It feels like Christmas!

This week has been such a fabulous week - the week has been a delight simply because of what I keep finding in my mailbox. Gosh, people must wonder if I ever even knit - or do I just get packages?! I am a bit of a fiber collector but really, I do knit. Today I got my package from my partner, Ruth from New Jersey, for the Hot Socks Swap on the Townsend Yahoo! group. I am giddy. We were only assigned partners 6 days ago...I dream of pals as attentive as Ruth. I am still waiting for her yarn to arrive - yikes!

I received the most gorgeous, rich skein of Cherry Tree Hill in Peacock - freakin' delicious. She also included a pattern for Aran Braid socks - which has the most unusual heel. And strangely I have been considering a very similar pattern for her. I digress - because there was also decadent chocolate truffles, hot chocolate and the coolest double pointed needle holder - an ingenious little design to keep my dpn's under control - I'll be organizing those today - I think I have 10 pairs of size 2, acquired during the quest for the perfect needle that won't break under the pressure my tight gauge!



Now to knit...I am finishing up Backyard Leaves, a couple of more repeats to go...and I am nearly to the foot of my Jaywalker and my Noro Sweater has two front pieces, a back and a tad of sleeve done. I could see a race ensuing...I think the BYL scarf will pull out ahead.

Hell-ooo Kitty!

Oh. My. G-d. I came home to the most fabulous mail day - I can barely describe it. I got two packages...one, a gorgeous skein SP9 exclusive yarn which I will save to talk about another day as it was totally trumped by...the second, my prize for winning the Funky Socks category. I'm telling you, this turned a rainy day right around for me. Thank you to Aloha & Oreos...because quite simply - you ROCK!! I received some serious swag! The most gorgeous Halloweeny (that makes it sound dirty *grin*) sock yarn - an awesome colorway called Candy Corn by sKNITches. Wow, it could have stopped there...but NO - a wonderful little fabric bag full of things I would totally wish for but no one would think to buy for me - Hello Kitty was the theme - a childhood warm fuzzy - a Pez dispenser (to put by the one I already have bought myself - I thought I was the only grown-up who coveted such things... I mean, has Miss Aloha and Oreos been peeking in my house? I think I love her!), a nail file, 3 packages of post-its (I have never seen Hello Kitty on post-it flags before and I shop at Target people!), Halloween stitch markers, cuticle oil with real flowers in it, a cute sticker, candy and a kind note. I was completely blown away and giddy by the generosity and thoughtfulness. Three Cheers for Aloha and Oreos! Thank you so much from the bottom of my Hello Kitty lovin' heart!

More leaves and some cool pals

My Backyard Leaves scarf is 1/2 done and blocked - I love it enough to do the other half - always a good sign! I'm so pleased with the yarn, it is so soft and snuggly - I need to finish so I can keep both sides of my neck warm! I am thinking this is not going to make it into the holiday gift pile. *giggle*

I have also been enjoying Secret Pal 9 and the Hot Sock Swap. My secret pal from SP9 sent me a message suggesting there could be something from Rhinebeck coming my way! Now I don't think that I completely comprehend Rhinebeck, but the mere thought of it make me squeal - it sounds like some kind of "mecca" for yarn lovers. the yarn addicts. And my sock partner shares a lot of my same interests and in just a couple of short days has already gotten some surprises together, what a treat! I have been really digging this world of cyber knitting - why didn't I start reaching out sooner? So many interesting, friendly and generous people out there - so dissimilar from my usual everyday cross-section of contacts. And to find a niche of equally devoted fiber freaksters - can't put a price on that!

But for now - I need to hang out with my toddler and get some household chores done. Hard to concentrate on reality sometimes when there are so many opportunities abound! But then reality isn't so bad...


...it's kind of sweet actually...*weee*

Where did the weekend go?

Good grief, is it me? Can anyone believe it is gone, the weekend is nearly gone. Time to get the kids in the tub, homework done, clothes laid for tomorrow - time flies. I did not leave the house one time today - blew off some church things, ouch! Then laid around with my Backyard Leaves scarf - one 1/2 is done and blocking as I type - I love that it is 10% cashmere - like a luxury, I also love that it is red and mostly I love that it is half done...can I bear to put it in the holiday gift pile? Oh, very doubtful.

I also was able to get my first SP9 package put together. I will send it off tomorrow and hopefully it will brighten my pal's week. I also got a match for the "Hot Sock Swap" from the Townsend Yahoo Group. I'm excited with my partners likes and that the sock yarn can come right out of my own stash - what a great way to re-gift something with permission. I mean I love each and every skein but it will be nice to part with something to another worthy home (and make room for another skein?). I did break down, I admit, and purchase a special SP9 colorway with pink, silver and black - so it's not like I have been truly abiding by my yarn diet - as if. (and I think that Yarnpirate might be dying me some Punkin Head...life is good...even if weekend is over.)

It's Official...Autumn has arrived...

And you can see the real drawback of country living...leaves, lots and lots of leaves. We'll see about working some triceps with a rake, *ugh* if the rain ever stops. I noticed the leaf laden drive when I was coming up from the mailbox - where my new Real Simple was waiting for me! Joy! It's actually a perfect fall day for baking, reading - Real Simple naturally, spiced cider and of course, knitting. I'm making some progress, or at least I am beginning to feel pretty good about my Noro Sweater - she is growing. Back and one side of the cardigan is a rolled up blob for now. I hope to finish the other side and get them blocked maybe...today? I will deserve a medal if I pull that off. I am trying not to worry in advance that this sucker won't fit.

Meanwhile, I am preparing to send a package out Monday to my SP9 pal - a couple of things on her wish list. And a friend of mine and I may be plotting a yarncrawl soon - we saw this incredible ruffle scarf on the ISE 3 blog and must have it. So I found a couple of shops about 100 miles away in Illinois that may have the interesting yarn and pattern - and one of the shops happens to be The Fold where they are alleged to have much Socks that Rock - I swoon for sock yarn. Gosh let me tell me something you don't know...unless you do know me... I like to curse a lot. *my mom and sister are rolling their eyes to the sky, nodding their heads vigorously* I know not attractive on a lady, I mean how do you make something so ignorant sound eloquent? I'm still working on that. I can monitor my cursing in certain company and cringe when other people make "such a social faux pas". However, I work with criminals and I like to swear like a truck driver (sorry to stereotype here), 'specially them 4-letter words - real purty.

How to create a friend a knitting friend - Negotiation 101

So my friend, one of my dearest pals can knit - we stayed up late last fall while her husband was hunting and she learned the knit stitch. She is a lefty. I am a righty so this was not just a quick process. But she licked it and has been happily knitting garter stitch scarves since. So I keep saying, let's move on, how 'bout that purl stitch? How 'bout some knitting in the round? She hems and haws about taking a class - I cheer...but no class. So she says do a run with me, I say "no, I think I hate it". Ah, hence the negotiation. She is considering a class at the LYS The Sow's Ear:

Beginning Knitting Part 2. Work on a hat and learn to increase, decrease, knit in the round and other skills that will move you along on your knitting journey. 3 sessions, $45 includes pattern. Monday, November 27, December 4, 11. 6-8pm

While I am considering the Beer Run.

This could be a break through people - and tis a win-win. And not just because the run includes microbrew, pasta and a live band either. I might just train and get in shape while I am molding a knitting friend - I feel almost deviant, like I am creating a clone (no Sheep named Dolly here but somehow "clone" sounded better than "Frankenstein"). Give me one bitchin knitster who can go to "late night" knit events at the LYS with me, who can share my sick passion for yarn, who can stich. and. bitch. with me. Excuse me while I get my running shoes on! Wait up buddy, I have some yarn for you! And some needles....and some markers...wait.

I won! I won!

Okay, a bit dramatic perhaps - but I won the "funky" category in the model your socks contest!! I'm pretty stoked that I could get a reward for...knitting, like my favorite thing - what a great excuse to keep on - "honey, there could be prizes involved..." Thank you Keohinani!! She is from Hawaii - perhaps when I rip open the package I will be able to hear the ocean and smell the sand!? Hell, the prize could be sand - white, wonderful sand. I would be glad to send some dried leaves and snowballs...any takers? Yeah, didn't think so.

My big plan during Tutti Pickle's nap today is to loaf on the couch with my Noro sweater and Weeds in my sweats - *squee*. Afterall, I need to rest up for the best TV night of the week - Lost PLUS the Project Runway finale - and surely an adult beverage! What's is going to happen to Jeffrey! Go Laura, Go Laura!

and lastly - thank you SP - I loved my digital card!:)

Stockinette hell...I really get it.

Okay, really, I have always understood what Ms. Lime has meant when she says she is in "stockinette hell" on the French Market Bag. I too have been there - my picture posted for proof of my journey. Round and round, knitting in the round - while it is nice to avoid the purl stitch whenever possible, knitting in the round can be a drag. Especially while knitting these huge felted projects that simply can go on forever in stockinette - but the end result is such a smooth felted fabric - totally worth the tedium. But now I am amidst my own private hell again, except no knitting in the round - we're talking all out knit - purl stockinette nightmare:) - I started the back of the Noro Iro sweater - and while the end results should kick ass - I'm not really sure about the rustic looking fabric so far. And it is knit up on honkin' needles no less. I am used to more petite, girly needles working with socks or lace scarves, I feel like I could play the drums in between rows with these size 11 monsters - or perhaps spear a fish? It is merely the beginning and already...I complain. Well. I am going to pick it up while I watch Desperate Housewives that I have Tivo'd - I guess I need to remind myself of the one positive of stockinette boredom - you barely have to look! Not that I will really have to watch DH too darn carefully to understand the ridiculous quandry they will have created this week - so maybe I could nap while I knit and catch up on my fluff?

But really, I took a day of vacation today - could a vacation day ever be bad? I mean I suppose if one has a surgery planned or cleaning to do...but no I just am off to be off - ha! I am hooking up with my mom later to take her to a few stops for some early holiday shopping under the agreement that we must stop at at least one yarn store. So stockinette hell today is merely a means to an end, right?! Note to self - no more honkin' needles. So I need to suck it up sister - I am not looking at a crabby boss on a Monday - or dealing with grownup criminal crybabies - life is good!

Noro, would you like to meet my knitting needles?

I broke down and got yet another "work in progress" to start. I couldn't stand it. I saw a sample of an Noro Iro sweater at my LYS last weekend. Me and another patron took turns petting it and saying, "hmmm" - I thought "this is kind of a practical little sweater, this looks like a quick knit and and didn't it did snow a bit this week?" - rationalization after rationalization. So home I went to find the yarn online - couldn't bear to decide at the shop. Iro is a bit expensive but Webs had it about $4.00 less per skein with free shipping. I hate not to support the local business, but I have to be sensible - well, as sensible as I can manage considering the size of my stash - it's like rising bread. I knead to get a grip right? peshaw!

So I am heading down to my swift to make up some Noro yarncakes to get this next party started. Meanwhile my purty Jaywalkers will languish with my Backyard Leaves scarves in my knitting pile. But I just keep imagining me wearing this sweater to a casual holiday gathering. The body of the sweater is on size 11 needles, so I am thinking, hoping, praying this could be a relatively quick knit and potentially my first grown-up handknit sweater...

But this probably needs to be the end of "me" things before I dig into some holiday project plans. I really am not looking forward to do any stupid shopping, but if I could please a couple of people with a scarf, socks or maybe some felted clogs - that would make my year. This is my end of year resolution - to try to make someone happy with a handknit something something. Meanwhile, I am kind of enjoying making me happy with these little somethings, kind of selfish - a recurring theme - but knitting is all about me! *sqeeee* Well, and this great community of cyberknitters I am meeting! I love you man!

One last thing...pssst...if you are my secret pal out there - I can't wait to hear from you!!:)

I still don't think I really like you...

I'm talking about my running shoes of course, and what I do when I am wearing them...I completed a 5k today (though everyone was reporting is was more like 3.5 miles to add insult to injury) - I did walk a little but overall it was a decent run - but I am just not sure what I think of running...my time was even pretty good considering I have ran like once in the last month. I just have so many other priorities that I am not sure I can commit to this... But then no sooner I am home from the 5k I am whining about I am pondering the brochure for the Berbee Derby on Thanksgiving - what is wrong with me!??

I keep thinking I am just more of a "walker" - but running can be such an efficient use of the of excercize time I can sqeak out. And I do love my nano ipod and well, me and nano, we can hang out when I run and I can also hang with Lime N Violet doing their podcast- I kind of like the sounds of that multitasking. I may need to rethink my disdain.

International Scarf Exchange is put to bed...

Strangley enough I came home to a package yesterday after putting mine for my pal in the mail - karma baby! It is very lofty and warm - totally a winter cuddler for the Wisconsin weather approaching - wouldn't you know - there was some snow flurries today! Was the scarf an omen? It's going to be a great "wrap-around-and-run-through-a-blizzard" kind of gear! Thank you to Knit-On Sunny from Florida for an terrific cold weather buffer! I'll be thinking of Florida plenty as I am trudging through snow drifts on my lunchtime walk - cursing those smart people who live down south - ugh!

My feet are wet - bring on Secret Pal 9!!!

When knitting drives you to drink...

It happened to me - I love, love Annie Modesitt's Backyard Leaves from Scarf Style - it is also featured in the special holiday Interweave (which my lys had for sale BEFORE the date it was going to be displayed - weee!) Anyways - wow, the pattern was trying to kill me, I was sure of it. After many tries, stomping about and throwing yarn and needles...let me say I am stubborn, er maybe we could call it persistent. I WAS slaying this dragon dammit! Bartender give me a Peel (incidentally, these Rock! Blueberry Pomegranite, sounds almost healthy!?) So by now I think I have the pattern licked, I was again the boss of this yarn, but could another part this disaster be the yarn choice...Classic Elite Waterlilly...I think it's be too chunky to show off the leaves, even going up 2 needle sizes - waaa, back to the drawing board. Good things Peels are in a four-pack - not that I drank 4, but you know, I felt like I really should.

Hence the second chapter...tonight I just happened to have some Rowan Cashoft in gorgeous red laying on my counter - because you know any addicted devoted knitter has yarn in the line of vision at all times. I spontaneously thought "this would make an awesome Backyard Leaves scarf! Aw too bad I already started in green...*gulp* I could start over..."


I think now that I'm running this pattern - *hitch up pants* I am going to be a smarty, and switch up the color - ha. So I wasted 3 hours freaking out trying to learn this pattern on yarn I would frog - no one is the wiser, right?

...Wait, didn't I hear it's SOCKTOBERFEST? Good grief, wrestling with a scarf...what am I doing? Maybe just one more teensy Peel will lend me some guidance...

Crappy Sock to Happy Sock

I have saved my Grape Ape from certain hideousness...I ripped it back and turned it into a Jaywalker - much better, *sigh*


I also made some more stitch markers - these things are a little additive for me, looking for that perfect combination of beads. I finished a set for my ISE pal and am close to wrapping up her package for the mail. I also found out my pal over at GramKnits made me some markers - our own little swap! Thank you!

Pondering Socktober, the questionairre

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I started making socks about 18 months ago by taking a class at a LYS. I learned top down on 4 dpns. Since then I have taught myself toe-up and the two circular method.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

My first pair was a plain generic top down sock out of some Regia self patterning - they have held up but are kind of ugly:)I don't want to waste my time on ugly yarn anymore! 18 hours a skein with ugly yarn, that's just wrong!

What would you have done differently?

Picked Koigu or some other nicer yarn!!

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Yarntini!! Socks that Rock, Koigu and Cherry Tree Hill. I also have some from Scout J and All things Heather that I have stashed, they are awaiting their turn to become socks.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I usually use the 4-5 dpn top down method, I like using the multitude of needles - makes me feel like I am really working hard to get the sock started until it starts to flow.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

I like the short row heel - though I am drawn to decorative funky heels - just need a pair of clogs to showcase them!

How many pairs have you made?

Well, pairs???...maybe 3 or 4, but I have quite a singles club started!!:) Ihope to get some of these guys matched up for Socktoberfest!

In addition to Socktober adventures, I have joined a "sock kit" swap on Townsend's yahoo group - should be fun - and I can kind of go off my yarn diet by vicariously living through my pal! I haven't really figured all of the details, so we'll see.

Socktober drag

I started the Fantastic Welts pattern in Sensational Socks with my beloved Grape Ape last night - can I just say - yuck, it just isn't working. I am so sad, I hate to waste perfectly good knitting time - but I I think I will rip it out and make another pair Jaywalkers - because that is surely going to be a winner...(winner, winner chicken dinner?) I would like to thoughts on patterns condusive to self-striping yarn - I am feeling verklempt.

But I shall join the Socktober ranks as I cast on a Jaywalker tonight during Grey's Anatomy - Seriously...

Leisel Blocks at last...

At long last - my ISE scarf, Leisel blocks - with a little encouragement from Sandra! *gratitude* I am a near virgin blocker so I have used the Yarn Harlot's method found here. If it works out, I think I have a shawl to re-block! I decided to try this method since I have no lace blocking wires and don't want any - I just keep thinking storage, ugh!

I am please with Leisel over all - my type A sees a couple of mistakes but unless you're really looking, it will be okay. My inside pictures are pretty crummy. I liked the Silky Wool by Elspeth Lavold except for the vegatable matter that I had to pick out pretty regularly and still, I don't think I found it all. I used just over 1 skein. Blocking took the scarf from about 42" to 60" - I hope that is long enough for my pal - she prefers longer, but I don't think this is really a scarf you'd wrap around your neck a few times, which is what I think when I think long..I'll keep my fingers crossed. I love the color, it is rich with some slight variation. I also enjoyed the pattern, the 10 row repeat was simple enough where I couldn't memorize it but I could see where I had been and where I was going. I now need to head out for some extra treats to toss in my secret pal package - how fun!



And now my ADD riddled head wanders...my good knitting friend turned me on to this exchange, hmmmm.

Clear the water...Prison Break has jumped the shark...

Is it me? Or is Prison Break getting ridiculously convoluted? Good grief, I just want the Fox River 8...well 6 now technically, to get picked up and thrown in some new Federal Pen - lets see them try ot get out of that one - let's give them a chance to start this season over. The two main characters, Michael and Lincoln have been nice to look at but come on, it's getting a bit silly - I am almost embarrassed for them. It's turning into a bad sit com - where we the audience can totally see what they need to do to get out of the quagmire - but they don't see it. Aaaarg! I'm no writer but in my opinion, where has the genious gone??

As a side note, has anyone kept a body count of how many people have died while Michael has worked to save Lincoln? And really, is Lincoln worth all that??
Body Count: (in no particular order)

Lincoln's ex-wife and her husband
Lance's fake CIA partner
Veronica
Veronica's fiancee
CIA guy who ended up in the well in Wisconsin
The Lawyer guy and his dad - dirty?
David, kid con
Fibruzzi, mafia con
Correctional Officers in car ccident with Lincoln
Governor Tankretti
Female Witness to information
surely, there is more...

Lest we forget LJ is also in jail for two murders he did not commit and how many others are suffering consequences for assisting these yahoos? Dr. Tankretti and hispanic woman married to Michael...all to save one guy - Lincoln, who let's agree was criminal in spite of the fact that he probably didn't kill the VP's brother - you don't get framed so neatly for murder with no history of criminal behavior, right? Maybe I'm missing the boat - maybe it is my background on the fringes of law enforcement that is making this show progressively hard to swallow - but, I'll tune in next week...well, never said I wasn't a sucker.

Yarn Candy!!

Check it out - the last bits of yarn ecstasy before the alleged "yarn diet" (I can see myself sooo falling off this wagon)! From Yarntini - bless her vibrant colorways, gorgeous packaging and special treats (this time = chocolatini lipgloss - happy, happy...joy, joy!!)!



And something new - Sweet Georgia yarn from Pick up Sticks - holy cow it is some soft yarn. So soft in fact I may wander away from socks and knit a scarf with it. I am taken with the "coziness" of it. Definitely a keeper
I just love sitting on my big heap of stash - ahhhhh. Simple pleasures. (But again "thou shalt not buy sock yarn" - oh the mantra, it is so sad...) Maybe if I don't blog about the new goodies they won't exist? Like if no one sees you eat it, it doesn't count?? I am learning how terribly good I am at rationalizing - right here in black and white! Ineed to stop talking about my yarn addiction, it's pathetic - I need some new material. I'm surely sounding more like a yarn collector than a knitter for pete's sake?! *egads* must get a grip.

...really, I need to get going on a new pair of socks - soon - it's Socktoberfest after all!!

Ah, I ran, I ran so far away...well, not that far really but I ran!

I need to shout out a thank you to a fellow blogger over at Chicken Knits for a little motivation. She wrote about being inspired to run by "a lady at the gym", and I sure needed some inspiration. So offroad I went...I made it 3 miles - now, I confess didn't run the whole time. I'm excusing myself because I did forget to take a "hit" off of my inhaler before I left and I have a chest cold/ sore throat thing - but man, did it feel good to just try to move my feet after weeks of avoiding running, telling myself "I hate running" - pretty much because I am not too good at it, I usually avoid things I am not good at - my type A personality shining through. I came straight home and signed up for a 5k event my friend has challenged me to do - without of course thinking about finding a babysitter - oops! It will work out - I'm motivated - well, today anyways - thanks blogging friend for commenting on my blog so I could find you!

Another high point - my scarf pal contacted me today to let me know I may be getting my scarf soon - woo hoo!! The suspense is killing me! Meanwhile I am 12 rows away from finishing mine, I will post a picture once it is blocked. *cheer*

Secret Pal 9 - Helloooo!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I really love sock yarns - there are so many incredible kinds on the internet. I am not crazy about angora, because I think the thought of it kind of makes me itchy:) Is it wrong to just flat out hate acrylic? I think getting further into knitting has made me boycott the cheaper stuff because I'm thinking for the effort, I want to use a little more enjoyable yarn.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I stick them in a crock and I have a Lantern Moon folding case which is not really practical. I'm always looking for a better way to organize,

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 about three years - I am an addict. I have taken a lot of classes to learn new things, I have learned everything at some LYS or another. I think intermediate best describes me.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? not really

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I like cozy fall scents - I think it's because of the leaves turning, apples in season and pumpkins at the roadside stands.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Oh lord, do I ever have a sweet tooth and fillings to prove it. I think chocolate - preferably milk chocolate - is my favorite thing. But I am always grabbing up any new little weird candy I find at the gas station!!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I don't spin and I think I don't want to learn because I am afraid I'll like it...I am over my head in crafts! I like to sew and scrapbook - I'll try anything once!

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like all music, I think except country...I like 80's hair bands, relaxing Michael Buble (?) and yoga soundtracks. I have a Nano that I drag everywhere - I have been listening to Lime N Violet's podcasts lately

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I really like pink with brown, purple with greens together or separately. I also like red. I'm not crazy about yellow I guess.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a husband, two daughters - 1 and 6 years old, a couple of old Tom cats and a dog...

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves and mittens. I look ridiculous in hats and ponchos:) I've tried both wth bad results!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I like to knit socks. I also like to make felted things - Noni purses or mittens. I have also been enjoying lace lately - I particularly have a fetish for leaf lace patterns.

13. What are you knitting right now? A lace scarf for my Scarf Exchange pal, a pair of fan and feather socks AND a bag to felt. Oh and I'm about to start a sweater and I am working on some Jaywalker socks too!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes! I like to give them too - to people who understand the time and care that goes into them.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I like straight and circular - depending on the project. I prefer natural material - wood, bamboo, ebony. I'm looking for dpn's that won't break under my tight tension!!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I have both - I love them!

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Oh boy...if we were talking quilting, I have a 10 year old project but knitting...I have 1/2 of a sock left to finish, I started them when I was in the hospital with my youngest daughter, so about 15 months.

18. What is your favorite holiday? I like Halloween and of course, Christmas!

19. Is there anything that you collect? I think sheep are just so cute - especially Shaun from Wallace and Gromit. I love stationary and stickers. I also collect books, I like to read.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I subscribe to Interweave Knits and Rowan. I think I have bought every knitting book there it! Seriously though, I would like to knit Ms. Marigold and Zephyr.com or Sizzle from Knitandtonic.com. I also would like to collect some more lace patterns.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I would like to give cables a whirl.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I love socks, to wear, to knit - I wear an average womens size 7. Pretty standard foot.:)

23. When is your birthday? May 17th

Wanna help me build a yarn fort??

I have so much yarn, I could probably build a fort with my skeins of sock yarn...maybe that is what I should do, build a yarn fort and hide. The weekend is nearly over and I have had such little knitting time - I'm kind of uninspired. I feel like loafing, accomplishing nothing. Wow, that's a problem...given I have a scarf pal to knit for. I keep asking myself "when will this lace scarf be done already?" I think I just want to move on - I am an instant gratification queen ya know. arg...meanwhile, I need to finish up this scarf, I really do like it and I am happy to knit for this wonderful "pal" I have been getting to know. But when will it end?? I'd take a picture of my progress, but do you think in my current state of unmotivated I could find my camera??

On a brighter note, I did get to the craft store for some more silly polymer beads to make some stitch markers for my pal and at least one other person who "shall remain nameless" in case she is peeking (oh, and in case I continue to be a lazy slug). I am totally stoked about the feedback they received, what a huge treat. Sell them? There's an idea, just where to start? I could hit up some LYS?? I have to say I have noticed that stitch markers - interesting ones anyways, are kind of hard to come by. Maybe my commenters have something here. Thank you people! Now if you could throw some inspiration my way, some stick-to-it-tive-ness...a kick in the pants! Wait, maybe some Nyquil to kick this bad ass cold out of my system. Ding, ding, ding, now we're talking... Nyquil AND a yarn fort.

Despite my perceived lack of motivation...12 years ago this minute I was dancing a storm at my wedding reception! Celebrate good times...come on!...Kool and the Gang, yikes!