The Purple Sheep

Bad bad blogger

2006-12-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

I'm here...just being lazy!!

I'm getting an Original Lendrum DT wheel this Monday! I can't wait, even though I'm very very very bad at it. As in, can't join the roving to the leader bad. :( I'll practice though!

I've gotten lots of nice yarn since my last post, but I don't feel like posting pictures right now. Even you're really dying to see anything recent, check out KH and look for my KH blog.

Hope everyone is doing well! I'll be busy for the next few weeks trying to get ready for Christmas.

I'm back, and in a funk...

2006-11-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

I'm home from Alabama. It was so nice to spend time with Angelia and all her kitties (including my beloved Ursula). We went to Yarn Expressions in Huntsville while we were there. What an awesome store! I did just a little damage. I got a hank of Cascade Pastaza in this gorgeous purple color---I've been eyeing this one for months! I also got some Rowan Felted Tweed (purple for Knucks for me and a "handsome" gray for a hat for Chris, hence the "handsome" description! :) ). I also got yarn called Mira Mira. It's black with some gold specks in it and is a wool blend. It reminded me of my Alma Mater, Purdue, so I had to get it. Plus, it was on sale! :) We also stopped at a yarn shop in Brentwood, TN, on the way home from picking me up from the Nashville airport. What a cute little shop that was! I bought a hank of Schaefer Yarns Esperanza in the "Shirley Chisholm" colorway. I'm having a wee bit of buyer's remorse on this. They had it knitted up in a gorgeous Brioche Ribbed scarf in the shop, so I bought it (at $39.75 for the hank...now the most expensive yarn I've ever bought). I started the pattern and it's not pretty AT ALL. And the sides of the scarf look really weird. Grrrr. While I was at Angelia's house, she surprised me with a hank of Lisa Souza's sock yarn in Petroglyph...which is gorgeous and reminded me both of Purdue AND Ursula!

Now I'm home and I've already bought MORE yarn. My LYS is having a sale today only, so I stopped by and picked up 3 balls of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for future Fetchings. Teehee.

Now I have so many WsIP, it's really getting out of control. I am going to work on my Knucks primarily though, because I want to start wearing those at work ASAP!

Excuse the crap quality of the photos, I think it's time for a REAL digital camera. My little Aldi cam isn't cutting it anymore!

I miss you, Ursula.

Bad news...I like it

2006-11-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

I took my first spinning lesson yesterday at The Fold. I loved it! We spent the hour using hand carders and a top whirl drop spindle. I got the hang of it there, but I definitely need some practice with it! Toni is awesome though, she let me take home the hand carders, the spindle, and a bunch of the fleece we used. I also bought 4 oz. each of some sparkly purple roving and 4 oz. of some alpaca blend. Hey, I'm visiting Angelia next week, so I have to be prepared! I also picked up a little surprise for her because she is being a sweetheart and making me a Bad JuJu! :)

I'm just about done with my Austermann sock (1 of 2). That'll give me (3) 1 of 2 pairs of different socks. Sigh. I am also going to cast on for my sister's Christmas present. I'm hoping that's a quick knit! And I'm not saying what it is because I haven't decided if I'm going to give her this address to look at my stuff.

I might end up felting those mittens today. Yeah right.

The next time I write, it'll probably be post-Alabama...I'll probably have the blues :(

Finally, some semi-F O's!

2006-11-02T03:13:00.000-08:00

It's 5 in the morning, I can't sleep (again), so I decided to update my blog! Our water heater broke/leaked all over the basement on Halloween night. That's been a big PITA. We cleaned up the water, then while I was at court yesterday (that I couldn't get out of, and of course, it was continued...I didn't even write the report, but since my name is mentioned in the first line, I get dragged into it!), Chris started cleaning up our basement. When we first moved in, we basically just threw boxes down there with no rhyme or reason knowing eventually we would finish it. It's been over 3 years since I've been here and the junk has just been piling up. It's embarrassing! So having the water heater guy be our inspiration, we started cleaning up a little bit. I refuse to take any pictures because it's so embarrassing, but someday, if we ever finish the basement, I'll take pictures ;)

In knitting related news, I've finished my first Lime and Violet Broadripple sock! My plan was to cast on for the second right away, but then I started working on the Austermann sock. Hopefully I can finish that in a few days (weeks?). Then I'll have 3 single socks finished, with no pairs. I also finished up my Patons SWS mittens, which I love! The colors are so pretty! Once we get our water heater installed and I get a few loads of laundry done (a showers for me and Chris!), I'll felt them. But of course, I'm notorious for stalling my felting so we'll see. I also felted and needle felted the eyes and nose, then stuffed my hedgehog. I love him, his name is Iggy, named after the Swedish word for hedgehog, "Igelkott" (named by a Swedish KHer, Anna!)

Here's some pics!

Meeeeeeeeeeeme

2006-10-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

48 Things You Could Care Less About

1. FIRST NAME? Andrea

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I was named after my dad's dad, Andrew.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? I cried a couple weeks ago...I don't remember why now.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes I do.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Salami

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? I wrote A LOT in high school and a little bit in college, but stopped when I got a job after college.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No, lost those in high school.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, never, but I have sky dived (and I'll never do that again!)...

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Right now, any flavor of Frosted Mini Wheats

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? My work boots, yes. Any other shoes, no.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Not particularly, but I hope to think I could find your pressure points and knock you on your butt.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint Chocolate Chip.

14. SHOE SIZE? 8

15. RED OR PINK? Pink.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I'll do the vain thing and pick my nose and forehead.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My estranged sister.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No, but I love reading them on other blogs!

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Grey sweatpants and gray teeshirt, with my felted clogs.

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Just ate a bagel with cream cheese.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Listening to Howard Stern on the internet.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple.

23. FAVORITE SMELL? I love lilacs.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? DH. He stalks me on his way to work. :)

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? The most recent one I've read is on Amber's blog. And I like her :)

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Pepsi. Alcoholic? Michelob Ultra.

28. FAVORITE SPORT? To watch? Nascar, which I've watched hardly any of this year.

29. EYE COLOR? Blue...nearly gray.

30. HAT SIZE? ???

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes...unless I'm lazy.

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Hmmmm...I like a lot of different things. I'm going to go with my Mom's dumplings and sour kraut.

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings.

34. IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD THAT BE? London maybe?

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter.

36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs.

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake.

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Whoever wants to.

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Whoever doesn't read this or any blogs.

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? I'm in between books. Very in between. Too much knitting going on!

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? A sleeping puppy.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? The Unit, Law and Order SVU.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? I'm not sure.

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? My favorite band ever--The Beatles.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Germany.

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I can't think of any :( How boring. I can ride a motorcycle and knit, which seems very odd to me.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Illinois...still here

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I copied Amber, as usual.

Step One in my Spinning Journey

2006-10-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

I got my Top whirl spindle and some roving from annie may on ebay!

I'm bringing it to Angelia's house in November and we're going to spin together! I may end up waiting to try it until then anyway. I'll have my first spinning class at The Fold by then, but that'll be on a wheel. Ang said there a spinning supply shop right by her house! We are going to have soooooooo much fun!!!

Thanks to Amber, I'm coveting this pattern. I DON'T NEED ANYTHING ELSE ON MY TO DO LIST!!! But I really want it!

This post should be underneath the following one!

2006-10-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

SOCK STASH!!!!! See the following post for the reason I'm posting this!

This is my Knit Picks yarn, which I haven't tried yet.

Lorna's Laces (Black Purl, I loooove this stuff), Socks That Rock in Cobalt Bloom (cannot wait to use this either!!), and Cherry Tree Hill in Java (can't wait to use this either!)

KPPPM in an unknown color, unknown yarn, and some Regia Bamboo

Here's 1 of 2 Lorna's Lace. I LOVE this yarn!

Here's the WIP of the Austermann...I love this yarn!

My other Austermann...love this (nice flash) and some other brown yarn I won in an auction at my guild meeting.

I think that's it. I loooooove my sock yarn, I just have to get better at doing socks. That little tiny yarn drives me crazy sometimes!!

Sockoberfest is under way!!!

2006-10-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Silly me didn't know there was a Socktoberfest questionnaire, so here is mine!

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?
I learned in a 2 part guild meeting in Fall '05. The VP in the guild is a fantastic knitter and took the time to teach a bunch of us.

•What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?
My 1st completed pair was on worsted weight (Malabrigo to be more exact!) I made these in late Spring this year and they are WARM! I finished them in a couple days. I've worn them only once (to work, with my big combat boots), and I did notice that they seem to be felting on the bottom...I think I must have some MAJOR sweat going on down there!

• What would you have done differently?
I loved the worsted weight pattern (It was a Knitting Pure and Simple pattern), and as much as I love Malabrigo, the nect time I make them, it'll definitely be a different yarn so they are more comfortable (sweat wise!)

• What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?
I really haven't worked with too many yarns, but I have quite a bit of sock yarn stash. In the few socks I do have either one pair completed or on the needles, I like Opal and Lisa Souza's quite a bit!

•Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?
I started with DPNs, and I did like it, except for the ladders. Then my KH friend told me a great tip with DPNs (knitting the first two stitches of the next needle with the needle you just worked...then starting with the new empty needle). I bought the Cat Bordhi 2 circs book and a little Magic Loop book, and now I have 2 different socks on 2 different 2 circs. Heehee. I've never tried to crochet socks!

•Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)
I think I've only done a short-row...I don't know enough about socks to know what any other heels are called!

•How many pairs have you made?
One pair, one without a partner, and 3 on the needles. Oh my.

For some reason, not all my pictures will not post in here, so I'll have to use another post :(

I'm here!!!

2006-10-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

If anyone's even wondering!

This keeping us stuff is hard!! Trying to fit in knitting, KH time, general housecleaning, and working midnight shift is HARD! Things hace been good. I'm in a pickle at work trying to figure out what shift I want for next year. Every other year, I'd be jumping at the chance to work day shift, but this year...ehhh. I don't know. I'm not too close with the people who work that shift (I was in the past, but people have been switched around a lot). And if I go to days, I'll lose my BAD A$$ Charger. I'm sure of it. But I'll finally have a normal life again, save for the rotating days off. It's stressing me out!

To relax, I've been knitting. I'm in the home stretch of my Broadripple sock (1 of 2), and I finished 1 of 2 mittens. Of course, I haven't felted it yet. Or the hedgehog. Someday. I really really liked the Patons SWS yarn! It's really soft, I'm really excited to see it felted up.

Lime and Violet and Pixie Purls have updated their podcasts, so I'm very excited!

Oh, but I start training the new rookie on Tuesday. Think he'll mind listening to knitting podcasts? And Howard Stern? (I made my last rookie listen to Stern and he made me change it to music because Howard was putting him to sleep. Sad.)

This is the home stretch...and the part where I start to get bored...not good.

Preeeeeeeetty colors, no?

Another project started...

2006-10-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

I started the Fiber Trends Felted Hedgehog a couple days ago...I've been (sort of) bugging Chris about getting a real one...just a whim, I don't think I'd really want one. So, I made one for me. I still have to felt the little guy, maybe tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, I'm going to a craft show with my mom, sister, and best friend. I also plan to make a stop at The Fold to check out if there are lessons/classes for spinning. I'm going to have to say there is, considering that's what they are known for! I might pick up a book or 2 about spinning too...and you never know what else might fall into my hands. :)

Jasmine loves the Hedgehog!!

I Heart My Husband

2006-10-08T03:16:00.000-07:00

Dearest Christopher,

I first want to thank you for suggesting on Friday that perhaps I would be interested in going on the motorcycle ride with you and Colin on Saturday. Some of my favorite times with you are when we go on our rides. When we woke up on Saturday, all I could think about was snuggling with you watching TV because it was so chilly outside. I love when you watched me wind my yarn too, because it made you smile. Then you were so cute when you were asking me "how does it get twisted to begin with?" I also love when you take a shower first because that gives me a few more minutes of lazy time with Peanut and Jasmine.

Our motorcycle ride was fun, although everytime I looked at you, I wished it was just you and I instead of being with the other guys. I love when we just go wherever we want and don't have to ride so slow! Anyway, I had fun with you at lunch in Richmond, where we ate right across the street from Wool, Warp, and Wheel yarn shop. I was a little sad that you said we didn't have time to go in after lunch. I understood though, because it wasn't just you and I. Oh well.

The ride after lunch was fun too, especially when I saw sheep. Then we passed them again and I pointed them out to you. I love when you smile.

But the best part of the afternoon? Going back through Richmond with the other guys. I saw you pull off to the side to let Jim pass you, then when I got up to you, you came back on the road and said "You wanna go to the yarn shop?" I thought I was going to crash.

So we stopped and I blurted out that I'm getting very intrigued about spinning. The owners at WW&W were so nice as they explained their classes. You said that would be a good idea, to see if I even liked it before we would buy a wheel. I loved when you left the store to run across the street to use the bathroom, then the second you walked in, you said "Ok, I have a question. So, how do you clean the wool?" Then they explained the process and I told you I wouldn't want to do all that. I just would spin the roving. Then you told the owners that knowing me and you, we'll end up with Alpacas and sheep someday.

You basically thought that spinning would be a fun thing for me and seemed to not mind if I took a class. That makes me happy.

You make me happy.

I love you Bubba,
Andrea

Mmmmm cake....

2006-10-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

I finally finished 1 of 2 of my Walking Away socks. Now I have freed up my size 2 DPNs for my LnV KAL. I really like the WA sock, I has really afraid they wouldn't fit, but I like them. A LOT. Which will hopefully force me to enjoy casting on for the second one--after I finish other things of course. My knitting life is never ending. But I love it!

We saw The Departed last night, which was pretty good. Warning-it's a little violent! But great acting and a surprising storyline...I recommend it. Of course, I had numerous questions afterwards that I asked Chris, because sometimes I just don't get it. Heehee.

We're planning on going on a motorcycle ride today, it seems a little chilly right now, but I think it's going to warm up. I haven't riden in so long! I bet I was on my bike less than 5 times this year. This is what happens when one works midnights with weird days off.

I wound my LnV yarn into a delicious looking cake. Take a look!

And the lovely WA socks. You can't see the design too well on the back, but it's there!

YES!!!

2006-10-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

I got two gifties in the mail today!!! I got my LnV KAL yarn from Lisa Souza and a magnet of Robbie Williams from my KH pal, Amanda. Thank you, Amanda! MUAH!

I will DEFINITELY be ordering more yarn from Lisa! I cannot believe how yummy soft it is!! Take a looksie!

Mmmmmmm!!!

I hate the wait....

2006-10-01T03:17:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting for a lot of things in the mail right now and it depresses me...

I am still waiting for my LnV KAL yarn. I cannot WAIT to see what this looks like! I ordered it a week ago today and I hope to get it soon. Lisa had to dye some more, and I know NOTHING about dyeing, so I don't know how long it takes to dry or whatever it has to do. I hope I get it soon though.

I'm also waiting for a KP order that I just placed online today. Nothing big, just a pair of size 3 circulars and size 3 DPNs. These are in anticipation of the LnV yarn, which I have read looks best with size 3s. The problem though? I placed the order this morning and because I'm so impatient I tried looking at the status twice today and it said that there's no record of me even placing an online order in 30 days. Say it ain't so!!

Also, I'm waiting for gifties from 2 of my KH babes: Amanda and Julie. Julie is spinning me some yarn and Amanda is sending me a surprise! Woohoo!! I'm also waiting for 2 of my KHers to receive their gifts from me. Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!

I think that's all I'm waiting for. Please Mr. Postman........

I don't even have any good pictures to post :( Now I'm even more sad.

This is what happens when I stay up all night...

2006-09-29T00:22:00.000-07:00

I found this on a blog...my first meme...feel free to play!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (pet and current street name): Jasmine Fenimore

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME (grandfather/grandmother on mother's side and favorite candy): Marion Reeses (is it bad that I'm not sure if that's my g-ma's name? Can you tell we weren't close?)

3. YOUR "FLY GUY"/"FLY GIRL" NAME (first initial of last name, first 3 letters of middle name):
F. Sus

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color, favorite animal): Purple Cat

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (middle name, city where you were born): Susan Elgin

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (the first 3 letters of last name, first 2 letters of first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name, and first 3 letters of town you grew up in): Filanhrdun

7. SUPERHERO NAME (*The* favorite color, favorite drink): The Purple Coke

8. NASCAR NAME (first name of both grandfathers): Andrew William

9. FUTURISTIC NAME (name of favorite perfume/cologne, name of favorite shoe): Vera Wang Docs

10. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME (father's/mother's middle names): Jan Ellen

Why is there a blogger menu covering my post?? That makes me mad. Stoooopid HTML. Or whatever it is.

2006-09-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

I finally made it to The Fold, in Marengo. Ok, how long have I lived here and have never gone?? Now, since listening to Lime and Violet, I've heard of Socks That Rock and decided I needed to see what all the fuss is about...here is what it is about!

Hello, my pretty pretty STR!! This color is Cobalt Bloom and I cannot wait to wind it and play!! Of course, this won't happen for awhile because I have 2 socks on the needles right now (both are sock 1 of 2) and I'm (im)patiently waiting for my Lisa Souza LnV socks!! I crossed my fingers before I opened the mailbox today, but no such luck. Darn it!!

here are some WsIP pictures, just to prove I'm still knitting! First is my Austermann sock, which I'm just about done with the instep decreases, and the next is my baby booties made from Lorna's Lace Angel. What a quick knit! I did one of them watching Justice and Kidnapped last night. I'm a little curious on how to do the picot edge sewing, but isn't that what the internet is for??

And here's a new development!! In November I'm giong to visit Angelia in Alabama!! I get to see my cat, Ursula as well!! I'm so happy!!

Here is a little Urs, just because everytime I see her furry face, I smile :)

I officially joined a (non KH) KAL!

2006-09-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

I joined the Lime and Violet KAL! The requirements are to grab yourself a hank of Lisa Souza's Lime and Violet yarn and then knit whatever your little heart desires!! Sounds fun, no? Join me!!!!

Jasmine wants you to join! As long as you don't sit in her chair!

I think I'm getting a bug

2006-09-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

I feel really poopy right now. Plus, last night was a night I was going to stay up all night to prepare to go back to midnight shift tonight...I sort of didn't do that. In fact, I started watching TV with Chris and we both fell asleep (this was around 10:30 last night), then he woke me up to go to the family room to stay up (while he slept in the bedroom). I tried to go on the internet because that always keeps me up, but I couldn't. GRRR...frustration! So I tried to just watch TV, but my couch started reclining little by little until it was horizontal...and then Peanut and Jasmine came and snuggled. That was the last straw. I was out until 6:00 this morning!! Then Chris came out and woke me up...I then moved into the bedroom (and under my heated blanket for the first time since last winter!) and promptly fell asleep. Now it's 11:30-ish and I'm up, with a headache and body ache. I'm sure it'll turn into nothing (it always does), but I'd really like to use a couple sick days for once! Besides, tonight's my Monday, so it would be nice to miss a couple days of work! Oh well. I'll keep you posted.

Last night I went to Chix With Stix to meet Kelly last night. Everytime I go there, I'm reminded how cool it is and how I wish I had a LYS like that! The owners, Dana and Beth, are absolutely wonderful and so sweet. And so damn cute! Wednesday nights are their knit togethers (complete with wine, and, for little ole me, beer!). I love love love going there! I just wish it didn't take me 1.5 hours to get there! I finished one pair of felted mittens there (well, they're not felted YET, I finished one pair of knitted mittens). I played with my 2 circs sock again. Oh and I bought another ball of Austermanns, in color 10 (i.e. the yarn that my Angelia has with the little bits of strawberry flecks in it!). It was the last ball of that color, so I grabbed it and hoarded it until I purchased it. Good thing too, because another woman that was there was looking it while it was on the table (a little too close to me, but I'm sorry, I love it so much I was a little overprotective!). I also bought a pattern for the Ballerina Cardigan from Suss Designs. Isn't it divine?? Kelly tried to get me to get some yarn for it as well, but I figured I could hold off a little longer, because I have way too much yarn here!!

See, I told you I think I'm getting sick!

I listened to Episode 10 and 11 of Lime and Violet last night in the looooooong car ride. They are great...their link is on the right over there ------->

'Til next time!

Some WsIP

2006-09-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted pictures in awhile! Right now I have way too much stuff on the needles and I have so much more that I have in queue! As of right now I have Starsky (still haven't CO for the right front), 2 socks (one on DPNs size 1's and one of 2 circs size 2), some felted mittens (Christmas gifts), clogs, and my poor DH's husband's sweater, which hasn't been touched since June. Oops...sorry honey!

So, here's some pics!

I love those socks so far! I'm using the Purled Ladders pattern from the Sensational Knitted Socks. So far, 2 circs is fun, but of course, I haven't gotten to the heel yet!! I'm a little concerned about what I do then!

I FINALLY get to drive my new squad tonight--the Dodge Charger!! I'm so excited! I've had a rookie with me the past 2 nights and he got to drive it. Not fair! I'll let you know how it is! I can't wait! And surprisingly it still smells new after me being gone a week. Usually cops don't take too good of cars, so I was worried. I think the guys I share it with will be good though, we're all pretty excited that we get to drive it!

I missed the internet!!

2006-09-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

Chris and I just got back today from a week's vacation at our timeshare in Kissimmee, Florida. We had a great time. Usually we do Disney stuff, but not this time. We had just gone to Disney in March, so I wasn't itching to do any of the parks. Instead we did Busch Gardens and Sea World, both of which were fun. We also saw the launch of the Atlantic Space Shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center. What an emotional experience that was! We were actually standing on the shore line in Titusville, and we were 18 miles from the launch pad. Believe it or not, we could see the launch from where we were. It was absolutely amazing and beautiful. Other than those places, we were pretty ladi back and boring on the vacation! I did manage to lose my cell phone, which apparently turned into a stolen cell phone as no one turned it in, yet they did manage to call my husband's cell phone a few times (we didn't hear the phone though). I did get a replacement already because I had insurance on the phone. My new phone was waiting for me when we got home.

It's amazing how much animals miss their mommy and daddy. This is the first time that Jasmine has ever been left alone while we've been gone for a significant amount of time now that her sister, Ursula, has a new home and Peanut starts with friends. Peanut is still with our friends because we got home too late. Jasmine has been laying next to me for the entire night. Earlier she wouldn't stop kneading me or head butting me. I think it's safe to say she's happy we're home.

I did quite a bit of knitting on vacation, but nothing to show for it! I started some felted mittens for Christmas gifts. I also successfully started my first pair of socks on 2 circular needles! I love them!

The day before we left I got my KP order...I got a couple of the KIP bags, along with some needles and other accessories for my Options case. I also got some yarn for Chris' clogs. Now I need to make another order, for more Options needles! I'm addicted to those things!

Boring post with no pictures, I'll try to remedy that next time! Just wanted to drop by and let you all know I'm here!!

I love socks!

2006-09-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

I did it! Thanks to Angelia's tip on how NOT to have ladders, I frogged my socks to the end of the instep shaping and started over with her knit 2 stitches on the next needle before using the empty needle tip. Thanks sweetheart! I now think I can finish these damn things!

I ended up buying the Sensational Knitted Socks book yesterday while I was out and about (I had to go to the Currency Exchange and buy a sticker for my DH's car...better late than never!). Now I'm thinking of doing yet another KP order (more DPNs) even though I haven't gotten the first yet. I have a strong feeling I'll get it today though! I can't wait!!!!

I want to do SP9, and they want 10 posts before sign up, so I'm trying :)

I might also do Sock Wars. I haven't decided yet...anyone else doing either of those?

I'm learning this stuff!

2006-09-05T02:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I think I'm actually getting the hang of this! I am very excited now! I posted a little Flickr badge with all my FOs.

Chris and I had a lazy weekend! It was awesome. We had 2 parties to go to on Sunday...the first was my at my sister's house for Labor Day and the second was a co-workers' 40th birthday party. Both were fun and made for a nice Monday where we just laid around for most of the day. We watched Shopgirl with Steve Martin and Claire Danes, which I really liked.

I worked on some clogs today. I'm really really itching to do some socks because I keep listening to the podcasts of Lime and Violet and they loooooooove their socks. I keep trying to do sock weight yarn with DPNs and currently have 2 sock projects going at once...one on 1's and one on 2's. Both projects I'm still on the 1st of the pair and I'm basically in the same spot on both...right after the instep shaping. I don't know what my problem is that I can't finish these things! I was able to do the worsted weight ones in 2 days! I ordered some 1 and 2 circular Options (two of each) to try the 2 Circular method. I think I should buy the Sensational Knitted Socks book so I can really learn it. I also think that I'm making a much bigger deal out of this method than needed! I'm just so sick of not finishing this socks and I'm really sick of ladders. Everything I read about what one can do to avoid ladders, I already do :( It's frustrating.

I'm going to include my On The Needles projects:

Starsky (back and LF done, about to start RF)

Fiber Trends clogs

Walking Away socks (on hold)

The Manly Sweater for Chris (also on hold)

I need to finish some Baby Uggs still (the baby is about to be born!). And of course, I have several projects that I'm dying to start. I have Christmas presents I need to start on, as well as some more booties for additional pregnant peeps. I'm also itching to start the Glampyre sweater in green Berroco Softwist.

I need more hours in my day!!

I've babbled enough...how about a kitty and doggy picture? Here's Jasmine and Peanut!

Happy Labor Day!

2006-09-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

I got my new car on Saturday!! I love it! Her name is Jane! Isn't she lovely??

Today is a lazy day. Later I think I'll try to figure out how to do more things here (I say that everyday, don't I?) Chris and I are just relaxing, watching movies...

You want more Malabrigo?? Here you go, my MMMMMM socks!

2006-09-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Alright, let's do a few more pics here...this is my Malabrigo Lucy bag (the only bag I've made that I've kept for myself) and the brown Cascade 220 Lucy bag, which was a gift for my best friend for Christmas.

So, the plan for today was to trade in my current car for a new Hyundai Azera, but our sales manager (who we're friends with) went home at 3:30. Grrrr! So instead, we'll be going there tomorrow at 9:00 AM. I'm really excited, but a little sad at the same time because I love my car to death, but we're doing this to save money. My husband kept reminding me that this is completely my decision and if I'm not happy when I see the car, we don't have to do this. I know me though, the second I sit in the car, I'll fall in love. :)

And we're off!!

2006-08-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I figure this place would be a great place to put all of my knitting FOs. I know I've put them in my blog on KH, but who knows where in all those pages!!

I don't want to overrun this blog with 1,000,000 pictures, so I'll start off with photos of all my bags and purses first. Sound good? Not sure on how to do the layout yet...but I'll just keep writing and posting :)

The 1st few bags I made are Marsupial Totes from the Stitch and Bitch book. On the black and purple one, I used Lamb's Pride. On the purple with black and pink handles I used Cascade 220. My least favorite of the Marupial Totes was my 2 shades of purple ones. I ended up putting pieces of felt at the bottom of all these bags. They were all Christmas presents for the ladies in my family, and I think they were loved by all (my family is just amazed that I can actually do something crafty!)

This one on the right is one of my favorites. It is the Vintage Bubble Bag from the book, Pursenalities (GAH! Can someone help me with how to do links to other pages!)
I used Cascade 220 in gray, then carried some Noro Silk Garden with it. This was for my Mom's best friend. She loved it!

You gotta make a Booga, right?! This was for my sister. Everytime I see her, she's using this purse, which makes me very happy!! :)

Here is a Not-So-Vintage Bubble Bag, also from Pursenalities. I used the same yarn from the Bubble Bag, along with some "Passe yarn" (hehe, aka "Novelty"). This was for my Momma for Christmas. I wanted her to have the same colors as the one I gave her best friend, but a different style.

This is the "NaStasha" bag, a pattern I bought from my LYS. I used Cascade 220 in some bright pink and, I think, Noro Kureyon, but don't quote me on that!! I made this for my mom for her birthday because as much as she liked the NSV Bubble bag, she wanted something brighter. And bigger. Check. And Check. :)

Hmmm...I must have reached my picture capacity. Oh well, I'll save my 2 favorites for another time ;)

I hope this works. I'm such a Newbie!!

Hello All!

2006-08-31T02:10:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what I'm getting myself into here! I don't know ANYTHING about blogs in the "real world"! I was so safe in my www.knittinghelp.com blog! I'll probably be bugging all my gals at KH for html help (does this thing even do html?? Oh boy, what am I doing??)

Is there emoticons here? I'm so confused already...

Anyway, I hope I figure this all out because I have been eyeing everyone's blogs and decided I need to take this plunge! Bear with me as I learn this!