I'm having a great time with my parents and their friends. Unfortunately, the computer here is not working properly so I have to blog via my cell.
I've been working on my Keep It Simple Scowl. Designed by Donyale Grant and distributed by Jae at someknitreq.com. I'm absolutely loving this pattern. I hope to meet/knit with a local Ravelry friend tomorrow. My parents and their friends have made plans for me for almost every other day I'm here. FUN & FOOD ABOUND!

Finally starting to feel the holiday spirit. I guess I just needed to be with my mommie!

9 HOURS AND COUNTING!!! I'll

9 HOURS AND COUNTING!!!

I'll be winging my way to sunny Arizona.

Merry Christmas!

The Soundtrack of My Life

I found this MeMe on Z Knits...And Sews blog and had to do one for myself.


If your life were a soundtrack, what would the music be?

Here’s how it works:
1. open your library (iTunes, winamp, media player, iPod)
2. put it on shuffle
3. press play
4. for every section, type the song that’s playing
5. next section — press the next button
6. don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool

• opening credits: A Girl Like Me - Rihanna
• waking up: Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
• first day at school: All Night Long - Robin Thicke
• falling in love: Get On The Boat - Prince
• breaking up: Hate On Me - Jill Scott
• prom: Glamorous - Fergie (Wow, that's way off. Glamorous I was not)
• life’s okay: Irresistible Bitch - Prince
• breakdown: No One Will Do - Mary J. Blige
• driving: Control Myself - LL Cool J
• flashback: Tell Me Something Good - Pink
• back together: Between The Sheets - The Isley Brothers (really, really scary)!
• wedding: Exceptional - Jo Jo
• birth of child: Smack That - Akon ( HA HA HA!!! That's all I can say!)
• final battle: In My Mind - Heather Headley (okay, this is starting to get really freaky)
• death scene: Lost Without You - Robin Thicke (I swear I'm not doing this on purpose)
• end credits: They Said You Needed Me - Luther Vandross

Okay, I'm a little creeped out by some of the songs that popped up.

TODAY'S T-SHIRT

This one belongs to a co-worker. I couldn't resist sharing.

OOOPPPSSS!!!

I don't think I blogged about this little cutie I knit up last week.

HOLIDAY BLUES!!!





The days/weeks heading into the Christmas holiday is never an extremely fun time for me. But for some reason this year has been even harder than normal. I've been able to fake my way through work everyday. But I haven't wanted to do much socializing otherwise. I've been ditching my weekly S-n-B. And flaked out on several other social activities. I know, shame on me. But I haven't been able to motivate myself much lately. Except where the knitting is concerned. (Crazy I know!) I've made several trips to my favorite LYS "HYAW" to get yarn for spur of the moment projects I just had to start right away.



I've been avoiding working on my cousins Christmas scarf. I got past stockinette hell, the ribbed neck, and more stockinette hell and I'm finally into the final stretch (the second design). No pics right now.



I've also been working on my Clapotis. I really love the way the colors are stripping. I just hope it keeps going.




Then suddenly an urge hit me. I had to make a pair of Fuzzy Feet. Where it came from I don't recall. But I wanted nothing more than to have a pair by this weekend. And in the midst of doing one pair my favorite lys owner was working on a pair, from a different pattern, and I had to make some of those too. I wonder about myself sometimes. I'm not sure if it's the depression that's making me muddle headed. Or if I'm just a "Flip/Flopping" kind of person. Oh well, either way I have one pair drying. And a second pair 3/4th complete.



This is the pattern "Fuzzy Feet" from knitty.com. Made from a Cascade 220 in a Heathered Grey. These are knit up like a sock. Which anyone who reads my blog knows how much I love knitting socks. I stopped after finishing one sock to start another pair that are from Vogue Knitting On The Go's "Felting" book. Thanks to my friend and lys owner, "B", for the inspiration. She was working on a pair and I fell in love and decided to cast them on immediately. These are knit is Lopi. The pictures are not doing justice to the purple color. And once I started them I couldn't stop until they were done, felted and ready to be worn.






Not too bad for my first time felting. I thought it was going to be a lot harder to do than it was. Like so many other techniques I've tried recently.



I forgot to take a before picture. Ooooppps!!! The shrinkage is amazing to watch.



Well, I'd better get back to it if I'm going to finish the other pair so I can felt them and dry them today.



I hope everyone else is having a great time preparing for the holidays!



HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!!!

IT'S COMING ALONG!

Home for the holidays. But not feeling well at all. Only good thing, lots of knitting getting done. And catching up on TV shows I like.

ME ME ME ME ME!!

My work knitting for today.

IT'S HERE!

After a major screw-up on my part. The wonderful Ravelry team cleared up my mistake, and mailed my t-shirt to me right away. YIPPIE!!!

MORE GOODIES FOR ME!

I've wanted this DVD since I first heard about it on Ravelry. And I happened upon it while I was out yesterday. I snapped it up immediately. Needless to say. WOO HOO!!

PALERMO

I'm ready for another Clapotis...or maybe a Lady E.. I'll have to think about that for a while.

NEW TODAY'S T-SHIRT

I finally got some new t-shirts.

Does Absence Make The Heart Grow Fonder?






I suppose only the comments to this post will tell. lol


It's been almost two weeks since my last post, and I don't really have a good reason why. I suppose you could say that I have been distracted. But that's not really accurate. I haven't been working a lot. So that doesn't explain it. I guess I've just been a little disheartened towards my blog. But I don't know why. Does that ever happen to anyone else? You have so much you want to say, but nothing to say all at the same time! Sorry guys, I'm rambling.


On the knitting front, I've finished a couple of projects, cast on a couple more. And trudged through one portion on "Stockinette Hell" on the present that never ends.

Charlotte's Web is completed:

I started this shawl at "Knitterpolooza" back in September. And finished it Monday, November 5th.. I couldn't devote as much knitting time to it as I wanted because I had presents I needed to work on, and it's doesn't lend itself to group knitting. I really needed to concentrate on the pattern. I made several mistakes in it, but I chose to leave it as is. Socks That Rock, lightweight, "Lucy In The Sky", was an excellent choice of yarns. The colors look great with jeans. I can't wait until I can actually wear it. Also, this is my first real attempt at blocking something. Seeing as I had no real idea what I was doing, I did a pretty good job (if I do say so myself).

One of my co-workers has been wearing the cutest knit hats to work lately. And to say I was inspired would be an understatement. I've spent most of this weekend, when my head would allow, feverishly knitting away at a couple of hats. This is my finished beenie with seed stitch brim in Berroco Comfort. And here is my progress on "Topi", from Knitty.com also in Berroco Comfort. I'm hoping to have it finished sometime tonight.

My cousin's scarf is coming along slowly (past the first section of Stockinette Hell). Thanks to the suggestion on a fabulous designer and friend, Jae from Some Knitting Required, I decided to knit the center neck section in ribbing. I'm loving the affect it gives. Thanks Jae!!!

Well, if I want to get anywhere near finishing Topi, I had better get back to work. Hopefully, I'll be a little more consistent with my posting with several holiday breaks approaching.

Be Back Soon...

I'M SOORRRRY, SOOOO SOOORRRY!



I wanted to apologize to any readers of this blog who have been anxiously awaiting to answer to the "Coming Soon" post. I forget that not everyone likes surprises, and even less knitters would be excited by things that excite me.

So without further ado, "THE MIST" is coming to a theatre near you/me November 21st. For any of my blog readers who are not horror fans, The Mist was a short story written by Stephen King. One of my favorite audio books ever, (I listen to it at least twice a year).

Don't be too mad at me. I was soooo excited when I heard the release date was set I had to share it everywhere and with everyone I could.

S.

KNITTING ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE!

This is what I've been knitting on my breaks at work. I'm finally gettng the hang of dpns. Still prefer magic loop though.

TUESDAY NIGHT SIGHT!

At my weekly knit night, Tuesday, I looked out the window and this is what I saw. I was so in awe of the sunset that I grabbed my camera, ran outside, and snapped several photos. Several other patrons, and a couple of my knit sibs also went outside and took photos too.

COLOR ME NOT SO BAD!

Here's my current progress on my cousin's school scarf. I'm into the boring stockinette portion, but I'm fairly satisfied with my progress.

TO DO LIST 2007

1. Mom's Red Hatter Socks (99% compl., need to Kitchner toes)
2. Dad's Golf Club Covers (90% comp., need to duplicate stitch #'s on covers)
3. Mom's Clapotis (50% comp.)
4. Sister's Drop Stitch Shawl (not started)
5. Sister's Touch Me Hat, Scarf, and Gloves set (not started)
6. Nephew's illusion headband (2% comp., just cast on last night)
7. Nephew's winter hat (not started)
8. Cousin's MSU Illusion scarf (1% comp., design charted and ready to cast on)
9. Cousin's high school scarf (25% comp., 1st end completed working on center section)

There's probably no way I'll get most of this done before Christmas. Especially with my personal projects in the works also. But, I am going to try my best.

Wish me luck!

S.

HOME EARLY!

And knitting a new dishcloth.

NON-KNITTING SURPRISE COMING!

NON-KNITTING SURPRISE COMING!

NON-KNITTING SURPRISE COMING!

NON-KNITTING SURPRISE COMING!

The Date: November 21, 2007!

The Date:

November 21, 2007!

Coming Soon...

Coming Soon...

OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!


Last night was Knit Night Out at my favorite LYS. As always I had a great time, with my great friends. And I even got a few goodies to boot.

This bag was made for me by my friend, and soon to be famous bag maker: Amby of Russell Yarn. Go check out her shop, and buy a bag. They are soooooooo worth the price. Believe me! This pic doesn't do justice to her craftsmanship. She even includes a notions kit her bags. I'm putting in an order for at least two more. Thanks Amby!!!

Earlier this year my friend Angela had the coolest belt on. I admired it for days. And as the great friend she is, she remembered and bought me one for my birthday. That's right, it's a seat belt from a GM car. How Freaking Cool Is That!! And of course, the belt part is purple. I can't wait to wear it.

Now I'm off to get ready for a night of dinner, scares, and thrills with friends and family. Erebus Haunted Pontiac here we come. I love haunted houses.

See ya soon!

S.

BY GEORGE I THINK SHE'S GOT IT!

I think I finally figured out a way to do my cousin's scarf. And it's not intarsia. So far it's working out very well. It's not perfect, but I think she'll like it.

I've realized that I have way too many WIP'S. I've decided that between each Christmas gift I need to attempt to finish or at least advance a WIP. We'll see how that goes.

IT'S ON NOW...

I had a really great idea for a knit scarf for my cousin for her birthday (10-14). Unfortunately, I over-estimated my knitting talent level. For a few weeks I agonized over whether I wanted to do an Illusion project (I've completed two and started two more), a double knit scarf (one WIP on the needles), or Intarsia (not attempted). So I started by charting the design. It looks awesome! But double knit is out because the design would be mirrored on the reverse side and look ridiculous. That left intarsia or illusion. Since I had not yet attempted intarsia, I decided that was probably not the best idea. So I nixed the intarsia idea. That left an illusion knit scarf. So, I cast on, started knitting and low and behold...the great design is a complete failure as an illusion project. There was to much detail in it and it didn't translate into an illusion design at all. So that leaves intarsia. The only problem is I've never done intarsia before. And my first few attempts at it failed miserably. But for anyone who knows me, they know that has only sparked me to try again, and again, and again. Until I conquer it.

So as I said: IT'S ON NOW!

I Can't See Clearly Now!

Monday I went to the eye doctor. as usually the case they dialated my eyes as part of the exam. Unfortunately, my eyes are still dialated. My long distance vision is fine, but looking at things close-up is a little blurry. Normally that would not be a big deal, but since my job involves visual inspection it's been a pretty rough couple of days.

It's been well over 24hrs and it's not much better. Needless to say, I'll be seeing my Optometrist (sp?) this afternoon. Hopefully this is no big deal. Wish me luck.

BOY DO I HAVE EGG ON MY FACE!


Yesterday was a party for a co-worker that I'm not that fond of socializing with. But a mutual friend convinced me to go anyway and I did. What I found was a person I thought I didn't want to be around on a personal level, was actually a very pleasant and entertaining person. Boy did I feel like an ASS when I left their home.

I had always been told, and I even told other people, "DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER!" And I thought I had given this person "book" a read, and was not impressed. But obviously, I didn't read past the first few pages. Because what I found out yesterday was that several chapters into the book I was finding myself engrossed in the story.

Sorry for the lame metaphors. But I needed to publicly, at least slightly publicly, admonish myself for my extremely poor social behavior. I jumped to a conclusion about this person, based on only a couple of attempts to get to know them. Shame on me!

Now I have some serious apologizing to do. And you better believe I'm going to do it A.S.A.P.. Because they deserve it.

I am sooo going to try to be better at practicing what I preach.

S.

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!!

Thank You for the tag Lunar Awe.

Seriously, I like this tagging people thing. I don't know why, but I do. So, here are the rules.

1. Link to your tagger and post rules
2. Share 7 facts about yourself, some random and some weird
3. Tag 7 people at the end of post and list their names
4. Let them know they were tagged by a comment on their blog


Well let's see. Where to begin. Seven random or weird things.


1. I hate entertaining. I don't like the prep work it takes. I don't like the fact that your hard work is usually not appreciated. I just don't like it. I think I really don't like it because I'm always afraid no one is really interested in spending time with me.

2. My mother still treats me like a 4 year old. Even though I'm actually 39. And I actually kind of like it. (Sometimes)

3. I have tried my hand at almost every craft/hobby possible.

4. Until I actually leave the house, I don't want to leave the house.

5. I put mushrooms into every concoction I cook.

6. I don't like to drive. I used to, but I was always the person stuck driving everywhere, so now I hate to drive.

7. I cry at the drop of of hat. Usually for absolutely no reason at all.


Now to the good part. Who to tag? Well, I don't know that many people. At least not many I think would not mind being tagged. But I'll give it a try:

Larj Marj
Frottez
Russell Yarn
Momma Monkey
OCD Knitting
Adrienne
Jae

FORGOT TO MENTION...

How could I forget the funniest purchase of the day.

KNITTERPALOOZA ROCKED!!!


I can't even begin to describe what a great time I had yesterday at Knitterpalooza 2007, in Lansing. Great friends, great shopping, great food. And even a birthday presents! Woo Hoo!!

We started our day with a small group of seven. All from Detroit. And all eager for the day to begin. Here we are outside ThreadBear in Lansing, anxiously waiting for the doors to open and the shopping to commence. (Caitlin, Daisy, Amy, Beth, Diane and Angela)

(Pictures of my yarn shopping haul can be seen here: Knitterpalooza 2007 (Flickr))

We also visited Rae's Yarn Boutique. I was so excited to be there, I forgot to take a picture. Sorry Rae.

And an antique mall that has a yarn store in it. It also had the scariest looking devil dolls I have ever seen. (I'm just glad I was so tired last night that I didn't have nightmares) Can you say Demon Dolls? (If I couldn't before, I can now)

The day was also filled with early birthday presents.

From Beth:


And Larj Marj:


In our yarn grab at the picnic, I got this great skein of Jitterbug. And you all know how much I love Jitterbug. Cha Ching!!! I hit the Jackpot with that grab! Thanks Toya! Funny thing was Toya grabbed the yarn I brought. How funny is that!!!


And Dana surprised me with the greatest handmade stitch markers. Thanks Dana, they're great.

Do I have the best friends in the world, or what? I know I do, so you don't have to even consider answering that.

Hope everyone else had as good a weekend as I did.

S.

DETROIT STITCH - N- PITCH "2007"


Comerica Park, Detroit, MI, 2007 Stitch-n-Pitch. Play Ball! Or should I say, "Let's Knit!"
I spent the game with my three great friends. Here are Angela and Beth, while we were waiting to find Amy.
Because we bought our tickets seperately, and at different LYS's (actually Angela bought mine. What a friend) we ended up not actually being seated together. To remedy that fact, we roamed around our area until we were able to find seats together. Then we found a comfy, shaded spot with a picnic table to spend the remainder of the game. Here Amy Beth and Angela knit away while I snapped a photo.
Since this was my very first baseball game ever, I took a few shots of the crowd and the field itself.
Time to go home, and I got one shot of myself under the tiger statue.


It was a great day, with great friends, at a great park. And I can't wait to do it again next year!

S.

Another Dishcloth Done

This one is for my friend/co-worker. She's a huge Peanuts fan, so when I spotted this cloth I knew I had to make it for her. I hope she likes it.

In An Effort To Brighten My Day...





Actually, it's more like a month or two. A very good friend of mine, and knit buddy, gave me my birthday presents early (last Tuesday, birthday not until the 20th).





My first skein of Trekking (that's right, as much as I love to knit socks, this is my first skein), a beautiful skein of Countess, by Classic Elite, and lastly the loveliest silk yarn by Tilli Tomas. As you can see, all skeins are in my favorite color PURPLE!!! Thanks Amy for the great birthday gifts. And thanks for being my friend!

DAD' GOLF CLUB COVER

This is the first in a set of three, and I hope my dad likes them.

ONE FETCHING DONE!

And I hate it! Not the pattern. It's a great pattern. What I hate is the combination of a pattern I love, with a yarn I really like, which somehow produced an FO that I hate. The yarn (Patons SWS) is way to fuzzy for cables. They got completely lost in all the fuzz.

I love the pattern so much that I've decided that for the up coming long weekend I will dedicate my time to knitting at least one pair of them. I have several other projects I want to attempt to complete also. But my weekend focus is definately going to be Fetchings.

Might help if I actually inserted the pics.
A BIG DUH! MOMENT!

edited: sorry about the bad pic and crazy silly posts this morning. I only get 10 minutes for break, and I wanted to get this post in.

I can't help myself. I guess depression makes me want to attempt new things to help shake off old feelings.

I can now say I have actually knit Cables.

WOO HOO!!!

CAN'T STOP STARTING!!!

Inspired by a knitter I met at Knit Night Out, and an episode of Knitty Gritty from a few seasons ago, I decided that I had to try my hand at Double Knitting. And here's what I have so far.

ANOTHER DISHCLOTH DONE!