Package from England

Here is what I received in my wonderful package from Marylyn in England
A skein of sock yarn, purple, locally produced, a skein of alpaca yarn, also locally produced, a beautiful felted bowl that she made, and a cell phone charm, now, I think I may be able to take the individual charms off as they look like stitch markers! Marylyn was my partner in "Deb's crochet swap blog". Thank you so much.

Gotta love that mailman!!

Will post more tomorrow, but I received 2 wonderful packages today!!
One from my sp10 pal, she's so tricky and she's from Minnesota :)
The other from Marylyn.
Pictures and bragging tomorrow, just returned from hockey.

Back to knitting

I have recovered from the scrapping, slowly but surely I have picked up the needles again. To borrow a phrase from "trek", I am knitting under the radar, no pictures, things are being knit for sp10 pal and I don't want to give anything away. Suffice it to say, I am working on 2 projects, 1 for her and 1 for me.

I can't believe Easter is next week, this bunny better get to the store for some basket fillings! The boys have asked for new video games, great, costs way more than candy! But we'll need them for the big spring break vacation! Myrtle Beach.

I have read up on airline security measures and it seems I can take my knitting with me. But I should be prepared with a self-addressed stamped envelope in case my particular security agent feels the needles (dpn's) are too dangerous. Check out today's yarnharlot for a good yarn!!

Scrapbooking - What's that???

Saturday was a very fun day. I went scrapbooking with my good friend Amy. I used to scrap all the time (bk - before knitting), so I had quite a bit to do. Both hubby and kids have been complaining that there was nothing new in their books.
So I packed up what I had, and off we went. We used to go on these 3 day scraps, but this was just one day benefiting Breast Cancer. We went to Scrapbook Memories, the owner donated the space, so the fee went directly to the Run for the Cure. Great cause, Amy is a breast cancer survivor :), I met her at preschool, our kids went through the 3's and 4's together, and we've stayed friends ever since, our kids even have the same name; Kevin. So they were Kevin Mc and Kevin J. My guy still goes by Kevin J. Also, she is the one who got me hooked on scrappin'!!!
You're probably wondering if I'm still knitting, all these posts about packages, but no posts on knitting. Yes, I have started a pair of socks with the yummy Lorna's Laces, the red one, slow going as it is like knitting with thread on toothpicks! I'm going to start another quick project to send to my sp10 pal.

4th package - worth the wait!!!

Nah nah nah nah booboo!! This bag is mine, all mine!!! YES.

It is totally awesome, all the pockets for me to put stuff (and room for all that kid stuff I seem to carry around). And done in my favorite color green!! Bonus: came with 2 beautiful Rowan Felted Tweed (green) and some OnLine sockyarn (also green), a book I've been wanting and also a super duper large bag of caramel kisses!! A very nice note too!! Thank you so much TeAntae!! You were very secretive and it was worth the wait.
Here's the scoop:
I saw the mail truck down the street and paced the kitchen floor for a few minutes, opened the door and the truck was waiting at the end of the driveway, I ran out "do you have a package for me??" as I jumped up and down, he said yes, slowly got out of the truck and went around back, there it was, all by itself in a bin, just waiting for me. I told him I was waiting all day for this package, he wanted to know what was in it, I told him a purse, he said, big deal, does it have money in it?? :) HA, no, I then explained about the swap (he rolled his eyes) got back in the truck and off he went. I told him he was lucky I didn't bring my camera out to get a picture!!

Now, what to do with all the beautiful yarn I received this week? The mailman did comment that I had received a lot of packages this past week!

3rd of 4 packages

OH MY GOODNESS!!! Here is the rest of my Winter Scarf Knit Kit from LaVerna. She went above and beyond the call of an angel. Look at all this great stuff:
2 skeins of Cascade Fixation
1 skein of Sugar N Cream
1 entire bag of Hershey's Kisses w/caramel
1 bag of various teas
1 canister of Spicy Hot Chocolate (sounds yummy)
2 towels that say "coffee"
1 cinnamony smelly candle (love them)
1 bag of spicy hot cinnamon Jolly Ranchers
1 green flowery coffee mug
1 package of bunny tissues
1 very cute stitch marker
I think that is everything!! Thank you very very much LaVerna.

Now, all I need to do is figure out who that darn ITEIII secret pal is....are you lurking?? Who are you :) and what bag is mine?? I'm going bonkers trying to figure it out!!
AHA - I figured it out, but I'm not telling until the package arrives :) thanks so much..

Fave Knitting Accessory

This is very off-the-wall and different, but my very favorite knitting accessory has got to be my Maytag washing machine :)

Since I started knitting like gang-busters in June, I've made 20-25 felted purses. It seems I was making "a purse a day" (hence the blog's name). I couldn't have done any of it without my trusty machine.

2 of 4 packages received

Ok, so today of all days the postman did not make our delivery until 7:00PM, yes PM, fyi - we live less than a mile from the post office.

Here are the 2 packages I received:

First, my SP10 pal sent a hello package, lots of yummy Hershey's Kisses with caramel (love them) and some little bottles of Burt's Bee's lotion to help soothe my hands after a tough day of knitting (or working). Can't wait to try and figure out who she is. Don't think I will be able to though, there are over 600 SP10 pals!!

Next, oh my goodness!!

LaVerna stepped in to be an angel after my original Scarf Knit Kit partner bailed. She outdid herself! I received 3 skeins of BEAUTIFUL Cascade Quatro in GREEN (you can almost see them, they match so well with my kitchen counter) and a

pattern to make a Hoodwink; scarf and hat combined. How cool is that! I can't wait to make it. Also, the yarn store, Angelika's sent some catalogs with very cool patterns and a free sock

pattern, and like I'm not addicted already, lots and lots of Lorna's Laces you can buy!!!

This was the best day ever!!! And my ITEIII partner emailed to say my tote will be shipping Wednesday and LaVerna also emailed to say her part of the package shipped today!!

Thank you very much La Verna and SP10 pal.

Finally finished!!!

The never-ending anklets are finished. I was bound and determined to finish them today. I can now concentrate on the tote for my sister. After that, on to Lorna's Laces sock yarn. :)


These are from my SocktopiaKAL, they are called "short and sweet and always in my heart" There are little hearts all around the ankle (but you can't see them here). Also, this was my best attempt yet at getting the yarn to match up on both socks; only off about 4 rows. I was NOT going to frog it for perfection. The ankle/heel is a little funky, so I'm going to pass these on to sister (with the tote). Her feet are a wee bit smaller than mine, so the ankle/heel thing should not be an issue for her.

I love the postman

Well, at least I will starting next week.

1-I've heard from my scarf knit kit angel, 2, yes 2, packages are coming my way. One from her and one from an online yarn store. Thank you so much for filling in La Verna!!!

2-SP10 started yesterday. I've been in contact with up and downstream partner. My upstream partner said she has sent me a small package!!! yea

3-ITEIII tote should be coming next week, the deadline to mail is Monday, and my partner has been very very secretive :) I have no clue who she is or what she is knitting for me.

Gorgeous PS yarn

Look at this beautiful yarn I ordered from here . The colors go along with Project Spectrum, so I will be receiving 4 shipments of sock yarn. (Like I don't have enough already) I'll add this to the pile :)

updates

It was 75 degrees yesterday!!!! But, going back into the 30's by this weekend.

Well, we have determined (the swap coordinator and myself) that a package is not forthcoming from my original swap partner for the Scarf Knit kit. She has lined up an angel, who is currently putting a package together for me. Thank you so much!!!
Funny thing, it turns out Debb (sassy sock yarn pal) was also flaked over by this same person!

Received my sp10 pal's name last night!! Can't wait to start putting together a package to send out.

Finally, hubby is complaining about me not using "all that yarn I had to bring back from California" I am knitting as fast as I can on those darn anklets.

Plus I still need to finish the tote for my sister, she is coming at the end of the month!

Whirlwind Saturday

Son #1's birthday day was quite the whirlwind.

Started off with son #2 league championship game at 9:00 am. I did not go, as son #1 was busy playing with his new lego's, so I waited anxiously by the phone for the results. I tried calling my friend (who happens to have 3 sons on the team we were versing). No answer. Phone rings at 9:45, hubby calling, we won, 4-2 and will be bringing home 2, yes 2 (as the coach receives trophy also) gold 1st place trophies. Son #2 scored the winning goal.
1st playoff game is Tuesday, 7:00pm.

Next up, floor hockey game, 1:00pm. Son #2 loves it, and scored 6 goals.

Then, home for a few minutes, back to the hockey rink for 3:00pm practice (even though they had played at 9:00 am. Coaches decided to have this ice time; rather than the 6:15AM today).

After practice, rush to The Green Lantern (great pizza place) for son #1 birthday dinner (they get to pick their dinner, either home cooked HAHAHA, that's funny), or out-for-dinner.

After dinner, rush back to the rink for 6:15pm hockey game (we lost 4-1).

PHEW. We haven't even had birthday cake yet, we'll do that today.

As promised

Here is the beautiful yarn I received from hubby's CA trip. I cannot wait to start some new socks, but I cannot seem to finish my current pair. I am using Sockotta, making anklets no less; and they are taking FOREVER. It does not help that I had to frog the first one all the way back to the ankle ribbing and start over (I was 3/4 done, about to start on the toe decrease) but I did not like the way it was turning out, so I started over using smaller dpn's.

If my special order Addis EVER come in (they were ordered on Dec 27, I have no clue what the holdup is....) I will learn the "magic loop". And then I have still have to make its mate. Oh well.

I did not get any knitting done while hubby was away on business, and we have been to the rink almost everynight (can't knit during games, to much stress) and we are now going full steam ahead into playoffs, I'll be lucky to knit once a week this month.

Received email(s) about sp10, waiting to matched with someone, looking forward to spoiling someone and being spoiled.

And lastly, son #1 (turning 10 this weekend) is having issues about sleeping alone in his room. Late last month he was in our room, on the floor, in a sleeping bag; he had to go, he was keeping me up. He moved to his brother's room, all was fine. Then one morning last week, we woke up to this:

Oh, I am so lonely....

My ITE III partner is MIA...where are you?? :)
I know she is feveriously working on my bag and has no time to "chat". I check the blog everyday to see if I can spot "my bag", but no luck, she has been good about protecting her identity, I have no clue who she might be.

Big news today..... I called to check on a recipe for my crock pot, and found out:
1) I have had it for 7 years (YIKES), it sat in the cupboard for about 6 of those years.
2) There is a recall on it; I will need to cut off the end of the plug and send it back to them. In return, I will receive a brand new base!!! But I like the old base, it matches my kitchen. And I need to use it again next week. How boring am I? :)

YIKES

Hubby used the debit card for the wonderful yarn purchase - $71.00. Good thing it was him and not me. I can't get into trouble, I only asked for 2 skeins. :)

And I completely forgot, I won some Magic Stripes Yarn on the Whoduknit? blog a few weeks ago, that arrived today, Thanks Jane!! More yarn and it didn't cost me a thing.

Lenten Yarn Diet

I have decided to go on a yarn diet for Lent. I really do not NEED any more yarn; I have 2 wonderful skeins of Lorna's Laces Sock yarn from Debb, I am currently knitting a pair of socks with some Sockotta yarn I bought a few weeks ago; I am anxiously awaiting my package from here , with some Project Spectrum themed sock yarn. And my WONDERFUL HUSBAND, who is traveling in CA, stopped in here (thanks to Debb) and purchased 6, yes 6, skeins of green-colored Lorna's Laces sock yarn for me. Now that's love.

The purpose of this yarn diet is two-fold, the first being Lent, the second being my sister and I are going here for the April 19th taping, I need to save money, so yarn was the first thing to go :).

P.S. Guess what? I need/have to buy dpn's in size 1 (don't have those) so that I can knit up all this wonderful sock yarn...off I go to the LYS :)

Knitting Fact -
1 out of 3 women knows how to knit or crochet. The number of women who do these crafts increased from 34.7 million in 1994 to 38 million in 2000.

Blocked scarf

Here is the enrelac scarf, it is not this dark, it is wet. It looks very nice.

This will be the last post with pictures for a week. Hubby is going on business trip to CA, taking our only camera with. I'll post lots of pictures when it returns.

Sassy Sock Yarn Swap

Oh my golly. Look at all the goodies I received from Debb my upstream partner in this swap.

The kids took the pencils and light up keychain. I get the rest. Thank you so much!!!

Please check out Debb's blog she is starting up her own swap blog and needs members! I see that a magic yarn ball swap is in the works for April. I'll be signing up for that!!

ITE III tote leaving

Here is my tote, all boxed up and ready to go. Lots of goodies inside. The blue yarn is to make another tote, sister saw postings of tote and she would like one. She's coming end of March, so I have a little time (how many socks can I make before then??) :)

So all my packages are done and sent, I just need to sit back and wait for mine to come to me.

socks #2

Here are the socks, done in Plymouth Encore Colorspun, color 7022, pattern free from the internet.

Finished Northern Lights, now I need to finish the Whoduknit project, that darn entrelac scarf.

Then I can get started on socks #3. Love those socks, so quick and easy, instant gratification.

Hopefully I will be receiving my swap packages this week, which means more sock yarn and hopefully, scarf yarn.

2nd pair of socks completed

I'll post a picture later. I finished my 2nd pair of socks, how exciting. I had to frog the entire 2nd sock back to the heel flap...I must have knit too many rows because when I got to the toe decrease I had run out of yarn (gasp) and the heel was way too big. I did finish it tonight, and I had enough yarn.
I was going to get all prepped to make my next pair, I have the yarn and the pattern (Socktopia) but I cannot find the dpn's I bought last week, I thought I had put them in my sock bag...but they are gone, not in the drawer with all the other needles...don't know if I put them in one of the packages that I sent out for swaps today. UUGGHH Senior moment (I'm only 40 YIKES). Have to go back the the LYS to purchase more.

Oh well, this leaves me free tonight to try and finish "Northern Lights", and tomorrow while son #1 is at tennis, I can work on the entrelac scarf, I've been neglecting it all week.

I did survive Tuesday at preschool, I was the teacher. None of the kids complained and everyone said I did a good job.

ITE III tote

Here is my finished tote for the ITE III swap. It was fun to make; once I got past the cast on UUGGHH. Need to collect a few more goodies for the package, and I'll be ready to ship it out next week.

Happy Valentine's Day

To my 3 boys: Bill Alex Kevin :) Love you xoxo

Snow day today, so we'll be making cookies for the 4th grade trade fair, also doing laundry, reading "Northern Lights", and knitting; socks and entrelac scarf KAL.

Entrelac scarf

Here is my scarf. This is almost one skein of the Noro, 2 more to go. Not sure I like those 2 little spots of brown, but nothing I can do now. I finally broke down and bought (another) pair of Addi Turbos, I just couldn't knit another stitch with my other circulars, it was no fun. So that brings my total to 4 Addi Turbos (big bucks I tell ya). But I love them and use them lots, so it is worth it.

What else, I am almost finished with my ITE III tote, I should be able to send late this week or early next. It isn't due until mid-March, but might as well get it finished and out the door.

I won a contest at Whoduknit yesterday, I guessed the closest to the number of knitting needles in the pot :), some bamboo dpn's are on the way to me (my favorite for making socks and mittens).
Heard back from sp10, I'm in!! Yea.
Finally, my preschool teacher is ill (I'm the assistant) and I will be teaching class tomorrow (and maybe Thursday). Pray for me, and for her to be back on her feet soon.

Thank you

After a very awful day at preschool, I came home to this package from my dishcloth exchange parter; Margaret Mary. A chocolate bar :), a tissue holder, a towel with my name on it and a very very pretty yellow dishcloth (it is much to pretty to use). Thanks for helping make my day a little better.

No word from my knit scarf kit partner; my partner received her package, she is very happy. My sp10 registration must have gotten lost in cyberspace, I haven't received a confirmation email from them.

ITEIII tote is 1/5 finished, entrelac scarf is on hold and the 1st sock is 3/4 finished. Now I must fight with son #1 as he does not want to go the rink for practice. oh happy day

WIP update

Dishcloth exchange - sent, not received by partner as of today, mine is on the way to me :)

Scark kit swap - sent yesterday to my downstream partner, no contact by my pal :(

ITE III - tote started, coming along nicely. In contact with both upstream and downstream partners.

Entralac KAL - coming along very nicely, it is very addicting, I purposely did pick it up today, I would get nothing else done.

Signed up for SP10, waiting on confirmation email, then I will post the questionaire.

Signed up for sassy sock yarn exchange on swap-bot, that is later this month.

Kids have been off school for 2 days due to bitter cold weather, wonder if they'll be back tomorrow? Means I have not been to work either, working for the school district does have perks, but I also won't get paid.

Most importantly, most knit socks, going through sock withdrawl, I will cast on as soon as I sign off computer :) Received Patterworks catalog yesterday, must stay far away from computer so I do not order any sock yarn :)

Entrelac KAL

Here is my scarf . I have finished Tier 1, now off to Tier 2.

Many thanks to Deb, who is running this KAL, I've had many many questions and she has been so helpful.

Isn't is so cool how each section is turning out to be a different color?

Brrrrrr

Forgot: Project Spectrum started yesterday, I actually have some "blue" WIP. This type, for instance, is blue :), my screensaver on my computer is blue, and the book for Whoduknit? has a blue cover.

It has been super cold here for the past week, we did finally get some snow, so it at least looks like winter. The kids are anxiously awaiting the results of the groundhog...but I haven't seen anything yet.
Mailing my dishcloth today.

Purchased my yarn for ITEIII, but have yet to cast on.

Have 2 days of directions for the entralac KAL...have yet to do. Update: I have started on the scarf (which is blue)

Have partner ideas for the Scarf Kit, so I'll be back to the LYS this weekend, they are having a Super Bowl sale, 25% off everything But, most importantly........

I FINISHED MY FIRST PAIR OF SOCKS!!!! YEA!!!

Now I can focus on the other projects, but then, back to socks. I love them. Turning the heel is just so exciting! To see the knitting go from one direction to the other, you just can't explain it, you know the feeling :)

Swappin update

I have finished my dishcloth for the exchange, I love the colors; black/white/green. My partners kitchen is done in a cow theme with accents of green. I think it will look great. I used the same pattern as I used for Project Compassion, garter slip stitch. I'll ship that out on Friday.

I've been contacted by my ITE III partner and I've contacted mine, I am so excited to get started. I know which bag I'm going to do, I'm just waiting on colors. I can't get to the store until at least Friday (or Saturday).

And finally..... Winter Scarf Knit Kit partners go out tomorrow!!! YEA.

Finished !

Here is my first sock :) I am so proud.

The mate will have to wait, I'm going to start on my dishcloth for the exchange.

5:15pm - I have finished the dishcloth, it is not supposed to be mailed until after Feb 2, I have everything I need, so I'll just have to sit on the package until later this week. I guess I will cast on the mate for the sock. Still haven't received partner's name for the ITE III.

Swaps, swaps, and more swaps

Hooray!!

One down, two to go.

Received my partner for the Dishcloth Exchange. I'm hoping to start on that tonight (socks go back on hold) so I can send it off. Fun Fun Fun.

TEIII sent an email saying I could receive my partner anytime between today and Feb 5....I'm hoping for soon so I can start on that also.

How many days until baseball starts??

Sock Update NO JOY IN SOCKVILLE

Here is the sock (2:00PM) I turned the heel last night. Hopefully I can finish it today and start on its mate. It is so much fun!!!

I had joined a Toe Up KAL (see sidebar) but my LYS has not come through yet on my 40" Addis....they were ordered a month ago. I have the Magic Loop booklet and sock pattern ready and waiting....so that may never come to fruition. I have learned the dpn way and I will stick with it...for now.

HERE IS THE SOCK (2:45PM).

I AM NOT HAPPY. BUT, OH JOY, I HAD SO MUCH FUN TURNING THE HEEL ETC...I GET TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN TONIGHT.

9:45 PM - SOCK IS BACK TO WHERE I WAS AT 2PM.

How long to make a sock??

Yeah!!! This is how much of the 1st sock I completed yesterday, and I mean, this was all day; with a break for lunch, making dinner and putting kids to bed. I hope I have enough yarn....small needles (4) and thin yarn. But I love the way it is working up, it is very addicting.

Thanks Laurie!! Laurie was my pal in the Winterwonderland Swap, and she knew that I wanted to make socks! She sent me this yarn and a calendar with sock patterns.

Oh my, hockey playoff schedule and scrimmages received this morning...Along with our regular practice schedule of Mon/Thurs/Sat, we now have games Jan 28, Feb 1, Feb 12, March 3 (2 games, home/home against Jackson), March 5, March 6, March 10, March 11...phew, and that is only Son #1, add in Son #2's schedule, plus tennis and floor hockey...I don't even want to think about it :). Some of those games are our scheduled ice time, so no practice, just game. Such is the life of a hockey mom.

UPDATE

Here is another knitting project, courtesy of the Yarn Harlot

hats and mittens and socks and scarves OH MY

New look

I have been in the basement for almost 2 hours messing with the new blogger. It all looks fine, except for the orange at the top, but I can live with that.

Update: I have finished square #2 for Project Compassion. I don't think there is enough yarn left for another, so I'll put it in the stash and use it to make some "caps for the capitol".

So this means....I can start on some socks. I am so excited to get started. Using my new handy-dandy book, Sensational Knitted Socks, I have measured the various parts of my foot and knit the swatch to get my gauge, so this means I can start. Only snag...I really need to figure out the long-tail cast on. I tried with the Class sock, and I just couldn't get it, and it took a long time :) ha.

Also, trying to finish up "Wild Fire" by Nelson DeMille; so I knit during the day and early evening, and read before going to bed.

Finally, Friday; day off for the kids (end of semester), but, how ironic, the preschool had a fieldtrip (so I had to work) to (you'll never guess) THE HOCKEY RINK (like I don't spend enough time there already). But I actually put on skates, first time in over 11 years (hockey skates). Here is a picture of me with my 2 boys.

So much to do

So, I had nothing to knit a few days ago, and now I have so much to do...

I wrote about Project Compassion, I have started on my 8 x 8 squares. I found a listing of different stitch patterns, so I won't be doing the boring ole garter stitch again and again. The first square (oh yes, I plan on doing more than 1 square) is garter slip stich. Very easy and quick to knit up, I finished 1/2 of the square yesterday, started it at the hockeyrink before the game and then knit a bunch last night.

I have signed up for the following swaps/exchanges:

Winter scarf knit kit swap - sign up until January 31, send by Feb 20 *don't have to knit, just send all the materials necessary and also some goodies, need favorite colors

International Tote Exchange III - sign up until January 24, send by March 19 *have to make and send goodies

Monthly discloth exchange - sign up until January 31, send by Feb 20 *have to knit and send goodies...need favorite colors

So, do you see the problem I have??? I cannot start to put together any of the packages until at least early February...and then they all need to go out at the same time....oh well, that is the fun of the swaps. I have a few ideas for the scarf swap, just need to wait on favorite colors.

And finally............drum roll please.........I have made my first sock YEA!!! it was not scary at all, it was quite fun. Granted it was just the class sock (Sensational Knitted Socks), but I am ready to move forward (okay, after I do the squares).

I've been tagged!

You've been tagged!
The Page 123 Meme
1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Open to page 123, look down to the 5th sentence.
3. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog.
4. Include the title and the author's name.
5. Tag 3 People.

Solid rectangle to draw a filled rectangle that obscures anthing under it. Attached note to create a text box in which to enter a comment.Use the annotation selection tool to select, move, or resize an annotation.

Microsoft Windows XP plain & simple

Calling all knitters...

Ok, I was sent an email from one of the swaps I have signed up for. Please check it out and see if you can help by knitting an 8 x 8 square .

Joined another swap :)

International Tote Exchange III

So how does it work? You will make a tote/purse/handbag for your Secret Pal and a different Secret Pal will make a tote for you. The "totes" can be big or small, knit or crochet, felted or not - whatever you want to make. If you are interested please read the sign-up process, rules and schedule here .

Hurry, this swap closes on January 24th.

Also, finished the Ballband bag, I'll post pictures when it is done felting.
And, purchased "Sensational Knitted Socks" last night, used a gift certificate one of my preschool students gave me for Christmas. I think I'm going to forge ahead with dpn; for practice, then go full steam ahead when the addis arrive.



Here is the "before" picture. I'll try to get a better "post". It was a very fun and easy purse to make. Here is the finished picture. It is quite small, my wallet barely fits, I think I will use it as the "goody bag" in one of my swaps.

New Year....new stuff

I have decided this is going to be the year of the sock :). I am STILL waiting on the addis....so I'm making a purse while I wait.

I am also going to try and get involved in more swaps...they are SO much fun. I have signed up for this swap, I'm hoping to make it into the SP10, sign ups are soon. I'm signed up for Project Spectrum and I've signed up for some special sock yarn here, so I'll be making at least 4 pairs of socks, and they follow the colors for Project Spectrum. I'll add the buttons later.

I am so happy, I finally figured out the HTML-thingy to link the websites :).

That's all for now, off to the hockeyrink

Finally

It is finally snowing in Michigan. Don't know how long it will last though.

Maybe I tempted the snow gods; all day yesterday I worked on the January Dishcloth KAL.....which is......A SNOWFLAKE

Here is my first FO for this year: January KAL Dishcloth

New Year

Why is it that the kids will run around like crazy in the living room, yet when I send them to the basement, where they can run and scream all they like....they sit in front of the tv and are quiet??? MAKES ME NUTS.

Anyway.....this year I have decided to keep track of all the knitting projects I start (and finish) and also the books that I've read. So far, one book; NO KNITTING HAS BEEN STARTED (SO ALSO NOT FINISHED). I've read "The Collectors". Whoduknit January book will be picked up from the library on Monday.

No knitting has been started; I am still waiting for my special order Addis for the socks. I ordered yarn, Cascade 200, to make a new purse, the Ballband purse, my partner Karen sent it to me in my Whoduknit? Holiday swap, also yarn for KAL entralac scarf, blue Noro Kyueron.

Here is the purse I made over break. I'm not too happy with it. I forgot that lighter yarn does not felt the same as darker, hence the inside is all scrunchy. I'm looking for a home for it, so if you'd like it, let me know. It is a dark purply eggplant color.

Back to the old grind

Well, back to school for the kids (NONE to happy) and back to work (tomorrow) for me.

We actually went out for NYE...and got home at 12:30, took all day yesterday to recover. Here we are, a little before midnight. Went out to dinner with friends and then to the Red Wings game.

My resolutions (for knitting) are to make socks (waiting on special order Addi Turbos) and make myself a sweater (need to buy more Addi Turbos, so not in such a big hurry).

The Whoduknit group is going to do an entralac KAL, so I'll participate in that also.

Made a different style purse, not happy with the way the felting came out, the lighter yarn did not shrink as much as the darker, but it is usable. Also made some small felted bowls with stock yarn.

Whoduknit Swap package

Thank you Karen!! Look what the postman delivered Christmas Day:

The book: "The Mammoth book of history of Whodunnits"; looks very interesting, a magnetic butterfly bookmark, a pattern for a Ballband Purse (should be very fun to make, I love the dishcloths), lots of notecards (love the knit knit knit one) small tin of candy, my very favorite smelling candle, a green dishcloth and 2 postcards, one from Door County, WI and one from the Broofield Zoo. Karen is from Chebanse IL.

Reading

So, I finally finished the "It felt random" tote last night; don't feel quite up to starting to finish the mitts yet, as I have to start making dinner soon; so I'm sitting on the couch, reading a book (something by The Yarn Harlot) hubby says "Aren't you going to knit??"

Update:

Here is the finished tote, wondering if I should shrink it somemore? It is going to be my library book bag.

TA-DA 2 finished mitts!!! The first is big and loose, the second looks much better, though it is about 1" smaller. uugghh. Oh well, first try.

This leads me to how I am going to approach socks...I am going to try making 2 socks at the SAME TIME on some really long circular needles. I am printing 6 pages of instructions...go to the "My first toe ups" blogs to see what I'm taking about.

HA

Star Wars Horoscope for Taurus

You are a dependable creature, but you do tend to be stubborn.You like material possessions and love to win at games.You hate being bossed around or losing.You may succumb to your physical strength when upset. Star wars character you are most like: Chewbacca

What Is Your Star Wars Horoscope?

Hodge Podge Knitting from the last month

I completed many small projects this past month Here they all are:

2 Button Hole Purses (Mason Dixon)
2 Felted Boxes (Mason Dixon)
4 1-Hank hats (Plymouth Yarns)
2 dishcloths (Winterwonderland Swap)
1 1/2 mitts
3/4 of an "It felt random" tote

Must finish these last 2 items, need to learn how to make socks and a sweater. Oh, plus 2 new purse patterns I found and some felted bowls...help me please!!!

Purses----Again

Well, my personal knitting projects have been put on hold, I need to make 2 purses by next Thursday. My LYS had no yarn, due to a big sale, so I ordered from Yarnies...well, 'tis the holiday season and the yarn took a week to arrive, cutting it close. Son #2 was home sick yesterday, so no errands got done, but I was able to make one purse and do about half on the second. I'll do the handles this weekend (between parties) and felt them next week, with delivery on Thursday. whew...

Waiting to mail my Winterwonderland package until after the holidays, it is going to England, and my partner is going away, so she said it would be better to wait.

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Literate Good Citizen You read to inform or entertain yourself, but you're not nerdy about it. You've read most major classics (in school) and you have a favorite genre or two.
Book Snob
Dedicated Reader
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

Ok, I have tried numerous times and I cannot figure out the Html code to link to the site, though I copied everything they told me to...so, if you'd like to take the quiz, here is the website:

http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_kind_of_reader_are_you

Winterwonderland Swap

I received the most wonderful package yesterday!!! We came home from my husband's Christmas party; and there was a package in the front door; it was from my partner - Laurie. I received a lovely note, 2 dishcloths: the ever popular snowflake illusion in Spartan green and white, and a MasonDixon in Spartan green. (Can't see this one so well, it is sitting on my Green countertop). Also, some beautiful green stitch markers, a pound of Starbucks special Holiday blend, a sock calendar and Magic stripe yarn (now I have no excuse for not making socks) . Thank you so much Laurie!!!

Now I have to get on the ball and send my package. I've been on my partner's blog, yet I cannot find any clues as to what to send in the package. She is oversea's, so I really need to send it this week. The dishcloths are finished, its the little things that are not ready.

Holiday Survey

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?? hot chocolate, never had egg nog
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I switched to white lights a few years ago on both
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up?Just after Thanksgiving
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Standing Rib Roast and Yorkshire Pudding
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Christmas Eve at our house with Oma and Opa Weishaar
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? We went to Oma and Opa's during the day on Christmas Eve, when we came home at 4:00 he'd already been to our house...nothing new on Christmas Morning
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? yes, lots of them, only Santa's and immediate family on Christmas Morning.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Lights and ornaments
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? love it, only before and on Christmas
12. Can you ice skate? Yes, but haven't for a long time...pretty silly for a Hockey Mom :)
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? All of the present I receive are special
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending time with family and friends!!
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? can't recall, but cookies are always good
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Spending time with my family
17.What tops your tree? Angel holding candle
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? both
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? The Christmas Song by Andy Williams, actually I love that entire album
20. Candy Canes! yuck or yummy – yum
21. Favorite Christmas Movie? When Harry met Sally....

Happy Holidays. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Busy Knitting

Well, it has been quite the busy week, knitting-wise.
I made 4, yes 4, cute little hats with Plymouth Handpainted yarn. The first hat took 2 hours, the next 3, only 1 hour each.
I also finished my dishcloth for the Winterwonderland swap, and started on my KAL December cloth.
Still working on the "It felt random tote", it is taking FOREVER.
That 2nd mitt is just sitting and waiting to be worked on and those darn socks...well, that could be New Year's Resolution; finally make socks :)
I sent my Whoduknit? Holiday package, but haven't heard from my partner to verify she received it. Still waiting to receive mine.

It is cold cold cold today, so glad we went and got our tree last Sunday, 67 and partly sunny. Next weekend starts the round of parties...Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.