SHE IS FREAKIN' HUGE!!!

I finished my Palermo Clapotis last night. Weaved in the end this morning. And snapped a couple of photos before it's rinse and block. I'm not sure if you can tell from the photos, but this thing is freaking huge. I forgot to check the pre-blocked measurements, but I could almost wrap it around my shoulders twice with a little left over on each end. Here it is hanging from the top of my linen closet door. Can you tell how long it is?
Don't get me wrong, I love it! I wanted it to be longer than the pattern called for because my first one is a little too short to wrap around my shoulders. I have to wear it more like a scarf, and the beautiful drops don't show as well. So I decided this one would definitely be more shawl-like. I just didn't think it would turn out THIS long.

I don't know why I felt the need, but I took a pic of it soaking in my sink. It's getting so soft and smooshy. I think I'm in love!


Specs:

Pattern: Clapotis, from Knitty.com by Kate Gilbert
Yarn: Ella Rae, Palermo - 9+ balls = approx. 990 yrds
Needles: Knit Picks Options, size 8
Size: Un-blocked (unknown), Blocked - 21 1/2" x 85" (like I said, HUGE)
Modifications: 8 extra straight row repeats to add length (maybe a little too much)
Knit for: ME!!!



I'm off to start a pair of socks from the book "2-at-a-time Socks" by Mellisa Morgan-Oakes.

Goodies, and More Goodies


Today I woke up and decided to be a bad girl. I played hookie from work. I did also need to go to the eye doctor, but I could easily have done that after work. I just decided to get a couple of other things done today, instead of waiting for the weekend. More yarn is needed to finish my new Clapotis, (which meant a drive out to Heritage Spinning and Weaving in Lake Orion).

Well, when I got home I had packages waiting for me. Woo Hoo!! Packages on the porch are always a good thing. And usually make for good blog fodder. When I first heard that there was a 2-At-A-Time Socks book coming out I was so excited. I went straight to Amazon.com and rush ordered a copy. Well it came, and from a quick glance I think I'm im love.

I had also purchased a couple of sock bags from a great etsy shop, Stuck In Illinois. They arrived today and all I can say is this bag maker rocks. I'd suggest you go by her shop and check out her cool bags. Here are mine.

NEW T-SHIRT!

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!!!

TODAY'S T-SHIRT

CROTCHLESS KNITTED CHAPS

The ladies I knit with on Tuesday nights are a riot sometimes. I guess that's why I feel so comfortable, and fit in so well!. Last night one of the young ladies held up her current knitting project (It's going to be a gorgeous turtle neck-not quite bolero in pink Malibrigo). And we all kind of looked at it, in it's current state, and the way she was holding it up for display, and laughed about how odd it looked. As you can probably tell from the picture, it doesn't look at all like it will when it's completed. We proceeded to bat around a few names of items it looked like to us. And there were more than a couple of us whose minds were so DEEP in the gutter that we all had a good laugh at our guesses. I chose my favorite and titled this post accordingly.

So here's to the "CROTCHLESS KNITTED CHAPS"!!

Woo Hoo, ride'm cowgirl! lol ; )

Sorry, I just couldn't resist.

A NEW T-SHIRT

I finally remembered to post a pic.

Baby It's Cold Outside...


Today was the monthly Knit Afternoon In at my lys HYAW. And as always I had a great time. We talked, and knit, acted a little silly (that's what I usually do), and knit some more. And as always I had a really good time.

I almost didn't go because it is so freakin' cold I didn't want to leave the house. But as always I'm so glad my common sense won out over my laziness.

The wonderful L, of Wool & Chocolate has honored me by naming me as one of the blogs that inspires her. I was shocked that she felt that way. I didn't think I was in any way inspirational. But it's definitely nice to know that I am. I think I'm am supposed to list the 10 blogs which inspire me. Boy is that going to be really hard. There are way to many absolutely fabulous and inspirational blogs that I read regularly. But here goes:

1. Frottez - I'm lucky that I get to knit with her in person as well as read her great blog.
2. Knizzle fo Shizzle - Has taught me that I should live my life to the fullest. And knit any and every chance I get.
3. Some Knitting Required - What is there to say that anyone who has ever read her blog doesn't already know. She is a phenomenal knitter, designer, teacher and friend!
4. Real Life: Live & Unscripted - Fabulous knitter, fashion designer, photographer and cyber friend. She also has a great podcast about Inspiration as well.
5. OCD Knitting - Challenges me to step up and be better than I think I am.
6. Diane's Yarn Addiction - The sweetest knitter and friend you'd ever want to meet.
7. Lil Knit of This & That - A great knit dishcloth designer, who actually gives most of her patterns away. And always comments on my blog posts.
8. Live & Learn - Need I say any more? I don't think so!
9. Wendy Knits - Just looking at Lucy and reading about her exploits makes my day.
10. Wool & Chocolate - Even though she's only been blogging a short time. Each post has inspired me to consider something outside my box.

There are many more I could name, but this is where I'll stop.

Have a great day! If you're here in the Michigan, or anywhere else it's cold and snowy right now, bundle up, keep warm, and knit knit knit.

S.

I got these absolutely beautiful stitch markers in the mail today. Would you believe I was chosen, randomly, to receive these from the wonderful kimothyjones from Ravelry.

As soon as I get more info from her, (I'm hoping she is willing to share her talents with more of us), I'll post any contact info she may have for orders.

What a great start to a 3 day weekend!

ANOTHER FO for 2008

I was surfing through blogs and found this watchcap hat pattern. The story behind the cap was almost as great as the pattern itself. So needless to say, I cast it on, and immediately fell in love. I finished it in several combined hours of knitting. I'm going to have to make many many more of these. I think it will be the perfect pattern for my nephews.

The Recipe For Sonya

3 parts Power 2 parts Wit 1 part Charm Splash of Tolerance Finish off with a squeeze of lime juice

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Saw this one on Doggle Knits, and couldn't resist.

First FO'S in 2008

While I was visiting my parents for Christmas they both admired my Fuzzy Feet from Knitty.com, so I decided to make them each a pair. These are for my mom, they match her "Red Hatter" house frock that she wears.

Here they are prior to felting.

And here they are stuffed and drying patiently.

I also finally Kitchenered the toes on the "Red Hatter" socks I knit for her back in August. Scout from Scout's Swag so graciously dyed this yarn specifically for me, last summer, to make socks for my mom. And the colors came out absolutely perfect.
The fact that it took me almost six months to kitchener two toes is absolutely shameful. But at least they're finally done.

Now for my dad I've got to cast on a pair of Fuzzy Feet, finish his golf club covers, and make him a Topi hat (also from Knitty) to wear while he plays golf. Whew, that sounds like a lot. I hope I can get them all done before I get side-tracked again.

Shor-N-Crafty Sista

Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Sleeping Beauty Your alter ego is Princess Aurora, a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty! You are beautiful and enchanting, and as sweet as ever. Sleeping Beauty 88% The Beast 75% Ariel 75% Peter Pan 69% Cinderella 69% Donald Duck 69% Goofy 63% Pinocchio 50% Snow White 38% Cruella De Ville 31%

Living In Michigan Sucks!!!



Less than a week ago we had several inches of snow on the ground and I was wearing a parka. Two days ago I believe we hit 60 degrees and I was wearing my leather jacket again. These drastic weather changes suck. And because of these changes, I'm in a fight to keep from getting sick yet again. I hate Michigan weather!!!

PINK RIBBON ILLUSION SCARF

Finished Size: 6.5 inches x 63 inches (unblocked)

Materials:
Yarn: Cotton Fleece (80% Cotton/20% Merino Wool, 215 yrds)
- Provincial Rose (CW-220), 1 skein
- Pink-a-Boo (CW-240), 1 skein
Needles: US #6 (4mm)
Notions: tapestry needle

Gauge: Getting an exact gauge is not necessary for this project. Your main concern is to get your gauge a little tighter than normal/suggested for the yarn. More rows can be added in the center to add length.


BC = BACKROUND COLOR
CC = CONTRASTING COLOR
K = KNIT
P = PURL

WITH BC - CO 35sts

BORDER PATTERN
ROW 1 in BC - K across
ROW 2 in BC - K across
ROW 3 in CC - K across
ROW 4 in CC - K across
REPEAT (ROWS 1 - 4) 4 MORE TIMES


RIBBON PATTERN
ROW 1. BC - K
ROW 2. BC - K24, P2, K9
ROW 3. CC - K
ROW 4. CC - P24, K2, P9
ROW 5. BC - K
ROW 6. BC - K9, P2, K12, P4, K8
ROW 7. CC - K
ROW 8. CC - P9, K2, P12, K4, P8
ROW 9. BC - K
ROW 10. BC - K8, P4, K11, P4, K8
ROW 11. CC - K
ROW 12. CC - P8, K4, P11, K4, P8
ROW 13. BC - K
ROW 14. BC - K8, P5, K8, P5, K9
ROW 15. CC - K
ROW 16. CC - P8, K5, P8, K5, P9
ROW 17. BC - K
ROW 18. BC - K8, P7, K5, P5, K10
ROW 19. CC - K
ROW 20. CC - P8, K7, P5, K5, P10
ROW 21. BC - K
ROW 22. BC - K10, P6, K3, P5, K11
ROW 23. CC - K
ROW 24. CC - P10, K6, P3, K5, P11
ROW 25. BC - K
ROW 26. BC - K11, P6, K2, P3, K13
ROW 27. CC - K
ROW 28. CC - P11, K6, P2, K3, P13
ROW 29. BC - K
ROW 30. BC - K12, P6, K2, P2, K13
ROW 31. CC - K
ROW 32. CC - P12, K6, P2, K2, P13
ROW 33. BC - K
ROW 34. BC - K13, P6, K16
ROW 35. CC - K
ROW 36. CC - P13, K6, P16
ROW 37. BC - K
ROW 38. BC - K15, P5, K15
ROW 39. CC - K
ROW 40. CC - P15, K5, P15
ROW 41. BC - K
ROW 42. BC - K16, P5, K14
ROW 43. CC - K
ROW 44. CC - P16, K5, P14
ROW 45. BC - K
ROW 46. BC - K14, P1, K2, P4, K14
ROW 47. CC - K
ROW 48. CC - P14, K1, P2, K4, P14
ROW 49. BC - K
ROW 50. BC - K13, P3, K2, P4, K13
ROW 51. CC - K
ROW 52. CC - P13, K3, P2, K4, P13
ROW 53. BC - K
ROW 54. BC - K13, P4, K2, P3, K13
ROW 55. CC - K
ROW 56. CC - P13, K4, P2, K3, P13
ROW 57. BC - K
ROW 58. BC - K12, P5, K3, P3, K12
ROW 59. CC - K
ROW 60. CC - P12, K5, P3, K3, P12
ROW 61. BC - K
ROW 62. BC - K12, P4, K4, P3, K12
ROW 63. CC - K
ROW 64. CC - P12, K4, P4, K3, P12
ROW 65. BC - K
ROW 66. BC - K12, P3, K5, P3, K12
ROW 67. CC - K
ROW 68. CC - P12, K3, P5, K3, P12
ROW 69. BC - K
ROW 70. BC - K12, P3, K5, P3, K12
ROW 71. CC - K
ROW 72. CC - P12, K3, P5, K3, P12
ROW 73. BC - K
ROW 74. BC - K12, P4, K4, P3, K12
ROW 75. CC - K
ROW 76. CC - P12, K4, P4, K3, P12
ROW 77. BC - K
ROW 78. BC - K12, P5, K3, P3, K12
ROW 79. CC - K
ROW 80. CC - P12, K5, P3, K3, P12
ROW 81. BC - K
ROW 82. BC - K13, P4, K2, P4, K12
ROW 83. CC - K
ROW 84. CC - P13, K4, P2, K4, P12
ROW 85. BC - K
ROW 86. BC - K13, P3, K2, P5, K12
ROW 87. CC - K
ROW 88. CC - P13, K3, P2, K5, P12
ROW 89. BC - K
ROW 90. BC - K14, P1, K2, P6, K12
ROW 91. CC - K
ROW 92. CC - P14, K1, P2, K6, P12
ROW 93. BC - K
ROW 94. BC - K16, P6, K13
ROW 95. CC - K
ROW 96. CC - P16, K6, P13
ROW 97. BC - K
ROW 98. BC - K15, P6, K14
ROW 99. CC - K
ROW 100. CC - P15, K6, P14
ROW 101. BC - K
ROW 102. BC - K15, P5, K15
ROW 103. CC - K
ROW 104. CC - P15, K5, P15
ROW 105. BC - K
ROW 106. BC - K16, P3, K16
ROW 107. CC - K
ROW 108. CC - P16, K3, P16


CENTER PATTERN
BC - K
BC - K
CC - K
CC - P
REPEAT LAST 4 ROWS 54 MORE TIMES (ADD MORE SETS OF 4 ROW REPEATS FOR A LONGER SCARF)
BC - K
BC - K


SECOND RIBBON PATTERN
(KNIT RIBBON PATTERN ROWS 1 THRU 108 IN REVERSE ORDER, ROWS 108 TO 1)


END BORDER PATTERN
ROW 1 in CC - K across
ROW 2 in CC - K across
ROW 3 in BC - K across
ROW 4 in BC - K across
REPEAT (ROWS 1 - 4) 4 MORE TIMES

Bind off in BC.
Weave in loose ends.

Christmas in the AZ



I've been trying to write this post for a few days. For some reason nothing I've written seemed quite right. So tonight I decided to just type and see what comes out.



Surprisingly I had an absolutely fabulous time with the folks. AZ was a tad cooler than I was hoping, but it was still a great trip. I got to meet several of my parents friends I hadn't met before, and even had the good fortune of there being someone there closer to my age. She and I hit it off, and even spent an afternoon away from the parental figures. Before I left I posted in the Arizona group on Ravelry that I would be in town. And was contacted by a couple of local knitters. So while I was there I got to meet a local Ravelry friend (Andimc13). We had lunch, and shopped, talked and knitted. It was a great afternoon for me.





My mom asked me to take some pics of her African American Santa collection. I wanted to share a couple of the pics with you all. These are just a few of them.




They also took me to a park that is literally up in the mountains. It was so beautiful up there. I had to take some pictures. Unfortunately, my dad's idea of a good pic, showed more of the cactus I was standing next to. So you can't even tell it's me in the picture.



My mom did a much better job in my opinion. You can actually see that it's me in the pic. And you can see the beautiful foliage I'm standing next to.


It was a great trip, with new friends, and beautiful sights. I can only hope that all my future trips will be as much fun.

I almost, almost, can't wait to go back!

HAPPY 2008!!!

Well, I'm finally home. I've had some sleep. And now I'm ready to dive into "2008"! Even though it didn't start out all that great, I figure it can only get better. At least that's what I'm going to hold onto.

I'm so glad to be home. Don't get me wrong, the visit with my parents and their friends turned out much better than had thought it would. But I'm still glad to be back home, with a working computer, and old habits ready to be renewed.

Here's to making 2008 a year to be remembered!

(more to come about my trip, and my plans for this milestone year in the making)

HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!

I'm sitting in the airport for the second night in a row waiting to board a plane home. After last night's not so great ordeal. (canceled flight 1 hour before departure). I'm not feeling all that confident in the airlines tonight.

Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'm going to need it.