hill.

Are there any new brands you would like to try? Yarn Pirate, Yarntini, Chewy Spaghetti and Tofutsies

Cookie A. Patterns:
Which of her patterns have you already knit? Monkey
Which pattern(s) would you like to knit and don’t already own? Gothic Spire, Rhiannon, German Stockings,Millicent and Mona.
Other pertinent information:

Would you be willing to have an international Monkey Pal or do you prefer one in the US? I would be willing to ship anywhere.

Do you have any allergies? mild allergy to cats and the usual dust and pollen.

Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? No, dogs are kept away from my knitting.
Are you on Ravelry yet? If you don’t mind having new friends, what is your Ravelry name? I wish, still waiting in line.

Sign up Now

A Post is Coming...I promise

I've got a post coming, just getting the kids ready for bed so hubby and I can go see Harry Potter tonight. I've finished the 5th book, 1/3 of the way into the 6th and dying to see the movie.

I've got a ton of news, pics and more. And this pic is for Robyn and anyone else who wants to know who the insane women is who writes this blog, hehe.

By the way, hubby is having a great time at his new job!

Changes, are they good or bad..

We will have to wait and see. The last couple weeks have been just crazy and I'm waiting to see if we'll get thru everything in one piece.

First off, hubby decided a few weeks back that it was time to move on and no longer manage the liqour store he's been at for the past 6 years. Being a nice guy and the fact he is employed from who he thought was his best friend he let him know right away of his intentions. That didn't go to well, feelings were hurt and after hubby and I going over the time and effort he's put into his job with getting no overtime and just recently received health benefits it just wasn't worth it. Not to mention the crappy staff he has to endure, them not showing up for shifts and hubby having to work them on top of his 60 hour work week with no over time. I am happy to report that hubby has a new and better job, that is unionized with a pension/benefits/overtime and the option to work extra shifts. I'm very happy that this wasn't torpedoed like the last time he tried to leave the liqour store for something better. A long story short is that said friend has shown his true colors(something I knew all along but hubby denied)he's a dick to put it nicely and we are moving on without the false friend. I'd like to say more and have been debating on what to say in my blog over the last week and a half but everytime I tried to write something very nasty came out so it was better just not to post.

Hubby took his physical the other day and passed, got the good news that he has the job and will be starting on Tuesday since Monday is a holiday here in Canada. His first work week is only 40 hours, they usually work 3-12 hour shifts, 3 days off, 2-12 hour nights and just keep rotating. Works out to more time off and more money with the overtime and pay increase and job security. All in all things are looking much better for us considering the few minor setbacks we have had to endure.

On the knitting front, I've received a few packages from The Sweet Sheep of fibery goodness for my Knitter's Vacation Swap Pal, Hogwarts Sock Swap 2 pal and a little cheer me up goodies for moi. I finished my Sockapalooza socks, pics to follow when Jordan brings home his camera. I'll be mailing my package out tomorrow, have to go to Cuppers to grab my pal some coffee and other yummy goodies.

On the reading front, I've almost finished book 5 of the Harry Potter series. Hubby will be grabbing the 6th book tomorrow for me but it doesn't look like I'll be seeing the movie till it comes out on video. With Jordan working evenings and hubby working days we just can't get it together for him to watch the kids and I don't want to go alone. Ahh well, just another thing to add to my wishlist, hehe.