Why oh Why

Why oh why do these yarn companies and yarn shops insistent on sending me these sale notifications? I got this one this week for this one I absolutely LOVE that is selling this yarn that is from this company that is going out of business for this yarn that I love to collect though I don't knit with it, yet. Of course it is at a time in my life when I have ABSOLUTELY NO MONEY because we had to buy a new car since my DIED on Sunday. Didn't have any money to buy that either but what are you going to do?

The yarn, Wool in the Woods (yes the irony doesn't escape me either) comes in these amazing colorways and various cotton blends. Oh, there is a wool sock yarn too that is very inexpensive. I won't say cheap because there is NOTHING cheap about these yarns.

If I can persuade the hubby, I will scrape some pennies together, otherwise, have some fun for me. Think about those swaps, LOL

FOOTBALL!!

Football Season had began!! okay it is preseason and I was told if I get to go back to a game and I take my knitting with me again, it better be Eagles green. I have no problem with that!!

I used to go to games all the time when I was younger at Veterans Stadium with my Grandfather, Great Uncle and Dad. This was my first time to Lincoln Financial Field.

Here is my friend Robin (blogless) knitting some socks. See, there is some green in there! We both knit projects that were easy to put down so that we could pay attention to the game too. It didn't really get too exciting till the 4Th quarter any way and it was a preseason game.


Here I am knitting my hat. Robin made sure to get in some of the big screen and field in the picture so you knew we were at the stadium, LOL

The hubby and I also went and bought Eagles gears for the girlies. Got to get them ready for the season, of course! Miss Sunshine definitely loves it because it is GREEN!! Plus since they could speak they learned how to do a few Eagles cheers.

I think they both learned how to spell E-A-G-L-E-S before D-A-D ROTFL

An FO and a WIP

There are two of them, I promise i just haven't had the time to snap a picture of them both, together. I finished the mate last night at our last Sip-n-knit knitting group, sniff, sniff. Now we are back to our regularly scheduled program of every other Wednesday at the diner. I have to miss next week for Miss Sunshine's school open house. So, it is going to be a while for my next knitting night out, boo hoo.

This baby bootie is knit, of course, with the lovely bamboozle. The same one Jessi made me the socks in, the same one I had picked up many moons ago in Sarasota. I finally got around to it. It is for one of the many babies that are being born over the course of the next few months. These were done, thanks to much shoving and pushing and poking of one Ms. Jessi, on dpns. Didn't like the ribbing part too much. Then again I don't like ribbing on ANY needles so I guess that would not matter any way. The rest wasn't a problem

Now I have cast on, you guessed it, a matching hat. Sorry no picture of that yet either. This is not being done on dpns but on my favorite, thank you Beverly (no blog), 16" circulars. Ah circulars, got to love those and I do.

My circs and I are going to a pre-season Eagles game tonight - HOORAY!!! Yes, I am a FOOTBALL FAN. I have yet to go to our new stadium and when Robin (no blog) and her SO offered to take the hubby and me tonight, we couldn't pass it up. Reminds me, I need to take a picture of the socks Robin made for me too :-) So if I start knitting more in green there is more than the fact that it is Miss Sunshine's favorite color :-)

The 4-Needle Mystery

AH knitting in the waiting room especially one for women "things" so everyone of them looks to see what you are doing when you whip out the knitting and the double pointed needles, thank you Amanda for pushing me in that direction.

One woman looks at me and says, "Are you actually knitting with four needles?"
"Yes"
"Why are you knitting with 4 needles?"
Someone else answered "So she doesn't have any seams, of course!"
"Oh My!" You hear from a few of the women. I had to show an example of something else and show off the socks Jessi made for me too, of course. "Wow, how pretty!"
"I can only crochet"
"I can only use two needles"
"I have only seem those circular thingies"
"I have never seem that many needles used at once"
"Impressive"

Me, smiling on the inside, glad that I take my knitting with me every where I go, answering all of their questions, so glad I was in and out of the waiting room many times and there for an hour and a half. Got me some knitting done though (rolling the eyes)

Did I Say Pink?

Okay so the name of the swap was Pink and Peach but some how Holly and I paid closer attention to the Pink with some peach thrown in but who cares because I think both Holly and I LOVE pink. If you check out Holly's blog you'll see what I sent her BUT don't leave yet or you'll miss all the fabulous goodies she sent to me.

Is that some AMAZINGLY AWESOME swap goodies or what?!?! Let's start with the cutest tape measure I have EVER seen! It is there on the left in a an adorable picture frame. Above that are very cure stitch markers, pink of course. Yes, some very nice Sugar and Cream SCREAMING to be candy bags (Amanda, can you hear them?) Meditation has some sparkle to it, a bamboo from Bernat that id oh so soft, and a sport weight cotton from Mexico that is very cool variegated pink. Last, but not least, Delicious Soy yarn (That's the yarn's name. Look Jessi, more Delicious yarn, Hooray!! ) in a very luscious pink color. In fact, it is the Princess's favorite shade of pink.

Thank you so much Holly for all the wonderful swap goodness!!

Pretty Feet

Don't the Princess and I have cute feet? Can you tell pink is high on our favorite color list? Do you think I need a tan? ;-)

These are the fantastically, fabulously, absolutely GORGEOUS socks that Jessi made for me. Aren't they the most AMAZING socks you have ever seen? Okay I am laying it on a bit thick but, I don't knit these things really and truly with the heel and all so when my bestest bud offered to make me a pair in this YUMMY yarn I was was THRILLED to say the least!! I am wearing them right now and don't think I will take them off except to wash them.

These are the slippers I made for the Princess out of Vanna's Choice. It Pills so not the greatest yarn for slippers I am betting. She does love them as I mentioned earlier she has yet to take them off since I gave them to her on Saturday night. Shows good stitch definition though.

Jessi also sent me the most ADORABLE stitch markers - TURTLES for our Turtle, Tina!! These are gorgeous. Miss Sunshine tried to steal them and hang them in Tina's home but, I stopped her right quick. If you have never checked out Jessi's shop, Alabama Fiber Dreams, you really need to take a look at all the really cute stuff she carries. I suggest sooner than later because I am afraid come holiday season she'll be sold out.

I might be back in a few minutes, I have another package to open.

My Weekend

I gave my day at Loop Yarn and meeting Amy Singer its own post because I think it deserved it, Don't you?

My Mom and I drove down to Atlantic City, which is about an hour and a half from where I live. You can go for the beach but, we go for the casinos. Before my kids we'd stay overnight once or twice a year. Then we'd go just for the day. This was the first time in a long while we were staying over night again.

Let me start by saying we didn't win anything but had a BLAST. We only play the machines not the tables.

I played one game for Jessi that was Star Wars, The Dark Side (my Mom LOVED this one)
One game for Chan's husband that was Fire Rescue
One game for us knitters because one of the symbols was yarn and needles (how cute is that!!)
A princess game for my Princess
Every game with green (Frogs, Irish,etc) for Miss Sunshine
However my favorite was this cute one with these cows called milk money, LOL

I also finished the Princesses slippers but she hasn't taken them off since Saturday night. Eventually I will snap a picture of them.

It was great fun and very relaxing and we probably won't get another chance for another overnight trip for a long time but a day trip maybe at winter break.

Look Who I Got To Meet!!

Amy Singer, author of "No Sheep for You"!! Look at all that YUMMY yarn in front of Amy!! She gave a FABULOUS lesson on the other types of yarns that exist out there besides wool. We got to touch and feel all the luscious yarns in the book and even knit with some hemp and bamboo - heaven!! We also got to see and touch some of the geeky things from the book :-)

Here is Amy signing my "Knit Wit" book (she also signed my "No Sheep For You" Book). She was so amazing to speak with as well and gave us a tour through the yarn shop too, Loop Yarn in Philadelphia, explaining all the benefits of each yarn there and how to substitute it for other yarns.

Of course being at Loop, you guys know I had to buy somethings, LOL. Here is what I bought.

First up is Red and Lavender Bee Sweet Bamboo Cass is not the only one in love with this. So is Amy Singer and so am I! It is sooo soft. I bought two of each of these colors to try it but Loop carries a variety of colors so I am going to go back if I really love it

This is Lavender AllHemp3. We got to knit a swatch with this and got shown a finished item with this yarn, a skirt. It isn't the easiest yarn to knit with, I will give you that but the skirt was very pretty so I bought two to try at home to see how I like it. It is the first Hemp anything I have bought (never bought Hemp oil either)

Best for last, of course! Guess what this is.... come on! You know what this is.... It's BLUE SKY COTTON!! You knew that, right? The color is called Pickle but for Miss Sunshine we will call it green.

What a fabulous morning!!

Friday Musings

Just about one week left here till school starts. Yes, we live in the Mid-Atlantic states and our schools tend to start after labor day. The Princess is very excited. She got her teacher assignment yesterday and it is the teacher she wanted (or the only teacher she knows who it is). We already went school supply shopping since at the same time they gave us her report card, they gave us her school supply list. Talk about organized!

Miss Sunshine could care less. We've know who her teacher is going to be for a while now, She is in a Pr-K class at her school. She tells me everyday, "No School!" Boy is September 4Th going to be fun.

This Sunday, Amy Singer of Knitty and "No Sheep For You" fame is going to be at a LYS. I completely forgot to call to see if I could get in on her class so when they open today I am going to call there and see if there are still spaces open. If not I am still going to go down there because after her class, she has a book signing and I just want to meet her.

I have a few to dos. I need to finish the Princesses other slipper, I need to finish the other baby bootie, I need to start and finish a baby hat.

I am going to Atlantic City with my Mom for our annual end of summer overnight trip (that we don't get to take every year). Casinos here we come. Play nice while I am gone :-)

Circle of Life

I had a conversation with my Mom this morning and in that conversation she mentioned to me that my Great Aunt Esther and my Great Aunt Regina were both on their 90s. Oh my goodness! They are both my Father's Aunts, related to my paternal grandfather. My Great Aunt Regina is one, along with my Grandmother, who taught me how to knit. I will hopefully have the opportunity to see her in September at a family event.

On the flip side, someone I have known all of her life had a baby girl on Wednesday!! Her parents were taken in by my Mom's family like family in Colombia when he was transferred there for work. It is difficult to be in a foreign country where you not only don't know anyone but, you don't speak the language that well either. At one of the business meetings my Uncle took a liking to this gentleman and in turn, our family "adopted" this couple in a strange country. As far as my Mom's family is concerned, this little family IS family to this day over 30 years later.

They looked after my sister when she went to college in their home state, they went to my brother's, sister's and my weddings and my parents went to their daughter's wedding and now their daughter has had her first child. Of course she is getting a some knitted goodies!!

The circle continues.

Time for Tea!

Got my pal for the Knit One Tea Too Swap and I am very excited!! I know of my pal but, I have never actually chatted with my pal so this will be my opportunity to get to know them better. I hope. Good matching Chan!

Chan already knows this but, I found this fabulous local woman who has a booth at a farmer's market near where my Mom lives who sells all kinds of far east spices and teas. She also sells all kinds of European teas especially English. It was an AMAZING find for me. I told her all about this swap and she is as excited as I am to make the appropriate selection for my pal. I can't wait to find the time to go back over there with my pal's questionnaire in hand. It is going to be so much fun!!

This go around the yarn will be the difficult part, LOL

Vegan Pal Contest - My Vote for Favorite Yarn

Vegan Pal 2 Swap is having a contest to post your favorite yarn so here is my nomination (also posted over at their blog but, I did some minor edits here)

If perchance you actually read my blog or ever read the darn questionnaires we are forced to fill out for these swaps you already know what I am going to say. My work is done. There you go Cass , enter my name in the bowl. Oh wait, I am sure there are people who have no idea who I am so I guess I have better go through with my long drawn out love for my favorite yarn, the love of my life.

My irony, Blue Sky Alpaca Organic or Dyed Cotton. Do any other fine knitters and crocheters find this hysterically funny besides me? It is my all time favorite yarn and it comes from a company with the word ALPACA in it. Something I am HIGHLY allergic too would also never touch. It knits such beauty and is definitely not itchy at all like the name of the company would have you think.


Each lovely hank contains 150 luscious yards and it's gauge is 16 stitches per 4". You can use a US7 - US9 needle and it is highly suggested that you hand wash it. Each hank usually runs approx. $9.95. It is extremely soft to the hands as you knit with it and if for some reason you would have to frog a stitch or two or even a row or three (you'd never have to do that, right?) this is the easiest yarn by far that I have ever had the pleasure (yes I said pleasure) of frogging. The end products turn out just wonderful as well as you can see:

This is a baby sweater for a friend's baby due in October. Pattern is partially the 5-hour baby sweater as a leaping off point, partially my own re-write all soft and cuddly.

Try some Blue Sky Alpaca Organic or Dyed Cotton, you won't be disappointed.

Finally, Finished the Soy Drawstring Bag

This Soy yarn is so soft and very easy to knit with. This is Kollage Delicious in the colorway Magic (don't you just LOVE that color name?) The pattern is sort of a combination of the knitted gift bag from "Last Minute Knitter Gifts" and what ever I could throw in there. I used circular needles size US 8s and then switched to DPNs when the decrease got too tight. Plus I didn't feel like knitting miles of i-cord this time so I found some very nice elastic in hot pink that matches almost perfectly to the yarn to make the cord/handles. Works perfectly!!

I have been on Vacation!!!

Thank you Rachel for taking me to the Pacific Northwest! I have never physically been there so I was very happy to be there virtually!!

When I first opened the box, I saw this. Lots of bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue paper.

Then I took it all out and swap all these wrapped goodies. All in my favorite color, purple!! I was so excited!!


I got to go to both the west and east side of the Pacific Northwest and received some FABULOUS treats to boot. Besides the Syrah wine which I am saving for a special occasion because Syrah is my absolute favorite, I also received some yummy chocolate covered hazelnuts which didn't even make it to my hiding place because I am just able finished with them because those are also a favorite, some yummy local jam, cocoa that changes to purple (I have to try that) and some lovely cornucopia and cotton twist in purple!!! Oh and a pad of paper that says:

Gosh I love that!!!

Thank you so much Rachel!! I loved my vacation!!!!

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!!

I received not one but TWO little giftees in the mail today. One from a secret pal and one from Tina as a thank you for hosting the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap. She really did not have to do that but thank you oh so much!!!

From my Secret Pal I received a very cute card, one of those sweater knitted key chains in yellow and green which of course Miss Sunshine is planning on stealing. She thinks it is for her Barbie dolls. I so don't think so. Last but of course not by any means least, not one, not two but three of the most yummy looking bars of milk chocolate. Of course all three bars are in hiding with the chocolate monsters around here.

From Tina, I received a very lovely journal which the Princess is eyeing up so I think it is going to end up in the chocolate hiding space. Although you really shouldn't deny a budding young writer journals so I might change my mind. I hope you don't mind, Tina. A very lovely card reminiscent of Monet and last but not least, a DPN holder which I do not have so I will definitely be treasuring this and taking it with me lots of places.

Thank you both Tina and my secret Pal!! Just perfect items to start my weekend!!

Baby-licious Baby Bootie

Being that I have numerous baby gifts let alone baby girl gifts to give very soon, and being that I saw how cute the Strawberries and Lime Bamboozle knits up over on Jessi's blog, I started a pair of baby booties and have enough for a baby hat to match for one of the yet to be born baby girls which there are three to be born in October/November alone. Then two more in February (gender unknown).

Now I just found out last night that someone in our knitting group is expecting!!! Could there be anything better for a group of knitters and crocheters than one of our own expecting?! That kid will be outfitted with enough sweaters, hats, booties, slippers, blankets, bibs, you name it!

Oh, if you are counting that is about 9 babies for me friend and family wise since this past June. Keep away from our water ;-)

Secret Pal 11 Contest!!

What is wrong with me? I am getting very lax in my blog posting. Okay, for most this is not lax but skipping a day is lax for me. My Hostess for Secret Pal 11, Shelby, emailed us a few questions for a contest and since I can't think of anything right now to post this was perfect. (yea, me with nothing to say, Jessi don't laugh)

Anyway, here are my answers....

1. What is the one knitting accessory you could not live without?
My tape measure. I have a dozen of them actually. I have one in every knitting bag I have and with every project. I am always measuring and checking and re-checking to make sure I knitted the right length. I have no depth perception so I need to make sure by measuring often.

2. If you're heading on vacation, do you take knitting with you? If so, how much and what type of project?
I take my knitting EVERY WHERE I go. No matter where it is or for how long. I have at least a washcloth, a drawstring bag or now a candy bag with me. I took my first "vacation" in 7 years this past summer and took small projects with me. Several knit in the round hats, knit in the round bags and a few extra skeins that could be knit using the same size needles just in case.

3. Where have you travelled to that you'd consider your favorite spot?
My favorite all time place in the world is Disney World!! On a more serious side, my Mom is from Colombia and although I haven't been there in a while, I spend a good portion of my childhood there and have a lot of memories there.

4. What is your favorite knitting book at the moment? Do you own it? This is a tough one. I like the No Sheep For You book My Amy Singer for the explanation sections. I also like Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman for similar reasons.

5. Do you listen to podcasts? Which is your favorite(s)? Not really because I don't really have the time plus I JUST got speakers for my computer and I don't have an I-Pod. I think I would like Lime and Violet for nothing but the fact that I love both those colors LOL

First of 2 Slippers Complete

Of course the Princess wants BOTH slippers to be done RIGHT NOW. How fast does she think I knit?!

It is the Vanna's Choice Yarn. Knits up very quick on some nice #9US needles (boy do I miss using larger needles, LOL)

The Princess does love her slipper and she says it is keeping her right toes warm but her left toes want to be warm too ;-)

On the Hunt for a Nice Tank

I am always on the lookout for a good pattern. I do spend a good amount of time doing research for what I am going to knit whether next or some where down the road. When I don't do my homework, so to speak, I end up in trouble and I end up frogging the project and never picking up the yarn or pattern again. What a waste of good yarn, right?

This time I am on the hunt for a great tank pattern for my the Green Pakucho. I thought I had the ideal pattern bu as I read it again last night, I decided I really don't like it. This isn't the first time I do this to myself.

So, I like the front of Asana but not the back so much. I like the Ballet Camisole but not the "pinch" thingy in the front so much. Okay, this one because it is named after me, LOL. However, The Sigma Tank might be my best bet at being able to play and get creative.

Yes, I have to do some math but the important thing here for me was A) the pattern is gratis and B) it is knit in the round so minimal sewing of seams and C) it is rather simple in design and look because the intended wearer does not like complex.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I am open to ideas.

Exciting News.....Swap Related....

I am like a kid in a candy store when it comes to swaps. I get the same reaction when I get a box in the mail as when I get an email from the swap hostess as to who I will be spoiling.

I got my email message from my hostess from the Secret Pal 11 this afternoon. I am so excited that of course I went and contacted my pal right away!! I even think I know what I want to send for the first package in September. Crazy or what? (Jessi don't answer that)

Yarn Love!!

My Organic Cotton arrived today!!! I am SO EXCITED!!! It is Pakucho 100% Organic Cotton from Peru and it is simply gorgeous and Oh SO SOFT!! I wish I could have afforded more but the organizers of the buy promise they will do another in the near future so I will be saving my pennies and nickels and dimes and quarters....

This is Cafe and probably will be some lovely baby items for my cousins baby since she isn't finding out if she is having a boy or a girl.

This is Dark green and bought with a very specific project in mind, a tank for my sister.

This is Dark Chocolate and the Princess really like this shade. I think because she can only eat dark chocolate she was drawn to it. Not quite sure what it will turn out to be but it is even prettier IRL.

Last but not least, this is Chocolate. Kind of looks like a rich creamy milk chocolate IRL to me. Also not sure what it is meant to be IRL.

Perhaps both dark and regular chocolate will grow up together into something. Perhaps I might even make something for myself (yeah right, like that would happen). I am just enjoying the cotton at the moment.

Another Candy Bag Complete

The Princess made a request and I just had to comply. Didn't I?

Now she wants a new pair of slippers. We recently saw the new Vanna White yarns at both Michael's and JoAnne's and they come in some very lovely shades of pink. Of course we picked some up to try and make some sort of slippers for the Princess.

Vegan Pal 2 Swap Questionnaire

I am so excited for the Vegan Pal 2 Swap. I have no trepidation at all about this swap and since it is how I knit vegan and soap vegetarian so this swap is right up my ally!!

What is/are your craft(s), & how long have you been doing it/them? Knitting, of course, soap making as well as other toiletries (lotion, balms, bath salts, etc.)

Are you a vegan, vegetarian, veg-curious, veg-friendly or other? Definitely veg-friendly. We actually happen to keep kosher at home so when the girls and I eat out of the home we eat vegetarian. Makes life a little easier for us.

Is this your first swap, or have you done previous swaps before? What makes a swap enjoyable for you? I am swap addicted. Before knitting swaps, there were soap swaps for me. I LOVE receiving packages in the mail (although I think my mail carrier is beginning to hate me, LOL) Meeting new people, share ideas and trading with someone makes it all worthwhile

What is/are your favorite color(s)? Do you particularly dislike any color(s)? I love any shade of purple. My oldest daughter loves deep, rich pinks so I am developing a taste for it and my youngest daughter loves lime green which I really like too

Do you have any allergies (such as pets, foods, fibers or cigarette smoke)? I am HIGHLY allergic to animal fibers. Usually I go into how I am allergic to wool, mohair etc. but in this case it would mean your cats' and dogs' hair (make my eyes itch) and cigarette smoke, fresh cut grass, hay, AND I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone well any of those ingredients that end in *cone including dimethicone (you’d find them in body products), .. well, you asked!

Do you have any companion animals? If so, name(s) and type(s)?* We have a Tortoise named Tina

Do you collect anything? Anything and everything Goofy, as in Disney (you should see our family room), as just added Tinkerbell to that because Miss Sunshine likes the little pixie. I also collect Peter Max stuff. Yarn, of course!!

Do you have a favorite vegan food, snack or dish? If no fav that's vegan (for those who aren't vegan), what's your favorite food? (Hopefully your pal can find a vegan version!) I am half Colombian and my Mom makes this great Frijoles Negros (Black Beans) that is delicious without any meat at all - YUM!! I also make this scrumptious Guacamole. I love avocados!!

What are some of your favorite/least favorite tastes/flavors? (e.g. sweet, salty, chocolate, crunchy, smooth, tart, sour, spicy, thai, whatever - Help your pal get a feel for what kind of recipes you might like and/or never ever make.) From the previous question, you can't tell? I LOVE Latin American flavors but not too spicy and I definitely do not like tart or sour. I definitely have a sweet tooth though ;-)

What tools/supplies/accessories for your craft(s) are you wishing you had but don't? Also, what do you have TOO many of? (basically a wish and anti-wish list) I definitely wish I had something better than a box, although a nice box, to put my circulars and dpns into. I definitely could use more small project bags too. You mean you can have too much of something?

Are you on Ravelry? What's your handle? Yup, on Ravelry. My handle is Sharon (I know so creative)

Is there anything else you would like your pal to know about you? I am swap addicted so I have a bunch of these questionnaires filled out so look at some of the other questionnaires too but if you don't see the answer to your question, please do not hesitate to ask me

What scents do you like/dislike? I LOVE citrus scents but since I have so many allergies I prefer to go with lighter/softer scents

Do you prefer fall or Halloween or some other Autumn theme? The kids do go Trick-or treating but we don't really celebrate Halloween but I do love Autumn. The change of the leaves, the colors, Apple and pumpkin pie

Just for fun - tell your favorite Halloween or Autumn related memory. I was born in the Autumn, October 3rd. So was my oldest daughter October 11Th. Would there be any better memories?

Another Baby On the Way but this time, It's Family!!!

I am so excited!!!! I have one female cousin on my dad's side and she is pregnant with her first baby!!! She is the daughter of one of my dad's sisters (dad has 2 sisters). Just like with my girls, all the rest of my cousins are males so this is so exciting. She also looks A LOT like my younger sister so her children really could have the family resemblance.

I have one picture of my dad's other sister (not my cousin's Mom) my cousin and my sister and they all look like sisters. It is rather cool actually and The princess looks a lot like both my sister and my cousin (you can see the family resemblance to my cousin). When the Princess was a baby she was very shy of strangers but when she met my cousin she warmed to her right away and once even thought she was her aunt. That is how much of a family resemblance they have.

Anyway, my cousin and I spoke at length and she isn't planning on finding out the sex of the baby. This is the only time I truly love surprises but then it makes it a tad more complex in making a layette for her ;-) However, I just knew there was a reason I had bought 4 hanks of Sage Blue Sky Organic Cotton and JUST received yesterday some white and baby green Peaches & Creme.

I can't wait to get started!!!

Yay for the Dog Days of Summer!!!

Today I received an AMAZING package from my swap pal, Melissa!



The dishcloth is GORGEOUS in a beautiful deep shade of purple. Not one but two skeins of Peaches & Creme, one white and one baby green. A lovely bar of chocolate from her home state of Vermont and is currently in hiding since I have chocolate thieves in my home, a copy of Knit simple with some very nice patterns and the piece de resistance, IMO, a wonderful hank of Patagonia in a fabulous shade of pink that the Princess has demanded I knit her something right away!

Thank you so much Melissa!!

Got a Better Photo of Miss Tina

She got kind of hungry and ate, thankfully, this morning. A healthy dose of dandelion (we found two in our backyard), dried plantain and some spring mix. Our neighbors have some dandelion too but we aren't sure if they spray so we aren't going to pick any from them.

To answer some of your questions. We got her from a local shop that deals in reptiles and had her checked by a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles too. Not quite sure how old she is but, she is about 5 inches big now and might get up to 10 inches big by the time she is full grown. Pennsylvania doesn't allow you to sell them when they are smaller than 4 inches big, good rule.

She can live any where from 50 to 100 years so my grand kids will be taking care of her!!

Meet Our New Addition, Tina!!

Tina is a Russian Tortoise who's a little shy and likes to hide in her hay but the girls just love her!! The princess and I have been running around getting everything Tina would need for the past few weeks and putting everything together for her arrival date. We thought it was going to be today but found out it could be last night so we ran right over there and picked her up!!

She is a herbivore, which I am excited about, meaning no crickets or feeder fish or meat to feed her. She will eat spring mix salad, hay, turnips, plantain (not the banana kind) dandelion, stuff like that.

I grew up with a tortoise so I am very happy to have one in the family again

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

Well, since I signed up for a gazillion swaps, you are going to see a bunch of these questionnaires. These are really going to help my swap pals, LOL. Here is the one for Secret Pal 11

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Believe it or not, my favorite yarn to knit with is STILL Blue Sky Cotton dyed or organic. I just LOVE it. I have yet to receive my Pakucho so I could fall in love with that one too. On the top of my do not like list is any animal fiber like wool, mohair, cashmere including silk since I am HIGHLY allergic. Next in line is the fun furs since I think I have overkilled on those

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My straights are in a nice rolled hand-sewn case. My dpns and circulars are in a box, a nice box with a clasp mind you but a box nonetheless

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have technically been knitting since I am nine and was taught by my grandmother, Great Aunt and Grandfather's first cousin. Not exactly sure what I consider myself in terms of skill level. There are some things I have tried a long tine ago but just don't like to do so I don't.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Nope

5. What's your favorite scent? I like citrus scents but since I am allergic to most perfumes I am pretty picky

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I have a terrible sweet tooth and LOVE chocolate

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I make handmade soap and other toiletries. I also do a ton of crafts with my children. You'd never get me on a bicycle in a class. Oh you meant yarn!! No, I don't spin yarn. Tall tales maybe... ;-)

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I have a very eclectic taste in music from classical Vivaldi to Billy Joel/Elton John type to Alternative. My car stereo doesn't play MP3s but my computer does.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? My favorite color is purple, my oldest daughter loves pink (prefers hot pink to baby pink) and my youngest daughter loves lime green. Colors i can't stand? hmmm puce

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Married, two daughters (the Princess is 6, will be 7 in October and Miss Sunshine is 4) and one Russian Tortoise named Tina

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I do wear hats in the winter and in the sun. I am not a huge scarf wearer but it could be because I have never made myself one for myself. Not a mitten or a poncho wearer.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Right now, projects that I can get no delay of gratification, i.e. quick and easy and done in a day or two.

13. What are you knitting right now? I am about to begin a dress for the Princess' Knitted Babe, another candy bag, a baby hat, and probably another pair of baby booties

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I LOVE handmade gifts!! Rarely get them except from my daughters

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Depends on the project but being that Miss Sunshine has the tendency to pull out my work, circulars work a bit better at guarding against that. I so much prefer bamboo. Rosewood actually if you have it ;-)

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Technically yes but, they were confiscated by a knitting friend and now she winds all my yarn for me. (I had one too many "accidents")

17. How old is your oldest UFO? A year and a 1/2. It is a baby boy sweater vest that all I really need to do is add the buttons but all my friends keep having girls.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. There is no religious aspect to it, our family gets together and is thankful for everything we have, my oldest and I collect cans and donated then to a local food bank, we also donate to a local organization that prepares meals to people living with AIDS, and some of my best holidays memories happened at Thanksgiving

19. Is there anything that you collect? Anything and everything Goofy, as in Disney (you should see our family room), as just added Tinkerbell to that because Miss Sunshine likes the little pixie. Yarn, of course!!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I am always on the lookout for an all-in-one sweater pattern or dress pattern for my daughters. Even though I can sew seams and dare I say good at it, I don't like to do it

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Someone, not mentioning any names (Jessi and Chan) think I need to learn how to knit socks

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? No, see question #21 but, I wear a size 8 US woman's shoe

23. When is your birthday? October 3rd

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Yes, just Sharon ;-)

Se acaba mi sombrero del bebé!!!

My baby hat is finished!! I really liked working in both Shine Worsted and, of course, Sugar N Cream. I have enough of both to make another so I think I might make another.

In the meantime, The Princess picked out this at the store today and wants me to make her a candy bag with it

She is back to her old habits. Just like her Mom. Can you blame her?

Sweetie Has Her Mate

The booties are finished!! I did run into one snafu yesterday when Miss Sunshine decided to play hide-n-seek with bootie #2. It all turned out well in the end.

On to the hat. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do so, I am making it up as a go along with some bits of cotton I have that will sort of match the booties.

Yes, you see correctly, I decided to try making the hat using dpns. I did originally cast on with 4 but, I quickly got confused so switched to 3 which is what I was using for the bags. It is working very well so far. I still like the circulars but for this small a circumference, dpns work a little smoother. That is some Shine Worsted left over from a different hat and some Sugar N Cream.

I liked the booties. Might have to make another pair of those for one of the other babies that are due.

Oh So Sweet

I put the candy bag making aside for the moment to go back to my other passion, baby knitting. I should have a passion for it, 4 of my friends are pregnant and 3 of them are having girls. Good thing too since I love the pinks and the purples, LOL. While I was waiting my turn for my haircut, very cute and sassy btw, I finished up my first of these.

No, not a sock, but a 2-needle baby bootie knit on Sugar N Cream Cotton, no less, using my lucky trusty numero 7s. A really sweetie, isn't she? Now to cast on her mate.

Swaps - I think I Over Did It

Jessi has this rule and I should have followed it but, of course with my swap addiction, I didn't. She says, no more than 3 new swaps at a time. If a swap is winding down you can add a new swap.

The Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap will be finished at the beginning of September and the Dog Days of Summer will Be finished in a few weeks so, it is time for some new swaps, right?

However, I signed up for WAY too many swaps.

Secret Pal 11 - I have never done a SP swap so I wanted to give it a try

Vegan Pal Swap - My friend Cass is hosting it plus there is no way I will get yarn I can't use in this one so a definite must for me

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap - Chan and Devon are hosting this one plus the concept is vastly different from any other tea swap I have seen and way cooler. I am very excited about this swap

Okay, this should have been it, right? Nope

Chocolate + Yarn - It is a swap on Ravelry. Sorry to those not on Ravelry yet I couldn't help myself and those of you who are addicted to chocolate and yarn can't be angry at me for joining. come on Chocolate and yarn... together?

This Month's color is Pink the princess' favorite color... how could I not sign up?

Okay, so I pushed the limit. Nobody start anymore cool swaps. Not sure my budget could take it. Somebody buy some soap so I can pay for all this, LOL

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire

I signed up for a great swap Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap and here are the answers to my questionnaire:

Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try? I do prefer loose but both will work

What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)? I really don't have a preferred brand I mix it up a lot and mix loose leaves a lot. There is a Teavana in the mall that I have bought a lot from lately though. I like a lot of fruity flavors blended in with hibiscus, rosehip or chamomile. However, I do not like lemon balm or lemon leaves in the mix.

Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white) (keeping in mind that this is how this swap is set up). I have tasted straight Rooibos tea but not flavored Rooibos so, I think I'd like to try red.

Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind? I would love to say teapot but it is usually just me so I usually just steep one cup

What tea accessories would you like but have never purchases for yourself? An easy tea steeper or perfect tea maker with loose tea leaves

How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc).
I would LOVE a mani/pedi but where do you find the time?

If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why? Why cotton of course!! It is so soft and gentle ;-)

If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why? Baby Booties... BTDT on the fun fur and a true fair isle is wool and i couldn't do a true fair isle because I am allergic to wool

What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?) Skip a tea party? Not sure I could ;-) It would have to be something having to do with my girlies

What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?) I LOVE all the tradition that goes with tea parties so tea sandwiches, scones, pastries, all essential!! I have taken my eldest to a little tea shop near my home with my Mom for a traditional annual outing. it is so much fun!!

When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute? Since I have allergies, there is a 99% chance I am going to have to sub.

What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go? I have a variety of canvas bags from various knit shops or an old backpack from when I was in college

Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting? To be honest, I might watch the Disney channel with my girls or Top Chef is a favorite

Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match? Actually a mug person and if I use a cup and saucer, I don't care if they match

Favorite childhood birthday party? My first slumber party when I was 9 years old

Favorite type of scone and jam? Plain scone with strawberry jam and cream

If you use candles, what is your favorite scent? I don't really use candles because my 4 year old always tries to blow them out or play with them. I do make soy wax melts and love vanilla and other fruity scents.

If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead). My Abuelita, Tzeral Starusta and Golda Meir

You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)? I am a very casual person

Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to? I do have a variety of allergies, unfortunately. Animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns to be safe including silk. I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone (you’d find them in body products), cats, most dogs, cigarette smoke and fresh cut grass.

Anything we missed that you want your pal to know? I love doing these swaps! I also love crafty gifts and exchanges. I am a process crafter not just with knitting but with all my crafts.

Still Procrasto-Knitting

I am still putting off my laundry list of projects I need to make for this fun little project that is so easy to make and done in a matter of hours

This time I decided to go with the Princess and my favorite colors.

I did make some very minor changes when it came to the decreasing this time around.

This bag was 6" before the start of the decrease. I LOVE this decrease, btw.

You probably can tell the bottom and the i-cord are a different yarn. Both yarns were scraps from washclothes :-)

Amanda, NH Knitting Mama, pattern is so fun and easy that I have even picked out my next skein of cotton. However, it will have to wait. i need to get back to my project list and stop this procrasto-knitting. I need to get to those baby booties and baby hat that are next on my list!