Well I got the book for the Ripple-iscious blanket - holy cow, 200 rippling patterns - about 199 more than I really need... decisions, decisions...and now I have to learn me some crochet :)

Baby on the way...

My sister's friend Jenn could be having her first baby any day now. I have been working on this baby bolero from One Skein. It has been a great way to practice seaming...on this tiny instant gratification project. I bought the cutest little lounge pants and onesies with taupe bears on them (From the Gap natuarally) to go along with it. Gosh, all of those tiny clothes...I think I have...baby envy? Seriously, now that I know I am done having children, I get kind of emotional about babies - I used to hear other women going through sadness and wanting babies and thought "ah, they're crazy." Not so much.


BTW, my secret pal left a comment explaining why I hadn't "heard" from her in a bit - well, she was off having a baby! Congratulations SP. 3 teens and and a baby, I'm tired already:) Have fun with your yummy little one.

Ripple-icious Shizzle

I went back to the closing yarn store yesterday - I was happy to be saving but again, felt like such a vulture. I have literally "circled town" a few times to try to see if the store it open, their hours have always been a little hard to gauge for me. I could feel wings sprouting as I snuck in for some bargains. I'm sad for the owner but she wants to sell her remaining inventory, right? So I talked myself into thinking "why not me?" I was inspired to go back to scoop on some Cascade 220 after seeing the crocheted ripple afgan all over blogland. Check out this one and this one, oh and this one and this one. Holy crap, there is a whole KAL over here.

Aren't they funky, fun and wee bit retro? Do I make one big enough for my bed (which would probably lead to paint and carpet somehow), or should I make a lap one for using on the couch?? I just love the fun, simple lines. I ordered the book today.

Anyways, now to learn how to crochet:) Now wait, I have crocheted...um, a scarf. But I aught to be a pro after this huh? Crocheting does seem to go much faster - though how fast can a blanket this size go? This does seem like a nice and fairly mindless go-to project in between stuff (like socks!). It might seem silly to make an afgan with summer around the bend but if I work on it in the basement, which is perpetually cool - I could use it to keep warm while still being cool - and taking advantage of the much bigger TV down there. Aren't I just amazing at justification?

Runagogo update - 10.5 miles to go to reach my goal by Sunday, whew - I will make it at the buzzer.

Happy Birthday First Born Baby Girl!

I cannot believe it was 7 years ago today that I got my new name "momma". Momma has stuck - no mommy, or mom - it's still momma. Makes me a little teary to think about the moment my beautiful girl was handed to me at last - I think my first spontaneous thought was "I'm sorry, mom" - for all of the times I was difficult or sassy - because in that instant...I got it, it all made sense.

So here we are - fast forward 7 years, a few more wrinkles for me, a sibling, Tutti Pickles, for Peanut and countless memories. My eldest has come into her own. She can read, write, pose a clever argument, cut me to the quick with a face or comment, make me cry with joy and worry. She likes to put herself to bed, complain about everything we have for supper, yet be so kind and thoughtful. She likes to sing, dance and dress to the nines in pink, fluffy, glittery things. She has an imagination to infinity. She wants to sew and knit, scrapbook - full of anticipation when I open my craft room, like we're going somewhere fabulous. Well, we kind of are. *squee!* So she is my protege. I am curious to see where we are going from here...oh the places we'll go!

So, Happy super 7th Birthday little girlfriend!


What a grand little stash buster! Yummy, yarny cupcakes from One Skein from Leigh Radford. My little one begged that Stella needed one for "her" birthday... Had to have a wee bit of knitting content, right?:)

Happy Birthday Stella!

Happy Day to our resident Knitted Babe, Stella. My daughter has loved Stella far more than I could have hoped - so she needed some new duds for her proclaimed birthday - apparently, according my almost 7-year-old, Stella is 8 today. So I made her a psychodelic dress from some fun Kaffe Fasset fabric and knit up some lacey panties. Then I also made her a some capri pants to welcome the warmer weather and a halter top - complete with a flower brooch from a schmibble of leftover Yarntini "Port". I tried so hard to secretly knit and sew some goodies - but my little one is such a detective - I could not keep her nosey little self out of my hair for a minute - finally I confessed, "yes, Stella is getting some clothes" - so off she went to wrap her a gift...oh and she also blind-folded the doll so "she" wouldn't see her surprises - so our little fantasy went to another level. Kids are so pure and have such amazing imaginiations - if we could just bottle that.


I've kind of been thinking I need a "babe" of my own - what fun to sew the detailed littled hoo ha, there is a KAL over here - it's inspiring to see what other babe-lovers are coming up with. What a fun little softie, I'm so pleased Stella is loved. What will we make her next? I'm thinking some go-go boots to compliment her funky dress - some white felty boots with fringes? Nancy Sinatra would approve.

Shout out to my Secret Pal(s)!! :)

Hello out there SP 10 and Lime N Violet buddy! I have enjoyed getting comments from you, I sqeal with delight when I get a piece of the puzzle - I'm so curious, I'm not good at patience. I'd love to know more - what are you knitting right now? Are you a sock yarn hoarder like me? Do you have kids? I'd love to learn any little bit you could share...if you dare...:)

Meanwhile, I am having so much fun as a secret spoiler myself. My SP 10 partner sounds so fun, I'd like to meet her for drinks and knit socks! My L n V pal is a sweet and hardworking college student who has never used any "expensive" sock yarn - so I have to part with something fabulous you see, she must come to the dark side:) Can you imagine the first time you knit with the good stuff?

**thanks LnV Pal for checking in - love to learn about new people and what they are knitting the best inspiration. You could knit a lace scarf for someone in Texas ;) My International Scarf Exchange person happened to be from the Lone Star State!

MEME...
I also found this meme - I have always thought I was well read, afterall I love to read right?...but gosh, I think that there are a lot of Fantasy books on here. I have started Harry Potter and The Hobbit - only to give up - too many weird names to remember. I just saw Watership Down was about rabbits - the movie was on HBO or something today, that sounds odd to me. I prefer more historical books or even silly fluff. This is what I am reading now.

Look at the list of books below:
* Bold the ones you’ve read,
* Italicize the ones you want to read
* Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in.
** the ones I OWN and haven't read yet:) (I added this one)

1. The DaVinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee) I wanted to name my daughter Scout - hubby said "NO!"
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell) read it several times
**5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
**11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
**12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
**15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
**32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
**42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. The Bible (not like cover to cover or anything)
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According to Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte's Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum) I did not even know this was a book:)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

I got a pair!

I received these beauties in the mail today from Jessie - a.k.a Yarntini. They are so delicious. I got the Vintage with a secret pal in mind. It is so pretty in person, I grabbed these pictures during the one sliver of sunshine I saw today. The colors are so vibrant and candy sweet. Yarntini is pretty darn sweet too - what a wonderful entrepreneur with extra special customer service. You see, there was also a little yummy container of hand made Strawberry Daiquiri lipgloss enclosed, smells like the real thing.

Come with me...I can taste the cotton candy melting on my tongue and hear the "vintage" carousel music...



And the Cherry Cordial...milk chocolate and berries...



Maybe my exchange partner would like that one instead? Oh, I was planning to quick throw the Vintage in a box and tape it shut to avoid this obvious indecision. I can totally see my yarn whoring self buying some nice Koigu to put in my package - I'm just terrible at giving away this super special indie stuff, well Yarntini anyways. I'm going to try to brave...Eeny, meeny, miney, moe...

btw for the curious local knitters (so nice to meet you local girls!)...the closing yarn store is Knit Whit on Main Street in Cambridge...I have driven through town and haven't been able to catch it open again, so you may want to call ahead if you want to check it out.

my ftp is still crap so I am trying Flickr - slick - but I don't know how to center or justify my pictures for more interest...so I'll be doing my homework.

*thump* I could have had a V8

Der, who else does this? Who else e-mailed their Secret Pal with their regular e-mail account? duh. I hope that my pal can't figure me out beyond maybe my name - but the first e-mail I sent - I immediately knew I screwed up - but it was too late - into cyberspace went my indiscretion. So, pal, if you figure me out - I'm sorry, I have no excuse. As an offender said this week "gosh, Stupid is expensive".

On another note...

Quote for today - (*imagine condescending tone and dripping sarcasm*) "I don't care! I'm the supervisor!" You gotta love a guy who has this leadership style. It's his common response to the tiniest bit of our two cents. You just can't have a different opinion with this man. If this were Survivor I would totally vote this bastard off the island.

Off to knit my bureaucratic troubles away with Simon Fullerton! Double guilty pleasure! Should I really blow the bank and have a little rum in my diet coke?! The possibilities!

Sunday sockfest

boplast
Originally uploaded by peaknit.

I finished my first Bird of Paradise from my February installment of the Petals Collection - I love the yarn, Sundara uses a wonderful quality fiber - there were occasional snags and fuzzy spots, but overall it knit up quite nicely. The only modification I made was to knit into the back of the picked-up gusset stitches, I think it's a trick from Grumperina and helps give a prettier gusset with less chance for holes. I'm inclined to cast on the second one right away so I can have a pair (before Yarntini's first kit comes in April - *as I hyperventilate with excitement!*). Wouldn't they look awesome with these new Danskos? I can hardly justify some "strawberry" colored shoes for $110 but I'm just saying. I have been surfing in search of a pair of open backed clogs to start showcasing all of these socks. I swear by my closed backs Danskos - so comfortable and worth the money since they last for-freaking-ever and never go out of style. But it's hard to capitalize on the heels of my handmade socks when they are crammed away in shoes right?

In truth, we are actually coming into "sandal season" (and road construction season) in Wisconsin at last - I have a reputation for cracking out the "short pants" before anyone in my office and not wearing anything but until the first snow, so why would this year be different? I have a reputation to protect. (I wait for my office neighbor to ask me "where's the flood?" every Spring, after 13 years, it's just part of the routine, I'd be sad if he failed to mock me.)

saturday yarnings and my ftp is crap

I stopped at my only very LYS today and was said to learn it is closing. I've notice a sale board outside...but closing? I felt like a vulture looking around...35% everything. I love a sale but hardly at the expense of an entreprenuer, a knitter entreprenuer. I will usually avoid these "going out of business" things because they are not happy occasions yet it feels mildly "celebratory" to the saving consumer right? My husband says - "they have to sell the stuff" but damn, hate to see people's dreams go south. But I did stop, so I did buy a few things for stash enhancement - can you see the theme here? (oh wait - no, you can't since my ftp is run by trolls...) Lime N Violet must be my heros. These are my two most favorite colors together. Pink is probably IT for me, who'da thunk when I was such a tom boy?...but together, these two rock! So I took my savings, gave my condolences and slunk out. And now I am thinking, should I go back for that Noro Kureyon #95? I am ashamed.

I did stop local after trekking to another shop I covet. I dropped off my last bit of Sundara Lenton Rose for the owner who was in search of a little more for her socks - thank you for the reward by the way! And so I bought these three cotton skeins (you know, the ones you can't see) - something about Rowan and cotton, so crisp. A friend, co-worker is on total bed rest at just 21 weeks and I can see a preemie hat in yummy green for a boy or shell pink for a girl. I am left now to pray that the little one is strong and ready for the world when he/ she makes her grand entrance - my heart aches for this momma and babe duo.

I have made some progress on my latest Sundara installment - my Bird of Paradise is knitting up purty quick. I just need an umbrella to stick in it and some steel drums I tell ya - foofy girly drink! Somehow kicking off this sock right away helps me justify that I signed up for Yarntini's club - I need to be ready right? AND I have my name in the hat over at Scout J for her swag club. Is it legal to enter your grandma, husband and two-year-old? I didn't or anything but I thought about it. Lots to be ashamed about today.

**you'd see my pictures accept my ftp is a bastard** :)

felty indie-spiration

I am in love with this darling little cupcake pincushion. It arrived yesterday from Betz White via her Etsy shop. She is an amazing - local-to-me - felt artist (children's wear designer, etc.), using mostly recycled sweaters. I stumbled upon her blog some time back and since then I have seen her featured in Adorn magazine, then on Martha Stewart demostrating her Cup'o Joe pin cushion and then I heard her interview on the Craftsanity podcast - not necessarily in that order. This little cake inspired me to trek to the Goodwill today in an effort to find my own sweaters to felt up - I got a cashmere for 3.99 and in the wash it went - agitated to death. I would love to make something similar as a gifty for myself or maybe some little coin purses or a small tote for my daughter. Crafters ADD - fullboard. Thank you to Betz for inspiring me with her fuzzy little goodies and the colors are nearly edible. Just wait until December - she has a book coming out too! I have been curious about felt a lot recently, the aforementioned flat pieces from loosestring on Etsy, japanese "mascots", felt embellisments on my kids' clothes and I kinda want to try needle felting- and maybe THIS will be the year I finish that felt penny rug I started 2 years ago for Easter?! I'll be sure to post a picture if that happens!

Quote of the Day

"Of course people are going to buy yarn, it's like crack" heard over at Pixie Purls, a new podcast I am listening to. I nearly stumbled on a walk after I heard this, it made me giggle out loud - and of course, it's true.

Oh yes, wait a minute Mr. Post Man!

Thank you Sandra for this awesomely generous package. Check out this beautiful yarn - a fine cotton in my favorite color. She said Croatia specializes in delightful cotton, she was not kidding! I went for a walk yesterday and thought the whole time of what I could make. I need some suggestions but I really like this - and if I can possibly keep growing out my hair, it might not even look ridiculous. Otherwise this would make a wonderful baby item - but I really, want to use this for something for me - I love the simple lines and crisp fabric of cotton. (following Jessie's comment, I did the conversion and figure I have nearly 930 yards of this fabulous cotton - thank Jess)

She also enclosed darling stationary, a neat pencil, post-its and squares of fabric which I had coveted on her blog. And some buttons - a deep red with etched flowers - to be saved for something special for sure, and some more whimsical flowers and hearts. But that's not all - also some sweets from Croatia - some called Bajadera a "nougat dessert" - they look decadent. I may hare one with my world travelling friend, otherwise - they will be hidden I think!! She also enclosed cute socks for my daughters - my eldest is off to school with hers on already, as well as some yummy candy for them. Oh, and lest I forget beads! Limey green stars - they could be some funky stitch markers. So I felt like it was my birthday - to come home from a nice family trip and find this perfect and thoughtful gift. Thank you! And I sure hope you come home to my parcel as well - soon! I have more photos but my webspace seems to have eaten them - more later...

Give me two Pina Coladas...

and some Excedrin and a nap! I just got back from a couple day stay at a waterpark hotel with my family - always fun and silly but now a rest is in order. I had all sorts of illusions (or should that be delusions?) of grandeur that I would relax and knit, I took several projects. I did finish my 2nd Pembrokeshire Pathway on the ride home - which is success all things considered. I think I got about one row knit on it while I tried to get my little one yesterday, as if! Right now muscles I didn't know I had, hurt from flapping my arms like mad on the Lazy River (go figure) to avoid waterfalls - my little one was not keen on receiving a heavy shower, afterall she was reluctant to consent to the whole idea... I did find myself unconsciously giggling (out loud and by myself) during some powerful wave action in the wavepool, I would recommend this little adventure.

Seriously, this is my freshly caked skein of Sundara's latest sock installment Bird of Paradise. I can almost hear the Calypso music and taste that Pina Colada. I'm torn between doing the pattern that came with it - a simple ribbed sock with some slipped stitches - or Pomatamus - I've seen some nifty ones in blogland. I made the mistake of asking my husband his opinion and he whole heartedly voted ribbed (don't think too hard on that). I tend to ask his valued opinion and then do the opposite - but this one time, he may be one to something. I have fig and plum by Yarntini that might suit the Pomatamus...Stay Tuned.

(btw, the next round of the Petals Collection opens for sign ups on friday - my blasphemous prayers paid off!)


...my pair of Pembrokeshires...I love, love this pattern. The delicious little cable-ettes. I didn't change a thing on this most perfect pattern. They took about two weeks from beginning to end, mostly knitting during evening television and random car rides. The bleached line is not the yarn but from the sun! Yes, sun in Wisconsin! *wee!*

handmade find

Yarn Pirate mentioned this fabulous independant seller from etsy and I just had to get a closer look at Elizabeth's work from loosestring. She creates the most charming felt items, both framable pictures and pincushions. Her colors are so much more vibrant than my photos illustrate. They will make a delightful addition to my office.

You see, I am trying to take some inspiration to work - since I'll probably be within the same 4 walls for the next 20 years. (Gosh, that sounds glass half empty...I actually totally love my job...mostly.) But seriously, I will spend perhaps a quarter of my waking life there, I figure that I might just as well have some beautiful things to look at. I even have taken some yarn with me for fondling in secret at the office - sounds so dirty doesn't it? Most non-knitters just don't get it and to explain - I just would get the predictable cocked-head-whatever-look, right?

Meanwhile, I can't wait to get my cupcake from Betz White , another charming find! I actually often buy these things with the grand notion that I will recreate them...but well, you know.

So, back to the office - now when the police come to take my lying criminals naughties away I can look at my collection of lovlies and know - it's only a job. Ah, the glass is half full again!

Is it wrong?

I am seriously overrun with yarn - some socks yarns, which as I become a more experienced, choosy knitter, I may never knit up. I found this blog where you can post your stash for cash. I feel like I should hook up with these destashers because I am so into clubs lately - it's a sickness - and a darn pricey one! egads. I tried to avoid signing up for Yarntini's over at pureknits but for pete's sake I am practically a stalker of hers. So rationalizations aside, it's done. Then Sundara posts today - why yes, she will have another round of the Petals Collection, sign ups start next Thursday for newbies by the way. And then there is Scout - she is starting another round of her Indie Swag - for 1, 3 or 6 months. I have already suggested my husband consider trying to get this or me on March 16th for my MAY birthday...now tell me that isn't premeditated. So, my thoughts are, maybe I could slim down my stash - for some cash of course - to pay for my latest coveted fibers. Seems like a good plan, right? I mean better than getting a second job or selling my children.

A pathway finished, another started

I finished one of my Pembrokeshire Pathways on Sunday and cast on another right away - totally a good sign that this pattern rocks! The only modification was to try an Eye of the Partridge heel - I like how it came out and may adopt this as my default heel.


Has everyone seen that pureknits has a sock club featuring fabulous Yarntini?? It will absolutely be one of the more extravagant picks for the year (good grief, my husband hopes!) - but it's yarntini...how can I not get in on this? She is my hero after all. I may have to head over and hide my face and mop my forehead while I enter my debit info. but a girls gotta support her indie-yarny-goodness-blogging buddies, right? help. :) Now if Scout offers her indie swag club soon, I think I have to just say "no"...help, I am weak. I am heading here for some support. :) cheerio!

BTW - thank you for all of the positive feedback on my last post - I am so relieved to hear I am not so weird afterall. Just content with my own company and that of my family - they forgive me for having some social anxieties. bless them.

I think I may be just weird...

Anyone else like to just stay home? I'm not saying I am afraid to leave the house - but I am barely ever excited about most social situations...right now I am awol from a church potluck - a believer yes, but social? not so much. Not one of my more favorite traits but I'm not sure being a homebody bothers me enough to change it up. How does one become more social? I have several friends who talk about being very invested in their neighborhoods - having this neighb over or that. Every once in awhile I have a twinge of envy at these social people, but generally I just like being surrounded by my family or close friends. My slogan could be "call me, cause I won't call you" - and it's nothing personal, I just won't really call unless I really have something important to say. Is that a bad thing? I mean, I love e-mailing with other knitting bloggers, leaving comments, chatting in person with my most special friends, aquaintances and co-workers - ask 'em, I barely shut up but finding small talk with strangers - it kills me. Maybe it's just the whole "fish out of water" theory? I would seriously probably do anything for anyone, but I probably won't ask for anything. Is that annoying? Gosh, I hate to sound weird, but I'm realizing...it's quite possible I am. :)

On a knit note...I kinda want to make this sweater - will it be, egads, another sweater I am afraid to seam? And maybe with some of Sundara's yarn? Check out her Cherry Blossom - available to the masses to celebrate her 1 year anniversary. Hurray!

Here a sock, there a sock, everywhere a sock, sock

Rockin' Sock Club spoiler - beware! I just got my first installment yesterday - I love to come home to surprise mail - especially after praying I would get home safely while dealing with icy roadways. The skein from Socks that Rock is "Monsoon" - we have had a little rain lately too - so fitting, very fitting. The quality of this yarn is just amazing - very high "sproing" factor. I have to be honest, I'm more into girly colorways, but I look forward to casting on something new, maybe going outside of the "comfort zone"? And that is why I hooked up with a couple of sock clubs - to take an adventure! I don't want to "eat" this yarn so much as I want to snuggle up with it.



I am starting the heel of my Pembrokeshire Pathways - what a fun knit so far. I just love the dainty cables. Each new project brings a new lesson - I have learned that the cables might be more sassy in a light color - so next time? Good lesson though. I am considering the Eye of the Partridge heel on this pair - we'll see. But so far, I love Sundara's yarn and the pattern is just challenging enough to be interesting but easy to remember - good for a groove. So I'm going to keep on groovin' into the weekend. peaknit out.

L & V Yarn Porn Exchange Survey

OMG, I didn't even realize that I needed to do a survey - thank you new pal for the hook up! You'll read and nod, "yes, she is a sock ho".:) Thank for checking out my blog! Can't wait to hear more from you!

1. What kind of fibers do you prefer?

I like wool, superwash sock yarn, I also like cotton and other soft things.

2. What kind of weight do you prefer (sock, worsted, bulky)?

I like sock, for well, socks:) And I also like sock weight just to fondle. I have also been getting into some worsted projects.

3. Do you spin?

Nope

4. Do you crochet?

Wel, not well enough to say I crochet really - maybe for edgings and stuff.

5. Are there any books, patterns, magazines would you like to own that you don't?

I tend to be a bit of a book ho - so I just grab them up when I can. There are a couple of things over at Zephrstyle I would like to try like Wicked and Ms. Marigold.

6. Are you participating in any themed a-longs like the Project Spectrum?

I was in the Fetching Along, fingerless mitts.

7. Do you have a wishlist on Amazon.com or Half.com? (provide a link)

not so much

8. Any Etsy stores that you would love to get something from?

I love Yarntini, loose string and Yarn Pirate

9. What other crafty things are you involved in (quilting, drawing, painting)?

I will try anything once - I like to sew, bead, scrapbook.

10. What is your favorite sort of scent?

Clean, spring or seasonal

11. Do you have a sweet tooth and what kind of sweets do you like best?

They are all sweet - I like milk chocolate, lollipops, gummy bears

12. What kind of music do you like?

Now, promise you won't laugh? 80's hair bands for one. Also Paul Simon for some easy listening, heavy metal I'm embarrassed to admit and just about anything. I have a great yoga CD I wake up to.

13. What do you like to knit? And for whom?

I seems to go in cycles, I'm in socks right now. But I was on a Mitt kick recently and I made a couple of shawls. I always love an immediate gratification project to break things up though.

14. What sort of things do you like to collect?

Yarn - how pathetic, I know. Sheep are darn cute though, cool fabric, books...

15. Do you want needles? And what kind do you prefer?

I don't really need needles, but I do like bamboo and there is a new Addi Turbo circular lace kind out.


Boy, is anyone else in the Midwest tired of the snow and ice? We have some of the most challenging driving weather I can remember lately - where I'm so nervous I can't feel my legs. This is not great for my reaction time I imagine. Tonight I impulsively wanted to blow other drivers kisses - "hope you get home safe". And I hope they all did - to hibernate with loved ones for a couple days. Happy weekend peeps!

new socks on tap

I started Pembrokeshire Pathways last night during "Lost" - I think it will keep me entertained with the teeny cables, I have the cuff and a few repeats done so far. I plan on taking them up again tonight for a little Grey's Anatomy. I just love to multi-task - or pretend I am.

I saw these over at Magknits - pretty cute. And DK Weight - can you say immediate gratification? There's potential!

I had a sweet moment with my little one the other day. She is my "bumming partner" on my day off - we always hit the gorcery store - but then we headed over to Joann Fabrics - she saw yarn and on her own proclaimed "Yown"! It made my heart sing, my 20-month-old knows a good thing when she sees it!